Texas HomeBased Business News

What To Sell On The Web

2005-09-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

The web has suffered from the same drawbacks which beset multimedia publishing in its infancy:Namely, a lack of business direction-- and, the hi-jacking of business operations by technologists without any business knowledge.

It is important that publishers identify the product they are selling and to whom they are selling it, the market demand and its suitability for on-line delivery.

Electronic goods, mostly, consist of:· electronic journals, magazines and newspapers· electronic books (e-books)· multimedia CD-ROM· software· computer games· spreadsheets and formulas· music (MP3's, etc)· on-line databases. The products most suited to electronic commerce are on-line databases and electronic journals, music, magazines and newspapers … but the real commercial success of ePublishing may ultimately include any file that can be stored electronically- as these can be accessed, paid for and delivered directly to the users PC.

Take startup, RedPaper.com. The Internet company provides digitally (and not so digitally) creative and productive people with a platform to sell and expose their original content/work in files (digital formats) and, at the same time, provides buyers of digital copyrighted material with a large catalogue of original content/work in files (digital formats). As they say they want "to create a place on the Internet where any type of digital content no mater how abstract could be bought and sold by anyone interested in transacting it."

A model for the future of publishing? Maybe. An eBay for digital content? Or just another MightWords who hasn't learned their lesson yet?

The purchase of electronic books is more problematic as we mentioned. Besides the security and copyright issues there are social and cultural issues involved in the process of selecting and consuming books. There's also a perceived value issue that needs to be addressed. For example, other digital goods such as software for your computer has a high perceived value because of what it will do for the buyer. It's a plug 'n play product- buy it, load it and it does what it's supposed to do (hopefully) without any further intervention.

E-books, on the other hand, are 'content' (digital 1's and 0's) that don't do anything except sit on your hard drive. Not only don't they do anything, but the end-user actually has to exert effort to use it- they have to read it get the intended benefits. Then there are also those quality control issues. Quality control will become a primary issue as e-book buyer sophistication
increases.

There are opportunities for selling e-books and e-content utilizing strategies, that right now, may seem radical or unusual. We are in the very early stages of an entirely new industry - there are no industry "norms".

That's what makes it exciting and potentially the most profitable chapter to be written in Internet history.

Getting Your Prospects To Pay For Your Ads

2005-09-12T18:55:00.000-07:00

Here's an idea that's a little bit different . . . it can help you bring in a lot more sales for your full product and bring people to your website. It's how you can use Internet auctions to get people to pay to receive your sales material. Strange, but true.

You can use online auctions to bring people to your website in order to tell them more about your product - and sell them! If you are selling a high priced product, you might not have the space or want the space to have people read through a long, lengthy sales letter on an auction site. You can put up a report, for example, that you are selling for a one penny, fifty cents, or one dollar (depending on what it is). The report can be a collection of articles you've written or just one article with your signature at the bottom.

You can actually sell that through what ebay calls a Dutch Auction, which is when you have more than one item for sale. That report can then get people to your web site or it can actually sell a product if you want to do it that way.

Say you put up fifty of these reports for sale for $1.00, and people bid on them. Then you can deliver it to them electronically by immediate download. If you have e-mail, you can e-mail the report to them. That report can lead people to your web site or it can lead people directly to a product.

Another take on this, using the same concept, is you can actually sell the report very cheaply just as a vehicle to have that advertising on the auction site. The reason you would want to do this is, especially if you are selling a high priced product, is because you may not have the space to put a lot of information on the auction site. By doing this, you can lead people to your web site where you can go through a more thorough explanation, and attempt a more thorough job of selling your product to them . . . and that can get more people to go ahead and respond!

I would recommend selling a collection of 'reports' and selling them for $1.00. If the subject is of interest to your visitors they will buy it. Immediately after payment send them the download link or attach the reports to the email you send them if the file isn't over 1MB.

When you send them the file also ask them if they would like to receive your 'newsletter' and ask them to respond by putting 'yes' in the body or sbject of the return message. That gives you the permission you need to follow-up with them.

Build your list and sell your products but also provide good solid infomation your prospects can use. It's a win-win situation.

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Where To Buy Used, Rare Books For Pennies - Sell Them For Hundreds Of Dollars!

2005-08-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

$7.50 Used Book Worth $60,000 Now...

