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Thomas Ieracitano says Thank you for Visiting My Blog

Fraud Alert-Area Codes...Do Not Delete

New Area Codes...Do Not Delete
Snopes and AT&T verified. See bottom of this e-mail.
This sounds like a serious warning.

809 Area Code
We actually received a call last
week from the 809 area code. The woman said 'Hey,
this is Karen .. Sorry I missed you--get back to us
quickly. I have something important to tell you..' Then
she repeated a phone number beginning with 809 We did not respond.
Then this week, we received the following e-mail:

Do Not DIAL AREA CODE
809, 284, AND 876

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PROVIDED TO US BY AT&T. DON'T EVER DIAL AREA CODE 809

This one is being distributed all over the US ... This is
pretty scary, especially given the way they try to get
you to call.

Be sure you read this and pass it on.

They get you to call by telling you that it is information about a family member who has been ill or to tell you someone has been arrested, died, or to let you know you have won a wonderful prize, etc..
In each case, you are told to call the 809 number right away. Since there are so many new area codes these days, people unknowingly return these calls.

If you call from the U.S. , you will apparently be
charged $2,425 per-minute.

Or, you'll get a long recorded message... The point is, they will try to keep you on the phone as long as possible to increase the charges.
WHY IT WORKS:

The 809 area code is located in the Dominican Republic ..
The charges afterward can become a real
nightmare. That's because you did actually make the call. If you complain, both your local phone company and your long distance carrier will not want to get involved and will most likely tell you that they are simply providing the billing for the foreign company. You'll
end up dealing with a foreign company that argues they have done nothing wrong.

Please forward this entire message to your friends, family and colleagues to help them become aware of this scam.

AT&T VERIFIES IT'S TRUE :

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=6045

SNOPES VERIFIES IT'S TRUE:
http://www.snopes.com/fraud/telephone/809.asp

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Service Selling Tools to Ignite Your Performance-Getting the Customer to "Yes"

  Service Selling Tools to Ignite Your Performance Getting the Customer to "Yes"


One of the most important reasons for using a step-by-step customer service process is to establish a situation in which the customer can make a series of small decisions or commitments before making the big purchase decision. It is well known that once an individual has agreed to a small, incremental decision, he or she is much more likely to agree to a major commitment.

A simple 3 Step Process;

Show the Feature - Explain the Benefit - Wrap it up with an Inquiry.

F - Show the Feature - The feature refers to the service that needs to be done. When you show the feature, point to the feature. Stay focused, make appropriate eye contact, have a positive frame of mind, find the key point, and use appropriate body language.

B - Explain the Benefit - When you provide the benefits, use appropriate eye-to-eye contact and explain what it will do for the customer. Use the customer's words and demonstrate your commitment to him/her.

I - Wrap it up with an Inquiry - Use the magic words to bridge from feature to benefits:

"What that means to you is?"
"What that will do for you is?"
"How that will benefit you is?"
"How that will work for you is?"

These three steps can be used virtually every time you present information to a customer. When combined with other communication skills, you should be able to ensure the customer's complete understanding as you seek to understand and meet his or her needs.

Using "tie-downs"

Every customer has a different set of expectations and a different set of needs.. It will be your task to customize your presentation for the customer. The flow of the presentation should be the same in every case. The pacing, tone, and language, however, will certainly vary.




Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
www.DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462

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Tech Tips of the week

Once in a while I will come across a few items to make our busy lives a little less heck-tic.

http://www.idrivelite.com - this is a Free Service to back your phone contacts on your BlackBerry, iPhone or iTouch wireless with just a touch of a button.

iDrive also can backup your computer files remotely and securely!

I am sure like me to do not have the occasion to send a fax but now and then it is the only method so........ how about a Free Service

That's all for now and be productive, be a good person, do the right thing!

Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
www.DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462

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Consider what would happen if I were to follow you with a camera crew 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the next 100 days while you went for your goals?

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." Edward E. Cummings

Consider what would happen if I were to follow you with
a camera crew 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the next
100 days while you went for your goals?

I bet 3 things would happen....

1) You would START doing the things you say you need to
do.

2) You would STOP doing the things you know you
shouldn't be doing.

3) You would MAKE monumental performance gains and
change your life.

This is ALL possible through the discipline of
accountability. Accountability serves and protects your
character, credibility and commitments. It ensures that
what you want to accomplish gets accomplished.

Throughout every area of your life it's important to
understand that ALL unfinished goals, projects and
relationships are the result of broken promises,
unfulfilled commitments, and lack of accountability.

Become accountable to Yourself!

Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
www.DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462

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Consider what would happen if I were to follow you with a camera crew 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the next 100 days while you went for your goals?

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." Edward E. Cummings

Consider what would happen if I were to follow you with
a camera crew 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the next
100 days while you went for your goals?

I bet 3 things would happen....

1) You would START doing the things you say you need to
do.

2) You would STOP doing the things you know you
shouldn't be doing.

3) You would MAKE monumental performance gains and
change your life.

