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Home Based Business Ideas
If you are a Work at Home Mom WAHM you have made a very important decision to stay at home with your family. I applaud you for that decision, but I know it can be a financial and emotional sacrifice to stay at home. I have been staying at home with my child for almost a year now, and I have found several ways to improve my family's finances and help me feel that I am contributing to my family's budget.
A great way to make some extra money is to get involved in a legitimate home-based ...
Author: Paula Wilson
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Before You Begin: Pointers for New Writers
Most writers are readers first. Whether historical, research, romantic mystery or spiritual focus. Many well versed writers have either read extensively or have been challenged by a variety of in depth life changing experiences. Remember, your best writing already is “in” you.
Let’s talk about how to put those thoughts on paper. First, discover what inspires you:
Are You A Romantic? We all have that special someone—first love, new love, unforgettable moments or situations that str ...
Author: Theresa V. Wilson, M.Ed.
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Profiting From Writing Your Own Ebook
As you might have heard, the Internet is all about information. Millions of people logon to the Internet each day searching for information. They're searching for everything from health and wellness to love and relationships. People crave information and will pay to get the info they want.
That's why ebooks are the hottest products on the Internet. It's digital information that's downloadable and therefore brings instant gratification to the user. In just a matter of minutes, you can have ...
Author: Greg Hayes
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Tips For Writing Articles Online
Tips For Writing Articles Online...
by BB Lee (C)2003
I've written and published over 30 articles in SmallBizBits
and other publications online. I've also published family
parenting articles, several romance articles, and a dozen
travel articles in print media. When I first approached
the Internet market I was unsure if the same article
format was acceptable on the Internet.
So, I certainly understand when new article writer's say they
don't know how to app ...
Author: BB Lee
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Face reality – Forced Career Change will happen during your working life.
Most of us enter the world of work as employed and soon start to wish that we could change career or be our own boss.
It is probably true that after a while a large percentage start dreaming they could work from home or start a home based business, few actually do something about it. They continue dreaming
These days this is in explicable because it is possible to change career no matter what your age or profession. There is now less continuity in employment so adaptability ...
Author: Michael Harrison
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Time to start a new career?
Your career choices might need reconsideration when your career offers
few opportunities to personal development and you find it hard to get
out of bed in the morning. Then it might be the right time to consider
new career choices, working at home, starting your own business or a
new education.
What we do in our daily life is very important. If we are to spend
more than 60% of our waking time at work or travelling to or home
from work, it better be a job we like. ...
Author: Ingela Berger
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Literally Littered with Illiteracy
There’s some ‘alliteration’ for you! My great concern though, is the fact that there are too many today who wouldn’t understand the title or know the meaning of ‘alliteration’ (a repetition of words beginning with the same letter – as in Peter Piper picked a peck......). You might ask, "What has this to do with Internet Home Based Business?". I'll get to that.
I’m a member of a number of forums and in each, at some point, and often on a number of occasions, there is long discussion regard ...
Author: Stephen Brennan
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Part 2 of 5 On The Home Business Set-Up Guide
Part 2 of 5 On The Home Business Set-Up Guide Dear Reader, These articles will provide a step by step guide on how to start and run a home based business based on my experiences and other home business owners. This is part 2 in a series of 5 articles. They are written in a basic format and where possible main points are summarised in an attempt to be understood by all. I have tried to minimise the technical jargon as much as possible. So lets jump right in and see what we ne ...
Author: Alvin N
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How to be Successful Working at Home
Are you a Work at Home Mom (WAHM) looking to make some extra money in a home-based business or job opportunity? Are you trying to make some extra money online and wondering how to create and market a webpage? Or, are you someone just looking for free opportunities such as free satellite for your home? Affilate marketing, home based buinesses, and even free satellite tv are wonderful ways to make and save money at home. The key to being successful working at home and saving money is to h ...
Author: Paula Wilson
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Home Based Business: Your Ultimate Tax Shelter
Starting and operating your own home based business is the ultimate tax shelter. Although this article has been written from a Canadian income tax perspective, the principles should be practical in other tax jurisdictions. 1. Non-Deductible Personal Living Expenses All of us have expenses that we incur in everyday living. Either you rent an apartment or house or you own your residence. Utilities, insurance, rent, mortgage interest, property taxes, and maintenance and r ...
Author: J. Stephen Pope
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How to Get Unlimited Free Advertising
The opportunities for getting free advertising for your product or services are limited only by your own imagination and energies. There are so many proven ways of promoting your own objectives without cost that it literally boggles the mind just to think of listing them. One way is to write an article relative to your particular expertise and submit it to all the publications and media dealing in the dissemination of related information. In other words, become your own publicity and sales pr ...
Author: Patrick Baghestani
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Home Based Business Opportunities
The allure of a home based business opportunity is very strong these days with uncertain economic times and the pressures of working long hours for less pay. More and more people are exploring home based business opportunities to see if they are cut out to work for themselves. With the economy ever uncertain, employers are cutting back on everything. They are cutting health insurance benefits, pay, and they are outright eliminating jobs left and right. There are many kinds of home based ...
