Author: WaelBadawy
Three Powerful Tools That Make Hosting a Virtual Summit Easy
Ask any online event organizer or host what her biggest struggle is, and she’ll nearly always say it’s technology.
From not knowing what apps to use to not understanding how they work to fighting to connect them with each other, tech is the one thing that holds most people back from hosting an online event.
Even just a few years ago, this was a legitimate concern. Today, though, you have lots of options for every piece of the puzzle, including video recording, landing page creation, and content delivery.
Google Hangouts Make Recording Easy
You no longer need to invest in expensive systems such as GoToWebinar or Adobe Connect. Now all you need is a Google account and a web cam. With Google Hangouts, you can:
· Share screens and slideshows
· Record your interview
· Invite guests with just an email address (nothing for them to download and install)
· Automatically post to your YouTube channel
The biggest benefit, though, is that it’s free. And you just can’t beat that!
Landing Pages Come Together Quickly With LeadPages
Landing pages—even if you use a CMS system such as WordPress—are a pain to get right. Getting your opt-in box aligned properly and connected to your autoresponder is frustrating. Split testing is nearly impossible. And formatting? Unless you’re a CSS whiz (or you hire one) you’ll likely have trouble.
LeadPages has taken all the work out of landing page creation by providing an ever-growing library of proven, editable templates ideal for any type of event.
Protect Content With Wishlist Member
If you’ll be delivering replays, you don’t want them available to the public. You can protect content with a simple password set up on your site, but for a more professional look and feel, consider upgrading to a membership site. Wishlist is easy to use and configure, and will automatically create protected pages for your summit recordings.
If you’ve procrastinated hosting your own event because you didn’t think you could manage the tech, you can no longer use that excuse. These three tools together make it super easy to create, promote and host a virtual event. So what are you waiting for?
To start – fill in the The Complete Assessment for a free assessment
Seven Step Strategy for conducting preliminary searches of U.S. patents and published applications
This is a suggested Seven Step Strategy for conducting preliminary searches of U.S. patents and published applications using free online resources of the USPTO and its bi-lateral partner EPO (European Patent Office). Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) (www.uspto.gov/ptrc) are available nationwide to provide training on this Seven Step Strategy.
PTRCs provide online access to the PatFT (Patents Full-Text and Image) and AppFT (Applications Full-Text and Image) databases on the USPTO website and the Espacenet Worldwide Database on the EPO website. In addition, most PTRCs provide access to additional USPTO patent databases available through PubWEST (Public version of the Web-based Examiners Search Tool) and PubEAST (Public version of the Examiners Assisted Search Tool). Always call your nearest PTRC to make an appointment before visiting to make the best use of your time.
The use of patent classification in searching U.S. patents and published applications usually results in a more comprehensive search than one done by word and phrases (keyword searching). Because keyword searching must anticipate the often technical language of patents, it serves best as a supplement to a classification search. Accordingly, patent classification searching is the focus of the Seven Step Strategy.
The USPTO has transitioned from using the over 100 year old U.S. Patent Classification (USPC) system to Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC), a new classification system jointly developed with the European Patent Office (EPO). The USPTO currently only uses CPC for classifying new utility patent documents; however, it will continue to use U.S. Patent Classification for classifying design and plant patents. This version of the Seven Step Strategy reflects this transition to the primary use of Cooperative Patent Classification in utility patent publication searching.
The Seven Steps in a Preliminary Search of U.S. Patents and Published Patent Applications
- Brainstorm terms to describe your invention based on its purpose, composition and use.
- Use these terms to find initial relevant Cooperative Patent Classification using the USPTO website’s Site Search box(www.uspto.gov). In the Site search box found in the top right hand corner of the home page enter “CPC Scheme [plus keywords(s) describing invention]”; for example, if you were trying to find CPC Classifications for patents related to umbrellas, you would enter “CPC Scheme umbrella”. Scan the resulting classification’s Class Scheme (class schedules) to determine the most relevant classification to your invention. If you get zero results in your Site Search, consider substituting the word(s) you are using to describe your invention with synonyms, such as the alternative terms you came up with in Step 1. For example, if you find searching for “CPC Scheme car mirror” is getting unsatisfactory results, try searching instead with “CPC Scheme vehicle mirror.” (If you continue to be disappointed with the CPC Classification search results, look for your search word in the International Patent Classification Catchword Index https://web2.wipo.int/ipcpub/#¬ion=cw; CPC is based on International Patent Classification).
- Verify the relevancy of CPC classification you found by reviewing the CPC Classification Definitionlinked to it (if there is one).
- Retrieve U.S. patent documents with the CPC classification you selected in the PatFT (Patents Full-Text and Image) database (https://patft.uspto.gov). Review and narrow down the most relevant patent publications by initially focusing on the front page information of abstract and representative drawings.
