Welcome to "jmcs" Home Business !
Welcome to Home Business !
Why You Want to Start a Home Business?
Working from home is a big dream for many. But fear holds us back. Below I have listed a few reasons why starting a home business is a great idea.
Your Great Idea Comes to Life. You have a great business idea. This is the number one reason that most people go into business from home. Remember the kind of ideas that are good for a home business are ones that can become real quickly, and start bringing in an income almost immediately
You can do What You Love. Most people have something that they really love to do. Getting paid for doing what you love is a dream come true.
You get to be the boss. No more working your fingers to the bone for someone else. You will be the boss and you will reap the rewards.
You want more time with your Family. No more missing out on weekends, family occasions or Holidays. You will be home for every special moment.
No More Wasting Time and Money Commuting. With the high price of gas and the average commute to work being thirty miles one way just think of the time and money you will save when you work from home!
These reasons alone are good enough to say I am ready to start my own home business. In an up coming issue we will discuss how to write your business plan.
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Home Business Quick Tip
It’s jim here, from jims Home Business Weekly.
Every so often I will send you a Home Business Quick Tip to help you
, build your home business.
Here is a motivational trigger that you can use in your sales process.
People want to make more money. They may
want to start a business, get a higher paying
job or invest in the stock market. This will make
them feel successful.
Business definition for the week:
Capital. This is money that is going to be invested in a business. Example: 'I am starting my business with $5,000 capital, $2,000 of which is my own'.
Look for another home business quick tip soon!
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Writing a Business Plan
Let's talk about:
Writing a Business Plan. You're ready to get your home business started in every way except one. You need money. Either in the form of a loan or from investors, but where do you start? One thing you will need before you can get capital for your business is a business plan.
What’s a Business Plan? A business plan is simply a list of answers to questions that people might have about your home business. You will not get outside funding without one, because the people giving you the funding want to know that you have thought your venture through completely. A business plan says: I've considered this from every angle, and I am ready to get going.
Your business plan should include: a description of your service. Just what is it that you plan to do? Tell them which industry you're going to be in, and why you've chosen it.
Who are your customers? Once you know what your business will do, the next thing you need to know is whom you are going to be doing it for.
What makes your business different? You need to explain what makes your business different from other businesses in your market. How do you plan to do to make the business succeed?
List your expenses. Include start up expenses and any equipment that you need before you can get up and running. Also include your daily expenses such as staff costs and supplies.
This has been a brief overview if you need more help with your business plan do a quick search on the Internet. There are plenty of real life examples available.
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Advice on Starting a Business
I'm excited that you take time each week to let us into your life.
Please feel free to write in and share any of your tips and ideas on
how we can make this newsletter more informative and meaningful.
We'd love to hear from you!
I've been quite busy this week with running my home business!
I'm always on the Internet, looking for informative articles! I found one that I think you'll really like.
Getting advice when you start a home business, it can be easy to get confused. Chances are you don't know anyone else that has started a home business so where do you go for help.
First go online. The Internet is a great resource for people who have a home business. You can find articles and newsletters with information and advice. There are also many message boards, forums and blogs where you can read, ask questions and get advice from other home business owners.
Go to your local library. Talk to the librarian. Libraries contain all sorts of home business books and resources. Your librarian should be more than happy to help you do research.
Find a mentor. They are usually volunteers who have had great business success and will be glad to help start up new businesses. They often have years of experience and can be really helpful.
The SBA. The Small Business Administration provides a multitude of material on starting your own business. Visit http://www.sba.gov
Depending on where you live, you might find local government agencies that will give you free help and advice. Check your listings for small business center in your area.
Your bank should have been the first place you went if you were thinking of starting a business. While they're no replacement for accountants, most banks will have a business advisor on staff to help you open a business account. They can be especially helpful with the technical and financial elements of starting your business.
Lawyers know all about starting a new business. It can be well worth paying for an hour of a lawyer’s time and just asking them every question you can think of. Look around you may even be able to get a free consultation.
Accountants also know all about business and can be less expensive alternative to lawyers. If you want your business to be profitable you should take the advice your accountant gives you and if you don't have one, you should get one.
Look for investors. There are people who back businesses for a living. If you think your business would be attractive to investors then you can try going to an investor with your idea. If they like it, they will often have a quick process set up to get your company up and running as soon as possible.
Visit your local universities. They are full of business students. They spend all their time learning about business, and many of them would just love to help get a real one off the ground. Business students can be a great source of free help and advice.
Remember whatever industry you're thinking of entering probably has some kind of trade association, society or union. You should join as soon as you can, and take advantage of all the resources that offer to people getting started in their industry.
There is an endless supply of help and advice out there. Just don't be afraid to ask!
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Home Business Quick Tip
Just wanted to share...
Another Home Business Quick Tip with you.
Remember people want to save money. They may want to
invest for the future or save for a big purchase.
This will make them feel more secure.
Business definition for the week:
Director. The people ultimately in charge of a company are its directors. For a large company, there will be a board of directors, appointed by the shareholders. For a home business, though, you can appoint yourself as the sole director since you are also the sole shareholder (see 'shareholder').
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Choosing a Name
Hello
How are you? We're doing well here.
Tell me have you gotten around to....
Choosing a Name for Your Business?
One of the most important things your business needs is a name. Your name will be the very first thing that almost all of your customers see.
You have to pick a name that says something about you and your business that people in your target market will remember easily.
A good basic idea is to use your last name followed by what you do. Like Walton's Feed and Supply or Anderson's Plumbing. You could also add the town where you live in to the name like Anderson's Little Rock Plumbing.
You can also leave out your name and simply become Little Rock Feed and Supply. This makes you sound like the first choice locally and will help target your local area.
If you are going to be dealing with the big companies you may want to consider a more corporate sounding name. Think of a word to describe your business then add the word "Consulting".
If you're going for a trendier market you might want a less formal name.
You may want to name your business after an animal, and use that animal in your logo too. If you don't have a big marketing budget, this is a good way to get started branding your business. For example take Geico. They use that gecko lizard on everything. What do you remember when you think of car insurance?
Try a short name. Take two or three words that describe your business then shorten them to make it one word. So you end up with IHOP (International House of Pancakes) this is a great way to express what you do without having long hard to remember name.
And when nothing else seems to fit make up a name. Just play with your words until you come up with a name that sounds right and the best part is it will be completely unique to your business.
Whatever you do make sure your business name is easy to pronounce, spell and remember
Once you have a few names picked out make sure you check to make sure no one else is using them. You don't want to get your business started then find out that the name you want is taken.
Well, hope that’s helpful to you, Talk to you later!
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Getting Organized
I've been busy but that’s a good thing!
I have found a very cool little product I think you might enjoy hearing about!
I LOVE THIS ORGANIZING BOOK! YOU WILL TOO!
Are you tired of clutter all over your home, or office? Is your To Do list a mile long? Do you struggle with procrastination? Would you like to better prioritize? Would you like more time in your day, to do the things you love to do? Would you like to get organized, once and for all?
If so, I highly recommend the book, 'Finally Organized, Finally Free.' I can honestly say it's one of the best organizing books on the market. For more information, visit:
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Home Business Quick Tip
I'm here with....
Another Home Business Quick Tip.
Something to consider: People want to save time. They may want to
work less and spend time enjoying life's pleasures. This will make them feel more relaxed.
Business definition for the week:
Incorporation. This is the formal name for the process of starting a company. Example: 'My business was incorporated in March 1994'.
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Avoiding Home Business Scams
I sure hope everything is going great for you today!
