• Franchises--two sites featuring franchises are listed here, one with a more precise search engine, and the other with a simple interface.
• Affiliate marketing—hot right now, this umbrella term encompasses SEO, blog setup and selling on Ebay.
• Directories of directories—web-directories.ws falls into this category
• formula1movies.net—a good place to start, this site features videos of business opportunities—watch scores of business owners pitch you their ideas
• citizencorps.com—features mainly vetted discount travel products, some Better Business Bureau approved
• MSN finds 100 of the best business for your personality type. Are you a self-described slacker? Are you a Baby Boomer starting a new vocation? Or are you an amazing cook? Yup, there’s a list for that.

formula1movies.net

This unique site displays short videos of opportunities, featuring the actual originators. You can also view testimonials from users. The best use of this site would be to generate ideas, and then vet the businesses elsewhere. It’s a good break from surfing and reading endless text articles, and contains objective information.

articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/TopHomeBusinessesList.aspx

MSN has assembled 100 of the top home businesses, organized into ten categories:

• Most slacker friendly includes gym-in-a-bus
• Most innovative includes crystal engraving
• Best financial performers includes nursing
• Yummiest includes bake-at-home snacks
• Grungiest includes worm collecting
• Boomer back to business includes fishing guide
• Greenest includes green fundraising
• Highest vote getters includes kids wear
• Worldliest includes charter flights
• Wackiest includes canine cocktails

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citizencorps.com

This site offers only a dozen or so business ideas. However, it claims to have vetted them for an annual income of at least six figures. So it should be viewed at a moderate risk for potential high return option.

The featured selections are:

• Wealth Masters (direct marketing)
• Pyxism, Club Sea Breeze, Dream Style Vacations (discount travel products) Pyxism is citizencorps’ most highly recommended opportunity. It has been approved by the Better Business Bureau, has a low entry cost and its products are rated Best in Class by the site.
• Global Resorts Network (travel membership sales)
• Life Path Unlimited (personal development products)

ahbbo.com

A Home Based Business Online site features an alphabetised master list of thousands and thousands of work from home ideas. It further describes 130 of those with “little or no capital outlay” in more detail. Lastly, you can access several useful articles on how to avoid scams, how to choose your venture and affiliate programs.

best-10-workathome.com

This is a meta-site that has been vetted by actual users of the touted product or system. Mike Bryan, the site owner, claims to be very concerned about business scams, and comments: “We own products that can be found reviewed on this site… All the products are tested and [have] proven results.”

franchiseadvantage.com

This site is similar in theme to franchiseclique. The search interface is not as sophisticated, but it is very easy to navigate. It features 20 clickable categories of franchises, each of which has dozens of franchise opportunities listed. You can check up to ten, and your request is forwarded directly to the providers. Among the top-level categories is one called Business Opportunities, which lists a few that do not appear to be franchises.

carlvanderpal.com/home-based-businesses/10-best-home-based-businesses

Carl Vanderpal is an internet consultant and Australian SEO specialist. His site is full of self-promotion, but his list of the ten best home-based businesses is a sensible one. Just a few on the list are affiliate marketing, personal trainer and blogging. Carl also features helpful tips for SEO, building site traffic and the like.

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web-directories.ws/Niche/Business_Directories

This is a huge metasite, listing hundreds of niche business directories for you to peruse. Along with the URL, each listing tells you whether the directory is free or requires payment. This is an open site that allows users to add their own directories, so it’s growing all the time.

Further, the site lists useful niche categories, sorted by popularity, and an overall category sitemap. Use the search tool to find “niche,” and then the subcategory business.

powerhomebiz.com

This site has many articles listing specific niche businesses, with descriptions of their product or service. It includes links to specific businesses that have found success in each niche, and gives a short history of that particular opportunity. Some are concerns that you can jump on board with, and some are just to help you generate ideas.

For example, one entrepreneur created a £12.8 million business manufacturing small charms to fill the holes in Crocs, the popular resin clogs.

This type of industry allows customer to sell products without doing the actual shipping or even carry the inventory; it simply leave the production, hiring, storage and shipping to the manufacturers. According to an article on enetplace.com, with drop- ship companies there are no inventories, warehouse or shipping concerns. It further stated that drop shipped is free for reseller which is a great way to start a business online without having expensive inventory on hand.

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However; it takes a lot of research in finding the right companies with the products that you want to sell. Also; the company must offer that partnership. But it is of importance to establish your own website and find a partner with the inventory of the products you would like to sell. Most of these companies charge a partnership fee while some are free.