Author: Darrell Knox
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Home Based Business Opportunities Abound On The Internet
Looking for a home business opportunity on the internet these days is a pretty involved process. That is, if you don’t know how to eliminate 90% of the junk that’s out there and pick among the home business opportunities that actually have merit and track records. What works? Information sales, auctions, hard goods that can be shipped, books, reports, network marketing, you name it! There are just certain types of home business opportunities that you want to stay away from. Those ...
Author: Darrell Knox
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Start a Home Based Business
What would it be like to start a home based business? Many people wonder this on Sundays as they dread the beginning of the next work week. The only real problem, and what prevents most people from starting a home based business, is belief that it can be done. Most people are not cut out for a home based business. This is why most people work for someone else. If we all had home based businesses we’d have no one to serve our meals at restaurants or sing to us at concerts! So be gl ...
Author: Darrell Knox
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Succeed With Your Own Home Based Business
An internet business is by far the best way to support yourself if you just cannot stand working for others for less money than you need to survive. It’s also the best way to get out of a good paying job that just takes up too much of your precious short life working for someone else. Let’s face it, you probably know someone who has an internet business. Do they look happy to you? Do they complain as much about work and money as you do? Probably not. This is not to say that you should q ...
Author: Darrell Knox
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A Forgotten Marketing Tool – The Postcard
The postcard can be a very powerful marketing tool. Many of our customers and/or students use them in their business. The key is to set up the card to market effectively for you. Concentrate on a specific item or niche. When used correctly a post card can become very powerful marketing tool. Be sure the front of your card is explicit. It should be clear to your customer what you are selling. A color postcard is a must, unless you are using black and white to your advantage, that is, to ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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4 Things That Make A Web Site Great
First you need original content. Content is the heart beat of any exceptional Web site. The ability to take a common subject and give it some interest and originality is a rare talent,but necessary to keep visitors coming back. Add a dash of humor, be sure to update once or twice a month and look out, you're on your way. Second you need, great graphics. If your graphics are properly used they can greatly enhance a web site and it's content. However, if you overuse or they take forever t ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Are You Taking Full Advantage of the Web?
Is your site visible, interactive? How's the infrastructure? Are your mailings personalized? What about tracking and consistency? In order to get the most out of your website all of these items are important. By following these tips, you can build a sense of community for your web site. This in turn can build a loyal following for both your site and your business. To make your site visible; be sure you prominently feature your URL (i.e., your Internet address) on your business car ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Beating The Competition
Unless your product or service is one-of-a-kind, you've got competition. To beat them, you have to make sure you're the key company, the one your customers turn to above all others. How do you do that if you're new and small? Try these strategies: Use your size. You're new, small and aggressive. Be more flexible than your competitors. Be willing to break self-imposed rules. ("We need 24 hours to fill large orders.") Promise personal attention-since you are the company, this should ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Becoming A Solution To Your Customers Problems
Those of us in home based and small businesses are in effect selling our product. So becoming an effective salesperson is very important. Remember, however, that selling is not the only thing you do. Don’t forget to use your time wisely. What you want to do to help you move forward is to: Plan and prioritize. If the majority of your day is spent with your customers, you will need some down time. You need to have time to look at the trends in your business. By this I mean go over y ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Being Small Has Its Advantages
Those of us business owners who do it all, whether we are home based or a small business have it made. With today’s technology we can look as big as we want. With the web, faxes, video conferencing and all the burgeoning technology you don’t need to be a big business to succeed today. We can do a lot that our competition can’t or won’t do. So let’s take advantage of being small. In fact, being small has its advantages. The mom and pop or one person operation only has to worry about them ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Reminders For Running A Better Business
The following tips are from an article we contributed to Compute magazine. These are ideas that we all should know, but many times forget. It constantly amazes us how quickly a basic tenent of business can be shoved by the wayside in the heat of daily transactions. If we all try to keep these simple principles in mind, they may keep us on the straight and narrow in our pursuit of home office bliss. 1. Buy an answering machine. This will allow you to give your attention to a client ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Business Partners & Marital Partners Will The Marriage Survive - Part II
In the last article, we concluded by saying that keeping your business and personal relationships separate is very important to the survival of both your business and your marriage. In this article we will talk about how to achieve this goal. One of the most important ways to accomplish this is to set up distinct business hours, and when they are over, don't discuss business, concentrate on your relationship. It is difficult, but make a concentrated effort at it. Confine your business d ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Business Partners & Marital Partners Will The Marriage Survive - Part I
With today's economy, and the layoffs occurring as a result of these economic conditions, more and more people are opting to start their own business. Due to the low start up costs, the prevalence of home-based businesses is on the rise, many of these started by husband and wife teams. With the move from the corporate world to the home-based, couples are finding that a new set of problems are occurring. In the corporate arena, two major areas of importance are profits and communication ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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The Business Day (Lease Purchase or Otherwise)
For those of you conducting a lease purchase business (or any other business), the first thing for you to do each morning is to check your goals. How many calls are you to make, how many contacts, articles, etc. Your goals will depend on where you are in your business - just starting, in business for a year, two years, etc. The next thing to do for those in lease purchasing or any other business is to check your calendar for the day, and to check your tickler file. Depending on what is ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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The Big 3 Things You Need To Succeed Online!