This is ALL possible through the discipline of
accountability. Accountability serves and protects your
character, credibility and commitments. It ensures that
what you want to accomplish gets accomplished.

Throughout every area of your life it's important to
understand that ALL unfinished goals, projects and
relationships are the result of broken promises,
unfulfilled commitments, and lack of accountability.

Become accountable to Yourself!

Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
www.DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462

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Ford Fusion Hybrid, Transit Connect win Car and Truck of the Year awards

2010 DETROIT AUTO SHOW
Ford Fusion Hybrid, Transit Connect win Car and Truck of the Year awards Shawn Wright
Automotive News | January 11, 2010 - 8:00 am EST
DETROIT -- The Ford Fusion Hybrid was named the North American Car of the Year today while Ford's Transit Connect picked up Truck of the Year accolades in a poll of journalists.

The Fusion Hybrid topped car finalists Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Golf. The Transit Connect came out on top over the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback.

In the 17 years for the awards, U.S.-based automakers have taken home the car trophy nine times. European companies have won four times, Japanese three and South Korea's Hyundai once.

In the truck category, domestics have claimed the crown 11 times, followed by four for Japanese makes and two for Europeans.

Last year, the Hyundai Genesis won car of the year, and the Ford F-150 pickup was honored as the top truck.

Hybrids, which have been becoming increasingly more popular, now have won five honors. More than 50 vehicles were considered this year.

Automotive News is represented on the 49-member voting panel by Executive Editor Edward Lapham..
Previous winners -- North American Car and Truck of the Year
North American Car of the Year
2009 -- Hyundai Genesis
2008 -- Chevrolet Malibu
2007 -- Saturn Aura
2006 -- Honda Civic
2005 -- Chrysler 300/300C
2004 -- Toyota Prius
2003 -- Mini Cooper/Cooper S
2002 -- Nissan Altima
2001 -- Chrysler PT Cruiser
2000 -- Ford Focus
1999 -- Volkswagen Beetle
1988 -- Chevrolet Corvette
1997 -- Mercedes-Benz SLK
1996 -- Chrysler Minivan
1995 -- Chrysler Cirrus
1994 -- Mercedes C-Class

North American Truck of the Year
2009 -- Ford F-150
2008 -- Mazda CX-9
2007 -- Chevrolet Silverado
2006 -- Honda Ridgeline
2005 -- Ford Escape Hybrid
2004 -- Ford F-150
2003 -- Volvo XC90
2002 -- Chevrolet Trailblazer
2001 -- Acura MDX
2000 -- Nissan Xterra
1999 -- Jeep Grand Cherokee
1998 -- Mercedes-Benz ML 320
1997 -- Ford Expedition
1996 -- Ford F-150
1995 -- Chevrolet Blazer
1994 -- Dodge Ram


ENLARGE
Ford sweeps the Car and Truck of the Year honors with the Transit Connect (left) and Ford Fusion.

PRINTED FROM: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100111/OEM/100119988/1115&template=printart

Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
www.DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462

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Santa Claus Himself!

Hello! I thought you might like to receive a personalized video message from Santa Claus himself.

Click here to find out how! http://portablenorthpole.tv



Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
http://DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462

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Three ways a company blog can LOWER costs for your business

Three ways a company blog can LOWER costs for your business

Let's be clear; most businesses want its blog to generate sales for the company. Either directly or indirectly. But some of the biggest benefits that can be achieved via a blog is to use it as a tool to reduce the cost of running your business. Here are three ways this can be done:

1 - Your blog as a customer service/support tool.Think about how much time and money and energy is spent on handling customer service issues. With a blog, you can handle most of these issues, giving customers the ability to find the answers for themselves, saving them time and energy as well.. A win-win for everyone, as this always improves the customer's impression of your company, and makes them feel cool as well since they could solve the problem themselves! In the book Groundswell, the authors calculated this benefit alone as being worth $69K a year to a large blogging corporation.

2 - Organic SEO benefits. Everyone knows that blogging has big SEO advantages. But the organic SEO benefits from your company blog could be enough that you could scale back on the money you're paying that SEO firm, or even stop outsourcing your SEO efforts! That means you can take that portion of your marketing budget and move it to other areas!

3 - Free market research! One of the first things you'll hear about social media is that 'it's all about the conversation!!!' Ok I agree, there's so much more to it than that, and it's often hard to directly monetize 'the conversation'. But here's one area where customer feedback can pay off on your blog,and that's in the form of free research! Think about it, if you have a vibrant and active readership on your blog, then you can use your customers to get insights into new products you are developing,existing or possible marketing campaigns, or really anything! There for an example of this in action with the recent social media survey.

So keep these ways in mind when you are considering launching a company blog, or are trying to sell your boss on doing so. Don't just consider the potential revenue generated, but also the potential to lower the costs of running your business!

Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
http://DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462

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5 Tips To Get You The Best Buy On Your Next Used Car

5 Tips To Get You The Best Buy On Your Next Used Car

These days cars a lasting much longer than they used to do with so many
people cutting back on finances many families are considering buying a used car.

