MLM/Network Marketing, a regular business and affiliate business have one thing in common which is: You get paid for your efforts.

MLM/or, Network Marketing is very similar compared to an “affiliate program” with the only difference being (actually a very big BIG difference) in “pay-outs”. (More on that below.)

Multi-level marketing, also known as MLM or Network Marketing, is an alternate channel for a manufacturer or, service provider to deliver its products or services to market.  Other direct marketing channels (to list a few) – for example – are:  retail storefronts, catalog shopping, newspaper ads and inserts. 

Why would a person choose the MLM route or Affiliate Marketing route as compared to starting their own brick and mortar business?

There are several great reasons:

• Low overhead.  Unlike the typical retail company/franchise, the MLM distributor and affiliate marketer doesn’t need to come up with hundreds of thousands of dollars which are ordinarlly invested in “buying” into a franchise organization, securing inventory, equipment, telephones, store-front location and training employees, etc.
• The MLM/Network marketing company and affiliate marketer doesn’t need to spend massive amounts of advertising dollars. 
• MLM/Network marketing companies and affiliate companies pays their people to “promote” the product (or service) into the marketplace.
• The MLM/Network Marketing company and affiliate company will only pay for results which is a percentage of the product(s) or service(s)  ”actually” sold. The “percentage” paid out is money that a company – such as Coke or Procter and Gamble would have invested into advertising and distributorships. To see exactly what I am talking about watch this short animated movie featuring Dr. Charles King – a Harvard grad and a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago who actually started the Network Marketing courses that are now taught in Universities throughout the USA.  On average companies such as Coke spend billions of dollars in advertising and marketing yearly. Here’s where reputable MLM/Network Marketing companies and affiliate marketing companies differ. It’s in their pay structure. Affiliate marketers could earn 3-10% (and in some cases more) of “what ever” they are promoting. They are also typically paid every 30 days or, when they accmulate a “certain amount of commission funds” in their account. Where as most reputable MLM/Network Marketing companies pay weekly regardless of what you generated. Another difference is  MLM/Network Marketing companies literally by-passes the traditional distribution channels, and compensate their network marketers by paying them anywhere from 40 – 80% for their marketing and efforts. Where as Affiliate companies typically retain their traditional forms of marketing. Furthermore, many reputable MLM/Network Marketing companies will not only compensate you for your marketing efforts but could pay you in the form of bonuses, residual income, percentage of product or service retail profits, commissions, and overrides. (By the way, there’s only one company that I know of who includes in their compension structure the 5 payment forms mentioned above.)
• Low distribution costs.  Typical companies generally use  a combination of national, regional, state, and local companies to distribute their products to the retail stores.  Each of these  intermediaries needs to get paid for their services which – to keep things simple – averages out to a 35% mark-up. So, for a product that costs approximately 6 cents to manufacturer will usually end up selling – retail – for $2.00.  To see exactly what I am talking about watch this short animated movie featuring Dr. Charles King. 
• Rapid growth.  A well-managed MLM/Network Marketing company can grow at an amazing  rate considering that their product or service is “needed”. This is typically referred to as “high demand”. Also, products manufactured must be of high quality, offer “value” and “savings”. 
• Specialized and motivated sales force. No matter what area of business you choose i.e., affiliate marketing, MLM/Network Marketing or regular business selling a tangible product or offering services, be aware that there are hundreds of thousands of products cramming the shelves of retail stores and (to mention a few) pages of magazines, web sites and post-cards singing the praises of their products or services. In regards to physical “shelf space”, without a doubt is a BIG (and rare) commodity to the “retail” outlet such as Wal-Mart. And, as a result, product distributors are “wine and dined” by the ”product seller” in hopes the department buyer will put their product in a good “eye” spot. Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible for a new product or service to make a dent in the market, unless a company spends vast amounts of dollars on advertising – for example – via a 30 or 60 second TV or radio spot or, via the infamous infomercial. Ad space may it be printed, radio or television is also a commodity based on demographics, air-time, production, etc. However, one of the best forms of advertising –  even in this day of age  – is word-of-mouth advertising, which solves many of the problems mentioned above.

For the individual seeking a business of their own, MLM/Network Marketing can offer far better pay-offs as compared to Affiliate marketing. With MLM/Network Marketing anyone can obtain the opportunity to build a part-time income source that can - with effort - grow into a significant income where they earn not only bonuses but, an incredible residual income too! As a matter of fact, if you’re even slightly aware of the mechanics of “affiliate marketing”  then MLM/Network Marketing is actually what you should be seeking because for the same “affiliate marketing efforts” - as a MLM/Network Marketer your compensation is even greater.

With MLM it’s all about “a lot of people doing a little bit.”  With Affiliate marketing you’re on your own BUT, the “affiliate program provider” is leveraging in the same way as the MLM. In other words – with the affiliate program provider they too are relying on a lot of people doing a little bit of “promoting”. Just as an affiliate marketer is reward for sales they created, an MLM is rewarded for the sales they created too and  not only by direct sales BUT indirectly as well. 

