Choosing a Copywriter

What do you charge? That's often the first question a prospective client asks a copywriter, but it should instead be the last question.

Not that it isn't valid - of course you need to know if you can afford this person's services - but until you ask some other questions, it's irrelevant.

Ideally, before you begin contacting writers, you should have some idea of reasonable copywriting fees, along with a budget for your project. If you really have no idea, do a search for copywriting fees - some writers do post their fee list on line. You can also visit copywriter forums and just ask "What's an average price that I might expect to pay for a sales letter or a page of web copy?"

But back to what you need to know before you ask the price:

1. Does the writer have experience writing for your field? This doesn't have to be precise, but the same general area, at least. Think food, natural health, real estate, automotive, technology, consumer goods, etc.

Is he or she familiar with the kind of work you do and the terminology that you might need to use in your copy? It matters - a lot. For instance, I would turn down a project that called for writing about the stock market, because I simply don't know the language. Another writer might find it easy to write.

Does he or she usually write for the Business to Consumer market, or the Business to Business market? Many writers can switch easily from one to the other, but some cannot. I write for one client who had decided to "give up on copywriters" entirely after he mistakenly hired a man who specializes in writing about business to business industrial equipment. His style and consumer understanding simply did not "fit" with selling a men's "beauty" product.

If you're searching for a fundraising copywriter, you'll want to know that the person you choose is somewhat familiar with your cause. One person might be excellent at writing for animal rescue and dismal at writing for a church group or a literacy campaign.

2. Can you see samples of past work? You need to do this so you can decide if this writer's natural style is compatible with your own. Since good copy is conversational, can the writer create a "conversation" that sounds like you? They don't have to match your tone exactly, but they do need to be able to mimic it.

3. Do those samples show that the writer understands basic "buying (or giving) psychology" and writes to tap into the emotions that motivate?

4. When you talk with the writer, does he or she seem enthused about what you're doing? Is he curious about your products? Does she ask questions about the business? Does he already support your cause in some way?

5. Does he or she talk to you in language you understand - or toss around a lot of "Hundred dollar words" that sound important but don't mean much to you?

6. And then, a point that many might think unimportant - do you enjoy talking with this person? You'll be working closely for however long it takes to write and possibly revise your copy. Will you look forward to those calls, or dread them?

7. Finally, if the copywriter has passed the first 6 check-points, you need to ask about the cost. If you've gone through those items and have chosen 2 or 3 writers that you think will do an equal job for you, then certainly - choose based on price. Otherwise, talk with the writer and see if you can trim down the project a bit to fit your budget.

Choose your writer based on what he or she can do for you - so that the rest of your time, effort, and money isn't wasted on a campaign that gives no return on your investment.

Marte Cliff is a Freelance Copywriter who specializes in making people feel good about buying products or services, or donating to worthy causes.

She has extensive experience in writing search engine optimized web copy, direct sales letters, postcards, space ad copy, press releases, and more. She is also available for marketing plan creation and editing services.

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Business process outsourcing, whats In? and whats out?

With time, every business domain undergoes periodic churns, propelled mostly by changing market dynamics, competition, innovation and technological advancements. In this context, business process outsourcing is certainly not an exception, although as compared to other major business domains, it has a relatively shorter history. Even in it's short history, which can be traced back to somewhere around 20 to 25 years, the outsourcing domain has witnessed significant changes, both in terms of physical and characteristic changes. Since understanding these changes and their implications is necessary for both clients and providers in order to carry out the outsourcing function in the most appropriate manner, we have meticulously identified some of the most significant changes that have occurred in the outsourcing domain over the last two decades. Here are some clues as to what's IN and what's OUT in the outsourcing domain:

What's IN:

An increased focus on giving preference to long-term business objectives over short-term business gains. For example, cost reductions, which was the primary objective earlier, is presently given the same importance as improvements in process quality and customer satisfaction levels. An effort to forge and sustain long-lasting business relations with the service provider. Earlier, most outsourcing deals were based on limited period contracts, something that often fueled insecurity and suspicion amongst the involved parties.

An increase in the number of small & medium enterprises hiring outsourcing services. Earlier, outsourcing services were hired mostly by multinational companies, troubled with rising operational costs and growing inefficiency.

The use of automated customer service tools and systems, which aim to reduce the workload of customer service professionals and also to improve transactional security. For example, automated systems such as the IVR (Interactive Voice Response) have made it quite safe for customers to make online credit card transactions.

What's OUT:

The intensity of protests against outsourcing that were fueled by incremental job losses. Over time, most people have realized that something that is good for U.S. based businesses, can also prove good for the nation as a whole and possibly even help the global economy.

The end of an era when providers were referred to as "third-party" providers. The term may still be used, but more often it it is now being replaced by "strategic partner". This may appear cosmetic, but it actually signifies a drastic change in the general perception of outsourcing.

