For starters, Sara Blakely was the inventor of a product that apparently today is something that women and men now consider necessities: underwear made with adjustable fabric, Spanx.

Spanx is a registered trademark of Sara Blakely. This fabric allows the garment to mold the body of the wearer.

The first thing that happened to Sara were the footless pantyhose, i.e. you can use socks with sandals.

Sara Blakely take the path is not easy, but it is extremely rewarding. Sarah had an idea, $ 5,000 and the stubbornness of a mule. What follows are their tips for success in business.

1. If you have an idea, do not tell it to your friends or family for as long as possible.

According to Sara, and I agree totally with it, when an idea is born, is too vulnerable and we must defend it from those who want to kill, to give their point of view, which usually tend to leave us dead in the boot track and leave you exhausted trying to explain to people the idea instead of pursuing it.

2. Do not be intimidated by anyone who sees no rhyme or their ideas. Sara faced town lawyers who felt that his idea was not a patentable invention, stubbornly refused to change it and persevered until the came true.

3. You are your best focus group. If you believe in your idea and the need that this will solve, then do it. Many people told Sara that her idea of ​​footless pantyhose, would not work and she just went online and found no one offering the product.

4. Be able to do everything. No job is beneath you. Sara Blakely personally sold his footless pantyhose, into account department store found on the road.

You cannot expect things to be sold it out to kick the street. Sara said that there were many women who gave idea to “share with the owner of the company,” not knowing who spoke with the owner itself. Learned a lot about sales and because women buy the things they buy.

5. Do it for yourself. If you think your idea is a real blow, do not try to sell it to another, do it yourself. His big idea is your opportunity to achieve their dreams so does not sell, work on it and make it reality.

6. Invest in marketing and selling your product. Sara Blakely began her business with only 5 easy dollars, as we said, so I had to write the patent lawyers, advertising buy or rent an office.

Instead, she approached the media to let you know your product, traveled throughout the United States, and spent the day in the hosiery department stores teaching women the benefits of the product.

She called all friends and asked them to buy Spanx. She even put your product in high-end stores, but next to the cash register. We must do everything possible to sell your product.

7. Do not let not knowing to intimidate you. Sara says she never attended a business seminar, but because it had the courage to call a buyer for Neiman Marcus, which at her insistence, offered to attend to just 10 minutes.

Many people will not start because he expects to know absolutely everything a business. Do not let those things stop you, go ahead with your idea and realize your dreams.

It’s hard to think of an entertainment product without a short-term profit, think about the return of investment that creates instant fame, think of the satisfaction of the audience at the expense of marketing strategies and especially the question that seems to fall outside of this game.

Ethics?, Business?, Does it just marketing strategies?.

Far from following ethical paradigms and human values, the entertainment industry seeks to exploit the needs of the audience given a place in the scale of needs of Maslow. Therefore, the struggle of disposable income by the time the consumer is becoming more aggressive in the industry analysis proposed by Porter, competitors seem to become stronger substitutes due to the variety of sectors that comprise it.

Competition for growing consumer interest reaches higher levels and that is when traditional marketing channels ATL are considered saturated and nontraditional media characterized by creativity, but leave aside the economic effectiveness. As always, the need to create it so that when it seemed that there were new opportunities to spread the message, new media come to the surface, but the message should be more consistent than ever.

According to Lieberman (2007, p27) “The entertainment industry is in second place in most U.S. exports and generates nearly 500 billion dollars globally.” Seconded by Jack Valentia data, chairman of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), is the only U.S. industry that owns surplus and deficit, therefore the content distribution channels are growing stronger despite the restrictions and conflict that exists between producers, distributors and exhibitors given the global economic interests that lie behind each product.

Given the conditions of competition within the film industry, which has increased dramatically since the beginning of 2001, are released each week for four to five films vying for first place, yet the audience is unforgivable when choosing your choice. There are films that are first choice and the other run in the top ten with very little choice but to eventually become the first place.

The marketing of entertainment

There are considerations for marketing to differentiate from other types of entertainment marketing, placing the most important considerations, according to Albert Lieberman:

• Since speed is consumed, no time to do an extensive market test.

