In Search Of Heroes Spreads Good News About Everyday, Real-Life Heroes Who Deserve Recognition For Their Good Works

Click Here to see the video of Dan Mader interviewing Gregory Alan Williams, a star of Baywatch

"Gregory Alan Williams, Star of Baywatch TV Program, Was A Real-Life Hero and Played An Integral Part In the In Search Of HeroesTM Copywriting Program for High School and College Journalism and Multi-media Students That Teaches Students How To Spread Good News World-wide Using Copywriting, Blogs, RSS Feeds, Photos and Audio and Video Interviews To Create Websites That Tell the Unique Stories of Local and International Heroes Who Help Others In Many Different Ways and Deserve Recognition For Their Good Works"

Dan Mader: “When you saw the man being attacked, it would have been easy, probably the easiest thing to do was just walk on by. And, earlier we talked about possibly what makes a hero is that the great people we talked about…Martin Luther King, Malcolm X…they have the strength to overcome the desire to conform and stand up for what they believe in.”

Gregory Alan Williams: “Jefferson, Franklin, Madison, Hale, great men all. Likewise, Robert E. Lee. All these men, men who made choices, difficult choices. It certainly would have been easier to acquiesce to the rule, the king’s rule, for learned men of property as Mr. Jefferson was a learned man of property.”
Gregory Alan Williams: “It would have been easier. He could have gotten his perks and even become a wealthier man. But, he went against the grain. He chose liberty. Malcolm X also chose liberty. His father was murdered by a mob. His mother died of – of grief induced – or madness induced by grief. She lost her mind. He too opted for liberty.”

Gregory Alan Williams: “Martin Luther King opted for liberty. Robert E. Lee opted for what he felt was liberty, you see. The right to choose, to make choices. All of these men, great American patriots. Being a patriot is not necessarily going along with what the government thinks is right. Going along – going for what one thinks is best for the people.”

Gregory Alan Williams: “There’s also a thing – an issue of honor. I am an ex-Marine, and you know, I was taught that honor was being willing to die and often dying…that that was the ultimate sacrifice.”

Gregory Alan Williams: “The ultimate sacrifice was not how you lived, but how you died. I am not exactly sure how I feel about that. But, if I consider myself an honorable man, then how in the name of Heaven can I stand in the face of another man who’s being deprived of his liberty and call myself an honorable man?”

Gregory Alan Williams: “Which is another reason why the act was selfish. I could not! How could I look my son in the eye. How could I talk to anyone about honor, having stood in the face of a man being beaten to death and not made a move? How could I call myself a man? Now, I could lie to you and I could lie to me, but, I’m not comfortable with that, with lying to myself.”

Gregory Alan Williams: “So as I stood there and watched Mr. Hurata slump forward, I’m saying to myself, ‘Well, first of all, buddy, if you don’t do something, you’re going to have to live with this dishonor. Nah, don’t want to do that.’”

Gregory Alan Williams: “So I moved forward to preserve my honor. And, you know, I know that in this day and time, honor is not a politically correct kind of term or attitude. But, one thing I’ve learned about living is that you take what is good from your experiences…what you can use, and leave what you can’t.”

Gregory Alan Williams: “Rarely should we write an experience off wholesale. There is much good that we can take from even things that may be a bit unpleasant. And, one of the things that I took from the Marine Corps was the concept of duty and the concept of honor and faithfulness.”

Posted by ralph at 08:34 PM | Permalink

In the past few years, online auctions have really become a popular way for people around the world to buy and sell goods. Now I am not just talking about coins, figurines, or other collectibles. In fact, collectibles only ranked sixth in 2004 for all items sold on Ebay with a total value of $2.2 billion dollars worth of sales. But, perhaps surprising to some you just as it was to me, automobiles actually ranked first in sales on Ebay last year with over $11 billion generated through the online auctions hosted by the company.

Yes, the Ebay business machine just keeps growing every year and now you finally want to learn how to sell some of the things lying around your home to make some of that money that seems to be changing hands like gold through all the auction selling. Well my friend, it is about time because online auctions are a simple and convenient way to make real money from home and have fun in the process!

How Basic Online Auctions Operate

The Ebay business machine has grown and evolved over the years so that there are now several different methods to post and sell merchandise. The most basic ebay auctions operate very similarly to a real auction.

The seller first must register and then write a description of the product being sold. Although some copy writing is helpful, a little practice and some homework are all you need to have a basic idea of how to describe your product. Then, you set a price that you want the bidding to start at and designate a time limit as to how long you intend to allow people to bid on your posted merchandise. Then, when time runs out, you must sell your product to the highest bidder. Doesn't really seem that hard to make money on Ebay, does it?

Online Auctions with Reserve Price

There is certainly no one out here that wants their Ebay business venture to end in failure which is precisely why some people opt for the "Reserve Price" option. This "reserve price" is the minimum amount of money that you will take for whatever it is you are trying to sell via the online auctions.

No one can actually see the reserve price except for you so you still get the main benefit of online auctions which is to get people to bid against one another for your product while driving the price upwards. But, for ebay auctions having this reserve price set, the product will not go to the highest bidder unless they have a bid that is equal to or higher than your minimum price. This is a particularly good option for higher end or specialty products to protect you from low-ball bidding and losing a bunch of money.

Online Auctions Using "Buy It Now" Option

Now if you are impatient, need to sell something immediately, or are offering something that might sell better with a fixed price, you can choose the "buy it now" option when posting your merchandise. This allows buyers to purchase your product immediately for a fixed price without going through the trouble of monitoring the bids and waiting for the time limit to expire.

For those of you thinking that online auctions are a mere fad, guess again. With access to a global marketplace and more people than ever using the Internet to buy the things they want and need, online auctions are only going to increase in popularity in the coming years. Auction selling is the best and fairest way to get the best price for anything being sold. Plus, if you play your cards right and are savvy enough, you might just be able to quit that day job and start making money from home selling things you love to people that want your goods!

Yours in success,

Jason James
Consultant and eBay Power Seller
Founder, Auction Resource Network

Click Here to get photo hosting for your Ebay items for only $6.99 a month.

Jason James is originally from Boston, MA. and has spent time in the U.S. Marine Corps learning some of the discipline that is required for a successful home-based Internet marketing business.

Jason has built a long track record of success mastering eBay and building profitable membership websites.

His first Internet success was selling products on Internet auction site eBay, becoming a power seller then eventually putting together the website www.auctionresourcenetwork.com which detailed the exact steps a person can take to make money on eBay.

Jason's most recent venture is putting together a series of Online videos made by some of today's top Internet marketers to help budding entrepreneurs get trusted information to help their online businesses grow to phenomenal levels.

Jason has kindly allowed us to post one of his articles about how to be successful on E-bay each day for the next couple of months. Thanks Jason.

Posted by ralph at 07:13 PM | Permalink

Click Here to see the video of Dan Mader interviewing Gregory Alan Williams, a star of Baywatch

"Gregory Alan Williams, Star of Baywatch TV Program, Was A Real-Life Hero and Played An Integral Part In the In Search Of HeroesTM Copywriting Program for High School and College Journalism and Multi-media Students That Teaches Students How To Spread Good News World-wide Using Copywriting, Blogs, RSS Feeds, Photos and Audio and Video Interviews To Create Websites That Tell the Unique Stories of Local and International Heroes Who Help Others In Many Different Ways and Deserve Recognition For Their Good Works"

Gregory Alan Williams: “Mr. King quoted another writer saying, ‘Never seem to know for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee.’ Some folks talk about karma. Other folks say, ‘What goes around, comes around.’ Some folks say, ‘You reap what you sow.”’ In every culture, there is some sort of saying that suggests that you get back what you put out.”

