« September 2006 | Main | November 2006 »
October 31, 2006
Fixed Asset Management Software
Since there is a vast diversity in fixed assets in the modern business world, doing it by hand or manually has become a very cumbersome task. This is where technology comes in; to the aid people, and to bail them out, literally!
Fixed asset management software is actually what people typically do by hand which include: inventory and tracking of fixed assets (sometimes includes the portable ones which are not moved for a long time, monitoring maintenance of the assets, keeping tracks of the interlinked assets (such as leases, insurance policies, contacts, etc), managing and maintaining currency assets, and where is the case keeping track of the conversion in other currencies. This is not an exhaustive list, but nonetheless one which covers a lot of ground.
Read the whole article Fixed Asset Management Software
Posted by David at 9:58 PM | TrackBack
eBay Selling 101
For years now, everyone has talked about eBay and the possibilities of getting rich from sales on the auction site. However, you never believe such stories quickly, and now that it’s been going strong for so long, you have finally thought about jumping on board. Another popular site that helps in selling items is dominating cb. Back onto the subject of ebay, you know absolutely nothing about how the site actually functions. You can’t begin to imagine selling items on the Internet and having strangers pay you through an online service. How does it all work?
First of all, eBay requires all users to register. As purchases are completed, members become “verified” and receive feedback from other buyers and sellers regarding their satisfaction with the transaction. You can read through any member’s feedback or view a percentage of satisfied customers for anyone prior to engaging in your transaction.
Basically, eBay allows people wishing to dispense with items or sell merchandise to reap the greatest possible benefit by offering the entire nation (and even many in international locations) to bid on the item for sale, just as they would at a physical auction. At the same time, buyers can review an item and decide themselves how much they are willing to pay to purchase the item. A buyer will set their own price (which must at least meet the minimum request set by the seller), and the highest bidder wins the item.
Several payment options are available; money orders are accepted by most eBay sellers, and some will accept personal and cashier’s checks. However, the preferred method of payment by most is eBay’s PayPal service. This allows individuals to pay either by credit or debit, or by electronic check. The money is deposited into the seller’s “account”, and it can either be used to pay for eBay fees and other merchandise, or a PayPal debit card can be issued so that the money can be used anywhere that major credit cards are accepted.
The eBay auction site is a great place for people to interact, as long as purchasers are willing to wait for the items to ship to them. Great discounts can be found, and many collectibles, antiques, and hard to find items are also available on eBay. It can also be a great source of income for sellers, supplementing a regular career or even becoming a career itself. Using eBay is easy, and with a little practice, you can become an expert at the process. Find great products to sell by visiting dominating clickbank
Posted by David at 7:48 PM | TrackBack
October 30, 2006
Data Recovery Expert
A data recovery expert is a computer technician or at least someone well-versed in the trade that handles the operation of recovering lost or accidentally deleted data. Many people turn to a data recovery expert in light of many of the possible computer problems they may have had that lead to a loss of data, important files, critical settings or other files and pieces of computer code that affect the running of the actual computer to the point that it may not even start up properly.
A data recovery expert monitors a lot of tasks and is responsible, effectively, for the operation of computers to the point at which lost data can be recovered and restored to its original setting. This can involve the usage and installation of a basic program or hours of undoing computer code to “turn back the clock” on a mistimed or mistaken computerized operation that resulted in data loss.
Continue to read Data Recovery Expert
Posted by David at 9:58 PM | TrackBack
Focus Group Online Paid Survey
Focus group Online surveys are commonly used by large companies to test their new products, so if you are interested in taking part at an online focus group survey or you are ready to pay for one read the following information.
Who does it work?
Those who usually host online focus group paid surveys provide a secure virtual meeting room using web-based technologies where people from around the world or just across the country are brought together to discuss a particular study needs.
To make sure that the qualified respondents are able to receive any audio visuals and to participate in the chat session which most of the times is part of the discussion, they are pre-screened for technical ability.
Once you enter the focus room you can operate within a chat room environment which is familiar to respond to direction and probing of the moderator. You can find a convenient location that meets your need and interact and also you will have full access to the dialog of all respondents.
