The Bookapro.com Blog

Business Websites For Less

2008-01-28T17:40:00.000-05:00

Every business should have a website that reflects a professional image. The days of the garage built, best friend websites are over. There are much better ways to get a quality website at an affordable price.

Web Site Templates are growing in popularity as they provide high end graphics design, e-commerce capabilities and flash appeal. A website template can be purchased for as low as $40 and provide a business with a great starting point for their internet presence. When you purchase a template it comes with the needed source code for customization.

Customization is the next step. you need to look at your website template purchase as a "design" investment. It gets you structure, a great look and basic functionality. This can take months and thousands of dollars if done from scratch. With the template as your guide, work with a developer to change the areas of the template that do not match your business. They can modify the flash files, assist in product images, change the graphics, integrate your merchant account and much more. The end product should reflect your business with no sign of the template.

The total cost of ownership for a template based website is much lower than if you started from scratch. So save time and money by starting with a website template. While these don't work for every business, they certainly can carry the torch for the majority of small business owners.

Browse and Purchase website templates: http://www.bookapro.net/

The watch outs...... Don't buy the Unique version of the template. This only means you will be the last to purchase this design. When in reality, if done correctly the design will be unique after you tailor it to your business. Secondly, there is no refund on templates. Since you are not buying a physical good, there is no way for you to return the website template without keeping a copy for yourself. If you are not sure of what to do, call us and we will advice you.

Information & Customization: info@bookapro.com or 404-423-2541

Little Black SEO Book

2008-01-09T22:33:00.000-05:00

I have been reading a great book titled Little Black Book of Connections by Jeffrey Gitomer. The book starts out by identifying just how impersonal many of our connections have become. He identifies the fact that if asked to recall from memory the name and phone number of our best contacts, many of us would fail. Sure we have them in our cell phone or stored in our contact list on our computer. But in a crunch, we would be at a loss. My guess is that many of our friends and customers would experience the same if they were asked to pass on our contact information in a crunch as well.

Now try and reach the people who don’t know you. As a website development company we are asked over and over again how to get to the top of the search engines. How do we get more hits to our website? What are the keys to good search engine optimization? Links? Content? Time? Money? Page Header?

Well yes, those are all good strategies. But seriously, lets make it simple. The people that are most likely to do business with you already know you or can make a connection with you faster than they can with Kevin Bacon. So why are you not marketing to these relationships? They will play a major role in who you meet in the next year and who meets you.

So next time you are sitting at your computer looking for the next big SEO idea, get out your cell phone and start dialing. Spend 5 minutes talking to your friends and business contacts. See how they are doing, maybe you can offer some simple words of encouragement or congratulate them on a recent success. Then, while you are chatting about old times, get their email and updated address to build your Little Black SEO Book. Because if you are smart these are the first people you will keep abreast of the wonderful things you are doing for people with your business.

Make Sure Your Business Is Found

2008-01-03T10:25:00.000-05:00

If you list your business on bookapro.com with no description and/or no services you might as well not even list. The simple fact is there are two ways consumers search for local businesses.

Service Menu: The left hand service navigation menu provides a easy way for users to drill down in to the service listing and see all businesses listed by Category. Once you are in the Subcategory you will also see businesses listed by Service Area. You can then further filter your search by entering a zip code and search radius.

Keyword Search: At the top of the screen users can enter a keyword and zip code to begin their search. The results of this search are based on the keywords found in your profile description. If the keyword searched is not in your profile description you will be omitted from the results. You can further filter the results by Category, Service Area or Distance.

So be advised, take your time and build a profile that has all the details about your products, services, and locations. Take advantage of our free local business directory. It will pay off in the long run.

Free Internet Advertising - It is true!

2007-09-19T20:31:00.000-04:00

Bookapro.com has made the decision to offer FREE business advertising in our Internet Directory. Yes, you can advertise your business for Free. You do not need a credit card to sign up and this is not a trial period.

I get the same two questions when I tell business owners that we are now offering our services for Free.

1. Why the decision to make advertising free?

We see more value in a growing community of businesses than we do in chasing individuals for subscription payments. As members of bookapro.com network with their business partners and service providers the community will grow. Then whenever they need to refer a service, they can do so though bookapro.com. The community has value as it grows and does not need to be supported by subscription payments. For every person that says, "I found you on bookapro", 10 more businesses will sign up and more consumers will visit; giving all members more chances to source new business at no cost.