I'd like to tell you little about:
How you can avoid home business scams.
If you're thinking of working from home you have to realize that at least 99% of the offers out there are scams. Now really if is so easy to pay a few dollars and make thousands, wouldn't everyone be doing it by now? Here are the biggest scams out there, how to recognize them, and how to avoid them.
First where did you see the "Big Money" work from home offer? If you received it in your email, saw a poster tacked to a bulletin board or one of those little signs on the side of the road then I can almost guarantee you that it’s not a legitimate offer. If you saw an ad in a newspaper, a job magazine or on a job website, then it’s more likely to be legitimate but not always. Remember always check out any offer, and assume it’s a scam until you have proof it's not.
Envelope Stuffing is one of the most established work from home scams. The way it works is once you pay your money and sign up to work from home, you are sent a set of envelopes and ads just like the one you responded to. Then you stuff your envelopes and pay to send them out. You could make some money if someone responds to your ad but the chances are slim. Don't waste your money on this one.
Home assemblers wanted. Charging for supplies is hard to pin down to any one scam it’s the way almost all work at home scams work. First you will be asked invest in the materials needed to do the work and then you will be sent very cheap materials that aren't worth anything like what you paid for them. Once the product is assembled you'll find that there’s no one who will buy it.
Quick tip: If anyone asks for money up front run away fast. A real company should be willing to deduct any ‘fees’ from your first paycheck. If they won't do that for you, then that’s because they don't ever plan to pay you.
A variation on the scam common with crafts is that you might be asked to work at home making clothes, ornaments or toys. Everything seems legitimate you've got the materials without paying out any money, and you're doing the work. Unfortunately for you, when you send the work back, the company will tell you that it didn't meet their ‘quality standards’, and will refuse to pay you. Never do craft work from home unless you're selling the items yourself.
Now let’s discuss home typing and medical billing scams. There are lots of work from home scams that will lead you to believe that they have more work than they can handle so they need people to work from home. What will happen? You will be told that you would be typing documents, or entering medical bills into a computer. These scams have one thing in common. They say all you need is your computer and then all you have to do is buy their special software to do the job.
This software might appear to be from a completely unrelated company, but don't be fooled. The whole reason the work from home ad was there to begin with was a sneaky way to sell you their software.
I hope this helps you see running a home business that involves you working for one company is a bad idea. You don't know whom you're dealing with. Remember even with entirely legal work at home offers that does pay you for your work, you still won't make near as much money as you can with your very own home business.
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Home Business Quick Tip
Wow! We've been moving a mile a minute around here.
I hope you're doing well!
Just dropping in with....
Another Home Business Quick Tip.
People want to learn new things. Like how to change their oil, start a business or build a tree house for their kids. Show them an easy way to learn. This will make them feel more intelligent.
Business definition for the week:
Contract. When you sign a legal document, you are entering into a contract. Starting a business lets you sign and enter into contracts on behalf of the business -- the contract will be between the other person and your company, not you.
Look for another home business quick tip soon!
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Finding Prospects
As with any business your home business needs customers.
RIGHT!
Today I came across an interesting book that explains
in detail how to find prospects on Ebay. It's packed full
of great information that will show you attract more customers.
But I let you be the judge here is a link to the site:
http://jmcsclick.nalroo3.hop.clickbank.net
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Whew! I've been going a little crazy running my home business!
But I wanted to take some time and send you....
Another Home Business Quick Tip.
People want to improve. They want to look better, lose weight, get fit or improve their skin. Help them improve and you will improve your financial standing.
Business definition for the week:
Insolvency. When a company cannot afford to pay its debts. The type of company you have set up will affect what happens in this situation -- you may be liable for all of the debt yourself, or for none.
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Do You Need a License?
Do you know if?
You Need a License?
Did you know that there are many types of businesses that are strictly regulated and controlled by the government?
I once knew a lady whose great idea was to make croutons from her house. Needless to say, that didn't last long when the inspector heard about it.
If you think you've got an idea that’s going to make you big money, there might be a reason why everyone else isn't doing it and that reason could be related to the law.
As I mentioned above if you are going to sell food, you will need to license and register for hygiene and safety inspections. For many reasons most local government agencies are especially strict if you plan to handle food especially raw meat. Food licenses aren't too hard to get provided you are willing to have your kitchen and products inspected at regular intervals
An in home daycare will need a license. There are all sorts of courses to take and regular inspections to go through. If you ever wonder why there’s a shortage of in home childcare providers it’s because it’s so hard to keep up with the rules and make a profit.
Gambling is almost always strictly regulated. It might be fine to gamble privately with your friends depending on where you live, but as soon as you start running it as a business you are on shaky ground. You'll also find that most places have laws against lotteries. Applying for a license to turn your home into a gambling establishment is pretty sure to fail.
You will need a license if you plan to serve alcohol. Getting an alcohol license for your home, unless it's for some kind of special event and the drinking is just incidental is pretty much out of the question. Alcohol licenses are subject to appeals from people who live near you. So unless your whole neighborhood is ok with it you may have trouble.
Anything medical will probably need a license. When I say medical, I mean doctors, dentists, opticians, and even vets. You might think it is a great idea to turn your home into an animal hospital, but you need to be qualified and licensed. Of course, if you've previously been a doctor, dentist, or whatever, then you shouldn't have too much trouble getting licensed to do the same thing from home.
This list just covers some of the most common businesses that need licensing. The best idea is to check your local laws and make sure your home business is properly licensed.
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Attract Money and Material
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How Can I Use Affirmations to Attract Money and Material
Possessions?" - by Jeff Staniforth
So you desire to gain material things in life? Affirmations are usually effective in this respect - maybe even more so than with other desires because material desires often come with stronger emotional attachments.
You'll recall that in my previous article, "Why Do Some Affirmations *Work* - and Others Don't?" I emphasized that affirmations that are emotionally charged are the ones most likely to work. So when you are emotionally connected to your desire for material things, you can use the power of affirmations to see how quickly your need is manifested!
Power Affirmations for Attracting Money. If your desire is to have an abundance of money to fill your needs, practice this affirmation: "I always have an abundance of money to meet all my needs." Repeat it several times, and then stop affirming. Be silent while knowing, visualizing, and feeling how it is to already have the amount of money you desire. Feel as though it has already happened, and that all your needs are more than satisfied. While in this state, hold yourself open to all the ways and means by which you will have money flow into your life to meet your every need.
Following are other power affirmations for abundant supply. Choose the affirmations that feel appropriate to you --those that resonate with you, or strike an emotional chord. It is important that the words feel comfortable to you and are in line with who you are. Feel free to create one for your specific need by substituting other words that have special meaning to you:
Affirmations of Abundant Supply:
* I am now open to receive.
* Life is easy; I have an abundance of whatever I need.
* I now have surplus, all my needs are being met.
* I have unlimited abundance.
* I now give and receive freely.
* This is a rich universe and there is plenty for all of us.
* I now live in a rich and loving universe.
* Money comes to me easily and effortlessly.
* I am always supplied with whatever I need.
* I move forward with an expectancy of my greatest good.
* I look for and receive a bountiful supply.
* My greatest good is coming to me NOW.
The last affirmation was a turning point for me personally.
I've since created about 20 variations of this affirmation, and created a screen saver I call "My Ideal Relationship With Money". And, for a limited time only, I am giving this "Invest in your future" screen saver away for Free when you purchase the Sculptor 3 program. For details, go to http://www.affirmware.com.au
TIP: How to Maintain the Emotional Charge of Your Affirmations
Most people who practice affirmations experience the challenge of maintaining the emotional charge of their affirmations. That's because although the power of thought is amazingly strong, it remains strong for a short period of time. Its quality changes and tends to diminish with each repetition.
