I used to feel depressed at work, hate my boss, and was sometimes so bored that I actually fell asleep at my desk! — career test taker

If this sounds like you, then its probably time to consider changing jobs or careers. But before you can make your career change, you need to figure out what you want to do.

One of the best ways to get clear is to complete a career assessment. Yet there are literally hundreds of career tests out there. Is a career test the same as an aptitude test? What about a career personality test? This article clarifies the differences and presents 7 criteria for deciding which career test is best for you.

#1 Career test vs. personality test

Is the assessment specifically designed to provide career guidance?

Personality tests only tell you about your character traits whereas a career assessment gives specific career advice. Of course, it helps to know whether youre an extrovert or an introvert and perceive by sensing or intuition. Personality tests such as the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Enneagram are quite useful as background information. Making the leap from simple awareness of your personality type to specific career strategies is very difficult, however. If you want a new job or career, its better to take an assessment that is specifically geared to providing career guidance.

#2 Specific vs. general

Does the career assessment give concrete recommendations that you can use immediately rather than vague observations that are open to interpretation and not actionable? Aside from the change itself, the hardest part of changing careers is narrowing down your choices. But if you dont get specific, you wont be able to take action. A good assessment should not be general like the astrological horoscopes in the newspaper.

#3 Motivation rules: why motivation is a better indicator than aptitude or personality

Does the career assessment measure motivation?

Motivation is a far better career indicator than skill or personality because what you like to do is what you WILL do and what you will get very good at (if you aren’t already). Why force a square peg into a round hole?

When you base your decisions on what motivates you, you’ll probably feel much more fulfilled, and be much more successful, too.

#4 Wheres the beef?

Even if youre a vegetarian, youll want meaty results! A good career assessment should include hard data, as well as sufficient detail and explanation to help you interpret the results.

#5 Do you believe it?

Is the career assessment scientifically valid? An effective career assessment should have a high predictive reliability. Such things can be measured statistically. Anything over 95% is quite good.

Statistical validity is important for a number of reasons. Obviously, you want to feel that the assessment provides an accurate picture of what motivates you and you dont want to be misled by grossly inaccurate results. But another point is that when the results are believable this provides a boost to your self-confidence. In my case, I was relieved and encouraged to see from my results that I had chosen the correct career path. It was a kind of confirmation or validation: Whew! What a relief!

Remember that ultimately its up to you to decide whether a set of results makes sense or not. However, it helps to use a highly reliable assessment.

#6 Can you get from A to Z?

Are additional tools available to help you take your results and develop a clear career roadmap for yourself?

Honestly, a lot of people take career tests and get brilliant insights. Unfortunately, many of these same people are never able to turn their insights into results. Whats needed is a support infrastructure of materials and people to help you apply your results over time.

#7 Is it fast?

Even in the internet age, there still are a lot of tests that you can only take on paper. It takes 30 minutes or even over an hour to take the test. Then you have to wait while the test is scored and processed. You may only get your results after several days or weeks.

Personally I prefer career tests that I can take online and that give me my results immediately.

Conclusion

A career test is just a tool and just one step on your career change journey. Nonetheless, its worth spending some time to understand what types of tests are available and which is best for you. Just remember that even the best career test is only a tool. Its up to you to take charge of your own career.

7 Criteria for Deciding Which Career Test Is Right for You is a post from: Business And Careers Directory for Business Information Iisc2010.org

2. Classified Ads: These are great for work from home businesses. Think about it. Where do people go when they are looking for a job? Thats right-the classifieds. The only downside to classified ads is that you have to resubmit them quite frequently. Once you find which classifieds bring you the most traffic you can concentrate on them and weed the others out. So it is really more time consuming in the beginning, and doesnt have to be later on when you get the hang of things.

3. Free article submissions/ezines: The best way to inform others about your product or service is to write an article about it. In your authors resource box, you can tell readers about yourself and where they can go to check out your product or service. This is also an excellent way to get free links to your site if you have one. There are a lot of webmasters out there who are looking for good articles they can post on their site. If they post yours, that is another site that is doing the advertising for you. All for free.

