::Money Making::

Affiliate Marketing: Find A Niche

2006-06-19T07:19:00.000+08:00

Affiliate marketing is when a person sets ups a website with the purpose of driving traffic to another website in which they make a purchase or in some cases signup for something.

The affiliate marketer is then rewarded with a commission which could either be a commission or a flat rate. When people think about getting into affiliate marketing they always tend to think porn, poker, and free ringtones. Those three areas have a lot of people making a lot of money but the competition in those areas are huge which is one reason not to get involved.

If you evaluate all three markets you will see their flaws. In regards to porn, there are many, many places on the internet to get it free, so in a lot of cases it may be difficult to get someone to click through a link and sign up. I also believe that signing up for a porn website is an impulse thing which is hard to depend on as an affiliate marketer. I regards to poker for an affiliate to get a bonus a player has to download the poker software, sign up, and make a deposit. In most cases I would think a person interested in playing poker would go directly to a poker site but that isn’t always the case. Poker can also be considered an impulse situation. In regards to ringtone, people are enticed by those banners that say free but in reality the ringtone isn’t free. Entering your phone number subscribes you to a ringtone subscription and once people realize that they don’t sign up.

One of the biggest ways people try to take advantage of these campaigns is by using pay per click (PPC) to experiment in the end they only lose cash. Instead of focusing on those markets it would be easier to pursue niche markets preferably products. The reason products are better is because people can come to your site click through a link and get what they are looking for. In the other cases you depend on impulse buys which isn’t steady.

In sum focus on niche markets when doing affiliate marketing. It offers less competition, lower cost per click (CPC) rates, and it is a lot easier to increase search engine rank.

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Andre Bias is the owner of the websites http://www.enlargementdeals.com, http://www.goodbyeacne.net, and http://www.inkjetdealz.com.

Getting Visitors to Your Website

2006-06-16T11:19:00.000+08:00

by: Corbin Forbes

Information on getting visitors to your website. Today I want to focus on getting visitors to your website; if you plan to be successful, you need to attract targeted visitors to your site.

You may have a nice looking site with some great income opportunities on there, but if you can’t get people to your site; you’re wasting your time. I wasted some money on trying to figure this one out. There are tons of different ways to do it, but there are only a few that work. The one I fell for was one of those companies telling me they could get me 10,000 visitors to my site instantly. Well, they don’t lie, but they aren’t targeted visitors. I offer income opportunities for people who are looking to work from home; if I’m getting people visiting my site looking to buy new cars, I won’t be successful. Here are the best ways to get targeted visitors to your site.

First you want to create a blog; a blog is great because you can just write your thoughts down and get people to come and read your ideas, thoughts or questions. Blogs attract visitors who are looking for what you have to say or offer. Plus writing a blog keeps your thoughts in order. This business is always changing; the more you jot things down, the better organized you will be. Once you start a blog; make sure you use a site that can ping your blog. Ping sites are great because they send your blog entry out to people all over the web.

The second way is by writing articles; writing articles is a very effective way to get people to your site; you also boost your ranking on major search engines like Google when you submit articles. When writing articles you have to contribute something; make the readers feel like they are learning something when they read what you have to say; even if they learn one thing you’re helping them out. Another thing to remember when writing articles is the amount of articles you right. The more articles you write the more people will come back and see what you have to say. The more they come back the more they trust you; once they trust you, they may be willing to purchase something off of your site. I’m in the process of distributing 30 different articles to 75 different article submission sites. Guess what? If you don’t feel like putting in the time and effort to do this, you probably won’t be successful. If you feel like you need some help distributing your articles; there are programs out there that will distribute them for you.

The third way of getting targeted visitors is advertising your site on other people’s sites who are offering the same opportunity you are; the opportunity doesn’t have to be exactly the same, but relates to what you are selling in some way. Try to advertise on high traffic sites; it costs money to advertise on other people’s sites; you don’t want to spend money on advertising on someone’s site, if they don’t get a lot of visitors.

The fourth and hardest way to advertise and get targeted visitors is by placing ads on major search engines like Google, Yahoo and MSN. There are tons of people who use this method, it’s very competitive. Before you try this; be sure to research thoroughly how each search engine works. You have to spend a good amount of money to be successful on major search engines. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could loose $500 in one day. I can’t stress the importance of researching this method before you get started. I hate seeing people with a great website get their rear ends kicked because they thought just throwing down a bunch of money could get them visitors. Believe me, there are some serious professionals out there; when you start using search engines to promote your site, you’ll be competing against them. If you’re not careful; they will chew you up and spit you out.

I hope I was able to help you out; it’s tough out there. We need to learn from one another in order to better ourselves. Another thing to remember is; keep your mind open and don’t be afraid to try new ideas. Working from home was a new idea one time; look where it’s evolved to.

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Corbin Forbes is a 31 year old Internet Marketer from Pennsylvania. He truly cares about spreading information about his own experiences, successes and failures. He wouldn’t have gotten to where he is today without the help from so many individuals. Visit his website http://www.CorbForb.com to find the best home income opportunities.

RSS Feeds Go Crazy in the Marketplace

2006-06-14T22:49:00.000+08:00

by: Quentin Brown

Learn how easy it is to add RSS Feeds to your websites and increase your retension rate of your visitors. It seems there is no limit to what you can do with a little ingenuity and creative thought.

Geeks and Bloggers use RSS exclusively for the publishing and subscribing to news headlines and blog feeds, however many other innovative and useful applications of RSS have been sprouting up here and there.

The marketplace is quickly learning that you can use RSS content feeds for so much more and its getting crazy and wild out there in the business world.

To see a small sampling of what people are doing with feeds visit http://www.msifetch.com/Unique_Feeds.html

Everything from audios and videos, recipes, graphics, weather, comic strips and much more. It seems there is no limit to what you can do with a little ingenuity and creative thought.

Many of the larger sites are starting to utilize these new features making it a lot more interesting adding such feeds to your website. Companies like Apple, Ebay, Amazon and shopping channels are offering a much more graphical interface than just a headline and a paragraph.

With the web surfer becoming much more "web savvy" than they were a year ago, they are expecting not only information but also an entertaining web experience. People love watching or listening to media and this also means they are more likely to read your message while they are visiting.

While most RSS Feeds were simply headlines and a small amount of text there was not really any reason to add these feeds to your website. As this is rapidly changing the ability to add some of these new feeds means great content for your website and good search engine ranking because of the constantly changing content.

Not only can you bring outside feeds into your sites but it is also very easy create your own from the desktop. Programs like RSS Editor and RSS Builder are free RSS Feed creators that let you make feeds that can then be offered from any website.

Embeding RSS Feeds in your Web Site

MSIFetch - http://www.msifetch.com is a new generation of server side software that allows anyone to take a feed and embed it directly in their website. This new format produces PHP feeds so they look like part of your page and are seen by search engines as content.

There are many services that do this for free however they get most of the credit so to have it all running on your own site makes a lot more sense.

Advertising in RSS Feeds

As publishers have moved towards monetizing RSS feeds, their have been vibrant discussions as to whether advertisements in feeds are viable or whether they will drive subscribers away. At the end of the day while it appears that many are discussing the philosophical approaches to ads in RSS feeds few are taking the time to examine the options available for inserting advertisements in feeds.

Ultimately the advertisements served are going to determine the success of RSS as an advertising medium. The ads served must be related to the content contained in the feed. If the RSS feed contains quality content, the ads are relevant, and the volume of ads is in balance with the volume of content served, advertising in RSS feeds will succeed. Take a closer look at some of the ad serving options currently available for RSS feeds.

In the end RSS Feeds are starting to take on a whole new feel and if you have not yet investigated all the incredible possibilities then you should do your self a favor and have a look.

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Quentin Brown has been helping people build website for over eight years. For great tutorials and affordable software visit. http://msicoach.com

Top 7 Tips to Succeed in Affiliate Marketing

2006-06-12T10:52:00.000+08:00

Promoting or selling other people's stuff in your website can make you earn a comfortable living that will give you confidence to quit from your job! You can do that by joining affiliate programs. Here are the top 7 tips to succeed in affiliate marketing:

1. Join Google Adsense. I recommend that you start with Google Adsense. This the simplest and most popular affiliate program on the web. This is a pay-per-click affiliate program and the Google ads are related to the content of your site. You may also place Google web and site search button and earn money when your visitor uses it. I advise you to put Google Adsense link prominently in all of your web pages.

2. Join 2-Tier Affiliate Programs. These are programs that allow you to recruit an army of sub-affiliates and receive a commission from their revenues. Check our site.

3. Join affiliate programs offering lifetime commissions. These programs give commissions for life for revenues or reorders from the same customer or sub-affiliate. This kind of commission is also known as residual income.

4. Join affiliate networks. These are the networks that have a wide variety of choices of products or services from various companies, to sell or promote. Each affiliate network offers several affiliate programs from several companies including those world's famous brands and products. It monitors all your earned commissions from various programs and pays you in only one check on a scheduled payment date. That's very convenient! Check our site.

5. Join affiliate programs that offer high-commissions. These are the programs that are giving commissions from 30% to more than 80% of the sales. Why waste your time selling others' products that will only give a penny?

6. Optimize your website. You have to optimize your site to make it search engine friendly and attractive to your targeted audience. Put quality and creative contents to your pages. Choose keywords related to what your site is all about. Minimize graphics to make your pages load faster. Make your page design consistent in all pages. Don't forget to place your navigational menu in the most convenient section of your page.