For example: Suppose you recite an affirmation such as: "All my needs are met instantaneously." The affirmation produces a feeling, and you understand and connect with the affirmation at a certain level. But when you continue repeating the affirmation, "All my needs are met instantaneously," again and again, the thought seldom maintains the same level of emotion previously achieved. With each repetition, you tend to lose the mental picture of what the words mean, and they start to have less meaning.
Affirmations that are meaningless fail to reach deep enough to touch the limitless powers of your subconscious mind.
To prevent this from happening, I've developed the software program called Sculptor 3, which combines affirmations with 7 of the best results-amplifying technologies that are tested and proven to increase the power and speed of manifestation. Discover how to tap into the power of computerization to take the power of your affirmations to the highest level at http://www.affirmware.com.au/#xxxxx
Join the millions of People Around the World Who Have Discovered the Power of Affirmations. Send for FREE subscription of "Affirmations For The Mind" Tips and Techniques Newsletter, the premier publication on self-improvement & personal growth. Each issue contains powerful sample affirmations that have been tested and proven to get results.
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Home Business Quick Tip
Just wanted to share "you guesses it"
Another Home Business Quick Tip.
People want to feel better be more comfortable. They want
rid of aches and pains. They want to sleep better, be healthier and happier. Help them feel better and your business will feel better too!
Business definition for the week:
Limited liability. A limited liability company is one where you agree beforehand how much responsibility you will take if anything goes wrong. This protects you from being destroyed financially if something bad happens to your business.
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Before You Do Anything
Here’s another brilliant home business article for you!
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Try It Out First
You’re starting a home business. Before you go any further and start investing your time and cash it's a good idea to test things out on a small scale.
Here are some things you can do.
No matter weather you plan to sell physical things, or your starting a website build a prototype. A prototype is a small version of your product that you build quickly to prove your idea is feasible. Show your prototype to a few people to see what they think. If you get a good response then you know you have a winner.
If you are providing a product or service why not test it out on a few customers. Give them a free try or a big discount to make sure that everything runs smoothly and the customers are satisfied and happy with your product.
And don't forget to do some kind of survey to find out exactly what your customer thinks of your service. You could hand it to the customer, include it with your product, or call them up and say that you are just calling to make sure everything is went well.
So what ever you are planning remember it's a good idea to test it out on a small scale before you hit the big time. Trying it out gives you the opportunity to build confidence in yourself and your business without making big costly mistakes.
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What do you do When Customers Complain?
Tell me do you know what to do when your customers complain?
It's true you just can't please all of the people all of the time, even if you run yourself into the ground trying. There will always be someone who is not happy with what you have done. So what can you do about it?
First of all don't be rude or dismissive. The customer's complaint might seem uncalled for or insulting but that doesn't mean that you can respond nicely. You must treat every customer complaint seriously and with respect for their feelings.
Remember that every unhappy customer will talk about their experience to as many 20 people. Those people are your potential customers and they will never hear your side of the story. Going the extra mile to keep unhappy customers happy is always a good idea to prevent them from damaging your business.
What else can you do?
If they ask for a refund or replacement product give it to they promptly.
Make sure that you convey your apologies for their time and trouble. Go the extra mile and show them that their business is important to you.
People will really appreciate your effort if you take the time to apologize. Simply say that you're sorry things weren't to their satisfaction and you appreciate them taking the time to tell you so that you can improve your product or service. You want them to walk away feeling good about your business.
Having people know that you respond well to complaints is some of the best marketing you can get. Knowing that you treat customers well is a great way to insure they come back and do business with you again.
A large amount of the time, when a customer complains about something, it will be due to some kind of problem with your supplier or some other mishap that you have no control over at the time. The customer doesn't know this, but you do and you need to fix it so it doesn't happen again.
Remember good customer service is the life blood of your business so make sure you handle it with care and consideration.
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Instant Office Cleaning Kit
Have been scouting the web for great deals and did I ever find a hot one for you
Sam Rodman, owner of "Edison Office Cleaning" in S.W. Florida since 1992 has put together the "Instant Office Cleaning Kit". The Kit tells how anyone can start or expand their own cleaning business with little or no money! Complete with "ready to use" documents and easy to understand. $54,000, working only PART-TIME is typical.
Get complete details online go to:
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I hope you really like the Kit and you see the value in this information. Many people do see it, because this specialized information is real world, down to earth, useful information. Remember to get that (free cleaning formula) in the upper left corner of my web page. It works great and everyone really likes it.
So, whatever you decide to do, remember, " in all labor there is profit" Proverbs 14:23
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Home Business Quick Tip
People want comfort and pleasure. They may want satisfy their appetite or desires. They want instant gratification. Help then get what they desire and your desire for profit will be satisfied.
Business definition for the week:
Office. Your company's 'office' isn't just a place with computers -- it's also a legal concept, meaning where your company is based. Your company must have a registered office, which means that you can't start a company unless you have an address which would be legal to use for this purpose.
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Handling Financial Strain
When you start a home business it's easy to get carried away by all your new responsibilities like keeping your customers happy, managing expenses building your business. All of this can be very stressful and most home business owners simply ignore this and keep on going. But that is not always the best idea.
Many people get stressed out and upset a shortly after they start their own business and quit their day job. They feel like they gave up their financial stability and start to regret the decision.
If this starts to happen to you the best thing you can do is step back and remember the reasons that you started you business. Go over your business plans and reaffirm your ability to make your business a success. Remember you knew this was going to be hard on you financially when you started so it's no excuse to call it quits.
One thing you can do is keep good records. Not knowing exactly what your financial situation is can be the most stressful part of running your own home business. I know you might think you don't want to know, but when you leave it to your imagination that is when things really start to get out of control. If you know exactly where you stand you will feel more control over the situation. The simplest way to keep records for yourself is to use an accounting program like QuickBooks or even just a simple spreadsheet.
Don't give in to the stress. When you feel stressed out your first thought may be to hide under the covers and ignore whatever it is that is stressing you out. By hiding you will only make your situation worse. By facing it head on you will feel stronger and more competent to make your business a success.
When you run a home business, you might have to make a few sacrifices or sell a few things to make it through the tough times, but I guarantee you that you will find it is the most rewarding adventure of your life if you stick it out and make it a success.
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Have you ever used a drop shipper?
Every now and again I come across an interesting deal or product and like to share it with you. Have you ever used a drop shipper?
A drop shipper does all the hard work for you and you enjoy the profits.
Selling drop shipped merchandise is a fantastic home-based business. There are no products to stock of ship. It's great!
To find out more about how you can add thousands of products to your business with out investing a fortune check out:
http://jmcsclicknalbone.hop.clickbank.net
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Home Business Quick Tip
People want to live longer. They want to reach their goals, get in shape, eat better or have more energy. Help them reach their goal and you will reach yours.
Business definition for the week:
Private. A home business will be private, which means that members of the public cannot invest by buying shares. This does not stop individuals from buying percentages of your company if you are willing to sell, though. Starting your company as a private one also doesn't stop you from converting it to a public one later on.
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Do You Need Staff?
When your business grow large enough you may have to consider the fact that you can't do everything that needs to be done by yourself. You need to hire some help.
Did you know that employing people is like investing? You invest the cost of the wages and you get a return on your investment by getting more work done. If you stop getting a return on your investment then you need to start investing in someone else.
