Tips About Starting an Online Business

There are many online business opportunities available to people today. Most of them are good, but many of then require a lot of money to get started. You need a website and then you need to drive traffic (or customers) to your website. This can take both a lot of time and money in advertising dollars, but you need to make money now. Then you should consider selling products on eBay. Ebay is a online community auction site that attracts thousands, maybe millions, of potential customers (buyers for you) each day. You can list your item, or items, and have them for sale on their site and wait for the customers to come to you. Now, eBay is an auction site so people will bid on the item you are selling. One of the options available to help insure you get the final selling price you want for your product is to set a “Reserve Price”, a bid amount that if not reached you will not sell your item.

If you have many different items to sell you might want to consider opening an eBay Store. An eBay Store is a virtual store front on the internet within the eBay site. You can list as many different items for sale as you wish. Some of your inventory can be listed as auctions while others are listed with their “Fixed Price” feature. This is an option available to “eBay Store” owners and allows you to name the price for your product without it going through the auction process. Still yet another option is available for your auction listed items. If you have an item that is actively listed as an auction and people are bidding on it you might want to give your customers the option to “Buy It Now!”. This is a price you set during the item listing process that allows a bidder to pay your full asking price immediately for your item and end the auction early.

Ebay has spent and continues to spend a lot of money promoting there site. They make money from you, and many others like yourself, selling item on their site. So, they want to see you be successful, because if your successful then they succeed too.

Many successful online business owners have found eBay to be a great way to “Jump Start” their online venture and do it in a way that fits most budgets. You will find that there are literally thousands for items you can auction on eBay or sell in your eBay store. Some online business owners are utilizing companies that will drop ship merchandise directly to your customers, while other are selling digital items that can be e-mailed or downloaded directly to the buyer. There are the more common item like handcrafted arts and crafts, paintings, new and used furniture, home décor items, sporting goods, coins, baseball cards, and much more.

If you are thinking of starting a business online you owe it to yourself to look at eBay and see if they have what you need to get your dream of owning your own business off the ground. They have thousands, maybe millions, of eager buyers waiting for you.

For more information about Starting Your Own Online Business At eBay visit www.ebay-ebiz.com

Your 10 Best Home Based Business List

Your 10 Best Home Based Business List by Marl Atkins

Do you know that if you *really* want to, you can work for your own business from your own home - even if you're UNDER SIXTEEN!! Literally thousands of people have home based businesses, many of whom have no other jobs. If they can do it, so can you.



Before you decide what to do you need to educate yourself on the many different opportunities that exist, on the basic mechanics of running your own small business and at least briefly on five or six different types of business. From there you can compile a list of the best home based business opportunities for you and then simply select your top choice.



Here are a few ideas and examples to get your creative juices flowing:



When I was 12 years old, I had a paper route. Now paper routes are considered small businesses and they're available for sale. I got just a little older and dropped the paper route. I put an ad in the local newspaper offering services as an 'odd job guy'. I got calls and soon had a regular clientele, mostly of small businesses who needed clean up work done at regular intervals. At the time I was too young to realize that this was a very viable and potentially VERY lucrative business. You can very easily start a business as an 'odd job guy' or a 'handy man'.



I had friend who worked in a document printing shop. She started creating decorative stationary packages on the side. She sold them to friends and small businesses with whom she was aquainted. Soon afterward she had an e-commerce Website developed for her new business and started marketing it more. Soon she was selling a whole array of products that were related to her stationary. Before the end of a year she had to quit her job. She said she was losing too much money by working there. You could start a business selling products that you can make yourself.



As far as e-commerce Web 'stores' go, you don't have to make anything. Many companies offer businesses an opportunity to sell their products for a profit. You can sell trinkets, clothes, kitchen items, cameras, clocks, insurance!; the list goes on and on. You don't even have to buy stock in bulk, store it OR ship it. You can buy items as you sell them and have your supplier 'drop ship' the items directly to your customer.



