New Home Business Ideas

Need HELP Making Money on eBay?

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:58:00 +0000

Look no further than eBay's own "house-trained" eBay Education Specialists. These successful eBay sellers have been trained in the official eBay University, and they can pass this valuable information on to you.

This is a really great program not only for people who want to get started selling on eBay, but who want to take eBay selling a step further and start a full-time business with an eBay store. Here's a run-down of what you can expect from the program:

First, learn the basics of setting up an account, creating listings, setting prices and getting paid. This may not sound interesting until you realize that you will be finding out how to create listings that attract lots of bidding buyers, how to price your items for maximum profit and how to get paid fast!

Want to know how to start and market an eBay business? How to automate your eBay business with advanced eBay tools? The best way to package and ship inventory? You will learn all of this too in the second part of the program.

Finally, you'll discover how to set up your own eBay store, which is a great way to introduce multiple products to each buyer and develop a customer base of repeat buyers. Talk about building your income with minimal effort

Sound too good to be true? Find an eBay Instructor near you (yes, a real person, in your neighborhood!)

More information on eBay Selling.

The Benefits of a Small Business Cash Advance

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:36:00 +0000

A small business not only needs to be competitive, but it also needs to make smart and savvy business decisions to stay successful and ahead of their competitors. The wrong financial decision can quickly end a business's chance for success.   

Many small businesses turn to banks or private lenders for financing through loans that require collateral, but if the repayments terms are not met, the lender will quickly reclaim or sell the collateral to recoup the borrowed funds. A small business cash advance eliminates the risk factor involved in debt financing.   

With a cash advance, the small business repays the loan with a fixed percentage of future credit card sales. The merchant repays the cash advance only with credit card sales, so there is no risk of losing any collateral. The merchant cash advance lender automatically receives a fixed percentage every time a credit or debit card is swiped until the loan is repaid.   

Any small business that accepts credit card transactions can qualify for a small business cash advance. There is no lengthy and drawn out approval process indicative of many traditional bank loans and credit scores and history are not taken into account. Cash advances are generally approved quickly and easily which can be especially beneficial if a business is looking at an urgent financial need.   

Cash advance loans also have no fixed repayment schedule. There are no monthly payments that have to be made as the percentage is deducted from each credit card transaction without the need for action on the part of the business owner. This eliminates quite a bit of stress for the business owner.   

As the repayment terms are based on future transaction receivables, there is no loan time limit to worry about as well. Repayment is in sync with the rate of business a company receives. It may take longer for a smaller business to repay the loan where as a larger business can quickly repay the funds.   

It is vital for a small business to have the capital needed to establish a positive cash flow or to expand their company. Small business cash advances are one of the best alternatives to traditional bank loans. Bank loans are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, have long and exhaustive processes for approval and strict requirements, including pristine credit scores and history, must be met.   

Merchant cash advances have fast and easy approvals, do not require certain credit criteria and have flexible repayment terms. However, not all merchant cash advance providers are the same. Hidden charges and fees can ruin a business financially if caution is not exercised. Small businesses face many challenges and small business cash advances can help meet each financial challenge as it comes.

Start a Virtual Bookkeeping Business in 7 Steps

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:37:00 +0000

If you want to become a bookkeeper but also work from home - why not start a virtual bookkeeping business?

Not only do you get more freedom and flexibility in your work schedule, but you can also work for clients outside of your local area. This can mean more clients and more income for you!

Rather than try to figure out how to start your own virtual bookkeeping business by yourself, get the inside scoop from Gabrielle Fontaine - she has already done it. She has put together an information-packed audio program that walks you through setting up your business - from establishing your services and rates to working with your first client.

For less than 20 bucks, you can find out all the answers, and be on your way to making money working from home as a bookkeeper. You can even listen to free audio samples from Gabrielle's program online before you decide to download the entire program.

Good stuff!

