The simple answer to the question ‘why do we advertise?’ is that either we have something we want to sell, or someone else has something we want to buy. Alternatively, we may want to give something away, seek an exchange or invite donors or gifts. We advertise, or make known, our offer or need. We bring together people who would not otherwise know of the existence of those able to supply and those with a demand, very often complete strangers. Most people use advertising at some time, either privately or in business. And most people respond to advertisements and so enjoy the choices available to them in every sphere of life.

The elementary answer applies whether we want to sell a private house, raise funds for a charity, sell the production of a million pound business, buy a pre-owned car, attract buyers to our store, launch a new product, engage staff or simply find a pen friend. The technique is same: there is merely a difference of magnitude and sophistication between an inexpensive classified advertisement to sell a charter yacht tour plan and a global campaign on the World Wide Web to sell the same. In short, advertising is the means by which we make known what we have to sell or what we want to buy.

However, with growing numbers of online users across the world, we notice a transition of our interest from paper-based advertisement to online advertisement. We may call it a ‘platform escalation’ that results from rapid progress of technology. But, whatever the modes of advertisements are, their objectives and reasons have been all similar. Let’s discuss them.

Specific Reasons for Advertising:

To announce a new product or service
To expand the market to new buyers
To announce a modification
To announce a new pack
To make a special offer
To educate consumers
To maintain sales

To announce a new product or service: Announcements for a new product or service are very necessary to make them known to the public. To promote something new the entrepreneurs have to take up this means at the very onset of starting with their enterprise. If they can make their promotional appeal bold, dramatic, persuasive and convincing, they can expect a quicker success for their business.

To expand the market to new buyers: A good example of this is when a solar energy system has been used successfully for industrial or commercial purpose, and is then packaged and promoted to the consumer market. The do-it-yourself (DIY) markets are full of such products; put there by advertising. The advertising in such case is likely to have greater impact because the goods have already been proved in professional, commercial or some other accepted use.

To announce a modification: An existing product may be given a ‘face-lift’ with an additive, a refinement, a new finish or casing, or perhaps even a new pack or container. The attempt may be made to revive the sale of a product whose life-cycle is waning too quickly because of competition or some other reasons.

To announce a new pack: Pack identification at the point-of-sale is always important, and is a reason why packages are shown in advertisements. Colorful advertisements work well in this regard. This becomes even more important if there is a change of pack.

To make a special offer: For various reasons, such as competition, slack season, policy to expand sales, advertising may be used to make a special offer. It could be a banded pack, a premium offer, a limited time price reduction or free gifts or samples. New products may be launched with ‘introductory’ special offers. Dry cleaners, cloth merchants, and others may make such special offers when trade is quiet. Again, travel agencies may also offer special low rates to public during out-of-season weeks of the year.

To educate consumers: Rather unfairly it is sometimes said by critics of advertising that there are two kinds, informative and persuasive, and that the former is more socially acceptable or ethical than the latter. The educational advertisement is necessary when a commodity, service or an offer needs careful explanation. This technique can also be used to show new uses for a well-established product. The market can often be extended if extra uses can be suggested.

To maintain sales: One of the secrets of successful advertising is that it should be continuous, in one form or another, however seasonal the main emphasis may be. Not all advertising is aimed at promoting new and exciting products or services. There are everyday products, such as toothpaste, branded beverages, and many more which have been on the market for generations.

These days, the platform of advertisement has widened much greater than the previous days. This has been possible due to the popular Web World. Now, reaching out to millions of customers spread all over the world is just a click away dream, and it has helped all volumes of businesses to expand their business sphere beyond the limits. Though traditional advertisement is still going on, the craze for online advertising has outgrown it to a surprising extent. It has been possible due to greater visibility, wider scope and much lower costs. But, whatever the advantages and distinctions there are, both of their objectives are similar.

The main consensus is that if you start your own home based business is that there is little work, and tons of income.Nothing could be farther from the truth.1. Working your home based business take time, training and yes, moneyIf you are seriously thinking that you want to work your own home based business please take a moment to digest some helpful advice.Home based businesses whether they are working with digital downloadable products or inventory products, takes work. You cannot simply sign up with something and expect not to do anything to make it work. You will have to put training, time and money into it.Now before you leave me because that is not what you want to hear, consider this. You went to school and got your education, you put time, training and more likely than not money, to get that education. You got the education which got you a job. You more than likely had to train for a period of time before they left you to your own, and you probably had to buy cloths or tools to work that job, and you put your time in everyday. This will be no different.If you are working a job or career it may take you a little longer to get things moving with the home based business, simply because you will have to divide the remaining time in your day to be with the family, friends or other commitments plus try to work your business. You may even find that you will have to lose a little sleep so that you can work without distractions.2. HonestyBe honest with yourself and with others. There is nothing more devastating than being deceived. If you have tried to work from home in the past and joined a program because they made you believe it was going to be so easy and that you will become rich in no time. You know how you felt when you did not make a penny, and that you spent your hard earned dollars for nothing. You felt mad and cheated.Do not use trickery to sell your products, this will only generate returns and bad business. If you are selling a product, know that product either by using it yourself or by doing major research on that product. It is easier to sell a product if you know it works.The more honesty you use the more repeat business you will get because people will trust you.3.DiligenceAs defined by Wikipedia: a zealous and careful nature in your actions and work, exemplified by a decisive work ethic, budgeting of your time, monitoring your own activities to guard against laziness, and putting forth full concentration in your work. If you have the determination and the drive to work hard, your home based business will have no chance at failure.When you find what you want to do for your home based business make your schedule board right at the very beginning. Put it in your work space where you will be able to see it every time you are sitting there getting ready to work your business. Follow it without fail, this will become routine and you will eventually be able to take it down, or use it for other purposes.My work space board (to do list) has my list of things that I need to do along with my goals for a 3 month period. I sit at my work space first thing in the morning and go from top to bottom of my list. Then I look a little further down and see if I am getting close to my goals. If I am not, then I work a little harder at getting some of them accomplished.If you are not doing well in a business do not hop around for something else before you ask yourself these few questions: Did I try hard enough? Was I being realistic when I pick this particular business to get in, or did it just sound good? Did I follow through with the training?Those are good questions to ask even before you find your business. If you answer no to any one of those questions, you did not pick the right business for working from home.