Here's a twist: you can expand the above idea to include international buying and/or bartering. You could start an international bartering company.



Both my wife and I had normal jobs working for companies. My wife worked as a technical editor. She got layed off from one company and started work for another. Soon after, the first company started hiring her on the side to do work after hours. Before long she was working evenings and weekends for a few companies. We decided to start a small business offering technical writing and graphic design. At one point her company went through a major lay off and she along with a few hundred others was layed off. I determined that it was a good time for her to start working for our business full time and I launched a major mail marketing/cold calling campaign. Within one year we had so much business that I had to quit my job just to keep up with the work. Not long afterward I acquired a Microsoft® certification for software development. I started developing software for the clients we already had. We've made more money working for ourselves than either of us ever made working for a company. If you can write you can start a business as a 'writer'. If you can develop software (or can learn how to) you can start a business as a software consultant.



In our small business we contracted a bookkeeper. She had been working for a company as a customer service rep. and as their bookkeeper. She was very personable and had a reputation for being very trustworthy. People she knew from her customer service work started asking her to do their books for them on the side. Before long all her weekends and evenings were taken up doing bookkeeping. The company she worked for went bankrupt. She had to get another job. Instead she called every small business owner she knew and also went through the phone book calling businesses, offering 'off site bookkeeping services'. She never did get a job. She still has her own business offering bookkeeping services and makes more money than she ever did working for a company.



The same girl, now very excited about having her own business, started buying materials and studying other home based business opportunities. She learned of a popular business: 'Bill Auditor'. Unfortunately, many utility companies (phone, water, electric, etc.) consistently overbill their clients 'by accident', especially when the client is a business. Because their internal staff is too busy to check, most of these 'oversights' go undetected costing the company thousands of dollars over the years. She started offering 'bill auditing' which basically amounts to checking every single bill and then forcing the companies to fix any 'mistakes' and resend their bill. She also handles all of the bill paying for her client. She can easily market this service because she can offer it to them for BETTER THAN FREE! because of the the savings from the billing 'mistakes'. In the long run her service costs them NOTHING and instead they actually SAVE money.



I know a girl who worked for a medium sized business as a secretary. She started to get intrigued with the idea of working at home and started buying books and did some research. she learned that she could start a business in 'secretarial services'. She bought a computer with a built in fax and Internet capability. She studied enough to learn how to market it and put a few ads in some newspapers. She got enough response to gain the courage to quit her job and launch her business full time. She sent out a few mailings to small businesses and then called the same businesses. Soon she was getting more work than she could handle. Now she has employees who also work at home but for her business. If you can type and have a computer you can pretty easily start a 'secretarial services' business.




I know many people who learned to buy real estate as investors and soon after quit their jobs. You see infomercials on TV all the time about techniques for becoming a real estate investor. We're all skeptical but it's TRUE. You really CAN buy properties for 70% of market value, with NO MONEY DOWN (out of your pocket), even if your credit is less than perfect. In fact, the United States is currently in the middle of a foreclosure crisis. This misfortune is creating a very unique opportunity to cash in big on foreclosures while helping alleviate the problem. The banks are all but giving these properties away. YOu can do a little bit of research on how to buy a house with a 'short sale'. Basically, you convince the bank to let you pay off your seller's loan but at a very deep discount (as low as 50% of the loan balance). Where do you get the money? Do a little research on 'hard money lenders'. YOu can get the money VERY EASILY!




I have friends who are 'day traders'. That is, they buy and sell stocks at home, for themselves. This business does not involve offering products or services to anyone. You simply buy and sell stock all day, trying to make a profit on each transaction. This business does take a significant amount of start up capital (50K to 100K) and nerves of STEEL. I did it for awile and made pretty good money but the stress is very high. The trick is to NOT GAMBLE. That's right. Basically, I used a technique called 'technical analysis' and ALWAYS played WITH the odds. If a deal went south, I baled out quick. If it went my way I stuck with it until I EXPECTED a probable change and then baled out even if it was still going my way. I have friends who do this full time and make very good money doing it.