The first step in hiring a staff is to advertise. You shouldn't have too much trouble with this part, since there are always people looking for a good job. Look online, check out a few agencies or tell some people you know. Once you have a few takers you can start interviewing.
Remember when you start interviewing that you are looking for someone to not only make your life easier, you also want someone capable of increasing your bottom line. You don't want to spend a lot on your investment if you aren't going to get a good return.
Ask some basic questions so that you can get a feel for their personalities. You want to work with someone who is personable, competent and reliable. Start out simple.
- Tell me about yourself? The response to this simple question will give you a good idea about their personality what they think is important, as well as some insight to their ability .
- Why should I hire you? This will give you a good idea of how confident they are in their ability to do the job. Have them explain how they will meet your job requirements.
- Why did you leave your last job? This will give you a feel for how they view their past employers. This will also help you spot potential problems. If they use excuses or complaints then you may want to put them at the bottom of your pile.
As an employer you have the right to ask any questions that will help you find the right person for the job. Just remember by law, you can't ask as anything that could be thought of as discrimination, including questions related to age, race, religion, nationality, marital status, medical history or disability.
One last note. When you hire people, you need to remember that you have to pay taxes. You will more than likely have to pay their income taxes as well as medical insurance taxes. Make sure you check your local tax laws.
Or better yet check with an accountant who can help you.
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Advisors Accountants and Lawyers Oh My
How do you find Advisors, Accountants and Lawyers?
When you run a home business chances are you will need help from and accountant, a lawyer maybe just an advisor. But which ones do you need and how do you choose the right ones?
Word of mouth is in my opinion the best way to find reliable, trust worthy people. If that isn't an option you should spend bit of time comparing people and services. Start with a short list. Research them thoroughly and check your local Better Business Bureau. Seek out their clients and find out how long they have been in business.
First let's talk about advisors. You may not realize that there are different types of advisors. For instance you may need a financial advisor if you are trying to manage a lot of debt. They can help you structure your business so that it will easily pay your business debts as well as paying your salary.
There are also business advisors. They can help you if there is anything you are unsure about when it comes to running your business. Than can be more affordable and extremely helpful if you run into trouble. Having good advisors can take a lot of weight off your shoulders.
When you own a business the day may come when you will need a lawyer to help you with licenses, permits, regulations, contacts, or employment. You need to get one straight away if someone violates your trademark, copyright or patent, or someone threatens to take legal action against you for some reason. It's a good idea to have a lawyer on your side. Whenever you are dealing with the law you really shouldn't try to go it alone.
Accountants are a necessity for saving on your taxes. Accountants know the tax laws inside and out. They will be able to point out all the savings you might be entitled to. A good accountant who will keep in contact with you. They will remind you of tax deadlines and changes in the law.
Advertising your business can be confusing and costly if you don't know what your doing. If you aren't sure how run your advertising campaign you may want to check into an advertising agencies. A good one can create professional looking ad and place it in ways that will produce results. Look for one that specializes in home businesses, and will let you start with a small budget.
So you see with a little time and effort you can carefully choose the right advisor, accountant or lawyers to help you make running your home business much easier and less stressful.
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Have You Been Brainwashed to Be Broke?
Have you been brainwashed to be broke for the
rest of your life?
The sad fact is that most of us were taught how to
be broke. Brainwashed, really, to be stuck in crappy
jobs with low wages.
But there is a way out. And you don't need anything
but your mind, focussed in the proper direction.
Learn how to program your mind for wealth here:
http://jmcsclick.yourpower.hop.clickbank.net
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Home Business Quick Tip
People want feel special and important. They want to be noticed and respected. Make them feel special and you will reap the rewards.
Business definition for the week:
Proxy. Someone who acts as a proxy for you acts on your behalf -- you have given them the legal right to speak for you. For example, if you get a lawyer to handle the incorporation of your company, they will be incorporating it for you by proxy.
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Home Business Loans
Getting Loans for Your Home Business.
When you start a home business chances are you will need to seek funding.
In this issue we will talk a little bit about the different types of loand you can apply for to help you get going.
First we will look at bank loans. When you go to the banks they will have someone whose job it is to go through applications for business loans.
Make sure you take all your business plans and any documents that you think you may need. Make sure you present yourself in a professional manner. Think of applying for a loan almost like a job interview. The bank will interview you and your business to decide if it will be a safe investment. You want to let them know you are completely capable of repaying them and also provide them with a good return on the investment.
You may also consider a secured loan. This type of loan will be much easier to get simply because you will be putting up something of your own as collateral. You need to be carful with this though. You don't want to risk more than you are willing to lose. For instance if you use your house to secure the loan and your business fails not only will you lose your business you will no longer have a place to call home.
A government loan may be your answer. To help the economy the government likes support small businesses. There are many government programs that will offer low interest or even no interest loans to home businesses. But you must be prepared. The government is much stricter than other types of lenders. Make sure your business plan it the best it can be. Pay a visit your local SBA ( Small Business Administration) they are there to help you prepare to apply for a variety of government programs.
Starting your business with credit cards or lines of credit. This can be dangerous territory. Just keep in mind that if you finance your business with personal debt you could be setting yourself up for a fall. With the high interest rates it will take most if not all of your profits just to keep up with your payments.
What ever you do, don't give up. Try different banks, programs or look for investors. If you get turned down then improve your business plan seek more help. With the right plan and enough determination you will be sure to succeed.
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Prospecting on Ebay
Your home business needs customers.
RIGHT!
Did you know that Ebay is an excellent place to find prospects.
Even if your business is service oriented. I sent you an email
a while back that recommended a book that explains in detail how to
find new prospects on Ebay no matter what time of business your in.
If you haven't had a chance to check it out I highly recommend you do.
With the millions of people that visit Ebay every day you really
can't afford not to!
http://jmcsclick.nalroo3.hop.clickbank.net
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Trademarks and Copyrights
Trademarks and Copyrights.
So you've put all this work into your business: you've got a name, you've made some marketing materials, even written some things for your customers. If you don't want your competitors to be able to take what you've done and exploit it, though, you're going to need to take some steps to protect yourself.
What's in a Name?
Your name is one of the most important assets your business has -- it's how your customers identify you. Knowing your name is the first step to trusting you and recommending you to others. But what can you do if you're afraid that someone else might start using your name, or simply start another company with a similar enough name to confuse people?
The answer is that you can register a trademark. A trademark is a word or logo that distinguishes one thing from another, and you have the right to register any names or logos your business uses, in order to stop other people from using them. Coca-Cola, for example, is a trademark of the Coca-Cola Company -- if I start selling my own drink and calling it 'Coca-Cola', or even something like 'Cocoa-Cooler', then they have grounds to sue me.
Making Your Mark.
You can trademark both your business' name as well as the names of any products you sell. The only condition is that they can't be too similar to names that someone has already trademarked, and you can't usually trademark words that are in common use.
It costs a few hundred dollars to register a trademark, and you can do it through the patent office. It can be a waste of money to trademark too many words, so you should only bother with it if you think one of your names could be threatened by competitors.
Once you get your trademark, it's yours -- you can do whatever you want with it, including giving others permission to use it or selling it to them. Remember, though, that your trademark usually only applies in the country where you registered it -- you will not usually be protected from competition where foreign businesses are using your trademark. Also, your right to use the trademark will only last for a set number of years (usually a decade from the date of registration). After this time, you will have to pay again to renew it.
Don't Copy Me.
