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The Biggest Video SEO Secret of Them All

admin — Fri, 26 May 2023 23:12:33 +0000

There are video SEO tools, techniques, and secrets that all explain how to get videos and their hosting websites to the top of the search engines. These video SEO techniques all focus on winning search on Google, the biggest search engine of them all, as well as Yahoo and Bing.

But the biggest video SEO secret? Forget about winning search on Google, win search on YouTube instead. That is because YouTube is the second biggest search engine in the world, behind Google. Furthermore, the fact that YouTube is so popular, also gives YouTube videos high ranking in search results on Google and other search engines online.

Why is YouTube so important? When people have “how to” questions where they need to learn how to do something — how to replace a key on a keyboard, how to defrag a hard drive, how to change a car’s oil — there is a video of it. Or when they want to watch a music video from their favorite band or a scene from their favorite movie, they can find it on YouTube.

Why not take advantage of this?

Think about it. Everyone is focusing all their attention on Google, using onsite search engine optimization techniques, trying to win search for their chosen keywords. But what if it was possible to win search on YouTube instead? Imagine what kind of impact this could have on regular SEO efforts.

Start paying attention to the Google search results page and see what shows up near the top of the search results every time.

Videos!

And not just any videos, but the videos that are most likely to be found during a YouTube search — videos that only have the most basic video SEO done to them will even win search on YouTube, and by default, appear high on the Google search rankings.

Since most people do not even bother to optimize their videos, it is only by luck and happenstance that most videos appear at the top of YouTube’s search in the first place. But by performing some basic video SEO techniques, it is possible to make a video appear high in YouTube’s rankings as well as Google’s.

Video SEO technique #1: Use Keywords in the Video Title. It is not enough to just give the video a clever title. The video needs a descriptive title that people will most likely use during a regular search, like “How to change a keyboard key on a laptop” or “How to change the oil in a car.” This tells Google and YouTube what the most important keywords in the title are.

Video SEO technique #2: Use Keywords in the Description. It is important to use the keywords or key phrase at least once, and possibly twice, in the description of the video. Just like in an optimized blog post, the description tells YouTube (and Google) what the video is about.

Video SEO technique #3: Include Backlinks in the Description. Backlinks are an important part of regular SEO, and should be a part of video SEO as well, being incorporated into the video’s description, which helps boost a website’s ranking. But then, be sure to point several backlinks from other websites to the video.

Video SEO technique #4: Use Transcripts and Subtitles. Another way to include keywords to a video is to include an entire transcript of the spoken audio. Whether the video is one person talking about how to replace keys on a laptop, or is an interview between two people, it is very helpful to include a written transcript as part of the video SEO. When editing a YouTube video, there is a window to upload a transcript or a subtitle file and have it play along with the video. This is additional text that Google and YouTube are able to index and count toward search results, which helps video SEO.

These video SEO techniques allow marketers an advantage. YouTube’s status as the world’s second biggest search engine, will help to ensure your videos show up at the top of the search results in regular Google searches as well as within other search engines, social media and article and press sites online. Follow these steps and begin ranking online!

