Submitted by Nerissa Cannon from Miami, Fl

Q: Hello Jack, I sent my question to you sometime ago. I had to pause to take care of my health. I have the same question about marketing my book. There are a few questions you asked me... It is on amazon.com and the story is about a young girl and four of her friends who are modern day slaves, who devise a plan to escape their plight... It's a dramatic, powerful short story written for pre-teens and young adults. My book is also in Barnes & Noble in Aventura, Fl and online.

Answered 09/29/08 09:37:52 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Nerissa, I read your reviews on amazon - first (5 reviews)- The Adventures of Deputy Hawthorne Hound Catscammed and Doggnapped - then (1 review/you) - SARAFINA'S WISH: A Young Girl's Flight For Freedom. There are 2 lessons I've learned from my own book - find a professor, teacher or other expert to recommend and/or use your book as a learning tool. You saw that from your 5 reviews - Second, advertise judiciously on Google using AdWords.

Submitted by jack giessmann from miami florida

Q: Hi Jack, I recently sent you an email about selling a time share, and appologize for not giving you very much information. The time share is located in Orlando, Fl., at the Westgate Resort Town Center. It is a 4 bedroom, 4 bath (lock-out), and is one week, every even year (see internet ad -Timeshare Resales USA GMAC Real Estate, ad nmber 12391). Also, the timeshare is deeded. I know this is a bad time to sell any properties, but if you have any ideas or suggestions, I would really appreciate any help. Thank you Jack Giessmann ngiessmann@msn.com

Answered 09/18/08 17:13:59 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Jack, I've thumbed through my brain cells - can't find a clue - few left? Friends? surely you've tried... Time share neighbors - ditto But the I said to myself - "Has Jack Googled?" So please go to Google: Enter - How to sell a timeshare? That might help I found quite a few leads - maybe to nowhere but one or two could be promising

Submitted by jack giessmann from miami florida

Q: Jack, I am not sure you can help with this, but my question concerns selling a timeshare. I have been trying to sell my timeshare for over a year now, with not even an offer. I tried to find a company that would sell it by commission, as one would expect when selling a house. However, I could not find such a company, and finally paid money to GMAC Timeshares. I thought that since they sold homes, they would be a good choice. They stated that they would advertise on the internet, and also held sales conferences in a local hotel in Orlando. However, I have not received one offer in over a year. Any suggestions or ideas??? Any help you can provide would be appreciated. Thanks. Jack Giessmann ngiessmann@msn.com

Answered 09/16/08 16:56:00 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Jack, My experience with Time Share has not been positive. Some have made it a positive experience. But others like yourself find it hard to "unload" - You don't give me much to work with - location, etc. Sorry. Jack

Submitted by Rafael Cereghino from Miami, FL

Q: Jack, my business is a Flooring Retailer & I recently expanded to go online. My problem is that I am not getting any business online. My website is stylishrugs.com . Could this be because of the economy? I am aware that many small businesses make $500,000+ a year.

Answered 09/16/08 06:46:40 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Rafael, Please read my Bootstrap column from yesterday-09/15 - Your site has nice structure - products zoom in nicely - photos enlarged could show more texture. But content is weak. It could be less wordy at times (with less errors in English). Buut my key question for you is: "How much are you spending in, let's say, AdWords to attract customers to your website? Do you have a clearly defined target customer? And geographic target area. Building a website is only the beginning - now you have to reach out to a target audience.

Submitted by ana from miramar,fl

Q: Please do not publish my name or email. I have a legal question. 3 years ago, my husband invested 25,000 in an S-corp a group of our friends were starting (a real estate business). That business has never made a penny, and in my opinion should be dissolved (should have been dissolved a long time ago). 3 of the partners are active in the business and do not want to dissolve the business. They keep asking all the other partners to invest more money, which no one wants to do. We want out of this corporation. My question is, how do I get out? I want to give my shares back to the corporation ( i don't want any money). They are probably worth zero, but we just want to be out of that corporation, and off their records (books, personal guarantees, etc). What recourse do we have?

Answered 09/11/08 16:37:13 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Ana, Your best bet is to make that offer to the S-Corp president. If rejected go to a reliable lawyer.