- Using this selected set of most relevant patent publications, review each one in-depth for similarity to your own invention, paying close attention to the additional drawings pages, the specification and especially the claims. References cited by the applicant and/or patent examiner may lead you to additional relevant patents.
- Retrieve U.S. published patent applications with the CPC classification you selected in Step 3 in the AppFT (Applications Full-Text and Image) database (https://appft.uspto.gov). Use the same search approach used in Step 4 of first narrowing down your results to the most relevant patent applications by studying the abstract and representative drawings of each on its front page. Then examine the selected published patent applications closely, paying close attention to the additional drawings pages, the specifications and especially the claims.
- Broaden your search to find additional U.S. patent publications using keyword searching in PatFT or AppFT databases, classification searching of non-U.S. patents on the European Patent Office’s Worldwide Espacenet patent database (https://worldwide.espacenet.com and searching non-patent literature disclosures of inventions using the free electronic and print resources of your nearest Patent and Trademark Resource Center (https://www.uspto.gov/ptrc).
For more information email me badawy@badawy.ca
All About Product Funnels for Coaches
Do your clients move predictably from one product to the next, allowing you to accurately calculate your expected income from month to month? Or do you experience radical ups and downs, with some months high and others…well, pretty low?
If you’re not able to predict your income each and every month, chances are your funnel is out of whack—or maybe doesn’t even exist. Tighten your product and services funnel, and your business will grow on autopilot.
The Funnel Opening
Here is where all your potential clients first arrive on the scene. Perhaps she read your blog, received a forwarded email from a friend, attended a free webinar, or downloaded your opt-in incentive.
She’s not yet a paying customer, but she is getting to know you better. She’s learning whether or not your personality and style is a match for her, and whether or not she believes you can help her.
Your job for this potential client is to entice her to make a purchase.
Low-Cost Offers
Often called “tripwires,” these low-cost items are a way for your customers to take you for a test drive. No commitment, no risk, just an easy-to-consume eBook, self-study course, or other small purchase.
But don’t let her just buy and bolt! A well-planned funnel will include a related product as an upsell, too. She’s already in a buying mood, so make sure she sees what the next logical step is for her, and she might just pick that up as well!
Mid- and High-Range Offers
You see where this is going, right? A solid funnel moves smoothly from free to low-cost to high-end, with each step along the way being the very next thing your ideal client needs in her training arsenal.
For example, a great coaching funnel might include:
1. A free webinar
2. An eBook or small training program
3. A self-study course or membership
4. Group coaching
5. Private coaching
6. VIP coaching
Not all clients who enter your funnel at the top will make it all the way to your VIP coaching level, but you should build your funnel as if that’s what you expect to happen. As you increase the number of people who are active in your funnel, you can tweak your landing and sales pages to increase conversions and reduce the number of opt-outs you experience.
With analysis and attention, you’ll see a rise in the percentage of those who continue in your funnel all the way through to the end.
To start – fill in the The Complete Assessment for a free assessment
Slide Secrets: How to Create Attention Grabbing Slide Presentations
If the very thought of PowerPoint makes your eyes glaze over, you’re not alone. The world is filled with incredibly boring presentations, and you’ve no doubt sat through your share of them.
Now that you’re preparing your own presentations, how can you ensure your audience doesn’t feel the same way? By creating engaging, fun slides that grab and hold their attention.
Bullet Point Poison
While you may want to outline—and yes—use bullet points in your notes, the last thing that should appear on your slides are bullets. They’re the hallmark of an amateur presenter, and should only be used as a last resort.
More Slides, Not Fewer
It’s a common mistake many new (and even experienced) presenters make: too few slides. As a general rule of thumb, plan at least one slide per minute, on average. So a 45 minute presentation should have 45 slides, give or take a few.
Fewer Words, More Images
You’ll often see presentations—particularly in the corporate world—that contain nothing but words. Some presenters even read right from their slides. Talk about boring!
Instead, mix up your slides to include words, images, screenshots, graphs and other visually appealing elements. Use images that match your personality and style. For example, one of the highlights of watching any presentation by Nicole Dean is her liberal use of dog images. Not only do they help to solidify her message, but they keep the viewer entertained as well.
Don’t Forget Branding
Like all of your web properties, you want to be sure your slides are clearly branded. Your site colors, logo, tagline, URL and other elements help to remind viewers of who you are and what your business is. Consider creating a PowerPoint theme that you can use for all your presentations.
Clearly State Your Offer
The last few minutes of any presentation are typically reserved for your offer, so don’t skimp out here. Be sure your offer is clearly presented on your final slides, including the URL, any discount or bonuses, and the deadline for claiming them.