Copyrights are similar to trademarks in terms of the kind of protection they offer, but different in how they work. In almost all countries, ownership of copyright is automatic, and costs nothing. The moment you write (or draw, or record) something, you own the copyright on it, and can take action against anyone who makes a copy of it without your permission. This article you're reading right now, for example, has the automatic copyright. If you decided to copy it without permission and put it on your own website, then that would be illegal. Not that you would do such a thing, of course.
It is possible to own the copyright on almost anything that exists but isn't physical: music, graphics, writing, computer programs, and so on. It does not, however, cover physical things (that's patents), nor does it cover names (that's trademarks).
A copyright lasts longer than a trademark: typically it lasts until you die, and then a set number of years after that, depending on your country and the kind of thing that was copyrighted. After the end of this time, the work becomes 'public domain', free for anyone to use.
Of course, copyright is a right, not something that you absolutely must go along with. If you want to give people permission to freely use and redistribute something you've made, then you have the legal right to do this. You can even give up your copyright on a piece of work altogether, simply by writing on it that you no longer want to own the copyright.
Since you're in business, though, the chances are that you'll want more protection for your materials, not less. Look into registering your copyright at the patent office, as doing this will give you an even stronger case if you ever need to use it.
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How to Start Your Own Bed and Breakfast
Tell me, have you ever considered starting your own Bed and Breakfast business? Do you enjoy entertaining, sharing your hospitality and lavishing guests with personal attention?
If you have ever dreamed of becoming the Inn Keeper of your own fine establishment the I have found a kit for you.It is the "Starting a Bed and Breakfast Start-Up Guide Kit".
This Comprehensive Start-Up Guide Kit contains all the
necessary information and tips you need to successfully
launch and grow your own Bed and Breakfast business.
I have never seen such a complete and easy to follow program for starting a bed and breakfast before now. Do yourself a favor and take a look now:
http://www.startingabedandbreakfast.com
Good Luck
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Getting Through the Tough Times
When you decided to start a home business it was exciting and exhilarating. You couldn't wait to get up and get going everyday. But as with most things in life there will be tough times and the way you handle those times will determine how successful you will be.
Remember all of those people who said that starting your own business was going to be difficult. Guess what? They were right. Starting a business is one of the most challenging things you will do in life. It is also one of the most rewarding.
Just remember that you made a commitment when you decided to start your business. You can't give up, even though sometimes you may feel like you are doomed to fail. Keep in mind that even the most successful businesses hit hard times now and then. The important thing to remember is to believe in yourself and your business.
Find a way to handle the stress. Stress can affect you mentally, physically and emotionally. You need to be strong and you need to have someone to turn to for help and support. Give some thought to the way you respond to things that go wrong. Will you work harder and get it fixed or will you give in and quit.The choice is yours.
If you asked a group of wealthy people what the true secret to their success was, they would tell you that you have to keep trying, no matter how long it takes or how hard times get. Remember the only real failure in life is when you quit. Everything else is just a life lesson.
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Manifest Your Desires
As some of you may know, I'm always on the lookout for tools that can help you (and me) improve the quality of our life. Well, I'm writing to you today to encourage you to check out an *extremely* valuable resource.
It's not for everyone, but if it resonates with your, it can help you to produce some amazing results.
If you're interested in:
* Getting out of debt or building wealth
* Attracting a perfect partner
* Getting that promotion or starting your own business
* Finding the inspiration to write that best-selling book
* Lose those extra pounds or staying motivated to exercise
* Affording your dream home
... You'll absolutely want to check out this resource, The program
is absolutely amazing, it's actually seven programs in one.
I highly recommend you give this a try. Plus, AffirmWare GUARANTEES their program will work!
Here are just three reasons why I think you will want to check out
this program.
(1) You are shown how to create powerful affirmations that will enable you to manifest your desires. The program include many techniques for removing those pesky blockages that may be preventing you from getting what you want.
(2) Sculptor 3 also includes powerful subliminal technology for effortless subconscious programming.
(3) Your investment in this program also includes 7 free bonuses that alone are worth the price asked for the whole thing. For example, you get the audio version of the classic Wallace D. Wattles book, "The Science Of Getting Rich". So now you can listen to these priceless teachings every day while working on your computer!
Anyway, It's well worth checking out.
To find out more visit their web site at:
http://www.affirmware.com.au
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Home Business Quick Tip
Create rapport with your customers. Try expressing the same views as your customers. Focus on common likes and dislikes. Persuade them to like you. People buy from people they like.
Business definition for the week:
Shareholders. The shareholders are the people who own the company. In your company, you will be the only shareholder (and so own 100% of your business), unless you've made a deal with someone else for them to own a share.
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Don't Rush to Bankruptcy
What will you do if your business gets in to trouble?
When your debts start to stack up and you can't pay the bills. Your advertising budget is blown, and your expenditures are twice as much as your profits. What do you do? Well, this is the point when many people will throw in the towel. Are you one of them? I hope not because there is always a way to make it. You just have to find it.
There will always be ways to raise money for your business. Did you know that the average person has thousands of dollars worth of random stuff just lying around in their home? In other words, you can always find the money if you're really determined and not afraid of losing everything.
The only thing you should really try to protect is your house and some money for basic food -- everything else is expendable. Never forget that the worst thing that can really happen to you is that you'll have to go out and get a job. Would that really be so tragic?
Fear is your enemy in business. You cannot give in to your fear and give up before you've given it your all -- the real reason why so many home and small businesses fail is that their owners chicken out and run away at the first sign of trouble.
The Captain Goes Down with His Ship.
When the chips are down, the only thing to do is to stake your personal success on the success of your business. After all, what's the point in bailing out before you have to? You're guaranteed to lose money that way.
Someone once told me that the difference between an average Joe and an entrepreneur is this: the entrepreneur will not give up on a business until his creditors come and take everything he owns. And even then he might try to hide from them and keep things going from his friend's basement.
Don't Tell Customers.
It might seem dishonest, but for goodness' sake do not tell any of your customers that things are going wrong because your business is in trouble. They will immediately run a mile, putting your business in a far worse situation than it was before. You must always try to make it look like everything is going just fine -- admitting problems will put the final nail in your business' coffin.
Try a Voluntary Agreement.
If your creditors are at the point of knocking on your door, you should try to get a voluntary agreement with them before you even consider declaring bankruptcy. This is when you negotiate your debts down to a lower level using the threat of bankruptcy, and your creditors sign an agreement with you to say that they will leave you alone once you've paid that money.
The Absolute Last Resort.
I simply cannot get across to you how much you should not consider bankruptcy as a viable option, ever, until you are absolutely forced into it. Think of it as being like suicide: the absolute last resort. Would you commit suicide because your business was going badly? I hope you answered no -- which means that you shouldn't consider bankruptcy either.
Having had a bankrupt company stays with you for a long time in everything you do: your credit rating, your employment history, and even just in the way you think of yourself day-to-day. It's better to have everything wrestled from your hands than to give it up voluntarily -- otherwise you'll always be tortured by wondering what would have happened if you'd kept going just a little longer.
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Organizing your home office
Tell me.....
Do you ever get tired of clutter all over your home office? Is your To Do list a mile long? Do you struggle with procrastination? Would you like to better prioritize? Would you like more time in your day, to do the things you love to do? Would you like to get organized, once and for all?
If so, I highly recommend the book, 'Finally Organized, Finally Free.' I can honestly say, it's one of the best organizing books on the market. For more information, visit:
http://hop.clickbank.net/?jmcsclick/getorgnow1
Happy organizing!!