Many home based businesses exist. You can start a 'mobile car care' business. You would wash and detail customers' cars at their place of business while they work. You could start a lawn care or snow shoveling business. How about a 'mobile dog grooming' business. You can groom animals (cut their fur, shampoo, etc.) at their homes. If you don't mind a little education you can be a 'medical transcriptionist'. Are you a Certified Public Accountant? You can start a business as an accountant or maybe a 'tax accountant'. I have a tax accountant. You could start any number of construction companies. Many do not require special licenses. For example, you could be a drywaller or a tile setter. You could do pressure cleaning or run a concrete pumper. Some of these businesses would require some start up capital. Others really only require initiative.




So you see, if you have just a little bit of 'vision' you too can work at home in your own business. Chances are high that you can make more money than you ever will by working for another company. After all, they're taking all the 'profit'. Where do you start? Buy a few books and a few 'home business packages'. EDUCATE YOURSELF. Then start creating a list of the businesses that you think are the most appropriate for you. Study those businesses further until you've got a clear idea of what you're getting into. Then pick your top choice and GO FOR IT!!


Marl K. Atkins is an Internet marketing consultant specializing in the promotion of small to medium sized businesses.

A Premier Florida Web Design Firm, Orlando


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Making Your Fortune with Public Domain

Making Your Fortune With The Public Domain by Omar Johnson

Did you know that you could boost your income or even create an income just by utilizing the public domain? Maybe that term is vague or unfamiliar. Simply stated, the public domain refers to the status of certain types of creative material that may have once been copyrighted or patented. That material, though created by other people, belongs to the public. The 'public', which includes you, can then use this material in any way they see fit.



Some examples of material that could be in the public domain include music, books, audio recordings, artwork or unclassified material created by the U.S. Government. Yes! Even if the U.S. Government created it, you can use it to your benefit. That includes Government forms, white papers, photographs, broadcasts and other literature.



All of this material which may have been created by experts, professionals in their field, who pulled together years of struggle and research, now belongs to anyone who can put it to good use. It's a completely legal process that companies have used for years.



HOW MATERIAL BECOMES PART OF THE PUBLIC DOMAIN



Now don't think that if you spend years of research and labor to produce a book, a report or an audio recording, that it can just suddenly not belong to you anymore. There are ways to protect your material, but, of course, it is up to you to take the necessary actions to actually do it. Let's go through the different ways that material can become part of the public domain.



The first way something enters the public domain is by virtue of the fact that it was created by the U.S. Government. Though people sometimes get confused, it is the Government that works for the people and not the other way around. So when the Government conducts a study and publishes its findings, it's like telling an employee to gather information and report back to the company. The 'company' in this analogy is THE PUBLIC!



The second way a copyrighted or patented thing becomes part of the public domain is if the copyright or patent has already expired. Supposing a person creates something that can be copyrighted or patented, that ownership is for a limited period of time. For a copyright, the length of time is generally the duration of the author's life plus 70 years before it becomes part of the public domain.



A patent's lifespan is only 20 years, but it can be renewed. Also, material that was created before copyright laws were in place is now part of the public domain and that includes anything created before 1923. The bible and the inventions of Leonardo Da Vinci are therefore part of the public domain.



A third way material enters the public domain is if it is a fact. However, there is a stipulation. If you were to come up with a new mathematical formula, that would become part of the public domain. You can't own facts.



On the other hand, if you were to use that formula in conjunction with other formulas to create a new kind of computer program, that program could be owned by you, protected and, therefore, NOT enter the public domain. So facts belong to the public, but if you creatively organize and/or present those facts, that can be copyrighted or patented by you and thus would not enter the public domain.



You should now have a fair understanding of how material becomes part of the public domain. All you need to do is find it and use it creatively to profit from it. For instance, maybe you could take the inventions of Leonardo Da Vinci, recreate the blueprints and build a best-selling novel around them.



