Work At Home Business Options

Archive for August, 2010

When it comes to Direct Sales, many consultants these days are choosing to start an online business blog as a way to reach out to their established customers but more importantly…as a way to attract new ones.

Before you make the decision to start a business blog, you need to contact your Direct Sales Company to make sure you are allowed to have one online & to see if they have any company rules regarding online advertising. You also need to make sure you have the time to stick with updating your blog before you even get started.

After you have made the decision, it’s now time to decide where you want to build your blog online. Two of the most popular sites for online blogging is Blogger and WordPress. You will want to open up an account and get your blog set up. Once you open up an account, you can pick out a design. There are thousands of free online blogger and wordpress templates for you to choose from. Once you select one, you need to install it onto your blog.

Now that you have that completed, it’s time to get busy making some posts onto your blog. When it comes to blogging about your business, it is important to keep your new blog strictly about business and not your personal life. In addition, you don’t want your blog to come off as a big fat spam ad…so make sure you fill it up with informative content about your company, your services, your products and so forth. Once you got some content onto your blog, it will be time to advertise its web address.

You can advertise your blog online by joining a few online blog directories, putting your link in your signature tag, announcing it on your Twitter, Facebook, Linked-In Accounts and so forth. There are many ways to advertise online and you can find additional ways to do that by reading other articles here on our blog.

My best tip about blogging for business is to keep at it. People don’t just magically find your blog…just like they don’t just magically find your business services, so it’s your job to promote your new blog & to keep it fresh & updated with new posts.

Happy Blogging!

Shelly

What Constitutes a Successful and Legitimate Direct Sales Company
By Cory Olsen

During this time of unparalleled domestic economic uncertainty individuals are searching for lucrative secondary incomes if not multiple streams of income in order to stave off creditors, adjustable rate mortgages, unprecedented white color lay-offs, declining investment portfolios, the increased cost of education, inflation and the list marches tragically on, ad infinitum… Wall Street has been beaten to the mat and we are now for the first time in American History left with only two true Investment Banking Firms: The venerable Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. To add to the Wall Street woes, Japanese financial Goliath Mitsubishi UFJ is looking to take a 20% stake in Morgan Stanley while China remains the largest holder of U.S. Treasuries.

What does all this mean to you? It means you need to look out for yourself, protect your financial future and investigate opportunities for primary or secondary income. One of the most remarkable financial opportunities in modern day America is in direct sales because you have the opportunity to earn an unlimited income dependent on your level of dedication to your own enterprise and entrepreneurship, be your own boss and direct the winds of your own “financial sails.”

There are hundreds of direct sales opportunities, but like anything else, not all are created equal. Be weary of direct sales opportunities that are illegitimate as they will only cause you frustration as you spin your wheels attempting to make a business for yourself while true opportunity simply does not exist. However, there are some exceptionally lucrative opportunities in direct sales that will afford you the lifestyle you deserve, give you financial freedom and security even in the worst economies.

Let’s look at the most lucrative and historically successful direct sales opportunities in America so that you can make an informed decision based on past performance, real business opportunity and the potential to realize your financial goals. The most important thing you can do for yourself is look at your financial obligations and set realistic goals to meet them. A financial plan is the foundation for anyone’s financial success, proper preparation for your financial future is your responsibility, nobody but you can forge your success!

One of the most respected and prolific direct sales opportunities is Mary Kay Inc. Mary Kay Inc. is one of the largest direct sales skin care and cosmetic companies in the world. Mary Kay boasts more than 1.7 million Independent Beauty Consultants worldwide. In 2006, sales crested $2.25 BILLION at the wholesale level. More than 200 Independent National Sales Directors in the U.S. have earned more than $1 million in gross commissions. Mary Kay Inc. is a legitimate opportunity to not only build a lucrative direct sales business its legitimacy is as solid as they come. Mary Kay is one of only 20 company profiles in the 1996 book, Forbes Greatest Business Stories of All Time. Mary Kay Ash, the founder, is the only woman to be included. Mary Kay Ash has been designated as one of the greatest business leaders by PBS, Wharton School of Business, Baylor University and was elected to the Business Hall of Fame by Fortune in 1996.