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Home Business Quick Tip
How are you? We're doing well here.
Here's Another Home Business Quick Tip.
People like to get presents. Give them something. A discount to make them happy. A good deal they will tell their friends about. A freebie to help them remember you.
Business definition for the week:
Latin: When you're dealing with law, the amount of Latin involved can be confusing. Here are some Latin terms you might come across when you're setting up your company.
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Do You Have Marketing Plan?
!
Let me ask you a question. Do You Have Marketing Plan?
Marketing is the real back bone of your business. Don't you think that it is important enough to need a plan, completely separate from your basic business plan? After all with out a plan how will you know where you are going. Let's go over the basic information that your marketing plan should include.
First you need a marketing strategy and a budget. It is a good idea to get the basics of your marketing plan written down, so that you can see exactly what you are aiming for. Start the process by making lists.
List of all the advertising you plan to do. Include websites, newspapers, radio, flyers, the yellow pages ect.
For each form of advertising you should assign an estimated cost. Determine how many customers you expect to reach. This will allow you to work out your cost of per customer, which is how much of you budget you need to spend on advertising to bring in one customer.
Next make a list all of the pricing policies you plan to have, as well as any special offers that you think will be good. Don't worry you can make price changes and new offers later, The idea here is to have some basic long term plans.
Another good idea is to have a list of other businesses in your area that could be considered to be competitors. You need to know who you are up against and a good plan to differentiate yourself from them.
This is just a basic outline for starting your businesses plan. Remember, when in doubt seek out help. Do a quick search for sample marketing plans online or visit your local library for more information.
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Do you get everything in writing?
When you're dealing with customers, sometimes things can go wrong. It might be your fault, it might be their fault or it might be one big mix up, but if you didn't get everything in writing it will be one big mess. Contracts are one of the most important parts of doing business, even you think they are a big pain, the pain will be worse with out them.
Every business needs contracts. They can be as simple as a sales receipt, a short hand written note or as complicated as lengthy legal document. What ever you do don't ever make a deal without one.
Without a contract, you leave yourself and your business vulnerable. Someone could claim that the terms they agreed with you were different to what you say they were, or that they never agreed to or signed for anything at all. Essentially, contracts give you the ability to prove that the transaction or agreement was made.
A contract gives you a sound legal base for your business, and some guarantee that you're going to get paid for your work without you having to ask the customer for payment in advance. In the event of a dispute, the contract lays down what the agreement was so that you can point to it and say what was agreed. If you ever end up having to go to court the contract is what the judge's decision will be based on.
According to the law there is a big distinction between a verbal contract and a written one. A verbal contract is binding in theory, but it can be very hard to prove. A written contract is solid proof that what you are saying true. A written contract is almost impossible to dispute.
It is all to easy to think things like, contracts are expensive, I can't afford to waste my money, my customers are great, I won't have a problems with them, I do just fine with out them, I don't need the hassle, why bother.
Remember that old phrase " it only takes one bad apple, to ruin the whole bunch". Well it will only take one unhappy customer to take down your business.
When you are tempted to forgo the contract keep in mind that written contracts don't need to be complicated or formal. A simple letter stating the terms of your agreement, preferably signed by all parties involved is enough to qualify as a written contract. Another simple option is purchase pre-made forms from your local office supply store or software that will help you design your own forms.
If you are dealing in high dollar amounts it could be worth the time and trouble of having a lawyer write a formal contract, or at least of doing it yourself and getting a lawyer to look it over. Formal contracts will give you more protection.
Taking the time to draw up a contract is on of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your business.
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Goal in Five Minutes a Day
I found a great article for you about achieving goals.
It's by Andreas Ohrt the editor of Mind Power News
Your Next Goal in Five Minutes a Day
Would you like to learn an absolutely free method for reaching your next goal in only five minutes a day?
You don't need to buy anything, you don't need to own anything, you don't need to go anywhere and you don't need to have any previous experience to make this method work for you.
You already have everything you need. Just one brain, that's all you need. Let me show you one way to program your mind so that your goals come to you effortlessly.
Here is a simple technique which always works for me.
STEP ONE: THE MAGIC OF THINKING SMALL
First, pick a goal that is *just* beyond your comfort level. Many motivational teachers will urge you to shoot for the stars, think incredibly big, and go for goals which are ten times as large as anything you've ever accomplished. This may work well for people who are already confident in their power to manifest, but for the beginner, or for the person who has not had much success using mind power, the idea of thinking outrageously big is a disaster.
For example, if you haven't had a date in three years you don't want to visualize yourself scoring with bunnies at the Playboy mansion. In theory all goals are definitely achievable, but in your reality you probably don't really believe it's possible, so it won't happen. Instead, pick a goal which is reasonable and can be accomplished within a few months. In this example, you might want to have just one date in the next three months. Not nearly as thrilling of a goal, but a fantastic step towards a better life.
Or you probably want more money in your life. Instead of visualizing yourself suddenly earning $250,000 a year, start with a goal of increasing your wage or your sales by 10 per cent. Again, not exactly thrilling, but the point is you start small and build upon your success, instead of going for the home run and missing every time.
You see, after you reach that first goal you will have some confidence, and you can use that confidence to step up to the next goal, slowly but surely building a better life in the process.
STEP TWO: CREATE A DECLARATION OF INTENT
Once a day, every morning, write down the goal you've picked. Whatever it is you want to experience, just write it down once. A good format to use is a short sentence which begins with "I am now attracting...", "I am now creating...", "I will now..." or "I now intend...
For example:
"I AM NOW ATTRACTING A LOVING RELATIONSHIP INTO MY LIFE."
"I WILL NOW SELL 10 PER CENT MORE PRODUCTS EACH MONTH."
"I AM NOW CREATING HIGHER SELF-ESTEEM AND CONFIDENCE."
"I NOW INTEND TO EAT THOUGHTFULLY AND BEGIN LOSING WEIGHT."
Of course, create your own wording for your own goal. The vitally important thing is that when you say it your emotional state agrees with the statement. For example, the reason an affirmation such as "I am now exercising every day" doesn't work is because if you are not exercising every day you immediately feel it when you say it. If you say "I am now with my ideal partner" you will immediately feel the lie even before you finish saying it.
However, a statement which begins "I am now attracting..." or "I now intend..." is true (at least while you are saying it) and holds no contradiction in your emotions. Of course, this is different for everyone, so find a wording that works for you.
STEP THREE: CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS
After writing down your goal, mentally place yourself in the future, to a day where your goal has been accomplished, and *feel* the happiness and excitement you would be feeling, knowing that you have accomplished your goal.
Just pretend it is, for example, three months from today, and on that day you have reached your goal. Let's say that this future day is the day you start the new job you have been working towards, or on that day you weigh yourself and you are 10 pounds lighter, or on that day you leave for the vacation you've been dreaming about.
Whatever it is, just move forward in your mind to that day, and *PRETEND* that your goal has been reached, and *FEEL* the emotions which you would feel if you had actually reached your goal.
Feel the happiness, feel the success, feel the proud accomplishment of knowing that you can use your own inner power to change your life. Imagine what next goal you'll now go for since you've reached this first one. Plan a celebration for yourself, and imagine how great you will feel when you celebrate your accomplishment.
Just generate that positive emotion for a minute or two, and just bask in it for a few moments.
STEP FOUR: ASK FOR HELP FROM YOUR FUTURE SELF
Now, while you are enjoying that feeling, looking back to today from that future moment, ask yourself what single action you can take, today, to bring your goal to you faster.