2. If your internet advertising is Free then how do you make money?

Book A Pro, LLC is an Internet Service Provider that has focused in two areas: Internet Advertising and Web Site Development. Over the last two years we have seen tremendous growth in our web development operation, building client applications that are far beyond the capability of most web development companies. At the same time we have found that our business has benefited by advertising on bookapro.com. So for us it is a simple business decision, Grow the Community, Grow the Business, Grow Everyone’s business.

In the coming months you will learn more about our growth strategies for the bookapro.com community. In the meantime, get your business listed and tell a friend.

Make Internet Marketing Work For You

2007-05-24T16:41:00.001-04:00

Marketing your business on the Internet grows more challenging each day. Costs to advertise with Google and Yahoo continue to climb as more small businesses enter the market for pay-per-click advertising. New websites pop up to compete for the natural listing on the major search engines. And free classifieds get so much attention that your listing is on page 2 minutes after you hit the submit button. So what do you do to make sure you are getting those valuable impressions across to the Internet consumer?

1. Pay attention to your website's content. Search engines index your site's relevance against your competitors. Original, timely articles that are related to your business or industry are the first step in gaining the attention of search engines and keeping your customers interests.

2. Create multiple paths to your website. Make it easy for consumers to come across your business while searching other sites on the web. Make sure you are listed in all local business directories and that you are building link partnerships with businesses that share your consumer.

3. Involve your customers. Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool. By sharing information about your website and the multiple paths to finding you on the web you can make sure even your newest customers know how to refer a friend for your services.

4. Create an Internet advertising budget. Promote your website with local Internet advertising providers and the major search engines. Let your budget determine how broad you can reach with your advertising spend. Your goal here is to drive impression and traffic that will make finding your site easier for the consumer.

5. Monitor your progress. Your web presence cannot be build over night. Take your time, keep track of where you are promoting, and stay after it like you do any other portion of your business.

PLANNING A PARTY? DON'T FORGET THE MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENT

2007-05-04T11:13:00.000-04:00

Ever been to a party where all the guests just stood around clasping their drinks – never setting foot on the dance floor? Or how about a wedding where the DJ forced you to do the chicken dance or the Macarena? These are situations KC Cass says her clients will never suffer…

That’s because Cass customizes her music parties for each and every client. She says, “Every party is different, every setting is different, every person is different. It’s how you put the music together that pleases the groups.” Cass considers herself an expert on reading and interpreting a crowd. She knows exactly what to play – and WHEN to play it – to make sure everyone is up on their feet and having a blast.

All of this expertise comes from experience. Cass says music has always been a part of her life, whether she was fronting local bands or performing on musical theatre stages. And now a veteran in the DJ business, Cass’s resume includes everything from discotheque club scenes and college campuses to weddings and corporate galas. She comes complete with top quality sound and light systems and an energy that just won’t quit. She also offers a large selection of music genres, from Top 40 to Golden Oldies. If needed, Cass meets with clients face to face before the event to size up the location and come up with a party plan that suits the client’s needs. She can also host karaoke parties, MC business events or even entertain the kids at corporate picnics. And the best part? She offers all of this at a price that’s affordable for everyone.

Cass says she was referred to bookapro.com by a friend and really enjoys being a part of the website. She welcomes Bookapro’s email newsletters and says she has inquired about the services of several of the featured professionals. She feels like Bookapro is a great networking opportunity for business owners like herself, and in fact, she is offering a 10% discount to anyone who books their event through http://www.bookapro.com/. To learn more about Cass and how YOU can get your party started right… log onto http://www.bookapro.com/ today!

Quicker Search, More Results, Better Bookapro

2007-05-01T11:17:00.000-04:00

Are you tired of bad search results or online business directories that offer little more than a business name and phone number? If so than bookapro.com's latest release should excite you.

The new design enables users to search by keywords and then filter their results by category, service or service area. The result is faster searches and the power to tailor your results to your particular needs.

This new search greatly benefits both consumers on the site and businesses listing their services. For consumers it means they can quickly find the services they are seeking and see potentially complementary services without having to weed through each business listing. Businesses benefit by being included in more basic searches, thus increasing their impressionas on bookapro.com customers. The impression made today will pay off later when a consumer is searching for their next service provider.

We are constantly working to improve the bookapro.com experience. Please log on and send us your suggestions for a better bookapro.

We look forward to helping you.