7. Promote your site. To promote your affiliate products, you have to make your site popular. To make your site popular, you have to promote it by submitting your sites to Google, Yahoo, MSN, AskJeeves, DMOZ and other search engines and directories. Exchange links with popular related sites. Write articles and submit to article directories. Join popular forums that will allow you to place your website link in signature area.

About the Author: Hardi Budd is affiliated to http://www.freetipsandwits.com and http://free-website-tips-guides-tutorials.blogspot.com . This is free for republishing as long as the author byline with active link to our sites is retained as-is.

How to Really Avoid Internet Money Scams

2006-06-11T16:34:00.000+08:00

By: Tony Kitson

The internet is a wonderful place, it has truly shrunk the world, I am only in my early thirties and I remember when if we wanted to know something we had to look in a book! horror of horrors. Now we just google it (yes we even have new verbs) and the answer (along with a million others) just pops up in front of us.

Ok my point is, people living now have never had such a powerful tool at their fingertips. We should be excited.

Those of us who want to make a living can now do so on the internet, the boundaries are down, the world is our oyster, we can all now have an equal opportunity to have a professional shop window open to the world. It doesn't matter who you are with a bit of work and perseverance anyone can have a slice of the money available out there.

Now the bad bit. I am sure like me you want to make some money, perhaps a lot of money, and you want to do it in a legal and ethical manner, but we are not all like that. Like the maps of the first explorers that warned "here there be dragons" the internet has its own dragons (lots of them and some even wear nice suits), but there are ways to avoid all the dragons and their scams and lies.

I have been making my living on the internet for 10 years now (that’s just about as long as it has been possible), and I have devised a few rules that I want to share, rules that will hopefully help you to make some money and importantly avoid loosing it. Here they are.

1/ if it looks too good to be true it is! You must have seen the claims make $100,000 a week by next Tuesday (I wish I was exaggerating but I am not), all it costs is $47. Ok if you see one of these ask your self this question if you had a system where you could make that kind of money in such a short time would you tell people for $47, (no me either). Treat your new internet business like any other it's going to take time to build your income!

2/ The next statement these scams usually make is it won't cost you any money other than the initial cost! to be fair a few non scams make the same promise. However to make any decent sum of money You are going to have to spend some money to promote your online business, the good news is you can get away with spending a lot less than with a "traditional" business like a shop but you will be spending something. There are lots of free promotion tools but most are worth exactly what they cost i.e. nothing.

3/ Anything that says, send your ad to millions automatically, Or at the push of a button, auto submit to this or blast that, divert millions of hits instantly, you must have seen them, you know who they are. Well here is the truth,(a) THEY DON'T WORK! (b) THEY DON'T WORK! I know what you’re thinking but what if? well (c) THEY DON'T WORK! go back and read the previous line guess what (d) THEY DON'T WORK!

Get it? Sorry, the only way to submit to search engines and get noticed is by hand. Same goes for RSS feeds, article sites, blog directories, etc. You need to do a bit of work but the results are worth it.

Take a look at this product which I DON'T Recommend, it's typical of the auto submitter type scam.Read the sales page and note how persuasive it is, then please come back and read the rest of the article. Remember it doesn't work, but I bet you are tempted! That's the power of the scammer.

http://www.planetcash.org/scam.html

4/ Anything that promises you will get results with no work is a scam. (see previous point)

6/ Make money from by sending $3 to five people on your paypal transaction list schemes and their ilk also don't work (there aren’t enough people in the world to sustain the matrix). That’s even true if you are near the top and you won't be! Oh and they are illegal yes even though they say they aren’t shock horror they lie to you in their e-mail. well they would wouldn't they. Hey you may make a few dollars but you may also loose your isp, paypal account and wind up in court too! not worth it is it.

By the way the same goes for most MLM schemes too, they are legal (borderline in some cases), but there are not enough people to sustain the matrix, some will make money most will loose it don’t risk it.

5/ Don't post to FFA sites they don't work, your ad will be visible on the site for maybe 2 hours, if you are lucky! Unfortunately nobody looks at them anyway. You will however get thousands of e-mails for your trouble. There is a way to use these sites to your advantage though, for more info go here.

http://www.planetcash.org/gemmassecret.html

It's my business partner Gemma's little secret, I know lots of Gemma's little secrets, but I'm not telling (I'll be in trouble when she reads this).

It's not all Doom gloom doom gloom, yes I know it seems that way, but believe it or not I am a big fan of the internet as a way to make money, (that’s because I have done it) so here are my golden rules follow them my child and you too can have peace happiness and achieve ultimate fulfilment. Ok now I sound like a scam ! follow them and you will have a better than fair chance of making a bit and improving your lot. Here they are.

1/ Don't give up, it will take time.

2/ If your thinking of joining a scheme, do your research, if it’s a scam it will have caught some people, and they will be shouting about it all over the net.

3/ Be prepared to do a bit of work,

4/ Treat it seriously, this is your new business

5/ Be ethical and do things in the right way, Ok the dark side seems to offer quick profits but in the long run you will make more if you build a loyal band of people who respect you and your judgment.

6/ Be focused and stick with it, by that I mean, if you have chosen a path or program and have researched it and it works for other people, don't go changing path just because it is slow to build

7/ If you spend a few weeks and nothing happens even if you follow all the advice DUMP IT.

Ok I hope this sage advice helps you, and I wish you every success in your endeavours.

Oh by the way if you want to see a program that meets all my stringent
criteria for a successful scam free opportunity take a look at this

http://www.planetcash.org/scamfreezone.html

Article Source: http://articlenexus.com

Tony Kitson and Gemma Kingston run a succesfull Internet business , Tony has been making a full time income from the net for 10 years now. Their site www.planetcash.org/ is dedicated to helping people avoid internet scams and cons.

The Truth about Data Entry Work at Home Jobs

2006-06-10T18:50:00.000+08:00

by: Harrold Swalve

Online data entry is an excellent career to consider if you want to work at home. The equipment needed for this type of job is very minimal. You only need a computer with an Internet connection, a table and a comfortable chair. Data entry duties include the inputting of correspondence, reports, and spreadsheets into a home computer and then transmitting that data using the Internet. Work at home data entry personnel may also proofread text, edit information, and maintain databases. Data entry jobs usually offer flexible scheduling, allowing people to work when they want to and as little or as much as they want to. Some of the growing fields for work at home data entry include medical and legal transcription, medical coding and litigation coding.

This type of work is becoming so popular that many fraudulent websites have emerged offering data entry jobs, which promise huge profits. The best way to find a legitimate data entry job is visit a reputable career website. You are more likely to find a genuine work at home job using these websites.

There are several freelance websites that post freelance data entry jobs. Avoid responding to ads that do not list a company name or contact information. There are many reputable freelance work forums that can provide you with work at home data entry job listings. The forums are usually free to join and provide trustworthy information. Once you have found an advertisement for a work at home data entry job, check out the company by visiting their website. You can also do an online search using the company name and visit the Better Business Bureau website to see if they have been listed as a fraudulent company.

Make sure you have a current resume once you have decided to apply for a work at home data entry job. The data entry field is growing, but it is still competitive. You need to apply for a work at home position just as you would a regular office job. A professional resume and cover letter could put you ahead of the other applicants.

More and more companies are beginning to outsource work a home data entry jobs, but it may a take a little digging around to find this type of work. If you're looking for an opportunity to work at home, then the reward of finding a work at home data entry job will be worth the effort.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Harrold Swalve is a published author and successful online entrepreneur. For great work at home offers go to his awarded Work at Home Resource Center at www.pocketmoremoney.com . To find answers on all your work at home questions visit his Work from Home Forum at www.pocketmoremoney.com/forum/ .

Are those Money Making Opportunities Real?

2006-05-03T22:29:00.000+08:00

by: Vipul Gupta

Hi Friend,

These days you can find a lot of sites popping up here and there saying you to try their Data Entry or Typing Job that will make you rich. Now the question is “Do these dream opportunities really work?” Well the answer is simple: Yes and No!!

I have known people who purchased one of these programs a bit hesitantly but after some initial labor are now making a good living of up to $10 - $25k per month. But there are others who purchased some of these programs but were unable to break even with their investments. It’s the second category that infuses fear into the hearts of the genuine opportunity seekers.

In my opinion these Home Money Making Programs do work but not like a magic potion. Your Success depends upon the quality of the program you are joining and the labor you are ready to invest into it. The returns can be massive! You have to be aware that the program you wish to join should provide you after sales support and do not leave you stranded in the middle after mugging you with the one time joining fee.

A few days ago I came across www.dataentrycompany.com. This was a gem. A truly reliable opportunity. This is the type of company that we should look for. Why? Let’s brief it out:

1) Created by experienced and successful individual willing to share his tactics with you.

2) Believable and to the point content.

3) Minimizing your investment by offering free bonuses helping you to start up.

4) 100% Money Back Guarantee.

5) Allows to peek into its member’s area.

6) Most Importantly – After sales mentoring. This guy offers you free one on one personal coaching. What can be more reliable?

I had never seen any such program more transparent before. I mean most of other such opportunities ditch you as soon as you pay them, but this guy is promises to be different.

So, the moral – Don’t just let it go thinking that everything is a scam. Just be logical in choosing them!!

About The Author

Vipul Gupta is the webmaster of http://www.profitfrominternet.com/typing_jobs.html. Visit his site today to gain all proven information on the starting your home based business without burning a hole in your pocket.

Work At Home Using The Internet

2006-03-14T21:54:00.000+08:00

Author: Kenny Anderson

If you want to work at home, start a home based business on the internet. Basing a business on the internet broadens your client . It also has the advantage of low or no overhead.

Home based businesses on the internet abound. To find one that suits you, work within a field you enjoy. The internet increases your client base, but because of the competition you will have to work hard to make your product or site stand out.