Perhaps you could search for and gather, Government Reports on a specific topic and then provide your own analysis on how to interpret them. Everyone knows Government documents can be difficult to understand! It's possible that some Government Studies support and give credibility to your business or invention.



In that case, publish the Studies on your website, in your newsletter or in a Press Release. Your options are unlimited in the ways you can use material found in the public domain to your benefit.



It's important to note that the copyright and patent laws can get extremely complex, therefore only use this information as a solid foundation. After all the technicalities of Law jargon, the U.S. Governments, all 50 State Governments, the European Union and other countries get factored in, it can quickly become an overwhelming task to understand it. That's why it's always a good idea to check with your local governing bodies to make sure you are following the law of the land.



Omar Johnson is author of the home study course "How to Make Money On the Internet While You are Asleep" Get your Free Report



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Chosing The Right Name for your Business

Choosing a Company Name

By: Michael Harris

When forming a limited company the name of the company can be an important decision. Some people may choose the first name that they think of and others may select a ready made company for speed or because they like a particular name. However, many businesses may prefer to select a company name that either clearly distinguishes itself from its competitors or contains something unique or personal. Company names can be chosen for different reasons.



One of the most common ways of selecting a company name is to use something personal. A quick look through your local newspaper will probably introduce you to many personalised business names. Johnson Consulting Limited, T Smith & Son Limited, Stephens & Barley Limited are some fictional examples of what may be found. This may instantly make a company recognisable locally, it can be deemed as more personal by its customers, and often works well within geographical areas. However, it does little to tell new customers what your company does.



A popular choice for a small business is to choose a name that is 'descriptive'. This tells prospective clients exactly what your company does. Examples of this may be to call your business The Window Company Limited, City IT Consultants Limited or The Advertising Agency Limited. Whilst this does serve to reinforce your primary business it offers little differentiation and may easily be adapted by competitors.



A less personal option is to use a company name that is 'associative'. This type of company name helps to create an image or connection to your business activity. It is less direct than using a descriptive name but helps to position your company's name within the market through peoples understanding of what words mean. For example a flick through the Yellow Pages will offer plenty of examples of this. A hairdresser called Classic Cuts or a printer called Selectaprint Limited are examples of what may be found. These names offer some differentiation but may not ultimately set your company aside from its competitors.



An alternative is to choose a company name that is 'freestanding'. These names are completely abstract and not related to the companies business activities. A fictional example may be to call your catering company Zedoc Limited. There are many popular brand names that illustrate this point. Consider, Kodak, Gillette, or Mars, these names will probably be instantly recognisable to you and conjure up a particular product or business. This is a good way of setting your company aside from the competition but it is important to consider the market that you operate in. Will your prospective clients know what your business is offering?



Choosing a company name may be a simple process, but it is not uncommon for people to deliberate over names for quite some time. Whilst company names can, and often are, changed during the life of the company most people like to choose a name that they like from the outset. Therefore consider your market, how much you want to differentiate from your competitors and what your company name should say about your organisation. Once the decision is made focus on the important business of making your company a success.

Author Bio

Michael Harris is a university graduate who has worked within the company formation and business advice industry for many years. Simple Formations is part of the SFS Group of Companies providing Company Formation the same day with your own company name.

Article Source: http://www.articlegeek.com

All About Business Cards

By: Briana Liebmann

Business cards are a great way for your business to get it's name out into the world. Small, and convenient, these little cards provide your customers with your name and all your contact information, and because they're portable, your customers will be able to take your name with them wherever they go (an advantage over online advertising).



Many companies provide fully customizable cards, allowing you to choose from font size and color to a unique logo. A good business card company will even let you choose the paper thickness and finish



For those of you who do not wish to customize, many providers come with pre-designed templates where you only have to insert your information for a quick and easy card ready to be shipped.



For those of you who wish to exercise your creative muscle, here are a few tips to follow:



1. Less is More:
It is pretty easy to get carried away with all the bells and whistles offered, but it usually doesn't take much for that little wallet sized card to get filled up with unnecessary decorations. Try to keep the main point in focus. Stick to the basics, this will also help get your message across quicker and easier for your customers.



