What to look for in a home based business

1) Choose an industry that you are interested in – don’t just do it for the money. There are lots of business opportunities our there where you can work from home or make money online but make sure it captures your interests. You could be in it for the long haul.

2) Does the business that you are choosing offer any form of training to help you be a success from the get-go? Let’s face it we don’t know everything especially when were just starting out. Check to make sure someone has gone before you and laid out a duplicatable process that you can model.

3) Can it be considered a “Ghost Operation”? In other words would the business or system allow you to make money without always having to be there? Many online business opportunities are set up this way, allowing the business to run on “skeleton crews” with as little as 10-15 hours per week.

The Business Value Of Relationships

Business is about relationship building. That is what is called networking in the formal sense. Success in business starts with good relationships with those around you. This is really connecting with the people around you in a friendly and trustworthy manner. If you are going to work a business and make a living out of it this matters.

You know where you want to go, but how to get there is another matter. Most opportunity comes about because of contacts. Self made millionaires usually did not do it alone. They had some very good opportunities come their way by having some great contacts. They know that everyone that helps is their business team.

The real fun of business is that you meet a lot of great people along the way. Everyone you meet has a wealth of experience that is invaluable. Now more than ever relationships and networking happens in real time. Phenomenal growth has a lot to do with the relationships with customers, vendors, and strategic alliances. Creative ideas are tossed around when you interact with clients, vendors and other people. A lot of times in a matter-of- fact way a reflexive comment changes your company. Live and learn sure applies to business.

Involvement is the key word in any business. Obligation is not the same as a social connection that stresses the importance of relationships. Aspiring to profit from a business is not always the same as succeeding in business. That means the value you bring to your relationships has a paramount impact on your business. People who are passionate about what they do are usually the most generous with sharing their expertise

The ability to partner with your customer, distributors, vendors, and other businesses is what will help make your business a success. The knowledge you add to your service and communicate to your customers is what makes a long lasting relationship. Success in any field is about working with the people that are there. No one does it alone, only by connecting with others can you expect to reach your goal. People you meet can work as mentors by offering help, guidance and opportunities to grow your business. This is your business team that will help you reach your goal.

Let people enrich your life and transform your business. Consumer connectivity both literally and figuratively creates a strong brand for a company. You build one person at a time until you have enough connections to forge an identity. Create, collaborate and share in a wide variety of ways your business, yourself, and your knowledge. It is always good to remember you are part of a business and social community that are drawn together for survival.

There is a new breed of businesses that really count on both the interactive and traditional. Remember the web is a community of businesses connected through links, affiliations, and testimonials. The web is a growing success because of its interconnections. This new media has one important message that delivering to, and reaching a wide audience is the way to nurture a business. Relationships are the key to unlocking a treasure trove of support and access to resources.

Your Business Needs Conference Call Services

When you want to keep in touch with both clients and personnel, conference call services are an excellent choice. They are flexible and powerful tools in today’s competitive markets. They are also highly cost-efficient in nature. You can communicate in real time with multiple parties without the need for physical presence. Starting the conversation with your team is as simple as dialing someone up on the telephone.

An Alternative To Face To Face

Consider face to face meetings. You have to get everyone in the same room. Sometimes, this is almost impossible to do. Other team members have their own busy schedules and even walking up to the boardroom may cost them precious minutes. Then, of course, you actually hope that everybody shows up promptly so the meeting can start. Now what if we’re talking about a meeting of country managers here? The problem becomes immeasurably more complex. They would all have to fly in from their different locations and that alone is a logistical nightmare. The timing issues for the meeting would be horrendous. Then factor in the significant travel costs the company would incur. You begin to wonder if the meeting is such a good idea after all.

There are clearly enough pressing issues that make regular meetings necessary. There is no need to add to the problem by worrying about how that meeting is going to be set up. Also, some people just do not function that well in a crowded room. They need to be able to get up, pace around, wave their arms and strike dramatic poses to get their juices flowing. Conference call services are a way of addressing all these issues.