The things that you do to promote your website can either make or break your ambitions to succeed in your online endeavors. In this article I am going to discuss what works and what will not. Starting a business online is a very easy thing to do. It doesn't cost much to start. Marketing your online business is another thing altogether. You can have the best product in the world but without traffic to your site that doesn't mean a thing. You will have to learn how to get this traf ...
Author: Jim Johnson
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Keep Motivated To Succeed Online!
Starting and managing a business takes motivation and talent. It also takes research and planning. Although initial mistakes are not always fatal, it takes extra skill, discipline, and hard work to regain the advantage. Take time beforehand to explore and evaluate your business and personal goals, then use this information to build a comprehensive and thoughtful business plan that will help you reach these goals. There are many things to consider if you are thinking about starting a hom ...
Author: Jim Johnson
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4 Things to Remember as a Newbie
1. Differ wants from needs
Once you are in the business you will probably find that in the beginning you might be overwhelmed by lots of sources that will tell you to get this and that, and maybe to upgrade a myriad of things that feels totally strange to you. Most of these upgrades and purchases, if not all, will probably be necessary eventually down the road, and if you have the extra cash to spend on it, more power to you. However, if you are anything like me, yo ...
Author: Kaveh Fard
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The Work At Home Lifestyle
When we’re young, we have this perception that we’re totally invincible and for a while, we are. Slowly but surely however, age catches up with us and all the liberties we took with our bodies begin to catch up with us.
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The Do's and Dont's of Creating Lucrative Business Partnerships
I run a small meeting, event and conference planning company based in the New York City area. As an entrepeneur and small business owner with a limited advertising and marketing budget, developing business partnerships has been really helped me to get the word out about the services that I offer. For example, I have aligned myself with a DJ company as the preferred planner for their clients and am actively receiving business and referrals from this source. Also, due to my partnership with a t ...
Author: Andrea Pellettiere
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Fall Business Wake Up Tips
It is a chilly Saturday morning here in northern Michigan and I am curled up with a blanket and a delicious caramel capuccino on my loveseat. I don't usually write longhand anymore but the home office just doesn't appeal to me this morning. So here I am, pen and paper in hand. My neighbor is busy in his yard, wearing long sleeves of course. Our cool summer has been a disappointment to many and now it's nearly over. It looks like my friend's accross the street are preparing for one more ...
Author: Kelly McCausey
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Pull Them, Don't Push Them
This article is primarily directed toward people who work at home in a business that happens to involve network marketing. I am often contacted by members of my business team with complaints regarding a lack of response or lack of action on the part of their affiliates. Their complaints typically go something like..."I send out lots of emails to all of them and I very rarely get any response and it seems like very few of them are taking any action. What am I doing wrong?". There a ...
Author: Kirk Bannerman
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Don't Let A Home Business Cost You Your Family
Does the title of this article sound funny to you? To some, it may not only seem funny but downright silly. To others, it may be offensive also. On the surface, it does sound like a funny topic for an article. When we look deeper, it can be a very serious problem that needs to be addressed. Now I’m sure that most of us have either heard, or even personally known a family that has been damaged because the husband/father pours all of his time and efforts into a job or career. His wife nev ...
Author: Craig Binkley
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Are You In It For The Long Haul?
Do you own a home business? Now I'm not talking about the twice yearly yard sale. I am talking about a legitimate home based business. It doesn't matter what type of business you are running affiliate marketing, ecommerce website, ebay auctions, etc.). The question remains the same: Are you in it for the long haul? What exactly is the "long haul" you may ask? I consider the long haul sticking with something long enough to truly determine if it is something that is going to work for you. ...
Author: Craig Binkley
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Love What You Do
"Do what you love and love what you do." That is a pretty simple philosophy but one that not many people follow. If they did they would not only be happier but more successful too. I recently wrote an article that was dedicated to my Dad who passed away after 70 years in his own business. I wrote that one of the reasons for his longevity and success was his passion for what he was doing. Obviously to continue working well into your 80s you have to love what ...
