As local business owners you need to take action now. You need to keep your existing customers, and gain new customers, so you need to be found where they are searching. Local Search Marketing is where your future clients and customers will come from.

So where do you start?

Most likely your customers will have a default setting on their computers and this will be set to one of these sites for search; Google, Yahoo, MSN or AOL. These search engines all index web pages and have some form of paid advertising referred to as Pay Per Click. This is fine if you have a web site but what about many small and local businesses that have little or no web presence at all? And even if you do have a web site, does it show up in the search engines above?

Okay, so what other choices have you got?

Well, for example, in Australia things are pretty limited. There are those folks, you know whom I am talking about, who will place you not only in a hard copy directory but also have services on line. The challenge is in what the financial cost is, BIG, but hey, they have been around a long time and have deep pockets. The other issue is that they often advertise in the search engines and you will find them there BUT if you follow the link to them, you need to do your search all over again! What a pain.

There are other commercial ?local search engines? and some of these are good value but many are not comprehensive. If there are only a few thousand businesses in a local directory most users will leave given the limited amount of content.

So what you need to do is use a search engine like Google and search for ?local search directory?, make sure you limit your search to the country you are in. For this article I am using Australia. The results include Yahoo local search and a number of local directories. You should check these out and see what it takes to participate in the directories that make the first page of the Google search.

Many on-line marketeers forget the key point to being found on the Internet. What is the ?Action? that you want to happen once someone finds your web page or directory listing? If you can't or don't sell products from your web site there are only two actions you want. First, that they call you, or second, that they email you.

That's it!

You want a call or an email. These are the only two outcomes that can lead to interaction, a relationship and the potential to do business.

Many small businesses already know, and the current research is proving them right, that a ?call? is worth 15 times a click.

Why is this?

Email is to often being viewed as spam, sometimes it never even gets through ?filters? and it lacks the emotional and personal ?touch? of voice. So what we really want is a phone call. We want that phone to start ringing. But ???

Why people don't call as much any more.

It is getting harder and harder to get people to ring these days. They ?hide? behind email or resist picking up the phone with fear that one of these things will occur:

1. Please press 1 for ?. and 2 for ?. or 3 for ??, or

2. We value your business and you are number 17 in the queue, or

3. This call maybe recorded for training and quality purposes!

No one wants this response to picking up the phone and making a call.

So what is the alternative?

It's called Pay Per Call, but all it is, is a ?push to talk? button. Someone presses a button on a web page, puts in their phone number and they are connected to the company that put up the button. It's simple, easy and direct.

Not a click, it's a call!

This is what we see as the future of local search. People finding companies that are in their area and pressing a button to talk with them. Could be a local cleaner, carpet layer, pool builder, alarm installer, baby sitter. You name it. These are the local people you want to attract and do business with. To do this, you need them to find you and talk with you. If they can find you through an Internet search and know that they won't be placed on hold, since you are calling them, you win. Now it's business as usual and your back in control of the sales process - not the Internet!

These complimentary features of local search and push to talk buttons are available today in Australia at AussieWeb Local Search. Google just announced that they are beta testing this with Pay Per Click advertising in America. Wonder where they got that idea?

About The Author Monte Huebsch is the CEO of www.AussieWeb.com.au and the original implementer of "push to talk" buttons in Australia with www.WeCallYouNow.com You can email him at Monte@AussieWeb.com.au

]]> http://www.firstgoldringarticles.com/Color_Theory_for_Fashionistias_-_Three_Easy_Steps_to_Perfect_Color_Every_Time/Articles/41272 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:43:26 +0000 Every Gold+ring for Easy http://www.firstgoldringarticles.com/Color_Theory_for_Fashionistias_-_Three_Easy_Steps_to_Perfect_Color_Every_Time/Articles/41272 Color Theory for Fashionistias - Three Easy Steps to Perfect Color Every Time

 by: Carrie Johnson

Color is everywhere, in your clothes, in your jewelry. Color is life. Fashion and color coordination can make or break your carefuly planned outfit.