There is no need to worry about setting up conference call services. Most of the time, there are live operators to help you do this. Automated systems will have voice instructions similar to other telephone services. If you can navigate a standard voice menu, you should be fine. It may seem like it, but conference call services are not at all on the level of rocket science.

Smooth Operator

You will save a significant amount of time and money by utilizing conference call services. It does not matter how far away the employee or client is, you will be able to communicate and interact as if you were in the same room. Those useless meetings where more talking than work gets done will be a thing of the past. Each party can attend the meeting in their comfort zone. Conference call services offer an opportunity to maximize your team’s efforts by bringing them together even if they are far apart.

Your business should gear up to take advantage of this new technology. Conference call services are rapidly being integrated into the operational flow of most companies worldwide. This is because communication and interaction must be regular to ensure that the entire team is on the same page. Only in this way can you be certain that goals will be reached and tasks accomplished.

Top Home Based Business Ideas - Ten Of Them!

So you have decided to take the plunge a home-based business. Good for you! It will be nice to be able to wake up every day, grab a cup of coffee and walk into your office. No more rush hour, no more cubicle, and a chance to make it on your own. Sounds great doesn't it? But there is one small snag before you can open shop. You need to know just what sort of business you should be running.

There are a myriad of opportunities for your small business requiring very little initial investment. If you are stumped for business ideas, here are ten quick ideas for you to consider.

Branch Out From Your Current Job

If you are already a professional, but want to get out on your own, this is often the best way to go. Architects, air conditioning repairmen, computer professionals, and plumbers are all in demand. You simply need to start up your own little section of these burgeoning fields. All it takes is the required tools and a willingness to put your name out there. Advertise in the paper, on the Internet, and in the yellow pages. If you are a landscape designer, you probably have a drafting board already. If you are a motorcycle mechanic, it is a safe bet that you already have the tools you need. Make them go to work for you in your own business.

Handyman/Home Repair

If you enjoy fixing things around the house, you can easily parlay this into self-employment. Not everybody knows how to patch drywall, grout a ceramic floor, or install a new countertop. Chances are, most people don't even want to know. However, people do want these things done. And you are just the person to do it.

If you have worked on houses before, now is your chance to make it pay off. Advertise your reasonably priced services in the newspaper and the yellow pages and people will call. The best part is that, when you have done a great job at a good price, your customers will refer you to their friends. Word of mouth is very big for those who work on houses.

Landscaping

You already own a lawn mower. You have a hedge trimmer and an edger. You have a large collection of lawn and garden bags. You have a pickup truck that can haul them around. And you like fresh air, sunshine, and working in the yard. Well, now you can get plenty of all three.

In case you hadn't noticed, there are many people who do not enjoy mowing their lawns. Make their day by offering your services to them. Do some market research and figure out how much you should charge for your services. Get some quotes for your yard from other landscape companies. Figure out the area of your yard and translate that into the price you should charge. Then, you are ready to start. Put fliers on the neighborhood door handles and wait for the calls.

Computer Consultant

In case you have been in, say, a small plastic bubble on the bottom of the ocean for the last fifteen years or so, you may want to know that computer work is in high demand. For all the talk of the dot-com bust, the shrinking technology sector and outsourcing, computer professionals are in high demand. If you know how to program, how to repair or upgrade a PC, or how to configure a network, you can turn your knowledge into your own home-based business.

As well, web site design is an exciting opportunity for those with little programming experience, but loads of experience with the graphic arts. All you need to do is learn the very simple HTML formatting language and study other web sites for their design ideas. Languages such as PHP, ASP, Java, and JavaScript would be useful, but they are not necessary for a great deal of web design work.

Fixing/Restoring It

You already get a kick out of repairing electronics, refinishing furniture, or rebuilding Chevy small-block engines. You have all the tools that any good repairman would own. You can turn your hobby into money by starting your own small business.

There are a lot of people out there who want their toasters fixed, their vintage record player working again, or their car's body repaired for a decent price. If you can do any of these things, you can put yourself on the map with an ad in the paper and the yellow pages.