10 Reasons Why You Should Work for Yourself

admin — Fri, 12 May 2023 09:58:35 +0000

1. You get paid for what you doThis may sound obvious, however, let me explain. When you work for someone else, you have a number of set hours a week that you are contracted to work and your wage is set, based on the contract you signed. But is this really fair? In some jobs you work more than you have to and also you may undertake a specific piece of work or project that if outsourced to a self-employed person, would cost a load more. In essence, by signing that contract, you are cheap labour.2. You get paid when you are not workingWorking 9-5, you stop work, but the work that you are doing, is still earning the ‘man’ aka the boss, a load of money. You work, so that your boss can become rich. Since becoming self-employed, and I am not mega rich (yet), you can see the potential for the work that you doing, giving you an ongoing income, even when you are asleep!3. You can say ‘stop’ and immediately make changesWhen, and if you are a Manager in a big company, you are never 100% able to make the changes you need to make, to make your part of the business better. There is always someone standing on your shoulders, telling you what you can and cannot do. And no more pointless spreadsheets too! When you work for yourself, you can make immediate decisions and changes if something is not working.4. It makes you braveNot being guaranteed a wage, makes you brave and makes you make brave decisions to help you succeed. No more comfort zone!5. It makes you thinkI could have done my job duties in my permanent job with my eyes closed. In fact, as I knew what I had to do, it probably made me complacent and I probably did the things I had to do, badly!6. You can love what you doI am loving what I am doing! Love it! However the moment I was to stop loving it, at least I could now take steps to think about how else I can keep my self-employed lifestyle going. When you work for a big company, love or loathe your job and its duties, you have to do it anyway!7. You can have your own job titleNot that this really matters, but when you work for yourself you can call yourself what you like! Also, when you are out socialising and someone, who you don’t really know, asks you what you do for a job, its can be quite cool to tell them you are an entrepreneur or author, or whatever you want to be called!8. You can balance your family responsibilitiesNo more rigid working hours. If you have family responsibilities, there is no reason why you cannot be more flexible in where and when you work. This is the one reason I need to practice, before I preach however. After nearly 10 years of commercial ‘man’ working, I still find myself under pressure if I start work late or finish early. But that is the point; working as an employee, makes you feel guilty for wanting freedom. Freedom is not a buzz word that is overly encouraged within the World of full-time employment.9. You have to learn new thingsNo more Marketing department. No more Finance Department. No more Personnel team! You have to carry the can yourself, and this means learning new things constantly. This is a great thing however, as learning helps with creativity, and ‘thinking’. What more could you want! And, how often did your marketing department produce cringe worthy marketing material anyway?!10. Isn’t 9 other reasons enough!!! Working for yourself means you do not need to keep going, just because you said you would!

What Does it Take? Here’s 3 Health and Fitness Tips

admin — Thu, 11 May 2023 19:16:53 +0000

3 Health and fitness Tips; Are you ready?1. Match the amount of eating to the amount of activity, for example Increase the amount of repetitions of a particular exercise, the level of resistance, and utilize advance exercise techniques if possible.Most people ignore the fact that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.Your metabolism can slow down considerably if breakfast is taken during mid-morning. Surprisingly, most people who eat breakfast are thinner than the ones who do not. Always prepare the right amount of food to be consumed at the designated intervals.2. Try to keep sugar away from your body, sugar helps your body to store fat. Exercising 2-3 times a week helps to stabilize your blood sugar levels. Also, eat meals in small portions but consume 4-6 meals a day.Skipping meals is a big mistake that slows down your metabolism. Make sure you do not count out your energy foods like fruits and vegetables.3. You can lose weight and burn excess calories by doing cardiovascular exercise. After you finish your exercise routine, studies have shown that your metabolism will stay at the increased rate for up to 18 hours.Before you start exercising, make a visit to your doctor and make sure you’re fit for vigorous physical activity. Starting slow with a 10 minute moderately paced walk daily thats a good way to get going and keep going.Take in this info and know its your turn to determine what will work well for you! To Your Weight Lose Success.

How Do You Start in Photography?

admin — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 22:53:52 +0000

This article will be about how you, the beginner, can start in, and learn photography. Below, I listed the sequence of things you should do or learn to guide you in your journey in the field of photography.So how to do you start with photography? Here are the initial steps:Start with the interest. You’re reading this blog, so I guess you’re interested in Photography.Learn the basics. What is photography? What are the basic elements and concepts you need to know to shoot the scenes you want to capture. Basics like ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed, Composition, Exposure, Depth of Field, Focus, and many more should be the first things you learn.Get a camera. This is common sense. Without a camera, you can’t take pictures. If you’re not yet that committed into this hobby, don’t buy expensive cameras. Heck, just use what you have in your hand: you camera phone. You can already practice composition with it. But if you want to invest on a good camera, go ahead but make sure you have the means to pay for it.Read the manual. Or, as we oldies say, Read the F****** Manual. It’s free, it comes with your camera, and it’s full of answers to your most common questions about your camera.Shoot! Never forget to practice what you learn. By regularly shooting photos, you will be exposed to different fields of photography, like landscape, nature, portraiture, and others. Doing this will also allow you to identify which field you want to focus in.Identify your specialization. The more photos you take, the easier it is to identify which field of photography you want to focus in. If you discover you prefer landscapes over portraits then, learn as much as you can about landscapes. Don’t do wholesale learning where you try to learn every field all at the same time. Once you’ve learned to take good photos in one field, you can try and learn other fields that interests you.Learn from the Masters and the professionals. Most of the time, the best teachers are the ones who have learned and done photography to the level of being called masters. Try to learn from them by studying their works and books they wrote or were written about them. If the person you look up to is still alive, then getting it touch with them will be a better way to know them more. If they offer workshops or courses, attend those. A structured course is better than studying alone.That’s all! Well not really. There are a lot more things you should learn but the tips listed above will guide you well enough that your journey into photography will be fruitful and enjoyable.Happy Shooting!