Here's a bit of color theory with a fashionista bent.

Primary colors

These are red, blue and yellow. In theory, you can make any color from these three primaries (except white, which is really an absence of color). In practice, it depends on what red, blue or yellow you start with, but we are not mixing paints here, so just remember that the primary colors are red, blue and yellow. You'll learn why in the next step.

The secondary colors are the colors you get from mixing equal amounts of any two primaries. (If the primaries are pure, mixing all three will give you black.)

The secondaries are purple, orange and green.

Now why do you care?

Well, primaries and secondaries together give us complementary colors. The complement of the color is the color directly across from it on the color wheel, or if starting with a primary, the color made from mixing the other two primaries. So essentially a color and its complement contain all of the primaries between them.

Red's compliment is green (Merry Christmas!). Yellow's complement is purple. Blue's complement is orange. This is as much contrast as you can get between colors of the same value (brightness or darkness). So if you want to make a bold statement, the primaries are a treat.

Enter the secondaries

The secondary colors are made by mixing equal parts of any two complementaries. So the secondary colors are green (yellow and blue), orange (yellow and red) and purple (blue and red).

Let's say you have a yellow dress and you want this outfit to be a traffic stopper. If it's for daytime, you can use bold purple jewelry and accessories. This classic combination of purple and yellow is eye catching. It can be sophisticated and definite or more playful, depending on the yellow and purple you start out with.

However, you don't always want to be quite that much the center of attention. What do you do to make more subtle fashion statements, but still use colors well?

The yellow and purple we used above are complementary colors. This means they are directly across from each other on the color wheel.

The colors to each side of our main color's complement are the triad colors. (Triad because the color you start with plus the two others make three colors total.) The triads are our friends for choosing jewelry or other accessories. Let's look at our yellow dress again. This time we're wearing it to a business meeting. What would be appropriate jewelry? Gold on yellow is too close -- it will tend to wash out. The whole outfit will look drab (more drab than if you didn't use the gold jewelry).

Silver will work, particularly if the silver is a bit pale and the yellow of the dress if very vivid. But you don't have to stick with gold or silver. There are many colored gems and jewels out there. Try a sapphire necklace. The blue will nicely set off the yellow and both will sparkle. Or a red brooch. The red can tend towards orange for a brighter effect or towards blue for more contrast.

Now how about the vivid purple blouse you just adore? How to accessorize it? The purple is already such a bold color. Well, we'll do exactly the opposite of what we have done with our yellow dress, since purple is yellow's complement.

For our purple blouse, if you want to be bold and outrageous, go for bright gold (yellow) or just plain yellow jewelry. Silver will not work with the purple since the blue of the silver is too close to our purple color (as the gold was on the yellow dress). Of course red is wonderful with purple, just showing that every rule is made to be broken (with discrimination and taste, of course).

We can team our purple blouse with a tan skirt (tan being a form of yellow) and dress it down for a business meeting. We'll want our jewelry to be a little more subtle. In this case, rather than yellow, let's use the triad colors to purple -- orange or green. These may seem like bold choices, but remember you want your jewelry to be seen, not to blend into the woodwork.

How about an amber pendant? This would be sophisticated and would be set off wonderfully by the purple background without being garish.

Or an emerald brooch and earrings, or a green frog pin. The possibilities are endless within your basic color choices. If you stick with these color constraints, you will not go wrong.

Now let's consider the classic grey business suit. You may be thinking that your grey suit is neutral so you can choose any color at all. This is rarely the case and can be the cause of that ensemble that doesn't quite work.

Most greys tend towards blue (cool) or red/yellow (warm). So first determine if your suit is cool grey or warm grey. If you're having trouble with this (and it can be tough at first), try holding it up to other grey items in your house. You'll start to notice that it looks a bit redder (or yellower) or a bit more blue. This will help you determine the color bias of your grey suit.