Author: Jim Capobianco
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Business Start Ups...Let's Play Ball
Starting a business is like starting your own baseball team. Start-up (Spring training) is when you are doing your research, deciding on a business name, zoning requirements, setting up your business, deciding on what form your business will take (sole proprietorship, corporation, LLC). You're assembling all the parts of your business (team), getting ready for the season (your opening day). Once spring training is over, and the season begins (your business is open) you start making your ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Where Business Ideas Come From
I was reading the local paper and came across a picture of the cleanest garage I ever saw. In addition to a picture of the garage there was a picture of a gentlemen, in his late 60's cleaning the cobwebs with an extension pole. I thought to myself I have never seen a garage so clean in my life. The accompanying article was discussing how this individual and another had painted and put cabinets in their garages, and how you could eat off this garage floor. Now we have all seen those sto ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Unsung Heroes! Small and Homebased Business Owners
The homebased and small business owner is the "Unsung Hero". Why? The small business owner and today even the homebased business owner are the cornerstones of our society. The homebased business owner employs a number of independent contractors. Small businesses account for a large percentage of our economic work force. Think of the homebased and small business owner as the leaders of a team. They organize their team, tell them the strategy they want to be followed and how to implement ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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The Angry and Sometimes Grumpy Children of the 1950's
A bunch of us in our late 40's and early 50's got together the other night, and after the evening was over I started thinking that many of us born in the 1950's are in a crisis stage. People can't understand why we are so angry and grumpy sometimes. This article discusses some of the issues we have with society today and might enlighten others (the younger set) as to why we seem so disillusioned, and out of sorts at times. The consensus of the group was "is this all there is." We've bee ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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The Art Of Cold Calling
I know, don't groan. You have to do them if you want to get properties and make money. Believe me, I used to hate cold calling. For those of you that have read our book, "Who Makes It Happen: Back On The Road To Success With Creative Real Estate", remember it used to take me an hour to get on the phone and then after 30 minutes I was ready to hang up. I've learned over time to not think of telephoning as cold calling, but how I can help a seller or buyer. I realize if I make so many cal ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Take It To The Customer
In the past, purchasing ad space was the solution to every entrepreneur's marketing challenge. Then it was direct mail, followed by telemarketing. But with advertising and postage costs on the rise, these tactics have lost some of their appeal. Today the competition is fierce for a customers' attention. In order to compete, you need to employ take-it-to-the-customer techniques. Some of these techniques can include attending trade shows, seminars, and sending them to your website. < ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Defining Your Goals
Probably one of the most important things we do with our Partnering For Your Success students is to help them define their goals. We discuss their need for both short and long term goals. This might sound trite to you, or you might say, Yeah, everyone says to define my short term and long term goals. Well, this is said and emphasized for a very important reason. These short term and long term goals help define how you will run your business, how much time you will need to spend, and wh ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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How Do I Define My Market?
Your market is who you want to reach. Your customer. Who is your average customer? What is your estimate of total market size? What territory do you intend to serve? Will you offer a variety of products or services? The more specific you are, the better definition of your customer (what their characteristics are), the easier it will be to more clearly define your market. Many times you can obtain your Unique Selling Position (USP) from your customer. You need a USP to stand out ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Do You Have A Press Package?
How do you make a friend of the media? A press package can go a long way in helping you deal with the media. It allows you to have everything you need handy. Many individuals in the media will ask you to send yourpress package to them, so it is very important to be sure to make one up and to keep it up to date. What does a press package contain? 1. Your biography
2. Your picture
3. Information on Your Company
4. Press Releases
5. Any articles written about you< ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Making Money Without Being Perfect...
Making Money Online Without Being Perfect (or Spending A Fortune!) I've always been fascinated that you can make money in business without being perfect. Like horseshoes, just being close can make you a big winner. I wish they had taught me this in a business class. I would have succeeded sooner. I've learned this from long experience. I understand now that taking action makes me money. Trying to be perfect just makes me frustrated! I think new people are often intimid ...
Author: Shawn Casey
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Tools for Constructing the Road to Success
Too many times in the pursuit of our dreams, we loose sight of the total picture and instead settle on a small piece of it. A job, any job, whether it is in the conventional job market or any one of a number of work from home ventures all require the same thing - people of vision. Vision sees the entire portrait, balanced, controlled, and proportionate while focus concentrates solely on one aspect of the portrait. Don’t misunderstand, having focus is not a bad thing as long as it doesn’ ...