Unlike Affiliate marketing, MLM/Network marketers obtains a commission on sales made plus bonus on the sales made not only by their own efforts but, by people they enrolled into the company, and the people they enrolled, and people THEY enrolled, and … (Are you starting to see the big picture yet?) By getting a small percentage of many people, your income can grow to a very large number.

For example:  Let’s say your company sells widgets, and the average person buys $100 in widgets each month. Now let’s say you get 5% override bonuses, and your MLM/Network Marketing company pays 7 “levels” deep. Watch what happens if you find 5 associates who are hard workers, and they also find 5 associates, who each find 5 hard workers… etc…

 Level      #people          $volume          $bonuses
1                    5                   500                    25
2                  25                  2500                  125
3                 125                12500                 625
4                 625                62500               3125
5                 3125             312500             15625
6                15625           1562500            78125
7                78125           7812500           390625

So, if each person found 5 people, and each bought $100 each month, you could earn almost $500,000 per month! Looks good on paper BUT … it’s not as easy as it looks. No matter what you choose to do for your “home based business” it will take time to build.

With affiliate marketing there will be a huge “learning curve.” And believe me in order to make even the slightest ”dent” or, for that matter – even get started in affiliate marketing – you will need to learn (just to mention a few things) about: ad sense, google, how to build a web site page (or pages), key words, key word phrases, key word placement, search engines, research affiliate marketing sites, research other affiliates (to see what they’re doing), register with and get approved to be an affiliate, choose your domain name, hosting, content development and contracts. (Yes in Affiliate marketing there are contracts). What I’m mentioning is only the “tip” of the iceberg. If you want the “big skinny” on affiliate marketing I can suggest that you check out/research Rosalind Gardner who is a super affiliate. 

With a regular business – no matter “what” you choose to do – even if you’re a doctor, dentist or attorney – you will need to “promote” and “market” your self and your business, set-up shop, get telephone lines,  join organizations and network, network and network and market, market and market. It’s all about building “relationships” when it pertains to any business.

An excellent example of a reputable profession is: Insurance. The commission an insurance agent can earn vary from company to company, but insurance agents generally receive up to 55% of their first-year premium in commission for selling cash-value life insurance policies. After that, agents usually receive 3% to 5% in renewal commissions for the next five to ten years. Now, frankly, I am unsure if an agent should decide to “leave” the agency if their “renewal commissions” (also referred in MLM/Network Marketing as residual income) would continue. But, my point is: No matter what you choose to do in life you will need to sell, sell, sell and in order to sell you need to network market, market, market.

With MLM/Network marketing you need to (just to mention a few): research the company you wish to become aligned with, secondly (and of equal importance) is to make sure your “leader” is a good “trainer.” Once you become a representative (which I prefer to be called an agent who has my own agency) learn the products, build your group (which is commonly referred to as a ”down-line”) and train others to duplicate your efforts. 

If you are aligned with an excellent MLM/Network Marketing opportunity, and you have the initiative to constantly improve and excellent work ethics you will make a very serious income in MLM/Network Marketing. BUT, what you need to know is this: MLM/Network Marketing IS NOT in any way shape or form a get-rich-quick plan. 

Just as a regular business – such as Air Conditioner Repair or Dog/House Sitter - takes work to develop so does MLM/Network Marketing and affiliate marketing. There IS NO DIFFERENCE with the work involved EXCEPT in the “money” you can make.

Unfortunately, where people get discouraged in business or MLM/Network Marketing is: They don’t put in the work and effort it takes to develop the necessary skills needed in order to be successful. In other words, most individuals would rather and, are seeking the “quick get rich” alternatives. Then, once they “invest” and get what ever it is that promotes the “pie-in-the-sky opportunity” quickly become discouraged when they discover that more funds will be needed or, a new course needs to be purchased and, in general (without going into detail) it’s not as easy as “the pie-in-the-sky promoter” made it sound. In reality, it took them lots of work, time and effort for them to get to where they are. Most importantly to remember that it didn’t happen over night.

The All American Dream is to be self employed and not rely on anyone for their paycheck. The All American Dream is to have financial independence and the ability to work when you want to work. BUT, the most difficult part of full-filling any dream is actually taking the first step.

Unfortunately, a large majority of people will continue to “dream” day in and day out and not take action to change their environment. Some people will allow themselves to be discouraged by family or friends. With others, some will take that first step only to be discouraged due to lack of training or, as a result of poor training and toss in the towel. And with some people, they will take that first step hastily in hopes of getting rich over night. As a result of their hasty move disappointment usually sets in and believing that every business opportunity available is a scam which, just isn’t true. That’s like saying after you had a bad meal from a restaurant that all restaurant food is bad. 

