Back from a few days away
Hi,
Well, we had a few days break last week and went up to Old Forge in the Adirondacks and Lake Placid. We have been going there for years and Old Forge is my kid's favorite spot in the world of course, their exposure has been limited:-)
So - getting back to business. There is a resource that I feel is definitely worth the money. It is List and Traffic membership site - a site of Jimmy D. Brown.
Jimmy is a Christian, who makes a very successful living on the internet. He shares so much information - it's hard for me to take it all in. But I want to learn from someone who is actually successful and building their business based on biblical principles.
Take a look at what is included in your memebership at
http://www.listandtraffic.comLabels: home based business, home business
What about Ebay?
Have you ever wondered if you could really make a good income by selling products on Ebay? The answer is "yes!" Of course, you are not going to make a lot by just selling items around the house or going to garage sales. You have to have a PLAN.
If I was serious about building a business with Ebay, I would follow the advice of those who have done it successfully. Sydney Johnston is one of those people. She has been selling on Ebay since 1996 (almost right from the beginning.)
My son has taken her course and thought it was fantastic. He is using the principles he learned in her course to build his current business.
Sydney's course goes beyond just teaching you how to sell products on Ebay and where to find them. It takes it to the next level, being using Ebay to bring more visitors to your current business or to the business you want to build.
You can listen to the first lesson for free when you visit my page at
http://www.christianhomebusinessconnection.com/learn-to-sell-on-ebay.html You will see a link there where you can listen to the first lesson, which will give you a small idea of what's in store for you if you take this course.
Labels: home business, learn to sell on ebay
What Being a WAHM Means to Me
Hi,
I ran across this blog entry yesterday, talking about being a wahm. They are encouraging others to write about it in their blogs and submit a link to their blog to them. On August 2, they will be posting a link to everyone's blog who contacted them. It's called a Blog Carnival.
So, I thought, why not? So, what does being a WAHM mean to me?
It means I am not in a 9 to 5 job situation, having to be somewhere at a certain time and be there all day.
It means that I have been able to be there for my kids, especially my daughter, who has needed me beyond the school years, due to some struggles she has had.
It means I can run out and visit my dad, who is 92, when he's having a bad day, or just to say hi.
It means I have extra money to give to others who need it.
It means I am blessed, to have a business to work at that I love.
Blessings,
Laurie
P.S. If you want to enter the Blog Carnival, visit
http://www.twomomsinablog.com/momsinbusiness/ for details
Labels: home based business, WAHM
Last Scrapbooking Coaching Session for 2007
Hi,
I don't normally post to my blog on the weekends, but I wanted to make you aware of something.
A few posts ago I wrote about a Scrapbooking Coaching opportunity by Vera Raposo. At the time, I didn't realize that the upcoming one would be her last one until 2008. So, if you want to get in on this amazing opportunity, the deadline is this coming Monday, July 23. You can be through the session and have your business up and going in time for all those Christmas sales!
Take a look and visit her site at
Scrapbook CoachingHave a great weekend.
Laurie
Start a Diaper Cake Business
I ran across this business the other day. Maybe you have heard of it, but I thought it was such a cute idea!
I spoke with Barb Ireland on the phone, the owner of Make a Diaper Cake website. She was very helpful and loves to work with people to help them with their businesses. I believe that is solely what she does now - training others to start this type of business. You can tell by talking to her that she loves what she does.
If starting a diaper cake business interests you, she has different options to help you get started. You can take a lifetime membership to her site where she has loads of information for only $44.99 or you can purchase an ebook that will give you the basics.
Take a look at this unique business and see if it is something you would enjoy doing. Visit
www.makeadiapercake.comLabels: diaper cake business, home based business
Ever thought about a Greeting Card Business
Good morning,
Well, it's a rainy Wednesday morning here in New York. It's been a strange July - much cooler and wetter than normal. I dream of the day I can move south:-)
I wanted to talk a little today about starting a Greeting Card Business. Have you ever thought about how much money the Greeting card industry makes? I've heard it's about 7.5 billion dollars per year. Wow! It might not be a bad industry to become a part of.
There is a new guide out that will help you to start a business in this industry, whether you want to write verses for greeting cards, design them, or just sell them.
Click here to check it out.
Labels: greeting card business, home business
It's Monday
Hi,
Hope you had a good weekend.
We had a baptismal service at church yesterday and 14 people got baptized. It's always amazing to hear the testimonies and how God is workiing in people's lives. It's wonderful to hear.
Well, it's Monday morning - do you like Mondays? I never used to, but now I love them. I look forward to a new week of working on my business. It makes all the difference to be working at something you really enjoy and feel it has a purpose.