Easy Ways to Promote a Home Business

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:26:00 +0000

1. Are you a new business owner with no customers?

2. Do you work from home - and have a difficult time getting the word out about your company?

3. Are you struggling to find clients and hate the idea of having to do the marketing yourself?

For many small businesses, there is a better way to advertise their products and services online. It doesn't cost a lot of money, and it doesn't take a lot of time.

For lack of a better term, I'll call them "Lead Generating Business Networks", because that is essentially what they are. Start by signing up your business for a free listing (similar to something in the Yellow Pages - but more detailed). From there, you have the option to subscribe or purchase lead programs, which means that you pay for customer leads that you receive through the site.

Keep in mind that these are no ordinary mailing list leads. These are actual consumers who go to the site to price and buy products and services - and they are usually ready to buy pretty quick.

See where to get your listings: Easy Ways to Promote a Home Business

How to Get Government Contracts

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:18:00 +0000

The US government buys lots of stuff. In fact, according to the US Small Business Administration, the US government is the largest buyer in the world.

The Small Business Administration has free courses available online for entrepreneurs to find out how to win government contracts. The course "Federal Contracting 101" gives how-to information on obtaining these contracts - including how to find out what contract opportunities are available, how to obtain contract assistance and SBA certification programs.

The US government purchases all sorts of commodities, so if you think this information could benefit your business, take a look at the brief online tutorials. You may discover a brand new customer that you never knew existed.

The Entrepreneur's Guide to ...Car Camping?

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:04:00 +0000

Now, I know that not every entrepreneur is a camping enthusiast - let alone camping out of a car. However, I can't help but notice the striking similarities between the two - and the benefits that car camping can offer virtually any entrepreneur.

Stick with me here...

Even if you've never been car camping yourself, I think you'll get this.

Just imagine yourself driving to a forested campground or wilderness area, probably some place you've never been before. You've got your gear, food and everything you need in the back of your car to survive for a weekend or week or whatever.

So, you arrive at your camping site. You're in unknown territory with limited supplies, and you'll need to get creative in order to stay warm, comfortable, fed and entertained.

Most likely, you will find out that you forgot your toothbrush, your lantern batteries run out, your wine opener breaks or the campground is not equipped with showers. After you finish laughing, screaming, crying or throwing things, it's time to get creative.

Just like you do as an entrepreneur.
Especially one on a shoestring budget.

When you are car camping, you can't help but think outside the box - because you are no longer in one.

For small business owners who have never tried camping, consider trying it. You may find out that you love it simply for the unpredictable surprises and challenges. I think car camping also creates an ideal environment to practice thinking outside the box - which can help any of us entrepreneurs in business.

If nothing else, a wilderness adventure (even a short one) is a great way to escape today's computerized and fast-paced world and give yourself that well-deserved break, read that book you've been putting off and listen to a little bit of silence.

And even better - an entrepreneur on a shoestring budget can go car camping too.

Wondering what the heck to bring? Check out this free car camping checklist.

Laws to Follow When Starting a New Small Business

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:27:00 +0000

When starting a business, you want to make sure that you are abiding by local, state and federal laws. These, of course, will vary depending on your location. Here is a list of what you want to do:

Zoning Laws

Are you allowed to conduct business in the location you have chosen? This issue usually comes up for entrepreneurs who want to do business out of their homes. Each city and neighborhood has its own requirements, with the purpose of keeping disruptions minimal in residential communities (ie. traffic, noise, parking, signage, etc..). You can find out his information when applying for a business license (see below).

Business Name Registration

In most cases, a business needs to register its company name or "fictitious business name" with the city or county in which it is located. This notifies the government and the public that the business exists. It also prevents multiple companies from having the same business name in the same city. Contact your county clerk's office.

Business Licensing

Typically, all businesses are required to have a business license to operate. Additional licenses or permits may be needed, depending on the type of operation. The business owner will need to fill out a simple business license application and pay a small fee to the city or county. Start by contacting your city's licensing department or tax collector's office.