IMAGINE NEVER HAVING TO TALK TO A CAR SALESMAN AGAIN

2007-02-22T10:15:00.000-05:00

When you want to buy or sell your home, you hire a real estate agent. So why not hire someone to help you buy or sell your CAR? Going to car lot after car lot takes time and often will cost you more money than you had planned on spending. That's where Tony Marzullo and Global Auto Solutions come in. They are a one-stop shop for clients who want to buy or sell a car - but just don't have the time it takes to do so.

Marzullo grew up in the car business and even claimed the title of one of the top Hummer salesmen in the country. It was early in his career that Marzullo realized the market had a need for someone like himself. Someone who had years of experience, pre-established relationships with more than 700 car dealers across the country, and someone who could provide objective advice to his clients. Now his company, Global Auto Solutions, is making its mark on Atlanta as one of the only full-service car shopping services in the area.

Marzullo says the key word is simple. Clients need only to provide the specifics of what kind of car they want, the money they want to spend, and Marzullo and his team will find it. He says the average client can save anywhere from $3 to $5,000! What if it turns out that the car you want is located in the middle of Kansas? Marzullo will have it shipped to you. Are you intimidated by car salesmen? Global Auto Solutions will accompany you to the lot and negotiate the deal for you. Maybe you’re too busy to shop around? Marzullo will bring the cars to your office so you can test drive them on your lunch break. Need help with financing? Global Auto Solutions can also help set up payments, arrange warranties, even get your car serviced and detailed.

Global Auto Solutions professionals have serviced congressmen, celebrities and top athletes such as Jamal Lewis and Jarvis Green. But Marzullo says the true bread and butter of his company are the average car buyers who just want to save time and money. Marzullo says single women are one of the company’s biggest client bases when it comes to selling a car. By using Global Auto Solutions, these women know they don't have to worry about strangers coming to their homes to check out a car.

For three years, Global Auto Solutions has succeeded with word of mouth advertising. But Marzullo says now it's time to get the word out. Just one reason why he decided to advertise his business on www.bookapro.com. To find out more about To find out more about Global Auto Solutions and how you can expand your horizons too, visit bookapro.com.

Heather L. Whitley

Get a Piece of the Online Advertising Pie

2007-01-06T14:21:00.000-05:00

For Immediate Release: Atlanta, GA (PRWeb) January 6, 2007

Atlanta's premiere online business resource, bookapro.com, announces the launch of its new Direct Sales Organization. This newly-developed arm of the Book A Pro, LLC will provide a unique job opportunity for both individuals and businesses and allow them to get involved with the rapidly-growing online advertising industry. The group's ultimate goal is to have bookapro.com agents in every neighborhood, building true business communities that feed off of personal referrals and support from those around the community.

Eager sales representatives can become independent consultants for this expanding online company, while building support for their local businesses. Business owners can also benefit from the new organization by becoming registered sales agents and offering bookapro.com advertising as an added value to their existing clients.

Bookapro's President, EJ Aufderheide, says too many online advertising companies rely solely on the web for communication with clients. Bookapro aims to change that by keeping ad reps local, where they can meet face to face with clients and build important business relationships. Those interested in learning more about this unique opportunity can find out more at http://sales.bookapro.com or contact EJ Aufderheide at (404) 423-2541.

About Bookapro.com: www.bookapro.com provides affordable online advertising for businesses. The site features a growing variety of categories and provides detailed information on everything from caterers to web developers. Additional services such as print advertising, email marketing and web development are also offered to bookapro.com clients.

A NEW YEAR - A NEW YOU!

2007-01-02T16:17:00.000-05:00

Have you made your resolutions for 2007 yet? If you’re like most people – it probably includes getting in shape. And there’s no better way to do that than by working with a personal trainer. But not just any trainer… To get the job done right, you need a trainer who is a certified professional, someone who makes the workouts fun, safe, and time efficient.

Meet Chris Engels. He’s a nationally certified personal trainer and competitive athlete, who also serves as General Manager and Part Owner of Atlanta’s Formwell Fitness. Engels and Formwell’s team of 15 professional trainers offer their clients a truly personal approach to fitness in a unique private environment full of state of the art equipment and staffers who are ready and willing to help you meet your goals. In fact, all Formwell trainers must be certified when hired and must also obtain one of two of the country’s top training certifications within their first year. Engels says this gives clients the assurance that the workouts they’re doing are safe and no injuries will occur. Engels brings seven plus years of training experience as well as multiple certifications to his job. In addition to his accomplishments as a trainer, Engels has also competed in triathlons for the past ten years and just recently successfully completed his third Ironman competition. But even with all of his experience, Engels has a personal trainer of his own. He says having someone there to push him past his comfort zone is the only way to get the results he desires.