Most warm grey used in clothing is a reddish grey. This is because red complements the complexion. But you will find some yellowish greys, particularly in garments with very sophisticated color.

Let's say our suit is a cool grey, so for the purposes of our color choice we'll consider it blue. The complement of blue is orange.

We want to keep this a business suit, so we'll pick the triad to each side of the orange to start with. Red and yellow. This tells us that gold will be a perfect choice for our grey suit. Silver is too blue and would wash out the outfit. You may have noticed that gold tends towards red or yellow. If you are using more than one accessory with the gold, determine whether the primary gold jewelry you will be wearing is reddish gold or yellow gold.

This is done just as we did with the suit itself, by comparing it with other colors.

If the gold is reddish, then keep your other accessories in the red and yellow range. If the gold if yellow, keep the other colors in the yellow orange range.

Note, the description "yellow gold" is for any gold that is not white (silvery). Yellow golds range from a deep red to a very pale yellow, so be sure to check each piece of jewelry when putting together your outfit. A red gold and a yellow gold next to each other will look subtly wrong, unless they are carefully combined in a single piece by a master jeweler. A lack of understanding about the tendencies of gold to be manifested as different colors results in fashion mistakes are that are hard to pin down.

So, let's say we've chosen a beautiful golden horse pin as our primary jewelry piece. We look at it and realize that it tends, ever so slightly, towards red. This makes the rest of our accessorizing easy.

We'll go for red and even towards the cooler reds (those tending towards purple, rather than towards the yellows and oranges). With our golden horse brooch and a deep slightly purplish red scarf our grey business suit stays business-like but acquires a powerful feminine appeal.

If you want more color, choose red's triads, blue or yellow.

So, when choosing the jewelry to complement any outfit follow three simple steps and you won't go wrong:

1) Determine the base color of your clothing. This is the dominant color. If you?re wearing the purple blouse with a tan skirt the purple is the dominant color.

If the outfit has a pattern, squint at it and try to see what color feels most dominant (this is an old artist's trick). If no particular color stands out, determine if the overall pattern is cool or warm as we did with our grey suit. Again squinting helps.

2) Find the complement of this color on your color wheel. If you really want to stand out, use the complement and stop at this step -- you're done!

3) Look at the triad colors next to the complement. These are most often the colors you will use for your accessories. If you want a brighter look you can use both triads. For a more subtle look, choose one or the other and then use variations on this color (the variations on any one color are almost endless).

That's it -- three easy steps that will assure that your outfits are always tres chic and save you hours trying to figure out what's just not quite right or choosing by hit and miss.

Of course, fashion colors change from year to year, but you now understand color combinations and how to put them together in wow combinations, whatever colors your starting with.

Coming in part two, how colors effect each other.

To see this page with color wheels and other illustrations that you can print for reference, go to http://www.gorgeousanimaljewelry.com/fashion-colors.html

Style on!

Carrie

The Jewelry Maven

http://www.gorgeousanimaljewelry.com

About The Author Carrie Johnson The Jewelry Maven presents articles about jewelry and links to the best (and most hard to find) jewelry on the web. Why search yourself, the Jewelry Maven will do it all for you, darling! http://www.gorgeousanimaljewelry.com

]]> http://www.firstgoldringarticles.com/Don%26%2339t_Want_Another_Carpet_Sweeper_This_Year_For_Christmas%3F_Unique_%5C%22Sent-A-Hint%5C%22_Plan_Sends_Your_Gift_Wishes_Via_E-mail/Articles/11330 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:44:02 +0000 Sweeper %26quot%3BSent-A-Hint%26quot%3B Want Via http://www.firstgoldringarticles.com/Don%26%2339t_Want_Another_Carpet_Sweeper_This_Year_For_Christmas%3F_Unique_%5C%22Sent-A-Hint%5C%22_Plan_Sends_Your_Gift_Wishes_Via_E-mail/Articles/11330 Don't Want Another Carpet Sweeper This Year For Christmas? Unique "Sent-A-Hint" Plan Sends Your Gift Wishes Via E-mail