Continue to read Focus Group Online Paid Survey
Posted by David at 8:48 PM | TrackBack
October 29, 2006
How to Talk Your Way to Your First Book
I frequently receive calls from consultants and professional speakers who want to write a book, but have neither the time nor the writing skills (sometimes one, sometimes both). The most frequent comment is, "I get stuck almost as soon as I sit down to write."
"That's your problem," I say.
"What?"
"Sitting down to write - that's your problem."
"Well, then how am I supposed to write a book?"
I say: "If you can talk, you can write."
I'm about to reveal to you a technique that will help you to get your book written in record time. Here are the seven steps to "speaking" your book.
You can read the rest of this article on the Solo-E Web site.
Also visit the web site where you can learn how to write a book.
Posted by David at 6:35 PM | TrackBack
October 27, 2006
The Success Factor: Finding Your Niche on eBay
You’ve spent a day or maybe two or three cruising around eBay. You even registered and bought that iPod skin your niece wants for her birthday. Now it’s time to get down to business; that is, your business. Just exactly what is it that you are going to sell on eBay? The right choice of product is one of the most important decisions you will make when you become an eBay seller. If you are already successfully selling products in a different environment, it is still important to select that perfect product from among your wares that is best suited to your eBay audience.
It is true that many people clean out their closets and turn a tidy penny auctioning off their loot on eBay. However, the day is long past when any moldy old pair of shoes from the back of the closet would be snapped up by an eager eBay buyer. Even if you did make a killing with last year’s snow boots, the detritus from your storage unit doesn’t make for much of a business plan. There are many people though who have built eBay businesses selling the contents of other people’s closets for them so that is one area at which you might want to look.
When considering your product, think along these lines:
Do you want to sell an item on eBay that ...
Posted by David at 11:44 PM | TrackBack
Creative Ways To Find Affiliates
You will be left in the dust if you don't find affiliates for your product. Don't try to go it all alone. You need people who "have your back." These are your affiliates.
With so many businesses hunting all the time for them, you must use creative ways to find affiliates. The many offers dangling out there to entice affiliates forces you wonder how do these businesses make any money? But make it they do.
Have you considered asking your Joint Venture Partner for help?
Go ahead, slowly wade into the Joint Venture waters. You know you need to recruit affiliates, ask for help from your Joint Venture Partners.
You came on board with your Joint Venture Partner because you felt he had something to offer your business. Now is the time to make approaches.
Your Joint Venture Partner has affiliates of his own. Ask him to bring you together with some of his top affiliates. Have your plan ready to offer them a certain amount of money per affiliate.
So what if you have to fork out more money than you had planned, don't despair. Sometimes that's the nature of the beast. Its the cost you have to pay for throwing your hat into the internet arena.
Remember, these are his top affiliates. If your proposal hits the sweet spot, you will do well. Think longer term. If things work out for you this time, these top selling affiliates will jump at the opportunity to work with your next launch.
While we are still on this segment, consider this!
If you are able to get really good affiliates, why not offer them full commission on the sale of your product? You would have to be thinking long term as this is a long term strategy. If all should go well, they would be the first to sign up for any future deals you may offer.
Indeed, it is true that many of these affiliates don't own established businesses. Maybe they don't want one. Their motivation could be different from yours, but you both need each other.
These guys have to put food on their table just like you. If these affiliates work hard for your product, you need to focus on providing them with the tools for success.
Give them a training course, the various ads, the banners and pre done ads.
How about offering your affiliates an autoresponder series to help market your product. More importantly, have your affiliates purchased your product? Do they know all of the ins and outs of your product?
If your product is expensive have you considered giving them an "abridged" version of your product? Put yourself in their shoes. Think from their perspective.
On to the final item up for consideration. Some have toyed with the idea of hiring a Manager of Affiliate Recruitment. The primary responsibility for the position would be to focus on recruiting the best affiliates for your product launch.
This one is a bit tricky but doable with some creativity. You could offer a tier based salary. What that does is it effectively ties the Recruit Managers salary directly into work performance.
The more top selling affiliates the recruiter manages to get, the more profits that come rolling in for you. That will in turn beef up the recruiters salary also. It's a win/win situation.
Remember that affiliates work hard doing what they do. They are seeking a reasonable return for their efforts. Many top selling affiliates are out there and with the right bait they can be reeled in.