4. URL Submissions: Probably the quickest and easiest thing to do to advertise your site. Just type Free URL submission in your search engine. When you get a list just enter the URL you are promoting and click submit. Thats it. It only takes a few seconds and your done. Just set a day aside once every 3 months and do this.

5. Forum Posts: Put your product or service website in your signature file when you sign up on some forums. It will be displayed every time you make a post. Try to look for topics that you have some knowledge on, and can give a relevant answer too. Do not spam anyone, you will get kicked off the forum and you will get a bad reputation. Get involved asking and answering questions that pertain to your area of business. Forums are great because once you make a post it stays there forever. It will get moved to the archives eventually, but someone could still find it if they were searching the archives. Yes, there are many people who do.

6. Traffic Exchanges: Probably the most time consuming way to advertise for free, but definately the most effective. Most forums I have visited have said in many posts that they received a lot of their profit from traffic exchanges. If you dont want to spend the time surfing for credits, you do have the option of buying them. I would look into a program that lets you surf multiple websites at once like crazy browser. There are others and they are free to download. That way you can just spend one hour a day and get all your surfing in at once.

7. News-groups: Become involved in a group that has to do with your kind of business. You can usually mail the group once per day, but I would encourage you to find something fresh to talk about each day. People will tune you out if they see the same message all the time. Remember to never Spam anyone. Only join groups with the same interests as yours. In other words, dont sign up for a recipe swapping group when you are advertising shaving cream.

7 Ways To Advertise Your Business For Free is a post from: Business And Careers Directory for Business Information Iisc2010.org

Before you spend so much as a dollar, talk to a few experts. Go to the library or get on the internet and research, research, research. Take a little time to make sure entrepreneurship is right for you.

Make a pro and con list of business ownership, and evaluate yourself honestly. How many characteristics do you have in common with successful entrepreneurs? Is your financial position strong enough? Do you have the necessary technical and management skills?

Youre not going to be the perfect entrepreneur. Nobody is. But in order to make yourself the best entrepreneur you can be, consider ways to compensate for any weaknesses you might have.

Im from Canada, so the government agencies Ive mentioned in this guide are Canadian, but really, it can be used by anyone. All you have to do, if youre from somewhere other than Canada, is find out where you need to find some of the things Ill talk about. Some of the steps might be slightly different, and you may not have to worry about things like GST for example, but Im sure youll find this discussion helpful all the same.

These steps to starting a business are in reasonably good order, but you might find yourself varying from it under your particular circumstances. That really isnt a big deal, as long as you get most of it done. There are some steps youll be able to skip as well, but please dont skip any of the big ones, which Im sure youll pretty much figure out from taking a look at the list.

So, assuming youve done your evaluation and you still want to start a business, take a deep breath, and let’s get started.

1. Conduct a feasibility study of your business. Describe your typical customer, your product and your competitors. Who will your suppliers be? What will you charge for your product? How will you market your product? These are just a few of the questions you need to answer.

2. Write a complete business plan for your company, using the information you gathered from your feasibility study. This vitally important, often overlooked step needs to include a description of your company, its goals, competitors, market, financial information, and of course, how you intend to meet your goals.

3. Get your financing in place. There are many ways to finance your business, from your own savings to personal credit cards to bank loans. If you need credit, know your business plan from front to back and maybe even sideways.

4. Decide what kind of structure your company will have. From a legal standpoint, there are three basic choices, sole proprietorship, partnership and incorporation, each with advantages and disadvantages.

5. Choose a name for your company and check on name availability. Naming your company is highly individual, but its the first thing associated with your business, so choose your name carefully. Youll need to do a NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) report, which checks your name choices for uniqueness against a database of other business names. A reserved name is valid for 90 days.

6. Decide whether you want to register federally or provincially and register your company. If you register federally, youll also have to register provincially, which almost doubles the cost. You dont have to have a lawyer process them for you, but it might be a good idea to at least consult with one. You can get the forms from your local government office, have them faxed to you or download them. You can fax or email printed copies, or complete the forms online

7. Contact Canada Revenue Agency Business Window for your business number, and to register for GST/HST, payroll, corporate income tax and import/export (if applicable). You can also contact the CRA if you need general information about business expenses. Chances are youll have to collect GST, but you may want to register for a GST number even if you dont have to collect it because of input tax credits.