Top 5 Auto Insurance Companies in the USA

admin — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 21:04:35 +0000

There is a list of top USA car insurance companies: GEICO, Allstate, Infinity, Progressive and Nationwide. Those five car insurance companies are the five pillars of the car insurance market with the largest amount of market shares according to the data collected from 2008 and still they remain the five best companies available for the USA drivers. They all provide great deals for the affordable prices, however each and one of them might offer something more for a specific customer’s needs.GEICOOut of all five of the insurance companies, GEICO insurance company is well-known for its life-long close collaboration with the Military and Veteran community. GEICO does numerous donations, scholarships and assistance programs to those who served or still serve in army. Consequently there are programs and plans for those who have served in USA army, i.e. premium and low-cost car insurance rates for veterans and veteran’s families.AllstateSurprisingly Allstate “takes promises” from teen drivers when offering a cheap auto insurance price. They push strongly onto the market of the teenaged drivers. One can find low-cost car insurance rates and what might appeal to the selected audience, free rewards and games, all considerably increasing the chances of young drivers to turn to Allstate.InfinityThe one distinct feature of the Infinity car insurance company is that the customer can receive his very own agent. That takes the stress away from the customer when a same representative is taking care of one’s claims over years, earning trust and backing the customer up. With the wide choice of low-cost car insurance rates and personalized services, Infinity distinguishes itself out of the others and that makes it one of the top insurance companies.ProgressiveProgressive auto insurance company tends to have a very wide variety of discounts. They change them every now and then, however long term conditions still operate for those who have applied when possible. When taking advantages of those discounts and special deals, customer might benefit tremendously with significant low-cost auto insurance.NationwideApart from the cheap and very competitive auto insurance rates, Nationwide provide extremely convenient services. They have number of facilities where the car can undergo a repair procedure with an option to follow the progress online.Those are top 5 auto insurance companies available for the USA market. The affordability, service level and options of coverage make them best choice for the driver. All the quotes are available 24/7 online, or for any concern their agents will gladly talk you through to satisfy your particular need.