I would love to hear what you do - do you have a home business? Are you currently looking for one? Do you work outside the home? Leave me a comment and let me know.
Labels: home based business, home business
Scrapbooking Business
Hi,
I want to tell you today about a lady who can teach you how to run a successful scrapbooking business.
Vera Raposa, of Scrap Venture, does coaching classes and has a membership site which will give you all kinds of information.
When you're starting a business, or even if you have had one for a while and it is not at the level you would like, it helps SO much to have a mentor - someone who has more experience than you and can guide you in what works and what doesn't.
She also offers guides and reports with helpful information to help you grow your business. While you're at her site, sign up for her free newsletter - you will get a ton of information in it.
She is a lady I respect and recommend if you are interested in this type of business.
Visit her site at:
Scrap Venture or see her page on her coaching at
Scrapbook CoachingLaurie
Labels: home business, scrapbooking business
Prices Cut on Hosting for your Website
Hi,
Today I wanted to share with you a very good offer. If you have a business, you most likely will need a website. And that website will need to be hosted.
I use IPower for my hosting and domain names. I have been very happy with them. They have 24 hr. phone technical support, which is important. All the technicians I have dealt with have been knowledgeable and helpful.
I have only experienced a couple hours of downtime over the past year, which also is very important. You don't want a hosting company who is continuously having problems, resulting in you losing business.
Right now (until July 13 at noon) IPower has cut prices on their domains and hosting plans.
The Pro Plan (which is the one I have), which normally costs $7.95/month is now costing $4.95/month. You can lock in this price for a one or two year subscription.
It's a good deal and I just thought I"d pass it along to you. Here's the link to check it out.
Web HostingLaurie
Home Business Selection Advisor
Labels: affordable web hosting, home business
Hi,
Hope you all had a good 4th of July week. We just got back from spending two days in Niagara Falls - we spent some time both on the Canadian side and the American side. My husband, son and I went. My daughter is away this week. It was a nice time!
I was thinking how great it is to be able to take time off when you want, which is what a home business lets you do. You decide the hours. My husband had the week off, so it was no problem for me to take off a couple of days to go. I love the flexibility of a home business.
What about you? How did you spend the week? Leave me a comment and let me know:-)
Blessings,
Laurie
Happy July 4th
Well, it finally happened. My husband has been trying to move my blog from blogger to my site and it finally worked! Actually, we were trying other ways first that didn't work, and then found out you could actually have a blogger.com blog right on your site.
My goal for this blog is to be an interactive one. I want you to get to know me better, and I'd love to get to know you. Please post comments or questions regularly.
I want this blog to be helpful to those who are looking for a home business as well as those who already have one and are looking for tips, resources, etc.
Happy 4th of July!
Until next time,
Laurie
Labels: home based business, home business
Start a Computer Support Business
Today we'll look at starting a Computer Support Business. If you can offer support in the areas of viruses, software issues, spyware concerns, hard drives, etc. then opening up a computer support business from home may be right for you. Your support business can bring some much needed help to other home or even businesses computer users.
What skills are helpful?Your local community college probably offers a set of courses that will train you in all of the different areas of knowledge that you're going to need. If you want to provide services under warrantee, you'll need to take and pass a proficiency course with the individual computer makers.
What tools are needed?A simple computer toolkit is going to include some screwdrivers of varying small sizes, compressed air and cleaning cloths. As most computer owners are afraid to open up their systems for simple cleaning and maintenance, you'll be cleaning as you go.
Getting Started...
You need a website. Set up contact information, hours of operation, what your support service offers, what your rates are and make your possible clients feel at home when they visit your website. Let them know that you are an expert in your area and show them that by hiring you they are going to get the service and support that they need. Insurance is another tool that is needed.
Insurance will not only make the customer feel safe knowing that if something goes wrong it will be covered but it will also cover you in the unfortunate event that something does go wrong!
Flyers are a great way to spread the word about your new business. They can be hung up at your local grocery stores, bulletin boards at the library, and businesses in your area. There is a big demand for computer support and you can even offer tutoring for people who want to use the internet but don’t have any experience. A large percentage of these clients may be elderly people who haven’t been exposed to the internet as often as the younger generation.
By offering a wide variety of computer support services, you can ensure more regular work.
Building a business still takes time and perseverance but with a little desire and hard work it can certainly be done.
Next time, we'll look into another home business. Take care 'til then.
