Getting Paid To Fill Out Surveys Online At Home

It sounds too good to be true, but yes, you can be paid for sitting at home in your pyjamas filling out surveys on your computer!
Companies need satisfied and loyal customers. They employ marketing people whose main job is to find out just what the company has to do to make their customers satisfied, and to persuade them to buy again, and again. You are quite likely to be just such a customer. And quite a few companies are likely to be seriously interested in exactly what you think about them and about their products or services.
You may be just the person they are looking for join in a sample of customers they can survey to get the answers they need, and they are likely to be perfectly happy to pay you for the time it takes you to provide this valuable information.
Yes, your opinion could be worth real money to some companies.
Interested? So where do you start?
You could try searching the internet, or phoning up company marketing departments. Try it if you like. You might get lucky, but chances are you will soon start to doubt anybody has any interest in your opinion! Don't worry, there is another way.
For a small investment in a subscription you can join up as a member of organised groups of people that make themselves available for company surveys. Kind of like a "matchmaker" service, linking you and companies that want to conduct surveys.

One of the most popular just now is Paid Surveys Online.
Its closely followed in popularity by the Survey Income System.
The older Survey Scout has a well established reputation.
A newer player on the block coming up fast is Express Paid Surveys.
These leading membership opportunities are not alone. Other survey subscriptions that are also worth checking out are:

• Top Online Surveys,


• Highest Paid Surveys,


• Paid Surveys at Home,


• Get Cash For Surveys,


• Get Paid 4 It,


• Surveyhawk,


• The Survey System, and


• the Survey Annex.

You may find some overlap between each of these groups, but each adds their own twist. Frankly, if you want to be kept busy working on surveys you should consider joining up with several memberships to increase the pool of companies you can access. Its a small investment to make compared with the future income you could earn. Ask your accountant, the membership fee may even be tax deductible against the income you earn!
Some of the opportunities are not just for online surveys. You may also get opportuniies to participate in other ways. For example, there are telephone and face-to-face surveys, and focus group discussion research. You may even get to participate in ongoing research. Or even product trials!
Remember, if you want to be taken seriously and be asked to participate again, you need to take your responsibilities seriously. You need to provide a quality response that will be of value to the surveying company.
Companies do have their participation requirements of course, not the least of which is the relevance of your location. Most of the opportunities available in these memberships are targeting residents of the US and Canada. But increasingly there are international opportunities being added. Check out the current opportunities being offerred by each service.
If you are not sure whether a particular membership will work for you, you can always join up to try. Then you can take advantage of the refund options available if you feel you cannot get fair value from your membership.
If you have the time, helping companies with their market research can be both interesting and rewarding.

Online Affiliate Marketing: The Ideal Home Business Opportunity?

by Roddy McFarlane

Making money through online affiliate marketing has become a realistic alternative to traditional employment. The growth of the internet and of broadband connections has made an independent affiliate marketing business a viable venture for many of us. Affiliate marketers earning commissions on sales have become today's equivalent of yesterday's traveling salesmen.
After several years commuting to and from a nine to five job, and dealing with the inevitable internal company politics every day, many of us start to think about what would be a better way to earn our income.
Often we begin with the ambition of owning our own independent business.
Then most of us would check our bank statement and decide we would have to look for a business with low start up capital needs, low overheads, low labour and staffing needs and low barriers to entry. Discouraging?
Its likely most of us would rather not have intensive, repetitive face to face sales and after sales service issues to deal with. All that cold calling and customer care gets to be hard work, and can leave you "peopled out" after a while. But we know a successful business needs a large and growing market. We know it needs a constantly fresh product range, products that are desirable and affordable for a lot of customers. On a global scale would be great, but is that just too much to ask?
Not too much government regulation or legal argument over patents and the like, of course, but reasonable protection from imitators. Cash billings, naturally, and returns on investment that are high, fast and readily managed. A business you can ramp up quickly if demand expands.
And what about that daily commute? Yes, a business that can be conducted from almost anywhere you would rather be. Think about places you look forward to going to for vacations. Or maybe just anywhere but where your mother-in-law lives!
Some of us dismiss these as idealistic business characteristics. "Its dreamland, and just not practical," some may say.
Until a few years ago they were probably right, unless you had exceptional creative talent, perhaps as a writer, software developer, designer, musician, actor or inventor. And so most of us just endured the daily commute.
What has changed?
The internet has brought a new way of doing business. It has brought this dreamy ideal business within the reach of the rest of us.
Within days you could begin building your own viable independent online affiliate marketing business on the internet.
What is an online affiliate marketing business?
You promote some of the huge and exciting array of products and services being sold on on the internet, and direct customers to the web site where they are sold. Amazon is just one of many examples. Once the deal goes through, you get a sales commission. Simple.
Lots of people have made a living performing a useful role in commissioned sales for years, and some have done very well at it. The difference now is that the internet has ballooned the scale, global reach and leverage available to you. The exciting news is that you and I can now promote leading international brands as affiliates, and even become multinationals! The internet reaches such a huge and fast growing market that even the biggest brands need affiliates to help get their message out into to the furthest corners of the globe.
And the internet has made it possible to carry out transactions automatically at all hours. No more traveling salesmen jokes, no more making appointments, no more order books to fill, and you still keep earning right through the weekends!
As a business it has unique complications as you would expect, and nothing succeeds without clear goals, passion and enthusiasm, of course. Affiliate marketing is just another business, but check off those ideal characteristics. Affiliate marketing must be just about the ideal independent business of tomorrow for those of us who would rather not commute any more.
But keep your day job for now. It takes a little time and effort to start the affiliate income stream flowing.

