Needs assessment research is a crucial step to complete before writing a white paper. It will enable your writer to better focus and execute exactly what you’re trying to accomplish. It can also head off many problems that can occur later on in the development of the white paper. Here are the main steps to keep in mind:

1)Identify the primary and secondary audiences.
industry niche, typical title, basic job function, age,

2)What is the objective of the white paper?
Generate leads? Educate? Introduce? Establish market position?

3) What is the main challenge, problem, issue the target audience faces?
GeSince most white white papers use a problem-solution approach this is important to agree upon before even an outline is written. 

4) How does your product/service address this problem/challenge?
While a white paper is not overtly promotional you should  integrate your solution into the main argument. 

5) Who are the key people who must be interviewed?
While company documents and research are important to development of the white paper, interviewing key people to get the company’s perspective is crucial.

6) What is the schedule and timeline?
Make sure all the players involved in the development of the white paper are aware that there is a schedule and deadlines need to be met.

Well whatever you think of Sarah Palin, this is definitely a testimony to the power of Linkedin. I seriously doubt she is looking for a job – she is looking for speaking and consulting gigs.

Stay tuned to my announcement of a Linkedin webinar course on using Linkedin to build your business, whether it’s looking for speaking or consulting gigs or promoting your services. If interested, write me at leon @ altmancommunications.com

A financial copywriter who knows the ins and outs of the web can bring in a steady supply of new clients. The secret is to create keyword targeted articles and posts and commentary that contain the keywords that attract searchers to your website.

You also need an SEO (search engine optimized) plan, where content is placed on the right websites, blogs, and forums. But put together SEO content and the right strategy and financial advisors and planners will be able to be very selective of which prospects they allow to be clients. For more information, check out financial copywriter.

I want to thank Seth Strader, CEO of Custody HQ, a firm that provides legal services for custody cases for this audio testimonial about my marketing services. It’s great working with you.

If you’d like to ignite your marketing, check out www.onlinemarketingexpress.com
Contact me at 888 650-9714 or write me at
leon @ altmancommunications.com

Twitter and Facebook have been getting most of the press. And they are certainly  worthwhile … but many people find that the social media site that brings them the most productive traffic is …. Linkedin.

Now mind you I’m not talking about job-seeking, even though that is one of its primary objectives.

In fact, studies show that small-business owners are more likely to use LinkedIn than employees working for a corporation. And tests show that links from Linkedin yield better results than links from other social media. In a recent contest involving 2,350 business related links from 12 marketing and social media sites, 55% came from Linkedin, 13% came from Facebook, while Twitter referred 11%.

So how do you make money using Linkedin? In fact, it is tricky. Out and out selling will get you either banned or ignored. There is a more sophisticated way to monetize Linkedin (and it doesn’t depend on your network. It can be done even if you have a small number of network contacts).

To find out all about, check out my Free, Step by Step Webinar: How to Cross the Bridge from Linkedin to Web Profits at http://www.yourlaptopbusiness.com/free-linkedin-webinar.html