So now you know the difference between a regular business, a MLM (aka Multi Level Marketing aka Network Marketing) business and Affiliate Marketing business which hopefully will assist you with choosing the right opportunity for you. I highly suggest that you take the time to watch this short animated movie featuring Dr. Charles King – a Harvard grad and a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. King is the trailblazer who actually started the Network Marketing courses that are now taught in Universities throughout the USA

The beauty of being self employed – no matter what you choose – is: Your success is up to you. If you’re interested in a wonderful business opportunity with a fantastic and generous company then check out my agency web site by clicking here! Rest assured my training is in depth and of highest quality.

New to MLM? Unsure if you should join a particular company?

Joining a great MLM company (also referred to as network marketing) can bring you financial freedom, residual income, and personal growth in addition to attaining success through the achievement of helping others succeed as well. 

In network marketing (also known as MLM) this equal opportunity platform has no barrier when it pertains to age, gender, educational background, or work experience. What matters most is your desire to succeed and dedication to learn and persevere.

With a minimal investment, anyone can start a part-time, home-based business that can produce unlimited earnings. Therefore doing a little investigating ahead of time to ensure that you’re partnering up with the right company is of great importance. 

1. Longevity. A company’s length of years in the industry matters just as much as their products and/or services.  A good rule of thumb is to select a company that’s been around for at least 10 years.

2. Does the product serve a need or, is it useful? All successful MLM companies are “trend spotters” and provide high in-demand needs. These “needs” can be offered in the from of either a service or product or both. 

3. Are you excited about the company and the products/services they represent? If the company you are considering on joining is simply because your friend joined chances of your success are slim to none. But, if the company you are considering on joining has products and/or services that you truly believe in your chances of success increase greatly.

4. Residual Income. The attraction in network marketing – at least to me – is the residual income. And, in order to receive “residual income” you need to be knowledgeable about the products or services you are offering and knowledgeable about your competition. 

A ”tangible” product would be when customers replenish the product once ”used up”. Examples of “tangibles” are beauty or health and wellness products.

Intangibles products could be cell phone service, car or life insurance. Here customers are ”billed” monthly thus creating “residual” income for the company, representative or agent. 

5. Training. No matter what company you decide to join – what is of great importance – is the training you will receive from your sponsor. All too often people join a particular company in hopes of achieving financial freedom and attaining their dreams which are two very good reasons to be self employed in the first place. However, if your sponsor lacks the necessary skills and patience with showing you “how” to duplicate their efforts (which boils down to proper training) rest assured frustration will set in quickly.

6.  Team Work. Company support either via corporate office or, through fellow associates is just as important. Web sites, leads, sales kits, and training workshops are all important because they will help you promote not only your products or services but, your business opportunity too! If you are left alone with no company, sponcer or, team support my only suggestion is to best keep away from such companies.

Making money either online or offline is easy ONLY IF you are aligned with a great MLM company AND (most importantly) a sponsor that will guide you carefully on how to do it properly.

Although most MLM companies require only a small investment and begin part-time, what you need to remember is: What determines your success is how much time and effort you will invest when building your business. Individuals who are successful attain their success  through hard work, learning and constant effort. They just don’t work at it for a day or two and expect to make millions in 24 hours or less.

Buying A Cell Phone? Unlocked Might Be BEST Option

When it comes to cell phones, what you need to keep in mind when purchasing your cell phone is how your future cell phone provider is “set up”. For example, many cell phone company providers use phones that are designed to use a Subscriber Identification Module a.k.a., a SIM card. These SIM cards have a microchip that stores the cell phone company provider “subscriber” data. The SIM card is issued by a the cell phone company provider – also referred to as “the carrier”  – and provides cell phone service by activating any phone (that they usually sell to their customers) which their SIM card is inserted.

If you purchase a cell phone from – for example – a cell phone company provider (like T-Mobile), what you usually get is known as a “locked phone”. This “locked phone” will only recognize a SIM card from the particular cell phone company provider that you purchased the cell phone from.

However, if you purchase a cell phone that is unlocked (which is typically obtained by purchasing a phone directly from the manufacturer), it will recognize a SIM card from almost any carrier. The difference of a locked from an unlocked cell phone is a software setting that keeps the cell phone “loyal” to one specific carrier.

Another reason why phones are locked is: Cell phone company providers who offer free or deeply discounted phones with cell plans commonly lock cell phones so they will not work with other carriers. Cell phone company providers claim this is necessary in order to subsidize the cost of the cell phone. After a period of time (typically 2-3 years later), a cell phone company provider might agree to unlock the phone upon request and, in most cases will charge an “unlock” fee. However, due to custom settings that the cell phone provider had installed – sometimes – the phones don’t always function correctly even once unlocked.

From the viewpoint of the consumer, the practice of carriers locking phones and using proprietary settings defeats many of the benefits of SIM handsets with complaints leading to class action suites. In June 2004 a class action suit filed in California by American watchdog group Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR). Ideally phones should be left unlocked, or at least unlocked after the cell phone customers contract expires.