Roddy McFarlane provides news, reviews and commentary on affiliate marketing in his blog at The Marketing Affiliate.

Work from Home - Online Data Entry

By Allison Thompson

Many people are now finding alternative ways of earning an income without having the bother or the hassle of commuting to and from work each day.

One of the most popular work from home jobs that is available to those that are able to connect to the net is online data entry.

This type of work is highly in demand and it takes very little for anyone to set it up. All anybody needs is a computer, internet connection and a comfortable table and chair to sit out to enable them to carry out the work.

However, please be aware that because this type of work has become so popular because it is so easy to do, there are a number of companies out their offering such work who are not genuine. There are large number of people who will have set up fradulent companies who are prepared to trap people into there fast money making schemes.

One of the best ways of avoiding such schemes is by contacting one of the well known and reputable online placement companies such as monster.com, careerbuilder.com and hotjobs.com who are willing to help and support you in finding a reputable company who require online date entry staff. You are also less likely to find scammers advertising their business on legitimate sites like these.

When you have found the company that interests you there are a number of things you should do just to make sure that they say who they are and not another scam company.

1. Visit their website.

2. Do a search of the company name and include such words as "fraud/scam or illegal" before or after the company name. If anything appears in the listings regarding this company then do not deal with them any further.

A couple more places that I would suggest that you look at for information on online data entry jobs is at either freelance websites or local/national newspapers. But remember to check any companies out that you see advertising in the newspapers as they may be ready to scam you. Carry out the checks stated above and this should hopefully provide you with the information as to the legitimacy of the company.

Next if any company should ask you for a fee (no matter how big or small) then I suggest that you avoid these companies at all costs. Therefore, please be careful when applying for any job that you have seen advertised and if you are not happy with the checks you have carried out then do not continue with your application.

Finally, another way of searching for a legitimate company that requires online data entry work to be carried out is by joining one of the many reputable freelance work forums (often these are free to join) and they can you usually provide you with genuine leads.

Remember that an online data entry job is a good way of earning an income, providing you with the opportunities to spend more time with your family, therefore it is well worth the effort of spending some time in finding a suitable data entry job for you.

Allison Thompson, now living in Spain and a work from home mum and as one of her projects is involved in running 2nd-income a site dedicated to helping people earn a second income.
http://www.2nd-income.info

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

Successful Marketing for Home Based Businesses

By Declan O'Reilly

'A successful marketing strategy is not based on doing what you like but liking what you do...'

Are you looking for information to build and grow a home-based business? If so, you are in the right place! Here you will find information on implementing a successful marketing campaign and growing your home based business.

The Problem

Many home-based business owners don't know how to best market their businesses. Some ignore marketing altogether, hoping that customers or website visitors will appear out of thin air. Others market in a scattershot way producing untargeted traffic or unqualified prospects. Either approach will keep you from achieving your business potential and reaching your financial goals and possibly even damage your reputation.