By working out of your home, you can keep your overhead down and your profit high. Be careful though. If you are doing something such as automotive repair, your neighbors won't be happy if there is a line-up of wrecked cars in your driveway. Check your zoning codes on work of this nature.

However, if you are working on smaller items, even appliances, you can easily do this work without the neighbors being too much the wiser. So start advertising and make your small business go!

Giving Lessons/Tutoring

If you have a special skill, such as playing the piano, playing tennis, dancing, or sewing, you can give lessons from your home. There are plenty of boys and girls, and even adults, who want to learn to swim, type, or speak Spanish. So translate your abilities into some dinero. You have skills that other people want to learn. They are a great place to start a home-based business.

Likewise, if you are a former teacher who wants to see the faces of young students again, tutoring may be a rewarding pastime. If you can, and if you are allowed, talk to your former teaching colleagues to see if they have any students who are interested in receiving extra tutoring.

Cleaning/Maid Service

Another option for a home-based business is a cleaning service. You already clean your own home, why not help somebody else with theirs? With a few of those household cleaners and chemicals, you can start up a nice little income. You need to be thorough, detailed, and willing to scrub everything to a shine. But with some effort, time, and patience this business opportunity can quickly pay dividends.

Arts & Crafts

If you happen to enjoy candle-making, soap-making, or designing teddy bears and decorative hats, you can make start up a small business selling your creations. Be prepared, this will probably not start out and be very lucrative. However, with some time and patience and a few church sales and flea market visits, your skills will improve, your eye for the market will sharpen and you can sell many of your original designs. The work can be fun, and some extra money won't hurt either.

Artistic Pursuits/Graphic Design

Another business opportunity that may take your fancy is in the pursuit of the arts. Whether you happen to paint, perform graphic design, take photographs, illustrate, or write calligraphy, you can start a business that caters to the needs of those who want something not merely done, but done prettily. Wedding invitations require a calligrapher and photographers. Books need illustrators. Businesses need logos that are attractive to the eye. Living rooms can be livened up with a painting. You can use your special, unusual skills and turn a leisurely pursuit into a home-based business.

Communications/Writing

If you happen to enjoy writing, you can turn your writing and proofreading skills into your own cottage industry. Perhaps you can start writing articles and send them to the magazines you enjoy. Or you can spend your time translating foreign language texts. As well, good proofreaders, book indexers, and researchers are needed by both writers and publishing companies.

Sell your skills in these areas to people who need this sort of work done. As well, if you are a writer, you may even want to sell your typing prowess to those folks out there who can't bang out 40-80 words a minute at the keyboard. Perhaps the local high school or university could bring some business your way.

These are just a few of the business opportunities available to those who wish to work from home. In fact, the possibilities are almost endless. You can get tons more information from our website.

You could buy and sell antiques, provide day care to working mothers, or a dog kennel for people who travel. You could sell house-painting services, wedding cakes, patent searching, permit filing, and event planning. The possibilities are endless.

Find the home-based business that is right for you and you will find that it can be both rewarding a lucrative. See what people need, what people want, and what they are willing to pay for it. Then, the rest is up to you!

Easy Home Business Ideas For Finding Customers

What are best avenues to bring customers to you and increase your visibility? In this article, we will look at some methods that business owners have used for many years and have been very successful at increasing their customers and generating more revenue for their business.

A very effective way to generate business, thus increasing your profits, is to talk to people you know; friends, families, neighbours, hit the pavement, spread the word to everyone you know, especially those who like your business and the products you have to offer. Be creative; if for example one of your products is balloons consider going to all the restaurants in your area and make a deal to have your balloons given to the children who enter. When you visit businesses or friends take a few samples of your products to show them, leave your products with them so they can look at them while you are gone and then follow-up with them and find out what they think. Make them feel a part of your business.

Networking is a great way to make business contacts and you can do this almost anywhere that you go. Your local chamber of commerce often has networking functions where you can meet other business owners in your area. You can talk to them about their business and what works for them, exchange business cards. This is a great method for making contacts. After the social function make a point to go and visit their business,it is important to develop a relationship with them.