Taxes

The business will need to pay federal, state and local taxes on the income it earns. Estimated tax payments are generally made several times during the course of each year. Visit the IRS website for details. The business owner may also need to pay employment taxes if he or she has hired employees.

Insurance Coverage

Some businesses are not required to carry insurance and some are. This is a question for your local insurance agent. You can also find out more information and get free quotes online prior to contacting an agent.

How Graphic Designers Can Get Clients Fast

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:56:00 +0000

The graphic design business can be a fun a profitable career to get into, especially with the growth of opportunities in designing websites.

The downside is that most great graphic designers are not that great at marketing (sorry guys) - and without clients, there is no money.=(

Fortunately, there are websites that help graphic designers get clients without having to be expert marketers. One of these websites is 99 Designs. As a designer, you can set up a free account and receive work opportunities submitted from clients through the 99 Designs website.

Not only is this a great way to start growing your client base - you can be building your portfolio at the same time, which can help you attract even more customers.

Each client project that is submitted through 99 Designs gets sent to multiple designers who essentially come up with their own unique ideas and compete for the job. You can see the designs that your competition creates and get ideas and feedback, so that you can become a better designer than you could without outside input.

There are a variety of projects that are requested by clients, including logo design, business card design, website creation, t-shirt design, brochure and stationary layouts and more.

When you don't have to spend as much time marketing, you can invest more time in designing and taking on more projects - which can mean... well you know, making more money.

Putting a New Twist on an Old Product

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:57:00 +0000

There may be an unlimited number of potential product ideas out there, but trying to come up with one may not be so easy. So. instead of trying to develop an entirely new product - why not take an old product and put a new spin on it?

That's what Hive has done with snowshoes. Not only can people hike and climb in snowshoes - they can glide downhill.

Although the Hive snowshoe does not have skiing capabilities, it does give the user an entirely new feature and a new way to use the product. By doing this, the Hive snowshoe goes beyond just competing with other snowshoes on the market - it has essentially created its own product where (for now), there is virtually no competition.

By offering such distinctive features, the product becomes easier to sell because its near-competitors can hardly compete with it. The snowshoe can also be sold more easily to a variety of different markets: snowshoers, skiers and winter sports enthusiasts who are looking for something new.

Putting a new twist on an old product can be a great way to come up with a product idea - while also creating a compelling sales advantage.

Business Idea AND Idea Business? ...Innovation Consulting

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:18:00 +0000

One of today’s fast-growing fields is Coaching. Sometimes known as Success Coaches, Life Coaches, Lifestyle Specialists or Consultants - these entrepreneurs can earn a great living while working from home and helping others achieve their dreams.

In fact, this work can be so rewarding (and the career so simple to start) that the industry is flooded with these personal coaches.

But what about businesses?

Businesses can benefit from coaching as well. They have goals they want to reach, and more importantly, they need to turn a profit in order to remain in business. Many business constantly struggle to come up with innovative ways to improve their products or services, cut company costs, attract new customers, etc..

These businesses could use their own coaches. An "Idea Coach", that is.

An Idea Coach or Innovation Consultant can help companies come up with new and better ways to make more money, decrease expenses and save time. Now, what company would not be interested in improving its bottom line?

This specialty coaching niche is presenting lots of opportunities - but not a lot of competition at the moment. The biggest challenge may be knowing how to get started in this cutting edge field.

A company called Think has been helping businesses create and implement innovative ideas for several years. They are now offering licenses to interested entrepreneurs who want to become Innovation Consultants. They offer training, financing, mentoring and support - as well as lead generation services and use of their brand name Think.

How Do I Find Suppliers of Products I Can Sell?

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:04:00 +0000

Whether you are looking for products to sell in your online store, to re-sell on eBay, sell mail order or in a retail shop, there are several ways you can connect with wholesale suppliers and find products.

If you simply need to acquire inventory at wholesale prices, you can use Alibaba's new Ali Express. From electronics to jewelry to sporting goods to home improvement equipment - you can use their free online database to find what you want from over 30 different categories and a wide variety of sellers.

