I’ve been meaning to write this post for several days now, ever since I read an article in our Las Vegas Review Journal dated Monday, February 16th. In fact, it’s been sitting on my desk just waiting for the right moment to go from paper pile to post.

What really caught my attention was the headline, “Cultural differences: Economic values may explain why businesses owned by Chinese-Americans are faring well in the recession.”

We see all too often people pulling away from the very thing they should be doing during down times or slow times or tough times – especially online. The energy exerted to build a business is tamped down (or shut down) in the hopes that somehow, magically, sales will continue – in spite of no advertising or marketing.

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Here’s something that very well may (and should) change your perspective on “should I or shouldn’t I be advertising and marketing or even blogging?”

“The fortunes of a newspaper published out of a second-floor Chinatown Plaza office may give us insight into differing attitudes about money and ways of surviving tough economic times.

In a time when a 162-year-old national news chain such as the Tribune Co. file for bankruptcy protection, the Las Vegas Chinese Daily News is actually growing, fueled by an increase in advertising. The paper has gone from 16 to as many as 36 pages since printing its first copy five years ago.”

The article goes into further details by defining how different cultures view our current times; “…many Chinese business owners consider a time of economic stress a time to spend money on advertising.”

This advertising “outlook” is considered to be a definite separation of U.S. and Chinese cultures. Where the former sees nothing but doom and gloom when it comes to doing business, the latter are taking advantage of great rates and exceptional deals. These factors also attribute to the fact that over 20,000 valley residents of Chinese heritage are surviving the highest unemployment rates in a generation.

“Chinese attitudes about money include the notion of saving profits and growing slowly, instead of leveraging long lines of credit and expanding rapidly, several business owners said.”

Now here’s the best part, and what I’d really like you to come away with (having read this post… thank you):

“The Chinese rely more on what is known as a relational economy, compared to Americans, who function more in a “me economy.” The Chinese system is based more on, “I do something for you, you do something for me,” with everyone being on the same level.”

Sounds a lot like the Golden Rule applied with a fine paint brush to the art of keeping customers coming back by treating them right.

So if you’re asking yourself, “Is now a good time to slow down with my marketing and advertising?” we think it best to tell you the answer is no.

Recovering lost ground is costly.

Instead, plan and budget for an amount comfortable (and affordable) for you in today’s economy. Be it $10 or $1000, keep your business plans afloat and keep them growing.

We’ve said it before and we’ll keep on saying it. The internet waits for no man, woman, or child. Let up for even a tiny bit of time and your competitors are going to sweep right over you.

Your wise move is again budgeting. Keep your ads out there, continue investing your time and energy, too.

These rough times will not last forever, even if (in the moment) the light at the end of the tunnel doesn’t shine very brightly.

Stay on top of what you’ve been doing, and when the sunshine hits, you’ll be well positioned – ahead of your competition – in the months and years to come.

It’s got to be pushing 8 years since I spoke with Armand Morin. I remember at the time (discussing a headline on a website) the one little tip he gave me that was so simple, yet made a world of difference. He said, “Add an s.” Yep, that was it, but think about it.

Put it here.
Puts it here.

Which sounds “easier?”

That said, I decided today we would do a post about Armand’s affiliate program. Since we are currently investigating his Placement Locator, we figured you, too, may be looking for software programs to either use and/or promote. Here’s some information to help you make up your mind if his program is right for you:

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Quick Description
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Generator Software has one of the longest standing affiliate programs on the web and with best selling products that have stood the test of time, it looks to be one of the premiere affiliate programs to join.

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What I Like
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First and foremost, this affiliate program is managed which makes a major difference. That means if you have questions, there is someone there to answer them.

The commissions are great and what’s even better is the retention. They have such a low refund and on average, when a customer buys a product from Generator Software for the first time, that same customer will typically purchase 2-3 more within the next 4 months – all of which you receive back end commissions on!

They also provide weekly training covering a wide range of topics such as generating traffic, PPC marketing, building your list, designing review sites as well as some fundamentals like the basics of building a good affiliate business.

The other major piece worth noting is the fact that it’s a 2-tier affiliate program. That means it’s possible to generate a residual income from people you refer to the affiliate program who then make sales.

Finally, if you like Generator Software products then it’s worth being an affiliate as they provide insights and advanced notice on all new products and releases.

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Things To Watch For
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As with any affiliate program, you still need to take action!

Although the Generator Software team provide lots of prewritten emails, templates and tools (and they add new material all the time), it’s still worth noting that you won’t generate any sales unless you actually use their information.

Furthermore, it’s probably in your best interest to use the pre-written material as a guideline and then tweak it to fit your own personality or writing style.

The last thing to watch for are their rules and regulations.

You can NOT purchase their products through your own affiliate link and it’s important to know that otherwise you could be removed from the affiliate program.

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Conclusion
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The Generator Software affiliate program is definitely one of the best programs to join online and it’s stood the test of time.

With 11+ years under it’s belt, it continues to grow and prove why Generator Software is one of the most recognized brands for online entrepreneurs. The products are rock solid and they sell well which are all good signs for affiliates.

For more information on this program click here.

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Don’t forget to have your say! Comments Welcome!

If you’re out today shopping and facing the “black Friday” crowd, all the best to you; however, if you wait, apparently come Monday you’ll be able to find a ton of even better bargains online. (more…)

… little blue birds would be singing, cleaning my kitchen, making our beds, and in general making my day even grander

(Even if you voted for “the other guy” you’re going to want to read this post, I promise.)
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One of our “tenets” in our tag line for this blog includes “hot topic news” and this most certainly fits the bill. Please read on!

I must be having withdrawal symptoms since my favorite MSNBC news shows air only Monday through Friday. So it’s digging deep into our local, “switch sides every other day” (sound familiar?) local newspaper, The Las Vegas Review Journal that grabbed my attention this morning.

Actually much of the following – other than my own two cents – comes from a section of the paper, the Las Vegas Sun (don’t ask me what their relationship is – but the one does stick in parts of the other). And, just so you know up front, the Las Vegas Sun endorses Obama.

The first tidbit I’d like to share is along the lines of “is wealth distributed properly in this country.”

Here’s a shocker for all us working “Joes and Janes” (thanks Palin) – from Sunday’s Parade Magazine:

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