One way to get an unlocked – in it’s original state – phone without proprietary settings is to buy it new either directly from the manufacturer or, from a third party vendor.  The downside of purchasing a phone is: the price is close to full retail and some people might find it tough to dish out several hundred dollars for a phone they can get for free with a “contract” plan. But, the advantage of most third party unlocked phones is: it should work equally well with any carrier that uses SIM cards.

Unlocked cell phones are in high demand with some third party services unlocking cell phones for a fee. But, as stated above, this doesn’t guarantee the phone will work correctly. Also note, a phone that is unlocked improperly can be rendered useless. In other words … it won’t work at all! So be careful.

IPhone Loosing Ground? You be the judge.

With the many new smart phones appearing in the marketplace since Iphone imerged, Google (HTC – G1) and others are hoping to get a piece of the SmartPhone market and … are succeeding. Cell phone commercials between Apple, Google and Motorola (to list a few of the many) have compared and contrasted the iPhone with these new developments.

HTC’s G1 (aka the Google Phone) was the first to hit the market. Before long other phones such as the Blackberry Storm and Motorola Droid made their appearance.

Furthermore, Palm and BlackBerry both experienced higher quarterly sales than expected. RIMM maker of BlackBerry expected in 2009 – 9.6 million sales with a 10.1 million outcome. Palm projected 700,000 sales and reached 83,000 more than expected!

My point: Consumers are gaining interest in these new phones. Could IPhone’s share of the smart phone market be in jeopardy? Only time will tell for sure.

Thinking about getting a new cell phone? Maybe you want to up-grade your old phone to one of the new android phone. Before you sign on the dotted line … Read This!

When upgrading your cell phone (or buying a cell phone) “thoughts”  seem to pop into your mind there’s a few things you need to consider in hopes of choosing the best model and service for your needs. Lets face it, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment when looking and buying a new cell phone but, if you keep these points in mind during your “research” you’ll be sure to find exactly what you’re looking for and more!

Features
A cell phone is more than being your phone-away-from-home portable phone. In all actually it has more features tucked in side than you can possible image and, in order to actually see what your potential new cell phone can and can not do is to take time to read the manual or, find an experienced sales person who’s knowledgeable about the particular cell phone and it’s features.

My Point: Make a basic list of the features that you are seeking in your new cell phone and take time when  assessing each potential cell phones feature.

Camera
Most cell phones today feature a digital camera as standard equipment. Originally, cell phones with cameras started out as a novelty item but, lets face it some of the photos they shoot could be pretty good.

My Point: If having a good mega-pixel camera is an important feature then now is the time to decide which cell phone offers the best picture results and then take it from there.

Smartphone/Android Cell Phones
Smartphones – without a doubt – will eventually dominate the market. Currently approximately 10% of all U.S. Cell phone users have a SmartPhone. Since the introduction of the first SmartPhone (Iphone) there’s been many that were introduced into the market since. SmartPhones are cell phones that typically operate on a mini OS (operating system) which allows the SmartPhone to have extra functions – such as – office applications, scheduling software, and GPS to name a few of the hundreds of applications available. Applications – which allows SmartPhone users (for example) the ability to – scan bar codes – can be easily “downloaded” into your phone and usable in a matter of seconds. SmartPhones are a little more expensive than a conventional mobile cell phone but, considering the things (that go way beyond this article) you can do with a SmartPhone is best described as: amazing!

The Internet
With newer cell phones having Internet capability this is a fantastic tool to have an use. It also comes in handy when waiting at the doctors or dentist office and you’re bored. If you intend to use the Internet features regularly then you need to keep in mind to choose a cell phone device that has a larger screen which will make your Internet surfing and viewing experience pleasurable.

Application Ready
Most newer cell phones commonly known as android phones are capable of running programs also referred to as “apps” (applications). These applications add exciting features to your cell phone and allows you to do a variety of different tasks easier.

Just a Phone Please
Smartphones are great! And, lets face it – there are plenty of people – who just want a simple phone which does nothing more than make and receive calls. If this is your scenario and you’re a “keep it simple” type of person when meeting with the representative be sure to make your needs clear.

Texting
If you are a texter then having a cell phone that is comfortable to use is what you’re looking for. There are many different type keyboard layouts. Some have expandable “QWERTY “ keyboards that pop-up where as, some use the traditional phone key-pad for texting.

Tariff
A telephone tariff is a detailed listing of prices and fees associated with cell phone service. Cell phone and land line phone tariffs, are provided to public, often by law, and in some cases, they must be approved by government agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States. For convenience, many phone companies provide their tariffs online. In a telephone tariff, the telecommunications company must detail the costs and fees associated with all of the services it offers, from connecting phone service to placing international/roaming calls. The tariff is usually extremely detailed and very precise, with a breakdown of all of the costs involved in cell phone and land line service and a discussion of every potential situation which could arise. As a result, a cell phone/land line tariff can sprawl on for numerous pages. Additionally, the consumer must be rather dedicated to plow through the entire tariff document.