You can also find surplus inventory through Liquidation.com, where you can bid on surplus items from well-known popular retailers who need to get rid of old merchandise.

Both of these resources make finding suppliers much easier and faster, especially for smaller home-based businesses. You don't necessarily need to buy in huge bulk amounts, which makes doing business much more affordable.

Home Based Business Insurance 1-2-3

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:24:00 +0000

If you operate your business from home, don't assume that you don't need insurance. Think of your home-based business as any other traditional business - you will generally want coverage for things like inventory and equipment, liability coverage, vehicle coverage, errors and omissions, worker's comp if you have employees, etc...

Small home-based businesses may not need much insurance - but that doesn't mean it should be overlooked. As we all know, anything can happen. Being properly insured can be the difference between a smoothly operating company and one that goes out of business.

Homeowner's Insurance:

A homeowner's insurance policy doesn't generally cover property or liability damages due to business activities. However, some companies do offer add-ons to these policies that include limited property and liability coverage for small businesses.

Alternatively, a business owner can get an in-home business policy that provides provides property and liability coverage and can cover lost income as well. If the home business conducts work off-site (out of the home), make sure that the insurance policy adequately covers business activities wherever they take place.

Insurance Costs and Saving Money:

Costs vary, depending on your coverage needs, but some ways you can save money include increasing deductibles, installing a security system in your home and comparing rates from multiple providers. It can be a good idea to meet with an insurance professional - if nothing else to find out what insurance is required for your specific business.

Start by comparing insurance rates free online to get an idea of costs and coverage.

Why Packaging Still Matters in the Age of E-Commerce

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:20:00 +0000

In the world of commerce it's natural to think that a lack of a shelf means a lack of concern regarding product packaging. However, it still makes a difference to customers, and it still matters on a manufacturing side. For any enterprise that makes a product, especially something hand-held and under $20, packaging design remains a critical component in ensuring sales success into the 21st century.

More shipping = More care

Your products aren't just being shipped from the factory to the hub to stores in large protected boxes and containers. Many end up in the customer's hands.

If packaging for a particular product is notoriously faulty when sent through the rugged gauntlet of the U.S. Postal Service and other package delivery companies, the blame will ultimately come back to you. Your products can receive poor reviews, and online store may refuse to carry your merchandise.

New search techniques bring focus back to package design

Shoppers browsing the shelves will eye an interesting looking product just like they always have - only this time they may use an app such as Google Goggles. Using this app, they can either directly link to your company's website via smartphone, compare prices or find details about your product and save it along with the picture.

Shoppers can even use this technology when shopping online. Not only does your packaging need to register with these image scanning search services, it needs to look interesting enough that people are inspired to use such tools. This ultimately increases the chance of your product being sold.

It has never not mattered

Despite the fact that your customers are migrating away from department stores and moving toward online alternatives, those who buy your products are still impacted by packaging.

As mentioned above, several aspects of modern e-commerce packaging remain the same. In some ways they differ. The push for more eco-friendly materials in construction of packaging, for example, is something the modern product provider needs to be particularly mindful of.

Don't fall prey to the notion that product packaging is a moot matter in the age of e-commerce. If you ever expect your product to make an impression, online or otherwise, you'll take your packaging seriously.

How to Become an "Online Book Marketing Specialist"

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:55:00 +0000

One of the hottest new services for 2012 is "Online Book Marketing". Lots of authors need to get their publications into the hands of customers ONLINE - and many don't have a clue how.

This is where the "Online Book Marketing Specialist" comes in. And now there is a simple way that you can tap into this growing new field - and profit!

As we all know, consumers are purchasing more ebooks and digital publications than ever. Authors, of course, want to take advantage of this medium - especially because they can reach a large audience quickly and inexpensively.

VAClassroom has teamed up with D'vorah Lanksky, the founder of the Author Marketing Circle to offer a unique program, the Online Book Marketing Training Program. Not only do entrepreneurs get trained on how to get started, Lanksky provides access to a community of over 4000 Authors and potential clients!

