If we would recall, Google had indeed make its intention clear that it is looking for businesses to buy, perhaps even big ones ! Indeed, Admob.com is frequently look upon as the fore-funner in mobile ads market (If it is still fresh in your mind, back in September when CEO Eric Schmidt said the company had begun seriously looking at acquisitions again ).

While earlier this month, rumors are running that Apple may possibly look at acquiring Admob, it didn’t turn out to be fact. As there was no clear strategic reason for Apple to move into intense ads market ( at least what we see for now ). So far, Apple strategy has been in higher profit sectors, especially with it’s ‘selling like Super Hotcake‘  iPhone, and of course, the iPhone Apps store.

Although some might point out that not all sectors that Apple moved into are able to enjoy high profit margin, but not forgetting that these lower margin are more as add-on to those much successful ( and of course, higher margin ) products like iPhone, iPod, and Mac sales.

Nevertheless, if we were to take a deeper look on Admob’s corporate earning, it has actually been able to ride on booming mobile market, and since the iPhone Phenomena, Admob has been recording impressive growth in mobile ads serving thru iPhone apps. From ~130 million of mobile ads served during  September 2008, it booms and received whooping 2.6 billion ad requests from iPhone and iPod touch devices in September this year ! As the business cycle move on, this could actually helps on iPhones sales ( the more developers turning into developing those nice iPhones Apps, it just keeps advertise for itself isn’t it ?! )

Some might argue that with Google acquiring Admob, Apple has actually missed out a gem. With Google already nominating the Web Ads market, now having both DoubleClick Mobile and Admob, it is possibly a very strategic business move as it is riding into Apple’s iPhone success. While taking it face-to-face with Google’s Phone, which with it’s own Andriod OS, Google is now being able to further consolidate it’s power and look set to dominate the Mobile Ads market too !  Although Google Phone is still much a ’small kid’ compare to current Apple’s iPhone, but we’ll never know just how big and how far it can goes isn’t it ?!

With much to says, what about mobile ads publishers and other smaller mobile ads networks ? Well, the belief is that mobile publishers will be cheering all the way to the bank, again ! as Google Adsense has been gold pot to them all these years. Surely, with Google coming into bigger play in mobile ads markets, publishers are set to make even more.

But does this also turn out to be a good news to other smaller mobile ads network ? As analyzed by Google itself ( http://www.google.com/press/admob/comp.html , source by eMarketer), there are several players in Apps/Web sector, Admob being the Leader, with Jumptap, Mojiva, Quattro Wireless trailing behind. One of the noticeable network is Mojiva.com ( a rather younger company compare to Admob ), but has been reportedly performing good , and been able to secure few rounds of venture funding.

With Google coming into bigger play, it does looks like tougher challenge ahead, for the smaller mobile ads network. Or just probably, they could twist their strategy to tack on with Google/Admob, and offer some alternative solutions to publishers, and advertisers.

Well… as we speak, the world is riding out current economy downturn, and who will know what’s next isn’t it ?! One thing just for sure – Companies need to continuously strive for the better, not only for survival !

To sell your business successfully, there are skills that you need to master, and effective advertising too !

You need to create an advertising that only targeting the people who really serious to buy the business from you. You don’t need any time wasters that call you because they interested for your business, but have no money to buy it. The “teasing strategy” where you give as little information as possible to the buyers will not be effective in selling your business. You need to give as much information as possible to potential buyers so they could see directly what happens in your business.

Here are some tips that you could use to get potential buyers:

1. Price – You need to decide your price carefully. If you put it too low, you probably don’t make enough profits from it. But, if you pricing it too high, the business will take ages to be sold and make people wonder that there is something wrong with your business that makes it not selling.

2. Maintenance – If you are selling an offline business where it has a shop or so, buyers will want to look at it before they decide to buy it. This is the moment where you must show that your establishment is maintained properly. You need to clean up your shop before you sell it and fixing some exposed wires if you want the buyers to purchase it with the price that you give.

3. Information – One of the best ways to ensure the success of selling your business is by keeping all information related to it at hand. Your buyer will want to see the all documents regarding the business and more importantly how much profits that they could get from it. You could reveal the important information to him as long as you make him to sign up the Non-Disclosure Agreement before you show it.

4. Purchase Agreement – You need to keep this document ready just in case your buyer is satisfied with the business and they want to purchase it right away. Show your seriousness by not making him wait to buy it. You and your buyer could modify the document after you signed it.