Canceling Your Cell Phone Plan Could Cost BIG TIME

If you’re thinking about changing to a different cell phone company provider you need to think twice before making the move. For example: Verizon customers who break their cell phone company service contracts could face a stiff penalty as high as $350. (Before it was half as much, i.e., $175.)

Of course THAT raised some eyebrows at the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) office and they wanted to know:  Why so high?

Verizon’s answer: Smart phones cost more. I.e., Usage of the broadband data networks and the services that goes along with it. Also, according to the Associated Press, Verizon says what it pays cell phone company manufacturers for phones and what it charges contract customers is more than twice as much for smart phones than it is for standard cell phones.

Typically, (when breaking a cell phone company service provider contract) a customer is charged based on the remaining time of their contract. For example: If your contract is for 24 months and you’re in your 23rd month of your contract you could be charged $120 dollars to “get out”. (logically and personally speaking … I’d just wait the month until my contract is up!)

Meanwhile, the Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress, recently said the FCC needs to increase its oversight of the wireless industry. It also needs to improve enforcing consumer protection rules.

Unhappy with your cell phone service?

You’re not alone. The overall top complaint with cell phone company providers is price. Unfortunately, people may have seen their cell phone bills on the rise because they’re probably using their phone more, and what you need to keep in mind is: The cell phone isn’t only for calls anymore. There’s different ways to use it.

Most cell phone users send and receive text messages with many accessing the Internet over their phone and don’t take into consideration that “surfing” on the Internet via their cell phone is completely different than surfing the Internet from their home or office computer.

The second most common complaint involves contract terms and conditions.

Before signing up for any service, you need to always check the cell phone company providers coverage map to make sure the company will be able to provide service when you need it which  typically includes home, office and when you travel

Last, ask friends and colleagues about service in your area.

In August 2009 a new cell phone company entered the marketplace and is raising eyebrows where ever it turns. WoW Mobile a subsidiary of Liberty International launched WoW Mobile Cellular with their primary goal being: Providing reliable affordable cellular phone services for one flat monthly rate. WoW Mobile’s flat monthly rate not only includes all tax, surcharges and data downloads – which is completely unheard of especially with todays new android phones. And, in todays market cell phone company providers are counting on increased customer revenue with data usage. WoW Mobile also rewards their customers when they refer 3 new customers to their remarkable – cost effective – program with free cellular service for life.  With WoW Mobile there’s no deposit, No contracts, no cancellation fees, no fine print and best of all, No monthly bill when you refer 3 customers. For more information go to: http://wowihavefreemobile.com/

Every so often I cross paths with someone who’s in the market for a cell phone. Of course, there are those who were (past-tense) in the market for a cell phone and unfortunately made their purchase impulsively. On top of that when they see what I have to offer begin to kick themselves in the butt because they’re locked into that wonderful 2-year “contract”.

From seasoned cell phone users to first-time users this question always surfaces:

How can I make sure I’m getting the right cell phone service and cell phone  for my needs?

Fortunately for us, the Internet offers an unlimited means of search options when shopping for products or services. When it pertains to cell phone providers and plans there are several useful sites that serves up various comparisons with mostly the top cell phone providers. Also, most cell phone providers will have a plan comparison chart within their web site which shows the differences between the various plans they offer.

Lets face it, comparison shopping is not fun and quite time consuming. But, as a smart consumer you need to arm yourself with the necessary information that will allow you to make an educated choice when selecting a cell phone provider and the services they offer.

True Story

One of my buddies (a long time childhood friend of mine) allowed his techno savvy son to set him up with a cell phone. Of course it had text messaging, the “friends” thing (which wouldn’t cut into his monthly allotment of minutes) and also came (at no charge) with one of the newest cell phones on the market. In order for him to get “set up” he spent approximately $300 dollars. Me being a techno savvy gal showed him how to text message. After a month of text messaging with me (and when his bill arrived), upon opening it he almost fell over in shock. It was close to $900!

What Happened?

What happened was simple: He exceeded his monthly text message allotment!

Like any good friend, I told him not to worry about it and offered to fix it for him. Believe it or not (and through the grace of God) I did manage to get his bill reduced to a more than reasonable dollar amount (less than $100 dollars). This completely amazed him. I also had to change his cell phone plan which he was locked into for another 21 months too!

To Text or Not To Text

Texting – like all good things – has it’s advantages and disadvantages. For example: When in a meeting and you can’t take the time out to make an important phone call (without disrupting the group or, excusing yourself to make that call in addition to missing part of the meeting) you can always text a message. The disadvantages of text messaging is: Receiving texts that waste your precious time or, depending on the plan selected limits how many texts you can send/receive.

In some cases your cell phone provider can even limit “what” you can include in your text, for example (and to keep it simple) prohibiting pictures. Usually, for an additional fee you can add unlimited texting thus increasing your monthly cell phone bill payment too!

Want Web Access?

