Message From jl

Hi Everyone!

WELCOME to all of our new subscribers, this week! We truly appreciate you! "Trade Journal Subscribers are THE BEST!"

I realize it's almost a week away, but if I don't do this today, I'll miss Mother's Day. First, may I wish all moms a perfect and wonderful day next Sunday.

And, I'd like to share something with you for your amusement. (Men will get a kick out of this, too.) The first time I heard it, I thought the woman was channeling my mother. Then, I thought she was channeling me. Chances are, you'll feel the same.

It's a Windows media file, so it will take a few seconds to download and load into your Windows Media Player. But hang in there - it's worth it!

www.onlinebusinesstradejournal.com/TheMomSong.wmv

It's Our Privacy

I have recently been alerted to the lengths companies are going to in invading our privacy. Normally, I don't come unglued at every little tracking device online. I just assume it's going to happen.

But, now I've heard of a company that is going WAY too far. If it annoyed me - and it did - I believe everyone should be aware of it.

Unfortunately, I have a bit more research to do before I put it in front of you. So, look for it next week.

The Problem

Apparently, it's human to want something for nothing. Back in the old days, our moms used to teach us that wasn't possible. We learned about, "If it sounds too good to be true ..."

When the economy sucks, things get worse. People need income - they need it badly, and they need it now. It's a perfect time to convince folks they can cut a few corners.

Many times, they begin thinking, “Why not? It's was done to me. Plenty of people have hurt me, or scammed me, or done me wrong. Why don't I smarten up and cut a few corners, myself?” And, they start swimming with the sharks. Very sad.

I'm not necessarily criticizing this behavior, although I have definite feelings about it. Unfortunately, it truly IS a part of human nature. And, those not absolutely resolute in their own integrity are often tempted.

A Solution

One solution is to GIVE to people. Make things a little easier for them. People starting new online businesses may have recently lost their jobs, maybe their homes, and they may be feeling pretty desperate.

I remember when I first started working online. I mentioned a while back - it took me nine full months just to learn and launch my first web site.

A lot of that time was used in looking for things I needed. Today, I know a lot more about the Wild, Wild, Web. I know where to find things, and I have plenty of online friends to ask.

But, I DO remember how frustrating it was at first. Add to that, now, that many new online businesses are trying to launch on a financial shoestring.

People hurt by this crappy economy won't have the luxury of paying for every resource they need. They are at risk for taking short-cuts and feeling as if they have no choice.

iCop and our members are creating something to help this situation. People need options they can find and use. And, we intend to supply that.

I'm very proud of the way some of our members have stepped up to help with this project. I'll be announcing all the details, soon!

Online Support Forms

Historically, I've been against online contact forms. I recently changed my mind on that. BUT ...

A legitimate business keeps copies of all correspondence sent. They also keep copies of all correspondence regarding a business exchange.

In using a contact form for your online business, you are denying other businesses the right to have a PROVEABLE copy of what they sent to and received from you.

Of course, there's always the ol' screen shot. But, I'd sure hate to try to get that by a judge. An email, showing a full header has lots of information needed for identity - and your email has a traceable trail.

The other option, of course, is a postal letter. Too slow for the fast business of the Web.

Now, on the other hand, I'm finding that folks, including iCop members, will change their email addresses to avoid canned meat. They also FORGET to send out a notice of said change to their business associates. How professional is that?

So, where I've come to appreciate contact forms is when I can't find an iCop member via email. I can go to their Web sites and send them a message that way.

It'll only be once - and it will be the same message. “Kindly send me a working email address, or have your iCop membership canceled.”

So contact forms DO serve at east one useful purpose. But, if you use them in lieu of email, your inexperience in business is showing. Business associates - should ALWAYS be apprised of a current - and workable - email address!

Another Favorite Story

I received some great email from folks who LOVED the one of my three favorite stories I published, last week. I also mentioned that my other two favorites might offend, and folks might find them inappropriate for this genre.

One of our beloved subs had a great idea. She suggested I put them online - outside the newsletter - for those who WOULD appreciate them.

Good thinking! I know far more readers WILL enjoy the stories than the few who might object. So, majority rules.

I'll put one up for each of these next two weeks. Given this way of dong it, I may find a few more really good ones for you, too. ;-)

WARNING: If language or body parts offend you, coming from an organization such as iCop, do NOT click the link below. But, try to remember, we're all human and we all need the occasional belly-laugh.

www.onlinebusinesstradejournal.com/story-2.htm

Regular joke at the bottom, as usual!

Have a fabulous week and ... keep on keepin' on!

  jl

P.S. Do YOU have the iCop seal on ALL your web sites? Scammers abound in a depressed economy. You will need the credibility of your iCop membership NOW, more than ever!

Use the iCop Seal on Every Site You Own at NO Extra Cost!

Join iCop Today!

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Thank You For Reading!  Have a Terrific Week!

Online Business Trade Journal™ is published solely by dr. jl scott, Director of the International Council of Online Professionals (iCop) and may not reflect the opinion of all iCop members.

Material in the "Leaving You With a Smile" column may be copyrighted by unknown persons.

We accept no responsibility for your use of any contributed information contained herein. All of the information presented in the Online Business Trade Journal™ is published in good faith. Any comments stated in this newsletter are strictly the opinion of the writer or publisher.

We publish all advertising in good faith but offer no guarantees. Please do your own due diligence in ANY transaction.

We reserve the right to edit and make suitable for publication, if necessary, any articles published in this newsletter.

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Copyright © 2009 jl scott, ph.d., Director
International Council of Online Professionals (iCop™)
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