Author: Chas Brothers
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Does Your Business Need An Attitude Adjustment
First you need to: Change your attitude. I know you feel you have a good reason for feeling bad. However, instead of moaning and groaning about why me, ask yourself how you can turn the situation around. It’s better than feeling sorry for yourself, and a lot more productive. You may not have all the answers you need immediately. It is important, though, that you are asking questions. Eventually you will ask the right questions, and move forward. Second, it is very important that you be ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Keeping Abreast Of Your Domain ...Updates and Keeping Up With It All
Another major complaint that most business owners have is all the reading they need to do to keep abreast of what is happening in their business area. Again time management and organization can be a tremendous help. Be sure to put your reading times in your daily schedule. Schedule a half hour in the morning to read at least one article in a magazine. While having lunch, read updates or small bulletins. Make a folder in your e-mail program and organize the articles and ne ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Eight Steps To A Great Marketing Plan
Step 1: Where Am I Now? Before you decide where you want your marketing plan to take you,you need to find out where you are now. How have you positioned your business in the market? How do your customers see you? You may want to ask some of them for feedback. Write four or five paragraphs that summarize your business. Be sure to include philosophy, strengths and weaknesses. Step 2: Setting the Goal(s) Once you decide where you are, you can decide where you want to go. What ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Importance of Endorsements And How To Use Them
Customer endorsements are an inexpensive and easy sales tool, particularly for someone just starting out. Here are some tips on how to get them and use them: Send follow-up letters. Two to four weeks after working with a customer, send a survey letter or postcard. Be sure to leave space for them to write in their own words what they liked best about your company, product or service. Don't forget to pay for the postage so they can easily return it to you. This is something we do fo ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Ethics in Business...A Lost Art
While watching Face the Nation one Sunday earlier this year, Bob Schiffer discussed the airline industry, his mother and ethics in business. Like Bob, I think it is a sad commentary today, that we have to police businesses. Whatever happened to going into business to provide a needed service, being loyal to employees, and keeping promises. It seems like no one today is concerned about doing good business or being ethical in the process. Our forefathers would be ashamed at what this soc ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Businesses - Leisurely Dining Or Fast Food
It occurred to me the other day, that so many people today liken their businesses to the way they eat - fast. Think about it. All over the web we are inundated with... make $1000's of dollars a day, make $10,000 a month, make a million by the end of the year. Everyone is looking for the magic formula or the magic bullet to get rich quick...fast. They want their business to succeed in the time it takes to get their hamburger or chicken sandwich. No wait, no delay of gratification. I want it no ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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How To Realistically Set Your Fees - Part 1
Calculating Billable Hours Myth Vs. Reality We all know there are 52 weeks in a year and 40 working hours in a week. Therefore, we can bill 2080 hours per year, right. Wrong. Too often this is the trap that many new service businesses fall into. The first step in calculating your billable hours is to define a realistic working year. If you were employed elsewhere, you would expect or want at least two weeks vacation time, one week sick time, one week personal time and paid holiday ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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How To Realistically Set Your Fees - Part 2
Effect of Expenses The last article examined how to calculate your realistic billable hours. If you remember, we arrived at approximately 1100 hours in a year. To earn our mythical $46,000 per year, you needed to bill at a rate of $42 per hour. Now we need to take into account the expenses of running a business and see where those put our hourly rate. Most costs fall into three general categories: business and office expenses; salary and personal taxes; and, benefits and profit ma ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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How To Realistically Set Your Fees - Part 3
Effect of Benefits We have previously examined realistic billable hours and the effect of business expenses on your hourly rate. Now we'll look at the effect of benefits. Once upon at time, when we were employed, we received a benefits package from our employer. This usually included health, life and disability insurance. Many firms also had available pension programs, profit sharing, dental and vision coverage. In addition, one-half of your social security was paid by your employ ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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How To Realistically Set Your Fees - Part 4
Effect Of Bad Debts So far, we have covered the major factors involved in setting your fee structure. We have set a realistic number of billable hours, calculated the effect of expenses and taken into account the cost of a benefit package. This has brought us to an hourly rate of $77. By charging $77 per hour, you will have an income of $46,000 per year, plus benefits. What happens when you have a client that does not pay you for your services? What happens if a customer g ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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How To Realistically Set Your Fees - Part 5
How To Raise Your Fees There comes a time when it is inevitable that you must raise your fees in order to maintain both your profit margin and income level. You will find that the greatest resistance to this comes from your oldest clients. There appears to be a direct correlation between the length of time a client is with you and the amount of outrage they show to your rate increase. This article will discuss the types of clients and how they usually react. Keep in mind, n ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Getting Started
One of the first things we do with our Partnering For Your Success students is to have them plan out how many hours they can spend on lease purchasing. We know that many of you are working and want to start part-time. Well the best way to do this is to take a calendar and to put in the times you will work your lease purchasing business, or whatever business you want to get started. Your initial planning is the key. The number of hours you can spend, getting your identity package ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Getting A Handle On Your Telephone Time
Keep in mind that the phone will likely derail your schedule if you let it. Put the answering machine on during working hours. When you do choose to answer the phone (and remember, it's a choice, not a requirement), limit the time you spend on each call. That's easier said than done, which is why you should keep an egg timer near your office phone. Set it for five minutes to help put a limit on calls that might otherwise make your day spin out of control. 1. Return calls. Schedule at l ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Getting Noticed!
One of the best ways to get your name out in your local community is to become a sponsor. A few hundred dollars gets your company name on little League caps; a little more, perhaps an ad at a roller rink. Donate money or materials to the local parade or a float. This buys goodwill and is great self-promotion. If you provide a service donate that. For example, when we operated a word processing business we offered to do resumes for free for those out of work. If you are a hair stylist, offer t ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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How To Give Yourself A $20,000/Year Raise Without Asking Your Boss
Why without asking your boss? Two reasons, one, he or she will most likely say no; and second, he or she will probably have you committed for asking. So what do you do. Give the raise to yourself. Impossible you say. Chuck and Sue are crazy. Not at all. Here's how. You know we love the Creative Real Estate niche of Lease Purchasing and you know we believe it to be the perfect home-based business. But, did you know you can use these same methods in your spare time ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Realistic Goals...How To Set Them and Why
So many people want to start a business today and be rich tomorrow. Sorry, people it doesn't happen that way. If it did, everyone would do it. There is no free lunch...it takes hard work, determination and realistic goal setting. Think about the businesses you have worked at, look at the businesses in your community. I mean really look. When you go to the dry cleaners, how many other people are there also. Think about what it takes for that dry cleaner to open every day. How many peopl ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Guidelines For Choosing A Guru, Coach Or Mentor
The following tips are meant as a guide for those of you who wish to enter into a coaching or mentoring relationship with a Guru, Coach or Mentor. 1. If you are not going to work with the individual you are paying, don't do it. You need to work with the individual who's charging you, so you can have accountability from him/her. 2. Take a very close look at the cost/benefit ratio of the relationship. Is similar information or help available at a lower cost or from other sources. Pl ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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How Do I Implement The Lease Purchase Plan?