Some providers – for an additional fee of course – will offer you the ability to “surf the Internet.” Unfortunately, if your cell phone screen isn’t “big enough” to view what you’re seeing on the Internet you’re going to need to “upgrade” your cell phone to one that allows greater viewing capabilities and it’s going to cost you anywhere from $200 -$ 400 just for the phone alone – needless to say – not including service fees or, your monthly bill fee. 

Want Internet for Your Computer?

As a tech head (in various aspects) I enjoy working in different environments but, I don’t enjoy working (or using) public hot-spots for reasons too long to list in this article. If that’s what you’re seeing (Internet access for your laptop or mini laptop) then, without a doubt it’s going to cost anywhere from $60 – $100+ extra dollars per month just to have that service and that’s not including your monthly cell phone bill either. Lets face it, there’s smaller wireless computers on the market now and with that comes great working portability which greatly increases your  “visual” capabilities too!

Smaller Wireless Computers

As mentioned earlier, cell phones are getting bigger and are offering more bells and whistles. In other words they’re getting to be the mini of the MINI computers. And, if you’ve been looking at the I-Phone then the Google MyTouch is what you’re looking for and it’s actually better too! But, consider this fair warning: You want to have a WoW Phone Google My Touch and not T-Mobile Google My Touch and here’s why:

For the past year or two Dell, HP and I’m sure others have released their version of a portable laptop also known as a mini laptop. Their version of the mini is actually a spin-off of Sony Vaio PCG-CIXS that was released late 90’s early 2000. (shown above)

That little note book is the coolest thing I ever bought and it’s just a little bit bigger than the size of my hand. It came with two USB ports for external USB devices and a fire-wire port in addition to an infrared port that you can use to communicate with other infrared equipped devices. It also turned many heads (epically when going through security at the airport) when I would whip it out.

The cost back then (when it first rolled out) was pricey. But then – shortly there after – Vaio started  manufacturing larger lap tops just like the other companies.

History has a tendency of repeating itself thus the demand for smaller lap-top computers (known as the mini notebook) which includes wireless Internet capabilities is rolled out, thus giving new meaning to notebook portability.

Since cell phones are getting a little bigger and computers have gotten back to the original Vaio size (which 99% of the new mini’s include a built in wireless card for Internet access) you might as well get more bang for your monthly cell phone buck and have access to the best of both worlds – i.e., computer Internet capability and Google My Touch cell phone services – both literally – with a push of a button – and without the extra charges for less than $100 bucks.

Share Internet Access With All Mobile Devices

Recently I’ve seen this commercial from a major cell phone provider that is now offering (for an extra charge per month) capabilities of (I think) 5 of “your friends” having the ability to surf the Internet when they “tap into” your portable wireless hub.

In this commercial they show all of the car-poolers doing their thing with their lap-tops connected to this “hub” while riding to the office. One is downloading music and getting mentally psyched up for his meeting, another is communicating with her office pals and getting meeting change notifications and the other passenger I believe is just surfing the Internet and enjoying his car-pool ride to the office. Unfortunately in this commercial they fail to tell the viewer that they will get charged extra for data download usage if their buddys exceed his monthly download data limit.

With the Wow Phone, a very cool feature that this phone offers is the dual capabilities of talking on your cell phone while surfing the Internet with your computer at the same time. The coolest of it all is: You’re not limited with how many people can “tap” into your 3G Internet access, there’s no “wired to the source” hub, you can make it secure (you can lock people out if you want) and there’s no data download limits either. In other words – you can create your own “Internet Hot Spot” where ever you are with the press of a single button on your phone. Imagine that! To see what I’m talking about click here!

Can Your Cell Phone Do This?

Recently we did an experiment with 9 laptop computers. One of the nine laptop computers was tapping into our instant hot-spot from the dunkin donuts located around the corner. 8 of the computers were on YouTube downloading and playing videos without streaming delays. Now I ask – can your cell phone do that?

Does Your Cell Phone Company Do This?

Another thing that the WoW Phone does is rewards their customers with free cell phone monthly services – for life – when you refer 3. Their motto: Refer 3 – Get Yours Free! It’s very unlikely that your current cell phone company has this kind of offer.

Conclusion

Wow Phone customers literally get everything they want without the limitations. On top of that there’s no cell phone company in the USA that offers such a complete cell phone plan for less than $100 dollars a month. As a matter of fact – to be exact – they charge $89.95 per month and, if you refer 3 you get yours FREE. The company who offers this program has been in existence for over 10 years, is solid and recently rolled out this amazing unlimited cell phone/wireless Internet plan in August 2009. For more information click here!

Behind The Scenes of the Cell Phone Company Provider and Cell Phone Manufacturer
A.K.A. What your Cell Phone Company doesn’t want you to know

What does the customer want?
Who is our customer?
Where are they?
Why will they buy the product or service?
Will the commercial/ads/packaging/features/price grab their attention?

These are some of the marketing/promotion and development questions that face every product or service provider on the face of this earth. And lets face it – without sales – in any industry you have nothing!