Engels says the wealth of knowledge among the Formwell staff offers clients a well-rounded approach to fitness. Formwell teaches not only weight training, but cardio workouts and nutritional guidelines as well. Clients are served by all of Formwell’s trainers in a unique team approach. And it’s an approach that appears to be working. Formwell has now expanded to two Atlanta locations. Formwell’s Dunwoody location is a 3800 square foot private facility that’s open only to clients so you never have to worry about crowds. The company’s second location in Chamblee is an executive gym with all brand new equipment and includes a separate training area and cardio deck. Engels says rather than having to pay standard gym membership fees, Formwell clients buy their personal training sessions in personalized packages that are tailored to their needs. To find out more about Engels and the Formwell Fitness team, log onto www.bookapro.com and schedule a free consultation today!

AN INSURANCE SALESMAN OF A DIFFERENT KIND

2006-11-07T15:59:00.000-05:00

Last year, there were nearly forty thousand fatal car accidents on our country’s roads. It’s statistics like these that make Chris Corrow so passionate about his job. Corrow is a Georgia State Licensed Insurance Professional who specializes in helping small business owners find the best life, accident & health benefit plans for themselves and their employees.

Corrow sets himself apart from the competition with his licenses from all the top-notch insurance providers such as Aflac, Humana and Pacific Life. Corrow has spent countless hours in training with each of the providers learning the ins and outs of their products. He says it’s really the only way for him to stay current in a world where insurance policies can change month to month. It’s this extensive training that gives Corrow a much broader knowledge of the insurance industry than your typical door to door salesman.

One area that is gaining momentum in the insurance business is long term care. And for good reason... There are currently 78 million baby boomers in the workplace spanning the ages of 40 to 60. So by the year 2011, we will have the first wave of boomers who are going to be eligible for retirement. Corrow says he is so concerned with the lack of long term insurance coverage among Americans, that he will gladly grant a free phone consultation to anyone in order to discuss the issue in detail. He stresses the importance of buying insurance when clients are young and the insurance is less expensive. In fact, a policy bought at the age of 30 could cost nearly $1300 less a year than that same policy purchased at the age of 50.

Corrow does not do cold calls and relies heavily on referrals for his business. He also advertises his services online through http://www.bookapro.com/. He found the website a perfect opportunity for him to explore the internet marketing arena at an affordable rate. Corrow says he has also discovered several other business professionals on the site, and has called to inquire about their services. To find out more about Chris Corrow and his company Innov8tive Solutions, visit http://www.bookapro.com/today.

Heather L. Whitley

IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, HE CAN CREATE IT

2006-10-04T19:49:00.000-04:00

Steve Weindorf knows what it takes to entertain. He started his own DJ company right out of high school and mastered three different entertainment systems by the age of 19. Now Weindorf is President of Atlanta’s award-winning All-Star Entertainment and takes pride in offering clients the largest selection of professional entertainers and games in the state of Georgia.

Weindorf’s favorite part of his job? The ability to really get creative with clients. He says he encourages clients to challenge All-Star in creating a truly unique and personalized affair. Right now, Weindorf says casino parties are his biggest seller. In fact, All-Star is the largest supplier of casinos in the entire Southeast. From tables to chips to dealers – All-Star provides all you need to bring the Vegas strip to Atlanta. But if gambling’s not your style, All-Star offers numerous other themed events. Weindorf described a recent New Orleans-themed bash that came complete with Big Easy décor and a Dixieland band. All-Star also specializes in murder mystery parties with a casts from 3 to 30 people.

When it comes to clients – Weindorf’s list includes big names like Delta Airlines and the Four Seasons Hotels. But Weindorf says in addition to his large corporate clients, his company also serves private parties such as weddings, bar mitzvahs or birthdays. Want a clown, juggler or magician for your kid’s birthday? No party is too small or too big for All-Star Entertainment.

Weindorf says internet advertising makes up nearly 95% of his marketing budget. One site he utilizes is http://www.bookapro.com/. Weindorf says he noticed bookapro was becoming a viable player in the online marketing arena and decided to climb aboard. While he says it’s often hard to track where a client found their info, Weindorf says he does know at least a few of his clients that discovered him through bookapro. You too can find out more about Weindorf and all of his different entertainment options by visiting http://www.bookapro.com/.

Heather L. Whitley

IF IMAGE IS EVERYTHING – THEN SHE’S GOT IT ALL

2006-10-03T15:10:00.000-04:00

Some say a picture is worth a thousand words – but clients of Tasha Williams may think that picture is worth even more. As founder of Atlanta’s Artistic Capabilities, Williams creates personal and unique graphic designs for her clients – including print and web and everything in between.