Most of us realize that we aren't a rock or an island, to paraphrase the old Simon and Garfunkel tune. Yet we continuously seem to have problems negotiating with others, particularly when we are emotionally invested in the topic. Negotiation is a skill that is useful in all aspects of our lives: from asking our boss for a promotion, convincing our wives not to see a chick flick, and getting a refund on those pair of trousers you bought last week. Here are 4 ways to make sure you negotiate like a pro:

1-Take a deep breath.

Negotiations go well when both sides are calm and rational. You can't guarantee that in the other person, but you have complete control of yourself. Think about what you want to happen as a result of the conversation, and remind yourself that shouting is not an option.

2-What's in it for them?

Summarize your point or goal in terms of the person you are conversing with. People only do what they want to do, so you must phrase your ideas in a way that makes them feel that your solution offers more benefits than their own solution does. Perhaps your wife will see that war film if you promise to have a romantic dinner beforehand. Perhaps a promotion will allow you to take on some of your boss' responsibilities so that he has more free time. People are happy to do things that benefit them.

3-Make sure both sides are heard.

Lay out your case. Let the other person lay out theirs without interrupting. Then, rephrase what they've said and repeat it back to them. This may seem cumbersome, but if the other person feels you are listening to what they've said, your chances of getting what you want improve. And of course, repeating back what they've said does help you to actually hear what they are wanting or asking for.

4-If the situation isn't resolved, take a break.

Rome wasn't built in a day, as the saying goes. Very few subjects are so pressing that they need to be solved instantaneously. If you need to, regroup and rethink your stance and try again. If the employee won't refund your money for the trousers, go back when the manager is present.

Negotiating is an art, which means you can always improve upon your skill. When you do it well, everyone benefits. Try these tips and see how happy you can make everyone, including yourself.

Distributed office setups shrink expenses by eliminating the need for real estate and its associated costs. Key company judgments that rely on real estate, such as whether you should renew your lease are lifted off of your shoulders.

Do you have a passion that you’ve been neglecting? If your virtual staff can telecommute from anywhere on earth, so can you.

Other advantages include:

• You’ll have access to the best employees available, with no geographical limitations.
• Your workers have zero wasted commute time, and improved morale.
• Your business can shrink, expand or relocate without worrying about logistics or space considerations.
• Virtual conferencing and shorter, more productive meetings are a snap with T3 lines.
• You and your employees can work with minimal interruptions.

Perhaps you’ve asked yourself whether you should consider converting your operation to a virtual one. Maybe you’ve received favourable feedback from colleagues, or heard about virtual businesses on the news.

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The costliest elements of maintaining conventional operations are your bricks and mortar lease or mortgage, equipment, utilities, government mandated health coverage and on-site workers. Imagine not having to pay rent or staff an office. Instead, you could hire contractors whenever you need them.

You needn’t worry about missing out on faxes, telephone calls, mail delivery or conferences. All of these functions translate beautifully to cyber functions.

If you are peripatetic by nature, or your business requires travel, you are already accustomed to working from planes, cafes and your car. But suppose you have a passion for surfing, or snapping photos of rare birds. Wouldn’t it be fantastic to be able to work from the top of a mountain or wherever the surf’s up? Another word for virtual is portable.

Many key decisions of non-virtual companies hinge upon real estate—expenses, taxes, lease expirations and the like. Perhaps your landlord has quadrupled your rent. Or perhaps you want to reduce your inventory, but not quite enough to go through the hassle of relocating.

Staffing decisions also impact upon space needs. Say that you have the opportunity to take on an exciting six-month long project, but you would have to hire 20 more workers. Do you relocate your office just for those six months? Do you decline work that would gain you prestige and global exposure?

Speaking of contractors, when you go virtual, you have no geographical limits as to whom you hire. For example, maybe a stay at home parent is a perfect fit for your company. No problem. With all of that money you’re saving on your office rent, you can afford to hire the best. In times of economic downturn, a virtual workforce optimises your workforce at a financially manageable number.

Studies show that eliminating daily commuting conserves fossil fuels, and saves ten to 20 hours per week that could be spent on productive enterprise. Without a corporate dress code or a commute, workers save money.

It can be daunting, though, to let go of all of that control. Not having employees in your sights at all times takes some getting used to. You think that you need to worry about workers thinking “Out of sight, out of mind. The boss can’t see me, so I think I’ll take the day off. Hurrah!”