There's a Mr. Reginald Hunter in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who has a fabulous collection of rare books. It's valued at $3,000,000.

He's been a collector for over 50 years. We heard about him on PBS, the public television station. He specializes in first editions, mostly fiction, by famous authors, and books about the Civil War. Recently he was interviewed, and he was asked about his $3,000,000 collection, and how much he had to pay to amass it.

Did it cost him $3,000,000? "No way," he said. The most expensive book he has in his collection is a Civil War diary by a young Union officer, and he paid $73,000 for that book several years ago.

Today, he's been offered $150,000 for the book, but he doesn't sell his books anymore.
He said that he used to buy and sell books and make pretty good money doing it. He's fallen in love with his books. He's not just a book collector, he is a book lover.

He's got over $3,000,000 worth of books, and he's never going to let them go until he dies. He's going to give them to the National Archives and a library in Philadelphia where he lives.

Well he paid $73,000 for a rare Civil War diary that is worth $150,000. That's a pretty good deal! But, if you're like us, you're probably saying, "I don't know if I want to pay $73,000 for a book." Ok then . . . his second most valuable book is a rare first edition by the famous American author, Mark Twain.

We've all read Huckleberry Finn and some of Twain's other books. This book is now valued at $60,000; he obtained it a few years ago at a West Virginia thrift store, and guess what he paid- $7.50!

That's right, a book that is now worth $60,000 that he could quickly sell to collectors (there are about 150,000 rare book collectors in the United States alone) cost him $7.50!
Now, that's exciting!

Mr. Hunter also said that he was able to buy many, many books for $20 or less that are now worth at least a thousand dollars each! So, where do you find books for less than $20 that we can sell for many hundreds or many thousands of dollars?

The wise collector gave us his three favorite hunting places. Here are 3 easy-to-locate places to find rare and out of print books you can buy for pennies and auction for huge profits!

1. Thrift stores and second-hand stores.
2. Used bookstores.
3. Small antique stores.

These three types of stores are all over - there's hardly a town anymore that doesn't have at least a thrift store and an antique store, and most small cities have at least one store that's a source of used books!

And the best thing is, typically these stores have no idea how much some of these books are actually worth.

Emergency Cash Generator #7:"Take Me Drunk, I'm Home"

2005-07-25T23:51:00.000-07:00

Any experienced bartender can tell if a customer has had "one too many" and should not drive
himself home.

They will appreciate knowing about a service where you come to the bar (at any
hour) and drive the customer home IN HIS OWN CAR.

The main reason drunks do not like to take a cab home is because he has to leave his car at the
bar --all night. He doesn't want the hassle of having to get a ride the next morning to pick up his
car. Plus, people just don't like the idea of leaving their car in a parking lot overnight. The car
may be stolen or vandalized.

Also, many cab drivers avoid drunks because of the hassle --and the very real possibility that
they may get sick in the cab!

Your service solves these problems completely. Since you will be driving the customer’s car,
who cares if he gets sick? And next morning, instead of wondering where he left his car the
customer can start his day as usual, except perhaps for a hangover. He will not need to take
another taxi back to the bar to pick up his car.

To market your services have some business cards made up that say, "Too Much To Drink? I
Will Drive You Home In Your Own Car. $15.00 Minimum Plus Mileage."

Give several cards to each bartender in your area. Also, ask the manager if you can tape a card by the payphone.

Problem: Since you will be driving the drunk’s car, how do you get back home?

There are several possible solutions. Working as a team, have a friend or your spouse follow you
in your car to the drunk's house and then to the next customer. Or, you could use a moped or a
folding bicycle that you can carry in the customer’s car trunk. Or, use a tow bar to haul your car
behind.

Your hours will be from about 9:00 PM to 3 or 4 in the morning depending on when the bars
close in your area. Your best nights will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You may want to
print your hours and days of operation on your business cards. Use a voice mail box or
answering service to take calls.

Another idea is to give the bartenders a small commission --say $5.00 per customer. This will
insure that they will call you instead of the cab company. If you are prompt you will get all the
business you can handle.

You should be able to pull in $200.00 --$300.00 a night.

Sidenote: 100 more of these Emergency Cash Generators can be found at: Click Here

Let The News Make You Money

2005-07-24T21:26:00.000-07:00

Recently someone asked how could they start a business online without investing a lot of money. So instead of this just answering the question of one, I decided to post the reply here for everyone because I'm sure many, if not all can benefit from this.