Take a walk around your neighbourhood. This is a great way to meet new people in a casual environment and allows you to sell your product without really selling it. You will have an opportunity to find out what customers who are near you like. Will your product appeal to them? Should you tweak your products to match the potential customers that are near your area? Go into that coffee house that you may not frequent and spend sometime talking with the other customers. This gives you a good feel of the potential market near you.

If you do not have a web page yet, then it is high time to utilise this tool for marketing your business and the products you offer. If you are not comfortable creating your own page there are many professionals that can do this for you and you can use this as an opportunity to promote your business as well. As they get to know your product while they are creating a web page for you, they can also refer others to your site. Remember, when creating a web-page you want to provide the potential customers with information and keywords that are specific to your company.

You've Built Your Business - How Do You Advertise When The Cash Is Low

Starting a business any business can be fun, exciting, and if your not careful can definitely empty your pockets in record breaking time. If you have the resources to develop a successful brick and mortar operation chances are you have professionals on board who can help you manage the operational aspects of your business even if you don't have the experience.

Getting started with a business that is online doesn't require the huge cash outlay required of traditional brick and mortar businesses. Which makes it easier for people who in any other situation might not have the resources to build a business. Here is where most new online business owners begin to fail.

Anyone can buy a computer, put it together, connect it to the internet and say they are in business. Just saying you have a business is all that is really needed. Of course you won't make any money. The only cash spent is for the computer purchased.

What if you really want to make a go of your business? Where do you find information on how to build your business? Answer...The internet. Here is where the problem begins. You surf the web looking for information, you come across a site offering information on a topic you are looking for. It comes with a price. You figure ok I'll learn how everyone is making money so I'll buy it. You get the product, humm I didn't understand it or the information presented was too simple. Now you think there has to be more to it than what was read. So you look for another product to help you. Believe it or not this is a cycle that many people fall into and once started, it is hard to break. Imagine following that process for every aspect of the business that you don't know (website design, affiliate management, copy writing).

Now imagine spending $17 or more for each product you purchase times each topic you are trying to learn about. Yikes.

If you are fortunate to find enough credible resources you eventually build your business.

Yea! But now you don't have as much money to drive people to your website as you did when you started out...maybe your running out of money. What do you do? How do you get traffic to your website?

The answer...start writing articles then submit them to article directories. Don't just write 1 or 2 articles write 20 - 30 of them. Add a resource box that brings people to your website. Over time you will see an increase in traffic to your website. You just might make some money. If you do make sure you reinvest the money back into your business.

Either pay to have additional articles created for you, or have articles you have written submitted to article directories for you.

Applying this technique consistently should enable you to build your advertising budget to a point where you can introduce other advertising methods into the mix and build your business.

Work From Home – Business Ideas That Can Get You Started On A Shoestring Budget

If the idea of writing up a business plan and going down to the local branch of the big bank has you scared, you are not alone. As a matter of fact, those who want to work from home, business entrepreneurs, and hobbyists who are ready to take their leisure pursuit and turn it into something profitable almost always see the bank and a loan to get started as something that the “other guys” do. More often than not, the average home based small business gets started with little cash, a lot of sweat equity, personal ingenuity, and the goodwill of friends, family, and neighbors.

When you are ready to work from home – business ideas that get you started on a shoestring budget are actually quite simple!

* Take for example the fact that any time you work out of your own home you are saving money! That’s right, if you have a dedicated space in your home that you utilize exclusively for your business and anything related thereto, you will be able to write off that portion on your income taxes, thus you will be receiving money rather than spending it.

* If you have a hobby that you are translating into a business, do not worry about upgrading your equipment. For example, if you are writer who enjoys writing articles and posting them on a number of sites, you will be able to continue to do so with the same equipment you have been using thus far – except, when you find a paying market, you will earn money for your submissions. As you expand your writing efforts and sell more of your work, you will be able to use these profits to upgrade your equipment, in this case your computer and also Internet connection. No up front expense is required!