Scientology – Its Origins and Spirit

admin — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 00:22:18 +0000

Scientology is the name given to a system of thought initiated in modern times by L. Ron Hubbard in 1923. Since that date it has become known as the Church of Scientology and generally understood as a path to conscious realization and relationship with God, the Supreme Being. In this, its spiritual aim would seem no different from other religious and philosophical systems including Yoga.It has escalated into a popular system of personal development attracting many adherents as well as a measure of indirect public criticism, perhaps without reason but as little information on this is given out to the public through the media there is little opportunity for general interest and discussion. It is usual that without basic facts to consider, prejudice will tend to influence people’s attitudes, particularly about anything that introduces new ideas, philosophy or a religion that is regarded by many as a sect.So let us become familiar with the origins and aims of Scientology.In his early explanation Hubbard wrote in “Excalibur” that Scientology is “the study of knowing how to know” and that the publication was released simply in order “to discuss the composition of life.” His was a wide vision indeed.Hubbard’s writings followed in 1950 with another work “Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health.” This became a best seller and its popularity continues. The book “Dianetics: The Original Thesis” was published in 1951 and Dianetics, a system of therapy was established.Hubbard maintained that his research and life work that was ultimately directed to discovery of the ‘life source’. He wished to help free people from burdens upon the mind such as nightmares, unreasonable fears and a basic sense of personal insecurity. Once clear of blockages and baggage, those who followed the teachings would begin to experience deep memories related to the fundamental causes of their mental inhibitions. These realizations often involve recall of past lives. This is perceived as an important factor in the ideology of Scientology as it supports their belief in the immortal aspect of a human being, the existence of the spirit beyond mind and physical body.Hubbard’s release of hundreds of published written material, recordings and films, together with his teaching tours and travels around the globe helped to establish Scientology centres in many countries and cultures. This personal vital educational programme he maintained until his passing in 1986.Terminology used in the Scientology Teaching MethodThe individual human being is believed to be an immortal spiritual consciousness or ‘thetan’ that experiences innumerable incarnations throughout earthly civilizations and cultures and beyond. Greater awareness of one’s spiritual consciousness is encouraged by methods named ‘Auditing’ and ‘Training’ that relate to personal disciplines and aim to help a person grow to a point of total freedom that allows total self confidence and choices in developing inner abilities. The seed potential of these limitless talents is considered as inherent within each human being, awaiting cultivation through self discipline.Hubbard generally believed in Precision regarding Knowledge and that it is necessary to have no confusion in definitions regarding meaning of words. Scientology and Dianetics place a heavy emphasis on this aspect and Hubbard himself wrote a work ‘How to Use a Dictionary’ and also ‘Technical Dictionary’ around special words and terms used by Scientologists. He thereby departs somewhat from previous faithfulness to the standard Dictionaries by coining new words to suit his purposes. In this, some may argue that he has made a positive contribution to our vocabulary by introducing words such as ‘havingness’.Morals and EthicsStrong belief and adherence to high principles and moral and ethical standards is integral and is included in a newcomer’s first introduction before followed by a series of codes and advancing stages in the methods used to assist the individual in behavioural practices that contribute to a good and honourable life style.Symbols used in TeachingAn important symbol is the Scientology logo is the Triangle which is said to represent the three vital values of ‘Affinity’, ‘Reality’ and ‘Communication”. Scientologists stress the need for effective communication and incorporate action and effort to encourage study and faithful adherence to the unabridged standard dictionaries, presumably relating to each culture. This is an ideal eagerly supported by all scholars and educators who believe in preserving the evolved, inherited vocabulary of a people and understand the need for the continued exercise of mental discrimination in selecting appropriate words to express accuracy, intent and situation.Practices of the TeachingsThe method of advancement is seen to be carried out by an individual’s systematic study and diligent practical application of the principles and practices of Scientology. In this there is a shared bond with all teaching methods whether practical, philosophical, religious or spiritual.The presentation of the original teachings of Hubbard are preserved as the authoritative reference. In order to maintain the purity and purpose of the founder’s message, no alteration by individuals is tolerated. However, as is usual in most teachings that seek to establish firm patterns of ideas and theories, a degree of controversy has arisen since Hubbard’s passing, with some querying the interpretation and accuracy of transcription of his oral teachings.Learning methodLearning and personal growth is encouraged to be without undue haste and in precise order of progression within the method in order to avoid confusion. For outsiders who seek to understand the values of Scientologists it would seem reasonable to advance in stages. In practice, however, it has been the lot of many systems to fail, not only through lack of personal discipline of individuals but because of questionable use of powers and politics that intrude upon the wisdom of those directing issues of advancement and status. Only by adherence to the simple spiritual aim of complete Freedom of the individual can these clouds of human weakness be dissolved.Controversies are bound to emerge regarding the internal methods that unite members in their aspirations to share a union of mind and spirit and who seek to uphold high principles. It is natural that questions arise as to Scientology’s method or the attitude it adopts in important issues in human living. These arise not only from curiosity but in order to know how Scientology’s’ determined attitudes on sexuality hold with the erosion of previous codes of morality. Those who are not members of Scientology and are not privy to this aspect of the philosophy would for example, query how Hubbard’s description of marriage as “an essential component of a stable family life” is applied by Scientologists in our time.

Effective Home Improvement Ideas and Tricks

admin — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 04:19:08 +0000

Why the need for tricks? Well, some jobs are known to be intimidating, and downright scary. One perfect example is redoing or improving the home. The costs alone are enough to turn over to the other side of the bed, cover our heads with our pillows, and go to sleep. Then we may also have to contemplate a “not-so-great” job with it, the neighbors starting to sense something awkward, and we will be left alone to live with it. The good news is we can always do something about it. All we need are simple tricks and home improvement ideas so we can get around these concerns.

Remodeling can become an inexpensive activity that is capable of changing or improving the living conditions inside your home. Aside from that, it can also increase the livable spaces within, thereby giving you more options on what you may want to add in it. All these are possible with simple home improvement ideas. Focusing your attention on your house’s exterior is a good start. The exterior can give neighbors that impression that things are much better inside. Simple activities like putting fresh paint can do just that.

Modern times call for so many home improvement ideas. But it would be much better if you can introduce the element of affordability in it. Low-cost improvements will not only improve our homes, but it also saves you money in the long run. And this is what really matters these days, given the hardships we are in. Here are some of these great ideas.