 by: Diana Ennen

Sure, they love you and each year they try their best to find you the perfect gift. But let?s be honest, sometimes they need a little help. Here?s your chance to let your husband, parent, or special someone know exactly what you want. Sign up now for our Bragelet?s Sent-A-Hint feature and get the gift you long for at a price you can afford. You simply fill out the ?Sent-A-Hint? form and your gift selection is e-mailed to your loved ones complete with ordering details. They can then sign up for our newsletters and be advised of upcoming specials so the next holiday you might really be surprised.

Bragelets were designed because Moms Love to Brag! More than just another piece of jewelry, this is a true reflection of you and your family and the pride and joy you feel towards them. Bragelets offers the finest in custom made jewelry including Mother?s Bracelets, Birthstone Bracelets, Name Bracelets and Charm Bracelets for Kids, and Baby Brags ?, the perfect keepsake or christening gift for the newest member of the family. All styles all custom-designed to your unique personality with the finest sterling silver letters, 14K gold-filled beads and Swarovski crystals.

But keep in mind gift giving is not just a once a year thing done at the holidays. You can present a special gift anytime to let someone know you truly care and make every occasion special.

Here are just a few of our Gift Giving Ideas:

For New Mommies -- Bragelets ? New Mommy Bragelet ?

Dads, here?s your chance to show your wife just how much you care and how much you appreciate that nine months of sacrifices she made. It has everything from this mom?s new world rolled into one great bracelet with six charms included: Baby bottle, ?spit happens? bib, pacifier, baby blocks, It?s a Girl OR It?s a Boy charm, baby booties and of course, the baby?s name in sterling silver block letters.

Baby Brags ?

The perfect keepsake or christening gift for the newest member of the family, it can be worn on their ankle first and then on the wrist for many years to come. In silver or gold, pink or blue, with porcelain letters spelling out your baby?s name. It?s a sweet tradition and looks great in a shadow box or baby book.

Mother?s Bracelets

What a great gift idea for the mom, wife, or grandmother in your family. Our mother?s bracelets are as special as the names you have chosen for each one of your precious children. All styles are made with the highest quality sterling silver and 14K gold-filled beads available. See how everyone marvels at the bracelet you wear with your children?s name on it.

Lilbrags

Just like their Mommy, little girls love jewelry. And what they love even more is seeing their name on it. Bring a smile to her shining face with a special bracelet designed just for her. Better yet, surprise them with matching mother and daughter bracelets.

Family Birthstone Bragelets ?

The perfect solution for moms with large families or Grandmas with lots of grandchildren. Make it a family affair with Mom and Dad?s birthstones on the outside and the children in the middle. Or perhaps one Austrian crystal for each spoiled rotten grandchild. Add a charm to make it extra special.

Soccer Mom?s Bracelet

Moms why not show off what you are best known for -- carpooling!! That?s right. -- All you Soccer Moms out there unite! We have the classic ?Mom?s Taxi? charm sure to be a hit at any PTA meeting.

Charm bracelets

These are HOT! HOT! HOT! Back by popular demand and gaining in popularity among the young and old alike, these bracelets will delight every age group. Looking for the perfect gift for your preteen or teenager, look no more -- this is it.

Breast Cancer Bracelet

Sterling silver beads and pink Austrian crystals with hearts for love and cause ribbons to remind everyone how important this cause really is. With every purchase, Bragelets will donate $5 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation to help find a cure.

So save your loved ones from wandering the malls at the last minute searching for the perfect gift. Sign up now for ?Sent-A-Hint? and have an e-mail sent to them of exactly what you?re looking for. Don?t forget to do some shopping at our site too while you?re there. The prices are great and the service is exceptional. Bragelets at http://www.bragelets.com.