8. Decide whether you need to collect PST. If you do, you need to submit Registration as a Vendor documents with your province.

9. Determine whether there are special permits or licenses in your municipality. Its highly unlikely that your municipality does not have special permits or licenses.

10. Develop the marketing materials you decided on in your business plan. They should include at least a company identity package, press kit and website. Your identity package is your logo, business card and letterhead. A press kit can include letters of introduction, biography sheets, press releases, articles and a brochure. In todays electronic age, printed materials arent enough. You need a website that looks professional, matches your printed material and has great copy. Youll also want to make sure its optimized for search engines.

11. Set up your business bank account and record-keeping system. Your banker will need to see your incorporation documents, and you should probably set up more than one account so you can keep track of your finances better. Record-keeping is required, and can be done manually or with a computer program.

12. Purchase insurance. There are many different types of insurance, but most probably your company will need at least one. For example, if youre going to have employees, you need to contact the Workers Compensation Board. Depending on your type of business, you might want to contact them even if you dont have employees to insure yourself.

13. Contact potential creditors and set up credit terms. You should have researched suppliers when you were doing your feasibility study. Now is the time to contact them.

14. Decide where your business will be located. Lease your business space. Alternatively, you could choose to start your business from home if its feasible. There are advantages and disadvantages to starting your business from home. You have tax write-offs for example, but sometimes your image suffers.

15. Purchase supplies and office equipment. Youll need too many things to list here, and of course, each business has different needs. You might need a fax machine and printer. Youll probably need a computer. Youll definitely need paper, pens, pencils and a calculator.

Congratulations! Go out, buy yourself a bottle of champagne and celebrate. You’re about to embark on a most exciting journey. And may I be the first to wish you good luck and prosperous times in your business venture.
As promised, heres my email address so you can ask questions, make comments or add steps to my list. Or, if you want, you could just drop me a line to let me know how your small business is doing. Id really like to know.
Copyright 2006 Eve Jackson

15 Easy Steps to Starting Your Small Business is a post from: Business And Careers Directory for Business Information Iisc2010.org

Do you want to know the big difference between due diligence and a core competency?

Here’s a classic example:

Collecting 50 business cards per day is an act of data procurement, while training to a 60% conversation to appointment ratio is focusing on an essential component to ensure your sales team’s success.

Don’t focus on accountability to tasks but enlighten to identification. It’s much more important to teach your people the “business” of the business they’re in.

If you currently have your sales team accountable to tasks, then you’re merely “managing” tasks. In order to become more effective – you should be training on measurement of competencies so your people can ‘run their own business.’

2) You measure details not directly related to performance and results.

A telecommunications sales manager proudly told me he requires his sales reps to document ’100 dials per day.’

I was shocked when I heard this. I asked him if he was in the ‘dialing’ business or the ‘communication’ business.

Think about it for a minute. What does the measurement of ‘dials’ have to do with performance or results? Can you ever improve your dialing skills?

It’s insane to waste time and energy measuring that type of stuff when there are so many other “valuable” things to measure.

The focusing of measurement not related to “performance and results” takes you away from the real dealessential competencies.

In the X2 system ‘Show Time’ begins with the actual conversation, a measurable competency that we can attach to systems and training for critical improvement. By measuring these competencies you’ll spend less time documenting insignificant information and more time analyzing meaningful business metrics.

3) You attempt to manage your subordinate’s ‘time’.

During the playoffs, a winning college coach was interviewed about his coaching philosophy

He said:

“You develop the best game plan you can, build systems and processes to help support it, train everyone how to work within it, and then let the players go out and unleash their natural abilities. You let them play the game between the lines.”

Makes sense doesn’t it?

Most sales reps will be accountable to results if you identify the important competencies required for success. Your job is to supply targeted training with appropriate structures for learning and application, and measure degrees of improvement.

4) You require detailed forecasting beyond your normal sales cycle.

It’s hard to imagine a management strategy more toxic than this one.

Because only two things can result and both are disastrous.