5. Advertising – You need to take the advertising aspect seriously because it will find the right person to purchase your business. You need to do the advertising until you get the check at hand and not stop doing it before that. This is the mistake that often made by the seller. They put advertising in the newspaper for a week, and when no one makes a call, they stop it. You need to get the word out. Show the people that you want to sell your business. You could do it by putting ads in newspaper, internet, makes pamphlets, and so on.

6. Buyer Requirements – You need to have your own buyer requirements before you start advertising because until you advertise it, you will be swamped with offers. Most of the offers usually not made seriously. Check your buyer’s background first before you allow them to see the information about your business. It’s to make sure that they could afford to buy your business and not just waste your time.

7. Transfer – If you have a leased promise for the restaurant, you need to contact the lessor and ask them whether it could be transferred to the new buyer. This probably require you to sign some papers, but as long as it’s good with the lessor, you’re could start advertising right away.

8. Agreements – You need to put every words or promises into writing when you sell the business. By putting all of them in writing, you’ll avoid any problems that may come from the misunderstanding between you and your buyer. Don’t forget to consult any agreements with experts in that area, and ask helps to do it if you can’t do it yourself.

9. Initial Deposit – It’s a wise move if you ask your buyer to give the initial deposit first. This will show you that the buyer is really serious in purchasing your business. The money could be held by an escrow and won’t be released until everything is done.

If you armed yourself with the knowledge of selling a business, you’ll find out that it could help you to sell your business faster. It’s very advisable to consult your business with experts to figure out the pricing, agreements, or notes that you should prepared.

One of the things that you could get for your business is a well-designed ecommerce program. But, before you rush into it, you should want to identify these questions first:
- What makes the ecommerce software program is good?
- Is it easy to use and learn? If it is, how long you could learn all the functions you need?
- Will you get a regular update for the ecommerce applications ?
- Is it fully tested and ready to use?

After you figure the answers for those questions, it is time for you to make use of your ecommerce software program.

Figure out what kind information that you want to put in your application and database. Remember, when you consider those things that you want to put in it, you should think ahead. It is because most of the time, information that we don’t think we need today, could be crucial to your business in the future. Don’t just follow the others because you think all people use the same software. Ties up your own needs by figure out what you needed first.

Here is several essentials information that should be in your ecommerce software:
- Inventory list
- Customer information
- Products purchased
- Product pictures and prices

Those are the most basic information that you need. You could add some more if you like, for example, a reminder to send an e-card for your customers in their special days, weekly newsletter subscriptions, and so on.

When you decide to collect the information of your customers, make sure you put details information in it. Get as much information as possible, and don’t forget the email address too. Having your customer email address at hand could minimize your marketing budget by sending the information to your customer right through their email address. Even this tiny information like email address is important. Make sure you get all information you need for your customers so you could keep them longer in your list.

While it’s much easier to do the manual bookkeeping for your orders, using the ecommerce software program is most recommended, of which most should comes with such features. It will remove all the papers that you need, and present you with the exact same information that you need just with a few clicks of buttons. Learn to use your ecommerce software everyday so it becomes your habit.

The biggest mistake that ever been made by internet marketer is lack of business plan. As soon as they have an idea, they execute it directly without doing any research for it or creating a business plan that will help them to make their dream comes true. There is a fierce competition on the internet. Every single business in there trying to get as many customers as they can. So what is your plan? How could you beat those competitors and make the customers come to your website instead?

Business plan will be playing an important part in building your internet business strategy for penetrating the market. This business plan will guide you through the business, and make sure you’ll stay on the right track. After you develop your business plan, you could move on to creating a marketing plan. This plan will help you in gaining more customers.

Here are some of the things that you should consider while you’re building your marketing plan:

1. Target Market – Who’s your target market? Who will buy your products or services? How do you make your offers more interesting than others? This is where you identified your target market. Pick your target market carefully, because the pricing of your products will be adjusted to that market.

2. Competitors – Have you ever saw your competitors product before? Have you ever tried them? You need to find some of your top competitors and learn about their products, their marketing strategy, customer services and so on. This is to make sure that you offer the better services and products for your customers.

3. Advertising – There are so many advertising methods that you could do online. Each of them targeting different market from different age. You need to set your advertising so it can reach your target market. Figure out where to spotted on your target market, and put your advertising in there.

4. Pricing – It’s better for you to avoid any price war with your competitors. When you do the price war, the price of your own products will be dropped and left you with no profits to take. Try to compete in the additional products or services and customer services instead. If you’re still insist to do the price war, make sure your products or services are better than your competitors.