Gregory Alan Williams: “If that is so, then it is in my best interests to look out for my neighbor. As Americans, we have throughout our lives, taken a pledge to preserve liberty and justice for all. The day Mr. Hurata was beaten, his liberty was stolen…liberty in this instance defined as security of person, the right to go to and from one place to another unmolested, unafraid, and so on.”

Gregory Alan Williams: “It is then as an American, I’ve taken the pledge, made the oath, that I would preserve liberty and justice for all. It is then my responsibility as an American to do that when I can and wherever I can. The promise of Democracy is fulfilled person to person. The principles of the Constitution are honored person to person. And, so is the Bill of Rights. If I wish to demand justice, then I must be willing to preserve justice.”

Dan Mader: “So, does it all come back to the Golden Rule?

Gregory Alan Williams: “Yes, and that’s why it’s golden, because it is universal. ‘Do unto others as you would have them.’ Certainly, were I in a vehicle at an intersection being beaten, I would have others do unto me as I did unto Mr. Hurata. I would have someone – if it was in my power to mesmerize someone to come rescue me – I would do that. I would want that. I would need that. I would require that. So then, with Mr. Hurata, I did unto him what I would have others do unto me.”

Dan Mader: “Isn’t that just one of the greatest parts of human nature, though, that we are willing to help?”

Gregory Alan Williams: “It is one of the parts of our nature. Our natures are varied. We are as capable of great acts of compassion as we are horrible acts of intolerance and of course indifference.”

Gregory Alan Williams: “So our natures are varied and that is one of the things that I have to come to accept. There is a bit of bad in the best of us, and a little good in the worst of us. I must be on guard for those aspects of my nature that are not compassionate. I must be on guard for my racist nature which is brought about by my fearful nature…afraid that I’m not going to get something I want or I’m going to lose something I’ve got.”

Gregory Alan Williams: “Our lives generally speaking are shot through with fear. We don’t see it as fear because it manifests itself as anger, righteous indignation. And, we don’t acknowledge that it’s really fear based.”

Gregory Alan Williams: “I’m afraid of these people, of this person, because they might take something away from me or they might prevent me from getting something that I need or my children might not be getting something they need, and that sort of thing. So, we have to be on guard for those ugly things in our nature, and be willing to accept them and embrace them as being a part of our nature.”

Posted by ralph at 11:32 PM | Permalink

That is the question that thousands are asking me every week. My email is also flooded with questions like: How do I start an Ebay store to make money on Ebay? What should I start selling on Ebay? Is there an affiliate program that will help me make money on Ebay? The list goes on and on.

The one question that we are going to cover today and one that you should pay attention to is "I have a product but what is the best way to evaluate the product and find out how I should price it so that I can make money on Ebay?"

I have two words for you: Search Engine. No I'm not talking about Google, Yahoo, or any other of the major search engines. I'm talking about a search feature that is literally under your nose at this very moment. I'm talking about the Ebay Search Tool!

Did you realize that the Ebay search tools is the fastest and most accurate way to finding out if people are buying products like yours on Ebay? You will also be pleased to know that you can discover what sells best so that you can make money on Ebay and how to accurately price your products so they sell like hot cakes!

Using the Ebay search tool to make money on Ebay

Be sure to search the 'completed auctions' to find out how similar products like yours have been selling. The results that you will find here will also help you determine which categories to list your item in. Anone can make money on Ebay but you want you do not want to be just 'anybody'

Each item sold on Ebay has a particular type of buyer that shops for that item. If you were looking to buy paperback books on Ebay then you obviously would not be searching under the category of televisions, right? This line of thinking will help you better profile buyers and after you have analyzed their shopping patters by studying the completed auctions section of the Ebay search tool then you will better be able to become a 'power seller' to make money on Ebay.

Hot Tip: Use this completed feature to find out what 'time of day' that the high bidders snagged the sale and won. Are you getting the idea yet? Good, let's continue...

Most of the time new sellers like to jump in and make money on Ebay by selling a very common product. That is ok but you still need to do your homework. What kind of homework? Well for example you definitely want to check and find out how many other Ebay sellers are pushing the same product. In conjunction with this information write down what time their auctions close. If you you are the second or third auction to close with the exact same price then your profits will shrink to nothing, trust me.

Hot Tip: Space out your auctions that are similar to others to avoid being left in the cold.

Although it is not necessary now, it is advisable for you to learn the the Ebay search engine 'syntax' (shorthand) so that you will be able to location your items with precise accuracy. Of course you can make money on Ebay by by just finding your way around using the small search box that shows on each page, but eventually you will need to learn more. And, if you are really new to using the Ebay search features then by all means simply go to the search page.

5 parting tips

Last but certainly not least, I am going to leave you with a brief list of tips below which will help you get as much as you can from the Ebay Search Engine in order to help you make money on Ebay.

1. To better define your search be sure to check off the boxes next to 'search titles and descriptions' options

2. Do not worry about using caps when using the Ebay search engine. It is not case sensitive.

3. Using conjunctions and articles are not advisable when typing in your listing. The Ebay search tool may consider these conjunctions/articles (a,or,an,the,etc.) as part of your search and pull irrelevant listings.

4. When searching for a popular item then it is advisable to search by the full 'description' and not by auction titles and descriptions alone.

5. If you are interested in finding the history of pricing for an item then make sure that you check off the box to search the completed listings in addition to the current ones.

Yours in success,

Jason James
Consultant and eBay Power Seller
Founder, Auction Resource Network

Click Here to get photo hosting for your Ebay items for only $6.99 a month.

Jason James is originally from Boston, MA. and has spent time in the U.S. Marine Corps learning some of the discipline that is required for a successful home-based Internet marketing business.

Jason has built a long track record of success mastering eBay and building profitable membership websites.

His first Internet success was selling products on Internet auction site eBay, becoming a power seller then eventually putting together the website www.auctionresourcenetwork.com which detailed the exact steps a person can take to make money on eBay.

Jason's most recent venture is putting together a series of Online videos made by some of today's top Internet marketers to help budding entrepreneurs get trusted information to help their online businesses grow to phenomenal levels.

Jason has kindly allowed us to post one of his articles about how to be successful on E-bay each day for the next couple of months. Thanks Jason.

Posted by ralph at 07:09 PM | Permalink

Click Here to see the video of Dan Mader interviewing Gregory Alan Williams, a star of Baywatch

"Gregory Alan Williams, Star of Baywatch TV Program, Was A Real-Life Hero and Played An Integral Part In the In Search Of HeroesTM Copywriting Program for High School and College Journalism and Multi-media Students That Teaches Students How To Spread Good News World-wide Using Copywriting, Blogs, RSS Feeds, Photos and Audio and Video Interviews To Create Websites That Tell the Unique Stories of Local and International Heroes Who Help Others In Many Different Ways and Deserve Recognition For Their Good Works"

Dan Mader: “Can you tell me a little bit about the events in the LA Riots, tell me what happened?

Gregory Alan Williams: “Well, I was in the intersection of Florence and Normandy in hopes of being a voice of reason with those few individuals there who were committing acts of violence against strangers, but, strangers who were human beings and fellow Americans. When I arrived, a brown Ford Bronco pulled into the intersection and debris struck the vehicle from almost every corner. The driver stops, people ran out to the vehicle and began beating the driver inside.”