The Solution

Whether you've been thinking about starting a home business or you're already a seasoned home-based business owner, the principle remains the same. Your business' survival and success rests on how effectively you market your business or product. Examine some of the following marketing strategies and tools to help you boost your home based business profits.

Home-Based Business Advantage

Low overhead costs, no commute to work and the ability to work around your children are some of the few advantages for home based business owners. Gear your marketing efforts to capitalize on these and other home-based strengths including:

Adaptability - Information Technology has escalated the rate of change in the marketplace. To survive and thrive, you must be prepared to act, and act quickly. As a home-based business owner, you can make adjustments instantly, without having to cut through the red tape of bureaucratic decision-making procedures common in larger businesses.

Technology - Computers, the Internet, PDA's, and other emerging technologies can take home based businesses to a more level playing field with bigger companies, empowering home based business owners to accomplish tasks that used to require hiring staff to perform. Try to keep up-to-speed with technology.

Flexibility. - Unlike traditional businesses that require full-time attention and high overhead costs, home based businesses can be operated part-time, at low cost, and depending on your financial goals can be phased into full-time operations.

Taking Your Business To The Next Level

A common reason home businesses fail is because owners neglect the up-front planning needed to position their ventures. Once you have defined your market position and where you want to take your business in the 12 months you will have moved one step closer to success.

If you already have a business begin by taking inventory of where your business is right now. What specific goods and services do you provide? How do you set yourself apart? What is your business' reputation? How are you perceived by your customers or clients as far as your prices, reliability, and other elements of your products or services?

The next step is to project where you want to take your business in the 12 months. What market position do you want to occupy? Is the niche market you want large enough? How will your benefits outsell those provided by the competition? Do you have the ability, capital, resources and support to make your market position a reality? Your answers will give you the information you need to begin designing or updating your marketing plan.

Planning Ahead

Once you have determined where you want to go, outline the essential steps to get there. Begin by writing a one sentence purpose (mission) statement for your marketing campaign. The rest of your plan should include a brief description of each of the following:

Benefits of your products and services.

Your target market.

What marketing tools will best help you achieve your mission.

Your market niche. What sets you apart in the market place.

Your marketing budget.

Keep your marketing plan brief. The more concise you make your marketing plan, the more effective it will be in evaluating your marketing efforts.

Finding Your Niche

This is often the hardest task for a beginning home-based business owner but also one of the most crucial. In order for your venture to survive in a competitive marketplace, you must distinguish yourself from other businesses and find a niche. What makes your business unique? Why should someone choose to buy from you over a competitor? Prospective clients want to know. If you can give them a compelling answer, you will position yourself as a leader in your industry boosting your profit potential. Research your market thoroughly before jumping in.

Marketing Tools

No matter how you choose to publicize your business, one quality will set you apart from your competitors: The ability to write effective ad copy. You're vying for the attention of consumers bombarded each day with advertisements. It is estimated that the average person is exposed to over 1,200 advertising messages per DAY! Make sure your advertisement stands out from the rest of this 'noise'.

When you have determined your market position and drawn up a marketing plan you are ready to start spreading the word about your products and services. One effective way is using the existing offline media in your area. You have a variety of media choices depending upon your target market and your advertising budget including magazines, newspapers, television, radio, and the internet. Start by evaluating how and where your competitors advertise. What's working for them? Take their best ideas; then design your own winning layout, positioning yourself as having the best offer.

The Importance of Headlines

As the first phrases seen in advertising copy, headlines should arouse enough interest in the reader so that they will want to read or listen on to learn more about your business or product. To get ideas about what headlines will work best for you, scan different types of ad copy, particularly those from your competitors. Create a swipe file of different ads and ideas that you come across from different sources. But remember to be careful of using other peoples copyrighted material.

Capture your customer's interest with a compelling statement of offer

Highlight the most important benefits

Offer extreme value

Make a call strong call to action.

Testing Your Ads

Advertising can be expensive, but for just about any business a mandatory investment. To get the most out of your ads, test them by the following criteria:

What is the quantity of leads or prospects that the ad generates? Compare this amount in terms of a unit cost of advertising (dollars in advertising per leads generated).

How many of these leads convert into sales? Different advertising media due to the audiences they target will vary in the numbers of actual closes.

