Friday, June 18, 2010

How To Start Your Own Success Information Marketing Business


Information marketing business is one of the most profitable home-based business idea, and even better, you can start your business with little out of pocket money. People all over the world are making extra-ordinary income every month with information marketing. And if you are already thinking of starting your own information marketing business, or looking for the perfect home-based business ideas, this write up is for you. READ ON...



What is Information Marketing?
This may sound foreign to most people, but simply put ...Information marketing is the marketing of information. I know you were probably expecting some long drawn out definition, but really it's not that complicated.
There are numerous products to consider when discussing the Information Industry that many people may not know about or maybe even forgotten like audio programs, videos or DVD's made available through a catalog or online, traditional books, newsletters, magazines, membership sites, home-study courses, e-books, webinars, tele-seminars, tele-coaching, seminars and conferences in some form or another.
As you can see from the large list above, information marketing covers lot arenas.
You may be like me, and prefer to have something tangible (i.e. in hand) when learning new information or you may prefer to view this information via the Internet or attend seminars. Really, the possibilities with information marketing are endless because everyone has their own preference, and therefore your audience/target market will vary depending on the medium you decide to choose to get your information distributed.

Benefits
Starting an information marketing business has several benefits, including low start-up and operation costs, minimal business experience requirements and of course, you can operate this type of business right from your home. You do not have to keep lots of inventory on hand, and you can run your business on a very flexible work schedule – ideal for people who have day jobs, stay-at-home moms or other commitments that they need to work around.

How to Get Started:
Running an information marketing business does require work, so it is essential to focus on an information niche that interests you, and one in which have knowledge or experience. Think about activities or hobbies that you do in your spare time (that you enjoy doing without getting paid for). By focusing on an area that you enjoy, this will make your work more fun and interesting. Generally, entrepreneurs who like their work are more successful.
When people are searching for information on the internet, they are usually looking for answers or solutions. Therefore, you want to think about how you can offer a solution in your particular information niche, such as “how to” information.

Format:
You then want to decide which format you will use. Will you offer your customers an e-book? An audio MP3 file? A video course? A PDF report? A membership website? All of these formats are surprising easy to produce these days – with inexpensive tools you can find online. You can find “fill-in-the-blank” style software programs that virtually create products for you – with the information you provide. The production process is quick and low-cost – it is no wonder so many entrepreneurs are attracted to information marketing.

Content & Competition:
Before you start, see what kinds of information products are already available in your market. You do not usually want to enter an over-saturated market, and by seeing what your competition is offering, you can prepare a better product. A better product would be one that provides a greater amount of information, more specific information or a more convenient format. Also think about doing the opposite of what everyone else is doing. Many start-up businesses have found success using this strategy.
Many new entrepreneurs think they can win over an entire market simply by offering a low price. This does not always work, nor is it a profitable solution. Customers are looking more for value than price. Even if your product is priced higher – but you offer a greater value – you are likely to win the attention of your prospect.

Marketing Your Product:
You have lots of advertising options online, many of which are free and take minimal effort. However, you want to spend your time and effort on methods that reach a very specific audience that will be interested in the information you provide. Do not try to advertise to everyone. Use multiple advertising methods to increase your reach, such as submitting free press releases, using social media tools, search engine advertising and website linking.
Even though you have several opportunities to make money online with information products, do not forget the offline market. You can sell exclusively by mail, or you can contact prospects by mail and send them to your website. Either way, targeted mailing lists can be an effective way of reaching an offline market that your competitors have forgotten.






Success!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Tips to Help You Succeed With Your Home-Based Business

Starting a home-based business is never easy. From advertising to zoning, there is always something that will require your attention. Here are ten tips to keep you focused on your quest to make your home-based business a success.