Do you know what separates those who succeed from those who fail? Those who succeed are doers, action people. If you know that you can succeed on the internet, then you must take action now.
Posted by David at 10:07 PM | TrackBack
Mortgage Loan
In the past decades, it was believed that a mortgage loan is a mortgage loan no matter whichever is chosen. But this theory is not workable anymore because of the many mortgage loan products available in the market. So, before choosing a mortgage loan, it is very important to decide which one is right for you. Finding the right mortgage loan means balancing your mortgage options with your housing requirements and financial picture, now and in the future. Also the right mortgage is not just having the lowest interest rate but much more than that. And this ¡°much more¡± will be determined by your personal situation. Your personal situation and your limits to pay for monthly mortgage payments can be evaluated by answering the following questions:
What is your current financial situation (including income, savings, cash reserves and debt-to-cash ratio)?
How you expect your finances to changeover in the coming years?
Have you plan to return the mortgage loan before retirement?
How long you intend to keep your house?
How comfortable you are with your changing mortgage payment amount?
The answers to these questions will give you the idea of your financial position. Now the next step is to decide two key options:
mortgage length,
type of interest rate (fixed interest rate or adjustable interest rate).
The length of mortgage loan can be minimum 15 years; can be 20, or at maximum 30 years. While selecting a fixed or adjustable interest rate you should be aware of the facts that the adjustable interest rate mortgage is more risky because the interest rate will change, while a fixed-rate loan offers more stability because of the locked-in rate. You will be able to pay off a shorter-term loan more quickly, but your monthly payments will be substantially higher. Long-term fixed-rate loans are popular because they offer certainty, and many people find that they are easier to fit into their budget. Although, in long run they will cost you more, but you will have more available capital when you need it, and you will be less likely to default on the loan should an emergency arise.
In the light of above mentioned aspects, it is clear that the key to select the right mortgage loan for your needs should fit comfortably into your entire financial picture, that is having payments within your budget and comfortable level of risk connected to it.More Mortgage Loan Articles
Posted by David at 9:48 PM | TrackBack
Beginner's Guide to Ad Tracking
Do not try to marketing online without using an ad tracker, here is a quick and informative guide to get you started.
There is no difference, whether you are a small time entrepreneur or a big shot in the business world, you need to have an internet presence to maximize your profit. And you need to take help of all kinds of internet advertising tools to announce your presence in the cyber space. As in the real world, so with the virtual world; the ad campaigns will spread good words about your product among the prospective customers. But draining out resources on meaningless advertisements leads to nothing. The advertisements have to be adequate to the point of boosting up the sales of your product. In real world, various tools are employed to find out whether a certain set of advertising are effective. In the advertising terminology they are known as ad tracking research. In case of internet marketing, you need to stage these kinds of tracking researches to know which advertisements are working to your profit and which are not. The process that helps you to evaluate the worth of different ads in the cyber space is known as ad tracking.
Ask those super online-marketers and they will inform you that no online advertising campaign can bring you the expected result if they are not constantly monitored. Visitors to your site will come from several different sources. The art of advertising is founded on the behavioral tenets of human beings that are dubious and ever changing. So you can not predict flawlessly, which advertisement will work and which won't. So constant testing and modification is important and the system of ad tracking helps you to monitor the result of various advertisements, so that you get the clue, where to make improvements or changes.
It is basically a simple program that records every time a URL is clicked and where your visitor came from. It will also detect the browser and operating system used. Through an click tracker, it will also tell you the total hits and unique hits you receive. These records are stored in your machine and will help you to analyze the trends of responses over a specified time period. When you are online, you can follow you traffic in real time as there are very little delay in the programs showing your statistic.
You can find mainly two types of ad tracking program: Tracking Software and Tracking Service. The operation of two types of programs is more or less same. But they have certain distinctive features.
So far as the tracking software is concerned, it involves one time cost and installation. In this case your tracking URL carries your own domain name.
In the case of tracking services, the program is run by the provider's site. You have to pay a rental on monthly or annual basis for running the program. In this case your tracking URL's carry the supplier domain name.