Let’s say your average sales cycle is 27 days and you require your team to supply a 30, 60 and 90 day forecast. First of all, the forecasts you get won’t be very accurate to the actual results. Second, it will probably be resented and considered ‘busy work.’

Here’s a much better idea:

Set up your forecast to the time within your control – in this case a 30-day rotating calendar. Define a business rule for forecasting accounts on a weekly basis.

Ask empowering questions:
” Has it passed the defined gateways to be included on your opportunity list?
” Have you helped the sales rep ‘scrub it’ to make sure it’s realistic and not pie-in-the-sky?
” Have the proper strategies and tactics been implemented per account to effect a higher closing ratio?

Bring your forecast accountability back within your normal sales cycle for more focus and better results.

5) Do you see yourself as a people manager or a behavior coach?

Attempting to manage people delivers rather poor results. (It really does!)

People usually resent being ‘managed’. They feel controlled and naturally become defensiveespecially sales people who are self-starters and consistent producers. That’s why experts say to manage to ‘required behaviors.’ I have always believed in taking it one step further. Here’s an example of what I mean. Webster’s dictionary defines behavior as ‘an act’. You can tell people how to act or show people how to act. I suggest you do this with transferable systems and powerful routines that are in line with the competencies that will improve their results. (You decide)

6) Is your management style the same for self-starters as it is for mediocre performers?

Think about it

Your ultimate goal is to empower ALL your sales people to be self-sustained performers, right? Some people need more help than others – but top producers usually only need to be held to general points of accountability.

My adviceBack off!

If they have a sales drill that works, let them work it. Define your management style and processes in line with performance benchmarks and results.

For everyone else – Diversify your degree of ‘hands-on’ management in line with routine results and declare those milestones as the road to becoming a self-sustained professional.

6 Danger Signs You May Be Headed to Micro-Management is a post from: Business And Careers Directory for Business Information Iisc2010.org

Analyze this

Analyzing issues or campaigns is the first big step in truly understanding any communications
success or failure. With busy schedules and/or tight client budgets, more often than not, media
analysis isn’t always carried out. A big investment is being made on gathering the media content,
but not on measuring and analyzing the trends, successes, and areas for improvement. Stories
are often filed away immediately or distributed to a limited group, never to be looked at again
or analyzed at all.

If you’re already conducting ongoing media analysis half the battle is won. But if not, you can
bet your client or director will demand it soon. New analysis technologies combined with increased
expectations to determine communications ROI (Return on Investment) are making analysis a must,
not a should.

Once you’ve determined the need or importance of analysis, what’s next? This is where the confusion
can set in. As can be expected, everyone has their own definition of how media content should be
analyzed based on their own experiences. And usually the issue of PR standards and formulas ariseand
that is when things often can come to a stand-still.

But before you get into how you are going to analyze, you must first determine what you’re interested
in analyzing. Here are a few considerations:

• Track success in key publications and mediums based on demographic suitability
• Evaluate key message penetration in media stories
• Track quality – not just quantity – of coverage
• Determine success vs. competitors
• Success of spokesperson pick-up
• Determine campaign ROI
• Measure advertising equivalency (if you must!)
• Monitor regional penetration comparisons
• Tabulate media impressions/audience numbers
• Compare key issues and/or product penetration
• Resulting editorial or other media commentary/letters to the editor

There are endless ways of analyzing and cross-referencing the information.
But you should note that you can accomplish all of the above considerations without getting
into confusing PR multipliers or complex formulas. The key is to determine what you’re interested
in evaluating and create benchmarks for future comparisons. And if you still want to add in
PR multipliers you can, as long as you consistently keep to the same formula. So whether you’re
multiplying by a factor of 3, 5, or 10, the coverage is always being evaluated in a consistent fashion
and can therefore be viewed as an unbiased and accurate portrayal.

Go Electronic, Go Real-Time

Reviewing the success of a new product launch, the impact of a crisis on your organization, or a
monthly comparison after-the-fact can provide valuable insight for future planning. But imagine the
change you could make if you have real-time data available to you at your fingertips in an instant.
Using real-time data you could monitor:

• What regions are having the most success and which need attention
• Misinformation being published so you can correct it
• Which publications need another follow-up call
• Which issues are getting the most attention
• The quality and tone of the coverage
• The impact on your organization
• What tactics are working and which aren’t
• How you can piggy-back on recent media trends or competitors’ tactics or success

The benefits of real-time analysis are endless and important. Knowing that you can have a timely
affect on the final outcome of a new product launch is empowering and helps speak to the real power
of PR.