Gregory Alan Williams: “The driver turned out to be a Japanese-American named Tatao Hurata. I was standing on the southwest corner. As he slumped forward unconscious, I moved into the crowd and was able to get him out of the truck. As I pulled him from the truck, I was joined by a Mexican-American law student named Jorge Gonzalez who moved to intervene on our behalf, to help us out.”

Gregory Alan Williams: “And, he was struck and knocked to the ground and kicked and beaten. His assault - I should say, his intervention, served as a diversion and I believe the folks that struck him were about to strike myself and Mr. Hurata again.”

Gregory Alan Williams: “So I was able to get Mr. Hurata down the street where other neighbors in the neighborhood intervened and summoned a passing police cruiser and brought a paper towel to wipe his wounds and asked me to set him down on their grass. And, folks came along and asked if they could take him to the hospital. And finally he was taken to the hospital by an African-American man in a van. And, at that point, he was bleeding from – I believe it was his left ear. And, that single entity was hurt very badly and had it not been for that man that took him to the hospital, Mr. Hurata may well have died.”

Dan Mader: “Saving that man’s life, I’m sure everyone agrees, is certainly a heroic act and makes you a hero. But, when we talked earlier, you said a few things that I thought were very interesting. You said that was your responsibility to act like that. And you also said that it was a selfish thing.”

Gregory Alan Williams: “No question. We ask that proverbial question, ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’ ‘What is my responsibility to another human being?’ Dr. King told us that we are tied in a single garment of destiny and whatever affects one directly affects one indirectly.”

Posted by ralph at 10:31 AM | Permalink

Click Here to check out the Captain Biorhythm costume I created at the "Who Wants To Be a Superhero?" character creator page.

You too can create your own superhero.

Why not inspire your children and family members to create their own superhero characters. Help them discover their own heroic potential in their own minds. When they can visualize their personal superhero, they can start manifesting their superhero's attributes of compassion, kindness, courage, morality, intelligence, honesty, integrity and self-sacrifice in real life.

When they find individuals they consider heroes, in their family or local community, they can really learn about heroic action by getting to know these amazing individuals. Young people are desperately seeking role models who are really making a positive difference in the lives of others, rather than just talking about it and doing nothing.

In the first issue of "Who Wants to Be a Superhero?," the use of a traitor and the Morality Test were brilliant plot twists. The use of Rotiart (Traitor spelled backwards) to secretly spy on the potential superheroes revealed that Levity planned to get rich off his superhero experience by selling personalized action figures. Greed was his primary motivation.

Creature was exposed as a woman who joined the superheroes to "meet hot guys in tights" according to Stan Lee. Iron Enforcer admitted he wants to kill people instead of save them. Now what is wrong with that picture?

Stan weighed their merits and faults, and Levity was eliminated. Because of his greed, he was denied entry to the lair...the first candidate to be eliminated. His unbridled lust for money and fame were his downfall.

The secret challenge of helping the young girl in distress, who had lost her mother, focused on a huge issue facing our society today. Many children world-wide are lost and hurting emotionally. Too many are victimized, ignored and unloved.

Many adults just don't hear the cries of young people who are in desperate need of help. So many children have been injured by divorce, drug abuse, sexual predators and self-centered parents. Adults are too often focused on their own glorification, gratification and justification.

Many believe in personal autonomy. They want to do whatever they want as long as it feels good to them.

The only sin is getting caught violating the laws of society. This seems to be the mantra of so many politicians, corporate executives and athletes. The end justifies using any means to get there. Winning is everything.

Stan's choice of the potential superheroes is "right on the money!" It is exciting to see that some of the superheroes did the right thing and stopped to help the lost child. These individuals showed true compassion and concern about the young girl in need and did something about it. The real superheroes are: Major Victory, Cell Phone Girl, Lemuria and Fat Momma. I would expect they will have an edge in the competition.

The superheroes that failed were: Creature, Ty'Veculus, Monkey Woman, Nitro G and Iron Enforcer. These characters seem to be so focused on themselves and their goals, that the child in need was not even recognized. It will be interesting to see if these characters learn compassion, courage to do the right thing, empathy for those who are suffering and self-sacrifice as the series unfolds.

There was little doubt that Nitro G was going to be eliminated. Two strikes and he was out!

Not only did Nitro G ignore the little girl in distress, but he also changed into his costume in public. Stan specifically instructed the superheroes to change in secret. That was a part of their test...to change into their costume unnoticed like Clark Kent transformed into Superman without anyone knowing.

Now how offensive and inconsiderate it that?

Who knows how many adults and young people Nitro G frightened and offended. His actions showed a level of total self-centerdness that is often found in young people, before they learn humility and compassion through tragic events in their lives.

What was Nitro G thinking...or was he?

Monkey Woman and Iron Enforcer were also asked defend their actions. Monkey Woman saw the girl but kept going. Iron Enforcer was rebuked by Stan for wanting to kill people and reminded that superheroes exist to help people. Their saving grace was that they took credit for their actions, apologized for their mistake and promised they would be more sensitive to others in need in the future.

The first episode has fulfilled all my hopes and dreams as a local social hero in San Diego for 30 years. I created Captain Biorhythm in 1976 in the skateboard industry to inspire young skaters to wear safety equipment, have a good attitude and use both sides of their brain hemispheres to become geniuses.

My desire to make a positive difference resulted in the "Pepsi Cola Safety Skateboard Program." As Technical Director, I had the opportunity to work with the top skateboarders, who pushed the limits of gravity in pools and pipes, to spread the message of honesty, integrity and courage to thousands of elementary and high school students in LA.

After creating the "In Search Of Heroes Program" in Coronado CA in 1973, I have had the privilege of interviewing over 35 heroes in the internet industry, military and charitable organizations. Thank you Stan Lee, Nash Entertainment and Dark Horse Comics for battling the forces of evil that exist in everyday society by shedding light into the darkness of what it truly means to be a superhero. You guys are my heroes! Keep up the good work!!!

Posted by ralph at 07:33 AM | Permalink

Wow! The San Diego Comic Convention was filled to the gills with social heroes. There were armies of volunteers doing so many different things, it was mind boggling.

Needless to say, the Comic-Con volunteers who collected tickets, controlled crowds, manned the registration booths, delivered water and babysat the comic industry stars, writers, artists and publishers were real heroes. It would take an entire day to detail all the great services of the volunteers.

Most went unnoticed by the attendees...just as it should be. Any awesome event is distinguished by how smooth it runs and how much enjoyment attendees experience. A flawless event is a tribute to all the dedicated Comic-Con volunteers.

True heroes are always helping others in the background. Most people don't even realize the secret heroes are there, in their midst, serving others quietly, unassumingly. They don't crave publicity or rewards.

Social heroes are just happy to help others. They realize the true joy of living is doing something special for others.

These random acts of kindness make the world a much better place for everyone. These are the heroes that should be recognized. They, along with the fictional characters we all know and love, should be emulated by young people.

"Rise up heroes and heroines! The world needs you now."
Captain Biorhythm

One group of volunteers I specifically wanted to honor are those who participated in the annual "Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive. In 2005, the Comic-Con was the second largest donating organization in San Diego. Only the San Diego Chargers blood drive harvested a greater quantity of blood.