Here are a few suggestions for allaying those fears:

• Have faith that individuals who you trusted enough to hire in the first place will continue to perform their jobs in an exemplary manner. After all, telecommuting is a huge perk.
• Make it clear that employees are to be reachable during their normal working day, whether that is nine to five, seven to four or midnight to seven a.m.
• Make your expectations crystal clear, and your explanations and clarifications of projects even clearer.
• If you are reducing your workforce prior to going virtual, assess employee traits, and favour individuals who are your best self-starters and strategic problem solvers. The ability to concentrate and focus is very important for a telecommuter as well.

Working remotely not only saves workers time and expense, it boosts their morale. Knowing that you trust them to complete their work productively spurs them to do the best job possible for you. Absenteeism is a thing of the past. Being able to work in old sweats or P.J.’s doesn’t hurt, either!

With T3 lines now running 30 times faster than T1 lines, you can set up a virtual conference with your new virtual colleagues and clients in any wi-fi equipped coffeehouse. Relax and prop your feet up on the table, while you think about all the pounds you’re saving on conference space.

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As humans, we all possess the urge to socialise. But it’s hard to be productive when your office mate on one side wants to tell you about his big date last night. Then Sally comes back from her honeymoon with stacks of photos. You get the picture. The presence of on-site humans translates to too many distractions.

Would you be surprised to learn that corporations collectively waste over 23 billion pounds annually on less than productive business meetings? Short of having stand-up staff meetings, it’s difficult to keep in-person gatherings brief and on-topic.

Add to this the British dilemma of not wanting to speak up in front of superiors, and the result is a whole lot of time squandered. When working virtually, protocol is loosened, logistics are streamlined and meetings are always shorter.

Since the unravelling of the internet, infinite probabilities and possibilities have been unveiled to millions of people who in one way or another are in seek of a better future and grander lifestyles. Opportunities in the virtual world of business are vast and it is up to you whether or not you take the challenges surrounding it or you play safe and stay within the dictates of the normal society.

Financial gain has become clearer and achievable as per the introduction of financial burden defying schemes like work from home via the internet. The offers can range from minimal to too good to be true payments and perks. Wide variety of choices is also here and there. Virtual business has indeed changed the colour of a typical and traditional market. The strategies, rewards and perks may vary; however, every business, virtual and non virtual boil down to one aim, financial freedom. However as the saying goes, there are always two sides of a coin and virtual business is not exempted. The pitfalls may not be seen at a first glance especially when financial gain is tremendously rewarding but it is undeniable that eventual negativities may occur and affect an existing business or individual in serious ways.

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Virtual business like any other businesses needs comprehensive care to function and stay. Team support is also a must whether or not a business is virtual one. Dedication and passion are a must as characteristics if and when you are on the count for a virtual business. Virtual business as seen by those who have been successful so far is an innovation to free you from the many underlying illnesses of a traditional business setting. The list below consists of some of the advantages of virtual business as how it is taken by people who believe that there are indeed more satisfactory rewards injected in this latest scheme in the world of business.

- Gives more freedom for individuals to enjoy the other natural necessities in life like increased family time; without the pressures of monotonous fixed office hours. This if for home based virtual business.

- Decrease in expenditures like higher rental rates for bigger offices and more employees.

- The increase of market is tremendously maximised through rapid networking of people with the same interests.

- There are no hassles caused by depressive traffic situations and road mishaps.

- Easier access to probable customers and vice versa since virtual working can be a 24/7 job.

- Flexibility in schedules and other conditions.

- Higher chances of becoming more competitive and responsive to the demands of a fast changing face of the business world.

- You can live anywhere in the world as long as there is internet access.

However, as the saying goes, there is always the other side that will show full contrast:

The Disadvantages:

- Feeling of Isolation and sporadic loneliness. Let’s face it, people need people and social interaction is one of the open secrets to a happier and healthier life.

- Loss of motivation. Sometimes challenges associated with work peers serve as motivation to aim higher. If you are in a virtual world, it’s only yourself and the challenges you create around your work that could challenge you.

- Tendency to become workaholic. If your time is not controlled by the norms of office life, the tendency to overwork is more and this may lead to burn out and eventual depression.

- Your virtual team cannot compensate what you can learn from the outside world. Real behaviours and characters are not comprehensively experienced; actions that can teach you life informally.

- Sometimes virtual members have the tendency to get jobs undone or incomplete since the idea that there is someone else in the team to do it makes them to be complacent.

- You as the virtual business SEO may face more challenges managing employees you have never met before. Trust is a serious issue.