• The audience reaction is subjective in relation to the impact on box office results.

• Although there are tools to predict consumer habits based on trends, references in social networks, economic indicators and exploratory research, there is a tool that ensures the success or failure, rather than engage the audience based on the message posted on the advertising.

• With film, every move that indicates a possible failure, it must immediately strike back as the regular life cycle is 3 to 4 weeks effective for exhibition.

• While the marketing of entertainment genre shares the right search with traditional marketing, the production of entertainment content is based on creation, which is why we have the possibility of human failure. Launching a product to market, it is often a balance between creativity and chance.

• It centralizes in selling an experience rather than a product. So you can be the income, the audience must first live the experience to become a blockbuster.

• Like fashion, entertainment and trends based on the industry as the seasons are stable but not the models presented, so to make assumptions about genres that have proven successful in hopes of repeating that success is unlikely and risky.

• Technology plays an important factor in the category of content distribution.

• New generations have shown they have the power to define success and failure of new film products, as well as once thought forgotten genres, such as musical and terror.

As mentioned above, it is necessary to consider each of these factors impact on every entertainment product. Above and beyond all this, is the biggest challenge facing every pitch and every promotion: competition with all other types of entertainment.

Fantastic Four: the four C’s of entertainment

Now, to define an analysis of entertainment product should be taken into account that a product of entertainment:

“Has some attributes in common with other products and services in other industries, particularly in terms of brands. Licensing, merchandising, sponsorship, all, all these activities occur in other industries. However, entertainment has some distinctive properties that affect the use and distribution of a brand “(Lieberman, 2007).

Given this parameter, it states that there are four rules that define the structure that defines the entertainment industry: content, channel, consumption, and convergence.

1 .- Content

It is the soul of the entertainment product that truly define a formula that could result in success or failure. Although the original content is thinking of a specific target (Latino community, adolescents, children, etc.) does not mean that the target will accept it. The content must create a connection that translates into an experience through the development of a creative idea that results in an experience, the talent to create, develop and operate an idea, the support and use of technology to help complete production and perish ability of the product.

If the content is not original, it is common to come from: a license that must be regionalized or a remake that should be adapted to a new generation. Often, the first shows reality lives that seek to be adapted to new markets, for example for Latin American Idol television industry, and the second seeks to be adapted to new targets, as might be the remake of “Fame” in the industry filmmaking. But, again, the brand will mean little if the content is not adapted to the experience for the audience.

2 .- Channel

Refers to the distribution of entertainment product, and given the diversity of technology that surrounds the target, there are two elements that are part of the delivery process: where and how. For example, the digital transmission of a TV show like “CSI” 5 via the website of the CBS6, the channel is CBS while the “CSI” is the consumable.

The 2010 consumers have at their disposal a vast array of choices and mean by which to access content, with the band ancha7 the main transmitter of the signal, after television and film. Likewise, satellite, cable, DVR and video on demand continue to grow by leaps and bounds seeking insight into Latin American markets.

3 .- Consumption

The finished product as such, at this stage comes the process of marketing and advertising content viewed from a different perspective to the distribution (channel). Experts in the two areas mentioned above managed to breathe life into licensing and merchandising models if the content allows. Consumption can range from buying a ticket to see “Iron Man 2″ to the acquisition of a magazine with Robert Downey Jr. on the cover or an action figure obtained in the Happy Meal from Mc Donald. That is, consumption involves the action to exploit all tangible and intangible characteristics of the product. However, strategies to consume the content must be moderated to avoid falling into saturation.

4 .- Convergence

It is the point where the content and consumption converge in a digital format. Complementing the channel, the convergence not only seeks to distribute content via online or through mobile platforms, but is intended to distribute content to be consumed through the formats mentioned above. A clear example of this is iTunes or downloading services for mobile content of a specific entertainment product.

And also, you generate profits!

That ideal business can only be achieved by putting your money to work with machines designed specifically for it end. You will be amazed what you can achieve.

Basically we talk about investing in electronic or electromechanical machines that can generate profits purses without having to be present. They are easy to acquire and can allow you to start a business without leaving your current activities, which makes it very convenient.