* Advertising is frequently a highly expensive undertaking and anyone who has ever contacted any ad agency to talk about even online marketing knows how many dollar signs suddenly enter the conversation. As you work from home, business consultants know that you will not have the up front funds to engage in big ad campaigns, and thus the suggestions are always to start out small. For example, if you bake dog biscuits you could simply create some fliers with your computer and print them up, then hand them out at the vet’s office, groomer’s parlor, and other areas where dog lovers congregate. As you get more sales, you will be able to expand your advertising to include professionals ads in papers, the phone book, and online.

* Last but not least, consider the power of the bloggosphere. Blogging is becoming a hugely popular medium for those who like to rant, discuss, and share their thoughts, and there is nothing wrong with blogging about your business, your woes, triumphs, and other experiences, and at the same time go ahead and promote your work from home business!

Resist the urge to have free business cards printed up that carry another logo on the back. Whenever you hand out a business card it needs to be professional and should adequately represent your seriousness to remain in business. If all else fails, make up your own business card on your computer and use card stock to print them.

What Is A Business Card Scanner?

Do you know what a business card scanner is? If so, you have probably used one in your day to day life at the office. Although every business person does not need to have a business card scanner, there are many reasons that you may want one. But guess what? There is no point in going any further until you know what a business card scanner is. Luckily, it is not hard to understand this piece of equipment.

Generally speaking, a business card scanner does exactly what it says; it is meant to scan business cards. And as you can imagine, there are many reasons that you may want to do this. After all, inputting data from business cards in your computer can be a long, tedious process. But when you have a business card scanner that you can use, this is far from being the case. Instead, you can simply scan each card that you have, and from there you will have the information available to you on your computer. It does not get much simpler than that.

A business card scanner is not a large piece of equipment. In fact, if you purchase one, you should be able to find plenty of room for it in your desk. In order to make this machine work, all you have to do is follow the directions. It is very easy to scan the business cards that you have, and most machines will even do both sides if necessary. Once again, this is a feature that will help you to save time.

As you can see, the job of a business card scanner is not hard to understand. There is not a lot to these, and you should look into buying one if you are the type who is always collecting new business cards.

The Miami Heat As Your Business??

What do I mean by this title “The Miami Heat As Your Business?” Simply put they just won the NBA championship and many of the elements they used to be Number 1 will allow you to be Number 1 in your business when you apply them.

You get many of the things that led to their success by listening to the comments of the players and coaches after the clinching game Tuesday night (June 20, 2006).

Success leaves clues and some of the ones they cited were 15 strong (as in it takes 15 players on a basketball team) and no browbeating your teammates when they make mistakes.

Now to the 4 Championship Factors:

1. The ‘Zo Factor…as in Alonzo Mourning

He was diagnosed with kidney failure and announced his retirement from the NBA on October 3, 2000 to deal with his health. Fortunately for him his cousin donated him a kidney. Because of what he has done he is an inspiration to many others.

While in the hospital receiving the kidney he read both of Lance Armstrong’s books to pull inspiration for himself. He actively took part in his own healing process.

After the game he was talking and credited his mindset for his recovery. He never gave up, always knew and believed he’d get better, visualized himself as healthy again, never got pissed and asked “why me”, and realized there is always someone out there worse off and found something to be thankful for.

You can overcome setbacks in your life and business as well.

2. The Riley Factor…as in Coach Pat Riley

He said he really started achieving success when he stopped worrying about what others thought of him. So he felt no pressure when the media said it was on him to win the title this year.

He said he would give up his 6 previous championships (4 as a head coach, 1 as a player, and 1 as an assistant coach) for THIS ONE! Why? Because it was 18 years between championships so it seemed like an endless pursuit and there were many frustrating failures along the way making this one so much sweeter.

It was so special because of the long drought, media and fan criticism through the failures, the great adversity faced by this year’s team, and the ULTIMATE GOAL finally realized.