Get two weeks of practical top-notch training from one of the best minds in the "Book Marketing" world. The program begins soon - February 13th.

Find out how you can help the multitude of authors who need publicity - and get paid doing it. This is a perfect opportunity to be one of the first people to start working in this field where there is little competition and lots of potential customers...

Solving Problems with Underwear...

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:02:00 +0000

Looking for a good business idea? Create a solution to one of your own problems.

That's what Tom Patterson did when he got laid off. His problem? A loose-fitting undershirt.

You may think that this is not that big of a problem. Is something like a loose-fitting undershirt enough of an issue that a possible solution would actually turn a profit? Would it be worth investing time in developing and manufacturing such a product?

Well, it turns out that Patterson was not the only one with this problem. There were plenty of other men, and they were willing to pay for a solution. Millions of dollars worth.

Patterson's underwear line, "Tommy John", of course now goes beyond just the ill-fitting undershirt. However, the point is: never underestimate the viability of your "problem" as a profitable business idea.

One thing Patterson did before launching his product line was to have friends test out his products and give him feedback. If in doubt about your own product idea, get feedback from people you know or use crowdsourcing to help you develop your product. You can get confirmation that your product idea is a good one - and also uncover potential flaws so that you can improve on your idea before letting it loose to the world...

Free Email Marketing for Very Small Businesses

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:21:00 +0000

Do you run a very small business? Maybe a home-based company with you as the only employee? Then you might just qualify for some free email marketing from iContact.

iContact is a popular email software program that can literally automate your entire advertising campaign. Many small businesses on a limited budget use email as a way to send out newsletters to customers, announce promotional events, send out coupons and follow up with shoppers with information on new products or services.

With email marketing, there is no printing or postage costs - and there is minimal time involved. Email marketing campaigns can be pre-scheduled and automated so that you can realistically contact thousands of customers while you're sleeping.

So what if your business is brand new, and you don't have any customers yet?

Lots of entrepreneurs hold a raffle, contest or event where they give away a free gift. People who want to be entered in the contest or receive the free gift submit their email address (much easier than trying to get a phone number or mailing address from someone).

Then look what happens! You get your email list of potential buyers that you can contact through your free iContact email marketing edition.

Get a Freakin Voicemail Will You?

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:34:00 +0000

I have a sick oak tree.

So I called 5 arborists to help me either save it or chop it down. This is what I got:

- One company had a live person answer the phone.
- The second company forwarded me to a company voicemail box.
- The third company sent me to a voicemail box with no message.
- The last two companies did not have voicemail and the phone rang and rang and rang.

I can tell you, one company is getting all the business - and it doesn't look like they have much competition.

Three of these businesses could avoid losing lots of customers simply by getting a voicemail box and recording a professional message so that the caller knows he or she has actually reached a business.

Here's the funny thing...

These days, it has gotten so cheap and easy to set up a voicemail box that there really is no excuse for a small business not to have one. Yet, I still have difficulty reaching business people when my wallet is out, and I am ready to pay. Go figure.

Surprisingly, small businesses on a shoestring budget can get a Skype phone number with voicemail for about $5/month. There are also toll-free phone numbers for $2/month with incoming call rates at just 6.9 cents/minute from companies like Kall8.

But if the benefit of having customers able to reach you is not a big enough selling point, here are some more:

1. Home based businesses no longer need to have business calls ring to the home phone at all hours of the day (or night). After work hours are over, you don't need to be bothered by work calls.

2. If a business owner has a designated business phone number and professional voicemail, customers often can't tell the difference between a small one-person company and a larger business. Customers are more likely to take your business seriously, hire you and get this - perceive your service at a higher value simply because you are professional.

3. These days, you can access these voicemail boxes from any phone. This means if you are out of the office/home all day working on jobs, you can use your cell phone to call in and retrieve your messages. Some phone services allow calls to be forwarded to your cell phone (including Skype and Kall8) so you can actually talk to customers when they call you - without giving out your cell phone number.