Captain Biorhythm decided to be a real hero and donate some much needed blood. There were so many people donating it was staggering. Since the Marriott Hotel and Marina provided a much larger space than in 2005, there is no doubt the Comic-Con will beat all records and become number one for blood donations.

Vampires Rejoice! There will be more than enough blood to go around this year. You can have as many blood cocktails, chilled and slightly shaken as you want. You don't need to bite any necks this year.

While giving blood, I caught glimpses of the white fanged, incredibly pointed canines of individuals who moved at lightening speed. You noticed them appearing and disappearing out of the corner of your eye, on the periphery of reality. They were the San Diego Blood Bank volunteers, doing a great job, sucking blood, herding donors and rewarding everyone with a huge smile and caring attitude.

After all, the San Diego Blood Bank and Comic-Con volunteers served and inspired many people. Every one who donated blood was a hero.

There was a big bonus for donating blood. Generous Comic-Cons exhibitors provided some very awesome goodies as a reward for those who were willing to step up to the bar and provide a few pints of life-giving, precious fluid. Who knows how many lives this generosity will save in the near future?

To be continued...

Posted by ralph at 11:55 PM | Permalink

Click Here to see the video of Dan Mader interviewing Gregory Alan Williams, a star of Baywatch

"Gregory Alan Williams, Star of Baywatch TV Program, Was A Real-Life Hero and Played An Integral Part In the In Search Of HeroesTM Copywriting Program for High School and College Journalism and Multi-media Students That Teaches Students How To Spread Good News World-wide Using Copywriting, Blogs, RSS Feeds, Photos and Audio and Video Interviews To Create Websites That Tell the Unique Stories of Local and International Heroes Who Help Others In Many Different Ways and Deserve Recognition For Their Good Works"

Dan Mader: “Gregory Alan Williams is perhaps best known for his role on the TV show Baywatch, where he plays Sergeant Elerbee. But, he’s also a Shakespearian trained actor and served in the Marine Corps. He’s also a real-life hero, having saved the life of a man in the LA Riot. And, he has recently written his memoirs titled “A Gathering of Heroes.” Mr. Williams, I’d like to present you, on behalf of the Heroes in Training Program, with the picture of the previously interviewed cast of Baywatch, David Charvet and Nicole Eggert.”

Gregory Alan Williams: “Grand.”

Dan Mader: “And here are the certificates and hero cards to go with them.”

Gregory Alan Williams: “Thank you very much.”

Dan Mader: “The first question I’d like to ask you, in keeping in the vein of heroism, I know as we’ve interviewed different people through the course of this program, what comes up often is that the real heroes are parents, and especially single parents. I know that you were raised by a single mother. Can you give me your thoughts on parents as heroes?”

Gregory Alan Williams: “Well, I think that heroism can often be defined as a commitment to others long term…long, steady and constant. And, I think parenting requires that kind of heroism.”

Gregory Alan Williams: “We often think of heroes as being extraordinary people, people who accomplish great feats. But, when you consider paying the rent or the mortgage on a regular basis, keeping groceries in the refrigerator, keeping the utilities on, the gas and the lights and so on and so forth, putting bandages on wounds, putting love and kind words on hurts of the heart, those are ongoing commitments and I think that that is heroism. And, I think if we look at our parents, we will find heroism very very close to home.

Posted by ralph at 11:28 PM | Permalink

Got a PC hooked up on the net? How about a hot drive and a life-long dream to earn big? But you don't have any technical know-how?

It's time to earn big, with your computer, with just a partial of your time you will be earning the big bucks you've been dreaming of in no time. How? Through eBay!

eBay is the premiere online business portal even newbies can use, with a minimal tech-savvy, who can resist the lure of setting up a business in this popular e-market. Most of us dream of hitting it big time with not much tedious effort.

To make that dream a step closer, if not in-your-face, to reality, here are some top business ideas you could start with the help of eBay.

Selling Business

This is one of the most popular ways to do it big through eBay. Online auctions make this business more than just another ordinary online selling gig. As long as you know and employ the proper advertising techniques, selling on eBay will not be much of a hard task for you to do. Things to sell that often make it big in ebay include the following:

- new or used baby clothes
- arts and crafts supplies
- cleaning products
- sports and designer clothes
- coins
- collectibles
- computer software
- health and beauty supplies
- costumes
- e-books
- jewelry
- pet supplies
- hobby supplies
- accessories
- toys

Consignment Selling Business

With this business you don't have to risk much since your only investment is just your time. One could sell antiques, books or e-books, collectibles, anything that could be offered through consignment. You can sell other people's antiques and collectibles on eBay and after you collect the money from the buyers pay the consignors for the items. Of course, the money comes from keeping a percentage of the selling price. This is one easy way to earn from an eBay business if you have the resourcefulness and drive to look for those people who would like to avail your consignment services.

Affliliate Programs

If you have a domain, affiliate programs are applicable to a means to do well with the help of eBay. Some marketers offer advertise their affiliate programs through eBay. What you have to do is attach a code or a link to their site or host a banner and voila! They pay you a percentage for the sales you generated through your site.

eBay forums

Putting up an eBay forum is also one way to do it. However, you need to be an expert when it comes to manning any eBay business before you could successfully put up one. This is because your forum's member will be looking for genuine information regarding these businesses and if you have none to offer, this will not be one good idea. When you get to attain a solid number of members, you can offer paid membership to access a restricted members-only area. This way you don't only earn, you also make people learn through your forum.

However, you can't just jump in the bandwagon of eBay entrepreneurs. Doing your homework well will make you more assured that you will be successful on any of your eBay ventures. Also, acquiring the right tools and knowing how to make use of them proves to be helpful, too. Payment terms should not be overlooked either to ensure the smooth flow of your eBay business.

Yours in success,

Jason James
Consultant and eBay Power Seller
Founder, Auction Resource Network

Click Here to get photo hosting for your Ebay items for only $6.99 a month.

Jason James is originally from Boston, MA. and has spent time in the U.S. Marine Corps learning some of the discipline that is required for a successful home-based Internet marketing business.

Jason has built a long track record of success mastering eBay and building profitable membership websites.

His first Internet success was selling products on Internet auction site eBay, becoming a power seller then eventually putting together the website www.auctionresourcenetwork.com which detailed the exact steps a person can take to make money on eBay.

Jason's most recent venture is putting together a series of Online videos made by some of today's top Internet marketers to help budding entrepreneurs get trusted information to help their online businesses grow to phenomenal levels.

Jason has kindly allowed us to post one of his articles about how to be successful on E-bay each day for the next couple of months. Thanks Jason.

Posted by ralph at 07:30 PM | Permalink

Are you giving your prospects crystal clear directions about
what you want them to do, all the time?

Is there any way, what you're saying can possibly be taken
out of context, and you wind up losing a sale as a result?

I'd double check if I were you, because here's a real-life
example about how NOT to communicate.

On our way back from New York City a few weeks ago, I
noticed this sign while I was taking my daughter to the
bathroom, on the inside of the door, and I did a
double-take.

The sign said:

'Close Door Immediately When Not In Use'

Now, do you have any idea what in the hell this means?

When is a bathroom door NOT in use?

When it's opened and swinging madly to and fro?

Or maybe when it's closed and your inside taking a stinker?

You tell me.

Sounds simple right, but most marketing is littered with
confusing directions and midleading statements throughout.

Remember, you can never ever go wrong by communicating too
clearly.

And if you have some connection to Jet Blue Airlines (a
great airline to fly, by the way), tell them to change those
signs to read,

'Keep Door Closed At ALL Times'

Because this... would make... much... more... sense!