Submitted by Mildred Washington from Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Q: Hi Jack, I have recently started as a franchisee for a virtual staffing agency that has very recently started letting their contractors, sign up, get tested, etc and then be able to sign up their own clients. My question is what is the best way to market a service that I am sure will be very beneficial to any small business. My web address is http://mildredwashington.teamdoubleclick.com/. Take a look at it and let me know what you think. Being that my husband and I also own a drywall contracting company in South Florida I know the value of the services this company can offer. That's what made me want to get in on the ground floor and not only make money but also help a lot of the small businesses out there just like ours. Thanks so much for you time and assistance. Mildred Washington

Answered 09/08/08 16:47:27 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Mildred, Answering your question "What is the best way to market a service that I am sure will be very beneficial to any small business." I'd suggest two avenues, both using your franchise services. 1. Telemarketing - Seek personal interviews (sales call) with small business owner. You'll need to develop a database after deciding what businesses and who fits into your small business target. 2. Develop a 10 to 12 minute presentation of your services. Use it with prospects in Nº 1 - and seek opportunities to make presentation at Chambers, Women's business organizations (they're usually better at making changes) - wherever you can be heard. Make sense? PS: I have a client who has built his business based upon mastering the use of a virtual office - makes good sense! And is profitable. www.jackghardy.com

Submitted by Brian from Sunrise, FL

Q: Jack, I publish a direct mail coupon books in S. FL and my son just launched the same product in North Jersey. We also launched a great website:www.moneysavercouponsonline.com In this slower economy, what would be the best way to attract advertising revenue from national companies?? , we've basically have only been targeting the local businesses. Also, do you have any suggestions for attracting new business?? Thank you

Answered 08/11/08 06:35:34 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Brian,As I understand your coverage - print coupons reach out to the area on your website. But there is no indication on the website indicating who it's for. When I enter my ZIP offer opportunities are all 25 to 30 miles distant. IF you were to focus and promote this website only in its coverage area you might be able to get national consumer brands to join your coverage. You could easily create a "next" area website as you expand print delivery. You could also set up a "master site leading people to discounts by area. Answer:: Make your site clearly focused upon an area that could be interesting to a brand manager looking to strengthen her brand. Almost all national brands are using digital coupons. Help the site visitor know it's for a specific area.

Submitted by Joe Reiss from Coral Springs

Q: Thanks for Responding. Yes, A business plan is already in the works. We have an immediate market that we're focused on. What are the next steps to locate Venture Capital. Thanks, Joe Reiss

Answered 08/05/08 13:40:41 by Jack G. Hardy

A: I would suggest you look for a SCORE counselor with experience in evaluating your business plan - www.score.org - I could review it for you as well. Please contact me directly at jack@jackghardy.com

Submitted by Joe Reiss from Coral Springs, FL

Q: My wife and I have developed a Web-Based Administrative program for Schools and/or Libraries (www.emc2library.com). We currently have two schools using and some more immediate prospects. We are interested in raising Venture Capital. How do we go about this? Thanks, Joe Reiss

Answered 08/02/08 10:08:37 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Joe & your CEO, The first step you must make - if you're serious about seeking venture capital - is to prepare a complete and convincing business plan. Judging from your website that is still a To-Do project. If I'm correct in this assumption, please go to my website - jackghardy.com - and download a copy of my eBook (free until August 5th) The Core Value Proposition. It gives you a 4-step easy to use process to prepare for a convincing business plan. If I'm wrong- please get back to me. Jack G Hardy

Submitted by Annabelle from Miami, Florida

Q: Hi Jack! I opened and run a tutoring center since 2000. The economy is really hurting my business. Is there any where that I can go that will help minority small business owners. My true dream is to provide free tutoring to underprivilged children with special needs. I have a bachelor and masters in special education. Unfornately, I don't have the resources to hire a grant writer. Can you help me?

Answered 07/21/08 06:12:58 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Annabelle, There may be two paths to resolving your problem: one is finding public funds that will tide you over; the other is finding more students. Which one is your objective? Try contacting SCORE - they can be a valuable asset - go to www.score.org - present your problem to their OnLine counselors - select the appropriate counselor skills you seek. Add more info about your students and the problems you resolve for them.