When choosing between a service or a software there are many thing to bear in mind, what is your budget, how many visitors you expect to recieve, are you comfortable installing scripts your self and maybe the most important thing is how you want to present yourself. Even though many services are fantastic, there is something more trustworthy in running your own under your domain name.
Do you want to learn more about Ad Tracking then head over to our ad tracking article archive to find more quality content.
Posted by David at 1:17 PM | TrackBack
October 26, 2006
VoIP: Are You Ready For It?
Most probably, you have already heard about the VoIP phones. VoIP technolgy and VoIP phones are already around for quite sometime. As the internet technology continue with various sophisticated innovations, VoIP use is becoming increasingly popular. Now, VoIP is not only used in business.
Even ordinary folks are already finding the advantages of VoIP and are already hooked up in it. They find that it is affordable and practical. Many applications were available, some years ago that offers free VoIP phone services.
Now most of those that offered free are already charging fees for their services as VoIP phone provider. Already developed higher standards of quality every day. It proved that it is feasible for our future telecommunication industry.
If you do not know already, VoIP is Voice over Internet Protocol. Basically, that using your broadband connection, you can contact to other phones and talk. In order to take advantage of VoIP and accomplish phone calls comparable to a normal landline phone, you need high-speed internet connection. That, and a VoIP software, which you can download free.
There are telephone and internet service provider companies that are expanding continuously to allow for monthly VoIP phone services. AOL, Verizon and Sprint companies have VoIP phone offerings. Presently, eBay joined VoIP phone service providers and purchased the Skype VoIP software. Skype has millions of membership base.
Instant messaging programs such as MSN messager are using VoIP technology for years. Nowadays, these messaging programs already have voice-enabled features that accepts calls to a member of your contact list.
Speakers, microphone or headphones are just what you need to converse with anyone from anywhere in the world. These VoIP holds a special attraction for everyone, with a promise of affordable rates, or even none at all, you get to call without high telephone bills to bug you.
With instant messaging VoIP incorporates different areas into one program. With your voice enabled programs, you can hook up a digital camera, web cam and use video, while you are speaking on your microphone and listening to on your speakers, and you can type back and forth with your chat program. You could even write an email at the same time. The potential for VoIP phones use is nearly limitless.
Posted by David at 1:24 AM | TrackBack
October 25, 2006
A Free Term Life Insurance Quote Is Only Easy To Obtain
By searching online for life insurance, you can get a free term life insurance quote with no obligation to buy. In order to get the free term life insurance quote, you fill in the form on the appropriate page of the life insurance company website. You do have to make sure you provide honest answers to all the questions in order to get the life insurance you need.
Once the company receives your request for a free term life insurance quote, then an agent will carefully review the application and email a quote to you based on the term of the policy and the amount of the death benefit. You should not base the quote you receive on that of a friend or another family member because every individual is different in his/her needs. Because you are shopping for low cost term life insurance, you do need to request free quotes from at least three companies.
Term life insurance is only good for the life of the term. At the end of the term, you have the option to renew the policy, but you may not get it for the same free term life insurance quote as you started with. This is because your age has certainly changed and your needs in terms of a settlement have also changed. However, you still want to get the best rates possible for low cost term life insurance.
You do not have to be in perfect health to get a free term life insurance quote. In fact, you can get low cost life insurance without even having a medical exam. Even if you do have life-threatening diseases, you can get a free quote for term life insurance but it may not be the low cost term life insurance you are hoping for. This is because you are in a higher risk category because your chances of dying within the term are much greater. Even if the premiums are a little higher, you are still leaving something for your family and to pay for your funeral.
Posted by David at 2:36 AM | TrackBack
October 22, 2006
Five Steps To An Effective Time Management System
An effectime time management system can be adopted by anyone, at any time and in any situation whether it be work related or in a personal nature. Haphazard use of time is a "condition" suffered by the majority in all walks of life and until some time strategies are put into place, then effective time management will be only a "pipedream."
As a web publisher, how I use my time is crucial. There was a time when I wandered through a day without an end target; my productivity was inconsistent and my stress levels often went "through the roof." Can you identify with this? Here are some time management strategies I put into place which have served me well.