The future you which has accomplished your goal knows what steps need to be taken. From this vantage point, you can ask yourself what is the next most practical action you can take.
When you get the answer, write it down, and take that action at some point during the day. Taking action, no matter how small, is the fastest and surest way of convincing your subconscious mind that you are serious, and will do wonders for the quick manifestation of your goals.
STEP FIVE: CHOOSE THE SAME THING EVERY DAY
Do this daily, until you are done. Work on only one goal at a time, and don't change goals unless you decide you no longer want the one you started working on. If you no longer want the goal, choose a new one and start again. But if you do want your original, don't stop until you have it.
WARNING: LACK OF PERSISTENCE IS THE NUMBER ONE REASON WHY PEOPLE DO NOT REACH THEIR GOALS.
If you give up before you reach your goal, you obviously don't want it very much, do you? Pick a goal that you cannot live without, and start again...
This technique only takes about 5 or 10 minutes with your morning coffee and works flawlessly. *If* you do it.
About the author: Andreas Ohrt is the editor of Mind Power News and creator of "Mind Over Money: How to Program Your Mind For Wealth." Learn more at http://jmcsclick.yourpower.hop.clickbank.net
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Home Business Quick Tip
Another Home Business Quick Tip.
Up sell. Have few back end products that you can recommend to your customers. A customer that buys from once will most likely buy from you again.
Business definition for the week:
Bona fide: 'in good faith'. This is used to mean that someone says they are telling the truth.
Look for another home business quick tip soon!
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A Disaster Plan
Disaster plans, do you have one?
I don't mean to be a downer but, any time you start a business, you are taking the risk that the business might fail. What you may not have considered when you started out was along with your business plan you need a disaster plan. Having a plan in place will help you shield yourself from risk and help you make sure that you can keep your business going even on the brink of disaster.
You need to have a plan for what you're going to do if your business looks like it is going to go under. Are you going to borrow money, raise prices, cut back or fire people. Are you willing to sell your possessions or mortgage your house, ? What will you do? This is where your disaster plan comes into play.
Just like a business plan your disaster plan will layout a list of options that you can refer to if your business runs into trouble. In your disaster plan include a list of the things that you will or will not do before you close your doors on your business.
A good disaster plan will depend a lot on how much risk you're willing to take on yourself. If you are sensible and conservative then you will go as far as you can to avoid selling or borrowing against any of your own assets to keep your business open.
If you don't lean to the conservative side and are willing to take more of a risk, then you may consider getting a loan against your car or maybe even your house. Just be prepared to lose it all if you can't recover from whatever business disaster you may encounter.
A good disaster plan also includes a recovery plan. Once you have decided what you will do to handle a business disaster you need to decide how you will recover. When writing your disaster plan consider adding these things to your list. What will you do if you keep your doors open? How will you rebuild? What will you do if you decide to go out of business? Start another business? Go back into the job market? What will you do next?
How you handle a business disaster is completely up to you. That is where having a good disaster plan comes into play. You have to decide are you going to cut your losses and walk away or dig in your heals and risk it all to make your business a huge success.
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Work at Home Blues
Remember all the reasons you decided to quit your job and work from home? Like the annoying people who you had to share an office with, the daily trek to and from work or missing out on special occasions. These and so many other reasons are why so many of us start a home business. And even though you wanted to work at home all day, you might find that you start to miss all or some of the things that made you want to work at home.
Now you are all alone. You get up for another day of work. Your children are off to school, your spouse is on the way work. Even most of your neighbors are off doing their thing. Your house feels empty, and your neighborhood is deserted.
It's all too easy to stay in your pajamas and sit on the couch in this situation. You may begin to feel like your work can wait or that it is pointless. If you get stuck or you need help you have no one to turn to because it's just you, your own your own.
You may not feel like it's affecting you, but the lack of human interaction could be causing more trouble than you think. Ask yourself these questions honestly. Have you been more irritable recently, less energetic, or have you felt upset or sad without much reason. If you have, then you could be suffering from the work at home blues.
What can you do to get over it and get motivated again?
I would bet since you are running your business from home that you have a computer with Internet access. Am I right? One thing you can do is get online. Do a quick search in your industry to find few forums, especially ones dedicated to people who run home businesses. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that you are not alone at all.
Finding friends on forums or message boards can be good substitute for the lost interaction you are experiencing. More than that, it can offer you a good outlet for your frustrations and problems. Many of the people you will be talking to are going through or have gone through the same thing themselves, and will be more than happy to offer support and advice.
Just keep in mind that interaction is good but don't let interrupt your work. Set limits, give yourself a certain amount of time each day to talk and don't go over it.
Consider turning your loneliness into an advantage. Get to know your customers. By getting to know them on a more personal level it can be rewarding to you and your business. The customers that will be the most loyal to you are the ones that know you and trust you.
Join the local Chamber of Congress or another similar group or foundation in you area. If you look, you might be surprised at how many things are out there that you can join. Don't be shy. Become a member and you could find some new friends, as well as some good business contacts.
There are so many thing you can do to overcome the work at home blues, so get out of your pajamas and get busy.
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Home Business Quick Tip
People like help. Offer your knowledge or consulting as a bonus.
This will add value to your product and increase your credibility and sales.
Business definition for the week:
De facto: 'in fact'. Used when something has happened that makes the 'real' situation take precedence from the legal one.
De jure: 'in law'. The opposite of de facto.
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Pricing is Everything
The Secrets of Pricing.
Pricing your products or services appropriately is a challenging part of any home business. You know what you have and what you can do, but do you know how much you should be charging, without putting yourself out of business? Consider these few ideas when you are picking your price points.
First find out what the competition is charging. If they are selling a similar product or service do some snooping, make some calls, find out what they offer and how much it costs. Now compare their prices with your own. How do they measure up.
Keep in mind that just because someone else is selling for less doesn't mean you should lower your prices. It is not always a good thing to be the cheapest out there. You might be surprised to know that you can take away a competitor's business by increasing your value and charging a higher price. One of the biggest secrets of pricing is that people assume a higher price means better quality and more value.
Here is a simple formula you can follow to help when choosing your price points. First determine your costs per item or service. Include any materials that you use like packaging, advertising, legal fees ect. Once you are done, you should have a rough estimate of how much each product you offer costs.
Next figure in a charge for your time and labor. Do this by adding the hours it takes you to complete the task, then decide what your hourly wage will be. It's up to you how much you will pay yourself. When in doubt start with minimum wage then gradually increase your wage to raise the price of the product. If you have a problem with this just think about what you might pay an employee to do the same job for you.
Now that you have added the cost and time, you need to add in a profit margin. This is typically be about 30 to 50 percent of the price you've come up with so far. You are all done. You should have the perfect price point to charge for your product or service. If you are unsure do some testing. Try selling at a slightly higher or lower price to see which sells better. Keep in mind that most often it is easier to lower prices than to raise them depending on what business you are in.
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Media Advertising How To
How to effectively advertise in the media.
First we will discuss print ads in newspapers and magazines. There are two types of advertising in newspapers and magazines. The basic classified ad and the display ad. Classifieds are the small ads in the back of the publication. Display ads can be any size from a small two inches to a full page spread, depending on your budget.
Before you start placing ads make sure you do your research. You want to place your ads where you will get the best response. Once you have found a newspaper or magazine that you want to place an ad in call its advertising department and ask for a rate card. Keep in mind that advertising in the print media can be very expensive, so brace yourself. Make sure before you place you ad that you will have a good chance of making a return on your investment.