Small businesses no longer have to act like small businesses. They can play with the big guys without having to pay big.

Free Tax Pro Advice Helps Entrepreneurs Save Money at Tax Time

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:55:00 +0000

It's tax time again, and a great way to save yourself money is to complete your tax returns yourself.

But that's hard... isn't it?

If you've never done your own tax returns, TurboTax has an offer this year that you'll like. You can start using their easy fill-in-the-blank tax program for free - and they'll even provide you with free tax advice. This is a no-risk opportunity to see how easy tax software can be because you get free one-on-one guidance on how to maximize your deductions.

If you don't like it, you haven't lost any money. However, if you find out you love it - you'll be one happy camper, saving money year after year after year.

Let's say you own your own business - you're a sole proprietor, contractor or consultant. TurboTax has a Home and Business Software Bundle that you can try out for free as well - and get free personalized tax advice. You pay only when you file, so again, you don't risk any money to test-drive it.

Hiring a tax preparer to complete your business tax return can often be more expensive than a personal return. Therefore, if your business is fairly simple (i.e one employee, home-based, etc..), it may be worth your while to find out how to complete your own tax returns - especially when you can get free tax advice from a tax pro.

Is XsitePro Web Design Software Any Good?

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:29:00 +0000

Are you looking for a full-featured yet easy-to-use web design software that will also help you search engine optimize your website and not cost you a lot of money?

I have found XsitePro to be the solution. And not only the best solution - the only solution.

What Do I think of XsitePro?

I have not found another piece of software that even compares - even the more expensive programs like Dreamweaver (sorry Dreamweaver). In fact, I am a Mac user! When I switched to a Mac computer, I desperately tried to find a Mac-compatible web design software that could do all the things I was able to do with XsitePro. Nothing!

I spent extra cash on software programs so that I could actually continue to use my XsitePro. (I purchased Parallels and Windows software so that I could create a PC drive on my computer and install XsitePro - and if you're wondering - yes, it works!).

Was it worth it? Find out here: Complete XsitePro Review

Finding Customers for a Computer Repair Business

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:05:00 +0000

I recently came across a question from an entrepreneur who had started a computer repair business that he operated from home and could repair his customers' computers at remote locations. The great thing about his business was that he could draw from a much larger customer base - not just local.

However, because the target market had become so much larger, it had also become harder to get noticed by potential clients. In addition, since his business was a start-up, he lacked the funds to invest in the services of a marketing company. So what could he do?

I suggested that he use some of the newer marketing tools online that don't require money up front to use (specifically MiNeeds.com, MerchantCircle.com and OpenChime.com). They charge a commission or fee once the business receives each client lead. This seems fair, but these websites focused on smaller local markets - not the worldwide market he had the potential to draw from.

But was this bad thing?

Here's a tip I gave him:

"Since your remote computer repair service can be used by customers outside your local area, make sure you let your new local clients know this - they can refer you to "non-locals". Referral marketing is a great way to build a computer repair business because customers prefer to work with someone their friend has already used and likes."

And no, you don't have to have a computer repair company to use this very same customer-finding strategy.

Simple Bookkeeping: How to Keep Your Own Books

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:16:00 +0000

Bookkeeping is one of the management essentials of operating a small business. It's not a fun task, but someone's got to do it.

You can outsource the work to a bookkeeper or accounting professional - but if you're willing to take on the job yourself, you may find that today's software and tutorials make it easier than you think.

What are Your Bookkeeping Options?

Option 1: Tackle the bookkeeping yourself. Small businesses with less than 10 employees and minimal (or no) inventory generate less bills, receipts and work. The paperwork produced from a one-person home-based operation is typically even more manageable.

Option 2: Invest in your own bookkeeping software and use an online payroll system. Hire a once-a-week or part-time bookkeeper to update the books.

Some small and home-based businesses don't even need many of the numerous features that professional business accounting software delivers. If this sounds like your company, you may be able to even get away with a free bookkeeping program on the internet like Outright.com. You can also find free lessons in basic bookkeeping online at AccountingCoach.com.