5. Shipping Method – Consider how you will ship the products, determine the shipping and handling costs, and put the numbers in your website. You could increase the sales by selling to other countries if you like, just don’t forget to count the numbers once again. If you could, provide insurance so people will feel more secure by ordering from you.

6. Payment Method – What payment method that you’ll accept from your customers? Are they credit cards, checks, PayPal, Google Checkout, or wire transfers? You have to be able to receive as many payment methods as you can. There are several payment processors out there that will guarantee the safety of transactions. Pick the one that you like, and link it to your website.

Those are several things that you need to consider when you creating your marketing plan. When you planned something ahead, you’ll figure out that it’s much better to follow it than thinking about it every time you need any marketing ideas.

In the first week of July 2009, crude oil price was at USD68.23 per barrel. During the last week of July, the price appears to be of V-shape in fluctuation. It was at 69.01 US Dollars per barrel on Monday ; Drops to  65.81 US Dollars per barrel on Wednesday, before recovers to 68.59 US Dollars per barrel on last trading day of the month, 31st of July.

Most analyst believed that the factors behind the hike in crude oil price are mainly contributed by weak US dollar, yet strong American Stock market performance . In addition, factor like huge US financial budget deficits that brings down the Dollars performance is also one major affecting element that continue to push the crude oil price higher.

Even as the US economy shows positive signs and might be bottoming out soon, as the recent GDP data might suggest  signs of recovery, most analysts still foresee that the crude oil price would likely to continue climbing up, as recovery route is still a long way to go, in view of the fundamentals are still very much lacking in place.

Further, with job loss rate continue to climbs, it looks like US Administration would likely needs to push more stimulus packages in order to continue driving over current economy storm. Adding to the burden of the people, commodities prices are likely to climbs in months ahead, as the Dollars are still much weak. With the commodities price continue to hike, normal households are the one whom would really feel the pain ! There are still much to work on for the Administration, just like what the President had mentioned earlier on – Unless the Job Loss is STOP, the economy is not considered as ‘Recovered’ as yet !

Across the globe, market analysts believe that second quarter’s GDP report throws some light on indicating that US current economic recession is seems to be approaching bottom, with US Government economic stimulus plan’s to start showing positive effects in the second quarter. Most economist are foreseeing more concrete effects in 2nd quarter of this year, to next year, from the economy stimulus plan rolled out by US President’s administration.

Also on earlier, USA House of Representatives votes and approved the urgent move to shift more funds in economic stimulus plan to the “Car Allowance Rebate System” ( which informally called “Cash for Clunkers” ).  With this move, additional of $2 billion will be available to sustain the bill which was signed into law by US President Obama , creating the NHTSA Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), in effort to help turning the economy around.

So far, there has been mixing reactions to this bill and on the additional funding made. One thing to note is, the public need to be clear on the fact that it was unrealistic those on top level to review a bill , and then to  come up with comprehensive set of rules and guidelines in such a short time span.

Nevertheless, on the ground, the responses appears to be pretty encouraging, with motor vehicles dealers reporting much positive result and more sales. On the surface, it help on consumer spending, and instill confident in the market to keep people spending and move the cash around. On the other hand, with more vehicles pushed out, factory could then be able to kick off with more production, and also purchasing more part along the way.

In such, if we look at it that way, the bill is indeed a good move by the Administration. But the question remain too – Could it sustain ? By continuing putting more money in consumer pocket at this moment, how would it means for our next generation ? Bigger debt than ever ?

With the US released data showing that citizen claiming unemployment benefit is dropping. It boosts up the market sentiment and helped in pushing up market worldwide. On New York market noon time, Standard & Poor 500 indices has rise 1.6%, approaching the 1000 critical support level.

On Europe market, the Eurofirst 300 indices (FTSE Eurofirst 300) has rises 2.2%, also marking the peak since last November’s peak position. Meanwhile, a new 9 month high level is registered at Tokyo Nikkei 225Indice .

While these are indeed good news, since the financial crisis, one have to really think of the possible supporting factors that might be contributing to these up rising. Or at least ask the basic question -> Is the market running ahead of itself too soon ? Are the fundamental getting sound to support for such rally ?

Yes, there are growing signs that economy is on the road to recovery. No doubt so far that the earnings posted by major enterprises has been positive, with some performing better than market’s expectations.  But bear in mind that, if we look back at history, economy recovery could takes a long way for it to reach a sustainable position.