Submitted by Anonymous from Miami

Q: We’re a small web/graphic design company here in Miami. In this pinched economy we’ve found that the traditional word of mouth and direct mail ways of marketing our services aren’t working. Since most of our potential clients are now already online, what would you suggest is the best way to tell them that their site isn’t well designed and we can do a better job?

Answered 07/16/08 06:42:03 by Jack G. Hardy

A: First of all you never want to tell a potential client that his present site "sucks" - after all they did approve it (and pay for it). Why not analyze your prospect list by potential - Select ONE with good potential! Learn as much as you can about their business. Then analyze what what YOU can do to help improve their online business, make it more profitable. Make sure you meet with the right people. Then try it again with another TOP prospect I've never met a person not willing to listen to another person's suggestions -IF they are sincere and based upon reality.

Submitted by Marc Acker from New York, NY

Q: Boyd's was a family business for over 60 years on Madison Ave.We were forced to relocate when our rent went from $600,000/year in 2005 to over $3million in 2006. Our new location was not successful and we find ourselves trying to increase our internet business while downsizing to a much smaller showroom downtown. How can we keep our client base informed and growing while making this transition, in the most economical way possible? Is it advisable to hire a consultant? Any advice greatly appreciated. Best wishes, Marc boydsnyc.com

Answered 07/08/08 09:02:23 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Marc, Your is not the only business forced to seek other channels of distribution as a result of higher prime street space rents. And you're right seeking a prime (low rent) space on the Internet. You've already taken the first step by asking about how to keep your client base. I know you have names, addresses and phone numbers, items bought over the years, etc. But do you have your client's e-mail addresses? If "Yes" Great! If "No" figure out how to get them. If you collect e-mail by phone use the opportunity to explain how you're opening an exclusive Online store. Now you'll want to examine how best to open your new store. A consultant could be of great help. Search for one using the same criteria you'd ue in hiring a new employee. No consultant is a miracle worker. Jack G Hardy - askJack2answer.com

Submitted by caroline16 from India

Q: I has planned to start a small-business, so can you suggest me that which business is good and easy to earn money? And How to start that business? Give tips to that business to make improvement. ============================================================ caroline16 Need Quality Traffic? Need SEO and Backlinks? [url="http://www.widecircles.com"] Social Media Marketing[/url]

Answered 07/08/08 08:53:07 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Caroline - Sorry there is no easy answer to our question. I'd suggest you invest some of your time in learning more about business. Go to SBA.gov and take their OnLine business courses Also use SCORE learning programs score.org (They're both FREE!) Once you have learned some of the business basics- you'll see how to proceed. Learning is your most important task to begin focusing upon the business you will eventually start. Jack G Hardy jack@jackghardy.com

Submitted by S Pendray from Miami

Q: Jack, As a specialized financial advisor working solely with law firms and their clients (folks who recieve large settlements)I constantly struggle with showing the attorneys (my ultimate clients) the value I provide. Most attorneys want to move forward to the next case as that is how they are compensated though to their credit the vast majority see the ethical responsibility they have and also recognize the fiduciary duty and potential liabilty inherent in not referring clients to professionals post-settlement. Pushing these buttons is a slippery slope and as I continue to try to grow my practice its critical in a commodity business to find ways of differentiating myself. I am committed nonetheless. Thoughts are appreciated!

Answered 07/07/08 17:47:05 by Jack G. Hardy

A: I don't understand how you can say "grow my practice its critical in a commodity business." Differentiating yourself starts with a clear definition of your business and your target customers. Please visit my website: corevalue-proposition.com and you'll find help in making that definition. Or you can send me more information about your practice -jack@jackghardy.com

Submitted by JULES GILLES BITBOL from MIAMI -FL 33181

Q: I HAVE A SMALL E-BUSINESS ON THE NET FOR 12 YEARS NOW FOR 3 WEEKS I RECEIVE HUGE RETURN OF A COMPAGNY WHO SPEND SPAM WITH MA ADDRESS AS SENDER WHAT CAN I DO TO STOP IT? THAMK YOU BEST REGARDS J.GILLES BITBOL GILLESB@IONNET.COM

Answered 04/28/08 17:16:38 by Jack G. Hardy

A: First, go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/canspam.shtm for the law as it is since 2004. Now go to the Department of Justice (DOJ)- http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/contact/newcase.htm Click on How to file a complaint That should get you started! But keep digging with the DOJ