1. Set a schedule and stick to it. The allure of working from home is powerful -- but so is the appeal of spending more time with your family or of taking a nap in the middle of the day. Setting and maintaining a schedule for your workday is critical.
2. Set up a dedicated office area. You can't run a business from your kitchen table. A successful business requires a fully equipped home office. If you have an extra bedroom, consider converting it into office space. If you do not have an extra room in your home, try setting up a partition to create an office area.
3. Be professional. One of the perks of running a business from home is having the option of working in your pajamas, but your customers should not be able to tell that you just rolled out of bed. Maintain normal office hours and a professional demeanor when answering your phone or dealing with customers.
4. Advertise. Just because you build it doesn't necessarily mean they will come. To succeed, you will need to advertise your new business. Advertising and marketing don't have to be expensive, but they have to be done.
5. Familiarize yourself with the applicable tax laws. You are about to enter a whole new world of taxation. To avoid ending up frazzled on April 15th, take the time now to discuss your options with your accountant or with another qualified professional who can advise you about your tax situation.
6. Check with your zoning commission. Make sure there are no zoning laws that will prevent you from running
7. Formulate a business plan. Where do you want your business to be in six months? How about in five years? Many small business owners mistakenly think that a business plan is only necessary if they are going to have investors. But businesses of all sizes can use a business plan as a roadmap to success.
8. Get on the Web. The Internet is the single best way for a home-based businesses to reach out to prospective customers. Even if your business isn't "e-" anything, you need a Web site that can function as an online brochure for your company.



9. Do your research. You may think that your idea for your home-based business is unique. But unless you do some market research, you won't know whether or not your market is already saturated. Market research can help you find a special angle for your product or service, giving you an edge over your competitors.
10. Don't get discouraged. Many businesses fail simply because their owners became discouraged after a disappointing trial period. You will have to show grit and determination to make your business succeed. Hang in there and do all that you can to make your business the success you know it can be.

I created this post from an article I read sometime ago at allbusiness.com. Hope you like it.

Success!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Why You May Need A Mentor

Tammy's blog is one of the several blogs that I follow. She blogs on home-based business ideas and has great content on her blog. Here is one of her writing that will help you in deciding whether you will need a mentor as you start out on your home-based business idea.

Do you think you need one?

If you have just started out with a home business and are not that web savvy, you can greatly benefit from a work at home mentor.

How much does having a mentor cost?

Well, sometimes you get lucky enough to get help from a mentor for free, especially if you are good friends with them. But the price of a good business mentor varies depending on what type of advice you are seeking.

Where can you find a good home based business mentor?

Mentors are literally all over the place on the Internet for the work at home industry. You can find them on all the popular social media networks, such as Twitter, Facebook, message forums, and etc...

What should you look for in a business mentor?

A mentor should definitely have more experience than you and are more marketing savvy. It makes sense, you are new to the work at home industry and you need guidance with marketing, creating a good online presence, and making money.

Can a mentor be a family member?

Yes definitely! As long as they have the knowledge and experience that you are looking for to benefit you the most. Also you may get their services for free since they are relatives.

What types of business mentors are available?

All types! You can find strictly marketing mentors, affiliate sales, website sales, telecommuting, MLM, direct sales, and the list goes on.

You can also have buddy mentors. They don't specifically have to have more experience than you do however. This type of mentoring could also be labeled as "The Buddy System." Having a home business buddy can be great for your business. You could swap ideas and run over marketing techniques with each other. Even a business partnership can grow from having an online buddy to share things with online.

Mentors are also excellent for keeping you motivated and focused.

Goog piece, right?

Success!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Lucky School's New Squidoo Lens

I just published a new lens on squidoo, you can find it on this like: http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-start-and-run-your-own-successful-business#

Monday, June 7, 2010

Top 10 Home-Based Business Ideas


Some times deciding on a business idea when starting your own home-based business is difficult considering the many available options. And here, I simply want to share with you 10 of the most successful home-based business ideas.

#1. Child-Care Services

If you love children and thinks you can help them learn, you can turn that into home-based day-care center. This is one the most successful home-based business ideas you can start with little capital or even nothing. The most important thing you will need in this business is your expertise with children development.

#2. Catering Services

 Home-based catering service is a lucrative business idea.
More people are avoiding the time to cook, and if you can do the cooking, you in business. You can consider targeting a niche for your catering services. You can decide to offer only fast food or vegetarian menus. Consider arranging with event planners so as to provide catering service at their events.

#3. Photography

If you are skilled with a camera, consider starting your own home-based photography business. All you need for this business is your camera and the desire to successed with your business.

#4. Event Consultancy/Planning Services

Are you good at planning? If you have a knack for organizing important events and you have a rolodex of contacts, becoming an event consultant could be the home-based business opportunity for you. With people socializing for different purposes everyday, the demand for the services of event planners is almost limitless. By positioning your business as the industry experts and offering quality services you can build a very successful business with event planning business.