Continually check the response from your ads, make changes or run a new ad if necessary. Use ad trackers and keep testing, testing testing until you achieve the response required.

Internet Marketing

Imagine! You can have a salesperson working for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week even while you sleep. A web site and effective use of e-mail marketing can turn your small home-based business into a global business putting you on a level playing field with large corporations. With easy and afforbable web design tools getting a web site up and running is within reach of everybody.

Sell Benefits Not Features!

Any seasoned business owner knows that it costs five times more to sell to a new prospect than to an existing client. Studies show that each satisfied customer will spread the good word about your business to at least one other person. On the reverse side of the coin a dissatisfied customer will complain to up to five or ten potential customers. Your mission in getting customer referrals to turn passive satisfied customers into actively enthusiastic supporters who will promote your business. The best way to do this is through:

Offering outstanding value to your customers

Delivering your product on time.

Solving customer's problems.

Maintaining regular contact with customers through feedback forms

Following up your customers regularly.

Creating long-term relationships with customers.

Personalising your product or service.

Finally...

Whether you're just launching your home based business or have been building one for years, don't allow lack of information keep you from achieving your financial dreams. Study your marketing options and decide which marketing strategy will best position you for long-term success.

Declan O'Reilly

Anyhoodles was established by Declan O'Reilly in Melbourne, Australia in 2003. Our vision at Anyhoodles is to empower people to become successful entrepreneurs.

Visit http://www.anyhoodles.com for more information and tools for entrepreneurs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Declan_O'Reilly

How to Start A House Cleaning Business In 7 Simple Steps

By Fayola Peters

One of the main reasons people start businesses is to make money. For some it’s a blessing to make money doing something they love. I’m not saying that you have to love house cleaning in order to have a successful house cleaning business; however it would be a good idea if you didn’t hate it.

How much money you make depends on how big you want your business to be. It could be a one person operation where you set up at home and service areas close to home, or you could set up a commercial office and hire people to work for you.

Here are 7 simple steps to get you started on your own house cleaning business.

1) Decide exactly what kind of house cleaning services you will offer.

Here you decided what cleaning you will do, like making beds, vacuuming, mopping and waxing floors, dusting and so on. Also note what you won’t do, e.g. laundry. You can also decide to specialize, e.g. by cleaning carpets only, or cleaning suspended ceilings only.

2) Pricing your housecleaning service.

To have an idea of how to charge for your housecleaning service, use your competition. Check your telephone directory and the classified ads section in your local newspapers for cleaning businesses, call them up (pretend to be a prospective client) and find out exactly what cleaning services they offer and how much they charge. With this information gathered decide the best price to charge for your cleaning service.

3) Workout startup costs.

For this you need to consider, tools, material, transport, advertising, insurance etc. Write down a list all the tools and material you need, like cleaners, sponges, mops, carpet cleaning equipment etc. Next find out the cost of each item on the list and write it down next to the item.

Transport: you will have to estimate your costs here. You see it depends on where your client is located and your means of transportation to get to your client. (Having your own vehicle would be to your advantage).

Advertising: You can use free advertising (word of mouth) and paid advertising (classifieds, telephone directory ads etc). Phone calls to your local newspaper and the telephone company who publish your telephone directory will tell you the cost of placing ads.

Once you’ve gathered all this information, calculate your total startup costs.

4) Name your business.

Choosing an appropriate name for your house cleaning business is important. Here are a few examples I got of the internet, ‘Maid Brigade’, ‘All Shine Cleaning’, ‘White Glove Cleaning Service’. Please avoid using ‘Your Name Cleaning Services’. Using your own name as part of your business name is over done by many house cleaning businesses. Brainstorm and come up with a name that helps you stand out of the crowd.

5) Learn the zoning regulations of your community.

Check the city clerk’s Office or your local library for a copy for a copy of the zoning laws governing your community. Your reason for doing this is that some zoning regulations prohibit home businesses in a community.

6) Do a few free cleaning jobs.

Well you’re not actually doing them for free. You’re doing them in exchange for references (these add to your credibility for future paying clients and are invaluable). You can offer these free cleaning jobs to friends, non profit organizations in your communities etc.

7) Get your first paying client then get another and another and another and so on.

Tell everyone you know that you’ve started a cleaning business and place ads in the local newspapers. In the beginning you need to spend most of your time and money getting paying clients. However, the more clients you get the less time and money you spend on marketing and more time you spend on cleaning and making your clients happy.