There are many ways to start an online business without having to shell out big bucks. However, I'm just going to give you this one neat little plan that's quick and easy to impliment, and it will cost you not one penny to get it going.

First, read your newpaper or watch the local news on TV. Look and listen for something that has broad appeal. For example, while watching the news recently, there was a report on this new gadget that removes acne pimples and the cost for a treatment is in the three figure catagory.

Now this is something that has broad appeal because millions upon millions have acne problems and pimples, but hundreds of thousands or perhaps millions could not afford or be willing to shell out big money for the treatment.

So we know that there's a need for an acne pimple cure and a very large market that is willing to pay for a reasonably priced solution. the risk is very low if any at all to start a business around this since we know that there is a great demand.

Second, go to some of the larger affiliate or associate programs sites and look for a product you can market to this large waiting and demanding market. Pick out a few of the best programs or products and get your affiliate or associate links for them.

Third, Start yourself a Blog. Write a few good articles about acne problems, especially the pimples. You can write on causes of acne pimples, what methods do not work, diet, hygeine, the ages most likely to get acne pimples, sex, most likely to get them, race or etnic groups most likely to get them, etc...

In each article you write about acne problems, include your affiliate or associate link to the site that will provide a solution. you do not have to be an expert on acne or a great writer. the information that you put in your blog can normally be found on the sales pages of the affiliate or associate products or programs that you'll be promoting. There are also plenty of books in the library that you could read. Find books that are copyrighted in the 60s and earlier.

This is very important because books dating back that far are normally in the public domain, which means you are free to copy and use the information without copyright infringements of the original author or publisher.

Include your affiliate or associate links within your articles and in the sidebar of your blog. also be sure to put a subscriber sign-up box on your blog so that you will have the names and email addresses to follow up with your subscribers with more offers. think about it...people that suffer from acne pimples are also people who would be interested in other skin, health, or diet products or programs that you can offer them.

Fourth, monetize your blog with clickbank and google ads. So even if people don't buy your affiliate or associate products or programs, they may click on one of the google ads which you'll get paid by google just for a click-thru from your site. You will earn up to 75% commission on products or programs that someone buys when they click-thru on one of the clickbank ads on your blog.

Side Note: Go to http://newsunheralded.blogspot.com This blog is a perfect example of what you're learning here.

Fifth, advertise your blog in all the free classified ad sites and in all the ezines that give you free ads. There are also many other great sources and programs to advertise your blog at free that not only get your ads seen, but get you subscribers, and even pay you for advertising.

There you have it, a quick down and dirty easy way to get started in an online business without spending a single penny.

If you need help with finding some of the greatest sources around on the net today, just drop me a line via, and I'll send you some...Free!

Reminder: check out http://newsunheralded.blogspot.com as a prefect example of the great little no cost method you've just learned here for free.

Your Guaranteed Selling Product!

2005-07-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

If you have been researching or involved in online business for any length of time, you have no doubt seen a multitude of offers for "eBooks", books, reports and training course on every subject imaginable.

Why?

Because information is the hottest product on the market! (At the foundational level, it's actually the Only product, but that's whole new article.)

Information cuts straight to the root of all selling, which is answering the customer's question: "What will this product do for me?"

There's another reason, though. Pure information is a product that doesn't require a huge financial overhead to produce, (other than the hard knocks you got in gaining the experience and information), and is easy and relatively low cost to deliver to the customer.

That is what makes it such a great product for us, as entrepreneurs, to offer. Everyone has life experience, training, and skills that others don't have. Everyone knows something that others want to know, or can do something that others want to learn.

That's how I know you have an InfoProduct inside you, that others want to learn and are willing to pay you for it!

Your first assignment is to decide which of your many gifts, talents, skills, or knowledge you are going to offer to the world for sale!

Does that mean you have to be able to write a book? No. Not necessarily. I'm talking about what is known as USP...Unique Selling Position. Your USP might be that you have detailed knowledge about someone else's product that you are selling as an affiliate.

It could be that humorous way you present the information you have collected on some subject of interest, or the fact that you offer the best customer service available for the service you offer.

You may offer the same products that others are also selling, but find your own unique market for them.

But whatever you decide to use for your information product, your USP, you need to find one.