He was so confident he brought only 1 change of clothes to Dallas believing they would win despite having ZERO WINS there. His 15 strong concept allowed former superstars to put their egos aside for the good of the team.

3. The Shaq and Flash Factor…as in Shaq and Dwyane Wade

Shaq is aware of his fading career and was willing to defer to current superstar Flash. The close relationship between the 2 stars yields tremendous team chemistry.

Flash learned to lead by example on the court. Shaq was a mentor to Flash and only player on the team with championship rings.

4. The Teammates Factor…as in 13 others

The others were open for 3 point shots when the 2 big guns were covered. They provided timely defense and blocks when problems arise and assignments are missed. They would take charges and pain for the good of the team.

Also, they provided timely scoring when the team was in need and veteran experience and leadership to weather the in-game storms.

These elements outlined above are what yields success. They are the fingerprints of the Miami Heat’s championship. When you apply them to your business obviously you see they will maximize your profits don’t you agree.

Turn Your Passion into Business Marketing Success

I have heard repeated consistently from successful entrepreneurs are ”... you have to love what you do to be a success” or “...whatever you do, do what you love.” I am here to validate those words and uphold their significance and impact.

Have you found you would like something much more gratifying in your career?

- Branching out into your own business but you’re not exactly sure what you want to do or,

- Knowing what you want but not very excited about the marketing part of having a business?

There are many research sources available online or right in your own community. You will find great statistics and programs available to help you with your search. I will provide you with an additional approach. The importance of following your passions and your strengths is second to none.

I’ll share my experience with you. I wanted to have my own business, make my own hours and be filled with gratification in the work (passion) I was providing. In my career search I found Personal and Professional Life Coaching. It definitely brought the gratification and passion I was seeking, however, marketing was the last thing I wanted to do.

I remember saying to myself, months and even a year into my business, “who did I think I was that I could leave corporate life and start my own business? I’m going back to the work I know.” Yes, I knew the work, but it was no longer satisfying. Thankfully, my inner voice challenged me, and I began to look inside at my strengths and passions. I compared what I knew of myself to what I was doing. They didn’t match up.

Four questions came to my mind at that time and continue to surface periodically:

- What do I want?

- What do I need?

- What was giving me energy?

- What was taking my energy?

After taking a good look at myself, my business, and the path I was on, I realized the only part of passion I was following was helping others in their business and even that was very generic. When I began to follow MY strengths, MY passions and MY style, a niche was born...Marketing On The Playground (TM). Here was the turning point: I gave myself permission to market MY WAY and have since created programs to help others market THEIR WAY! Isn’t it funny how those things we repel can become something we embrace when we choose to look at it through different doorways. I knew I enjoyed humor, play, color, helping women in their business and being unique. At the time, I just didn’t know how to integrate what I enjoyed into a business, not to mention, LOVE every minute of it. By focusing on the approach that works for ME, a fun, dynamic and gratifying business is evolving.

We have all heard the phrase, “you can’t see the forest for the trees”. This seems to be a consistent challenge to all of us -- I’m including myself. Do not discount the most obvious in your strengths and your foundation. Stop and look at what you have accomplished, the expertise you have and the network of professionals you have at your fingertips. I.E. Have you come from a nursing background and want to go into your own business? Look at the pieces you have and develop what YOU want from your background and foundation. Check out LeaRae Keyes, RN, Executive Director of www.nurse-entrepreneur-network.org. Take a look at what she has created from her background and expertise.

Here is another tip for you. Do you think we create our businesses alone? Even though we have our home offices or an office space outside of the home, we are human beings – we need interaction, a pat on the back and different ideas to bring substance, quality and fun into our lives and our work. DON’T DO IT ALONE! Create a success team. I have been meeting with my success team every week for the last three years. I would not be where I am today without them.

I cannot say this enough -- Whatever you do, do what you LOVE! Thank you for the opportunity to share these tips with you – I wish you well in your business journey. Don’t forget; give yourself permission to create your business/passion. I have no doubt of your success when following your passions and strengths.