Finally, take the time to study the slides of the presenters you truly enjoy. Chances are if you are attentive to their presentation, others are as well. Follow their lead when it comes to number of slides, types of images, and how the offer is presented, and you’ll soon be wowing your audience, too.
To start – fill in the The Complete Assessment for a free assessment
Patent List has been updated
The patent list has been updated , please check
https://www.badawy.ca/patents/
The summary is as follows:
9 US patents
8 Canadian Patents
1 WO
1 EU
Technologies under confidential patent disclosures, are not listed
Webinar Magic: 3 Powerful Benefits Every Webinar Offers
Been on a webinar lately? I bet you have.
The fact is, webinars are one of today’s hottest marketing trends. Each and every week, you’ll find small business owners hosting webinars about book publishing, blogging, and even how to sell T-shirts online. No matter what your niche or industry, webinars are a great option for growing your market.
List Building
Perhaps the number one reason to host a webinar—especially if you partner with another business owner in a complementary niche—is to grow your list. Here’s why it works so well.
As a business owner with resources and information to share, you’re in demand, and there are plenty of others out there looking to partner with you. Find a colleague in a related niche to host your event. Ask her to mail her list with an offer to join you both on the call. Collect emails in your mailing list system. Any sales you make from the event will pay your partner an affiliate commission. That way you both win: You build your mailing list, and she earns cash for her time.
Show Off Your Expertise
You’ve no doubt heard plenty of people talking about the “know, like and trust factor.” It’s a simple reminder that very few people will buy from you the first time they encounter your website or get an email from you. They need more info.
A webinar is a fantastic way to build up their trust. Because they can hear your voice, and maybe even see your face, there’s an instant connection. Not only that, but you get to impress them with your knowledge of the topic. Your audience will walk away not only knowing you better, but also with the impression that you are the go-to person in your niche.
Sell to a Captive Audience
Here’s a fact you may not have considered: Webinar attendees are primed to buy. Make them an irresistible offer, and you’ll be amazed at how effective “selling from the stage” can be.
What’s irresistible? Try these proven tactics:
· Fast acting bonuses just for those who buy while on the call or shortly after it ends.
· Deep discounts available only for a limited time—typically if they buy before midnight of the day of the event.
Both plans have worked for thousands of webinar presenters, and will work for you, too.
Whether you’ve never hosted a webinar before, or you’re already an old hand, there’s little doubt that this is a tool that really performs. The amount of time you spend preparing and promoting is minor compared to the potential returns, so get out there and start planning your next webinar event!
To start – fill in the The Complete Assessment for a free assessment
Top Tips for Hosting an Engaging Webinar
It’s true. No one wants to hear you drone on and on. But unless you take steps to keep your viewers engaged during your webinar, that’s exactly what you risk happening.
Top presenters have learned several tricks for keeping their viewers interested (and listening) even if the webinar seems to go on longer than they anticipated.
Hold Your Questions
If it seems like your viewers drop off the call just as you’re about to make an offer, you’re not imagining things. Many viewers attend for the training, with no thought to buy, and will leave the minute it’s clear the training is over.
You can curb that with one simple trick: hold the questions until after your offer. By breaking up the training with an offer in the middle, you’re more likely to hold your audience’s attention for the duration of the event.
Host a Contest
Much like holding questions until after the offer, the same effect can be had by hosting a contest in which the winner is not announced until the end of the webinar. Alternately, you could offer a prize to the first viewer to answer a question correctly—the question, of course, is based on the content of the webinar. This virtually ensures your viewers are paying attention.
Turn the Tables
Don’t let your viewers just sit and passively watch. Instead, get them talking.
Most webinar platforms have some kind of chat or question feature, so make use of it by chatting them up. At the beginning of the event, be sure to ask them to let you know if they can hear you and see your slides. Throughout the call, as you make a point or reveal a great tip, ask for their acknowledgment. Not only will this keep them interested and listening, but it will also help them learn how the chat function works, so when it’s time for Q & A they don’t have any trouble.
Tell a Story
Everyone loves a great story, and if you’ve got one, now is the time to tell it. Whether it’s the time you nearly got arrested in college, or how you had to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for a month after your car died, if you can link your story to your webinar message, it’s a good candidate.
Just remember to practice telling it first, because if you’re not a natural-born story teller (many of us are not) then it can quickly backfire.
The last thing you want is for your webinar to be a boring, hour-long event that drives viewers away. It’s pretty depressing to watch the attendee number drop before you’re even halfway through your slides, but if you put these tips in play, you’ll have much happier—and attentive—webinar viewers.
To start – fill in the The Complete Assessment for a free assessment