Submitted by Kevin Crown from Miami, FL

Q: Dear Mr. Hardy, I read your column in Monday' Business section. You advise the questioner to reevaluate if their cash flow is a guesstimate. My question is, how do you predict cash flow with a brand new product? I have a product that's in the patenting process. I know my potential market and have a very good idea how to reach them . I believe the product to be useful and that it will sell. But how can I get a realistic idea of the sales rate without any history? Advice in this area would be appreciated. Thanks, Kevin Crown

Answered 04/08/08 07:36:06 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Kevin, YOU say you know the potential market; how to reach them. YOU believe the product to be useful (and as a result) believe it will sell. BUT you avoided the KEY question! What do people in your target market think about your product? Start there! Basic market research helps answer the question. Now, estimate conservatively based upon valid information (your crystal ball). Cash coming IN. And, Cash going OUT. Marketing costs will most likely be your largest CASH OUT. Do you have enough VALID information to make estimates? A copy of The Core Value Proposition? (amazon.com) will help you answer most of the above.

Submitted by Idaz Greenberg from Miami, FL

Q: How do I get a Dade county business license? I'm starting a web site dba fishcards.com. I am operating from my home. Do I need one?

Answered 04/08/08 07:20:25 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Idaz, Best place to go is MyFlorida.com where you can verify the need for a license. You can also find information there from Town or City.

Submitted by MARK S. SCHECHNER from CORAL GABLES, FL

Q: Dear Mr. Hardy: I read and enjoy your marketing columns and hasten to congratulate you for being so “ readable”. I have been a practicing Real Estate Attorney for over 38 years. Three years ago I started a Reverse Mortgage company since I had received many inquires concerning the product. After being convinced by the literature that it was indeed a uniquely helpful financing vehicle, we commenced operations. In three years we have closed about 35 transactions and made some senior citizens very happy. We spent $100,00.00 on radio commercials, seminars, mail-outs and print ads. For some unknown reason the market for this product seems to have dried up for the time being. Any clues you might offer with respect to giving our business renewed impetus would be very much appreciated. Thank you. Cordially, MARK S. SCHECHNER, MGR Promark Mortgage, LLC

Answered 03/24/08 19:16:59 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Mark, The market hasn't dried up! There are two principal problems: Targeting those who really need and can use the benefits of a reverse mortgage; creating a message that is easy to understand. If you define the "problem" you are resolving for prospects - in clear terms- I'll be glad to review it with you. Please contact me on Tuesday at AskJack2Answer@mac.com Jack

Submitted by Dave Tuttle from Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Q: Jack, after years of development I am now ready to market a patented dietary supplement to help women who are beginning an exercise program. But now the clouds of recession are upon us. Some say I should wait until the economy is on the mend and consumer spending is increasing. (Why swim upstream?) Others say it is always a good time to introduce a product. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Answered 03/19/08 12:25:01 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Dave, Is there EVER a bad time to launch a product that helps people resolve a significant problem and/or aspiration? Answer: Not really. Have you clearly identified the problem or aspiration you resolve? Do you have your market well targeted? Are your product's benefits easy to understand? (And significant to a large enough target market?) Are your distribution channels and pricing carefully thought out? Is your communications program equally well thought out and affordable? Do you have a budget (and funds) to launch in a limited area? Answer those questions positively and you'll have your answer! Jack

Submitted by Melody Suppes from Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Q: You're right about the excellent marketing done by Olay, however they fall down at point of sale -- too many products jumbled together in narrow slots; all labels are identical, so you have to read them all to find what you're looking for -- shouldn't lip treatment label have a distinction from eye treatment, etc. No signage to guide you to the right product. And ALWAYS the product you are looking for will be missing, either sold out or store has failed to keep this jumbled mess stocked because it takes up so much shelf space. Doesn't anyone do store checks anymore?

Answered 03/19/08 12:11:54 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Melody! You're right on! It's not only Olay that has frequent out-of-stock or not enough space (well organized) - I guess you can say that P&G is running fast to catch up. See FORTUNE magazine this month for what they're doing. And failure to closely monitor distribution is a major fault. Jack