Williams says her business gives her the perfect outlet to combine her keen business sense with her unique creativity. In fact, Williams has a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and has worked with the American Stock Exchange as well as in the advertising. sector. But it was her work in the fashion design world that led her to her current role. While peddling custom designed hats and handbags to stores, she discovered how impressed her clients were with her presentations and brochures, and she knew she’d found her calling.

Now Williams creates sophisticated graphic materials for clients across the globe. One of her most popular items - and one she created herself – is Artistic Capabilities’ Presentation Plates: presentationplates.com. It's a software program used in PowerPoint presentations that can provide companies with customized templates to spice up business meetings and seminars. The program has quickly gained popularity with a client list including Wharton’s Business School as well as many international businesses.

Williams says her company prides itself on employing a staff with a wide variety of interests and talents – from interior design to gourmet cooking. She believes this multi-faceted group is one that appeals to all types of clients and businesses. Williams says her company strives to deliver a truly customized product that works specifically for each clients’needs, rather than just coming up with something pleasing to the eye.

Artistic Capabilities’ success is exemplified in its recent growth. The company is opening a new production office strategically placed in the rapidly expanding Atlanta downtown area.

Williams says it was one of bookapro’s big outdoor banners that first caught her eye. She decided to check them out and was impressed with their reasonable rates. She says she welcomes the added exposure and that she has received several inquiries about her business from the site. To read more about Artistic Capabilities and to find out how bookapro can work for you and your business too, visit http://www.bookapro.com/.

Heather L. Whitley

HARNESS THE POWER OF YOUR MIND

2006-09-26T16:21:00.000-04:00

Before you pick up another bottle of diet pills or buy into the latest weight loss program – why not lose those extra pounds just by THINKING about it? Hypnotherapist Dr. Westley Anderson says this isn’t just a fantasy – it’s a reality. According to Anderson, everything from quitting smoking to getting over a fear of flying can be done through the awesome power of hypnosis.

A practicing hypnotherapist for 18 years, Anderson says everyone carries with them an unconscious mind. And it’s within this “other” mind that all of our bad habits, addictions, fears and phobias live. But through hypnotherapy, Anderson can tap into this hidden part of ourselves and literally change our thinking about whatever it is that’s troubling us. And many times, he can do it better than alternative methods. For example – a smoker who uses hypnosis to quit will not suffer weight gain or go through withdrawal. Or for someone trying to lose weight, hypnotherapy will address food preferences, portion amounts, motivation and exercise – giving the client a well-rounded solution. Anderson says he even had a client come in who wanted to improve his golf game. After just an hour and a half, the client’s average went from the high 90’s to the low 80’s!

Hypnotherapy has also proven to be an important medical tool. Anderson says many people come in for pre-surgical sessions. He sited one client who had a hysterectomy, and instead of the normal 4 to 6 weeks recovery, the patient was back on her feet after just nine days and with no pain medication needed. Another client came to Anderson before having a kidney removed. That patient was able to control his bleeding through hypnotherapy and went through the entire surgery without needing a transfusion.

And before you think you can’t afford it, Anderson says usually, a client can solve his or her problems within 1 to 3 sessions at only $150 a pop. And he offers a flat fee, lifetime Stop Smoking and Weight Control program that gives clients as many sessions as they need to solve the problem and even lets them return later for maintenance sessions.

To find out more about Dr. Anderson and how you can benefit from the fascinating practice of hypnotherapy, visit his profile on www.bookapro.com.

ATLANTA’S BEST LINKS ARE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

2006-09-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

Are you tired of driving hundreds of miles and paying big bucks just to get a decent game of golf? According to Roy Gilbreath, the solution could be right around the corner.

General Manager and co-owner of Dogwood Golf Club, Gilbreath says many people overlook his course even with its easily accessible and central location in West Cobb County. First opened in 1969, Dogwood prides itself on being a player-friendly course that comes complete with immaculate Bermuda grass fairways AND affordable membership rates. In fact, Gilbreath says many members have tried playing Atlanta’s high dollar greens – but they always come back to Dogwood. Gilbreath believes the club possesses a unique feeling of fellowship and family among its members and the friendly staff. Dogwood’s staff makes sure customer care and service is top priority – something Gilbreath says sets the club apart from the competition.

