Well the year has passed but the challenges remain and change and adaptation will continue to be the recipe for success as we start the New Year and new decade. That of course can create excitement and intimidation.

At FCPNY we are confronting a challenging business environment also. As you, our members, make changes in your business models we are experiencing decreases in circulation and a substantial drop in classified revenue. As we begin 2010 we will be making some changes to the way we do business in an effort to rebuild our classified revenues to assure we maintain the standard of member benefits that you have become accustomed to. The CPAN classified revenue is the primary source of income that FCPNY operates with.

First and foremost I must remind you to please search your local marketplace for business prospects that could benefit from the exposure a statewide classified or display ad could afford them. For every $490 classified ad that you sell you keep $245 and add it to your bottom line. Our experience is that most customers who purchase a statewide ad find the response to be very good and become consistent repeat customers so your primary challenge to open the door to this potential revenue stream is simply identifying appropriate customers.

Secondly, we have created an electronic ad entry process that we will unveil in the coming days. However, WE NEED YOUR PARTICIPATION to make this process work. With this system a potential customer will be able to place their statewide ad via the internet. Clearly, providing electronic ad entry is what our customers are looking for as evidenced by the success of our electronic competition including Craigslist.

What do we need from you? We need you to continue to partner with FCPNY to generate statewide classified revenue. In this case we need access to your website to draw potential customers to our classified product. Shortly you will be contacted and asked to provide a link in a prominent position on your website that directs a customer to our ad entry page. When that customer enters their ad we will receive the ad including a report showing what website the ad originated at. With this information we will be able to credit your business with the ad sale and we will send 40% of the ad revenue back to you.

It’s as simple as that.

We will develop a graphically pleasing, professional looking link for you to place on your website. We will also redirect your website reader back to your site when their transaction is complete and we will share the revenue with you since you will be the source of the sale. If you have trouble or questions placing the link on your site we will assist you with that too.

It is our hope that this process will help us to re-grow our classified ad base and funnel revenue directly to you at the same time.

We have additional initiatives that we will be announcing shortly to continue to strengthen the CPAN sales program. As you have found in your business, standing still is no longer an option. Creative and thoughtful sales initiatives are necessary to continue to compete in this business environment. We look forward with confidence to the coming year and we appreciate your partnership in keeping the Free Community Papers throughout New York strong and prosperous.

Happy New Year and Happy Selling !!!

Dan