Candy and Toys Vending Machines.
These vending machines were placed in places where a lot of influx of children especially as stationery, schools or shopping malls. Generally provide gum, candy or small toys. Maintenance is minimal and only need to check with some frequency (5-10 days) to keep the product and remove the coins.
Simple machine Price: us $ 125
Double machine Price: us $ 210
Quad machine Price: us $ 350

Snack Vending Machines.
Unlike before, these machines are much larger and more sophisticated as they are electro-mechanical. These are ideal for business parks, office buildings, universities, clubs, etc.. and that sell products such as sodas, chocolates, juices and even cigarettes. See more about vending here.
Machine Price: U.S. $ 2000-5000

Soft drinks Vending Machines.
These machines are very convenient for business especially because the big soda companies like Coca Cola and Pepsi, are very interested in marketing their products. So in many cases themselves are renting these machines for a very low price with the sole condition that you take care of the space and keep it with product. Your profit is then the product sold. They also have the enormous advantage that can be placed almost anywhere as long it is closed.
Machine income: U.S. $ 75-100 per month
Deposit required: $ 500

Public Telephones
Even with the rise of cellular technology, payphones remain an excellent economic alternative communication for many people. You can invest in payphones placed in stores, grocery stores, mini-supermarkets and all kinds of business that will allow the space. If you wish to place on public roads should consider installing a cab and ask the appropriate permissions to your local municipality. Require minimal maintenance and coins are withdrawn regularly to prevent vandalism.

There are models of fixed line and others who work with inner cell plant allowing you to install and relocate without problem.
Phone Wallet Price: us $ 500 to $ 1000
Simple telephone box Price: us $ 300

Internet stations
Wallets are machines that allow you to access the Internet for periods of 15 to 30 minutes minimum. They are perfect to place in airports, bus stations, small hotels and any place where persons who require access to the network. There are many franchises for such stations or you could make your own models, why not?.
Estimated price: us $ 1000 to $ 2000

Coffee Vending
Ideal for shopping malls, hotels, supermarkets, universities and sports center. They allow you to pour a cup of coffee in its various flavors. Require regular provision of inputs such as sugar, coffee and water. You can also get you the rent franchise.
Machine Price: us $ 1000 to $ 1500

Electromechanical Kids Games
There are variety of machines for fun purses smaller carousel or swing style that can be purchased with different companies and allow you to place them in malls or crowded places with people. They are the ideal attraction for children and simply work for you.
Require electricity, some maintenance and regularly remove the coins.
Approximate price: U.S. $ 300 to $ 1500 depending on the type of machine.

Electronic Gaming Machines
These are classic games machines are everywhere. Purses are machines that let you enjoy the classic car racing games, spacecraft or Mario Bros.
For its size and performance, unlike other types of machines, require local and care of a person to oversee the proper use or attend minimal problems.
Price Range: $ 800 to $ 1500 depending on additional accessories required.

Measuring machine and Height Weight
Perfect for malls, fairs and venues, these scales allow for a coin you can measure your weight and height. Powered by electricity and require little maintenance since they have greater mechanical wear.
Machine Price: us $ 1500 – $ 2500

Advantages of investing in machinery

- Would you say work 24 hours and 7 days a week throughout the year
- You can grow your business gradually acquiring more machines
- Require minimal maintenance
- Generate a steady income
- Return on your investment over the medium term
- If the location is not good, can be relocated easily

And no wonder because there are several factors to consider before renting a room or office for your business.

Many entrepreneurs are busy and they fall into financial traps of thinking because they necessarily need a commercial for your business to walk on wheels.

Which is a myth, and certainly this should be a goal, but as such should be planned and scheduled to gradually achieve and the pace of business growth.

So today, I share at least 10 reasons why you DO NOT need a shop to start your business:

1. Rents too high. The rent of a room varies according to location. If traffic is higher income people will be too. This can be an advantage if you take advantage of that traffic by offering products ideal for the kind of market moves. Otherwise, the high cost of rent can drown your income.