For those wanting to refine their skills or maybe take a swing at the game for the first time, Dogwood offers PGA professional instruction and clinics for all skill levels. The club is also host to many community and charitable events. On Saturday September 30th, Dogwood will hold a golf charity event to raise money for cystic fibrosis research. Those interested in participating can call Dogwood and speak with Jason Turner to register.

Gilbreath has been challenged in getting the word out about this hidden gem. Right now, the club relies mainly on word of mouth and its memberships with local organizations as its marketing tools. Just one reason why bookapro.com caught Gilbreath’s eye. He says bookapro’s affordable rates were hard to resist and looks forward to seeing what additional exposure and interest he and his club can gain through the website. To read more about Gilbreath and the Dogwood Golf Club visit www.bookapro.com.

Heather L. Whitley

WHY NOT TREAT YOURSELF TO A TAILOR MADE MASSAGE?

2006-08-25T19:56:00.000-04:00

Work got you down? Kids driving you crazy? Aysha Treadwell has just the medicine you need. No, she's not a doctor. She's a professional massage therapist - and not only will her treatments make you feel like a whole new person, but she’ll bring the massage to you!

Six years ago Treadwell left the high-stress corporate world of advertising to pursue a career in massage therapy. Through her studies she says she learned the many health benefits derived from the art of therapeutic touch. Now the owner of Elegant Touch, Treadwell is making her mark on Atlanta’s massage community with her tailor-made mobile massage services. Her company provides everything from individual massage therapy in the home, to corporate and office massage, to “spa party” packages. In fact, besides her popular deep tissue massages, Treadwell says the concept of a spa party – where you can pamper yourself as well as your friends – is one of the fastest growing trends in the business.

But in addition to those who are just looking to de-stress, Treadwell says many of her patients actually come from doctor referrals for the treatment of real health issues or conditions. Athletes also seek the help of Treadwell. Her techniques can help those in training prepare for events and avoid injury. A wide variety of services is not the only thing that sets Treadwell apart from the competition. She says she designs each and every session specifically for the individual’s needs. She does this by sitting down with her clients before sessions to find out exactly what they are trying to achieve from the treatment. She says “I want it to be the best possible experience for them.”

Treadwell has been advertising Elegant Touch through http://www.bookapro.com/ since last fall. She says she was drawn to the site’s professional look and style. She knows of at least two corporate clients who discovered her company through bookapro.com and she says other inquires about her services have also come from the site. In fact, Treadwell has enjoyed her experience with bookapro.com so much – that she says she wouldn’t change a thing! If you are interested in learning more about Aysha Treadwell and Elegant Touch, you can check out her profile on http://www.bookapro.com/. And perhaps you’ll find the site can work for you and your business too!

Heather L. Whitley

SERVING UP WORKOUTS ON THE TENNIS COURT

2006-08-11T14:05:00.000-04:00

Imagine signing up for tennis lessons and losing 60 pounds in the process! That’s just one example of what you can accomplish with certified tennis pro and personal trainer Jeff Michaud, a proponent of “Cardio Tennis.” This popular fitness program not only hones your skills on the court, but benefits your waistline as well. Michaud says the regimen includes everything from boot camp push ups and jumping jacks to volleys and ground strokes. In other words, when you’re not hitting – you’re sweating!

Growing up, Michaud was an all-star athlete. He played baseball, basketball and of course, tennis. But he soon discovered that the other sports were quite hard on the body – but tennis was a lifetime sport that many players continue well into their golden years. It was this realization that prompted Michaud to begin sharing his skills with others.
Michaud says it started as a part time gig, but turned into a fulltime profession when he became a victim of the IT downsizing after September 11th. Now through his business “Fitness with Jeff,” he uses his fitness skills and tennis knowledge to train all kinds of clients – from beginning tennis players to 84 year olds in need of physical therapy. Michaud says while most clients walk away with improved health and fitness – several of his novice tennis students have even gone on to become professional tennis instructors themselves. And for those who just need someone to play with? Michaud says his flexible schedule allows clients to simply pay him to be their tennis partner.

In addition to the hundreds of flyers and bulletin boards he advertises on, Michaud is also a bookapro.com member. Michaud says the website makes for easy referrals among fellow professionals and holds fantastic potential as a networking tool. He says he has referred several clients to other professionals who operate outside of his area and has also referred friends to the site’s other areas of interest such as chiropractic, massage and golf pros. To learn more about Michaud and other bookapro businesses visit http://www.bookapro.com/.

