Think Twice Before Starting Your Home-Based Business

You have just decided to start your home-based business. After all, there are successful home-based businesses run by people who dreamt of working for themselves. However, the importance of analyzing such an investment is often underestimated. Consequently, a lot of home-based businesses don't succeed. They turn out to be a huge disappointment. Take into account that starting a business is a lot of work and risk-taking is unavoidable. Determination and effort are necessary to overcome the obstacles along the way. The following points deserve emphasis:

1. Working at home. Apparently the idea may be very attractive. But don't overlook your domestic situation. Are you surrounded by distractions at home?The list includes, among other things, busy children and TV programmes. An environment full of distractions will likely prevent you from staying concentrated on your job.

2. You are the boss. Now you work for yourself and no one tells you what to do. It really sounds nice but don't forget you are responsible for creating and keeping a stimulating working environment everyday. You must take on the challenge of staying motivated day in and day out. Moreover, being a competent boss means being good at decision-making. Are you willing to be your own boss?Think carefully about your professional profile. Perhaps you were definitely born to work for someone else.

3. It's often a small business. As a home- based business owner, you are more vulnerable to economic uncertainties and more exposed to unreliable customers than the big companies. Of course these customers point to trouble ahead.

4. Risk-Taking. You might not enjoy the line of work which you have decided to try, and nobody can say for sure you are on the path to success. You can't ignore the possibility of failure. Considerable number of home-based businesses go bankrupt as soon as they start going through hard times.

5. Health insurance may be impractical. Your health is your best asset. Finding good health insurance may be unaffordable when you work for yourself. And there's no question health insurance really matters as its coverage helps you get medical care as well as timely medical support. It's worth noting that one of the most commonly mentioned reasons for bankruptcies is medical related.

Now you aware of the main difficulties concerning a home-based business. If you remain determined enough to move ahead, don't waste your time. Take a close look at the principles of home-based business. Collect useful pieces of information about the sort of business you intend to set up. Then it's time to take action and do your best. Good luck!

Are you looking for concise and interesting articles? Submit your request! [mailto:marcoenglish@gmail.com]marcoenglish@gmail.com.

My page on Twitter. http://www.twitter.com/englishtipsnow

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Think-Twice-Before-Starting-Your-Home-Based-Busines...] Think Twice Before Starting Your Home-Based Business

Filed under  //   Good luck   as well as   business   gmail   ignore   twitter   work  

Comments [0]

Sales Skills Needed for Your Successful Home Based Business

First of all we need to define sales skills, and remove the negative stereotypes which surround the typical "salesman."� Ask anyone who has�not engaged in a sales career, and often their perception of the sales trade is exactly opposite of that of a successful salesperson.

As you pursue your home based business, you'll want� to consistently pay attention to the following.

A. Being pushy and aggressive does not sell. It turns people off�and often makes them defensive. Being courtesly assertive and persistent is what your aiming for. This is a skill which anyone can better at. Think of the last major purchase you made where the sales process was seamless. I would suspect your needs or desires were identified, and the salesperson simply provided you a solution which you purchased. Fact is, most home based businesses offer a credible product or service.

B. The expression you have 2 ears �and 1 mouth, because you need to listen twice as much as you speak, is key to selling successfully in any home based business. People will tell you what you want if you simply ask directive questions and listen. Avoid trying to give too much information, it will usually confuse most people, and they will not be able to make an educated decision. The great thing about home based businesses is most people who are considering are usually serious about starting something. Identify first what they want, and then and only then, can the�decision if your home based business suits their needs. I can't stress this point enough. The mistake most salespeople make is talking too much, and talking past the close.

C. Let's identify the sales process. On a sheet of paper draw a line. On the far left write "warm-up". In the middle of the line write presentation, and at the far right put in "close". On top of the presentation draw in several arrows pointing to the line and label trial closes. Let's discuss. When you are first introduced to your prospect usually via telephone you want to form a connection and establish rapport (warm-up). Remember, people will purchase your home based business opportunity if they feel comfortable with you. Talk about their past work experiences, their family, goals etc. You'll know when you've established rapport, and then its time to begin your presentation of your home based business. The trial closes are merely questions or comments you ask in order to provide feedback, and hopefully tacit consent or buy in to your home based business. Don't make the mistake of speeding through your business providing endless details. You need to get feedback from your prospect. Think of trial closes as mini closes with a cumulative effect. The more favorable response and interaction you receive during your presentation, the easier the actual close will be. Think of trial closes as the process we all go through before we buy a pair of shoes. We try them on, walk down the aisle, view in the floor mirror from different angles. These are all trial closes which allow you to comfortably purchase the shoes and leave the store. Afterall, most people know their shoe size, but I'm willing to guess in the history of man, no one has ever walked in a store and bought a pair of shoes without going through that ritual.

D. Whether the home based business you are discussing is inexpensive ( a few hundred dollars) or high end ( thousands of dollars), it really isn't important. If your prospect is qualified and properly informed, the decision process is the same. If your presentation was interactive, and tacit consent through trial closes was given, then simply assume he/she will join.

