Building an email list can be an involved process. This reader wrote in to Michael Katz, e-newsletter expert, asking about the best ways to build the list for her stress relief site. Michael’s suggestions will work for your site too.

Carol Abrahamson, a new reader and owner of ExtraordinaryHomes.com, recently wrote in to Michael Katz to ask him some questions about the e-newsletter she’s developing. Their conversation reveals both Carol’s unique and vivacious approach to marketing, as well as Michael’s understanding of e-newsletters.

Hi Ulli,
Thanks for offering your knowledge to help WebProNews readers out! Here’s my question:
I work for a small family owned company. Although I have worked here for over a year and work a 40 hour week, I am not hired as an “employee” because they can’t afford to offer me any sort of benefits yet. I am an “independent contractor” for them and file my taxes as such. Because of this, I do not have a 401K and need to start investing for my future in ways other then my savings account! My salary is 55K per year. What are my options and what do you suggest? Thanks for your help!

Crafting a well-designed user interface for a web application is never a trivial task. It’s the one thin layer that lies between the human user and the not-so-human computer. That’s a large communication gap to bridge especially when you are trying to communicate complex system functionality across a broad user base of varying experience. A hallmark of any good UI is its ability to be used effectively by both novice and expert users alike. It is striking a balance between these two oftentimes-conflicting user bases that poses the greatest difficulty.

For novice users, clarity is of utmost importance; for expert users, efficiency. Icons and shortcut keys afford efficiencies for expert users while a fully expounded UI affords clarity for novice users. Unfortunately, here within lies the problem. The UI elements that afford efficiencies for expert users cause confusion amongst novice users. The details required of a fully expounded UI that facilitate understanding amongst novice users clutter the system for expert users. It boils down to this, clarity comes at a price – that price is clutter. By understanding the user population of the application and using an “upgrades gracefully” design, you can design a UI that strikes a balance to best achieve overall system efficacy amongst all users as a whole.

#1. What are three (3) trends you are seeing in small business start-ups?

• Laid off workers seem to be starting their own businesses in larger numbers.


• Many new business owners are better prepared, I think largely due to the internet and the proliferation of books on small business start-ups.


• Start-up capital is out there, but it is harder to find now. Many people we see are starting businesses that don’ t take as much capital.

Willie Crawford is the owner of http://williecrawford.com, and has released several products (including tele seminar tapes, an internet marketing videotape series, and even a cookbook!)

What is one of the best ways to become an expert in your chosen field?

When I started my online business a year ago, I was absolutely overwhelmed by the number of web sites that offer advice. Everyone seemed to know how to make money on the Internet, which made it even harder to believe.

Free online small business expert advice abounds. Wading through copious sage wisdom takes time, so we’ve investigated some of the more prominent sites offering experiential resources.

Once you join Allbusiness.com, they’ll direct your questions to experts on a wide variety of topics, from women in business to sales and marketing. Read through the previously answered questions to see if there’s any relevance to your question. If not, type your question into the provided submission form, and wait a week. Then check the message boards.

You have an idea for a new product or service, want to get feedback from prospects and position your firm as the experts. How do you do this when you haven’t ever provided the particular service or sold the product?