Home based business on the internet can be started in almost any field of interest. If you want to offer services, writing web content and designing websites can provide good opportunities. Artists can offer services ranging from graphic design to pet portraits. You can offer advertising services on the internet. Think of any field you are interested in and search the web. You will probably find somebody offering services in that field. If the competition is too much, you narrow your services to a specific group. For example, instead of offering pet portraits you could offer dog portraits.

Most people think of selling products online when they think of home based business on the internet. You can sell through a website, but first learn about website promotion. If you promote your website well you can also sell other people's products through affiliate programs. If you don't want to build a site or don't know how to promote, consider selling your products an an auction site. Many people have found internet auctions work well for them.

If you are interested in working for yourself, consider a home based business on the internet. It works for others. Research well, know what you are doing, and it should work for you.

Warm regards,

Kenny Anderson

What Every Marketer Needs To Know

2006-03-10T11:38:00.000+08:00

By: Marige OBrien

HISTORICALLY, business writing has been the collective term for advertising, marketing and general business information (reports, business letters, etc.). This holds true in writing for the internet. Yet on the internet, writing adapts to its environment and becomes a refined strain of itself, being at once informational, promotional, concise and entertaining. Since 85% of internet content is written -- 95% of marketing content -- understanding and mastering this skill is elemental to online marketing success.

To understand this better, below are 5 examples of how business writing on the internet differs-- and why.

1. SUPER HIGHWAY BILLBOARDS - Titles That Catch The Eye
The internet has long been dubbed the information superhighway. In that sense, titles become the billboards along the way. Whether it's the title of a site, an ad, an email subject, an article or a newsletter, it should be short, direct and irresistably enticing. A title has, on average, less than 1 second to attract its customer, even as it competes with a multitude of other ads, so it must stand out.

2. HOLDING THAT THOUGHT
while the title draws them in, the content must deliver-- and quickly. Short paragraphs, concise wording, and follow-through that provides the information promised, all ensure a visit of more than 30 seconds. The eventual goal is to create repeat traffic or repeat sales, but the immediate goal is to give the visitor a rewarding experience within the first minute. This ensures return visits.

Content that falls short include
1) Muddled or indistinct Information
2) Overly long, or "verbose" wording
3) Delays or quantifiers without explanation
4) Too many links within the text

All of these cause visitors to become distracted, possibly confused, and lose their focus, followed quickly by their interest. Splash pages are particularly prone to this, baiting readers with promises, but holding off the details as long as possible. While some may succeed, it is despite -- not because of -- this writing style.

Good content explains the overall concept in the first paragraph, expands on in the next 2-3 paragraphs and concludes in the last paragraph or sign-up. Remember: a first-time visitor has only slowed his super-highway travels for a cursory pit-stop. Turning that into a longer stay, sale or return visit is the objective.

3. LEAVING THE ON-RAMP AT SUPERHIGHWAY SPEED
Though more and more new users join the internet community daily, the vast majority are well adept at traveling its paths. Acknowledging this sophistication is a key step to marketing effectively. They are familiar with most online terminology and lose patience with unneccessary explanations. Also, by catering to experienced "travelers," it also prompts questions from new onliners, which opens dialogue. And that's always good.

At the same time, it is important to *AVOID* "verbose terminology" or "extensive exposition" That is, put it simply, in simple terms. For the sake of speed alone, stay away from any difficult, less common terms. While writers and intellectuals may cringe at this advise, the fact is, difficult terms slow down and/or lose some readers altogether. The ol' KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) Rule applies well here. "Expounding" and "pontification" belong elsewhere-- not on the Superhighway.

4. STATE YOUR BUSINESS
Another vital key to successful writing is a higher than usual degree of relevancy. Any off-topic reference must be brief, return to the point quickly, and only included for a clear purpose. Just as Google rates sites by relevancy, so must effective content of all types.

5. FORSOOTH!, IN TRUTH
Last but not least, accuracy -- both in general and detail -- are VITAL to all writing for the internet, more so than in any other medium. Any who contest this are misled by the "out of sight-out of mind" mentality, thinking of webpages as fleeting and temporary. Nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is, a webpage can sit on display for YEARS, possibly seen by millions over time.

Should it contain so much as one typo, one grammatical error, one inaccurate fact then that, too, will live on-- to the endless embarrassment of its author. Accuracy and well-proofed content is the superhighway's equivalent to professionalism and conveys much more to its audience than the careless author realizes-- or wishes. In short, sloppy copy is the same as going to a business meeting in a spaghetti-stained suit.

These examples serve as the basis for internet content that is successful and appeals to a broad audience. For a greater understanding of this, visit a wide variety of sites, noting the differences in clear, attractive sites versus those that seem difficult for one reason or another. And, though the outright copying a site is unethical, finding and using a good site as a model, is fine.

Writing for the internet is a hybrid of all previous types of business writing; its form has taken the next evolutionary step to keep pace with communication's changes and is the bond by which the internet continues. When educational experts of the mid-20th century mistakenly predicted the demise of writing as an important form of communcation (because of ever-expanding alternative mediums), they failed to recognise its strength, versatility or adaptability. Time has proven otherwise. Make no mistake: Writing is -- and will continue to be -- the most vital form of communication on the internet. And writing successfully is the most vital step to success online.

For further information visit "In A Word (or Two)," (http://inawordortwo.blogspot.com) an active, online weblog dedicated to improving the skills needed in Writing For The Internet.--mo

About The Author
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MARIGE O'BRIEN is a writer, web designer and Internet Marketer. Visit her Website, Tracker Mo's Den (http://www.trackermo.com) for her latest i-marketing tools and biz opps. NEW-- RSS Feeds to Articles and blogs, plus a SPECIAL OFFER for new TCC Sign-ups.

Article Source: Article Hub

7 Steps for Improving Your Email Marketing

2006-03-10T11:37:00.000+08:00

By: Michael Fleischner

The success of your email marketing campaign is often based on a set of complex factors. However, a number of these issues can be proactively managed to ensure an optimized response. When developing your next email campaign, consider the following guidelines.

1. Your list.
Certainly one of the most important aspects of any email marketing campaign, your list is directly correlated to your success. Are your names recent? Have they agreed to be marketed to? Have they shown an interest in products or services similar to your own? Make sure that you are using a house list (names you collected on your own) or have been purchases from a reputable broker.

2. Your subject line.
Getting a user to open your message is paramount any email marketing campaign. The best way to determine the subject line that works best is to break your emails into three random yet equal groups. Measure the response to each email and use the highest producing one as your control. In follow up emails, try to beat the response rate of your control email.

3. Your sender information.
What information appears on the sender line of your email? Will your prospects recognize it? Do they want to hear from you? Often times, emails are deleted without ever being opened due to an indiscernible sender name. Your sender name should be brief and easily understood.

4. Track your results.
Tracking allows you to determine who opened your message and clicked on a link or multiple links within your email. By determining what worked and what didnt, you can replicate success on your next email. As described above, tracking is particularly important when testing subject lines, imbedded links, and other direct response vehicles.

5. Make sure your unsubscribe method is in place and working.
The CAN-SPAM act of 2003 requires that all email messages contain clear directions on how to opt-out from subsequent mailings. Provide an unsubscribe mechanism that allows those receiving your email to send you and email and indicate their desire to opt-out from receiving further emails from you or your business. If recipients no longer want to hear from you, its in your best interest to remove them from your list.

6. Your images are correctly referenced and you've used alt tags in each image.
Improperly referencing your images can cause them to appear broken when you send your message - the dreaded red x. To insure the image is referenced correctly it must appear as, img src="http://www.yourdomain.com..../" rather than, img src="/images/picture.jpg". Alt tags are another important part of your images. The new security features on almost every email client these days disables images automatically. Having alt tags in place allow your reader to identify the image and determine if it is safe to enable.

7. Test, Test, Test!
No matter what your involvement with email marketing happens to be, it is essential that you follow the guidelines above for successful results. In addition, the key is to test, test, test! After each email campaign, measure your opens, click-throughs, and purchases. Document the specific date, time, list, subject line, and content used to produce your results. Refer back to your documentation prior to your next campaign.

Email doesn't have to be a complex form of marketing. There are many best practices you can follow and some simple rules that ensure effectively delivery, open and conversion. By following the simple rules presented in this article, youll not only deliver and effective email campaign, youll discover a consistent method for generation revenue for your business.

Michael Fleischner is the founder and President of MarketingScoop.com. With more than 12 years of marketing experience, he has appeared on major media including the TODAY Show, Bloomberg Radio, and more. Visit http://www.marketingscoop.com/ for further details, FREE Marketing resources, or more FREE articles.