If you were to research the online marketers who are honestly making the money they claim to be earning online, you would discover that they all have a USP.

Your USP IS your product, however you package and deliver it. let me give you a quick and simple example. Let's say that others are selling a certain common item for $1.00 each. However, you can purchase the same item in bulk locally for $.10 each.

Now you advertise an market the item differently. You market it as a "Portable Self-Contained Typesetting System", and you advertise it at the amazing low introductory price of only $4.83 s/h included. In your ad you highlight it's features, such as...lightweight, durable, manufactured in the U.S., guaranteed at least 1,000,000 impressions, etc...

People fall all over themselves to buy the same product from you for $4.83 that everyone else is selling for $1.00! You going to make a lot of money very quickly pocketing over 450% profit for each system sold.

Oh, by the way...those "Portable Self-Contained Typesetting Systems" that are making you rich are "ink pens"!

See how simple it was to come up with a USP for a common item that everyone else is selling? You simply marketed and advertised ink pens under a different name. Think about it, that's what an ink pen actually is.

If you are working a Multi-level Marketing program or one of the BIBs (Business in a Box), you are not left out of this concept, but you may have to work harder to figure out how to be unique.

You can still go for the niche marketing idea. Find a group of people who aren't usually reached by these kinds of businesses, or aim your advertising at people in the countries that are just now going online.

You may, of course, actually write a book, eBook, or training course and sell it. Many are making a financial killing doing just that.

The list of helpful software and online publishers is growing every day. But even if you write your own product or design your own software, you will still need a well-thought-out USP to stand out in the crowd.

It's like your business plan -- you need a firm foundation before you can build your future online success.

Sales Tips For The Texas Homebased Business

2005-06-30T23:35:00.000-07:00

Working out of the home often means juggling multiple tasks and wearing many hats. But look out. When there is so much to do that there is little time left over for sales and marketing activity, sales can dry up and often do.

Here are some ways to avoid that.

1. Monthly Focus – Each month, grab your calendar and see which holidays are coming up. Then focus some type of activity around them. At least minimally, setup a direct mail campaign through the U.S. Post Office site (usps.com) in these quick steps: Choose one of their postcards. With their online tools, edit the back with a quick note, sale of some type & referral request. Load an Excel document of addresses, pay and send.

2. Ad Campaign - Plan ahead with advertising representatives by gathering their media kits and asking about special deals or rates they may have for you. Then follow up and plan a 12- to 16-month campaign, even if it’s just a small classified that runs regularly. That way you’ll always be covered whether you’re too busy to care or not. You can always supplement with cross-promotional pieces. But at least, set up a foundation to get you through the year. For inexpensive ads to run throughout the year, check out neighborhood newspapers and free or cheap magazines and papers that are placed inside public libraries, large grocery stores and country-type restaurants. PennySavers and Thrifty Ads are other sources.

3. Regular Income Stream - Don’t just have all large projects. Set up a few (or several, depending upon your budget needs) smaller, regular income-producing homebased businesses to generate weekly / monthly income. And maintain a steady flow as much as possible.

In other words, if five regular, smaller jobs pay the day-to-day bills, once one of them quits or runs out of work for you, replace it as soon as possible so that you maintain your steady ‘five’ as much as possible.

Some people setup affiliate programs in this manner; selling something for someone else and earning a percentage or profit for selling. They target so much income from one source of revenue stream to cover a certain portion of expenses. And if this runs out of steam, they beef up promotions or switch to another affiliate program.

Learn more about affiliate options from sources we reccommend. So when you juggle, remember to mix in SOME type of regular sales and affiliate income generating opportunities.

Create Multiple income streams!

Product Development For Your Texas Homebased Business

2005-06-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

Developing products can be a challenge in the homebased business environment.

Where do you go for a laboratory to create and test new product lines? Where do you turn for new packaging and marketing? Where do you turn for help? You’re there. YOU are the crack team, as Donald Trump says. So forget about looking around. You’re it.

Here’s what to do for your own product development.

First find a need. You want sales, so find something people want. How? Communication is the key. Ask your friends, your contacts, your business associates, your clients. See what they could use to make their lives easier. Poll them, survey them, email them, call them. Post questions on forums and chat rooms. Be like television’s Lieutenant Colombo (or the original Pink Panther) and enjoy the search, but don’t give up until you get your answers.