During the sell off of Microsoft shares on last Friday, 24th July 2009, investors were looking pessimistically toward it. In fact, with the latest profit result released by the software giant, it looks like Microsoft , the most powerful profit software engine just couldn’t gets on it motor amid current economy situation.
It has been investors’ great concern pertaining to the software giant technology business which is facing very stiff competition and fast losing its shine, in particular when facing with the other 2 gigantic competitors, Apple and Google . With the release of latest corporate result, investors selling off its share has caused Microsoft stocks to fall stiffly of nearly 9% , which eventually lead to 20 billions US Dollars being evaporated off the market.

If we were to look at it further, the contributing reasons that causes Microsoft’s revenue falling to a low point in the second quarter this year, could be due to following these factors :-

Current economy crisis

Nobody could deny that current crisis has major negative impact on business everywhere. With the  relatively low level of  revenue coming from business sector, it shows that the majority of enterprises are delaying their IT expenses, which cost Microsoft stiffly.

Product Life Cycle

It has been obvious that the issue of Microsoft’s product life cycle has seriously lagging behind, while its competitors are launching more and newer innovative products rapidly. Just look at Apple’s IPhone, Google’s Chrome ( and it’s coming Chrome OS ). Competitors has been rapid in introducing new or improved product’s line, while the software giant has been seriously lagging for years.

Market Shift

Inevitably, markets are moving, including the technology sector, toward other low cost countries. Those high cost of PC-based software that has traditionally been MicroSoft main profit engine, is starting to loss out comparing to other low cost emerging markets.

With the growing crowded and continuous inflow of of low-cost mainstream computers company , the sales projection of Microsoft’s Windows 7 is not looking bright indeed.

Certainly, with such shining profit report, Goldman Sachs undoubtedly stand as current Leader on Wall Street. But dn’t you ever forget that the public has indeed paid a high price earlier on, in government’s effort to maintain Goldman Sachs operations, as well as its counterparts, during the rescue operation.

Comparing to other financial institutions, Goldman Sachs indeed had a much smaller loss. With it’s sharp sense and correct timing ( and guts ! ), Goldman Sachs is still prepared to continue with it’s deployment of what other considered as riskier investment moves, which even venture capitals and other banks had fear to look into.

According to Goldman Sachs, it said that most of its profits are not from the it’s clients account transactions, or betting with their money. Rather, it earns most from its activities as a broker in other fields like currency, bond, equity, and commodity market. These market sectors are mostly unprofitable in good time, but with weak economy situation, these sectors has surprisingly become the main profit generators !

Also, as the competition in the industry has somehow decreased to certain extend, financial institutes that still has the muscle would then be able to deal with those Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage securities issued, for a god profit margin of 10-15 times. Surely, as a trading institution, Goldman Sachs would of course quick ( and gladly so ), to seize this opportunity from other financial institutions whom are now much weaker and unable to move quickly and effectively, like the now faltering Citigroup and UBS . At the same time, Goldman Sachs long time main rival Morgan Stanley is also unable to move on for expansion, which Goldman Sachs would gladly see so, and continue to grab those opportunities which previously had to fight for

With such shining profit report card, Goldman Sachs has boldly came up with 11.4 billion U.S. dollars for compensation and benefits packages ! This sum is shockingly more than the amount before the turbulent first half of 2007 !

Had it forgotten ? If there were no Government-provided capital which took from the public, debt guarantees and rapid changes in the approval for the commercial banks, it was almost unsustainable. Now, it appear to such shameless move by Goldman Sachs to even dare to propose huge payout packages for its staffs.

Is the current economy situation really bottoming out ? Are we seeing real economy bounce yet ? For Goldman Sachs to make such huge payout package… … This is really, truly outrageous !

Hey, DON’T Burn Our hard earned MONEY with your luxurious sport cars !

At the press conference, Hillary mentioned that the US has returned to the Southeast Asia and will strengthen its ties in the SE Asia region, with the ASEAN country in contact. Both the Secretary of State, and American president Obama, is firmly believed that the Southeast Asia progresses, contribution in world peace,  and economy prosperity are very important.

The US would engage with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations comprehensively, and decided that “in the near future” , it will be locating an correspondence office in Indonesia capital, Jakarta, as an administrative body in contact with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations .

On the world climatic change issue, Hillary said that The US government has requests it’s Congress to supplement the Association of Southeast Asian Nations regional climate change aid fund. In addition to this, she will also be having first ministerial meetings of foreign ministers from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand on 23rd July, in particular on the water resources, health, and the environment related aspect.