Good Time Management System
1. Making a list of things to do sounds like a well worn piece of advice. Well, in actual fact it is but let's be honest, how many people simply ignore this little time effective gem, dismissing it before giving it a try. Making a to do list will give you a starting point to achieve your daily tasks. In effect, it can help neutralize procrastination before it sets in. It's a "must do" time management exercise.
2. Writing a to do is one thing: prioritizing your list is another. Whether you write your list before going to bed ( highly recommended ) or first thing in the morning, list your tasks in order of importance.
3. One thing I found extremely powerful was completing my most difficult tasks first. As a writer, getting going is a tough thing to do. Writing articles for distribution is always hardest when you've already spent most of your day working. I simply prioritized my to do list by making my article writing the first item of my work day. It's amazing how much more creative you can be when your mind is fresh. Writing is a chore most detest so why leave it until late in the day when tiredness is fast creeping in.
4. My work day used to finish whenever I completed my last task. Not anymore. Since prioritizing in order of importance, I am now very comfortable in holding over work to the following day. My work day starts at 8:00am religiously every day and finishes at 3:00pm. There are no exceptions. Working from home gives me a few advantages and one is my short commute to my office. During those seven hours I am focussed on productivity. After 3:00pm, it's time to relax and get in a little recreation. An effective time management system for me has meant that I now have a good balance between work and play.
5. Creating a good balance is vital in maintaining low stress levels. I have trained myself in achieving this through a personal reward system. It's my end-of-the-day goal. When the clock strikes three, I know I have been extremely focussed and productive. Now it's time for my reward. This can be anything you want it to be. In my case, all I will say is that my house is just a short stroll to the local beach!
An effective time management system doesn't have to be complicated. Don't get hung up on the term time management. It is what it is. It's what best suits your situation. Work out a plan for yourself then stick to it.
Posted by David at 11:29 PM | TrackBack
Social Bookmarking (and how to do tagging and pinging)
This is a rough guide to Social Bookmarking and a site promotion technique called Tagging and Pinging
. It is not definitive, it is based upon the author’s imperfect understanding and memory.
Context.
First there was the web. And it was small and everybody knew each other.
Then it grew and David Filo and Jerry Yang made a list of all the websites they knew about, then they asked other people to add sites to their list. That is what became Yahoo! - not the first search engine, but the first major internet directory. It was managed and run by humans, based upon their likes and dislikes.
Then the internet grew some more, it was bigger than humans could deal with... More at: Social Bookmarking
Posted by David at 7:52 PM | TrackBack
October 21, 2006
Foreign Based Real Estate: Another Way To Optimize An IRA Account For Wealth Accumulation
Incorporating a foreign-based real estate property into your self-directed IRA real estate portfolio is a transaction allowed by the Internal Revenue Service that is to say they don’t disallow IRA investments in real estate as long as you are properly set up with a self directed IRA company. The reason not many people have done it is (a) they are not that interested in investing in other countries for lack of information about that country’s economic and political climate, (b) a significant number of IRA advisers do not recommend it because of the visibility argument, (c) custodial rules do not compel IRA custodians to offer foreign real estate as an investment option.
The opportunity to optimize an IRA account for wealth accumulation may be jeopardized if IRA holder and would-be retirees do not look beyond their geographical borders to include a foreign property. A self-directed IRA real estate account can offer a wider-based global area for foreign real estate if properly set up. There are pockets and clusters of geographical entities worldwide Europe (both eastern and western), Asia, some Arab countries (Dubai is a shining example), and the Asia Pacific regions where real estate property investing is going at a feverish pace.
There is world of difference between a competent self directed IRA advisor from others who are too parochial in their thinking and carry around a small town mentality. Since a properly set up self-directed IRA real estate account does not prohibit the acquisition of foreign-based real estate, then why should individual be deprived of the possibility of building assets with lucrative options outside North America?
This is what the self-directed component means individuals have carte blanche to look into alternative investment possibilities. Millions of Europeans have, for a long time, looked outside their own borders, scooping up ski resorts in places like Spain and Portugal, Bulgaria, and Costa Rica. These countries have become so popular among foreign investors that properties have increased in value tremendously. Real estate developers and promoters are now on a scavenger hunt in less well-known countries so they can offer projects to interested investors including investors with self directed IRA accounts.