Second, get organized NOW, if you aren’t already. Take good notes as you go along. Keep organized, well-labeled computer and print folders and files in handy places. Use an organizer with a calendar if you need to.

Third, create a product based around the need you discovered above. No need to be Einstein or invent the wheel. Search and find others in the industry to help and see how others did their product creation before you. Then copy their methods –not ‘exactly’, but rather ‘similarly follow in their footsteps.’ I.E. read trade journals, search the Internet, review archived magazine and ezine articles, ask your local librarian to help you – and research “how to” get your idea off the ground based upon how others have done it in the past.

Then team up, share ideas, share resources, share marketing funds and share revenue, etc. with those experienced.

Reach out and don’t be afraid to find help and share. No need to go it alone or be greedy.

Fourth, along the way, get legal or other authoritative help as needed. Start with the Small Business Administration and find out if you need special permits, licensing, fees, contracts, legal structure, etc. Comparison shop, if possible, and get set up properly.

Fifth, there are plenty of ideas to go around. After one success, you can move on and duplicate it again and again. Do it.

And give back to the community. Help others get their businesses established and growing.

In summary, product creation can be challenging. But the results can be so rewarding. So take the plunge and forge ahead!

Make Your Homebased Business Office Your Own Space

2005-06-30T23:18:00.000-07:00

The American Dream. Quitting your 9-to-5 job to start your own business and work at home.

More and more people are making their dream come true. But before you quit that job and set up your home office, there are a few issues to consider.

On the plus side, part of your home and related expenses are tax deductible. It's convenient to work while your kids are in school and home for them when they walk through the door in the afternoon, and let's face it, not having a boss to answer to is a major plus. But it's not always the ideal situation.

Starting a Texas homebased business isn't always easy on families. There are many issues that will affect your family.

First and foremost are financial issues. Will you be able to handle the hit to your wallet when you don't have a steady paycheck? If this is an issue, consider working your Texas homebased business part time while holding down a full down job.

It takes a very dedicated person to work from home. There are always distractions to overcome. Unexpected visits from family members who think you have lots of free time because you don't work a "real" job. Telemarketers calling in the middle of the day. Neighbors dropping by to see if you'll babysit, "real quick" while they run errands. It's important to let family and friends know your working hours. Tell them in no uncertain terms that your Texas homebased business is an income producting and you need to block out regular working hours. Also let them know when you are available.

Along those same lines, it is crucial that you explain to your own family that, although you are home, you are not always available to them. This can be confusing to kids. Set some basic rules for them to follow. Let them know your work hours and tell them you expect not to be disturbed.

But occasionally, surprise them by quitting early and doing something fun with them!

Here are a few basic rules that will help you and your family handle the new working situation.

* Make sure everyone knows not to answer your business phone. This will save you in a number of ways. You'll be sure to always get your messages. Kids are never good at getting all the details. You'll create a much more professional business image if you answer your own phone.

*If your children are typical kids, they will want to "borrow" your office supplies. Give them their own office supply center elsewhere in the house! Otherwise, you'll start losing your much needed supplies.

*Set a work schedule at the beginning of every week and post it in a prominent spot so family members can check your schedule to see when you will be available.

Though these issues can and probably will arise, a homebased business is still the American Dream for many people.

Learning to set, and more importantly, enforce boundaries for family, friends and clients will make your Texas homebased business less complicated.

Schedule Yourself For Success

2005-06-30T23:08:00.000-07:00

A lot of people dream of owning their own homebased business. They dream of setting their own hours, working when they want to work and with whom.

The reality is that very few of these people ever take the time to ensure that they have the right skill set - the right tools - to make the leap to a homebased enterprise.

The first major pitfall that most new homebased business owners face is a lack of scheduling discipline. They just don't plan out their work days. This can cause problems in two ways, under-working and overworking.

Let's look at the first one, "under-working." It's very easy to sit at home, on the ol' PC surfing the web. You might intend on working on your new website or putting up auctions on eBay, but, before you know it, you've spent the entire day reading email and surfing for the latest news and gossip.

Sure, you were online and you were doing something, but the things you were doing are not the things that will put a dime in your bank account.

Overworking is pretty easy to understand. Some people simply don't know how to keep business hours. When they work from home, the temptation is there to "work 'til you drop." That's not good, especially if you are building your Texas homebased business on the side and still work a day job.