Article Source: Article Hub

The #1 Secret to Money Making Success

2006-03-10T11:35:00.000+08:00

By: Jeff Watt

I'm about to share with you the common thread that ties together all successful entrepreneurs. This single trait launched the businesses of Microsoft, Intel, Hershey, JP Morgan, Amazon.com, Nike and so many others. It's not anything you'll be taught in Business School, it has nothing to do with accounting, and it doesn't even have anything to do with what you're selling or how you're selling it. I'll sum it up in two words:
GET STARTED!
That's it! It's laughable at first, but the more you think about it, the more it makes sense. It's the missing "million dollar" idea, hiding in plain sight. We hear variations of this all the time: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Think back to your first writing classes in school. How were we taught to write a paper? First we start with a basic outline - that's our money-making idea, whatever it may be. Next, we make a rough draft - that's right, we start working on something that we know for a fact will be imperfect. Finally, we use our rough-draft as a basis to begin revisions, eventually ending up with a final draft, the "perfect" version.
Planning for tomorrow is a sound business strategy. It's good to spend time thinking about the future, and how to handle the challenges it will bring. But, if we want to succeed, we must create the future by taking action today. We can't possibly predict everything that might happen once we start doing business. Microsoft started out selling programming software. After a few years, an opportunity presented itself to sell a computer Operating System to IBM, and they took it. The result was MS-DOS (which they didn't even create themselves, they bought it from someone else when they saw how much money they could make!), followed by Windows; quite possibly one of the most lucrative products ever. If Bill Gates and Paul Allen, the founders of Microsoft, had sat on the sidelines of the growing computer industry thinking "programming software is an OK idea, but it's not perfect, there really isn't a big enough market for it...we need something better", would they be where they are today? Would IBM have given them that golden opportunity? Not likely.
Did Michelangelo's sculpture of David emerge from a single tap of a chisel upon a block of marble? No, it took Michelangelo over 3 years of effort to release his masterpiece from the stone, one tiny chip of marble at a time. It probably wasn't very pretty after only 1 month, or even a year. But years of careful improvement resulted in a classic work of art.
I hope I've made my point. Do something. Do anything! If you do something, and the result isn't what you wanted, what's the worst that could happen? You either have something to improve upon, or you have a very good idea of an approach that doesn't work (think of it as addition by subtraction...the process of elimination). Either way, you're one step closer to success than you were before you started.
Go for it! Give it a shot! Your financial success is waiting for you, go and get it! Get Started Today!
Good Luck!

Jeff is an Internet Marketer with big ambitions and a desire to help others success. Visit his latest website at http://www.ProfitReactor.com for insight's into Jeff's techniques and stratagies. Pick up a free e-Book containing invaluable marketing insights and instructions http://www.ProfitReactor.com

Article Source: Article Hub

What You Need to Know Before You Design Your Own Logo

2006-03-10T11:25:00.000+08:00

By: Karen Saunders

Everyone's got 'em. You likely see the "Nike swoosh" logo everywhere you go. And you know the Texaco station at the corner by its distinctive "star." So, you're thinking, "My company needs a logo, too." Maybe you want to design your own logo too.

Why create a logo for your company?

Because a logo:

-- visually represents your company in a graphic form (a picture is worth a thousand words, remember?)
-- instantly communicates your company's essence: what it does and what it stands for
-- complements your company's ongoing identity package so your customers can recognize it year after year.

But not just any logo will do. A good logo is simple yet sophisticated. Don't be fooled that a logo design that looks simple (like the Texaco "star") has been easy to create. Less is better, but getting to "less" requires a process of combining symbols, colors, typography, negative and positive space into a compact unit. Once these elements have been combined, they have to be refined and the best one selected. That's why designers present several preliminary designs (called comps) for decision-makers to analyze, modify, and then accept.

What should you know about creating the right logo?

Your job as designer or decision-maker is to make sure the logo is a strong, balanced image that communicates clearly and has no clutter. The logo should be bold and easily seen at a glance. For example, on a well-designed logo, strong lines and letters show up better than thin, delicate lines and fonts.

The logo's graphic imagery must be appropriate for the business. The graphic itself should work as a unit with the company name. It should achieve a look that's distinctive, yet not trendy. It's best to avoid trendy type styles and extremely tall or wide shapes. You want your logo to look good for a long time.

Choose an appropriate spot color (or two) and make note of its ink formula. The formula is a blend of various inks that's given a PMS number so the color combination is easily communicated to the printer. You'll refer to that PMS number when you print jobs in the future so you can be sure the color on your logo will consistently be the same.

What elements make a successful logo? Here are 10 logo design tips that professionals use:

1. Simple, yet sophisticated
2. Distinctive, bold, and graphic (no thin lines)
3. Not extremely tall or wide
4. Not trendy or old-fashioned
5. Looks in balance
6. Works well in all sizes
7. Works well in color or black and white
8. Graphic element and name work together as a unit
9. Communicates your business clearly
10. Uses graphics and fonts appropriate for your business

A powerful logo is the first step in pulling together your visual brand. Did you know that a tag line is as essential as a logo? Be sure you have a memorable tag line that complements your logo.

Karen Saunders is the author of "Turn Eye Appeal into Buy Appeal". Hundreds of business owners have used her simple do-it-yourself design system to create stunning marketing materials that really SELL their products and services! Click here to listen to a FREE audio recording, "Put the 'Bling' into your Brand" and learn how to create your own logo and tag line: < href="http://www.macgraphics.net">www.MacGraphics.net

Article Source: http://www.ArticleSphere.com

Computer Profits From Home

2006-03-07T10:30:00.000+08:00

By: Diana Ennen

On your mark - Get Set -Go!!! You’re ready. You’ve finally got it, the top of the line, latest and great computer that moves at the speed of sound and has everything you need, plus some. But will it make you money. Absolutely - We’re going to show you how.

There are numerous ways to utilize your computer for a home-based business. The key is finding the right one for you. First, consider your skills and expertise and most importantly what you enjoy doing. Remember, it’s a combination of the three that make for a winning business. Those with good secretarial and Internet skills might want to consider virtual assisting, whereas those with a flair for figures might prefer accounting or bookkeeping. For those who live on the web and have the creative touch, how about starting a web designing business or desktop publishing? Then, there’s computer tutoring, resume consulting, real estate transaction coordinators, etc. The possibilities are limitless and with the growth of the Internet, and the advancement in technology today, it just keeps getting better.

As an example, virtual assisting businesses are constantly in the media today and businesses are taking note and looking for VA’s to assist them. For example, it was recently noted in Time Magazine, other top books and magazines that VA businesses are considered among the top 10 home-based businesses to start. Entrepreneur Magazine rates it as one of the top 5 home-based businesses.

What’s a Virtual Assistant? A virtual assistant provides service from a home office to anywhere in the world using their high-speed access, e-mails, fax machines as well as many web-based applications. They can handle your publicity, typing, scheduling, e-mails, real estate transactions, legal briefs, medical transcription, your website, and more. The virtual revolution has truly begun and businesses are taking full advantage of the expertise of these professionals.

Once you decide on a business, then you’re ready to make it happen. The first thing you’ll want to do is to write everything down. All your thoughts and dreams and how you plan to achieve them. Decide on the hours you want to work, the price you want to charge, the marketing you plan to implement, the equipment and supplies required, and your goals and visions for the business. This is your plan for success. This is essential. Too many leave this vital step out and then don’t have a clear focus for their business.

Next, research and read everything you can on starting your business. Find out how the pros have done it and gain from their experience. Don’t just limit yourself to reading books - that’s only one avenue, although a good one. For those wanting to start a virtual assisting business, my book, Virtual Assistant the Series, Become a Highly Successful Sought After VA, is considered one of the best in the Industry. This book is written with Industry Leader Kelly Poelker, and has helped thousands start their business already.

Look to the Internet. Find message boards and chats that relate to the area that you want to go into. Often times these are managed by people who have been in business for years and are willing to share their experience. Not only will you gain their expertise, but also that of those who frequent the boards. These will be others who are starting a business, or who are succeeding in business, and willing to share their knowledge with you.

Also, do a search on the Internet for the type of business you want to go into. Look to their sites. Find the common denominators. What associations do most belong to? What services do most offer? This is just research, but it will help in providing you ideas for what you want to do with your business. Look to their links page and check out their links. This is especially true for the organizational websites. Again, write down all your findings.

Sign up for newsletters. The knowledge is tremendous and the motivation well worth it. If you go to Publicity VA, http://www.Publicity-VA.com you can see a complete listing of great newsletters that will provide tips and suggestions on starting a business and other marketing ideas.

Get additional training if necessary. Once you decide what you want to do, then find out exactly what other skills you will need to make it possible.

With the knowledge that you have now, and with it all written down in your plan, you’re ready to take the next steps in starting a business - your business. Your dream. Enjoy and remember nothing is impossible as long as you give it your all. Success happens when you make it happen.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Diana Ennen, Author; Virtual Assistant the Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA, and Words From Home, Start, Run and Operate a Successful Word Processing Business available at www.virtualwordpublishing.com. She also does publicity and book marketing and has published the science fiction thriller, Sledgehammer by Paulo J. Reyes, M.D. Free to reprint article as long as author’s bio remains intact.

Benefits Of The Business Cards

2006-03-07T10:22:00.000+08:00

By: Robert Thatcher -

Sometimes being at the right place and time can do wonders for the business. This can happen in the street or in the mall and starts by just approaching a stranger. New contacts occur everyday and with a little initiative, the person may be able to close a sale or be referred to someone who may need it.

There are many ways that a person can attract customers to one’s business. Some do this by launching a marketing campaign in the form of an ad in the paper or on a billboard. Some don’t use marketing at all and just flourish through word of mouth.

On a more personal level if that person travels around, the best thing to carry and give out is a business card.

Business cards are used by people in big and small time business. It reflects who the person is. It gives people an idea of what the person is capable of doing in the event that the service one offers is needed in the future.

Such instruments are easy and light to carry along. It saves a lot of time and trouble for the other person to jot down one’s contact details.

Making a business card is easy. One can do this at home and just print it in the computer. Should the person decide to have it done by a small printing firm, the individual should be sure that the spelling and the design is correct. This will make it easy for people to get hold of the services one can do.

Business cards should always have some important details such as the name and contact number where the person can be reached and the company that one works for. If the person is self-employed, this can also work to get more customers for the business.

Since most people who get business cards simply put it in the drawer with the others, one should be imaginative in letting people recall it.