Heather L. Whitley

FED UP WITH YOUR WORKOUT? TRY FITNESS SHETLER-STYLE

2006-07-21T16:13:00.000-04:00

Forget that spin class and put the pilates mat away… there’s a new game in town, and it dates back nearly 300 years. It’s called Kettlebell and according to personal trainer Scott Shetler – it’s the best full body workout out there. As one of the only Kettlebell trainers in Atlanta, Shetler says this ancient Russian exercise tool is catching on quick and bringing amazing results to men and women of all fitness levels. Shetler says combining specific body movements with this tool – that looks like nothing more than a cannonball with a handle – can burn fat, build muscle and raise heart rates all in one complete workout.

But Kettlebell is not Shetler’s only gig. In fact, he has been training athletes and sports enthusiasts for more than 7 years now and says he is looking for a certain kind of client. “I want people that have a goal. People that are goal-driven and working towards something. I want people that really want to make a change in their lifestyle.”

Shetler has been using BookAPro.com for nearly a year to advertise his services and says the experience has been a positive one. He finds the website user-friendly and easy for professionals to navigate. Shetler says he appreciates the fact that BookAPro.com is constantly updating and upgrading its services to better accommodate professionals. One example Shetler sited was when BookAPro made a change to allow for clients to post testimonials from all of their customers. Shetler believes these personal opinions speak volumes for his business.

Shetler is the president and owner of Extreme Conditioning & Fitness and is a professional member of, and certified through, the nationally accredited certification organization National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). He is also a charter member of the North American Kettlebell Federation (NAKF), and member of and lifter in the World Natural Powerlifting Federation (WNPF), as well as the owner of Atlanta Iron Sports - Barbell & Kettlebell Club located in Duluth, GA.

Heather Whitley
Bookapro.com Chief Editor

Contacting Businesses From the Internet Just Got Easier at Bookapro.com

2006-02-18T15:29:00.000-05:00

Picking up the phone or sending emails takes time away from the online shopping experience. Bookapro.com announced today the launch of their free Request A Callback lead generation system. Designed to make it easy for consumers to contact businesses advertising online with bookapro.com.

Bookapro.com announced today the launch of their Request A Callback lead generation system. The Request a Callback (RAC) system was designed to make it easy for consumers to contact businesses advertising online with bookapro.com. With a simple click of a button consumers can submit their contact information and questions directly to businesses of interest. The RAC system relays the request to the business’s email account and mobile phone in the form of a text message. There is no charge for using this new feature. “We know picking up the phone or sending emails takes time away from the online shopping experience. So we wanted to make it easy for consumers to show their interest in a business’s services. It also allows consumers to contact multiple businesses quickly to make sure they get the services they are seeking”, said EJ Aufderheide, President of Book A Pro, LLC.

Bookapro.com offers online advertising and online booking for professional services. In a period where pay per click and banner advertising rates are going up, bookapro.com is offering more service and benefits for a fraction of the cost. Their unique approach goes well beyond standard internet yellow page offerings by supporting professionals on and off the internet. Businesses advertising with bookapro.com are eligible to participate in many marketing programs including print ad campaigns, email ad campaigns, events, coupons, gift certificates, on-line booking, and now their Request a Callback lead generation system.

Consumers can find a growing number of professional services including massage and chiropractic therapy, personal training, golf and tennis lessons, musicians and DJs, financial services, cleaning services, photographers, and graphics and web design. As well as, news articles related to the businesses advertising on the site.

Whether you are looking for a cost effective way to expand your online advertising or bring online booking to your business, Book A Pro can help. For more information on advertising your business, visit www.bookapro.com.

Bookapro.com Welcomes Majestic Services

2006-01-31T01:59:00.000-05:00

Majestic Services, providers of internal and external cleaning services has partnered with bookapro.com for online advertising in the Atlanta market. Majestic Services has been serving the Atlanta area for over 6 years, specializing in commercial and residential carpet cleaning, pressure washing and janitorial services. “We are very happy to help Mac Carter, owner of Majestic expand his online advertising presence and grow his business”, said EJ Aufderheide, Book A Pro, LLC President.

Book A Pro offers online advertising for professional services. Their unique approach goes well beyond standard internet yellow page offerings by supporting professionals on and off the internet. Businesses advertising with bookapro.com are eligible to participate in many marketing programs including print campaigns, email campaigns, events, coupons, gift certificates, and online booking.

Consumers can find a multitude of services including massage and chiropractic therapy, personal training, tennis lessons, musicians and DJs, financial services, photographers, and graphics and web design. Whether you are looking for a cost effective way to expand your online advertising or bring online booking to your business, Book A Pro can help.