If you spend all your time working, you'll soon feel that you're never getting any "down time," and burnout is sure to follow. Believe me, I know all too well about this one.

Here's the solution.

You must be very disciplined in planning your day. Write down what you need to accomplish every day and how long you will work on each item. Be sure to include downtime in your plan - time for your family, relaxation, exercise, whatever. This is important. after all, you're building a homebased business to build a lifestyle, not to become the richest person in the cemetery!

Your daily plans and goals need to be very specific. It won't do you any good to write something like, "work on project x." What does that mean? How exactly do you "work on something?" Your plan needs to include a definite finishing point, such as "write a new article on dog grooming for page one of the website." See the difference? You can "work on" a project for years and never reach a point where you've had any success. By contrast, when you "write an article on x," you know you're done as soon as you've typed the final period.

If you're in a marketing business, try to farm out as much of the non-marketing related work as you can afford to do. For example, if you sell products or services, it might be beneficial for you to hire someone to help build and maintain your website. The money you'll spend to have someone else do it will be more than offset by the amount of time it will free up.

Other areas you can outsource might be bookkeeping, mailing, etc. Be realistic when planning your day.

If you're still working your day job, schedule that from the time you get up in the morning until you get home from work. Don't forget to include commute time. Then, plan out your evening accordingly. Don't schedule a four hour task to be completed in one hour. It won't happen. If you have huge tasks, break them up as much as possible and schedule your time accurately. This will allow you to have a feeling of accomplishment and you'll get a lot more done in the long run.

Don't multi-task. I know that this is the latest "buzzword," but, in reality, multi-taking is one of the leading killers of productivity for most people. Schedule only one project at a time. You can work on more than one project during the day, but you shouldn't work on more than one project at a time. It's very difficult, if not totally impossible, to serve two masters at the same time. Give one project your undivided attention. Once you've completed that task, move on to another tasks on that project or to another project.

You should also be a little flexible in your scheduling. In any business, there are bound to be interruption s that you couldn't possibly have planned for. In your Texas homebased business, the chance of distraction goes up exponentially. You'll be working on that hot new project, only to have the toilet overflow or a neighbor ring the doorbell. Plan on it. There will be things that happen that you can't plan for. That's why your schedule needs to include a little cushion.

What I like to do is plan out the items I want to get done and overestimate the time it will take to do them, by say 10%. Then, I have other items which are "on deck." These items aren't quite on today's schedule, but I want to do them soon. If I complete all of my scheduled tasks for the day, I simply look to see what's on deck and start on one of them. It's a bonus.

Sometimes, no matter how well you plan, you just won't finish what you schedule. It happens to everyone. That's when you simply revise your schedule for the next day to include the missed item(s). Don't get hung up on the fact that an item or two didn't get done as planned. Just take it in stride and keep on moving forward.

Now, if you find yourself routinely missing your deadlines, you'll need to reevaluate your scheduling. Are you being realistic in your time allotments? Probably not. Adjust accordingly.

Here are just a few tips to help you maintain sanity and get your work done. With a little planning and a little effort, you can balance your home life with your Texas homebased business and literally schedule your way to success.

Setting Up Your Texas Homebased Business Office

2005-06-30T23:00:00.000-07:00

Setting up a home office is one of the most important tasks you will face when you make the decision to work from your own home.

Your home office can be a corner of your kitchen or living room or, if space permits, a former spare bedroom. Size is less important that functionality.

When deciding on where to set up the nerve center of your Texas homebased business, there are some factors you need to consider. Is the area well lit? Proper lighting is extremely important. Spending hours at a time in a dimly lit work space can create eyestrain which, after long periods of time, could lead to more serious problems with your vision.

Are there plenty of electrical outlets? Take into consideration what appliances you will have in your work space. Your computer system will require an outlet for your cpu, monitor, scanner, printer, speakers (sometimes) and other ancillary equipment you may have.

Is the area well ventilated and dust free? All of that computer equipment needs to “breath” to remain cool and functioning properly. If you have ever “fried” a computer you know how important it is to keep the fan clean and dust free.

Do you have telephone access? In addition to having a telephone handy for business purposes, you will also require telephone access for your modem. You may also consider a separate telephone line for your business. It is much easier to track telephone homebased business expenses for tax purposes if you have a separate phone line. It’s also important that your clients can reach you. If your clients have to compete with your teenagers telephone habits, chances are they will call someone else. Make certain that this separate line is set up to receive phone calls while you are online. Most major telephone companies now offer that service. You may pay a few extra dollars a month for it, but it will pay for itself over the long haul.