A few good examples are giving it in the form of a magnet that can be placed in the fridge. Should that person drink coffee in the office, one can have a coaster made that people will surely notice. Since computers are a necessity in the workplace, a mouse pad will also be a good idea to give away.

There is also another way of making oneself noticed by other people. That is carrying the business cards of other people and giving it to those who need it. When this happens and the person asks how the card went to that person, the individual will be remembered and one’s services will surely be called upon in the future by these two potential customers.

Businesses survive due to a regular customers and having new clients. This will bring additional revenue for the company and allows the company to flourish. By using the resources one has such as the use of business cards, this will happen.

These small hard pieces of paper are things that one can give out at anytime. Be it in a convention or some other function related to work or in parties and other social gatherings that will really help increase customer traffic. Small things do come in small packages and bringing this handy thing around can really help the person a lot.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides business card resources on www.aboutbusinesscards.info.

4 Areas Where Your Business is Losing Money

2006-03-04T23:08:00.000+08:00

In my 18 years of consulting I have heard it all. Everything from competition to managed care as reasons why it’s hard to create the business of your dreams. New customers are needed to keep any business going but it is how you and your staff manage these customers that determines your success in business.

In every business that I have gone into over the years, what amazes me most is the amount of lost income from poor handling of the major income generating areas of any business. I will cover four of them.

The actual amount of lost income can be calculated. I will describe where you are very likely losing large amounts of money and why. These areas if handled will help you lose less money in your business or in other words, make more money.

Where am I losing money in my business?

Business owners are always looking for ways to increase revenue but we seldom address the areas where buckets of money may be slipping from your fingers. It is common to look at the cost of handling a situation in your office, but little attention is paid to the fact that not handling a weak area of your business is costing you way more than what it may cost to solve the problem.

You need to be able to measure the top basic areas and the way to do it is with statistics. How can you evaluate how close you are getting toward handling any weak area of your business or enhance an area already doing well if you are not using statistics? Operate off of statistics.

Most business owners commonly fail to look at what they are currently losing from weak business management and poor training of staff. Here are four of the key areas of lost income within the organization.

1. You can lose money with poor reception control.

Ideally, with proper reception control at the front desk, on the phone and certain procedural actions in place you can achieve a higher percentage of closed customers. To the degree that the control at the front desk is missing or the customers are dictating when they will come in or not, you will be losing money. A good receptionist is key to directing the incoming traffic, whether via phone or in person to the proper staff member quickly and with good control. This is quite honestly an easy fix and can improve your bottom line quite markedly.

2. You can lose money from having a poor collections ratio.

Depending on your business, once you make the adjustment in your production for other plans such as managed care, etc. you should be collecting 95% of the remainder. Ideally, when calculating your true collection ratio you would use the last six weeks of collections divided by the previous six weeks of production. There are actually eight areas, if fully handled, that will put your collections ratio in a whole new range.

3. You can lose money from having an untrained or poorly trained staff.

Take your average weekly collections divided by the number of Full Time Equivalents (FTE). Don’t forget to include the owner’s hours and if he or she works 60 hours that is a 1.5 FTE. Every staff member has value to the organization, but some are clearly more valuable than others. When you have a staff member that knows what to do, is very efficient in his or her ability to get the job done and somehow motivates others, you know they are worth their weight in gold. What is sometimes difficult to understand is that getting employees to actually do their job with a high degree of productivity IS attainable. Every time you hire someone within your organization you should have a certainty as to how much income per week they should bring to the table through their efforts. The average should be somewhere around $3,500 a week for each FTE.

4. You can lose money from lack of effective marketing.

Effective marketing is a big area where businesses fail. They usually plan their promotion like they plan their meals – one at a time. It pays to have a marketing plan and be able to correctly determine the ROI (Return On Investment) from marketing actions. Most businesses send out one promotion piece and then tally the responses, not the amount of money produced from those responses. This gives a false picture. Then business owners think that their marketing “isn’t working” so they quit - just as quickly as they started. Likewise, when they quit, they do so not realizing that repeat mailings are the key to generating more responses and more income. Executives commonly do not “put themselves in their prospects/customers shoes” and look at their marketing from the customer’s viewpoint. An example of this is taking a look at how you actually respond to direct mail. Do you jump at every mail piece that arrives in your mailbox? Or, more realistically, do you start to really take notice of a company’s promotion once you have seen it repeatedly?

The marketing medium is something to consider as well. There are inexpensive ways to get started with marketing that will get you a good Return On your Investment and that will enable you to generate enough income consistently before you start branching out into other more expensive media. A postcard is a particular medium that works well for a number of reasons. I highly suggest finding a reputable direct mail postcard company that gives free marketing advice as your source for direct mail marketing. I would make sure that postcards are all they do, get references from them to investigate and call those references for data about that company. And remember, the absolute cheapest price isn’t always the best – you get what you pay for. There is a lot to learn about marketing. It is a powerful tool to expanding your business.

This four-point checklist that can help you discover where your business is losing money. Each of these points can be improved when you apply the correct tools. I base the validity of those correct tools on whether they get results – not by my opinion – but whether they actually work no matter what industry you are in.

Jeffrey F. Lee is CFO and Co-Founder of Measurable Solutions Inc., a consulting firm engaged in all areas of business management. He has found that all the basic principles of how to expand a business apply to any business when delivered in a very precise way. With his partner, he has built the most rapidly expanding company of its kind in the world. Visit his website at www.measurablesolutions.com

More information: http://www.measurablesolutions.com

Article Source Freezine Articles

2006-03-03T16:33:00.000+08:00

Communicating Through Newsgroups & Forums – the effective promotional tool
by: Anjula Sanders

A very easy yet effective way of promoting your online business is through Newsgroups and Forum participation.

Once you have a content rich website, you should start participating in online discussions through newsgroups and forums of your interest. Once you get familiarized with the level of interaction taking place between other participants, you will feel comfortable to answer the questions.

You should start giving answers and participate in the conversations. Along with your answer you can add your signature line, having a small description and address of your website and products.

Make sure your answers are honest and useful. Soon you can become a trusted information source, or at least a helpful online friend to other members. You will be surprised to find, most people are so curious that they would like to know more about you and your website.

Note you should NOT Post Direct Ads in newsgroups or discussion forums or you will be flamed. You should only use a short signature about some products or services you offer.

The terms Forums and Newsgroups are often used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference between them. A forum is a website or part of a website where you can read and post your messages like many other members through your web browser. There are thousands of forums with different themes, to find out more check Forum Directory http://forumdirectory.net .

Newsgroups are bit difficult; you need a newsgroup reading software to participate. Some of this software are available free on the net. Some popular Newsgroups are Google Groups http://groups.google.com and Yahoo Groups.

It’s a very useful way to get targeted traffic to your site and that too without spending a penny. As you participate in forums of your interest, you will find people who share the similar interest, so you can spread your news to a much focused target group.

Other than getting traffic, participation in forums and newsgroups will also increase your knowledge on subjects of your interest. You will find experts of various industries hanging out there. If you have any queries, you can post them to find suitable answers.

Some forums sites are so popular that they get a very high ranking in the top search engines. These forum pages having the link of your site, will enhance your link popularity and help in your search engine ranking. This is a big advantage you can get free of cost.

There is one community forum of which I am a member you can check it out at http://specialprize.sitesell.com/goingonline.html

About The Author

Anjula Sanders is an experienced copywriter with a leading ad agency and is passionate about electronic advertising. She writes for various magazines and sites. Some of her articles will be available at http://www.fastforwardincome.com.

You are welcome to reprint this article, provided you don't change the content, author info and keep the byline as it is along with the link.

anjula@fastforwardincome.com

Make Your Passion Your Business

2006-02-28T15:01:00.000+08:00

Author: Gary Page
[Notice: This article may be reproduced and distributed on condition that nothing is added or changed, and it includes all links contained herein as well as the above copyright notice and source information.]

Seventy percent of all workers hate their jobs. So says a recent Gallup poll. Job dissatisfaction leads to high absenteeism, employee turnover, and lost productivity. Enjoying what you do can make the difference between merely getting by in business and excelling in it. The greatest satisfaction, and the highest income, accrues to those who pursue their passions. Here is how to find yours.

First, make a chronological list of several peak moments in your life. Begin by recalling a particularly happy time before you started school. Then, note a peak experience that occurred during your elementary school years. The next could have happened while you were in high school. Then, think of one when you were a young adult. You get the idea.

Now, think back. What made these moments special to you? Was it the attention paid to you? Perhaps it was your feeling of accomplishment. Maybe it was the exhilaration of the experience itself. Whatever made each of these moments special then is what drives you now. That is what makes you perfectly suitable to do what you ought to be doing for your living. It is what makes you exceed even your own expectations.

Next, consider what you do well that others do not. Perhaps, you have a feel for what makes a great picture. Maybe you are a powerful encourager or team leader. On the other hand, you may be great with cars, or an expert sailor. What you do most effortlessly is also a signpost to your passion.

Finally, think about what you can create with your talent. For example, my friend, Barry Shainbaum, is an accomplished photographer who recently released his new book, Hopeand Heroes. Barry takes powerful pictures for which others gladly pay good money. Through his camera lens, Barry not only found his way out of bipolar disease, but also got to meet and photograph some of the most accomplished men and women of our time.

My wife, a people-oriented woman, has a passion for art. This talent she displayed early in life. During her many stays in Welland hospital, in appreciation for their care, she draws caricatures of the staff, then, gives them the artwork. She has also sold many of her paintings and drawings as well. Art thieves so admired some of them, that they deftly removed all of her pieces from one collector’s home.