The monopoly of a few service providers, clustered in a specific, geographical location. With the advent of significant changes in IT and Telecommunications, a chance to undertake outsourcing projects is now available to any firm or country that has the skills and expertise for achieving the desired goals and objectives. The wishful thinking that outsourcing will eventually reach saturation and that it will be the end of it all. With emerging sub-domains such as KPO (Knowledge Process Outsourcing), the industry does not appear to be heading that way.

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Three concern of IT consulting company while hiring non immigrant HR.

Information Technology consulting companies in United States hire foreign nationals from other countries. Dealing with immigration issues is one of their major challenges. Having worked in a Law firm and Information Technology consulting company, I can relate to the challenges that a business owner goes through. I am not an expert, but from my experience I would like to share my observation on IT Consulting companies that have say less than 50 employees. Let us name this group as IT-50 Business owner. Typically IT-50 business owner handles almost all the functions such as Business development, Recruitment and Immigration on her/his own. In my opinion here are the three major CONCERNS faced by these business owners, when hiring a Non-immigrant worker:

To hire an employee in the shortest possible time

While some companies choose to process their work permit applications in-house, others hire Immigration attorney/consultants. Typically an immigration team comprises of the business owner, Immigration Department (In-house or outsourced team) and Immigration Lawfirm. One of the biggest concerns is to hire a Non-Immigrant worker in the shortest possible time. This means the Immigration team needs to be aware of the time line, have checklists and systems in place to collect the documents from the prospective employee/employer. These documents need to be submitted in time to the Immigration Lawfirm for processing the work permit applications as per USCIS guidelines . Premium processing option is offered by USCIS for some petitions for quicker decision. Both the prospective employee and the employer needs to be aware of the document requirements for work permit and make sincere efforts to submit in time. In my experience I have found that having an efficient Immigration Department (In-house or outsourced team), that truly cares, commits and does timely follow up will definitely help in cutting the time in terms of proprietary work.

Record Keeping

For an employer to run his company with peace of mind, he wants to ensure that records pertaining to both the employer and employee are kept safe and are compliant with Governmental regulations. Many companies receive training from Immigration attorney/consultant to ensure compliance and proper record keeping. Some Immigration attorneys/consultants visit the employers' facility to provide on the job training.

Employees need to be taken care of THROUGH the immigration process

In my experience this seems to be the biggest concern for IT-50 business owner. Immigration is a very important component for an employee's retention. Hence the IT-50 business owner wants to make sure that the company provides proper and correct legal support. Some are very keen in hiring Immigration attorney/consultants that are conversant with the language/culture of the employee. This makes communication easy and facilitates smooth flow of the process. In addition to employee's immigration issues, an IT-50 business owner wants his dependent's Visa issues also to be addressed in correct and timely manner.

Action Exercises

Here are the two things you can consider doing:

Review your Immigration team's performance. Are there any areas you can reduce the time taken to communicate effectively? Do you need to create checklist or automate? Just do it.

As you know Immigration is a very important component for an employee's retention, survey your current employees, find out one key area that needs their attention and implement it right away.

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Business process outsourcing needs and benefits

You might have heard of the idea of outsourcing some of organizations' business process and you wonder why it is becoming more and more popular these days.

Business Process Outsourcing, or commonly known as BPO, is the trade of services between a company and an outside supplier, or provider of services.

The BPO Industry has been gaining popularity these days, providing mainly non-core, but lately even core, business processes to organizations that need the expertise and objectivity of an outside provider. Services that are commonly outsourced include financial services, like book keeping; business consulting; call center or customer care services; typesetting; animation and multimedia; marketing; and a whole lot more.

Now, you may ask is there really a need to outsource these services when you can have, or may already have, a whole department dedicated to these areas?

True. You can have a whole department focusing on these tasks and services but have you ever asked and analyzed objectively if your business is getting the desired result? And do you think the amount of investment you put on it is worth the result?

Many companies these days realize that it is more cost effective to just outsource some of their business processes. And that is just one advantage of business process outsourcing. By availing business process outside the company, you avail of the following advantages:

* Cost effectiveness.

With BPO, you can be assured of increased profit with the best quality services that they offer. The profit growth offsets the investment you put in paying business process outsourcing companies. So contrary to general belief that outsourcing is expensive, you are actually saving money with the increase in profit and income.

* Access to outside expertise.

Sure, you have your creative team under your roof, but are they generating your business' desired result? Some in-house experts are even overly paid for their service while not actually delivering the best positive results that your company deserves. BPO companies house the experts with creative talents and experts with analytical prowess. So you are assured that your business is in a balanced packaging, increasing your profit and building a better image for your company as well.

* Focus.

By putting the nitty-gritty details of some non-core business process in the hands of these outside but trustworthy experts, your company can now focus on the more important tasks and transactions that require more of your physical presence and attention. The executive officers' minds can focus on more strategic ideas and programs to improve the company's performance in the market. They have now more time to explore new and innovative ideas.

* Improved Productivity.