Think of a traffic light between your presentation and the close. Once your presentation is complete, the traffic light will be red, green or yellow. It may be your prospect is not interested in your home based business. That's a "red" light, and it happens, don't beat yourself up. Occasionally the light is "green." Move quickly to the close and discuss financial arrangements. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Most prospects will see a "yellow" light. There's a degree of caution, and they could stop or proceed forward. Usually they see "yellow" because they need a little more information or direction. Success is made in home based businesses by people who can help those "yellow" viewers see "green."

Volumes of material have been written about sales techniques. It is my hope this article has provided some insight to help you increase sales in your home based business. Follow�me in future articles and I'll reveal more proven sales methods.

Good Luck

Mike http://www.mycashprevails.com

[mailto:homebizmg@gmail.com]homebizmg@gmail.com

Michael Griep

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Sales-Skills-Needed-for-Your-Successful-Home-Based-...] Sales Skills Needed for Your Successful Home Based Business

Filed under  //   business   gmail   people   presentation   sales  

Comments [0]

Working From Home Does Not Mean You Are a Cave Dweller

Up at 5:30, race around getting dressed, dragging the kids out of bed, trying to get your kids to eat breakfast while forcing yourself as well, off to school, trip over the dog, jump in your car and spill coffee on your shirt while navigating the routine commute.

You arrive at work, exchange the routine pleasantries, and wonder to yourself, how many times can I say "good morning or "how are you doing" and not really mean it?

Sound familiar? I bet it does. For most of us it is the routine we've become accustomed to.

Fast forward to the day you decide to work from home and make your financial mark in your home based business. Prepare yourself for a culture shock which is immediate. Although the initial appeal of working from home may seem awesome, take note of situations you'll need to deal with.

To get dressed or not get dressed, who really cares. If lounging in your pajamas until noon is appealing, by all means do it. If you're one who feels being dressed for the day mentally puts you in productive mode, then do it. By comparison, this is not a big deal.

Although working from home may seem initially very appealing, it is quite possible you may feel at times you are under house arrest. Not since you were pre-kindergarten have you spent this much time at home, not to mention while working from home you need to be doing just that.. working. It is critical you designate certain time(s) of the day to get outside, run an errand or two, workout or do something. Remember, you are trying to maximize efficiency and productivity. Try not to get to the point of impending stir crazy before you make it a point to break out of your house.

Possibly the greatest adjustment to anyone considering working from home is the lack of face to face personal contact. This is HUGE and REAL! As someone who was exposed to hundreds of people each day, shaking hands and exchanging common greetings, I found this to be a real concern. Not Jack Nicholson "The Shining" concern, but a concern nevertheless.

Some potential remedies:

- Join a gym. Not only will you benefit physically and mentally, you'll develop superficial relationships with other fellow gym rats (much like most office relationships).

-Plan at least one evening a week where you surrounded by people. For example, if you're fortunate to have kids in sports, you'll be able to interact with other parents as well.

-Movies, dinner out, or just a trip to the mall will allow you to feel as if you are among the human race and not an unshaven cave dweller wearing the same shorts an t-shirt for the 3rd straight day.

Making money from home has definite distinct advantages, but it is best to transition with eyes wide open as it is a different game than you are used to. Whether or not you decide to wash your eyes is up to you (no one in your cave will care).

--
Good Luck

Mike
rel=nofollow http://www.mycashprevails.com
[mailto:homebizmg@gmail.com]homebizmg@gmail.com

Michael Griep

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Working-From-Home-Does-Not-Mean-You-Are-a-Cave-Dwel...] Working From Home Does Not Mean You Are a Cave Dweller

Filed under  //   Good Luck   contact   gmail  

Comments [0]

What Equipment Do I Need to Start My Home Baking Business?

What Equipment Do I Need to Start My Baking Business?

Here's the good news: using only the most basic equipment, found in most home kitchens, you can begin to bake for profit today!

What Do You Consider "Basic Equipment"?

1. An oven - your basic home oven will usually do fine. If you are buying a new oven consider choosing a convection oven as it will be a great asset. However, I have done all of my baking with a regular home oven. My mother has two wonderful convection ovens in her kitchen and I get to use those occasionally when I visit her.

2. A mixer - What kind of mixer do you need? A commercial mixer is totally unnecessary (I have one, a giant Hobart, which I rarely use). Any mixer will be a great benefit.

A company called Bosch makes a wonderful mixer. The center column makes it a little harder to clean. Your baking results, however, will be impressive. I have a Bosch which is great for bread baking and almost anything else you want to bake.

I also have a Kitchen Aid stand mixer which I use almost daily. I like it best for cookies and cakes.

Other Equipment Found in Most Kitchens:
A large bowl.
Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
A cookie sheet.
A loaf pan (you can always free-form your loaves if you don't have one).
Muffin pans
Cake pans - round, 13"x9", or half sheet. (Remember: use what you have!)
A nut chopper will be a great time and frustration saver. A food processor will work well too!