• Introducing “Green” technology – Because everyone is now realizing the importance of taking care of our environment and this great big home that we are living in, having green technology inside your home is a trick that sets the tone for your home improvement ideas. You can put together solar panels, environment-friendly cleaners, efficient cooling and heating systems, and of course, the very dependable energy-saving light bulbs. Some of these may seem too heavy for your budget right now, but it sure will carry you in the long run. Generating your own electricity is very efficient and cost-effective; however you may want to look at it.

• Redecorating and painting your home’s living spaces – These are very simple tricks that can do so much to beautify your home. And it really works! Introducing fresh new paints to the rooms using cool and soothing colors plus the accents helps in creating a more relaxed atmosphere, making you and the rest of your family want to stay home more often.

• All effective ideas to improve your home must come in complete packages. And your home improvement activities will never be successful if you are unable to address more serious concerns, like maintenance issues, or re-insulating all corners of your home. A well-insulated home will help you save money on electric bills. You won’t need to worry about cool air leaking out during summers, or warm air during winters.

There are many more home improvement ideas and simple tricks to help you in your cause. Costs should not hinder you from improving the comfort and living space inside your home.

The Numbers Game: Steps to Get Your Auto Financing Right

admin — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 11:58:14 +0000

When you think about buying a car, most of your energy goes into searching for the correct car. While it is critically imperative to look for the right car model, it is more important to understand how you will pay for the vehicle. The numbers game is all about searching for the correct tools that will help you get an idea of your current financial situation. They will also help you to take the right steps in order to make the auto financing process a success.

Numbers that will make your Auto Loan a Success Story

1. Budget Ahead

Having a clear picture of your financial situation is necessary for buying a car. By calculating your incomes and expenses, you will be able to find out how much money you can direct towards the monthly auto loan payments. Focus on the monthly budget. Consider the monthly income after taxes and deduct every expense that you incur. Annual expenses such as Netflix subscriptions can be divided over 12 months and then subtracted. The remaining amount after savings is the monthly budget that you can comfortably spend on your new car. Remember it will include fuel and maintenance expenses, insurance and the auto loan payments.

2. Improve Your Credit Score

The better your credit score, the more chances you have at scoring a cheaper auto financing program. Solid credit history and a credit score of more than 600 can help you attract low-interest rates and better auto insurance options. In order to improve your credit score, pay off past debt, reduce your debt-to-income ratio to at least 36% and check your credit report for any errors or duplicate entries. Consistent effort on improving your credit score will help you save a lot of money over the term of your auto loan.

3. Managing Down-Payment

A good down payment is a good move to reduce your future burden and become debt-free early. A down payment of 20% or more on the total price of the car will help you to cut down on your overall cost. Also, it will put you in a great position to negotiate for lower interest rates. Save up for a big down payment before you purchase your car. Obtaining a pre-approved auto loan and putting money down are great ways of handling auto financing responsibly.

The Right Way of Financing your Car

While purchasing your new car, auto financing will be the key element in deciding your future financial expenses and savings. Make sure you take the time to think about the important tools that will assist you in perfecting your auto financing game. For instance, a reduction in the loan origination fee is possible if you initiate automatic monthly payments. Therefore, always be aware of your current situation and work towards building a strong financial foundation for you.

Attention Bad Credit Car Buyers! Here’s How You Can Get an Auto Loan!

admin — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 11:57:11 +0000

Buying a car is everyone’s sweetest dream. But for bad credit car buyers, the auto financing part is more of a nightmare. Bad credit might have occurred due to a variety of reasons. Late payments, missed payments and past financial behavior may lead to a poor credit score. But fret not. Bad credit individuals can avail an auto loan, although a little hard work is required. Applying for a loan involves many factors which finally lead to a ‘yes’ from the lender. Understanding the different factors of a bad credit auto loan will help you to get a grip on your current situation and throw light on areas that need your attention.

Important Factors to consider for a Bad Credit Auto Loan

The following factors are of prime importance in the process of getting loan approval.

1. Credit Score

Checking your credit score before applying for car financing is a wise decision. If you suffer from bad credit, you should check your credit score a couple of months before you start car shopping. This will ensure that you have enough time to rebuild it. A few ways to improve your score include reducing your debt to income ratio, clearing old debts and checking for any fallacies in the report. While lenders judge your creditworthiness primarily through your credit score, do not worry about your bad credit. Your focus should be on improving it. You must also consider other factors that will help you get a loan.

