A critical component to every online business is collecting and using email addresses of clients and prospects. And there are literally hundreds of options. From doing it yourself, to hiring an agency - the cost can range from free to thousands of dollars.

A number of online services exist, such as Constant Contact, Emma and AWeber, which offer a happy medium of costs and features.

For my other projects we use AWeber. A key benefit that they offer is that it allows email lists for multiple websites. This may not be so important if you are just getting started, but with time, most business owners grow into more than one project. Also, they offer a confirmed sign-up, which ensures that each person you opts-in for your mail actually wants your mail. Visit AWebers Web site.

What do you use? What features are key? We will be producing a review, comparing the major players in the email marketing field, and we would love to hear from you.

What's The Best Email Marketing Tool? originally appeared on About.com Online Business / Hosting on Tuesday, July 27th, 2010 at 07:13:06.

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Jeff Hayzlett is recognized as one of the most influential marketers of our generation. As Chief Marketing Officer of Kodak, the company saw record growth and established themselves as a global leader in research and new product development. Jeff left Kodak in May 2010 and is currently an author and speaker. Jeff recently took some time to speak with me. Read the full interview.

Jeff is also featured, alongside numerous CEO's, CMO's and other best selling authors, in a new series: Expert Advice for Every Online Business

NOTE: Jeff is the keynote speaker for the upcoming SES San Francisco and Connected Marketing Week - the week of August 16-20, 2010.

Feature Interview with Jeff Hayzlett - Kodaks former Chief Marketing Officer originally appeared on About.com Online Business / Hosting on Tuesday, July 27th, 2010 at 07:10:36.

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You might know author John Jantsch from a little book called: Duct Tape Marketing. It became known as the bible for small-business marketing.

John's new book, The Referral Engine is not your traditional referral book.

Referrals, once thought to be an unexpected gift, can now be planned and automated, and become an integral part of every marketing plan. Author John Jantsch teaches how to harness the power of happy clients. A must-read for every business owner. Read the full review.

The Referral Engine Book Review originally appeared on About.com Online Business / Hosting on Monday, July 26th, 2010 at 07:17:13.

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The week of August 10th, 2010 ClickZ is bringing a special event to San Francisco. Connected Marketing Week is producing a huge event with more than one hundred sessions and thousands of delegates expected. SES San Francisco is presented as part of Connected Marketing Week and has a narrower focus.

In addition to the standard search and social media, Connected Marketing Week is also covering email marketing and advertising networks. Event organizers have put together an impressive lineup of speakers and trainers, including former VP and Chief Marketing Officer for Eastman Kodak, Jeff Hayzlett.

Registration is now open and you can even save $300 if you register before July 30, 2010.

Sharpen Your Skills at Connected Marketing Week (August 16-20, 2010) originally appeared on About.com Online Business / Hosting on Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 at 07:05:01.

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That is, of course, assuming that you still have a job. . .

Online business is the key for many to break the chain-of-location and head out into the world, not having to work. Well, at least not having to "work".

In the last couple of years there have been a number of, now famous, young guys (yes, just guys - if I'm missing something - let me know) who have stuck-it-to-the-man, quit their 9-5's and created a life that they wanted, not one that they fell into.

Chris Guillebeau is one of these guys - and has become both very respected and very envied. You see, Chris has one of those crazy and insane goals. He is going to travel to every country of the world before April 7, 2013 - his 35th birthday. Oh yeah - and he doesn't have a job. Envious? See his progress. As of today, he has been to 149 of 192 countries. His blog carries a profile or update from each country. It makes a great read.

Chris has produced a number of products on achieving his type of lifestyle with the latest being The Empire Building Kit. This is a one year program to help you reach your liberation goals. I'll be reviewing this over the next year, with updates every month or so. Hope you enjoy!

Are you an Empire Builder trained by Chris himself? Does your online business allow you the lifestyle you want? I would love to hear from you.

Who Wants to Quit Their Job? originally appeared on About.com Online Business / Hosting on Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 at 07:15:03.

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