2. Accommodation of the local costs. Depending on the type of premises, office or kiosk to look, in many cases, the lesser offers the same condition that you do need physical adaptations, which include: lighting, flooring, telephone lines, painting, decorating.

3. Advertising costs. After your local leased and conditioning, then you make it look. And this involves other costs such as advertising and labeling. You should consider within your budget.

4. Legal costs of leasing. Within the local regular income should consider the cost of the lease and by way of deposits under warranty for damage and protection of the lesser. This is equivalent to one or two regular additional income. Not to mention the costs of research credit reference you make.

5. Maintenance costs. You should also consider the costs of upkeep of the premises are regularly quotas set by the mall or your local buildings that lease.

6. Security costs. Additionally, depending on the area or location of the same, you should also include costs of surveillance and security for safeguarding your assets. This includes patrol services, alarms, closed circuit cameras, etc…

7. Contract compliance. Regularly leases are one or two years at least, which is a long-term. If at any time your business will not have to take off as planned, this can become so heavy burden of which will be hard to shed.

8. Schedules compliance. Either because the mall requires it or because your own sales targets as needed, usually you are forced to meet certain minimum days and hours can indirectly mean hiring staff to handle your business. You should consider these costs in your budget.

9. Trade restrictions. I remember a few years ago I had a computer accessories shop in a room inside a supermarket. At one point, I wanted to implement the sale of mobile phones and recharge time the supermarket but the administration stopped me with the argument that we became direct competition with them. So I had no alternative. You must be very clear about any restrictions that the lessor established.

10. Inappropriate Market. When you rent a room, you must perform a market study that will ensure that the traffic of people who pass in front of your business is right for your product. Renting a place where people are not interested in your product or simply cannot afford, only singificará few sales and ultimately financial burdens that could have been avoided.

I know now you’re wondering: When then I should rent space for my business?

And the answer is simpler than it seems. It is advisable to rent a room when you are fully aware of the costs and you’re ready implicated financially to support them.

And of course, there are businesses that do require a local, but the best way to absorb the costs is by developing a sales strategy that allows you to create, identify and reach a market of customers who simply be happy with your product.

But as we have always said and advised on this blog, the growth of your company should be gradual, planned and evaluated regularly to be sure your steps to success.

Finally, remember that many of the big multibillion companies today like Amazon, Ebay, Facebook and Google, was born at the university or in the garage of the house owners. Not acquired until the business office had begun to roll and then had the financial ability to bear those costs.

“Renting a place to light may be equivalent to putting a child skates a year who can not even walk.”

Effective communication in 2 easy steps

Step 1. Identify the predominant channel of customer perception.

Step 2. Match, shape or adapt the dominant channel communication the customer.

On this basis, it is possible to apply the following suggestions to streamline the sales process and significantly increase your chances of closing the sale.

Selling to a visual person

Some examples of expressions that could be used to sell a visual person, recognizing the same language would be:

• At first glance, you may notice is an excellent opportunity.
• Take time to look at the brochures.
• What did you think of the product?
• I agree with your point of view.
• Is it clears the information?
• Looks great with that color.
• Observe from another perspective.
• You have a window of opportunity.

Selling to a hearing person

Remember that the language should be the same as your customer and know that he speaks their language. For example:

• Sounds reasonable.
• Your opinion is very valid.
• You are in tune with their needs.
• Allow me to highlight the benefits of the product.
• I hear what you are saying.
• I am all ears.
• What sounds what I said?
• We will specifically mention characteristics.
• For people hearing more importantly, what they hear, so your best friend will always be your voice and concrete information.

Selling to a kinesthetic person

The following examples of the use of kinesthetic language expressions:

• Allow me to raise awareness about the issue.
• It is a pleasure dealing with you.
• Do you feel may be useful?.
• I see your concern.
• You will feel very happy with the purchase.
• I want to awaken their interest.
• It is possible to maintain the supply.
• You leave a pleasant taste.

Summarizing

It’s time to reinvent yourself, to make the best of you and enhance all your resources. Transform into an excellent communicator will take you to be a professional first-class sale with outstanding results. Leave behind the figure of the seller up orders and transform into a true business consultant.