Laurie
http://www.christianhomebusinessconnection.com/
Start Your Own Candle Business
If you have a love for soaps and making your own and are planning on starting your own business keep in mind that customers are looking for uniqueness. Customers or possible customers will be on the lookout for a variety of soaps – different scent options, different shapes and sizes. Another thing your business should be able to offer your customers is a variety of soap kinds – such as hypoallergenic, natural, goat’s milk, oatmeal, etc. These are all part of a unique selling point that you can use to build your business.
What skills are helpful? It would be useful to get some training from an experienced soap maker. An understanding of the materials you're using will grow as you gain some experience. There's a touch of artistry involved in creating homemade soap.
What tools are needed? Besides your basic business tools like a phone, computer and internet there are some specific tools that your candle making business will need. You'll want to develop your fragrance library for scenting your soaps. If you are going to offer different shapes and sizes for that ‘unique’ quality then soap moulds will be needed. Other tools will be the ingredients for your soaps. Each different type of soap will have its own special ingredients.
Begin by first taking care of any legal issues. Do a bit of research to make sure that you're conforming to any local laws that would apply to selling a skin care product. From here you can move onto your website and developing an online presence. Become known at some online forums/message boards so that you can begin to get the word out about your new business venture.
You can market yourself offline by giving soap gifts during the holidays, birthdays, etc. Sign up for a local craft fair or bizarre to market yourself locally. Keep in mind that running your own business will require a lot of time, especially making soaps which is very time consuming. To build a successful soap making business you’ll need to work hard. It may help to write out goals that you can easily review each day to track your progress. Reward yourself for your hard work, keep a positive attitude and hang in there when the going gets tough. Your success depends on you!
Getting started in the Catering Business
A catering business is a service oriented business. Caterers will provide food, sometimes supplies and service for social events like weddings, anniversary parties and just about any other gathering.
What skills are helpful?
The number one skill that would be helpful in running a catering business would be the love of food and the passion to cook. To run a successful catering service you will need to be able to work well under pressure, keep your calm and be reliable. When you are offering a service based business you are selling your dependability instead of a product. Deliver what you promise.
What tools are needed?
If you are just beginning a catering service you might be able to eliminate some start up costs by renting equipment instead of outright purchasing it. In the long run renting probably would end up being more expensive if it’s done over and over but until you get a few contracts and some cash flow it could be the way to go. Besides the equipment you will need to do all the cooking, you’ll need chafing dishes for serving the food hot and insulated containers for transporting it. You will need some other basic business items as well. A phone line, fax machine, client contracts, and possibly even a computer and internet access if you plan on working online at all.
How do you get started?
My first suggestion would be to hold a ‘pretend’ catering event. Have your friends and family be the guinea pigs. Find out what cooking for a large group of people is like if you haven’t done it already. Having a ‘pretend’ party will give you first hand experience with the planning, cooking and pulling off the social event.
If things go well and you are still ready to move forward with your decision and start this catering service you need to choose a name. Even before choosing a name it might be a good idea to check into the legalities of beginning your own business. Check to see if you need a permit, find out what your local and state laws are in regards to starting your own business. Once you have all the legal issues worked out you need to decide how to market yourself. Print up some flyers and hang them at local grocery stores, your library, etc. Send out a brochure to area companies that could possibly use catering services for social events. Have business cards made up so that they are handy to give out when you are in public.
If you have a love for cooking especially in large amounts and providing a service to others starting a catering business might be right up your alley. Research other caterer’s in your area; you will want to offer reasonable prices and find ways that you can make yourself unique so that you aren’t just another caterer out there. With time, dedication and perseverance you can become successful!If you're looking for help in starting your business, take a look at this resource.http://www.startingacateringbusiness.com/?hop=laurie1009
Starting Your Own Home Based Bookkeeping Service
Many small business owners will hire a bookkeeper to keep track of their day to day expenses and income. A basic bookkeeper keeps tracks of expenses, profit, receipts, etc. and enters the information into a computer program. The bookkeeper will then provide the information to their client on a monthly basis or however frequent the client requests to be updated.
What skills are helpful?To become a bookkeeper you’ll want to have skills in the areas of paying attention to detail, basic computer bookkeeping, and absolute accuracy. Honesty and confidentiality are crucial. Your client’s information is private and needs to be kept that way.
What tools are needed?A reliable computer, preferably with system for daily back ups to protect your clients data. Up to date bookkeeping software is a must. Other tools that are needed are communication tools such as phone line, fax line, email address, etc.Next time, we'll talk about how to get started in this business.
How do you get started?T
o begin your own bookkeeping business you will want to have some business cards and flyers made up. Send out the flyers to local businesses letting them know what services you offer. Join your local chamber of commerce and begin getting involved in community events where you can put yourself out there to meet business people and become known in your community.