An uncle had a passion for selling ideas. A visionary, he turned his passion into a career. First hired as a “copyboy,” he became Vice-President of Marketing for the largest retail chain in the Southern United States at that time, Maison Blanc in New Orleans, Louisiana.

You, too, have some special skill, interest--some “thing”--you can do better than anyone you know can do it. If you have not done so already, you can turn that talent into a service or product for which others will gladly pay you.

Get a handle on your passion. What you cannot do well, give to others. Do what you do best. Hire, or partner with, others who do what they do better than you can do it. Let everything else go. Focus like a laser-beam on your passion. You will love what you do and you will never work a day in your life!

2006-02-26T23:27:00.000+08:00

Keeping A Schedule For Your Home Business

Author: E. Haines

Many people dream of working for themselves. They want the freedom that comes with the work at home lifestyle and the freedom of being their own boss. However, with that new found freedom comes a responsibility of keeping organized and sometimes, even working harder than you did when you were employed for someone else.

It is a good idea to set a schedule for your work at home business. Try to set hours in which you can work with the least amount of distractions. Set aside a workspace that is “off limits” during your work hours. Notify your family and friends of your schedule. It is easy for loved ones and friends to take advantage of you by asking for errands and favors during the day.
Once in awhile is fine, but remember, running too many errands or favors will cost you time and time is money!

Try to stay focused during your work hours. It is easy to be tempted to go and do other fun things. The point of setting your hours is to be the most productive during that time. You don’t want a backlog of work for things you’ve pushed aside for later. Work will catch up with you and make you more stressed out than necessary.

Remember to take breaks as well. It’s easy to fall into the trap of working well into the night. Running your own business is hard work but the beauty of being your own boss is working the hours that you want. Give yourself a starting time and an ending time to your work day. Personally, I feel much more productive in the afternoons and evenings versus waking up early and doing the typical 9 to 5.

The hardest part of keeping a schedule is disciplining yourself to do so. Find the hours that work for you and get used to a daily routine. You will feel more productive and still have the freedom you dreamed about.

2006-02-25T00:52:00.000+08:00

How To Choose The Best Home Based Business
by: Brian Pratt

If ever there was a time to start your best home based business - now is the time! There has never been such a large amount of information so readily available on the subject as there is now. Help abounds for you.

In this article, I will give you just a preview of what is out there, and how you might go about getting started.

Types of Home Based Businesses Available

Every business, whether in your home, storefront, or high-rise, consists of basically two types. You can provide a product, or a service.

Provide A Product

This traditional type of business requires being able to manufacture the product, distribute it, and store enough of it to meet demand. Here are a few ideas for this:

· Restaurant or catering
· Selling on e-bay
· Selling an invention
· Custom-designed sweatshirts, etc.
· Selling books (bound, or electronic)
· Product assembly, etc.

Another option to making the product yourself that is very popular, is to sell other people's products - become an affiliate. This way the manufacturing, shipping and storing aspect, of delivery is handled for you - your main task is to advertise, take the orders, and follow through. For many online companies, however, about all you have to do is build websites, learn how to promote them adequately - and the company does the rest. This is so easy, that it could become your best home based business rather easily.

Provide A Service

The other type of home based business is that of providing a service. This could include:

· Typing resumes
· Data entry
· Cleaning offices
· Administrative assistant
· Writing and editing
· Travel agent
· Car repair

Both these types of businesses will allow you operate as an independent, or if you have some money to invest, there are companies that will allow you to franchise (ex. - Servicemaster, Snap-On Tools, WSI Internet, etc.). This means that you can pay a fee, get some marketing process and management support along with the use of their name.

One of the most highly recommended home based businesses and one that makes top dollar today, is the making and selling of your own e-books. If you have the ability to write, and know a little about software programs, then e-books may be for you. Find a "niche-market" (a market to people looking for specific information that is inadequately covered by the major companies); publish an informative e-book on the subject and market to the world with e-bay or with your own affiliate program.

About The Author

Brian Pratt is a 48 year old New Zealander with over 10 years internet experience. If you are looking for a home based business opportunity be sure to view his website at http://www.bestrealincome.com.

2006-02-18T11:55:00.000+08:00

Seven Tips for Starting Your Home Based Business
By: Trent Brownrigg

Now that you have decided to start a home based business, I want to start off by saying, “congratulations” and welcome to the wonderful world of being your own boss. While there is a lot to learn, your effort will be well worth it. The freedom and flexibility to set your own hours, the possibilities of ever-increasing financial security, the wonderful feeling of self accomplishment, and many more great rewards are all super reasons to start your home based business.

Those are just a few of the many thrills of owning your own home based business!

Now that you have decided to start your home based business, you might be wondering "How can I get it off to the strongest possible start?"

These seven tips will help you on your journey...

1) Set up a separate working space in your home. It doesn't matter if this is a spare bedroom, a part of the garage, a corner of the living room, or some other area away from the rest of the household activities. The important thing is to have some space that you can designate as your own working area. This will give you the space and room you need to craft your dream.

2) Stock your working space with proper materials. This may sound basic but one underlying element of success is that you have easy access to the tools, materials, and other resources you need. Gathering everything close by keeps you from wasting time searching for it, so this step can also be considered a time management strategy as well.

3) Speaking of time management, your third step is to define the parameters of your home based business. What days and hours will you work? When and where will you market? How will you provide services or products to clients? How will you keep all of this in order?

4) Balance action with planning. One of the most common pitfalls to a successful home based business is getting caught up in action without enough planning. Stated another way, this means that you confuse "being busy" with "working on important projects." The best approach is to plan your next couple of goals and then work backwards to create step-by-step action plans to reach them. Once you have the plan, it is now time to take the action.

5) Network like crazy. One of the fastest ways to grow any home business is to make connections with other people. Be sure to share your passion and enthusiasm with others at every opportunity you get. Let people know who you are and what you offer. Remember, people can't buy if they don't know you're selling.

6) Present a professional image. If you want to be treated professionally, present a professional image at all times. Set up a separate bank account for your home based business. Install a separate telephone and fax line. Create professional marketing materials. Be courteous and pleasant in all your customer interactions. Basically, just be someone people want to do business with.

7) Automate your business as much as you possibly can. I know you are just one person (right now) and might have a lot of extra time to take care of all the details. This might work for now, but it won't work into the future as your home business gets bigger and much busier. It's best to set up automatic systems and processes right from the start to help free up your valuable time in order to concentrate on the most profitable activities.

Following these seven tips will work wonders in getting your home based business started (and growing) in the right direction.

Now get out there and start building your home based business!

About The Author

Trent Brownrigg is a successful internet marketer and home business mentor. Find your home based business at http://www.work-at-home-jobs-iowa.com and he will personally help you succeed. Get your FREE “Biz Tips Newsletter” by sending a blank email to: workathomebiz@aweber.com

Copyright© Trent Brownrigg

http://www.home-business-team.com

2006-02-16T18:20:00.000+08:00

Make 2006 Your Most Profitable Year Ever: 5 Crucial Steps for Every Entrepreneur
by: Germaine A. Hoston, Ph.D.

Many of us maintain the tradition of making New Year's resolutions for our personal lives. The New Year has just as special significance for our businesses too.

Whether you're an experienced business owner or are just starting out (or thinking about starting a business), there are 5 crucial steps you need to take at the beginning of the year to assure the 2006 is your most prosperous year ever.

1. If you have not done so yet, take advantage of the greatest tax shelter available today: the opportunity to start a small business and organize your business activities to generate multiple streams of income for you.

If you have been thinking about starting your own business but are still sitting on the fence, resolve to take action today! With the internet making getting into business for yourself easier and more cost-effective than ever, there's no excuse for not taking that crucial first step.

2. If you already own your own business make sure that you're generating income from more than once source.

This way, if changing economic conditions exercise a negative effect on one stream of income, you are not left high and dry (so to speak!). If you're involved in network marketing, you'll have to make a point of ignoring those who would have you focus exclusively on a single company (often start up) that might not be around 5 years from now). You can and should diversify (within reason, of course!).

3. Make sure that you are using the most advantageous structure for operating your business.

This applies to you whether you have a traditional bricks-and-mortar business, operate a UPS Store franchise, or are operating an e-business doing affiliate marketing.

If you're operating your business as a sole proprietor, as most small business owners do, your business is not in the most advantageous position to reap the fruits of the generous tax deductions available to small businesses. More important, you are placing all your personal assets, including your home, your vehicle, your personal savings, and your family's future at risk.

Today, it's no longer as cumbersome as it used to be to establish an alternative business structure that will protect you from such risk. And with all the resources now readily available to the average person at minimal cost, you don't have to incur massive legal fees just to get started.

4. Resolve to learn the information you need to know to operate your business in the most profitable manner.

Continuing education about structuring and operating your business is an absolute necessity for the entrepreneur. Even if you have an accountant or attorney on your mastermind team, how do you know if she has the knowledge and sophistication to handle this for you properly? Unfortunately, too many, do not, and their lack of expertise can cost you thousands of dollars. If your accountant or attorney tells you, for example, that you "don't need" an LLC or corporation to do business, you'll know to run--do not walk--out of their office as quickly as possible and search elsewhere for competent advice.

In addition, even if you have compentent counsel, it is your responsibility as a business owner to operate your company in accordance with governent requirements governing corporations, partnerships and LLCs.

5. Adopt a Mindset that Focuses on Tax Reduction as a Way of Life

The largest single expense of most Americans is taxes. To optimize your bottom line, you must be up to date on which expenses are tax deductible for your business and keep proper records to document them. Using a credit card--even a personal card dedicated to your business--and an accounting program that is specifically for businesses--we recommend QuickBooks by Intuit--will help you immensely in keeping track of your expenses. It can be bought at a substantial discount on eBay.