How much ‘foot traffic” is there liable to be? You want your Texas homebased business office to be as isolated as possible. Can you imagine trying to speak with a client or figure out html code with kids screaming in the background? Not a very professional picture. If you have no choice but to have your office in a high traffic area, adjust your work schedule to coincide with family activities. Sit your family down and explain the importance of your work and why you need their cooperation. It won’t always work out that way but at least it’s a step in the right direction.

It goes without saying that you need to have normal office supplies. Even if your work is online you still need the pens, pencils, note pads and so on.

One of the stickiest challenges you may encounter comes from your friends. People who do not work from home seem to think that if you do, you have all the time in the world to visit. This can become a major problem if you do not set the parameters. Setting out the ground rules is important to the overall health and well being of your business. Let your friends and extended family know your business hours and explain to them that you are not available during those periods of time. The sooner you do this the better. Conduct your business in a professional manner. Just because you work at home does not mean that you should throw out the rule book.

Maybe you have read the humorous comment about “working in your pajamas. It sounds good in sales messages, but the truth is you are much better off if you awaken in the morning and prepare yourself for your work day as if you were still trekking off to the office, because you are.

You will be much better prepared to focus and get down to business if you dress the part. That doesn’t mean that you need to squeeze into the normal “office” attire. It does mean that you set the standards for your business and much of that has to do with “mindset” and self-image.

Dressing comfortably is a one of the serendipities of working at home, but you will be much better prepared for business if you dress the part.

I have one final word of advice for the new homebased business entrepreneur. Having your office right down the hall can be a blessing, but it can also be a curse. Remember to take time out for yourself. Most people believe that working at home comes with certain privileges, and it does. However, it can also become all-consuming and take total control of your life. Don’t allow that to happen.

Create your schedule and live by it. Make sure you turn off the lights, shut down the computer and “go home” at the end of your work day.

Does Size Really Matter?

2005-06-30T22:43:00.000-07:00

When companies look for outsourcing help, they often look to homebased businesses. And although the term ‘homebased’ can imply one person working from a house, it can take on a different, larger dimension. And that’s what many companies look for: a larger sized business operation.

What does that mean? In a word, reliability. For example, can you be counted on regularly? Or will there be times when you take on too much work or not enough, need to adjust accordingly – and then… what will happen to their projects? Well now you can get a grip on your company size and handle workloads large and small.

Here are ways that you can increase your Texas home based business operations without physically crowding yourself out of workspace or blowing your budget for future project handling opportunities.

Joint Venture – Team up with a partner, company or other entity and help each other. Combine a product with a service – something of yours with something of theirs. Then farm out work as necessary. Interns / Students – Contact colleges, universities, high schools and other education centers in your area and ask about intern and student opportunities.

Many places allow you to participate in their programs; fill out their forms, post flyers, actively recruit, etc.

Keep some help on hand and put them to work. Subcontract – Check with your local Chamber of Commerce, surf the Internet, post for help on forums, etc. Find companies for farming out some of your work and keep their information handy. Give them a try when you’re not too busy, so that when you ARE, you’ll know they are a good fit for your clients and you.

Helpers - Hire part time help. Place an inexpensive classified ad in the local newspaper and search for hourly help. Call the places that leave flyers on or around your mailbox or front porch and have them distribute ‘Help Wanted’ flyers in your neighborhood for you. Call your church, fitness center and / or other organizations with which you participate and have them post a notice on the bulletin board. Get the word out about your Texas Homebased Business!

Get help and keep a list handy of those seeking extra income.

Profit Centers – Seek help from others experienced in your chosen field of interest and set up a few profit centers or to generate multiple streams of income.

Many of the Texas homebased businesses we reccommend can be automated so that they are pretty much hands-off. All you have to do is advertise and market them! This way, when times get lean, you just increase your marketing and advertising efforts. And when times are too busy, you can ease up because the money will be flowing in like a Texas flood.

As the Boy Scouts say, Be Prepared! Don’t let your lack of preparation be an excuse for being too small and unreliable.