And if you haven 't already done so, go ahead and click here right now to sign up for my FREE Tip Of The Week -- it's the Number One Direct-Response Marketing And Copywriting Newsletter for independent business-owners.

“Craig Garber is America's Top Direct-Response Copywriter. You'll find hundreds of marketing tips to increase your sales, and his insanely popular FREE Direct-Response Marketing Tip Of The Week, on his website, www.KingOfCopy.com. Copyright © Craig Garber. All rights reserv

Posted by ralph at 03:33 PM | Permalink

Click Here to check out
the photos from the San Diego Comic Convention.

WAM, BAM, POW! Sunday morning, my body felt like it had been
beaten to a pulp. With the war of good and evil being fought
around me by Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, the X-Men,
Fantastic Four, Justice League, Wonder Woman, Wolverine, the
Hulk, Green Goblin, Doctor Doom, Lex Luthor, Doctor Ock and
a host of superheroes and villains, it was too easy to get
trampled during the hot, head-busting action and major
cosmic battles. I am not as fast or agile as in my younger
days.

After covering the San Diego Comic Convention for three
action-packed days for the Coronado Eagle-Journal
Newspaper, I am embarrassed to admit that I was
exhausted...tired to the bone. I felt so wimpy I couldn't
even make it to the Convention on Sunday. Giving
blood to the Red Cross on Friday was provably not the wisest
move...but I was filled with heroic zeal.

Saturday night, right before the Masquerade started, I
noticed that Dinus, Angela and Kathy needed some help video-
taping the interviews of the contestants and winners. It was
an opportunity to be of service to my fellow costumed
crusaders. Captain Biorhythm jumped into the fray and
spent the next 4 yours standing, operating the video camera.

This was definitely the final nail in my coffin. I was
beginning to feel and look like one of the "living dead." As
I walked to the parking structure at 1 AM Sunday, I knew I
was finished...washed up, a quivering puddle of previously,
powerful, panache.

Sunday morning, the mere thought of the long walk from the
parking structure to the convention, through the high
humidity and blazing hot temperature, was overwhelming. The
real fear of not finding a parking space was palpable.
Sitting in bumper to bumper traffic, that crawled at a snails
pace, was just too disheartening...I couldn't go
through the reporter-photographer grind even one more day!!!!!

Yes, taking photographs of speakers, attendees and
volunteers 12 hours Thursday, 13 hours Friday and 17 hours
Saturday was challenging but extremely rewarding. Each day I
must have walked at least 5 miles. The sights, sounds and
smells were beyond description. You know what I am talking
about if you have ever had the guilty pleasure of attending
this incredible event.

At the ripe old age of 57, I guess it is time for Captain
Biorhythm to hang up his cape and retire his Spandex. He
just cannot keep up the hectic pace of a superhero or even a
local hero.

Without any super powers, even leaping over small obstacles
in single bound is tough. No longer is his speed even close
to that of a speeding bullet. A foot-dragging, arthritic
crawl is more like it.

Maybe he can find a high-tech, jet propelled wheel
chair with side-mounted 50 caliber machine guns, an oxygen
mask, built-in catheter, a diaper dispenser and disposal unit, a water tube,
nutrient IVs and air conditioning. A full service life support system is definitely the answer for geriatric
superheroes.

The good news is that the entertainment industry is taking
up the universal battle of good and evil. Their new movies and
TV programs are inspiring young would-be heroes and parents.
Movies like "Spiderman," "Superman," and "X-Men
are really making a positive difference in people's perception of heroism. Good and evil is clearly defined. Good wins out in the end, in most cases. (Usually there is a sequel where evil is crushed.)

The SCI FI Channel has joined forces with Nash Entertainment
to produce a superhero reality series starting July 27th
called "Who Wants To Be a Superhero?" Characters like "Fat
Momma", "Cell Phone Girl", "Major Victory" 'TyVeculus" and
many others are battling it out to see who gets their
own comic book written by Stan Lee and produced by "Dark
Horse Comics." The lucky hero will even be featured in an
original SCI FI movie.

The ABC TV Studio is releasing a new series called "Fallen."
It is about the battle of good and evil being waged by
angels walking the earth and flying through the heavens. It
is based on the books written by Tom Sniegoski.

NBCs "Heroes" TV series chronicles the lives of ordinary
people who discover they possess extraordinary abilities
that give them the opportunity to accomplish amazing feats.

All in all, the battle between good and evil is in good
hands. New legions of caped crusaders and social heroes are
rising up in their own communities and making a positive
difference in the lives of their fellow citizens.

They are not waiting for the government or outside forces to
solve local problems. They have decided to step into the gap
and create a solution that works. They encourage and
motivate their fellow community dwellers to get involved in
making their town a better place to live for everyone.

By the way, the real secret heroes at the event were all the
volunteers who made the event safe, enjoyable and an
experience to be cherished for potential heroes of all ages.

To be continued...

Posted by ralph at 11:45 PM | Permalink

Listen to the Interviews of the Leading Entrepreneurs in the World Who Are Heroes That Are Pursuing Their Dreams With Every Ounce of Strength and Faith.

The secret to success, in life and in business,
is to work hard at the margin. Relentlessly. Those
little marginal extra efforts will inevitably grow into
something big. Bill Bonner

''God is in the details''

The secret to success, in life and in business, is to work hard at the margin. Relentlessly. Those little marginal extra efforts will inevitably grow into something big. Bill Bonner
 
*** ''God is in the details''

Do you like simple ideas that can make you money?
Well, I've got some good news to share today.

I'm going to cover a very easy action that can
significantly increase your income.

Just use stamps on your mailings rather than
metered mail or bulk imprints.

Live stamps on outer envelopes outpull response
from bulk indicia as proven in all my sales letter
tests. This also applies to postcards as well.

Most direct mailers use bulk indicia. They are
obviously unaware how this simple action will
increase sales.

But, since you now have this little-known
actionable information, you can reap the benefits.

I've never used stamps versus bulk indicia without
a significant lift in response. However, I
recommend you prove it to yourself by conducting
a simple test. On your next mailing, test half using
stamps and half with bulk indicia. Measure the results.

I'd be very surprised if your stamped envelopes were
not the clear winner.

Tips:

1. If you mail first class, you can use regular issue
stamps. However, sometimes unique special issue
first-class stamps work even better. This too is
easy to test.

2. If you mail bulk rate, which is of course
considerably cheaper, use bulk-rate stamps.

It's tough to tell first class mail from bulk mail
when it has a stamp on it.

A big bonus for you is this. Very often the post
office confuses live bulk rate stamps with first
class stamps and delivers as if it were first class.

I just returned to Switzerland from a delightful trip
to the U.S.

There were two major highlights of the trip. The
first was a beautiful voyage across the Atlantic on
the QE2, perhaps the most famous transatlantic cruise
ship in the world. What an experience! Both Bethany
and I have long dreamed of taking this journey ever
since we were children. But we never took the time
before to do it (it takes 6 days). We were delighted
with the whole thing--the people, activities, food,
cabin, plus several best-selling authors aboard.

Plus, we became acquainted with two delightful
entrepreneurs, Steve and Lori Leveen, the founders
of Levenger, a terrifically successful direct response
company you surely know.

Best of all, we didn't gain an ounce of weight. The
fully equipped fitness center really helped too.

I highly recommend the QE2 or new QM2 as a journey
of dreams.