This is just the beginning. Once you start making money take a house cleaning business course to help you better manage your business in terms of growth, accounting, taxes, insurance better marketing strategies and more.

--

You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated. fayolap@yahoo.com

About The Author

Fayola Peters is the webmaster of housecleaning-tips.com. To find more information about a house business cleaning course check out her website at http://www.housecleaning-tips.com.

fayolap@yahoo.com

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

Start a Cake Decorating Business for Fun & Profit

By Randy Wilson

Start a cake decorating business if you are looking for something different in the line of home based businesses. Do you have time and creativity? Cake decorating allows you flexible time and the freedom to be artistic in a consumer filled field.

People have special occasions all the time that they celebrate with specialty cakes. Think of all the times you have purchased cakes for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and other events and you will soon see how this could be a fun and lucrative career. Cake decorating businesses are also simple to start and requires little overhead. Most of the essentials for a home based business of this kind are very inexpensive and easy to come by. If you possess an oven and a microwave, you are already on your way to success.

If you have ever made cakes before, you are already ahead of the game. Do you have children in daycare or school? Think of all the birthday parties you go to in a year and you will see how this occasion alone can be profitable. Most parents today have never even made a cake, preferring to purchase one that is already baked and decorated.

You would be fulfilling a service that these parents are already taking advantage of in the retail market. A home based cake business can bring in business for graduations, weddings, baby showers, Easter, Christmas, and many more occasions and holidays throughout the year. Once it is known that you have quality service and beautiful cakes, your schedule will fill every month.

There are a variety of sources you can draw from when choosing materials and supplies after you start a cake business. The Internet is an invaluable source of ideas, as well as magazine publications and specialty cookbooks. You will need some specific cake decorating tools of the trade such as baking pans, icing flutes, spatulas and of course cake mixes and basic instructions on the decorating process.

All of these items can be found at your local department stores and on the Internet. Specialty items, such as wedding toppers and the like are easily found on the Internet as well. There are cake decorating lessons available at many trade schools and there are even some available on the web. In some cities, there are dedicated cake decorating schools. Professional cake decorating is taught in some groceries as well. Once learned, there is no end to the cake decorating opportunities available to you. This fun and fulfilling career can be started with minimal monetary investment and your dedication.

You may find that word of mouth advertising will do you sufficiently in the beginning, with fantastic results. Word of mouth is still a very powerful tool in any kind of business. Often, one happy local customer can breed several referrals and steady income. Remember, people are already purchasing this service somewhere else, why not you?

Don't forget that the Internet is also a great way to get your business known. If you are looking to increase your scale and expand your services once you are successful, the Internet provides a great advertising outlet for a cake decorating business. Having a web site to view your creations will go a long way in helping people recognize you and your work. This can also help your local customers learn about your skill and see your product before purchasing, without having to go to the store. If you take orders online, they may not even need to call you. At this point you are providing a service to them without them even having to leave the comfort of their home.

Cake decorating is a trade that is going to be around forever. A little training and a little practice will provide you with a rich career, full of fun and satisfaction. Opening a home based cake business will provide you with regenerative income, freedom over your schedule, and the joy of customer satisfaction.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy has dozens of home based business articles such as Start a Mattress Cleaning Service, Unusual Home Based Businesses and Start a Catering Business.

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

Which Home-Based Party Plan Business is Right For You?

By Dawn Hull

Home party plans, for several decades, have been one of the most effective ways to earn a living or supplement the family income. The home party plan system brings people together in a pleasant environment, to share unique and exclusive products and an exciting income opportunity. This is certainly a well-proven method of generating an additional income stream.

With so many home party plans out there, how do you choose the one that's right for you? You will be investing your time, energy, and money into the home party business opportunity that you choose; therefore, take time to research the different home party plans that are available. Use the questions below to help you evaluate the products, the business, and the companies that have home-based business party plans. This will insure that you’re making a good decision for yourself, your family, and your lifestyle.

Evaluating products in home party plans:

• Do the products enrich lives? Whether you're looking to make a little extra money or a full-time income, it really helps if you’re passionate about the products and receive tangible benefits from them. Look to promote products that have an educational aspect to them and that have exceptional proven results. When an individual has experienced great results, it can make them very excited about sharing the products with their friends and family.