Well, as we have discussed in previous newsletters first you have to set up goals for yourself, both long term and short term. Don’t forget these goals define how your business is run. They will determine what you do on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. The best way to do this is to picture yourself a year down the road. Close your eyes and get a mental picture of where you want to be, what you want to have, how you want to look, then open your eyes and write all that down on paper or speak ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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In Business, Image Isn't Everything; It's The Only Thing!
We have all heard this lament, but how much do we practice it. With all the relaxed rules today, do we really present ourselves in the best light. It seems all the articles I see today are about how old fashioned today's workers find their supervisors or bosses to be in the way they dress, the policies they implement and the old fashioned ways in which they conduct their business. I am of the belief, and will continue to believe, that the first impression I make is the lasting one. Whet ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Is Your Business Safe?
Well, is it! Do you back up your files on a regular basis? Do you have a back up plan in place? What’s important to your business and what isn’t? What happens if you get hurt, who will run your business? Do you have customers come to your business? What if they get hurt, are you covered? What about all the equipment you have, is it covered? These are all questions a home based business owner, (in fact, any business owner) should have answers to and plans in place for. You must hav ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Losing Angry Customers
This article offers five ways to help you deal with angry customers. While the goal of all businesses is to have only happy customers, we also have to be realistic and realize sometimes we are going to anger a customer. Isn’t it best to know in advance how to deal with an angry one, of course it is. Read on….. Handle the person first, then the problem. Let angry people vent their frustrations. This alone will go a long way toward resolving the problem. Many times people just need to let ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Networking - It's Important!
Networking opportunities are everywhere. Don't let them pass you by. 1. Recognize that there is more to networking than greeting people. Develop a step-by-step plan for how you'll build relationships and how you can effectively tell your story. Don't forget your 30 second commercial to tell your story. 2. Zero in on specific groups of people. Who are the ideal prospects for your business? Do they live nearby? What activities do they participate in? Try networking groups meetings. ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Finding Your Niche
Have you found your niche? If you really want to find out, you need to answer the following questions: 1. Is your business the only one of its kind in town? 2. Do people consider your service first and price later? 3. How can prospective customers tell you apart from the masses of businesses in similar fields? 4. Who are your target clients? 5. Who aren't your target clients? 6. Do you turn down certain kinds of business if it falls outside your nich ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Getting Organized For The New Year - Part 1
The following procedures will insure an organized and well run office. 1. Have a daily To Do sheet. This is made up at the end of the day. You might have items left over from the previous day, put those items first and work from there. If you make deposits on a daily basis, add them to the list. Plan to file at the end of the day or before/after lunch breaks. Doing this daily will avoid the "pile syndrome". This list should also include any marketing strategies you employ. This will ins ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Getting Organized For The New Year - Part 2
In part 1, we discussed a system you could use to organize your office. In this article we will discuss what material is needed to implement that system. You will need the following items for your office system. Calendar/Daily Planner; Accordion File (1-31); Manila Files with the Months of the Year (Or you can make them up yourself - a lot less expensive); Hanging Files; Manila Files; Boxes and Envelopes (9 x 12). The calendar/daily planner will contain all appointments, meetings ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Paralysis By Analysis
Every day we get emails and telephone calls from people who want to get started in Real Estate. We hear, I am just checking out your program. Or, I’ve been researching for the past six months to try and find a program. While researching and checking out programs is an important step, so many of these individuals never follow through to the next step, which is getting started and moving forward. Making a decision on starting a business or a program to help you start a business is the ne ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Parenting and Running a Home-Based Business
An Ann Landers column "Parenthood is not a job for the weak at heart" caught my interest. Job Description for a Parent Position: Parent Job Description: Long-term player needed for challenging, permanent work in chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts. There is some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weeke ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Realization of Dreams
We all have dreams. Some of us dream about winning the lottery and never having to work again (also the most unrealistic dream). Others dream of going to college, retirement, travel. Still others dream of working from their home. Some even want to run their own business. Whatever your dreams are, the realization of them is extremely important. We need our dreams to keep us going. For many of us our destiny is based on what dreams we have for ourselves. Think of your dreams as mini goal ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Using Those Business Cards
One of the first things you do when starting a business is to have business cards made up. The next thing you need to do is give them out. If you keep them in the card holders or the box in your office, they are not doing what you got them for. You should send a card out with any correspondence you send. You should tell all your friends and family what you are doing. Give them a bunch of cards to give to others. Do you go to a dry cleaner? A special car repair place? What about t ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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10 Killer Ways to Promote Your New MLM Program
Terrible isn't it? You just joined this wonderful new MLM and you're rearing to go! Then you think... go where and how?? Here are 10 ways to promote your MLM that'll get you started on the way to your first recruits 1. Free classifieds - Though not as great as they once were, if your MLM program is free to join you will get some takers. The trick is to keep posting often and keep your ad up there. 2. Ezine Ads - These are cost effective and very targeted so you don't waste y ...