2. Down Payment

Another factor in getting an auto loan with bad credit is the down payment. Car buyers with a bad credit history and limited time to rebuild credit scores should be prepared to put a hefty amount of money down. With a big down payment amount, you borrow less. This will eventually lead to more savings. Without a down payment, the dealer will narrow down the car options available to you and your financing options will also be limited. This is because the lender will consider you a risky buyer. Therefore, making a down payment can instill a sense of creditworthiness in the lender and you can avail such a loan easily.

3. Apply for a Pre-approved Auto Loan

A pre-approved auto loan is an easy way to have an upper limit of the car that you wish to purchase. Additionally, a pre-approved car loan helps you to be prepared for the automobile purchasing process. The process helps you to understand the amount that you can qualify for a car loan depending on your credit score, income and expenses. Thinking one step ahead and submitting your documentation in advance for a pre-approved auto loan will help you to identify any fallacies and save you a lot of time in case you have to apply for a loan again.

Do Not Limit Yourself to the Credit Score

Credit scores make an important component of the auto loan process. However, it is not the only way to obtain financing for a new car. While a bad credit history may be difficult to erase, you can start by following the above-mentioned steps and work on getting auto loan approval easily. Remember to focus on different aspects of the deal and you will get approved at the click of a mouse.

Managed Services – The Secret Sauce For A Successful Managed Services Business

admin — Fri, 06 May 2022 18:28:05 +0000

Just for the moment, consider yourself a moderately successful IT service provider who sees the growing opportunity in managed services, is quickly developing the technology to support this burgeoning market and knows the secret – has in fact the secret “sauce” – to managing a successful managed services business.Now liken yourself and your IT business to the owner of a fine dining establishment. The restaurant owner knows that his professional livelihood is built on the “meat and potatoes” of his operation, namely his fine selection of highly quality meats cooked to perfection. And he is convinced that his culinary success is due to the secret “sauce” he has created to adorn each entree. He even has a signature garnish that he places on top of each entree that makes it highly unique to him and a cut above his competition.This same analogy applies to your IT business. Your company is probably beginning to shift away from the technology and the tools that deliver services to a realization that the managed services business is the “meat and potatoes” upon which your future livelihood will rest. Your “culinary” success will be due, in large part, to the special “sauce” you create to adorn each managed service you offer. That special “sauce” is your marketing strategy. The garnish you place on each managed service is the one unique fact or feature about your business -and how you market it – that sets you apart from your competitors.So, what are the “meat and potatoes” of your business – the managed services you plan to offer your clients as you transition to a successful managed service business? How are you going to marketing those services – what “sauce” or “sauces” are you going to create to sell them? What “garnish” will you put on top – what fact or feature about your business is unique enough to separate and differentiate you from your competition?First, let’s talk about managed services. This is the “meat and potatoes” of your operation.To optimize your overall performance as a successful managed services business, here are five key elements of the business to master. Mastery of these “secrets of success” will determine how well you do in the marketplace and positively impact your success and survivability as a managed services provider (MSP).Core Technologies. The definition of managed services is expanding from infrastructure management and remote maintenance to the inclusion of software as a service. Selecting the right technology is one key piece of an effective MSP strategy. Successful MSPs typically use one of two types of software solutions – Professional Services Automation Software (PSA) and Remote Monitoring and Management Software (RMM). PSA blends such functions as customer relationship management (CRM), sales force automation, customer billing and troubleshooting into one single comprehensive platform. RMM allows the MSP to proactively maintain and troubleshoot customer systems and networks off-site.
Emerging Technologies. Up until now, MSPs were able to master basic PC and server administration. Today’s MSPs face new challenges as the landscape of managed services continues to evolve. Now these MSPs have to master cloud and SaaS managements and learn how to tap into systems like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Apps, Microsoft Windows Azure and Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS). Keeping pace with these options requires constant networking. Successful MSPs make this one of their biggest priorities.
Business Leadership. As you move from being a technology driven business to being a managed services provider, commitment from the CEO and top management is critical. Managed services will stall or fail completely without this commitment. CEOs don’t have to master the MSP technologies but what they do need to do is this:
Promote recurring revenue streams as much as possible instead of quick break fix project work.
Track and improve customer service levels rather than billable hours.
Schedule frequent meetings to advise customers on those service levels and to discuss technologies that can further improve overall business performance.