A Texas Homebased Business Has Advantages

2005-06-30T22:35:00.000-07:00

Taking advantage of a Texas homebased business opportunity can afford you many benefits.

There are not only the monetary benefits, but lifestyle benefits as well. Whether lifestyle or monetary, these benefits can be far greater than the benefits you receive working for an employer.

If you are already working in your own Texas homebased business or just entertaining the idea, be sure to evaluate your options and consider the value of the benefits you will receive.

A Texas Homebased business opportunities can provide you with independence and financial freedom if you make smart decisions.

It is not always money that motivates people to start a homebased business. Sometimes the intangible benefits are more important factors when considering home-based business opportunities.

One of the more powerful draws to working from home is the sense of freedom you gain. You can set your own schedule, work the hours that are most convenient for you, and have time available for family obligations and leisure activities.

Parents with children in school often think about what homebased business opportunities may be available to them. Teacher conferences, after school activities and the ability to be home when the children are out of school are strong motivators in making the decision to start a homebased business.

Working from home gives you the benefit of flexible hours and the freedom to adjust your schedule according to the needs of your family. Stress reduction is another benefit of operating a home-based business.

Any business will likely produce its own kind of stress, but certain stressful factors can be avoided when you take advantage of the more promising home business opportunities that are available to you.

You will have no daily commute, you will save money on gas and automobile expenses, and you will have the extra time in the morning and evening to relax and interact with your family instead of spending that time getting to and from work.

If you plan properly and budget your time wisely, being your own boss can reduce the stress you feel due to constant demands and co-worker interruptions.

A homebased business opportunity cannot only give you the benefit of earning money while working from your home it can give you many other benefits as well.

A homebased business is the perfect chance for you to attain financial and personal freedom.

There are numerous Texas homebased business opportunities available to you. Research each one carefully and make sure you are willing to put forth the effort that will be required in order to succeed.

Is A Homebased Business For You?

2005-06-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

Your dream is to have your own business and to tell the boss "Good-Bye".

An excellent dream to have, a little exciting and a little scary at the same time.

Before taking that big step, take a long hard realistic look at yourself and determine "Is this business right for me?"

What is your personality? Are you an extrovert or an introvert? Do you enjoy talking to everyone you see or are you the type that has trouble talking to a stranger? Do you love number crunching, administration, computers, researching, etc.? Are you a leader or a follower? A risk taker?

These are important questions to ask yourself.

You want your business to match your personality and talents. Look at your business idea, does it match your personality and talents? If it does not, you will struggle to make it a success. Find a business that is right for you.

Do you take criticism well? How well do you listen to others? If you don't know, ask a close family member or friend. You have heard the saying "the customer is always right". No matter what type of business you start, you will have customers. Can you listen constructively and respond without showing anger or a negative attitude? One disgruntled customer can keep many future customers away. One mad employee can destroy your business. Have you been told "No" lately? Adults seldom are.

As you start your business there will be those times that "No" is the answer you receive. Do not take it personally. Take it as another step in your venture to success. Use the "No" to move ahead. Do not allow yourself to lose your momentum.

When you begin your business you will wear many hats, starting with the janitor. How well can you perform all the duties that will be required of you? From planning to organizing to prioritizing, everything depends on you.

If your business will have employees, can you interview and select the best applicant without emotions playing a role? Can you fire your sister, brother, daughter, son, best friend, or anyone else you need to fire? Important questions to ask, because there will come a time to let someone go.

Starting your business adds additional financial burdens on you and your family. How do you currently handle this responsibility? Do you pay your bills on time now? Your vendors will only take so many late payments before they classify you as a "cash only" customer. Review your current habits and learn to pay your bills early. Structure your bills so that everything does not come due at the same time. Always alert your vendors if you see that you are going to be late paying.

How soon will you see any income? Leaving the security of a "job" and depending on yourself for 100% of your income is a giant step. Do you have enough funds to get you through four to six months of living expenses? House payment, car payment, utilities, essentials, insurance, etc. Do not forget to factor in what the business will need during this time.

Look back over the past six months to a year and average what you have been spending per month. Multiply that by six and add what your business will need. Do you have that much put aside? Make sure that you do.

Some businesses will see income the first week, while others may take a few weeks or months to get a steady flow coming in.

Is this business right for you?

Find the one that fits your personality and talents and you will enjoy having your own business. Go ahead and tell the boss "Good-Bye".