• Are the products consumable? Will your customers buy once and never need to purchase from you again? Or will your customers buy over and over again, creating an ongoing income stream for you? A consumable product that has a proven track record to deliver genuine results will more likely offer you repeat customers. It's much easier to sell to a repeat customer than it is to find a new one.

• Are the products exclusive and/or competitively priced? Be sure the products are competitively priced and have a distinct advantage to what may already be available. Choose a home party business opportunity that has products that are unique, effective, and have an educational aspect to them.

• Do the products come with a money back guarantee? It’s important to find a home party plan company that stands behind its products 100%. A 100% satisfaction guarantee makes customers more comfortable buying and gives them the confidence to try something new.

Evaluating the business opportunity of home party plans:

• What are the volume and monthly purchase requirements? You might want to think twice about any company that makes purchase requirements mandatory.

• What type of sales tools does the company have available? Do they have company approved websites? If so, is the cost reasonable? Do they have high quality brochures, audio, video tapes, and online presentations that you can use to promote the business and products?

• What kind of training and support is provided? It is beneficial to find a company that offers FREE on-going training.

• Do the home party company’s products sell well outside of the home party system? Look for home party companies that have numerous avenues of income for you to utilize to sell products and sign up business associates. If you can find a business that works well, both in a home party setting and provides other numerous marketing possibilities, than you have an opportunity for greater marketing exposure and growth.

• What is the compensation plan like? The compensation plan should be simple to understand and easy for you to explain to others. Look for a generous plan where promotions are both achievable and maintainable. It should reward beginners as well as career oriented consultants with a good income opportunity. Does this plan have a track record of creating part-time and/or full-time incomes. Or are there just a few making significant incomes?

• What are the company values and philosophies and are they consistany with your own?

Happy career hunting!


Dawn Hull
Professional Skin Care Consultant
http://www.MaryKay.com/ShopOnline

Sign up to receive a FREE monthly beauty newsletter: Beaut-e-News - Discover what's new, what's now — what's changing the face of makeup and skin care! You'll find beauty secrets revealed and tips and techniques that will help you look your beautiful best. Click here to register: http://www.marykay.com/PWS/MyMK/Login.aspx?Moniker=SHOPONLINE

If you have any questions at all about how you can weave a work at home experience into your already very busy lifestyle, feel free to contact me via my website.

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

How to Start Greeting Cards Home Business

By Randy Wilson

Do you like to create pictures and designs, or writing? Do you love to look at the greeting cards in your local stores? Then a greeting cards home business could be for you. This is a business with incredible growth, and income potential. It also gives the greeting card home based business owner several options in the business itself.

A greeting card home business opportunity can have you doing only one part, such as drawing or writing. This same business can be selling e-cards or cards sold in stores. It could also entail purchasing a territory from a larger card distributor.

The first step in how to start a greeting card company is to decide what part of the greeting card business you want to focus on. As a freelance greeting card artist, you would focus only on designing cards for other companies. There are costs associated with this option and could include the purchase of a computer and graphic art software if you don’t already have these items.

If you decide to be a freelance greeting card writer, your home based greeting card business would focus on only writing the phrases to be used on greeting cards. For this, you only need a computer and quick turn around time.

Of course, you can always freelance as both a writer and artist. To get jobs you must contact companies to see if they are in need of freelancers. They pay from $50 an assignment to several hundred dollars per assignment. However, until you build up a portfolio of samples, and sometimes even after, jobs can be hard to find.

Another option is to purchase a vending route from a larger greeting card company. This route becomes your way of starting a greeting card company. You are required to keep current clients stocked in cards, replace old cards with new ones and get new clients to build your income. You have start up costs that can run from several hundred to several thousand dollars in inventory. However, when you take the cards to the clients, you receive your payments right then.

If you want to start your own line of cards, your greeting card business plan would focus on all aspects of greeting card businesses. You will design and write each greeting card inside and out. Your creative freedom would not be hindered by someone telling you what they want. You would make all the decisions and it would truly be your greeting cards business.

Being a greeting cards home business owner would make the internet your best marketing tool. You wouldn’t be able to compete with larger greeting card companies, so you will want to create a special niche for your cards on the web and in small local stores.