The other major highlight was conducting the most
unique seminar I've ever done, The Small Business
Success Summit in San Francisco, along with my co-
speaker Joel Christopher. For the first time ever,
both online and offline marketing strategies and
cutting-edge copy were presented. We even sold
online $33,898.00 worth of product in one day right
before the eyes of the attendees from 12 different
countries.

I was also delighted that my son David was an
attendee.

For years I encouraged him to attend my seminars
and study marketing.

But David's previous interests were always primarily
in music (he's a capable professional) and computer
science. He was not ready to really get into
marketing. Of course, this was fine by me as I
believe everyone has to find his or her own path.
And, as you know, no one can force you to learn
until and unless you are ready for it.

However, after attending a previous seminar at which
I spoke a few months ago, he really got turned onto
marketing. He now has his own web design company and
his first several clients. He's really excited about
entrepreneurship and marketing. I'm proud of him.
As the saying goes, "When the student is ready,
the teacher appears."

Best of all, every single concept, questions and
answers, of the seminar were professionally recorded
on video and audio.

If you are serious, study the information and employ
the very latest marketing principles. I highly
recommend these tapes. You truly can become part of
history and take your business to the next level.

Check www.smallbusinesssuccesssummit.com for details.

Sincerely,

Ted Nicholas
Nicholas Direct, Inc.
P.O. Box 877
Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785
www.tednicholas.com

Posted by ralph at 08:19 PM | Permalink

Most of us have heard about the phenomenon known as Ebay which promotes those online auctions that attract bidders from the world over for just about anything imaginable. This auction selling has reached a fever pitch and the Ebay business machine just keeps growing and growing. Selling on Ebay has went from an Internet novelty to becoming one of the fastest growing companies in the world with tens of millions of people visiting and using the site each year.

But can people like you and I really make any real money selling on Ebay? I mean, we only have so much stuff! At some point we are going to run out of things to place for auction selling and then we will have to buy new things to sell on Ebay. Selling our things on Ebay may be a great way to make a few bucks on things we don't need any longer, but it can hardly be considered a real job that we could do day in and day out for money to pay bills with... right?

Ebay Trading Assistants

While there may be almost a billion people wired into the Internet, some are definitely more computer savvy than others. For these people and for countless others who plain just do not have the time to post their valuables on Ebay, this is precisely where Trading Assistants come in. Basically, Trading Assistants make money on Ebay by selling on Ebay things that do not belong to them.

By charging an agreed upon fee for all of the work involved in getting items posted in the online auctions held by Ebay, Trading Assistants help other people make money off of their old things while making some money for themselves in the process. It's a win-win scenario! By becoming a Trading Assistant in the worldwide Ebay business machine, you are registered in a directory with over 50,000 others just like you that people can look up and contact when needing someone to help them sell their wares through electronic auction selling.

Trading Assistant Requirements

Never forget that selling on Ebay is a privilege and not a right. Likewise, not just anyone can become a Trading Assistant and make money on Ebay by selling other people's things. There are some conditions that you have to meet in order to qualify for the Trading Assistant status.

First, you must have sold at least 4 items in the past thirty days. Second, your feedback rating must be 50 or higher with 97% of it being positive. Finally, your account must be in good standing before you can make money on Ebay by selling other people's things.

Selling on Ebay has indeed become a worldwide phenomenon. While you can definitely make money on Ebay by selling your own possessions, becoming a Trading Assistant is a way to make online auctions your stock in trade. Why not make money from the privacy of your own home doing something you enjoy? Ebay offers assistance to help newcomers get started and to date there is no fee but the company does reserve the right to change that policy-so don't delay! Start selling on Ebay and then sign up for the Trading Assistant program so you can make money on Ebay all year round by selling other people's things!

Yours in success,

Jason James
Consultant and eBay Power Seller
Founder, Auction Resource Network

Click Here to get photo hosting for your Ebay items for only $6.99 a month.

Jason James is originally from Boston, MA. and has spent time in the U.S. Marine Corps learning some of the discipline that is required for a successful home-based Internet marketing business.

Jason has built a long track record of success mastering eBay and building profitable membership websites.

His first Internet success was selling products on Internet auction site eBay, becoming a power seller then eventually putting together the website www.auctionresourcenetwork.com which detailed the exact steps a person can take to make money on eBay.

Jason's most recent venture is putting together a series of Online videos made by some of today's top Internet marketers to help budding entrepreneurs get trusted information to help their online businesses grow to phenomenal levels.

Jason has kindly allowed us to post one of his articles about how to be successful on E-bay each day for the next couple of months. Thanks Jason.

Posted by ralph at 11:14 AM | Permalink

Click Here to check out the photos from the first and second days of the San Diego Comic Convention.

The second day was incredible. The new "Who Wants to Be a Hero" program on the "Sci Fi" network is going to be awesome. It is a real affirmation of what was started by Jim Shooter in 1993 with the comic series, "The Good Guys."

Using comics to inspire people to do good things in their communities has finally become a reality in the comic industry. Now the super heroes are people who have honesty, integrity, perserverance and a desire to help others.

This is so amazing that comics are finally addressing social problems head on, creating solutions to the world's problems and inspiring individuals to make a difference in the lives of others. Social Heroism has finally become mainstream.

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Stan Lee who has realized comics can inspire new generations to make a positive difference in their own world...NOW!

Posted by ralph at 06:53 AM | Permalink

Click Here to check out the photos from the first day of the San Diego Comic Convention.

The first day was amazing. It is so awesome to be a Special Features Writer for the Coronado Eagle Newspaper. As a reporter you have the opportunity to get into very interesting events FREE because you can provide the most valuable thing a business cannot buy...free good publicity.

Yes, you even get a few perks, like free food, great parking, and early entrance into events to get a good photographic position. You can stand up to take photos any time you want and wander anywhere. Almost everyone wants their fifteen minutes of fame and hope to see their name and photo in the media.

The pen is mightier than the sword. LEARN HOW TO WRITE WELL! Writing and copywriting are the two most powerful vehicles to fame and success.

The written word can change minds and hearts in a moment. Hopefully, people will begin to focus on the good things others do, rather than the bad. We desperately need more "Good News" world-wide with all the strife and wars breaking out.

Finally, the super heroes are getting the credit they deserve for inspiring people to become better individuals. The new DC Comics superhero stamps from the US Postal Service are a real boon to humanity. Mayor Sanders, joined Paul Levitz, the President and Publisher of DC comics, postal officials, David Glanzer from the San Diego Comic Con Public Relations, the comic artists and writers and other VIPs to unveil the new set of stamps. Speakers praised superheroes as great inspirations when they were young.

The world needs more inspiration in times of difficulty. Lets honor the heroes in every family and community to inspire everyone at a grassroots level.

The conventional media will focus on the bad, the bloody, the frightening and the evil events in our world to stimulate viewers who feel better when life is falling apart for others. It is time to stop this sickness...this focus on events that perpetuate fear and helplessness.

Stop filling your mind with death and destruction and strat focusing on hope and faith in a better future for everyone. Whatever people think about becomes their reality. Don't get trapped in the negative, hopless trap created by the media so they can manipulate you to buy their products to fill the emptiness in your life and minimize your fear.

There are a ton of good things happening at the Comic Convention. You just have to look for the good and get involved in the solution rather than perpetuating the problem.