Today, companies – both large and small – are always looking for that indefinable magic quality that will etch (or brand) their product or service into the constantly moving consumers mind in hopes to secure them (and in this case the cell phone company provider and cell phone seeker) as a customer. Typically used to “brand” or, make a “memorable” impression is the classical “pull and push” strategy.

The “pull” part of the “pull and push” strategy is – without a doubt – an emotional strategy coming from the prospective of the consumer.

The “push” part of the “pull and push” strategy is – without a doubt – a rational aspect from the prospective of the consumer. However, the problem begins when you don’t have a clear tangible advantage which, most cell phone company providers and cell phone manufacturing companies don’t have and here’s the reason why.

According to a article published in the San Diego Union Tribune titled: Growth In Doubt For Cell Phone Industry written By Matt Richtel February 4, 2009, the cell phone market is saturated. In other words almost every man, woman and child residing within the United States of America has a cell phone. Now, don’t get me wrong and don’t let the title of the article deceive you.

Fact #1: Even though we are in a recession it is very VERY rare for someone to sacrifice their cell phone.

In the article it stated that the cell phone manufacturing industry sales were $7.14 Billion. Even though their cell phone “sales” were down by 3.6 Billion, it also stated – according to  Craig Moffett, an industry analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein & Co – that: “Nobody is looking at the cell phone industry and making comparisons with Detroit. There is little doubt that there are tens of billions of dollars to be made selling phones and providing services, particularly those involving data.”

In other words, the industry is pinning high hopes on the new generation of more powerful Smart phones.

Fact #2: AT&T activated 1.9 million iPhones in the fourth quarter (2008), while Verizon added more than 1 million BlackBerry Storms.

Overall, these “Smart Phone” devices make up about 10 percent of the domestic cell phone market and are considered to grow in popularity, thus literally driving people to upgrade and pay for more data usage in order to do things such as download songs, send text messages, gaming or, perhaps even watch a television program or two.

In the fourth quarter (2008), AT&T’s data revenue for each subscriber rose 27 percent. The key word you need to pay particularly close attention to is: “data usage and revenue” and here’s the reason why. As mentioned above – with today’s newer phone – which by the way increases the revenue of both cell phone providers and cell phone manufactures – combined with the latest in technology gives the consumer (end user) increased mobility that’s literally in the palm of their hand.

From a Smart Phone user perspective – it would foolish or, a waist of money – to purchase a $400 dollar Smart Phone and not utilize the applications or features the phone has to offer. Furthermore, in order to maximize the end user experience of a Smart Phone – data usage – is required thus creating data revenue to the cell phone company provider.

Fact #3: Your Top cell phone provider companies offers (for an additional fee) the ability to enable other mobile devices too!

Implementing other mobile devices (that you possess) such as a wireless mini computer or regular lap top without having to purchase or plug into your computer (like an air card) in addition to not having to pay extra would be a dream come true to the majority of all on-the-go users.

On the down side, it’s unfortunate and sad that even though the commercial cell phone company providers such as AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile (to list a few) have the capabilities to offer a complete bundle cell phone plan (which includes unlimited data usage) rest assured they are not about to offer it soon and here’s the reason why.

For starters approximately 10% of the total cell phone user population currently have/use a Smart Phone. Without a doubt that figure will continue to rise. Most importantly – as a result of smart phones and wireless devices – there are literally tens of billions of dollars to be made in selling Smart cell phones and most importantly providing the services that go with those Smart phones and mobile devices –and  in particularly – the cell phone company providers services that involve data!

Smart Phones (in their original from-the-factory form) has the technology to instantly give you a – secured hot spot – at the push of a button. Additionally, there is no need for air cards or external hubs (in case you want to share Internet access with your friends) or use other mobile devices.

Unfortunately, which this may upset you – the Smart Phone/IPhone you purchased for about $400+ dollars from for example TMobile does not come with that technology. In other words it’s either been omitted from the factory at the request of the cell phone company provider or, located inside your smart phone but not activated intentionally because: Business is business and the cell phone company providers are literally counting on making more money not only by offering cell phone smart phone sales, services and the cell phone goods that go along with it but, by gaining the extra revenue in charging for set-up fees, data usage and “accidental” data usage overages. (Which – unknowing to you – adds up very quickly if you’re not paying attention.)

To the Smart Phone consumer/user – especially now – flat rate smart phone bundle packages is what the consumer needs and should be demanding. After all, Smart Phone users did pay a pretty penny for the Smart Phone in the first place. But, cell phone company providers and cell phone manufactures advertisements (and web sites) often makes the consumers head spin by using mindless ads, confusing comparison charts and jargon. From a consumer  perspective – and after reading all those head spinning ads – all they want is their Smart Phone up and running as soon as possible.

Unfortunately – when it’s too late – and long after the ink has dried on the two year commitment contract is when scrutinizing the bill takes place and, in many cases you’re really seeing (for the very first time) the details of their cell phone or Smart Phone  or wireless device plan.