This option requires research before beginning the creation of cards for your greeting cards home business. You will need to price printing services and software. Once you have these ready, you can being creating. Go ahead a start creating cards, but at the same time, think of a name for your greeting cards home business and create a website.

Websites are very easy to create, depending on the provider you decide on. Research domain name registries and web site providers. The more web pages and information you want to provide will influence the charge of the web site. A greeting cards home business web site should be able to be effective without many extras at first. The extras can come later.

Once your website is ready, put pictures of your cards and ordering information into it. If you create the web site yourself or pay someone else to do it, make sure the site is search engine optimized. This will bring more people to your greeting card web site and start selling your cards.

Since some people like to hold cards and feel their quality before purchasing, it may be best to have your greeting cards home business web site offer one free card, or one free sample package per household. This gets your cards on the market and helps drive customers to your web site. Also, consider creating a special “Thank You” card that you personalized by you for all inquiries and orders. This is another way to let people know the quality of your cards.

Have the cards printed as the orders come in to the web site. Offer personalized cards to increase sales. Make sure you have plenty of designs for each category. You want your greeting cards home business website to look full, but not cluttered.

You now know several of the options available to start your greeting cards home business. Now all you have to do is to decide which is the best option for you. This business can grow to be as large or as small as you want it.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy Wilson has dozens of home based business articles such as Best Home Based Businesses, How to Start a Catering Business and Selling Books from Home.

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

Profitable Home Sewing Businesses

By Randy Wilson

If you’re interested in home sewing businesses, you’re onto a good thing. Home based sewing businesses have benefited from tremendous improvements in technology in the last few years.

The opportunities for home sewing businesses range from sewing specialty clothing to monogramming to commercial sewing. There are some absolutely fabulous machines and software out there that do everything from intricate embroidery to monogramming shirts, jackets, and caps for all sorts of businesses and sports teams.

So how do you go about starting a sewing business? First you have to decide on the type of home sewing business you want. As mentioned earlier, you can make specialty clothing such as wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses on a machine you likely already own.

You may, however, want to break into the commercial area where you embroider on caps and such for local sports and Little League teams. Before you can have any home based sewing business, you have to know what exactly type of sewing service that business is going to provide.

The next thing you want to do when looking into sewing businesses is to look at the costs involved if you are going to be purchasing equipment. There’s a wide range for you to choose from, and you can likely find exactly what you need at exactly the right price for your budget. Just make sure you deal with reputable companies. This is especially important if you’re going to purchase used equipment for your home sewing business.

Now develop a business plan for your sewing business. It should include a budget and how you’ll use profits to grow your business in the future. You need to consider who the target market is for your home sewing business, and develop a plan for how you’re going to reach it. Also, you’ll want to look at accounting needs, tax requirements, and liability insurance.

You also want to decide whether you want to have a partner or not. Often, it’s a good idea to have a partner, but make sure that person shares your vision of what you’re doing. Also where you want to take your sewing business over time.

Once you have a business plan, follow it. It takes effort and determination to establish and sustain all businesses, whether they’re home sewing businesses or Fortune 500 corporations. There will be bumps in the road, but your business plan will help you manage them when they pop up. Be vigilant, and you can be the owner of a successful home sewing business.

And, please, don’t forget to consider your family when considering home sewing businesses. Talk about how having a home based sewing business will affect them. Make sure everyone understands what it will mean to them. You’ll be home, but you’ll be working.

This can make it hard for family members to know when you can stop and chat or go out for a bite to eat. Having everything out in the open will be a big help in the future when you’re going crazy to meet a deadline and your family wants to go out for ice cream.

Once you’ve considered these aspects of home sewing businesses and have taken the plunge to actually start a home based sewing business, you want to get the word out. How much advertising you do depends on your budget, and you may not be able to do the type and amount you’d like when your first start your home sewing business.

Some simple, inexpensive advertising and marketing materials you should consider are flyers and business cards. You should also look into placing small ads in your local newspaper.

Websites are something else you should look into for advertising and marketing your home sewing business. They aren’t nearly as expensive as you might think—and are well worth the investment for the amount of business one can bring your way.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy is has dozens of home based business articles such as Soy Candle Business Opportunity and Spy Products.

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

115 Ways To Earn Money With Your Computer

By Julia Tang

Here is a list of ideas for your reference if you want to use your own PC to earn income.