With flexible hours and the opportunity for an unlimited earning potential, a Mary Kay business is the ideal career choice for women worldwide. Mary Kay focuses on the needs of modern women, no matter their background and provides extensive ongoing Company support, educational materials and recognition. A Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant OWNS her own independent business and is her own boss setting her own schedule, yet she has the complete support of the Company to help her succeed.

Petlane is a direct sales company focused on the $43 billion pet industry. Petlane is the creation of legendary Lane Nemeth who founded Discovery Toys in 1978 growing Discovery Toys into a $100 million revenue generating giant by 1997. In 2004 Lane Nemeth launched Petlane having recognized the tremendous direct sales opportunities in the unsaturated pet products direct sales industry. There is virtually no competition in the pet industry with regards to direct sales, making Petlane one of the rising stars on the horizon.

Petlane boasts hundreds of highly successful Pet Advisors across the U.S. who receive Company training, support and marketing materials with multiple ways of earning income insuring their success. Petlane is devoted to improving the lives of pets and the people they love. Since 62% of U.S. households own pets, Petlane offers an unparalleled business opportunity in a relatively untapped market.

In the two decades since Lane Nemeth founded Discovery Toys, she has received broad recognition for her accomplishments, including an award from the National Association of Business Owners. Twice recognized by Working Woman as one of their “Top 50 Business Women,” she has been profiled in major media, including Time, Working Woman, The Today Show and The Early Show. Under Nemeth’s guidance Pet Advisors across the country are able to achieve financial freedom providing family income enhancement opportunities for those who wish to be self employed.

Tupperware Brands Corporation has experienced a reemergence in popularity the past few years after slumping sales in the 90′s. Tupperware pioneered the direct marketing strategy made famous by its representatives hosting Tupperware parties. Tupperware was developed in 1946 by Earl Silas Tupper. Tupper created plastic containers used in households to contain food and keep it airtight. The formerly patented “burping seal” is a famous aspect of Tupperware distinguishing itself from its competitors.

Tupperware is still sold primarily through the party, offering host rewards. A Tupperware party is run by a Tupperware consultant for a host who invites friends, neighbors and acquaintances into their home to view Tupperware product offerings. Tupperware hosts are rewarded with complimentary products based upon their level of sales derived from their party. Tupperware has over 1.9 million consultants and is sold in nearly 100 countries. However, the decision made by Tupperware, to sell to retail outlets like Target has alienated the sales force to a certain degree.

When considering becoming a part of a direct sales team, the most important thing to consider is whether or not there is a real and substantial income opportunity. There are many direct marketing “schemes” that promise unlimited income but do not have a viable product that will ensure return on investment of time and money. Proceed with caution when doing your research and seek out direct sales companies that have either proven leadership or a track record that illustrates growth. The direct sales industry is an excellent opportunity for you to hedge your financial future against the ups and downs of an untamed market and achieve substantial financial stability. I wish you luck, success and the ability to achieve your financial dreams. Your best days are before you, I wish you the best of luck!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cory_Olsen

http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Constitutes-a-Successful-and-Legitimate-Direct-Sales-Company&id=1519461

Many know now why Twitter is a good choice for marketing yourself and your business. You get a lot of exposure, spurts of high traffic and it can be extremely viral. Do it wrong and you get nothing.

Twitter is social networking. It’s more than a two way street. It’s like a traffic jam or an opened store front. Eventually people who don’t know each other will find something in common to talk about and if you talk long enough, you’ll become friends.