A combination of real-time analysis and benchmarking will provide you with the tools to improve the
results of a campaign mid-stream and properly analyze its success using a predetermined set of
objectives and consistent criteria. So make 2005 the year you start benchmarking your analysis-an
opportunity to learn more about the impact your communications strategies are having will pay dividends
for years to come.

Communications Analysis: Real-Time — Benchmark for success in 2006 is a post from: Business And Careers Directory for Business Information Iisc2010.org

Whether based locally or in the Internet, it is imperative for the fledgling entrepreneur to be prepared. After the business plan is thoroughly laid out, it is essential to consign a home office with adequate facilities for comfortable and efficient work. For an Internet based project, a high speed internet connection and computer set-up is crucial. For a manufacturing outfit, sufficient storage space for supplies is necessary. It is quintessential to apply adequate effort and devote the necessary time. Good management and high motivation come next. Productivity is ensured and a return of investment is at hand in record time.

For those who are starting small, it is advisable to engage in business related to providing services in the community. Facilities that offer animal care services such as walking the dog or washing the dog is quite easy to pull off. Other successful services that have a sure clientele are errand services, lawn mowing and gardening, care for the elderly and child care. Still in the community, selling product such as craft items, and home-baked goodies door-to-door is another possibly lucrative business venture.

Internet based projects may include transcription services, translation services, online tutoring, customer service, call center, freelance writing and design, and affiliate marketing among others. Online business enterprises are very easy to set-up in terms of hardware. The critical element is to establish linkages online and eventually a good reputation to make the most of the referral system available in the World Wide Web. This is after all the strength of any online exploit as thoroughly explained at www.work-from-home.com.

Home Business Opportunities Up For Grabs is a post from: Business And Careers Directory for Business Information Iisc2010.org

If you are comfortable typing on a computer then Data Entry Jobs may be for you. There are misconceptions when doing data entry that you will be typing endlessly to earn nothing. The truth is data entry is an easy work at home job if you feel comfortable on the computer. If you can type at a good speed and be accurate this can be an easy source of income. Of course today with the tools available like spell check, grammar check etc, it makes it a lot easier. In fact it’s possible to earn over $40 per hour doing data entry jobs on line.

Another misconception is that data entry jobs are scams. This is probably the “too good to be true” adverts with promises of overnight riches working from home. A few people will join a Data Entry program and think that the money will start flowing in. If it doesn’t then they call the program a failure. Like most things in life, you won’t get something for nothing. There are legitimate data entry work programs available. One simply needs to narrow down the field by choosing from the best programs available with a money back guarantee. When doing this it’s a win – win situation. It’s nice to know you have the protection if it’s does not work out for you. It is not very expensive to get started in one of the Data Entry Programs so the risk / reward is very good in my opinion. So what do you have to do to get started?

1. Review the available Home Based Data Entry Programs
2. Narrow down the choices to 1-3 programs
3. Find out which ones have a money back guarantee
4. Use your charge card if possible for further protection
5. Sign up & start making money!

It may be that it is simply not a good fit for you. Everyone has different skill sets, but you don’t know if you don’t try. Always remember that behind every successful person are a lot of small failures. You have to try to have a chance at success or failure.

There is enormous potential in the data entry arena. There are many companies worldwide that outsource data entry. Many people are making $1000 – $3000 a month additional income. In order to get to this level of income it is important that you understand the skills that you’ll need and where to look for data entry programs. As I mentioned earlier, you need to research the Top Data Entry programs and don’t be afraid to give yourself a chance. The fee’s to get your Home Based Data Entry Business going is very low in my opinion.

Please feel free to visit my web page for Data Entry product reviews. If you decide to try one of our programs, please let me know your opinion of the whole process. Your opinion is important to me. I also have a FREE Email Newsletter series, which gives you the Top Rated Data Entry Programs.