Another good tip: ask if they have any unsold inventory. A lot of time they will have blocks of unsold ad space that you can pick up for a bargain price. These may not be the spots you were looking at but if you can get a great deal you can make it work you your advantage.
Don't forget billboards. They are the most overlooked form of print media, but they can be very effective with the right offer. Billboard ads are a bit more expensive than other print media, but when you consider that they stay up for a longer period of time, compared to the one week ads you place in the paper it may be a good option for your business.
Broadcasting your ad over the radio is another form of media advertising that you may want to consider, if your budget is big enough. Think carefully though since your message will most likely only be heard by people driving in their cars you will need a campaign that is memorable and that they will be interested in. Maybe you could offer something free or deeply discounted.
Hit the big time with a television ad. When your business is large and your advertising budget is larger, it might be time to make a TV commercial. But be prepared to spend the big bucks, no less than $10,000 and that will be for your local cable channels. But if you can afford it and there is a big market for your product you could make a small fortune with the right offer.
If a television ad isn't in you budget then you may want to consider a less expensive option, with the same type of captive audience. Did you know you can advertise on the big screen these days? Go to your local theater, get there early and you will see your opportunity to be a star of the silver screen. The movie theater can be a great place to advertise, especially for a local business that wants to get noticed. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other forms of advertising, don't forget the tip above, ask about unsold ad space it works well with all types of media.
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Organizing for Profit
I know we have talked about getting organized before but have you ever thought about helping others get organized?
If you have a knack for helping others get organized, and you'd like to start your own business, why not become a professional organizer? It's a fun business that you can run on your own time, and it can be very profitable! For more information, visit:
http://hop.clickbank.net/?jmcsclick/getorgnow1
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Home Business Quick Tip
Another Home Business Quick Tip.
Communicate with your customers. They'll begin to trust you and get to know you on a more personal level. People will purchase products
quicker from somebody they already know and trust.
Business definition for the week:
Ex gratia, 'out of grace'. When something will be done for free.
Prima facie, 'at first sight'. Something that seems true but is wrong.
Look for another home business quick tip soon!
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Good Customer Service
!
Let me ask you a question....
Have you Hugged Your Customer Today?
I'm not just being mushy! I don't mean literally. What I am
saying is customer appreciation is the best way to create
customer loyalty. Good customer service is the surest path
to success in any business.
Lets face it without customers your business is dead.
Repeat customers are the life blood of any business. It's
a proven fact that happy customers make repeat purchases and
not only that they tell all their friends. Which means more
customers.
Tell me...
When your happy or excited about a product or service what
is the first thing you do? You tell every on you know.
Right? If you have a great experience with the staff at a
store or restaurant what do you do? You go back again!
What if you have a bad experience? Do you go back? NO!
and that's not the end you make sure you tell everyone you
know you had a hard time and never, NEVER to use that
company.
Have you ever walked into a store and been snubbed, totally
ignored at the check out? What to you do? You walk out
with out making a purchase.
Now, how many times have you walked into a store with no
intention of making a purchase. You were greeted by a friendly
face and a warm courteous atmosphere, then you end up walking
out with a bag full of goodies. It's happened to all of us.
Good customer service will never go out of style.
It's so simple but it is where most business fail.
Show your customers that you appreciate them. It's the little
things that matter. Like a friendly voice and prompt courteous
service. Going that extra mile to make them feel special.
You can create a huge following of loyal customers just by
being nice.
But don't stop there. The possibilities are endless. Have
you ever been to a nice hotel where they leave a chocolate
on your pillow? Now that chocolate only cost them a few
pennies but it made your experience nicer. It made you
remember their hotel above others.
How about customer reward programs. Sales will soar when you
tell your customers that they will get one free after they
purchase three. A free gift with every purchase. Every one
likes presents.
Customer appreciation days, sales and specials. Hold an event
throw a party just for customers that you have done business
with before. Make them feel special, like they matter, that
they are important to you. Then watch your business reap the
rewards.
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Growing Your Sales
WANT TO GROW YOUR SALES THE PROVEN WAY?
Growing your business can be easy when you follow this step-by-step, proven-effective system. For more information, visit:
http://hop.clickbank.net/hop.cgi?jmcsclick/getorgnow1
We appreciate you!
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Have you heard of Guerrilla Marketing
A cheaper alternative to high budget marketing it's called guerrilla marketing.
When you started your home business you may have prepared yourself to a large amount of your profits on advertising. Only to discover that you got very little or no response for your money and efforts.
Now comes the time for guerrilla marketing, it can be done with an almost no budget. This is the time when you change your way of thinking and realize that you are going to have to try just about anything to get publicity.
You have to make yourself known. It's time to pick up the phone and call local businesses and let them know who you are and what you have to offer. You may be surprised at just how effective this can be, since businesses tend to appreciate the effort that you made to contact them and offer your services. It saves them time.
Start mailing. It shouldn't be to hard to get your hands on a mailing list that covers your target market. Check with the post office, they can help you with your bulk mail campaigns. If the postage isn't in your budget then start passing out your mailers yourself.
Print out some flyers. Don't miss out on this one. It is cheap and easy. Handing out the flyers yourself will also give you an opportunity to meet your prospects and make a good impression. Just be sure to choose your location carefully and make sure you have a good offer.
Start giving. Handing out free gifts is always a good one. Hand out balloons, pens, magnets, little calendars with your business name on them. What ever you can think of. Try to make it something that relates nicely to your business and that they will use often, so that they will remember you. People love free stuff!
Remember your in business to make money. With guerrilla marketing it's all about having the guts to try anything.
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Home Business Quick Tip
Another Home Business Quick Tip.
Teach a class. Take an hour and set up a small class to educate your customer. This will give you an expert status, increase your credibility
and your sales.
Business definition for the week:
Quid pro quo, 'something for something'. When a fee will be charged for a service (or services will be exchanged).
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What does your customer want?
Do you ever wonder what your customers want? Most business
owners ask themselves that question daily. I know I do and
I bet you do too.
I was watching one of my favorite marketers speak recently
and he said something that struck a chord with me and got
me thinking. He said "people want magic bullets".
They want the answer to their problems. A quick fix for their
woes. A simple solution that will make their world a better
place and they want it now!
That phrase made me ask, what magic bullets do my prospects
want and do I have them?
How can I turn my products into the magic bullets that my
prospects can't live with out?
Side note: The best way to find out what your prospects want
is to survey them but, that is a whole other article.
Now, asking these questions won't help you get inside your
prospects mind but, it will get you in the right mind set.
Think about it. When you have a problem, you want a
solution right? You don't want to wait. Do you? You want a
quick fix and you want it now. You want a magic bullet. Guess
what so does your prospect!
Have you ever watched an infomercial and felt every button
they pushed. Felt like what they were selling was the answer
to all your problems? You just want to rip out your credit
card and say take my money! You can't wait until you can
get your hands on that magic bullet.
We all have and it's the magic bullets that get you every time.
For instance let's say your target market is acne sufferers.
If you have ever had acne you can identify with the pain and
agony that acne sufferers go through. A sufferer will try
and buy just about anything that offers relief from their
suffering no matter what the cost. Magic bullets don't have
a price cap.
Are you starting to see? Put on your top hat and pull out your
magic wand. Now start thinking. What you are selling? What
solutions do you have to offer? How can you solve peoples
problems? What magic bullets can you pull out of your product
or service?
Once you pull those magic bullets out of your hat and put them
right under your prospects nose then the real magic will begin.