When you haven’t seen a friend in a long time and one day you bump into them, it’s a great surprise. You’ll have lots to catch up on and talk about. Wouldn’t it be a bit odd if you haven’t seen or spoken to a friend in a long time and out of the blue get an email from them asking for a favour? I would find it a bit strange.

The same goes with social networking sites. To be effective you have to be present and you have to be engaging. Before you build your business relationship get to know a bit more about the person each day. Things happen and people get busy or their priority change. Don’t automatically assume that because you’ve chatted and gotten to know each other a bit in the past, you can solicit your business to them. Both parties have to be willing. There’s no point in introducing your business to someone who’s not on the same page as you. Take the time to rebuild and reconnect.

Social networking is not about the numbers. It’s quality. It’s not possible to connect with all of your thousands of followers on Twitter and that’s fine because you follow people for different reasons, right? It’s not about “I’ll follow you and you follow me”. Choose and find people that you want to inspire, help, grow and that they can do the same for you.

It’s our pleasure to have Melissa H. Dery, The Golden Rule Virtual Assistant (VA) as our guest blogger. She offers her expertise and discuss how a Virtual Assistant can alleviate your daily work load so you can focus on the other aspects of your business.

Thank you Melissa for sharing with us such a great blog post!

Take a moment and look at your current To-Do list. What are the tasks you keep moving from one-day to the next because you just don’t have the time or the desire to get them done? These are the tasks that you know will help your business grow, keep you organized and prepared. However, each day you have good intentions to get them done, but other pressing tasks like talking with customers, meeting with prospects and training new team members takes priority. This is where delegating can be vitally helpful to taking your business to the next level. This is how a Virtual Assistant can help move your business forward.

There are many different definitions of what a Virtual Assistant (VA) is, the way I explain it is, I’ve been an administrative professional for over 20 years, I just decided to provide the same professional services virtually. While you work from home building and growing your direct sales business, I work from my home to provide you the support services you need to help you gain more time in front of customers, prospects and team members.

When you took a look at your To-Do list, did it include the following tasks?

•Send invitations for current parties
•Enter new customers into database
•Create a system to organize contacts and schedule follow-ups
•Send thank you, birthday, anniversary cards to customers, team members
•Create and send a newsletter to customers
•Create and send a newsletter to team members

These are just a few examples of projects I’m working on with direct sales superstars like you. There are many ways a VA can help support your business so that you can focus on growing your business. Take some time to review your to-do list and see what tasks you would love to turnover and get done! Schedule a free consultation call and let’s discuss how you can get some tasks off your to-do list and in the hands of a trusted professional.

Melissa H. Dery is The Golden Rule Virtual Assistant (VA) providing administrative support services to leaders in Direct Sales. A former direct sales consultant, who also grew up in a direct sales family, Melissa has a personal understanding of the “behind the scenes” work required to help your business run and grow.

With over 20 years of experience as an administrative assistant, Melissa took her talents as an assistant and combined it with her desire to help support those in direct sales to become The Golden Rule VA. Where her mission is to treat your business as if it were her very own, with respect, creativity and professionalism…it’s her rule!

Melissa is married to her best friend and lives in New Hampshire with her two boys. She has a Bachelor Degree in Business Management and a “Ducktoratte” Degree from Disney University. She loves coffee, running and most of all go camping with her family.

5 Tips to Potty Training Your Child by Amber Bishop

Potty training a child is one of the most exciting milestones of a young parent’s life. I have potty trained three children, both boys and girls and they have all potty trained in different ways. Each child has their own unique personality and learning style so it was interesting to me as a mom to watch them all pass through this milestone in their development.

As you begin to think about potty training your child, the first thing to remember is, don’t get stressed out. They will not be wearing diapers to kindergarten. With that being said, here a re a few practical tips that will get you and your child started on the right foot.