Data Entry From Home For Money is a post from: Business And Careers Directory for Business Information Iisc2010.org

1. The Magic Number – 1
Implement a “advertise 1 item at a time” motto for your advertising strategy. Does that mean you can’t SELL more than one item at a time? No… but wait until AFTER the sale.

When a customer sees more than one of a product offered at unbelievably low prices, he’s confused. Which one is the better deal? Which one does he prefer? These questions encourage procrastination – one of marketing’s greatest thieves. Instead, offer the consumer a product that compliments his purchase in a nearby display… or even at the register. You’ll make extra profits instead of losing a sale.

2. Outsmart Your Competitors
Your competition is looking for you in all of the usual places. Don’t go there. Quietly look for new methods of advertising and new markets to target.

Niche markets provide the perfect sneak tactic for reaching new clients. Here’s they key… sub-divide your current market into smaller, more specific niche markets. Familiarize yourself with the needs and concerns of the niche, then present yourself as the pro in their corner. Leave your competition in the dust with the intensity of new prospects that will come your way.

Modernize an old marketing technique that still carries a wallop – postcards. Yeah, these small, inexpensive marketing tools still carry a personal message that is quick and easy to read, but with new high-impact colors and designs that capture the attention of readers. Your competition won’t even know that you’re using them!

3. Encourage Communication
Communication is crucial to understanding your consumers. Encourage questions before the sale, during the sale and after the sale. Make it easy and comfortable.

Provide convenient contact information on all of your sales materials, including Websites. If you find yourself overloaded with questions, create a frequently asked question page where clients can get the answers they need without claiming as much of your time.

Confused customers, tough competitors and communication mishaps won’t steal profits from your account when you fix things up with the 3 quick tips.

3 High-Impact Fixes For Your Marketing Woes is a post from: Business And Careers Directory for Business Information Iisc2010.org

The task of recordkeeping is usually procrastinated until the very last minute, when it is required. It is time to file your tax return, or time to go to the bank to get a loan for the business and the banker wants to see some financial records for the business. This can be a very daunting and cumbersome task if you have to dig through receipts and expenses for the whole year! No wonder we hate keeping records. Thats no fun!

Well, guess what? If you arent keeping good, timely, and up-to-date records monthly, you dont need to be in business. Thats right. I said it. Here are the top five reasons why I truly believe this statement.

1. Lost tax deductions = Lost Money If you are throwing your receipts in a shoebox each month and not keeping an organized record of your income and expenses, I can bet you money that you are losing out on some major tax deductions. A smart businessperson keeps track of her income (cash in) and expenses (cash out) monthly, sometimes even weekly. You do not need a fancy accounting software package to do this. You dont even need a computer! Simply keep a journal monthly and log in all of your receipts and invoices, and there you have it.

2. High CPA/Tax Preparer Fees = Lost Money I can speak from personal experience, that if you bring in that shoebox of receipts for the year and expect your tax preparer to record and properly deduct your business expenses on your tax return, you are sadly mistaken. Tax season is the busiest time of year for these professionals. If you expect them to do your bookkeeping and recordkeeping as well, expect to pay for it. They dont have the time, or the desire to make sure that every receipt is accounted for. As a businessperson, it is your responsibility to make sure they are given the right totals and you can trace it right back to your tax return.

3. Too much time spent looking for receipts The time you spend looking for a past receipt for a particular purchase for whatever reason, you can be utilizing this time in advertising your business or producing your product. These are important money generating activities that you are sacrificing due to your lack of recordkeeping.

4. No financial statements Every business owner should review at least the profit and loss statement (income statement) for their business MONTHLY. This important piece of paper tells you if you are making money or losing money. How can you possibly run your business and make a profit if you are not analyzing your sales and expenses continuously? A good recordkeeping system will allow you to have this information at your fingertips.

5. No need for expensive accounting software If you are just starting your business, or are a small business owner, you more than likely do not need software to prepare your books. A simple journal that is kept monthly of your income and expenses is all you need. At a glance, you will know how your business performed for that particular month.