Author: John Stafford
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Reaching For The Brass Ring
So, you’ve decided to go into business for yourself to capture your part of the “American Dream”. Now that that’s all settled where the heck do we go from here? Many people wake up each day because an alarm clock is beckoning them to their same old day in day out J-O-B (Just over Broke). They work the same hours, are in debt past their eyeballs, and all appear to have that “deer in headlights” look. The real tragedy is that these average people, you, and me, your neighbor, can hav ...
Author: Chas Brothers
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7 Attributes of a Successful Home Biz Opportunity
Many people are looking for a home business to
give them financial freedom. With so many small
business opportunities to choose from, how do you
discern a truly great home business from the
wannabes? Rather than take a gamble with your
future financial security read on to find out
exactly what to look for with these seven keys to
home business success. Key 1: How big is the market? What type of people
would be interested in the products and services?
...
Author: Kim Beardsmore
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How To Better Handle Your Mail
Letters, magazines, bills, flyers, what to do with them all. There should be only two responses to every piece of mail or e-mail, do something with it, or toss it! The best way, as always, to deal with it all is in an organized fashion. One of the quickest ways to do this is to have the following folders: A red one for things that must be dealt with immediately. This would include anything that needs an immediate response, something that has to be done today. A letter you ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Increase Your Sales - Accept Credit Cards
Many people today simply prefer the convenience of paying by credit card. If you want their business, you must be able to accept their credit-card payments. In part one of this series we will discuss why you should accept credit cards, and the basics of getting merchant status. Part two will deal with objections you might get, which credit cards to accept, and the check paying option. Obtaining merchant status, which allows you to accept credit-card payments, might seem like an u ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Increase Your Sales Accept Credit Cards, Part 2
In part two we will discuss overcoming objections, which credit cards to accept and using the check paying option. If your business is home-based or has been in operation for less than two years, you’re likely to face objections from the bank. If yours is a home-based or a brand-new company, be sure to meet with the banker to show your business plan, offer collateral and discuss your personal net worth. You are more likely to be able to overcome objections by being open and honest ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Juggling It All
As we have mentioned in other articles, having a trigger to start your day is very important. One of the major problems with people running businesses from their home is starting the work day. For many of us seasoned home based business owners it's a trigger. A trigger can be making a cup of coffee and taking it to the office, getting the kids off to school, after your morning jog or workout; it can be any one of a number of things. A trigger is very dependent upon the individual. Our ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Juggling The Day With A Deal
Doing deals with sellers is why you went into lease purchasing. Again, using organization and time management is very important here. We find the biggest problem beginners have is that they spend too much time going out to look at property. We teach our students that you do not leave the office unless you are certain there is a deal. Remember, you are not a Realtor. You are not getting paid to look at houses all day, so you need to be sure before you leave your office there is a deal. T ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Letting Them Use Plastic
Obtaining merchant status will help to increase your sales. Consumers are becoming creatures of convenience; when dealing with businesses—large or small—they desire ease of transaction. That most frequently translates into the ability to pay for services rendered or product purchases via credit card. Small businesses are often denied merchant status because they can’t prove to the bank that they are good risks. You must establish and demonstrate a track record before a bank or ind ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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The Many Benefits Of Lease Purchasing
Lease Purchasing affords wonderful benefits and opportunities to sellers, buyers, investors and those who would like to operate a home-based business. Lease Purchasing allows you to control property without ownership which has benefits for all. What Is A Lease Purchase? A Lease Purchase is a process that combines a basic rental lease with an agreement to purchase, or with an option to purchase the property. The Buyer (or Lease-Purchaser) pays to the seller a monthly payment that u ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Various Aspects Of The Lease Purchase Business
In a previous article, we wrote why we believe that Lease Purchasing is the perfect home-based business, here we want to briefly touch on some of the actual aspects of operating such a business, the pluses and minuses and why Lease Purchasing represents a win-win situation for the seller, the tenant/buyer and just as importantly, you, as the business owner. One of your goals in operating a Lease Purchase business is to contract for property that you then move to the tenant/buyer. There ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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What Can I Realistically Earn In A Lease Purchase Business?