Another good way to get started is to place an ad in the local newspaper. Having a website available that details your services and lists your rates might be another option to look into it; build your own or hire someone to build a basic one for you.
Don’t get frustrated when you find that all your marketing efforts don’t seem to be working right away. Word of mouth will go a lot farther than any of your other marketing efforts. So once you have your first client make sure to go the extra mile to ensure satisfaction. A happy client will spread the word!
Here are some resources to get you started:http://www.125aday.com/books/94/start-bookkeeping-business.cfm http://www.inhomebookkeeping.bizland.com/instructionguide.htm
Move Your Business Forward
My goal is to help people find the home business that will be right for them - one that will bring purpose and fulfillment to their lives.
Once you have found the right home business, it will be very beneficial to have someone mentor you along. I highly recommend Marlo Boux, who does small business coaching. I have personally worked with Marlo, and her services are worth every penny (and more). Marlo is very professional, yet friendly in her approach. She looks at where you are currently and works with you to move your business forward.Marlo is very knowledgeable in marketing strategies. She also did an awesome job critiquing my website and suggesting changes to make.Marlo has a formal background in social sciences, counseling, behavioral therapy and coaching. She runs a small business herself so she has firsthand experience in what it takes to be successful in owning a business.If you want to gain profitability in your business, sign up for coaching with Marlo. She has several options.
Visit her website for details at www.smallbusinessmoms.com and click on "Services". You will not be disappointed.
Labels:
small business coaching
Time out from the norm
I have been writing about different home businesses, which I will continue in my next post.
Today I wanted to take a "time out" and tell you a little bit about what's going on in my life right now.I have two children, a son, who is 21, and a daughter, who is 19. My son is currently in Brazil on a missions trip. He went with a group from our church, and they are going to build a church there as well as take part in skits, services, and other evangelism outreaches.He has never done anything like this before, and I am SO happy he went. But you know what? I really miss him:-) He has been very much a home body - we homeschooled him, and he has always enjoyed being at home and with his family (praise to God). So this is really different. But it's another part of being a parent. I am so thankful he had the chance to go, and the group he went with is great.I look forward to hearing all their stories when they come home (in about 9 days). But I still miss him!
Starting a Home Based Secretarial Service
Someone that begins a secretarial service can offer a variety of services to their clients and what you choose to do will depend on your areas of expertise.
A few examples of what a secretarial service might offer are: transcription, bookkeeping, preparing spreadsheets, word processing, etc.
What Skills are Helpful?You need a firm grip on basic office skills and understanding of the common administrative computer programs that your clients are likely to be using. Now that you are working on your own, more than likely in your home, you will not have a boss giving you rules or a deadline to have projects completed by. You will need to “push” yourself to complete projects in a timely fashion. Good organizational skills are important. Once your business begins to grow and you get more and more clients you will need to keep all their information separate and organized.
What Tools are Needed?
As with any business, small or large, corporate or home based, you will want to have a phone, computer, internet access and possibly even a fax line. Other tools that will aid in your secretarial business will depend greatly on what areas of expertise you offer. For example if you are offering transcription services you need to have a transcription machine (for transcribing from a tape) or a software program if you will be transcribing MP3 audio files.
How do You get Started?
A good idea would be to research and find out what type of competition you have. Are there other local secretarial services? What are their rates? What services do they offer? How can you position yourself to compete? Once you have researched these things and are ready to go your next step would be to choose a name, purchase a domain and build a website (or have it built if you don’t feel comfortable doing it on your own).
Marketing yourself will probably require the most time. Have some business cards made up. Send flyers to local businesses that could benefit from your services. Join some online networking groups also. Online networking is a great way to get the word out about your services and also to build some great relationships! Don’t expect to get rich overnight. Keep in mind that it takes time to build up credibility and establish your business. Once you begin to get clients word of mouth goes a long way. Consider the idea of offering a referral bonus or discount, something to help those current clients spread the word. Beginning your own business is a big venture but if you have the motivation and desire to make it work then success will soon be on your side.
Starting a Party Supply Business
When it comes to planning a party it can sometimes be overwhelming. More often than not local party supply stores only carry this item or that item, not everything that I need to pull a party off.
From a customer standpoint, looking for a party supply business I am looking for that company that offers the one stop shopping trip. Think about building your party supply business so that you offer your customers the ease of only having to shop from you because you carry everything from wrapping paper, gift bags, cards, party favors, streamers, cards, invitations, right on down to little gag gift items – everything that a party planner would need!
What skills are helpful? Knowing how to throw a good party is key! Having an eye for detail and a fun personality also helps. Good organizational skills are helpful for any small business or home based business owner. Keeping invoices, orders, customer information and even your inventory organized is a must for your business to succeed.