Implementing these 5 steps might sound complicated at first, but they are well worth the trouble. Remember that in running your business, "Keep it simple" can be costly advice. What simplest--setting up shop as a sole proprietor, operating on a cash basis, using your personal bank account instead of a separate business account for your business, and failing to track and document expenses using appropriate business accounting software--can hazardous to your financial future.

Take advantage of the fresh start spirit of the New Year to implement these 5 tasks, and you'll be on your way to making this year your most profitable ever.

About The Author

Germaine A. Hoston, Ph.D. is a political economist, President of Azur Pacific Associates, and small business consultant. With over 20 years of experience, she has operated successful consulting, translation, and internet marketing businesses in the United States and France with clients worldwide. Receive a free special report when you sign up for her free eNewsletter for small business and home business entrepreneurs at: http://www.wealthstrategies202.com.

germaine@wealthstrategies202.com

2006-02-13T20:56:00.000+08:00

"Are We There Yet ?" (Or, How to measure your site's success.)

By LARRY JOHNSON

If you are a parent, you are certain to recognize this plaintive cry from the back seat. Today, however, we are more interested in measuring our progress with our online business.

If you are a webmaster or business owner online, How do

we know how far we have come? Are we succeeding with our plan ? What are some simple ways we may want

to implement to measure and determine the answer to that

familiar question, "Are we there yet ?"

Before you can answer that question you must have a goal,

a plan, an objective toward which you are headed. Depending

on the goal, here are 5 simple ways to measure your progress

on the internet.

1) Hit Counters--probably the most used method of determining

the "success" of a site.

There are many free hit counters available. Here are a few sites

that offer them:

http://www.extreme-dm.com/tracking/

http://www.stats4you.com/

http://www.freestats.com/

All the way up from simple counting your visitors until tracking the

keywords they use to find you.

2)Customer Surveys can give you a lot of great feedback about how

your site is viewed by your visitors and potential customers.

Here are some possible site choices to create your own surveys:

http://www.insitesurveys.com/

http://www.gigapoll.com/

http://www.formsite.com/

3) Testimonials...they can't be bought, but they are worth their

weight in gold to the potential buyer who is wavering. The one

who needs someone else to verify that your business is really

credible and that you can be trusted to deliver as promised.

I suggest that you use a form to make it simple and easy for

visitors to your site to give you feedback about their visit.

Hopefully it will be positive...something to share with others.

Constructive criticism can be helpful too in order to improve

your site.

4) Sales. Well, what more can be said about this. The bottom

line is here for most. How much are we selling online? Are we

growing each month, year ?

5) For MLM type groups there is always the simple measurement

of the number in your downline. The more the better it seems.

For those interested in the overall, changing picture of

the internet. I refer you to:

http://cyberatlas.internet.com/big_picture/traffic_patterns

You need a yardstick. The type of yardstick depends on

what it is your wanting to measure. Whatever it is, there

are resources online to help with your measurements.

One of them is certain to answer the question that is on

everyone's mind, "Are we there yet?"

Best of luck in your online efforts !

Larry Johnson, Author

Article may be reprinted with permission by including the following resource box:

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Larry is the editor of BIZ SITE BIZ E-ZINE, a Free weekly business promotion newsletter full of timely tips, original "How-To" articles, resources, quotes and humor. http://www.BizSiteBiz.com/ Come on down and join us as we discover better ways to market and promote on the internet !

Subscribe:

http://www.bizsitebiz.com/Subscribeform.html

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

2006-02-13T09:48:00.000+08:00

They're Interested, Now What?

By Stephanie Ward

Some people may be ready to buy your products/services right away. But what do you offer to the rest of the people who are interested but want to know more? Creating a structured sales process for your business may not seem like an important component of creating and attracting more potential clients and I can promise you, it is.

Here’s what frequently happens. People may be interested in knowing more about what your business has to offer but they are busy. They don’t have time to find your phone number and call you or spend time navigating through your website trying to figure it out how to find out more, so they do nothing.

When you are clear about your sales process, and can communicate it easily and consistently, you will feel more confident and you will be able to make a connection with your prospective clients.

People need to know what action to take if they want to know more. Make it simple and make it easy. People appreciate structure and like to know what they can expect.

Begin to define your sales process by deciding on the first step. The one action you want every person who is interested in your business to take. Make it something that delivers value. Here are some ideas about what you can give to prospective clients:

1. Offer a free sample of your products/services

2. Offer to meet with them for a free consultation

3. Invite them to take an assessment or quiz

4. Invite them to sign up for your newsletter

5. Offer to send them a valuable free report

Let me give you an example of what I am talking about. Let’s say you are at a networking event talking with Renee and she asks you, “What do you do?” You have prepared and rehearsed your fabulous elevator pitch (right?) so you share it. Renee seems intrigued, what do you do next? You can leave it there, finish your chat and move on. Or, you can say to Renee, “If you’re interested in knowing more, I can send you a special report. Would you like that?” See the difference?

Communicating the first stop of your sales process isn’t only important for prospective clients. It is also valuable to communicate it with strategic alliance partners so they can easily refer people to you. Make is easy for partners send you referrals by making the first step in your sales process clear to them.

Once you are clear on your first step, the one action you want prospective clients to take, incorporate it into every interaction you have and all of your marketing strategies. Think of things like this:

What you write:

- Text you will use to answer e-mails from prospective clients

- Text on your website

- Text on your business card (use the back of your card)

- Text in your e-mail signature

What you say:

- Words you will use when someone calls

- Words you will use when you meet someone face-to-face

- Words on your voice mail message

Once you have the first step established, decide what the next steps are until you have a complete process. The number of steps in your process will depend on your business and what you are offering. The most important step is the first one so start there. Utilize your sales process and be sure you follow through and follow up.

You’ve heard the expression ‘you never get a second chance to make a first impression.’ In business, you may not get a second chance to give a prospective client value. So choose your first step and start giving!

Life & Business Coach Stephanie Ward helps business owners set their profits on fire! Grab your free monthly profit tips plus bonus report at: http://www.fireflycoaching.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Ward

2006-02-12T15:48:00.000+08:00

All Talk And No Action; So Let It Be Written; So Let It Be Done!

By Richard Vegas

It is so important to know how to motivate ourselves in an effective manner and in a desirable direction. Throughout life we continually struggle between the dual forces of what we say and what we do. So, I ask you, what would you pay for a personal formula that would turn all your words into action?

A Kid After My Own Heart!

I was in a mall one day and saw a little child say to his father, "daddy, if you say please, I'll let you carry me". And, of course the father reached down with a big smile and picked up his son. Who could resist? I gave some thought to that scene and here are some things I considered.

Could that father have reacted differently? Probably! But the little boy didn't realize it but he went directly to the source of motivation. Right on the spot that kid turned his dad into putty in his hand.

I marveled as I watched this little kid motivate his father. Not motivating himself, but motivating his father. I think there is a key here.

Under His Thumb!

It was the words the little boy used to get the free ride he wanted. It's the words we use on ourselves that get us our free ride or, just another pain in the neck. The little boy could have stomped his foot and demanded to be picked up. That would probably not have motivated his father, or, at least motivated him in the wrong direction.

The right words bring motivation, the wrong words bring resistance. When the right words bring motivation, they bring confidence. It relaxes our defenses and we let our guard down. And then, we stop spending emotional energy to protect ourselves from possible failure. Instead we use that energy to reach for the probable rewards of success.

Say it And then Write it!

Anyone who writes a letter affects the subconscious mind of the person reading it through suggestion. A person may not accept your advice when given to them verbally. Many times because the advice does not come over as a sincere suggestion, it comes across as orders. And, then they ball up like a knot.

At that moment, the timing may be dead wrong for the other person to accept what you say emotionally. Perhaps the only thing he can think about at the moment is; he is a day late and a dollar short and your suggestions to him are about as interesting as two blind men having a conversation in a foreign language. You're trying to philosophize him, and He is facing all out war and sees you as slow as molasses in January.

But, that same person would accept a well written and sincere letter you write to them with open arms. If properly written it would be read over and over, studied frequently and digested. Ok, so what's the point?

Here it is. To write a letter you have to think. You have to formulate your ideas and put them on paper. And when you discover something you're about to write stinks, you can back off and change it. And, the things you say direct the other person's mind, and your own, in the direction you want it to go.

Just Call A Spade A Spade!

Example: all these articles, that I write, are words that I share with you in hopes of motivating you. Some things that I say are controversial and most people would not write such things. But, people accept it from me and realize that's just the way I am. They know that I love all of you and just trying to help and, I do it through my own silly style and backhanded compliments.

I have noticed that even when I read something I've written it has more of an impact on me emotionally. Not, because I wrote it, but because I'm reading it. The power of the written word on our minds is very motivating.

The words that you read somehow seem to be more believable than if someone speaks them. That is not to discount what a well qualified person says, that dude might be as sharp as a cafeteria meatball; it's just the way we learned from our childhood.

We believe what we read in books; it's a subconscious function, until we come across some scatterbrain that's full of alphabet soup. When he says something that completely goes against our personal beliefs or what we know to be true.

Let her Rip!

Let's look at some specifics: Let's take a person who is bothered by timidity. You already know what I think of fear; it's about as useful as a yard full of pump water.

Well, what's the opposite of timidity? Aggressiveness! So, how can a person with fear motivate himself to round third and head for home? Two ways; first, by repeating as an example, "be aggressive", frequently throughout the day.