Smart consumers know that buying a used car can be a much better deal
than buying a new one if you know what you are doing.
Here are some tips that you can use to make sure you get the most out of
your used car purchase.

1. Due Diligence
When you make any major purchase, it's Important for you to do some
research and purchasing a used car is no different. If you do the right research
you'll know the perfect make and model that suits your needs. You'll also be able to determine the
fair market value of this type of car and therefore, you'll know when you're getting a good deal
at the used car lot.
In addition you'll be able to research Important details about the car,
like recalls her things to look for and used models that may help when evaluating used cars and
negotiating deals.

2. Check Out The Car
When you find a car that you like, it is wise to check the car's
history. This will give you Information regarding the repairs as well as any problems with the car.
You can do this for a small fee online and it can save you from buying a car that's been in a
flood or other major disaster. You won't want to buy a car that's been a major accident that
could have damaged or bent the frame and it may be impossible to tell by just looking at the
car so checking on the history is vital. You can find out the history of any car by going to
Carfax.com.

3. Think Safety
In order to keep your family safe in the car, you want to consider the
safety features of any used car you going to buy. Obviously, the newer model cars will have
more safety features.
According to reports, 80% of traffic accidents are made worse because
the cars lacked safety features.

4. Check the Documentation
You should check out the documents included with the used car
cheerfully. Make sure that the cars are not stolen or that there were no liens on the vehicle and also
be sure to check that the signature on the bill of sale is the actual possessor of the car.

5. Car Inspection
Before you make any deals on the used car, you must inspect the entire
car. Look for Ross to especially around the wheel wells in the frame and carefully scrutinize
it for any damage. Don't forget to check the tires, and the interior as well. If you don't know
much about cars, you can always asked to take it to your mechanic for inspection. Anybody on the
up and up selling a car should not object to this. If any flaws are found, and then you can
use this as negotiating leverage and lost the flaws are so major that you no longer want the
car.

Buying a used car can take a bit more work than buying a new one as
there are many things to check out. However, doing your due diligence will make sure that you get
a great used-car at a fraction of the cost you could buy new one for and that will last for
years to come.

Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
http://DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462

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How to Buy a Car

If you're an inexperienced car buyer and you've ever tried to buy a new car without help, you know how frustrating the process can be. Deciding where to buy your new car is a big decision. Do you homework before you buy. Know your car dealership! Here are some tips for how to
 determine if a car dealership is reputable:

1--Begin visiting your local dealerships as far in advance as 6 months before you plan to buy. Walk around the lots, meet different sales people, and tell them you are just planning for your dream car. Also, find out which dealers have sales reps that listen to rather than talk at you. Never wait until "the last minute" to buy a car. Dealers may sense your urgency and vulnerability and take advantage.

2--Put your ear to the ground--what do your friends and neighbors say about dealerships where they have shopped or purchased cars? Gather information from people you know and trust. Ask co-workers, neighbors, or any people you know about their car-buying experience.

3--Educate yourself about the types of vehicles you are considering before you go to the dealerships. Use reputable websites to get clear ideas about pricing and options. Knowledge is definitely power in this case.

4--There's safety in numbers. If you are concerned you will be manipulated into a sale, take a friend or relative with you.

5--Talk to your lending institution. Many banks and credit unions have recommendations for specific dealerships. Read on for an illustration of this point:

Ann went to the credit union to be pre-approved for a car loan. The Loan Officer inquired what make of vehicle she was planning to buy. Ann told the woman "Car A". The Loan Officer said, "Oh, we recommend you purchase Car As at Joe Blow's Dealership in the town that's 40 miles away."

Interestingly, Ann's town also had a Car A dealership. Yet, the Loan Officer did not recommend them. Alas, rather than heed her lending institution's suggestion, Ann went directly to the Car A dealership in her own town. The sales staff were highly manipulative and basically, tricked her into buying a car at an exorbitant price, making her wait over 4 hours before releasing the car to her.
Within a month, one of her co-workers asked where she bought her Car A. When Ann replied, "At the dealership here in town", her co-worker replied, "Oh, so did they rip you off the way they do everyone else?"

What's the moral to this story? Read between the lines when you are buying a car. If your lending institution does not recommend a local dealership that you are considering, there is a reason for it. Perhaps they have a reputation that is less than stellar. To review, if your lending institution does not recommend the dealership you are considering, this is a big clue not to take your business there.

6--When you visit dealerships, notice if the sales people are using high-pressure tactics. Do they let you wander and look at all the cars? Do they keep talking while you are browsing the lot? Do they allow you to look at the vehicles you want to look at, or do they steer you toward particular vehicles? If you do not feel comfortable, do not consider buying a car there, no matter how much you might want it. Never give in to high-pressure tactics.

7--Before you make the final decision to buy a vehicle, give your area Better Business Bureau a ring. In just a few minutes' time, staff there can share any information they have about complaints or concerns they have received about the dealership in question.

Finding a reputable car dealership is not easy. But with just these 7 tips, you can arm yourself with information to help determine which dealerships in your locale are the most reputable.

Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
http://DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462

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