For another article by Joshua Geary visit the link: How to Purchase Foreign Real Estate In Your IRA, Who Said It Can't Be Done?
Posted by David at 7:02 PM | TrackBack
Seek Professional Advice Before Starting Your Own Business
About two years ago, my husband and I decided to research what starting your own business would be like. He knew his industry and area of expertise incredibly well and we had known several people who successfully started their own businesses and loved it. Starting your own business sounded like a great idea and something that we figured we could accomplish.
My parents advised us to slow down and think before we got in over our heads or signed on any dotted lines. We figured, we were grown up and knew what we were doing. Afterall, I had just turned 30 years old - I was capable of knowing what starting your own business would entail. Now that I look back, I realize that I should have listened to my parents when they gave out advice on starting your own business. I would still have supported my husband 100% but we definitely would have done some things incredibly differently.
Starting your own business isn't just a decision that you make overnight. Trust me on that fact and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You need to realize that starting your own business will affect your life in every way possible and could really dampen your personal financial situation greatly for the first few years. I never thought about the fact that starting your own business doesn't mean that the profits are going to start rolling in. In fact, even if your starting your own business starts off as a huge success, that doesn't mean that you can even touch your profits right away. There are so many more expenses involved in starting your own business than I would have ever guessed. While the profits were steadily moving in for us starting on the first day, our business loan and overextended credit needed to be taken care of first.
Read the rest of this article here: Starting Your Own Business
Posted by David at 10:16 AM | TrackBack
Five Ways To Avoid Paid Online Survey Scams
Have you joined the survey scene yet? Has the negativity surrounding scams put you off? While it can be like a "shark infested ocean" on the world wide web, with a little due diligence, you can avoid many of the pitfalls and find the "diamonds in the rough."
Surveys, online and offline, can be lucrative to the extent they can generate some serious extra income for you. There are several ways to spot the good from the bad but it's important to remember if you are a "survey virgin" just take your time and don't be tempted to jump into the first survey you come across.
Survey Danger Signs To Avoid
Due diligence involves analysing several aspects of a survey offer and with a little practice on your part and some references from reliable sources, then you can be well on your way in earning some extra income. Let's take a look at some danger signs to avoid.
- The first golden rule is always; if it's too good to be true then it usually is. I never get tired of telling eager opportunists this.
- Look out for extremely attractive offers which don't seem to fit the situation. By this I mean if a survey is only going to take you 5 minutes to complete online and you are being offered outrageous incentives to take it, I'd suggest give it a wide berth!
- Always check to see if a site has contact information. Preferably phone contact; in fact, I am so rigid that if I cannot contact them by phone I usually move on. However, email support is usually sufficient and a good way to test this is to send an email. Firstly, you are checking to see if you get a response and secondly, the response time factor is very important.
- Look out for the outrageous testimonials. You know the type...documented reports featuring customers grinning from ear to ear. These can be easily fabricated but before you decide it's a scam, do a background check on the site. See if they have contact details. Just don't be tempted to jump at an opportunity and give all your personal details and then regret it later.
- Be wary of sites which require an up front membership fee. Free sites usually provide the same information such as a list of survey sites for you to explore. Be wary of any grand guarantees and make sure there is scope for you to get your money back.
In a sense, the above points are basically simple common sense. One area that is disturbing to many is the number of elderly people can who fall victim to survey scams. First time internet or inexperienced onliners are ideal targets for many unscrupulous operators. The sad part is, there are excellent paid online survey sites and opportunities out there but the trick is, "wading through the seaweed" to find them.
Posted by David at 1:28 AM | TrackBack
October 20, 2006
Free Online Survey Jobs: How Many Can YOU Do?
There is plenty of money that you can earn just by answering surveys from your computer. The only basics are that you can read and write and you are on your way. All you have to do is search the internet for surveys and see what is being offered. There may be a lot out there that may interest you, Select one of them and see how long it takes. It may take you a few minutes and it may take you an hour. It just depends on what kind of surveys companies need done.
Read the rest of free online survey jobs...
Posted by David at 7:16 PM | TrackBack
Christian and inspirational clothing setting sales records
It's not just rock banks and politicians who are plastering their insignias and slogans on T-Shirts, now so are Christian marketers.