He should do this especially when in a situation that causes the fear. And, say "Do it now". Secondly, read books and articles that direct his mind in the direction he wants it to go. If the problem area is fear, he will want to read self help books about success and motivation.

The words that he reads will make an impression on his subconscious. That's why I caution people to be very careful what they read.

You will become what you feed your mind on. The subconscious is like a sponge. It will soak up anything and everything you feed it. And, it couldn't care less if you've strayed off the reservation and now stewing in your own juice.

The Ball's in Your Court!

So, here is your formula for personal achievement. Read something that inspires you and then, to be enthusiastic, ACT enthusiastic. Or, whatever you're attempting to do. A great psychologist once said "if we act as if we feel in any given way, in time our feelings catch up with our actions".

And the action can be physical or it can be mental. A thought can be stimulating but it's the action that causes the change in behavior from one direction to another.

Here are some techniques to help you. When you repeat an expression that you wish to use in changing a behavior, say it "loudly." This is particularly important if you are emotionally upset. If you have a fear of something like speaking in public, talk loudly.

Talk rapidly. Your mind functions faster when you speak rapidly. Plus, your mind doesn't have time to tell you that your doing something you're afraid of because you're too busy thinking of the next sentence.

Emphasize words that are important in the context of your situation. Example: If you are worried, say "PEACE", loudly and rapidly with emphasis to make an impression on the subconscious. It will listen and will bring about peace to your emotions.

Your Mission In Life!

But, most important, and always, Do It Now!! . If you will do this, you will prove to yourself that you can motivate yourself to action and create desirable change to any behavior you want. Now, go look in the mirror at that Cheshire-Cat Smile. :>)

Richard Vegas © Richard Vegas is a popular recording artist and internet marketing professional. He invites you to subscribe to his FREE weekly ezine "Wing-Tips" The Success System That Never Fails at: http://1-work-at-home-based-business-opportunities.com/Articles/articles.html You may also hear and follow Richard's music career at: http://richardvegas.com

2006-02-12T15:39:00.000+08:00

How To Get Diversified Sources Of Income?

By Lil Waldner

Money is an important, but often scarce agent to make matters easier in life. Most of the people rely on a regular source of income. It’s more and more important to diversify the sources of income.

Why are diversified income sources needed?

The days of a life long occupation are over in most of the industrialised countries. A lot of people experience once or even several times phases of unemployment. The rate of unemployed people remains high in most of the countries. Thus, it is important not to rely on the income source of a single job.

It’s an advantage to have different income sources during the life cycle:

Students appreciate an extra income.

A lot of families have to struggle with their monthly budget. They need more income opportunities. Parents seek a way to combine family life with work. Young mothers are particularily faced with the challenge to bring up their children and earn money at the same time.

An increasing number of working people are forced by the companies to retire early as pensioners. All these people still could work but the companies want to cut costs. The income of a pension is often not sufficient to cover the expenses.

Conclusion: Many people rely on an extra income. They need different income sources to manage their life.

How to achieve diversified income sources?

The internet is a convenient way to build up different income sources. It offers unlimited opportunities to make money. The work can be done from the comfort of the home. It can be combined easily with a day job. People who work in shifts also can do some home business.

What is needed to make extra money?

Only a computer and internet access are needed to make some extra money from home. There is a great choice of already made home business opportunities to join. The problem is to find the right opportunity. What is realistic and what is hype? Some home business advertisements promise quick money and fancy incomes. They only sell hopes and dreams. It takes time to find the right home business opportunity. It’s not possible to make thousands of Dollars a day within a few weeks. It’s possible to develop a sound income and even to make some money in an early stage of the home business venture. Furthermore the internet offers the opportunity to make money with very low investments. Everybody gets a chance.

Make the right choice!

Research is needed to find the appropiate income opportunity. It’s often a matter of luck to run into a business that is really promising. Exploiting niche marketing can be successful, because one does not need to struggle with powerful competitors. Getting into a new, evolving market could set the base of a small fortune. There are no limits within the world wide web.

Lil Waldner is a business economist. She is experienced in project management and marketing. She has worked as editor of newspapers and she has written booklets and essays with economic and public issues. Visit the web site: http://www.makemoneytip.com

2006-02-12T15:37:00.000+08:00

3 Little Words Equal More Power To You!

By Richard Vegas

Life shouldn't be so complicated. Have you ever wondered why it is? Have you ever thought; "why can't I figure this out?" Have you ever said; "I don't have an attitude problem, you have a perception problem?" Why are our lives so complicated?

And Even My Reality Check Bounced!

I think living is a lot simpler than what we realize. I think living can be boiled down to three words. Listen, then Act! Listen to what? Act on what? How about listening to that still quiet voice inside your head that is constantly trying to get your attention?

How many times have you had a big issue to deal with and had a thought that you just let pass. Maybe you thought; "no, that won't fix it!" Then another; "nah…that's not the answer either." Now granted, maybe it didn't look like the right solution. Maybe it just didn't have the right feel, or some elements seemed to be missing.

Well, hardly is any solution as clear as crystal when it first comes to light. There are always some facets of it that need to be hammered out. And, that requires some more "listening." But, most of the time we go running off half cocked with partial information and cause ourselves a big pain in the neck.

Earlier we said living can be boiled down to three words. Listen then Act. Acting is only half of what we need to do to bring success. The problem is; most people spend ninety percent of the time focused on the acting and ten percent focused on the listening, if any at all.

Waiting Lasts Too Long!

Inherent in listening is an element of patience. And most of the time, we find ourselves long on need and short on patience. Living in a microwave world makes it tough to live patiently. But, learning the art of listening will make patience seem more tolerable.

Here's why. Waiting on something we desperately need, makes us feel like we are idle and irresponsible. Keeping the patience makes us feel like we're doing nothing.

We keep having the feeling, "we should be doing something." Maybe you have heard the saying, "if it is to be, it's up to me!" Maybe so, but, not necessarily Tonto. You have some help you may not even know about.

Patience just doesn't conjure up the right kind of emotions in us to be still that long. The more the time passes the more impatient we become. But, Listening seems to be, and feels more like a pro-active function that we can tolerate.

Easy AS ABC!

It feels, at least somewhat, that we are doing something constructive to the completion of this problem. And the good part about listening is, that it's our spirit trying to give us the answers we need.

But, to make this an analogy; our spirit is a perfect gentleman/lady. He never imposes himself on our desires. If we want to go off half cocked, he will just be silent till we calm down. When we finally get quiet, he will give leading once again.

Maybe that just answered a question that many have had about why inspiration comes so sporadically. Have you ever had to wait till the fifty ninth second to get an answer you needed?

At the very last moment of truth, you were finally and totally out of all answers, ready to just let happen whatever was going to happen, and in the quietness of your mind and body your spirit sends the answer. Personally, for me, this happens mostly when I'm totally out of all resources to help myself.

Getting Over The Hump!

Have you ever said this to someone; "the answer is just on the tip of my tongue?" That's a pretty good sign you need to get quiet and spend a little time listening to your spirit. He's trying to give you answers and you are too busy doing "stuff", that's going nowhere, and wandering around, for forty years, on the back side of the desert.

The point I'm trying to make is; we are the ones that make our lives complicated and difficult. Life was never meant to be a series of disappointments followed by death. We are just not using the tools we have been given to live it efficiently.

The hardest problems I've ever solved in my life were the ones that I just jumped right on top of and showed it who was boss. I may have solved it, but, I knew I had been in a fight with Magilla Gorilla when it was over.

Give It A Rest!

The easiest problems I've ever solved in my life were the one's that I took the time to listen to my spirit and see what he might have to say about it. A word of caution! You can't listen effectively to your spirit while watching the Texas Chain Saw Massacre! Sorry, but he wants some quiet in the room!

Now I'm not trying to tell you that you need to spend ten hours a day listening to your spirit and trying to find out what he has to say about any problem you may be facing. Your spirit's got more sense than that. He's no dummy and realizes you have to make decisions.

What your spirit wants from you is a little respect and recognition. He wants you to run to him for answers instead of running headlong into a brick wall and wind up chasing your tail in every direction. You ever seen a dog chasing his tail? Going in circles and not getting anywhere! How dumb can you get?

Learning how to listen to your spirit only takes a few minutes a day. Daily practice of quiet time and listening will bring great rewards. The more you do it, the more you will be able to discern good information from "noise" in your mind which is just chatter.

Deep in your spirit is the answer for every problem life can throw at you. But, your spirit has some rules and you have to follow them. They're not hard. As we said, living was not designed to be hard; we are the ones that make it hard.

The Two Commandments!

Rule number one: recognize that quiet time, listening to your spirit, is crucial for your problem solving ability. Rule number two: develop a little humility when the answer comes. And, when you solve it, don't be too quick to hog all the credit. A little humility won't hurt you.

Let me give you an illustration: Find a quiet place, sitting in a comfortable chair, with good posture, close your eyes and blank everything out of your mind.

As you remain quiet thoughts and ideas will come to you. Some will be noise and chatter; some will be worth listening to for more information. The longer you do it, the more efficient you'll become at listening.

Last But Not Least!

Finally, when the most plausible answer comes, the one you feel has the best chance of working, get up and go "act". But, you didn't need me to tell you that. Most of us are pretty good at burning the candle at both ends. But, "listening to our spirit", tends to get our knickers all in a twist.

Richard Vegas © Richard Vegas is a popular recording artist and internet marketing professional. He invites you to subscribe to his FREE weekly ezine "Wing-Tips" Teaching The Success System That Never Fails, at: http://www.1-work-at-home-based-business-opportunities.com You may also hear some of Richard's free music at: http://www.richardvegas.com