Just in time for the holidays! Bookapro.com Offers Two New Ways to Promote Your Business - Gift Certificates and Coupons

2005-12-09T11:58:00.000-05:00

We are pleased to announce that consumers can now purchase Gift Certificates and save money with Coupons at http://www.bookapro.com/. Consumers can quickly identify businesses offering the new services by looking a the top right hand corner of the business’s profile.

Read the full story:
Promote Your Business.

Bookapro.com Launches Multi-Professional Appointment Calendar

2005-11-28T13:57:00.000-05:00

Bookapro.com is pleased to announce the launch of its Multi-Professional Appointment Calendar. Enabling businesses with many professionals to share advertising costs while maintaining individual appointment calendars that take advantage of bookapro.com’s on-line booking services.

Advertise your services on the web to increase your consumer reach

Reduce advertising spend by sharing the cost with other professionals

Illustrate the strengths of each of your staff members

Display and manage on-line calendars under a single profile

Take advantage of on-line appointment booking.

Setting up your bookapro.com account is quick and easy. Go to http://www.bookapro.com/ to register. Registered professionals can add staff members in the MyBookAPro section under Staff. Professionals interested in on-line booking can add appointments to their calendar in the MyBookAPro section under Calendar. Simply select the staff member’s calendar and click Add New Appointment.

Whether you prefer clients call for appointments or book on-line, Bookapro.com is a great place to advertise your business. Detailed business profiles, service listings and our on-line appointment system help consumers find and schedule the services that meet their needs.

For more information contact: marketing@bookapro.com

Current Categories Include: Golf, Tennis, Chiropractic, Accounting, Massage, DJ, Photography, Graphics Design, Web Development, Videoagraphy, Fitness Training, Financial Services, Bartender, Catering. What do you want to sell?

Introduction to bookapro.com

2005-11-26T14:25:00.000-05:00

We recently launched a new service in Atlanta called bookapro.com. We need your help in making it the best community to find professional services in Atlanta.

We are different from on-line directories in that we offer services to help promote and sell services for listing professionals. At the core of the site are detailed business profiles and an on-line appointment scheduling system.

By reading a professional's profile you can find out more about their experience and services. Most sites have cookie cutter selections that make everyone look the same. Our objective is to allow a professional to bring out their individual strengths and the strengths of their team. It is almost like a mini web page that can be linked to a business's primary web page.

The coolest feature is the on-line appointment scheduling which enables a consumer to purchase open appointments directly from the professional over the internet. With more and more consumers shopping on-line we feel this will be a great success.

On-line booking is a new concept for most professionals that have built their business around paper calendars and secretaries. We don't expect to replace that in the near future, but to supplement those activities. The key is to provide consumers options. By listing a few appointments on-line for sale, businesses can reach those consumers that would prefer not to pick up the phone and call. They would prefer to search for the service they need, select a professional and purchase on-line.

On-line appointment scheduling saves everyone time and money. It takes less time to purchase an appointment on-line than it does to call a business and schedule an appointment. It also reduces administration costs and frees up the professional to spend more time with clients.

Appointment notifications are sent to the professional via email and/or a text message on their cell phone whenever an appointment is booked on the site. This allows a professional to quickly update their primary calendar with the new client's information. You can also set expiration rules that remove appointments from your on-line calendar to avoid any last minute surprises when you are shopping or at the golf course.

We recommend businesses block off an appointment a day to sell on-line. However, you may provide all the necessary contact information if your business requires more interaction with potential clients. Remember, it is all about options. The on-line calendar is optional as well for those that prefer to strictly advertise and drive traffic to their business or website.

Bookapro.com offers many other features as well. Including: Gift Certificates, Payment integration with PayPal, Coupons, Task Calendar, Featured Advertising, and Consumer Feedback. Everything we do is designed to help consumers find quality services and help professionals promote their business.

We would love your feedback and will keep you updated on new features and enhancements. If you would like to promote your business with us you can join on-line at www.bookapro.com or call us at 404-423-2541. If you are a consumer of any of the services listed on our site, please take a minute and schedule an appointment with one of our professionals or recommend us to your favorite professional.

Thanks for reading my blog. Have a great day.

EJ Aufderheide

Current Categories: Golf, Tennis, Chiropractic, Accounting, Massage, DJ, Photography, Graphics Design, Web Development, Videoagraphy, Fitness Training, Financial Services, Bartender, Catering. What do you want to sell?