Read more: Small Business Bookkeeping Made Easy

How to Create Your Own Work at Home Job - Seriously

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:55:00 +0000

In today's economy, it can be wonderful news to find out that you've just landed a job. For some of use, working at home would be ideal, but these jobs seem few and hard to find. But wait, there's good news! It's becoming easier to create your own work at home job.

What?

Now, creating your own work from home job does not mean enrolling in the latest home business opportunity. Nor does it mean launching a time-consuming and expensive start-up. An easier option that many entrepreneurs are now taking is freelancing or working as an independent contractor. You don't have to come up with your own product or service to sell - nor do you have to have a boss looking over your shoulder.

So what's this all about?

Like many individuals these days, the majority of companies are looking for ways they can cut their costs. One way they can do this is to outsource jobs that aren't required to be done on-site. The company then doesn't have to pay for things like office space or health benefits for the employee and that's what makes outsourcing so attractive.

OK, this makes sense, but what do I need to do to get started?

Read how and get instant easy resources: Create Your Own Work at Home Job

Need Funding? Look No Further Than Your Neighborhood

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:47:00 +0000

Are you a neighborhood retail business in need of some financing? Well, lucky you.

There's a new service in town called Lucky Ant that is helping small retail companies get the funding they need to grow their businesses - but this is no ordinary loan.

Let's say you own a restaurant or shop. You have customers who know you, like you and use you service. Lucky Ant rounds up people in your local neighborhood who would be interested in helping you grow your business. Through this crowdsourced financing method, the "locals" supply the funds in exchange for some VIP treatment, rewards or perks from you. Not too bad.

Small business are increasingly using crowdsourced financing as a way to fund their start-ups and growth. It can be much easier than getting a loan, especially if you don't need a lot of money and have a great idea with business plan in place.

"How Can I Get Customers to My Restaurant?"

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:56:00 +0000

For a new restaurant, offline marketing is the way to get started. That is not to say that you should ignore the internet. However, I think many eaters look for a restaurant online only after they know it exists. An online presence is good for displaying things like menu items, ingredients, location, hours, prices, events, etc..

Getting Started with Offline Marketing

I think reaching out to your target market as a group will get you the best results for the least amount of advertising dollars. Contacting only the people who will appreciate what you have to offer (instead of advertising to everyone) will save you money, and getting in front of a larger group at once will deliver more bang for your buck.

For example, if your restaurant is a great place for business people to meet with clients, contact local businesses and offer to deliver some sample lunches to their office for free (along with a stack of coupons that say why your location is a great place to conduct business).

Another example is a restaurant that serves quick healthy meals may be a great candidate to advertise to triathlon race competitors. You can pay to include coupons in race goodie bags, and this can be an easy way to introduce your restaurant and menu to local health fanatics.

A cheap way to make your own professional-looking coupons is to use an online print service like VistaPrint.com or Simpleprint.com to and design your coupon on a smaller business card or postcard.

Once you've started establishing your restaurant's offline presence, it's time to get the ball rolling with local search marketing online.

4 Ways to Make and Sell Your own Gift Cards Online

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:54:00 +0000

We can all agree that gift cards sell. Plus, without having to create an entirely new product or service, a business owner can quickly add more income to his or her bottom line. Almost any type of business can benefit from selling its own gift certificates, and with very little investment or risk, this marketing tool is a no-brainer.

Keep in mind that you are not only making your business more money, you are doing your customers a favor. How many times have you found yourself in a bind needing to get a last minute gift? Gift cards are a perfect solution. It's also a painless way to increase customer referrals without having to ask for them ("What's that?... Free advertising?").

You may look at a gift card or gift certificate from a local business and think, "How can I do that? I don't need more work!" But what most people don't know is that these little income generators are really simple to make and sell...

See the 4 ways you can cheaply create and sell your gift certificates online using gift card software and templates.