Gregory Short from Sony Online Entertainment and Kevin Donovan, Sean Conley, Mark Politi from the "Comic Book Creator" company demonstrated their awesome comic book software that allows anyone to create a comic strip. You can use your own photos and awesome backgrounds from Marvel Comics, Sony games and downloadable graphics packages to create professional comic strips.

This is the software I have been searching for. It will help young people in every community tell the stories of the heroes in their community in an engaging and entertaining comic book form.

It is as easy as dragging and dropping photos and backgrounds and adding a few words into the comic word balloons. I will be using this software for the "Biorhythm Chronicles," a fictional story about growing up in the "Land Of OB" (Ocean Beach) beginning in 1949.

Check out the photos of the people brave enough to dress up as their heroes. It takes courage to wear the costume of your hero in a society that frowns on anyone who is different. For those who wore their costumes, I celebrate your courage to be different. You definitely have the self-confidence to be unique.

The most amazing part of the day was listening to Deepak Chopra, his son, and Grant Morrison when they talked about the seven spiritual aspects of the new breed of super heroes who will lead society to new levels of enlightenment.

I was shocked there are others who are encouraging individuals to develop their own heroes within. It is time for all heroes and heroines to "Rise up and make a positive difference in the world today!"

It was a truly glorious day. Captain Biorhythm was thrilled to find kindred spirits in Deepak and Grant. All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men and women to do nothing. Apathy is the killer of civilizations.

Here is a big "KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!" to Deepak, his son, Grant and Larry Lieberman, the Chief Marketing Officer of "Virgin Comics." I salute you guys for using comics to help your readers develop their spiritual consciousness.

Tomorrow, I am going to show up as Captain Biorhythm in honor of the Comic Con's new focus on heroes in real life. The "Heroes" TV series from NBC chronicles the lives of ordinary people who discover they posses extraordinary abilities.

The new Sci Fi Channel Reality show, "Who Wants to Be A Super Hero" exposes unique individuals who feel they have super hero potential. Stan Lee should be a good judge of super hero character. This program has the potential for being extraordinarily inspiring or knee slappingly funny...probably both.

Tomorrow will be a great day. Captain Biorhythm has volunteered to let the blood suckers at the "San Diego Blood Bank" have a few pints of precious fluid to help others. His blood is so rare, few have it.

Obviously, he is a genetic mutant and might as well help keep his alien brothers and sisters alive. Let's hope they turn off the spigot before he is drained dry. No one wants be bleed out...even if it is for a charitable purpose.

Posted by ralph at 08:00 PM | Permalink

Click Here to lListen to Debra's Heros Interview.

"Debra Berg Is the Author Of the Amazing Book, "The Power Of One" Who Has Invested Many Years Searching For, Interviewing and Writing About Social Heroes Who Are Taking the Bull Of Social Problems By the Horns And Creating and Applying Innovative Solutions To Local Problems In Their Communities"

Ralph Zuranski: You know, Debra, after talking with you I am so impressed with what you are doing and the heroes that you have found and that you have interviewed. I was wondering if you would be open to maybe asking them the same questions that I have asked?

Debra Berg: It has occurred to me and I am excited about that possibility and I am sure they would be very willing to help.

Ralph Zuranski: Maybe after we get off the phone we could talk about that.

Debra Berg: Yes.

Ralph Zuranski: It’s not often that you find people that really are making a big difference in society and helping to inspire others to do more in their lives than they ever imagined possible.

Especially not just focusing on wealth but actually focusing on helping others and making the world a better place.

Debra Berg: And my goal, like I said earlier, is really to be the cheerleader and to bring what they are doing out into the open and bring it into conversation in mainstream America so that people realize just how valuable it is and the kinds of things they are doing.

Ralph Zuranski: That’s really great. I real1y appreciate your time. Thank you very much for the interview.

Debra Berg: You are very welcome. I have enjoyed it and thank you for considering me a hero and wanting to interview me. I’ve enjoyed it.

Ralph Zuranski: I appreciate the good work that you are doing and I hope that we can work together.

Debra Berg: Great. I would enjoy that, too!

Posted by ralph at 05:59 PM | Permalink

As a successful powerseller on eBay I often get turned to for advice. Since I registered on eBay in 2000, I've ran thousands of profitable auctions which I follow these guidelines. Most importantly always try to be fair with other users who deal with you and never be intimidated by any competition. eBays big enough for us all, and currently there is 1 seller registered to 78 buyers.

1) Low starting Price

Before you list your auction, ask yourself what's the lowest amount you'd be prepared to accept for your item. A low starting price will attract more bids and at a quicker pace - usually within the first day of the listings. Research shows that a .99c starting price will get you bidders within a few hours. Many vehicles and high value items are sold with a low starting price especially by established powersellers - because unless it's an extremely poor week the item will normally end up with hundreds of bids & at a cost that's acceptable to the seller.

Additionally users are more likely to view auctions which already have a successful bid as it generates interest in your item. It's like if you see a market stall with hundreds of people standing around it - your curiosity would tell you to stop & see what's generating all the interest. Use human curiosity to your advantage.

2) No Reserve

Many sellers still place reserve prices on their item. A reserve price is one which unless it is met by your sellers you are not obliged to sell the item. An example would be if you have an reserve of $10, and your item sells for $9.00 you do not have to complete the sale & release the item. Reserve items, although very occasionally may be necessary in the case of extremely high value items or businesses for sale are off putting to bidders. Why would you bid on an item with a reserve price on, unless you already knew were aware of what the reserve was. Personally I'd look for alternative items without a reserve price.

eBay has already removed the Reserve Price option from some of it's site in a move that is largely welcome by the majority of users. It could be a sign that this policy change will be extended to all of it's sites.

3) Images

An Image is worth a thousand words. Take photos of your item to clearly show the condition of it, and any damage or unusual aspects of it. eBay allows you to include one photo free of charge & if you use your own image hosting service you can easily include as many photos as necessary to show your item in a detailed manner. Many powersellers use up to 20 photos for one single item. Ask yourself how many are necessary for your item. & also consider using the gallery option so the image will appear within the search listings.

4) Cross-Promotion

You've worked hard to get users to view your listing, so while their viewing it also include a link to any other items you've available. This is allowed in addition to the already provided link to "View other sellers items". You can use commercial services (such as Anadale) to include images & descriptions of your other items.

5) About Me Page

Sell yourself on your About Me Page. This is your chance to establish some credibility for yourself. The biggest reason people will not buy from you online is because you have failed to establish any credibility for yourself. So include details about you & your business. Where are you suituated?, how long have you been registered on eBay?, What do you specialise in? If your a high volume seller you may also want to include a photo of yourself. Have a look at other About Me pages to see what works and what doesn't.

6) Return Policy

Nothing gives buyers greater confidence than knowing that they can return the product if it's not for them. So consider drafting yourself a returns policy.

Will you accept returns? What if the item arrives faulty? How long is the policy valid for?

It may seem like a big risk to offer such a policy knowing that you'll have to incur a cost relisting & reshipping items but only a very small amount of users will return the items.

7) Feedback

Leave feedback for the winning bidder as soon as the item is paid for. Some sellers like to protect themselves by only returning feedback when it is left for you. I consider this unprofessional and your bidders will most likely think the same too. Don't be scared of getting a negative or neutral comment on your feedback record. The majority of users will consider all of you feedback before bidding, not just looking at one or two comments.

Additionally if you deserve any feedback left for you such as if you were late shipping, accept it was you fault. Don't be too worried about admitting it with an apology in response to your feedback. You may also want to compensate your winning bidder with reduced postage or a bonus item to show it was a genuine error on your part.