About The Author Diana Ennen is the author of numerous books including Virtual Assistant: the Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA, Words From Home, Start, Run and Profit from a Home-Based Word Processing Business & the Home Office Recovery Plan. She specializes in publicity and book marketing and is president of Virtual Word Publishing http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and http://www.Publicity-VA.com. Articles are free to be reprinted as long as the author?s bio remains intact

]]> http://www.firstgoldringarticles.com/Engagement_Party_Ideas_To_Wow_The_Crowd%21/Articles/11839 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:20:57 +0000 Gold Gold+ring Wow Engagement http://www.firstgoldringarticles.com/Engagement_Party_Ideas_To_Wow_The_Crowd%21/Articles/11839 Engagement Party Ideas To Wow The Crowd!

 by: Alexis Miller

He's proposed, and most likely you're flashing your new engagement ring. Now it's time to plan the celebration, but where do you start?

Your engagement party is the perfect setting for the families and friends of the bride and groom to meet each other if they haven't already done so. Make yourself available at the start of the event to greet all your guests and introduce everyone. Mingle as much as possible so that your guests feel comfortable and relaxed.

You can celebrate in style with a swanky black-tie cocktail party, or a formal sit-down dinner, or maybe a casual serve-yourself buffet is more your style. Whatever you choose, remember that many of your guests may not know each other so you want them to be able to mingle comfortably.

Once upon a time, engagement parties were usually held at the home of the bride's parents, but nowadays most couples like to host their own engagement party. If you want to go all out, you can hire a banquet hall with full catering, a local hall or you could set up a marquee in your own back yard. The choices are only limited by your imagination (and wallet!)

Engagement Party Themes

Many couples like to choose a theme for their engagement party. Having a theme party helps break the ice with your guests and generally adds an element of frivolity the occasion. You can choose a 50s, 60s or 70s party, depending on the decade in which you were born, or an Hawaiian or Mexican party for something more exotic. If you prefer, the theme can be as simple as your choice of colors or the style of your decorations.

For a 50s, 60s or 70s retro look, decorate with lime green, purple, hot pink and yellow. If you'd like to go Hawaiian choose lots of bright greens, yellow and blue. For a Mexican theme, choose gold, purple and blue and have a pinata filled with candies for a bit of fun.

For a romantic theme, choose pastel colors and use tulle or organza to drape the tables, chair backs, stair railings and ceiling. Scatter rose petals and sparkles on the tables and light the area with twinkling fairy lights. Candles add a soft glow to your surroundings and can be used in a number of interesting and inventive ways.

Party and theme shops have a fabulous array of party items and props you can buy or hire for the night. You can check out your local shopping mall, or go online for the most wonderful array of balloons, streamers, party poppers, confetti, and candles.

Engagement Party Entertainment

Entertainment always seems to enhance the mood at a party, although it's not a necessity. A quality sound system and some lively CDs are certainly enough to raise the spirits of party-goers.

If your budget allows, you can hire a pianist or a string quartet to provide pleasant background music. If you'd prefer something a little livelier, how about hiring a juke-box, a DJ or maybe you'd prefer a mariachi band? Or you could hire a karaoke machine and invite your guests to contribute to the entertainment!

Set aside an area for dancing, then start everyone off with a special dance for the newly engaged couple. It will help prepare you for the wedding waltz!

Your choice of entertainment should match the tone and theme of the party, so make sure you choose the kind of entertainment that appeals to your tastes and makes you feel comfortable.

These days anything goes when it comes to engagement party ideas, so let your imagination soar and create a memorable experience, both for you as a couple and for your guests. Just remember to make it a fun-filled and happy experience and above all, enjoy yourselves!

About The Author Alexis Miller has been involved in the wedding and jewelry industry for more years than she cares to remember! She has turned her passion for all things bridal into a website, http://www.Engagement-Rings-Guide.com. Visit her website for interesting articles on weddings, jewelry,honeymoons and much more.

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