In fact, the Christian clothing industry is now a $4 billion a year industry in the U.S. and showing strong growth signs. Sales of Christian T-Shirts and Christian jewelry and other apparel are booming this year as designers keep adding more creative and bold designs.
Christian and inspirational products are showing up on the racks of major retailers, in shopping mall kiosks and online this holiday season. Experts say the popuarity of Christian music, Christian films and a renewed ephasis on evangelism among many churches is the reason for the increased popularity.
Posted by David at 2:58 AM | TrackBack
October 18, 2006
Author Jones says you're a wimp
OK. Enough, already. I've been watching this character author jones slam-bam writers left and right. Yeah, maybe he/she is right about writers being basically lazy and full of excuses. I suppose the same can be said for many entrepreneurs and business people.
I mean, really... what's with the 1,275 (and growing) cable channels? I spend an evening in front of my big brother's giant screen, surround sound TV with sattelite/dish/cable, and extraterrestrial access. With a bazillion channels there was still nothing but a bunch of garbage (except for our dear, deceased friend, the Crocodile hunter).
This is how we spend our time? Sitting in front of this midless doggy-do?
I hear people bemoaning the fact that they're poor. So what do they do? They sit on their relatively chunky behinds and watch TV, while spending their dollars on lotter tickets and advanced cable access. Come on, folks!
If you really want things to be different, you'll have to do things differently. Don't you think it's about time you turned off the tube (except for the World Series, of course), and stepped out into some real-world adventure?
Go ahead... I dare you.
Posted by David at 7:54 PM | TrackBack
October 16, 2006
Small Business Ideas You Can Run From Home
If you have a desire to start a home-based business, you’re part of a growing trend. As a matter of fact, one commonly cited statistic is that a home-based business is started every 11 seconds. As of the year 2000, there were 28.3 million home based businesses in the United States, up 2.1 million over 1999. Home-based businesses tend to have a higher than average survival rate as well, and of course, nothing beats the convenience of working from home.
You’re convinced—so where do you start?
What is the best home-based business?
The answer, of course, is that it depends. What are your particular talents and strengths? Many home-based small business owners got their start by leveraging an existing hobby into a business.
This is probably the best approach, so you would do well at the start to take stock of your talents, abilities and resources, and ask if there some way you can profit from these. With a slew of “home-based business ideas”, you will find that most of them generally break down into three categories: craft, professional and service.
Do you like working with your hands?
If so, you might like craft type businesses where you can create products or services that people can use. Some examples would be chimney sweeps or upholstery services, both of which are easily operated from home.
Janitorial services can be run from home as well, and a few corporate clients can get you enough monthly business to net you a decent income. Another lucrative line of work would be a home inspection service. You would need to study to obtain credentials as a home inspector, but you could earn a lot of money, and the overhead is fairly minimal.
Professional businesses run the gamut from computer programmer, desktop publisher, graphic designer, video service, etc. In short, anything that demands the use of a computer to deliver an informational product or service to the end user.
This would certainly include income tax preparation, resume writing and public relations as well. If you’re more of the intellectual and creative type, and you have good computer skills, this might be up your alley. You might even want to pursue one popular business nowadays—set up your own online Ebay store. You could, for example, set up an export business in this manner.
By having a presence on Ebay, you’ll have truckloads of eager buyers who will be willing to bid on your goods. You won’t need to worry about how to attract “traffic” to your online shop—as you would if you had your own separate web site. With Ebay, the traffic is there, from all over the world! It’s just a matter of having the right goods to sell.
Do you like working with people, and helping them out any way that you can? You might want to consider service businesses. These would include popular staples in this variety like a food catering service, which you could easily begin and advertise by word of mouth. You might also consider childcare services if you enjoy taking care of children.
To do so, you should first contact state and local governments to find out the requirements in your area. Another good source to consult is the National Association for Family Childcare. If you fancy yourself good at sales, you might want to consider becoming a sales representative. Selling is not for everyone, but sales reps are one of the most popular home-based businesses in the United States.
You will be working to sell on behalf of a manufacturer or wholesaler. Begin by examining your current list of contacts. If you know professionals in a certain industry, you can find out what products or services they need and then help them obtain them. Again, selling is not for everyone, but if you’re serious, begin by reading some good books on sales.