If you know the there is going to be a delay in completing any transaction, email the bidder and inform them. Apologize with a comment such as "This is a rare incident that's completely out of my control. I hope by looking at my feedback record you will see this is an completely isolated incident". Always try to keep on good terms with all your buyers.

8) Instant attention

Give immediate attention to your bidders & prospective bidders. Don't leave a delay of days before responding to any emails or phone calls. And following a successful transaction you may want to email your bidder to tell them when the items been shipped and when it will be expected to arrive.

I know many sellers, some of them powersellers who takes days to respond to a simple email. If you don't have time to respond immediately consider delegating the responsibility to someone else who can respond on your behalf. Never give any bidder reason to doubt whether your a genuine seller or not.

9) eBay Store

Opening an eBay Store is a necessary step for anyone medium sized seller. Not only do you benefit from cheaper & longer listings within your shop, but you can also cross-promote your products easily, send out newsletters and establish a trusted brand for your listings easier. Also you'll gain more coverage (& hopefully bids) for your listings by appearing in the eBay store directory.

10) Shipping

Don't be tempted to over price your shipping costs and try to make a small profit on this. Firstly you can be found out to easily, & it's one of the most unforgiving things for a seller to do. More importantly over pricing your shipping costs is against eBay policy.

If your offering digital goods such as an eBook or special report, you may consider a small handling fee to cover your time and administration costs. If you do make sure it's fair and clearly highlighted within the item listing. The last thing a bidder wants to do is find out there are unexpected costs associated with a purchase they've made.

Good luck with your eBay selling activity.

Yours in success,

Jason James
Consultant and eBay Power Seller
Founder, Auction Resource Network

Click Here to get photo hosting for your Ebay items for only $6.99 a month.

Jason James is originally from Boston, MA. and has spent time in the U.S. Marine Corps learning some of the discipline that is required for a successful home-based Internet marketing business.

Jason has built a long track record of success mastering eBay and building profitable membership websites.

His first Internet success was selling products on Internet auction site eBay, becoming a power seller then eventually putting together the website www.auctionresourcenetwork.com which detailed the exact steps a person can take to make money on eBay.

Jason's most recent venture is putting together a series of Online videos made by some of today's top Internet marketers to help budding entrepreneurs get trusted information to help their online businesses grow to phenomenal levels.

Jason has kindly allowed us to post one of his articles about how to be successful on E-bay each day for the next couple of months. Thanks Jason.

Posted by ralph at 02:16 PM | Permalink

Click Here to lListen to Debra's Heros Interview.

"Debra Berg Is the Author Of the Amazing Book, "The Power Of One" Who Has Invested Many Years Searching For, Interviewing and Writing About Social Heroes Who Are Taking the Bull Of Social Problems By the Horns And Creating and Applying Innovative Solutions To Local Problems In Their Communities"

Ralph Zuranski: How will being recognized as an Internet hero change your life?

Debra Berg: I’m not sure, but I hope it will encourage young people, especially young girls and women, to take action toward their dreams.

Ralph Zuranski: How are you making the world a better place?

Debra Berg: Right now, I’m taking on the roles of a stepmother, wife, and researcher/writer about America’s civic heroes. I hope I’m adding value and encouragement to all existing and future civic entrepreneurs. There’s an adage by Edith Wharton that goes, “There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” I view myself as a mirror, reflecting these incredible solutions. Many of the kids in your program may become civic entrepreneurs one day if they have these role models to follow. And if they have the financial resources, a network of friends, and the desire to help others, they could help reverse a major social problem in our society. I also see myself as the front and center cheerleader for all of these inventors, now and in the future!

Ralph Zuranski: Do you have any good solutions to the problems facing society, especially racism, child and spousal abuse, and violence among young people?

Debra Berg: YES! That’s exactly what The Power of One: The Unsung Everyday Heroes Rescuing America’s Cities is all about. The solutions to all of these issues, and more are in its chapters. Civic entrepreneur heroes of all ages have invented these solutions. And most of them are still involved in cities nationwide. They need our support, both financial and emotional.

Ralph Zuranski: If you had three wishes for your life and world that would instantly come true, what would they be?

Debra Berg:
For the Power of One to be a New York Times and Amazon bestseller so that the word can spread.
For my stepdaughters and husband to have greater success in their chosen professions.
For the Center for Civic Entrepreneurs to be established. And to network thousands of CE’s nationwide so as to share techniques that solve a wide range of social problems.

Ralph Zuranski: What do you think about the In Search of Heroes program and its impact on youth, parents, and business people?

Debra Berg: I think your program is a valuable concept because it brings together the hero role models of parents and communty leaders with kids who are our future. Through role models they learn important life and vocational skills. Many kids are missing both good heroes and the skills. The result is that they end up floundering throughout the rest of their lives. It’s tough enough out in the real world, even with the best training. Many schools are lacking what the In Search of Heroes program offers.

Posted by ralph at 05:58 PM | Permalink

As an Internet savvy ebay business owner, you have undoubtedly had a friend or family member come to you at some point to ask whether or not it was okay to purchase from a certain Internet business. You might have found this humorous. As someone who regularly makes sales and payments online, you aren't even remotely afraid of being scammed. If something is a scam, you can spot it from a mile away.

However, to people who are considerably less experienced-- perhaps members of your family or your friends--this is a serious obstacle to shopping online regularly. They will probably think twice and consult a friend before buying anything.

This is why ebay's feedback system must be a crucial part of your strategy as an ebay seller: it gives people the unique opportunity to hear what ebay buyers had to say about your products and service.

If potential customers see anything sketchy, you can bet they will hit the 'back' button and shop somewhere else.

On the contrary, if they see dozens of positive responses from your customers, you will immediately gain their trust as a professional ebay seller.

Luckily for you, keeping your feedback record positive is relatively easy if you adhere to the following rules:

1. Avoid posting negative feedback at all costs.

If you encounter a negligent buyer, do everything in your power before leaving negative feedback. Most disputes on ebay revolve around miscommunication, so make an effort to resolve communicate clearly with the buyer. Even if they still wont respond positively, you are better off leaving no feedback at all than leaving negative feedback, which can prompt retaliatory negative feedback.

2. Create feedback rules (written or unwritten) and follow them consistently.

Many ebay sellers have a written feedback policy. They will only leave feedback after the buyer pays and leaves feedback. If a buyer knows upfront that he has to leave feedback to get feedback, he will be more likely to give you feedback after the transaction (provided he cares about his feedback rating).

Not only will this get you more responses, but it will give you more control over feedback. If the buyer gives you negative feedback, you can use your future feedback opportunity to bargain a withdrawal. Some ebay sellers use an unwritten policy. As soon as payment clears, they respond with positive feedback. When the customer sees positive feedback from the seller, they have a higher chance of posting positive feedback in response, even if they haven't received the item yet.

3. Communicate clearly with the buyer.

As I mentioned above, the majority of problems on ebay are caused by miscommunication. Make sure you create a consistent set of rules, post them with every auction, and follow them to the letter. If you have any problems with a customer, you can point to the rules. At the very worst, they can disagree with your policy; however, they cannot disagree that they entered into a contract with you with fair access to your policies.

In addition to using rules, you should also send follow-up emails after your auction ends. You should thank the buyer for purchasing from you and make sure he knows how to complete payment and when he can expect his item in the mail.

Yours in success,

Jason James
Consu