2. Make Reading Easy:
Business cards are meant for quick reference. Contrasting colors are recommended as well as a simple sans font such as Arial. This will not only help the customer read your business card easier, but will also allow them to receive your information quickly and conveniently.



3. Keep the Important Material Larger:
Your name should be the largest font on the card. All your other information should be smaller and toward the bottom.



Choosing a high quality business card composer will make all the difference in the finished result. It is recommended that you choose a well known company who will guarantee their products. Even if they are a bit more expensive than their competitors, the extra expense will be well worth the quality product and service you will receive.

Author Bio

Briana is an original content writer for www.youseekit.com which features original articles on a variety of topics.
To see the original article, go to www.youseekit.com/business-cards.htm.

Article Source: http://www.articlegeek.com

Home Based Business - One Absolute Golden Rule for Success

Home Based Business - One Absolute Golden Rule for Success
by Adrian Kelly

When starting out with a new home based business or perhaps re-evaluating your current marketing efforts, you simply must not lose site of THE most important rule for your business. It is the 'Golden Rule' for future success for any business and will put you on a rock-solid foundation.



You know what the most important rule is for your home based business is don’t you? YES...CUSTOMERS!



Ensuring that you give your customers exactly what they want and to over-deliver whenever possible is the key to success. It sounds obvious doesn't it but ensuring an amazing customer experience will put you ahead of your competition. In fact, your customers won’t even bother looking anywhere else once you start building that loyal business relationship.



You must never lose sight of the fact that the customer should always be the sole focus of your business.



One way to build that solid business relationship is through email. Using email to build rapport, and more importantly using an auto responder to make regular contact, is proven to be the single most effective way to build a profitable company. Statistics show that a prospect hardly ever buys on their first visit to a website, whatever is being sold. It usually takes up to seven more requests to get people to buy.



You must take the opportunity to build your list whenever a prospect visits your website. You shouldn’t focus initially on sales, fancy web designs, building links to your site, or adding thousands of products. The Primary #1 goal of any website is BUILDING AND CONTINUALLY ADDING TO YOUR CUSTOMER LIST - It is as simple as that!



Every single aspect and every single design element needs to be geared towards building a customer list, a 'Red-Hot' database for future profits. Everything else is secondary and the website design of your site will be to encourage visitors to give you their email address.



* How To Glue Customers to Your Website and get Their Email Address in Record Time *



There is one thing a potential buyer is interested in when visiting any website. THE number one thing that is going through their mind is (yes, it may be subconsciously) "What's in It For Me?". Nothing else really matters and if you can focus on their needs, and not telling them how great you are, you are almost there.



This means that you only have a few seconds (usually up to about ten seconds maximum) to grab their attention and show them exactly "WHAT'S IN IT FOR THEM". You need to stop them dead in their tracks and offer them a massive benefit that they can access instantly for visiting your website. That's your primary job as a savvy website owner.



The most attractive words you or I will ever hear are:



# "FREE report reveals 7 ways to cut your costs by 300% when buying insurance..."

# "FREE weight loss plan shows you how to lose 2 stone...in 2 short months...while eating your favourite food..."

# "Yours FREE. Over $300 worth of bonuses when you invest in this incredible marketing course in the next 7 days..."



I'm sure you get the message, give them something for FREE! While ninety per cent of your competitors are discounting their products and shouting SALES! SALE! SALE! You should be quietly collecting email addresses and building on the ‘golden rule’ of customer focus.



When establishing a home based business you need to get into profit as quickly as possible. You don’t have the deep pockets of a corporation and every penny counts. Grab a reader’s attention...offer them something of value for free...then follow up as many times as necessary to get an order.



Adrian Kelly writes for http://www.instantdailyprofits.com/indexart.php. Discover an amazing step by step system that shows you how to make money online with an instant home based business in less than 30 days!



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