If the end user is locked into a contract and, if they find themselves exceeding minutes or data usage, the only thing the consumer can do is “upgrade” their current plan. Unfortunately when someone upgrades that usually means more money needs to be paid out,and less money in your wallet. Sometimes there’s an additional set-up or activation fee  involved too!

For patient and frugal consumers, searching for the “right” cell phone and the right cell phone company provider can be a grueling and boring task. But, if done correctly will be most beneficial to the end user (consumer) and pay off big time in the long run and here’s why.

Not too long ago consumers were given the opportunity to seek an alternative local and long distance provider. Additionally not too long ago we were presented with “bundle packages” from our local land line carriers and cable companies which – for one flat rate – allows the end user to call any where at any time within the USA for one flat monthly rate. In many instances providers combined other services to their bundled packages such as cable channels and Internet access too!

These bundle packages to many were a God send because it allowed the end user (consumer) to know – without a doubt – exactly what their monthly bill will be and there would be no monthly surprises.

With cell phones (including Smart Phones) and other wireless mobile devices that many people use, bundled “complete with unlimited data” packages are not offered. As a matter of fact bundled cell phone packages with unlimited data download won’t be offered to the consumer for a very long time. And even though a cell phone company provider tries to give the impression they offer a “bundled” package, rest assured data transfer will be capped.

For Smart Phone seekers, cell phone company provider seekers and wireless mobile device users who literally want it all for less, comes a complete 100% bundled package dream come true and has only been made available recently. On the down side – very few people know about this.

Surprisingly enough – which also angered me at the same time – are the companies involved in this venture and the many consumers (customers) they currently have who are unaware of what is happening behind the scenes of their cell phone company provider. Rest assured, the companies involved are household names and you see their commercials every few minutes when watching television no matter what station you are watching. As a consumer – I’m quite sure – that once you discover what’s happening you too will be greatly upset and here’s the reason why.

Simply put: They’re not going to tell you because it’s none of your business what they do on the side. Secondly, (and most importantly) they’re counting on the consumer/customer not finding out! In the meantime, especially if you’re locked into a contract – you will either continue to pay the monthly service fees until your contract expires or – once your find out what’s happening – bite the bullet – and exercise the early termination clause.

This behind the scenes complete Smart Phone/Cell Phone/Wireless device bundle package has only been available for less than 4 months and literally includes all of the services that you are currently paying for – with more features – all for one flat – less than 100 dollars – rate. In many cases (which I view as an added bonus) people who share their discovery with family,  friends and acquaintances get their monthly cell phone service for free.

What goes on behind the scenes of the cell phone company provider and cell phone company manufacturer is – to most – unknown. However, after reading this article many Smart Phone/Wireless mobile device users will be feeling slightly cheated or, bamboozled by the very own cell phone company provider representative that they trusted.

To me, discovering features on Smart Phones that are intentionally deactivated or omitted at the request of the cell phone company provider just for the sake of future profits – in addition to having to “wait” to use Smart Phone features in its original design capability – would certainly anger me and, in my opinion is not right.

Final Note

When seeking out a new cell phone such as a Smart Phone/IPhone or, researching cell phone company providers, you also need to keep in mind the utilization of other wireless mobile devices because it’s very easy to believe that you’re armed with the best-of-the-best in technology, services and rates but, what angers most is discovering shortly there after (or when the need arises) that you’re not.

To the savvy do-your-due-diligence consumer know that your patiences has paid off and see with your own eyes what others are missing. What you are truly seeking is attainable and you’ll be genuinely happy that you waited. Click here to find out more.

It’s every phone user’s nightmare, but Ted Estarija, of Hayward, California, wasn’t dreaming when he opened his monthly cell phone bill. His 13-year-old son ran up a cell phone bill totaling $21,917.

How Did That Happen?

Plain and Simple: Estarija’s Verizon wireless plan didn’t cover data usage. And when you start downloading “data” you’re charged by the megabyte. In Estarija’s son’s case – he was charged for 1.4 million kilobytes of data.

When Estarija added his son to their family plan he knew his family plan bill would go up. He “thought” he would be paying an extra 50 dollars per month and even took precautions to restrict his son’s calls and texts.

His son who is a caring sensitive individual was worried for his father and devastated over the bill and what it was going to do to him because, making matters worse, Estarija recently lost his job.

Happy ending though … Verizon agreed to refund the entire bill.

What You Need To Know About Your Cell Phone Bill/ Plan

Make sure you understand your cell phone plan. People listed on your plan may not just talk and text — they may download too! The safest way to go is to have an unlimited plan that covers everything including data.

Ask Questions

When choosing your cell phone or wireless plan don’t select one that could “accidentally” destroy your financial life. In order to prevent situations such as this it’s important that you ask a lot of questions and you want your answers explained in a very clear way with examples that you can relate to. For example: What would happen if you downloaded 200 songs in one month?

In a nut shell and what you need to keep in mind is: Verizon – legally – could have pursued collection.

For a 100% unlimited cell phone/mobile wireless device calling plan that includes unlimited data click here!