- You as an employee may face difficulties about pay and other perks people from the traditional environment normally get like vacation leave, pension, sick leave etc.

- The freedom to live and world anywhere in the world may not be as great to your loved ones as how you take it. This situation may lead to a family break-up and other personal occurrences.

- If there is tendency to overwork, there is also tendency to under work. You as the boss might just rely from your virtual workers.

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Virtual business whether we like it or not will continue to grow dramatically over the years and may dominate the whole international market. The advantages and pitfalls rely on you as the front runner of your own life. Opportunities are abound if you look for them and take an action to make them happen. The bottom line is a professional you to face all the challenges injected in any endeavour you may take. Good qualities like patience and passion are indeed tools to better your life, however at times, not so liked characteristics like harsh, inconsiderate, selfish, bland, brutally frank, etc could put you to the top of the ladder.

Virtual business, anyone?

Creativity is an elusive creature, often leaving us just when we desire her most. While we can not force creativity to come to us, indeed it would be counter productive to do so, we can do our best to nourish creativity within ourselves. While others may prefer routes involving sleep deprivation, or mind-altering habits, I prefer to take a more healthful approach to nourishing creativity, through diet. The foods we eat can have a huge impact on our lives.

We know that creativity comes from beyond the brain, in a manner of speaking, but the brain is the gateway between our creativity and the rest of the world. Scientific research has already shown that our mental state is greatly affected by our diet, with certain foods being known to drag us down into sluggishness and fatigue. If certain foods can affect us negatively, doesn't it stand to reason that other foods could lift us up into the creative heights? The question than becomes, which foods are the right foods for nourishing creativity in us?

Seafood
Long known as a brain food, fish is rich in Omega 3 oils. Omega 3 oils are necessary for brain development, and have been shown to help extend mental acuity in old age. A mentally sharp mind is better suited for creativity, as opposed to a dull and sludge-filled mind. A diet rich in seafood has other health benefits as well, especially for those with high cholesterol, or a predisposition to heart problems. Clearly, adding seafood to your diet is a plus on many levels. Some suggestions for seafood are:

• Tuna
• Shrimp
• Salmon

Whole Grain Foods
Whole grain foods provide complex carbohydrates, which are processed by the body into glucose. The body then uses that glucose for energy. Unlike the simple carbohydrates in a candy bar, complex carbohydrates provide a more sustainable energy. This lets you avoid the sugar high, and subsequent crash, that comes from simple carbohydrates. Some suggestions for whole grains are:

• Potatoes
• Oatmeal
• Whole grain breads and pastas

Fruits and Vegetables
Vitamins are needed for energy, and to keep our systems working. Pay special attention to B and C vitamins, as these really ramp up energy, and boost your immune system. It is hard to be creative when you are sick, so a healthy immune system can be a crucial thing. As a bonus, some vegetables do double duty, providing you with complex carbohydrates and vitamins in one shot. Some suggestions for brain boosting fruits and vegetables are:

• Blueberries
• Carrots
• Onions
• Leafy greens

Hopefully, this post has given you some great ideas for foods to nourish creativity. Your brain is an important part of the creative process, and it deserves the best food you can give to it.

Mini retirements are growing in popularity for several reasons. Some individuals are forced into retirement due to the economy. Others take a mini retirement before changing careers or to meet a familial obligation. Regardless of your reason to take a mini retirement, there are numerous tropical locations to consider before making a decision about the location for retirement. Second homes may be purchased in these tropical locations to make the retirement more comfortable for the entire family.

Purchasing a second home or vacation home in a tropical location may be a major investment for some individuals. Mini retirements may require a home that is both affordable and relaxing for the entire family. Since the retirement is not permanent, the home should also be strategically placed in an area where the home value will appreciate. Alternatively, the home may be used as a rental property if you must relocate after your mini retirement is complete.

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Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca, Spain has many vacation homes that have retained their value despite the global economic recession. Many celebrities enjoy a more casual vacation experience near cosmopolitan nightlife and fabulous beaches in Mallorca. Many individuals own yachts and often use them to jaunt to nearby beaches for a more cosmopolitan nightlife experience.

Since 2007, home sales declined by 60% in this area. Home prices decreased in favor of investors. Premium properties are still in high demand and have retained their value throughout the economic crisis.

Rodney Bay, St. Lucia

The properties in St. Lucia have retained their value fairly well throughout the housing crisis. The beaches in this area are pristine and the water is crystal clear. This picturesque location is truly a tropical paradise designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. Luxury vacation homes are located near the north end of Rodney Bay. The area is within close proximity to airports and other activities that are important to retirees.