BPO companies ensure that they give their clients better and faster services because they recognize the great importance of time in business. Time is money. So outsourcing non-core business processes buys the company more time and more production.

* Increased Competitive Edge.

With the increased efficiency at work, organizations are given an advantage against rival companies in their respective industries. Since they have more time for inventing new things and ideas, improving products and services, they gain a sharper competitive edge against other companies that still struggle with their in-house processes.

Considering all these advantages, take a look at your own company and ask, "Are you getting the most out of your business?" Or, "Are your hands tied and bound with the dirty work so you are not progressing as you should?" Maybe, it's about time you outsource the dirty work and leave it to the experts!

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Internet marketing and online website promotions

Internet promotion is very cheap. But much more difficult. It is one of the hot areas of sales promotions. Many advertising campaigns include a campaign-dedicated Website designed as a tie-in for other promotions. It is basically the greatest form of promotion that ever came about for an unsigned artist, or any artist.

Internet marketing is not a proven formula that you will get 100% of that you have been promised of. It is the process of furthering a company's website through the use of advertising and publicity. There are eight main types of Internet promotion: link building strategies, search engine optimization, marketing strategies, public relations, email advertising, networking, traditional media, and paid advertising. It is key also - get a website, and get an email list started, you'll be surprised at just how effective this can be.

Marketers need break-through, effective strategies of Internet online advertising to bridge the gap between companies and customers in this new marketing age. Marketing and an overview of the music publishing business is also covered for those who are interested in pursuing songwriting as a profitable venture.

Search engines are important. If your site doesn't show up within a few weeks, submit again. Search engines and blogging. I've gone to blogging. Search engines are a source of information, and a starting point for online users to find their selected products and services. People use the search engine as a tool to find what they need on the internet.

Search engines have become the most common method for users to find the information or products they are looking for. Therefore, Internet promotion is very important to promote your web site to all the search engines.

Internet marketing and internet promotion is widely accepted as a cheap and effective way of promoting products and services than any other conventional way. A website is available for all people around the world 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Internet use is extensive among many physician groups, and this offers pharmaceutical companies the opportunity to develop new detailing strategies.

Internet site and enables customers to use YouTube services directly on their mobiles. Every day YouTube offers a selection of the best videos so that Vodafone customers can access the most interesting anywhere and at any time.

Internet promotion is great because it allows you to target your customers without the large budget requirements such as print or television and radio advertisements. This is the technique of developing quality, accurate and reliable content on your website. Internet promotion is an art. Internet promotion is a long process, including different phases.

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Thinking of outsourcing web solution?

With borders disappearing and global trade becoming a norm, Outsourcing is a logical extension of moving to a 'One World' scenario. Outsourcing can be defined as transferring work, that would usually be done by an in-house team to another team which is not under the same umbrella. When this team is based in another country it is usually referred to as 'Offshoring'. Wonder what it is called for countries that are landlocked though!

Web Designing and Development as a professional service has been around for well over a decade now and outsourcing of the service is fairly new (say, not more than 4-5 years). There are several countries such as India, Brazil, Philippines, Russia and Romania which are increasingly being considered as the outsourcing hubs for the service. India, undoubtedly being the leader. The main reasons for concentration of service providers across India include a few of the following -

1. Easy availability of trained and experienced Creative and Technical resources.

2. Cheaper costs and overheads and thus reduced costs of services. Costs savings over up to 300% can be achieved in cases.

3. English being taught as a Primary Language right from age 3

4. Minimal cultural differences for being on the same understanding Platform.

These of course are some of the basic reasons of why outsourcing has taken front seat across a wide spectrum of services.

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HR outsourcing basics

Companies and businesses that either lack time, expertise, or both, often outsource human resource tasks to an outside company. In the past, small businesses did not have the opportunity to outsource functions such as HR, as the market was lacking in options to do so. However, a comprehensive range of HR services are available these days to cater to companies of all sizes, including those with up to 75 employees. Human resources management is one of the most widely outsourced businesses in the market.

Until recently, companies used to outsource only payroll and benefits administration to other companies. However, it is a relatively new phenomenon to outsource practically all HR activities like business processes and employee management. HR business process outsourcing has grown immensely over the years. Recruitment outsourcing can perform all the recruitment functions like the assessment of departmental needs and placement of employees in appropriate departments.

Human resource outsourcing has become increasingly popular, especially for employee data organization and payroll calculation. However, many organizations prefer to handle recruitments and termination of employees locally. An external organization handling it may not understand the internal requirements of the company.

Outsourcing saves a lot of money as many service providers are able and willing to perform the tasks at low costs. Outsourcing enables companies to concentrate on their focal functional areas. However, the main disadvantage with outsourcing human resource functions is that there is no personal contact between the employees and the human resource department. This means that the personnel problems of employees cannot be easily addressed or communicated. Occasionally, outsourcing may also pose a security threat in terms of breach of sensitive employee information.

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