As a business owner, you need to realize the importance of a good recordkeeping system. This should also be a task that the business owner performs for at least three to six months before delegating the job to someone else. You will be able to run your business more effectively, determine possible cycles in the business year, and know where your money is going. Your business will be much more successful if you keep a simple recordkeeping system.

5 Reasons Why Recordkeeping Is So Important is a post from: Business And Careers Directory for Business Information Iisc2010.org

As I sat and listened he ranted for almost ten minutes giving all the reasons he could not start his own business and get out of the rat race. He talked about the high cost of start ups,
franchising and real estate development. When he finally came up for air I decided to ask simply ask him one question. Mark, Have you every asked yourself what kind of low cost businesses with high profit margins are out there?

He looked like he had been run over by a truck. I went on to say, You are just asking the wrong question. He sat for a minute and said, Ok, if youre so smart give me some ideas. I said, Great. Oh and by the way let’s make it fun and focus on the ones you can work from home in your pajamas.

Here are the 5 low cost high profit businesses I shared with Mark.

1. Internet Marketing: Do you have a computer in your home? If so you could be sitting on a gold mine. People use the internet to do all types of things. From a multimillion dollar wire jewelry making enterprise to a young kid from Long Beach California who created his empire teaching people how to play music by ear. Everyday people are getting on the internet and pursuing their own dot com fortune.

2. Tele-seminars: If you not a very technical person one of the
best strategies is tele-seminars. With simply a telephone and a
conference call line for your guest to call in on you can offer
a class or seminar. You can either use it as a lead generator or you can sell your product or service from the seminar itself. An additional product can come from recording the class. Once you record the class it can become an instant product you can create passive income from.

3. Joint Ventures: If you like the idea of not needing a product or money of your own than the idea of joint venturing could be for you. This business is simply the art of the deal. You are paid in direct proportion to your ability to bring together two parties who would not otherwise know each other outside of your introduction.

For example if you combine company As products, knowledge,
resources and partner it with company Bs client list you get to share in the profits. And it would not cost you one cent.

4. Affiliate Marketing: What if someone else did most of the work but you got to share in the profit pie? Well, that is
what affiliate marketing is all about. There are thousands of
products ranging from digital down loads, books,seminars not to
mention hard products like computers, cell phones and other
techie stuff. Your job is to find the products that your market is interested in and when you sell something you get a percentage of the sale. You can do this without having any inventory or the overhead of a traditional business.

5. Information Products: This is one of the most highly lucrative low cost businesses you can get into. If you have specialized knowledge or can do you can research and reporton it you can create products that are highly profitable. For example, one of the fastest ways to success is to interview experts in a high demand niche market.

Once you have interviewed these experts you can take the information and create several different products from the one interview. Some of the things you can do is sell the recording itself, sell the transcript of the call, use some of the content create an e-book or report or take several of the interviews and put them together for an expert tape series.

6. Network Marketing/MLM: I have always been a fan of network
marketing because the business model is as much about self
development as it is building a business. The premise is you find a company that you are passionate about the product, has a proven system and strong team leadership. Most of these companies are low cost of entry. And you build your empire leveraging the efforts of many.

Some people incorrectly believe you are going to get rich off the back of someone else. Not true. The very core of network marketing is built on the fact that you get paid in direct proportion of your ability to recruit, train, inspire, support and lead a voluntary group of people. For those who can do this the rewards are great.

7. EBay: I was recently introduced to the EBay craze by someone
who in the beginning had no money so he decided to sell a tape set a friend had created. This product was a compilation of interviews with successful entrepreneurs. Their first sale was $37.00 and they went on to build multi-million dollar empire. EBay is one of the quickest ways to get to a profit. You can take things that you have in your garage today and sell them on EBay tomorrow. Remember one mans junk is another mans treasure.

At the end of the lunch something interesting happened. My friend Mark was starting to see the glass half full. How about you? Are you looking for a business you can start without breaking the bank? The above five businesses are just a few ideas to jump start your thought process. However, make no mistake you can start a low cost high profit business and enjoy it while lounging in your pajamas.

5 Low Cost High Profit Businesses You Can Start From Home While Working In Your Pajamas is a post from: Business And Careers Directory for Business Information Iisc2010.org