Jolly Harbour, Antigua

Jolly Harbour is ideal for retirees that enjoy a yacht-friendly community with access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. This island does have celebrity cache without the exclusive clubs that may be found in St. Barts or other Caribbean communities. Both Richard Burton and Eric Clapton have owned houses in this area. Investors in this area should not be concerned about their homes holding value. In 2007, the housing prices plunged in many locations around the world, but rose 40% in Antigua.

Hermosa, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is not typically thought of as luxury retirement place. Hermosa, however, has numerous beach front condos and luxury homes in a tropical lush oasis. Hermosa is one of the most expensive places in South America to purchase a retirement home; however, this location may be more affordable than other locations in the world.

Natal, Brazil

Since Brazil won a bid for the Olympics and the World Cup, the location has become even more popular with retirees and other investors. The beaches in Brazil consistently rank as some of the best in the world. The nightlife is plentiful, and the beaches are ideal for people-watching.

Natal is one of Brazil’s top tourist locations. Investors who plan to rent their properties will find plenty of business from travelers desiring villa-style homes for weekly or monthly vacations. Investors can expect their property to retain value or increase in value in the coming years.

Côte d'Azur (French Riviera), France

The French Riviera is known for catering to the lifestyles of the rich and famous. This is an excellent location to purchase property for those who can afford it. The property prices have retained their value fairly well. However, there are some good investments due to the global economic crisis. Investors may find homes in Nice and Saint Tropez. The nightlife is incredible. Celebrities often arrive to the area by yachts. The area has the most tourists of any location in the world when not suffering from economic recession.

Seychelles, Africa

Seychelles is a small, intimate community off the coast of Madagascar in Africa. The population is under 90,000, but the beaches are beautiful. Many rich and famous people vacation in Seychelles because of the privacy and beauty of the beaches. The real estate in this area is rare, and there are numerous plans to build luxury condominiums on many undeveloped beachfront properties. Opportunities are abundant for those who may want to help create their retirement experience in a tropical oasis.

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany, Italy has some of the most impressive beach front properties in Italy. The beautiful white sand and black sand beaches of Tuscany will provide numerous areas for retirees to relax and forget about their careers for a while. Second homes may be purchased near Maremma Grossetana where there are numerous private beaches to relax without the crowds. Cala Violina is considered one of the best beaches in Italy. Costa D’Argento, Monte Argentario or the islands of Giglo or Giannutri are also popular locations, depending upon the retirees’ preferences.

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Phuket, Thailand

This area is not often considered as a place for retirement homes, but the location is beautiful, and the real estate is affordable. There are numerous million dollar home on prime property as well in this area for those who value luxury and opulence. Many of the surrounding resorts and restaurants are five star quality. The nightlife is lively, but the island possesses a laid back atmosphere. This area is quickly becoming one of the best places for real estate investments.

Pattaya, Thailand

Thailand is home to numerous tropical locations that investors covet. Pattaya is growing and becoming a popular destination for retirees and tourism. The new international airport and the close proximity to the cosmopolitan nightlife of Bangkok make Pattaya appealing to retirees.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

If you are looking for a deal in a yacht community, Argentina has plenty of locations to invest. The economy is currently faltering. As the economy rebounds, real estate investors are expected to profit. Argentina may be a good place to invest and an inexpensive place to retire. Argentina is known for beautiful people and great cuisine.

Los Cabos, Mexico

The rich and famous have flocked to this area for retirement for many years. The area is known for its wealth, golf and fishing. Real estate prices fluctuate in the area. Because of the tourism, retirement investors can anticipate their real estate values to remain steady or increase over time.

The true cost of working a 9 to 5 job.

Outsourcing is a new genre of professional services, the term has become popular and more accepted globally in the business community over the past several years. It is basically delegating services in an organization to an external provider that specializes in that field. It has improved productivity and decrease cost in running the day-to-day operation of an organization. These providers face a lot of competition and provide services at a very high level. Therefore, a high level of productivity and efficiency is what you can expect from outsourced professionals.

The ways in which organizations are operated have been changing and a new era of business solutions have emerged. Outsourcing is a global network that provides retail services to large scale organizations at an economical cost. The services are very efficient, since these professionals specialize in a specific area and competition can force them out of the business. Therefore, they have no option than to perform at a very high level, providing excellent customer service and satisfaction.

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