#5. Cleaning Services

Cleaning to most people is simple not what they want to do, and if you are good at cleaning, this may be just the right home-based business for you. You can decide to offer general cleaning services or specialize on a particular aspect of cleaning like home cleaning.

#6. Personal Coaching

Everyone now, wants a life coach, and if you are skilled in the area of personal development and can provide answer to question on success and life issues, this may be a great home-based business for you.

#7. Consulting Services

Are you an expert in a specialize area, such as management, accounting, or selling? Consider starting your own consulting business.

#8. Desktop Publishing

Consider starting your own home-based desktop publishing business. You can service small business owners in your area and even individuals who may need your service.

#9. Tutoring

 You can start your own home-based business tutoring people on specific topics in their homes. If the need be, first get a training on the topic you intend to teach.

#10. Gift Items Creation

This is a popular and creative home-based business idea. You can sell your items online, distribute supermarkets and sell to individuals.

Success!


Thursday, June 3, 2010

TOP 10 ESSENTIAL BOOKS FOR ENTREPRENEURS

 Reading, especially business books, is a must for entrepreneurs. To achieve success in business, one needs to be in the know how, and this can only be achieve through reading relevant books. And like Brain Tracy rightly says rich people have big libraries and poor people have big television, you're going to read a number of books to make success of your business.But since most entrepreneurs have not received a reading list since they were in school, and the very fact that entrepreneurs hardly have time for any other thing other than their business, picking the right book to read can sometime be a difficult decision.This piece may help. Here are top 10 business books that you must read as an entrepreneur.
#1. New Ideas from Dead CEOs: Lasting Lessons from the Corner Office by Todd G.Buchholz
Todd Buchholz in this book, explores the lives of 10 of the greatest CEOs of all time, including Tom Watson Sr.,Estée Lauder, Ray Kroc, Walt Disney and Mary Kay Ash. The stories in book will inspire you and give you a lot of business insight.
#2.Influence: The psychology of persuasion by Robert Cialdini, PhD
Dr. Robert Cialdini, a professor of psychology, wrote this book to help consumers avoid being taken "in" by marketers – and this is a great book for marketers to apply each of the psychological tactics to success. As an entrepreneur you will find this value in developing your marketing strategies.
#3. How to Make Millions with Your Ideas: An Entrepreneurs Guide by Dan Kennedy
This one of my favorite Dan's book. Though some of the ideas in this book are outdated, this will help you with most the business know how you need as an entrepreneur.
#4. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
This famous title by Kiyosaki is top on my reading lists. I just can't just get enough of it rich contents. Kiyosaki have actually done a great job with this book. It will change your thinking as it relate to money and help you take charge of your finances.
#5. Bill and Dave: How Hewlett Packard Built the World's Greatest Company by Michael S. Malone
Even admire the success of William Hewlett and Dave Packard? In this book, Michael tell the story of how good business ethic and integrity help the founders of Hewlett and Packard build global empire.#6. How to Get Rich by Felix Dennis
Founder of Maxim Magazine, Felix, in this books tell his story and provides plenty of advice on business and wealth creation.
#7. Anyone Can Do It by Richard Bannatyne
A success story that is sure to inspire the entrepreneur inside you. You like this the inspiring stories in this great book.
#8. Winning Through Intimidation by Robert Ringer
Nice book. Ringer's book is truly out of the box, packed with hard hitting reality for the street smart entrepreneur.
#9. Unique Ability: Creating the Life You Want by Catherine Nomura, Julia Waller, shannon Waller
This book will help you discover you own unique ability and show you how you can improve your life by focusing on those ability. I just finish reading it, and I will bet, it's one of the best book you will find on discovering your abilities.
#10. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
If you've not read this book, you need to. This classic by one of most influential motivational speaker will help you in every aspect of you life not just business.
There they are, my top 10 must read for every entrepreneur-what you do think? If you've read any of this books, I will love to hear from you. Leave a comment.
Success!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

10 Tips for Starting Your Own Successful Home-Base Business

 When I was starting out with my first home-base business, one of the resourse that helped me get started was Isabel M. I sidro's article, and here I have simple post his article, believing like me, it will help get you started on your own home-base business idea. Enjoy!