On a sunny afternoon in Florida, an energetic crowd gathers on the lawn of a high end luxury estate. A loud and eager banter between an auctioneer, a group of bidders and bidder assistants fills the air. For several minutes the auctioneer asks for the next highest bid and the bidders respond. Suddenly the bidders grow silent. The high bidder holds his breath in anticipation of winning the auction. The auctioneer calls for one more bid. In a loud clear voice which rolls over the audience he says, “Fair warning, last chance” the auctioneer pauses, “SOLD!” And in less than 10 minutes another multimillion dollar estate has changed owners.

Successful real estate auctions like the one above are happening all over North America and the Caribbean. Recently real estate auctions have been on the rise, the increase in popularity is partly driven by growing inventories and fading buyer confidence. Properties that were selling in weeks using traditional methods are now languishing on the market unable to attract buyers even as seller’s lower prices. Many say the real estate boom is over but savvy buyers and sellers are profiting from real estate auctions.

Real Estate Auctions Work in Up or Down Markets.

Regardless of trends or market cycles, real estate auctions provide an open and transparent process for buyers and sellers. Properly conducted real estate auctions attract ready and willing buyers and motivate them to act now.

The auction method removes the “wait and see” attitude which serves to further depress real estate values. Buyers are always concerned about overpaying. Buyers gain confidence with their purchases at real estate auctions because they can see what others are willing to pay.

When market demand is high and inventories low, real estate auctions can deliver selling prices well above what a willing seller would have accepted in a negotiated private treaty sale. In good selling climates many property owners using traditional real estate methods; negotiating with one buyer at a time, leave thousands of dollars of equity on the table. During up markets real estate auctions are the best way to establish top market price.

Evaluating Your Real Estate for Auction

Not every property or seller for that matter makes a good candidate for auction. First of all sellers must be ready to sell now and for the current market value. Also a real estate auction will not fix problems caused by a downturn in market value of your property, if you owe more than a willing buyer will pay, be prepared to come to closing with your check book.

Properties that do well in real estate auctions have a high uniqueness factor. Ask your self, “What makes my property different from most others?” Maybe you own a resort property or high end luxury home, commercial properties and land do very well at auction. Real estate auctions thrive on uniqueness. If your property is like everyone else’s, the best thing you can do is offer the most competitive price.

Most importantly sellers must be reasonable about setting a minimum bid. A seller must look at the lowest, most current comps and price below that to generate the interest and urgency necessary for a successful real estate auction. Once the auction begins and qualified bidders start competing against one another you can watch the selling price increase.

Locate a Qualified Real Estate Auctioneer

Start by checking with the National Auctioneers Association, the best real estate auctioneers belong to this organization. These real estate auctioneers are well trained and adhere to a standard of practice and a code of ethics. Many attend the annual International Auctioneers Conference where the latest techniques and innovations in the real estate auction industry are presented.

Find out if the company you are interviewing is a full time real estate auction firm. Many real estate agents are getting auction licenses yet have no experience with the auction method of marketing. Conducting a successful real estate auction is nothing like (private treaty) traditional real estate sales. Go with a real estate auction pro.

You’re probably better of with an auction house that specializes in real estate auctions. There are many qualified auctioneers who have generations of experience selling personal property; furniture, dishes, lawn equipment and the occasional rare painting. Selling real estate at auction is a complex matter that should only be attempted by full time experienced real estate auction professionals.

Commissions and fees may vary, sellers must pay all marketing expenses up front and buyers typically pay 10% of the sales price to the auctioneer of which a share goes to participating real estate agents.

Types of Real Estate Auctions

Auctions are effective because they create a seller’s market. Professionally conducted real estate auctions create urgency, a reason to buy today and competition for the property. Terms and conditions of sale are established ahead of the auction. Real estate auctions will follow one of these three approaches:

Absolute Auction

The property is sold to the highest bidder regardless of price- using this process often returns the highest sale price.

Minimum Bid Auction

Seller agrees to sell at or above a published minimum bid price – this method is useful for internet auctions.

Seller Confirmation or Reserve Auction

With a reserve auction, the seller “reserves” the right to accept or decline any bids usually within 48 hours of the auction. Reserve auctions are used when there is a lien on the property from a lender or a court ordered sale with a minimum selling price.