Hiring & Firing, Sales Training & Compensation. The jury is still out on whether MSPs need to fire or replace staff as they push into managed services or work with existing staff to generate more and more recurring revenue. Sometimes MSPs find it works better if they augment their staff with outside talent, though many times this talent can be found within their existing rank-and-file. In more traditional IT companies, sales teams are generally paid a one-time commission for special projects revenue. In the managed services market, however, recurring revenue models create new opportunities and new challenges. The biggest challenge is keeping salespeople focused on longer-term, ongoing contracts rather than quick-hit project work. Without the proper compensation plans in place, salespeople may make half-hearted managed services calls and end up pitching a new technology product instead of the managed services you hope to sell. The best MSP in the most successful managed services business has clearly communicated compensation plans with well-defined goals and priorities that motivate the sales professional to look for more business and more opportunities for managed services from either existing clients or new ones.
Service Level Agreements. Successful MSPs know that without a well-designed and understood service level agreement in place, the clients will be expecting one thing and the MSP another. Using a solid service level agreement shows the client that you know what you are doing and that you will put both your reputation and wallet behind your word.Now, let’s talk about how you are going to marketing these managed services. What “sauce” or “sauces” are you going to create to sell this business model and bring value to the customer. The signature “sauce” you create and the ingredients you use to make it is the key to your success. Here are the three ingredients you need:Marketing & Client Education. Managed services generates a significant amount of information about end users’ activities and needs. Successful MSPs use that information to anticipate those needs and recommend applications and value-added services to help clients run their businesses more effectively. Using that information as part of a marketing strategy to better educate the customer is paramount. Many MSPs believe the client’s lack of knowledge and understanding about the managed services business model is their greatest inhibitor to success. When the time comes to describe your managed services portfolio to clients, remember these three words – less is better. Skip the high-tech acronyms, the techie bells and whistles, and focus on the benefits to your client. Concentrate only on the services you offer that bring them real value, like customer satisfaction or service levels.Marketing Strategies. To date, managed services has been about the technology, but today’s successful MSPs are more focused on how to run their business well and deliver value to their customers. They know the importance of a successful business model, targeted sales strategies and value propositions and they are marketing all of that to their clients as part of their managing services portfolio. But the driving force behind the push to invest in a sales and marketing strategy is the company’s commitment to sell the customer on the value the MSP can provide.The New Marketing Model. Successful MSPs know that technology alone is not going to change their business. They know it’s all about creating a business model of managed services and equipping themselves with the skills to run their business and to market it to a targeted audience. To build a successful marketing model, you need to do three things:Define your product (managed services) from the client’s perspective and sell it that way. Let client’s know the advantages of this approach. Let them know you can provide them with software and spread costs over a number of clients. Tell them you can build more application experience than in-house staff. Assure them that your key software systems are kept up to date, available and managed for performance by experts. Let them know they will always have access to product and technology experts. Show them you can reduce their costs to a predictable monthly fee.
Know your client and let them know you know them. Let them know that you know it takes them six to 12 months to commit to a services program. Speak to them in their own language by speaking to the pains that you know that they have because they are common in the industry. Then show how you are uniquely qualified to resolve these pains and problems.
Use sales and marketing tools to your advantage to reach your client and, use only those with a proven return on investment. Schedule as many visits and meetings with the client as you can to advise them on service levels and to discuss new and emerging technologies to further improve business performance. Invite them to events like small business luncheons to get their thoughts and opinions on business trends or use of technology. Prepare hand-outs describing the benefits of predictable, flat-rate, proactive managed services programs. Create ongoing marketing and PR campaigns to announce new software products and technologies. Actively solicit customer endorsements.Now, once again, liken yourself and your IT business to the owner of a fine dining establishment. We have defined the “meat and potatoes” of your operations – all of the managed services upon which your business in now built. We have given you the key ingredients to make your special “sauce” or “sauces” – client education, key marketing strategies and the new marketing model. Now all you need is that signature garnish you place on each of your products that is unique to you and you alone and a cut above your competition.That garnish is a statement of who you are and how you present yourself. Are you ingenious? Are you creative? Are you capable of delivering the services required in a knowledgeable and innovative way? Do you communicate reliability and dependability? Are you empathic towards your client and their needs? What is it about you that makes the client want to do business with you and nobody but you? These are the intangible things that set you and your managed services business apart from your competitors. This is what your clients will remember.This is a concise overview of what it takes to succeed as an MSP. Know your product. Know the market. Know your customer. Then move ahead and capitalize on the opportunities in managed services.