There are several ways of starting a business. Others push through with their entrepreneurial venture quickly, while others take it more slowly. It may be a result of several factors, such as the availability of capital, readiness of the product, presence of demand for the product. 
However, you also need to consider the timing as its affects those who surround you. For example, getting a business off the ground while paying for a child's college education or a pressing financial obligation may not be the ideal time.
Here are ten ways that you can start your own business:

1. Start your business on the side. You can moonlight in your spare time and run your business in your spare time while keeping your day job. Running the business while having a steady paycheck will allow you to assess the viability of your business and allows you to better see its potentials. You can work on your business as a sideline until you have built up enough earnings to leave your full time job, or stumbled on an opportunity that will allow your business to grow by leaps and bounds. There will probably be no greater feeling than when you walk out the door and into a business wherein you call the shots!
The key of course is to consider your employer, and avoid situations that can lead to conflicts of interests (e.g. your new business is a direct competitor of your employer or you are using company time and resources for your business).

2. Opt for a flexible schedule. If working at basically two jobs (your salaried job and your business) is too much for you to handle, consider requesting your employer to cut down your hours and adopting a flexible schedule. You can bargain to work 3 or 4 times a week instead of your 5-day workweek. Think of this stage as your easing out of the corporate world period, while preparing yourself for a life of a home-based entrepreneur.

3. Get an Assistant. Let's face it: working on a job and running is a business can be very daunting. How much time do you really have to strategize for your business, market the business, fulfill clients demands, etc?
With the growing popularity of virtual assistants, another strategy is to hire someone to do the legwork and groundwork for you while you continue working in your job. You can direct the person and make the assistant do some of the work for you, while you work on the business in your spare time. You can ask the person to do some of the routine tasks of your business, to gather materials, or even to find clients for you and market the business. The person you hire should be reliable, capable and follows directions carefully. Just be sure, though, that the person you hire will not run away with your business (a non compete clause might be a good safeguard before hiring the person)!

4. Get a part-time job. If you want to devote more time in your efforts to start your business while maintaining the security of a regular paycheck, get a part-time job instead. You can do the groundwork activities of your proposed business, and work for an employer in the afternoon. A part-time job can provide you with a base income while you are building up the business. You can drop the part-time job if your business income equals or exceeds the income that you receive from your job.

5. Spin-off plan. A lot of successful entrepreneurs saw business opportunities while presently employed. Perhaps your employer out sources some functions that you can expertly provide. Or a niche in the industry is not being fully explored by your employer. You can turn your previous employer into your first major customer, or when ethically possible, take a major client with you from your previous job.

6. Utilize Your Nest Eggs. Use a financial resource like savings, a severance package, inheritance, or divorce settlement to yourself when you start a business. Such a cash cushion should be large enough to cover your base expenses for at least six to twelve months. Of course, time off a job can also provide a cushion, i.e. you might start a business while on sabbatical leave. If you have six months or more of income set aside for emergencies, you can also use these reserves to start a business.

7. Enlist the help of your family While you are taking your chances in your entrepreneurial venture, you can request your spouse or partner to help support your family until the business starts to earn income. When Barry Edwards, President of Creative Presentations of Louisiana, started his business, he asked his wife to temporarily act as the family breadwinner until his visual presentation business takes off. You may also need to cut back your expenses so you can live on one salary until your business gets going.

8. Have your clients finance you. There are instances that clients you meet in your employment are so impressed with you that they are willing to finance your own venture. This year's winner of the Small Business Person Award for Alaska, Barbara Cash, started her own interior design business after a client in the firm that she works for convinced her to start her own design shop.

9. Never burn your bridges. In business, networking is extremely important. The right people can open the right doors for you. When you leave your job, your former colleagues may become an important source of contacts and customers for your business. You may be able to find investors from your previous contacts. They may decide to help you in your business, in the event that you are on the lookout for extra hands. And best of all, they may have the connections that your business needs.

10. Treat your business as a work in progress. You may have dreamed of starting your own printed magazine, but if you have no capital whatsoever, then start a blog instead. Or if you are thinking of starting a consulting business with a posh office, but cannot afford the office part, then start your business working from your home. There's nothing wrong with starting your business on a slow path, or a barebones version of what you imagined your business to be. Continue working on it everyday, nurture the business - and if you are lucky, you just might see your business grow into the business of your dreams.

Success!