For further information on becoming a sales representative, contact the Manufacturers Agents National Association.
Do what you love, and the money will follow. This adage is as true as ever when it comes to a home-based business. Technology has made starting your own home-based businesses more convenient and lucrative than ever. Honestly appraise your strengths and personal qualities, and you will be sure to find your perfect niche.
Posted by David at 4:39 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 15, 2006
Why Entrepreneurship is the Way out for 90% of African Americans And UK Kids?
“A staggering 90 percent of African-Americans earn wages or salaries in jobs with limited opportunities, rather than creating jobs as entrepreneurs”, said Business Development Economist Louis Huff as he went over the nuts and bolts of how residents of West River and other neighborhoods could open a small, community-based business.
This statistics came as a shock to those attending "Small Business Days" seminar at Hill Regional Career High School.
Young budding entrepreneurs in attendance included Juan Hernandez, age 13, and brothers Sameir Rankins, age 10, and Samod Rankins, age 14, with aspirations to manufacture cool sneakers and sportswear.
As part of the seminar, the sponsors announced their partnership in an entrepreneur program for youths. Program coordinator, professor Tony Carter, said high school students who register would be divided into teams, and each team would develop a business concept and present a business plan in March to a panel of judges.
"We’re going to expose high school students to the realities of small business operations and entrepreneurship," Carter said.
What's interesting about this event is that although this seminar took place in a USA neighborhood, in the UK the government has hinted at a program that would be run in schools to teach kids about entrepreneurship and running a business.
The UK scheme is a drive to create “a culture of enterprise for young people”, partly through a sharper focus on the subject in schools.
The major difference is that people who have very little experience at running a business could well run the UK scheme. Teachers teaching entrepreneurship to kids rather than entrepreneurs won't cut it. Business is less about reading; it's more about doing.
In fact most of what's written in textbooks about business is written by academics that have never had to sell anything or run a business.
I agree that kids should be taught how to run a business but they should be taught by entrepreneurs who are also mentors... they can provide practical (real life) input that reinforces what running a business is all about.
Mr. Steele, chief executive of Enterprise Insight, a Department of Trade and Industry –Sponsored body, was critical of traditional business studies, which he described as “a ghetto. He said he heard “horror” stories” about lessons where “the first thing [children] are taught is the difference between companies limited by guarantee and companies limited by shares. That must be spiritual death.”
Building a successful business is not an exam, it's about sweat and tears, hard work, passion, disappointment, common sense plus intellect, taking risks, innovation, getting on with people, leadership, being ruthless but fair... and more, much more.
As in the USA example, kids should be encouraged to demonstrate practical skills such as developing a business concept and present a business plan as a precursor to one day starting a business of their own.
David Small Business Resource
Posted by David at 12:56 PM | Comments (0)
What Now For YouTube's Entrepreneurs Chad Hurley and Steve Chen?
At a time when online sales exceeded £100bn for the first time in 2005 according to the Office of National Statistics it's not surprising that Google is racing to exploit the new craze of online video. Chad Hurley and Steve Chen (both only twenty something) agreed to sell YouTube for $1.65bn to Google. In the old new world of Web 2.0, it seems, some of the dotcom entrepreneurial ways may be making a com back.
Despite resemblance of old dot com, Mr Hurley and Mr Chen also exhibit many of the characteristics of the typical new wave of entrepreneurs rising to the top in the latest internet boom. They have anticipated and benefited from some of the profound changes the internet is bringing about, yet they do not make the unrealistic and provocative claims of the old dot com days. The mix of pragmatism and opportunism they showed in building and then quickly selling YouTube highlights an easier going and current style.
Now that YouTube is part of Google's empire, what of the future for Mr. Hurley and Mr. Chen and how can budding entrepreneurs capitalize on online video?
Mr. Hurley's vision for YouTube over the next ten years is to keep moving forward with ad models, develop new concepts and to expand ideas around empowering users with content from professional produced sources. In other words, turn the site, built mainly on d-i-y home movies into a center for mainstream entertainment.
Posted by David at 12:47 PM | Comments (0)