1.   Provide computer-based office management services for attorneys

2.   Do word processing

3.   Do medical billing for doctors

4.   Do automated telemarketing

5.   Manage a church

6.   Start a computer user's group

7.   Learn to win at blackjack

8.   Bet on horse races

9.   Bet on pro football

10.  Sell computers from your home

11.  Provide medical information management

12.  Broker information

13.  Trade stock by computer

14.  Provide astrological services

15.  Offer an interactive electronic newsletter

16.  Produce book indexes

17.  Provide a computer-assisted booking service

18.  Make stock market investment decisions

19.  Do genealogical research

20.  Manage a band

21.  Manage a house or pet sitting service

22.  Track precious gems

23.  Sell information to collectors

24.  Analyze real estate investments

25.  Support a small law practice

26.  Write a book

27.  Market collectables

28.  Do psychological counseling

29.  Prepare income tax returns

30.  Provide economic consulting

31.  Solve real estate financing problems

32.  Do data base research

33.  Publish your own book

34.  Design your own small business system

35.  Crop management

36.  Analyze farm expenses

37.  Provide weekly printout of bowling league statistics

38.  Make computer-generated portraits

39.  Manage investment shelters

40.  Manage construction costs

41.  Produce computer utility products

42.  Provide computer-aided financial planning

43.  Sell life insurance

44.  Support a small publishing business

45.  Provide weekly printout of little league Baseball statistics

46.  Run a small  pharmacy

47.  Become a computer dealer

48.  Interpret physical therapy test results

49.  Manage a restaurant

50.  Start your own yellow pages

51.  Conduct computer-assisted telephone interviewing

52.  Stream-line executive search activities

53.  Provide agricultural commodities planning

54.  Turn financial statements into financial pictures

55.  Manage a museum collection

56.  Support consumer education programs

57.  Do freelance technical writing

58.  Do multi-level direct mail marketing

59.  Review specialty software

60.  Be an engineering consultant

61.  Provide sports information services

62.  Produce products for hobbyists

63.  Provide specialty-focused software services

64.  Run a multi-level, direct sales operation

65.  Do litigation management

66.  Manage a dairy farm

67.  Provided automated debt collection

68.  Provide date-base installation and instruction

69.  Run a beauty school/beauty salon

70.  Improve small business services

71.  Broker used computers!

72.  Telecommute

73.  Enhance medical diagnosis and treatments

74.  Create electronic marketing tools

75.  Do independent software documentation

76.  Teach people how to use microcomputers

77.  Become your own computer book publisher

78.  Create computer-generated puzzles and word games

79.  Become a software consultant

80.  Produce low-cost computer graphics products

81.  Develop software for children

82.  Perform real estate inspections

83.  Do software translations

84.  Produced a computer-controlled home security system

85.  Automate conference registration

86.  Create computer gifts

87.  Enhance scientific products

88.  Write software for use in the home

89.  Manage a winery

90.  Design and produce personal computer hardware or peripherals

91.  Design, publish and distribute software

92.  Provide information vending machines

93.  Start a software writing cooperative

94.  Develop small scale real estate partnerships

95.  Do property management

96.  Do mortgage loan brokerage

97.  Perform non-judicial foreclosures

98.  Develop mini-warehouse storage facilities

99. Sell instant signs

100. Start an advertising agency

101. Start a resume service.

102. Manage a talent agency

103. Operate a referral service

104. Operating a mailing list service

105. Operate a typesetting service

106. Offer a legal forms service for the general public

107. Publish your own newsletter or help others for a fee

108. Operate a voice mail service

109. Start your own local classified newspaper

110. Provide a collection letter service

111. Offer a custom diet plan service

112. Start your own local real estate newspaper

113. Start an apartment rental newspaper

114. Provide a payroll service

115. Start a singles dating service

You can get more ideas with a number brainstorming tools located at http://www.best-internet-businesses.com

Truly, your PC and Internet give you more opportunities to earn incomes during spare time.
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Julia Tang publishes Smart Online Business Tips, a fresh and informative newsletter dedicated to supporting people like you!To find out the best online business opportunities, and to discover hundreds more proven and practical internet marketing secrets, plus FREE internet marketing products worth over $200, visit: http://www.best-internet-businesses.com
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Tang