What tools are needed?
First you need to have a source to buy everything you need wholesale. Then you need to develop your rolodex of vendors to work with, like caterers, musicians, etc. Make sure that you have storage space available for your inventory. Start a book of party plans and fill it with details and photographs as you develop your ideas.
How do you get started?
Starting a party supply business takes a little time and research. Some people like to start out with a business plan which can be beneficial but isn’t always necessary. The best way to get a foothold in your area is to offer to plan parties for your friends and just ask them to cover the costs of materials. Gather their glowing testimonials and use them on your website and in your brochures. Advertise your services in the local paper and in any niche publications that you can find such as bridal circulars that go around in the spring. Sponsor the lunch menu for the local schools, Moms will be reading that every day all school year. You can have a successful party supply business it just takes time to market yourself and to prove your credibility. Be patient and your hard work will eventually pay off.
Start a Soap Making Business
If you have a love for soaps and making your own and are planning on starting your own business keep in mind that customers are looking for uniqueness. Customers or possible customers will be on the lookout for a variety of soaps – different scent options, different shapes and sizes.
Another thing your business should be able to offer your customers is a variety of soap kinds – such as hypoallergenic, natural, goat’s milk, oatmeal, etc. These are all part of a unique selling point that you can use to build your business.
What skills are helpful? It would be useful to get some training from an experienced soap maker. An understanding of the materials you're using will grow as you gain some experience. There's a touch of artistry involved in creating homemade soap.
What tools are needed? Besides your basic business tools like a phone, computer and internet there are some specific tools that your candle making business will need. You'll want to develop your fragrance library for scenting your soaps. If you are going to offer different shapes and sizes for that ‘unique’ quality then soap moulds will be needed. Other tools will be the ingredients for your soaps. Each different type of soap will have its own special ingredients.
How do you get started?
Begin by first taking care of any legal issues. Do a bit of research to make sure that you're conforming to any local laws that would apply to selling a skin care product. From here you can move onto your website and developing an online presence. Become known at some online forums/message boards so that you can begin to get the word out about your new business venture.
You can market yourself offline by giving soap gifts during the holidays, birthdays, etc. Sign up for a local craft fair or bizarre to market yourself locally. Keep in mind that running your own business will require a lot of time, especially making soaps which is very time consuming. To build a successful soap making business you’ll need to work hard. It may help to write out goals that you can easily review each day to track your progress. Reward yourself for your hard work, keep a positive attitude and hang in there when the going gets tough. Your success depends on you!
Computer Support Business
Hi,Well, I'm anxious to really get going on this blog. I'll be highlighting different home business ideas, with information on what skills and tools are needed, and how to get started.
Today we'll look at starting a Computer Support Business. If you can offer support in the areas of viruses, software issues, spyware concerns, hard drives, etc. then opening up a computer support business from home may be right for you. Your support business can bring some much needed help to other home or even businesses computer users.
What skills are helpful?Your local community college probably offers a set of courses that will train you in all of the different areas of knowledge that you're going to need. If you want to provide services under warrantee, you'll need to take and pass a proficiency course with the individual computer makers.
What tools are needed?A simple computer toolkit is going to include some screwdrivers of varying small sizes, compressed air and cleaning cloths. As most computer owners are afraid to open up their systems for simple cleaning and maintenance, you'll be cleaning as you go.
How do you get started?
You need a website. Set up contact information, hours of operation, what your support service offers, what your rates are and make your possible clients feel at home when they visit your website.
Let them know that you are an expert in your area and show them that by hiring you they are going to get the service and support that they need.Insurance is another tool that is needed.
Insurance will not only make the customer feel safe knowing that if something goes wrong it will be covered but it will also cover you in the unfortunate event that something does go wrong!
Flyers are a great way to spread the word about your new business. They can be hung up at your local grocery stores, bulletin boards at the library, and businesses in your area.There is a big demand for computer support and you can even offer tutoring for people who want to use the internet but don’t have any experience. A large percentage of these clients may be elderly people who haven’t been exposed to the internet as often as the younger generation.
By offering a wide variety of computer support services, you can ensure more regular work.Building a business still takes time and perseverance but with a little desire and hard work it can certainly be done.Next time, we'll look into another home business.
Welcome to my Home Business Blog -Jan.2007
Hi everyone,Welcome!
This is my first attempt at blogging:-) I think it'll be fun. I own a home business website. My goal is to connect people with a home business that's right for them.Please come back and visit often as I'll be posting information on starting different home businesses and great resources if you have a home business.
Until next time,
Laurie
Christian Home Business Connection
www.christianhomebusinessconnection.com