Step 1 – Don’t wait too long. Get them used to the idea of the “potty” early. Keep a small potty on the floor in the bathroom that they can sit on before and after baths or whenever you are using the bathroom. They may be completely clothed, but the simple act of sitting down on the potty gets them used to the idea early on. Our first child was not comfortable at first sitting up high on the traditional potty, so the small stable seat on the ground gave him the security he required. They will be observing your own bathroom habits as well. You will notice their curiosity kick in quit young. I think our first was saying “potty” at 1 although he didn’t begin training until his 2nd birthday.

Step 2 – Your child is smart. Don’t underestimate what your child can comprehend. They are learning new skills and new words and an astonishing rate. They are able to understand the concept. They may not have the muscle control for some time, but they have the cognitive ability to understand what is happening with the potty. Give them some visual clues. Show them what goes in to the potty and give the opportunity to flush afterwards. At times, I would even put the contents of their “dirty” diaper into the potty to show them where it goes. These are all important clues that are helping their brain assimilate information that will help them be successful in their training.

Step 3 – Stay in control. We call this “potty training” because they are training for something. They are working on learning a new skill, not waiting until they have the skill perfectly accomplished before the undertake it. Parents and children can get a little lazy or busy and forget what needs to be happening. In our family we set up a little system to help us remember to use the potty. With 3 young children and home schooling, we all get busy and forget the task at hand, so I use the timer method. I would set the timer at different intervals to remind us when to use the potty. That and I would make sure to give them enough water throughout the day to give the opportunity to practice. The first day of training I did about 15 minute intervals to get used to the idea of pulling up and down their pants, getting on the potty and the muscle memory needed to go when needed, as a voluntary response and not an involuntary response. The second day we increased the time and the third day a bit more time was added. We still had accidents, but tons of underwear sitting on the back of the toilet helped us move through the accidents with ease.

Step 4 – Be consistent. Once you have decided to start. Don’t stop when it may be hard, or it is taking your child longer than all of the little stories you hear form friends or on the internet. Some kid’s potty train in a day, or three days or some take months of reminding and practice just because of their particular makeup. Keep up with the training of skills, like, how to pull their pants on and off, change themselves, wash their hands and get on the potty themselves. You will see that consistency pays off in the end. I would carry a travel potty in the car with me, so that we could quickly use the potty when we were at stores or traveling, so we didn’t have to visit a dirty bathroom that was unfamiliar. That helped us stay consistent and flexible at the same time.

Step 5- Give it time Our first child potty trained in a week both 1 and 2, our second child (a girl, potty trained in a day on 1 and then 6 weeks later on 2 and our third child has taken a couple of weeks. This is partly because he is a boy and partly because he is the third. Never the less, they are all well adjusted potty trained kids. I have found the process of potty training, is one of teaching a parent how to be patient and teaching a child how to be independent. Isn’t that a metaphor for all of parenting? Most of all, enjoy the process, it won’t be long before they are asking for the car keys and these will be found memories you look back and cherish.

Amber Bishop is the co-founder of http://www.smartmoms-smartbusiness.com and http://www.smartmoms.freeforums.org online resources for work at home moms. She is also the owner of http://www.homeschool-diva.com She stays home and home schools her three children will building a successful home based business.

Article Source: WAHM Articles

If your family is like mine…then they most likely love Guacamole with some Taco Chips for family snack time. However, it is much healthier for you to make it fresh & homemade yourself instead of purchasing it jarred at your local supermarket.

Making homemade Guacamole is fairly simple and takes less than 30 minutes to make. You will want to keep it refrigerated until you are ready to use it. This recipe makes about 1 1/4 cups of dip.

2 ripe avocados
1 red tomato, finely chopped
1 small jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon of mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 Tablespoon of fresh lemon juice

You will want to chop all of your vegetable ingredients and then mash them with a fork or mash them in a blender. Add the rest of the non-vegetable ingredients and stir until all ingredients are well blended together. Place Guacamole in a container and refrigerate it until ready to use.

This is a great Guacamole dip to use with Taco Chips…I like to make it for our family game or movie nights.