If you're looking at Lease Purchasing as a business, you'll obviously want to earn much more than the $20,000 per year in our "How To Give Yourself A $20,000/Year Raise Without Asking Your Boss" article. Let's review the numbers from that article: For every 100 calls Sue makes on For Sale By Owner property, she either speaks with or leaves messages for about 60%. That's about 60 people she puts the concept of Lease Purchasing in front of. Out of that 60, approximately 10 wi ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Make the Media Your Friend
The media (newspaper, radio, television) can be of enormous help to the small and home based business. So, it is very important that you develop a relationship with them. When you first start your business, inform your local newspaper by using a press release that you are starting a new business. Almost all newspapers have a section which announces new businesses. So check out that section, call the newspaper and ask who you would send your release to and in what format they want the i ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Marketing Worksheet
Even the world’s best marketing strategy won’t work for you if it’s not well-planned, and the best way to do that is to develop a customized work sheet for each client. Here’s how to start: First, list each company’s top executives, products, and services. Make sure your marketing effort is aimed at the right individual. Second, describe the products or services that you think best apply to each client. This is not a sales forecast but rather a listing of products you think ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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What Is A Mission Statement?
In order to do your mission statement you need to be able to answer the following: Why should this business exist? Who will be its customers and how will it benefit them? Why will they be better off? These questions are easy to answer for Lease Purchasing. Why should it exist because it provides a creative strategy for both buyers and sellers to either move their home or get into a home in 30 days or less; saves them money, gives them more options, etc. If you don' ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Marketing Tips 101 - Where Can I Get Clients From?
The following tips have come from a wide variety of sources; some from other successful businesses we know, some from our Home-Based and Small Business Support Group meetings and some we've developed by trial and error. Some of the ways to get clients are: contact previous employers; mailing lists; cold call your target market; attend group meetings and seminars for your target market (conventions for doctors, lawyers; computer seminars); attend local Chamber of Commerce meetings; join ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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How Can I Get Name Recognition?
Some of the ways in which to get your "name out there" are to call your local television and radio stations, and ascertain whether there is a medium you can get your name in. A very good source are public stations that hold auctions, at which you can donate your services. Talk shows, both radio and television. Do something to get yourself noticed and send it to them. For example, we sent a fax to the television and radio stations that for anyone who was unemployed we would do a typeset resume ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Your 30 Second Commercial
This tip is so simple, that many people we've talked with never bother using it, but it is highly effective. Prepare a 30 second verbal commercial about what your business offers. This should be 50 words or less, and practice saying it until it becomes second nature. End it with phrases such as "I'd love to have you as a client" or "I'd like to do business with you". For example, my 30 second commercial goes like this: "Hi, my name is Sue DeFiore and I'm a lease purchase consultant. I c ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Marketing Tips- Who Are You Competing With?
Before you can market, you need to know who you are marketing to. Who is your customer? How will you market? Will you cold call, mail, set appointments or employ a walk in approach? Be careful with the walk in approach as many businesses do not permit soliciting. You might just want to drop off information and follow up with a telephone call. In order to determine who your market is look at your business plan. How did you define your average customer? What was your estimate of total mar ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Marketing Tips - Advertising
Typical methods of advertising-newspapers, radio and television are effective if used properly, but there are other, less expensive ways to get your company's name out. Local or cable television is an inexpensive alternative to the traditional forms of advertising. Even if you have no experience advertising in this medium, there are companies who specialize in lending a helping hand. Even if finances are a concern (as they are for most of us), you'll be surprised to discover a 30 second ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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How To Improve Your Negotiating Skills
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Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Networking 101
As a new business owner you must wear many hats. You will need knowledge of accounting, marketing, advertising, management, administration, inventory, sales, etc., in addition to knowledge pertaining to your industry. Since you may be very proficient in some of these areas, but not in others, reading and learning about these other areas is imperative. Of course, the question is, when do I find the time. This is where networking comes in. Your network of contacts is your support group fo ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Networking Tips -Getting An 800 Number
Another way to network is by using an 800 number and establishing a network of experts to refer your clients/customers to. An 800 number provides a way for your customers to reach you. You can answer information needs, resolve problems and obtain information from your customers. You will of course need to publicize your 800 number in your promotional materials, and advertisements. The best way to get the most out of your 800 number is to have a definitive plan on how you will employ it. Will ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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Networking - "Outside The Box"
We receive numerous emails regarding how to network. For those of us in lease purchasing it's easy, for others not so easy. For example, those in the travel business have been hit hard by business slowing down. Why not try to network with some of the tanning salons, and offer discounts to those individuals for cruises and/or exotic locals. Or network with B&B owners in your own state or neighboring states and offer your customers weekend package deals. Spas are becoming very popular. Network ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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How To Get New Business
Market, Market and then market some more. So many small and home-business owners do what we call spot marketing. They market hard for their business, get a response then stop marketing. Marketing must be an ongoing process. Let's repeat that...Marketing Must Be An On Going Process. In addition, you should have multiple marketing strategies. For example, we market on the internet through newsgroups, newsletters, press releases, forums, writing articles. We also market by running support ...
Author: Sue And Chuck DeFiore
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