Kitchen Scale
A basic scale will be a great addition to your baking business. It will give you better accuracy and consistency in your products. I use one that handles weights up to 10 pounds.

Personal Favorites - Things I Have Used The Most
In my baking business I have used a 16 inch round cake pan more than any other baking pan. I have used it almost exclusively to make party cookies. I have a 1/4 sheet and a 1/2 sheet cake pan that I used until I finally wore them out and had to purchase others. A jelly roll pan has also been a great benefit - although I have never actually made a jelly roll. I also have a set of round pans and a set of heart-shaped pans which have been wonderful to have.

I recommend that you start with what you have on hand because that is what you already use and are familiar with. You can then add equipment as your business grows and as the need for other equipment presents itself.

Happy Baking,
Reda

Reda Redding has successfully operated a home bakery business from her home while raising her large family. She wants to help you get started baking for profit right from your home kitchen. For information on how to get started today visit http://www.bakingforprofit.com or email your questions to [mailto:bakingforprofit@gmail.com]bakingforprofit@gmail.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Equipment-Do-I-Need-to-Start-My-Home-Baking-Bu...?&id=6161586] What Equipment Do I Need to Start My Home Baking Business?

Filed under  //   baking   benefit   bosch   business   cookies   email   gmail   great   mixer  

Comments [0]

How to Introduce Your Baking and Get Customers

Have you found the perfect product to bake? If the answer is yes - then the next ingredient to a successful home baking business is customers. Where will you find your customers?

Think About Who You Know
Think about where you go and what you do on a regular basis. Who do you run into while you're out and about? This could be family, friends, your hairdresser, social clubs, ladies clubs, church family, nurses, realtors, doctors, librarians, your insurance agent, midwives, neighbors, former co-workers, your spouse's co-workers, etc. Soon-to-be customers are everywhere you are! They will be thrilled to find someone who will provide a great product at a great price and make it convenient at the same time. And talk about freshness! They can't get freshness like that just anywhere!

How will you introduce your products?
Bake samples to introduce others to your new baking business. Tell them you are beginning a new bake-at-home business and would like their opinion on your new products. If you are uncomfortable just taking them in to the business you could ask them if they would like to see them. Be prepared to tell them how often you are going to bake (1 time a week, only on holidays, every Friday, bake to order, etc.) and how far in advance they need to place their order. The most effective way to sell your product is to let them see, smell, and taste what you are going to sell.

Be sure to ask them to consider letting you do their baking. Many will say yes. Soon you will have to decide what your limits are and how much baking you want to do.

Another way to get customers is to offer to make shower or birthday cakes, etc., as your gift. Soon word will get around that you do cakes.

If it is your turn to bring sweets to the Sunday morning coffee hour or ladies tea, make sure you bring your best. Everyone will want to know where you got your sweets. Tell them you made them and sell them in your baking business. You probably will not have to tell them they will be asking you. Let them know if they ever need something special you will be happy to make it for them.

You might want to sell at a local flea market. Be sure you know the rules of the flea market, as some do not allow this. The rules also change so check back every few months if they do not presently allow it. Selling at a flea market can be quite successful. If you want to do this and develop a customer base you should be there regularly - like the first Saturday of the month, or every Saturday. Soon they will be looking for you! Be prepared to have cards with your contact information on it for when they ask you for it. I would suggest including some individual goodies for flea markets and craft fairs as well as your usual items. My eleven year old daughter recently made up a large batch of 6-inch chocolate chip party cookies. These were undecorated and bagged in everyday storage bags. She sold every single one of them within an hour.

Using these and many other ideas I share in my book you will soon have plenty of customers for your delicious products.

Happy Baking,
Reda

Reda Redding has successfully operated a home bakery business from her home while raising her large family. She wants to help you get started baking for profit right from your home kitchen. For information on how to get started today visit http://www.bakingforprofit.com or email your questions to [mailto:bakingforprofit@gmail.com]bakingforprofit@gmail.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Introduce-Your-Baking-and-Get-Customers&id=6...] How to Introduce Your Baking and Get Customers

Filed under  //   as well as   baking   business   contact   email   etc   gmail   say yes  

Comments [0]

Make Money Selling Cookies

One of the first thing a young girl learns to bake is cookies. I am not sure whether that is because of her interest in baking or in eating them. If you enjoy baking cookies then maybe you would like to market them for extra income. In this article I will share with you several different types of cookies I have baked for profit.

Party Cookies
First we will talk about Party Cookies. I have done a lot of business by making party cookies. What are party cookies? They are large, usually round cookies which I decorate as I would a cake. Personally, I only make chocolate chip party cookies, but you may choose to make oatmeal and raisin, sugar, or peanut butter. It is your choice! Sometimes I make them into a clown face. Sometimes I use a 1/4 sheet pan or a jelly roll pan and make them into a football field. Sometimes I decorate them with roses and whatever messages my customers may want. (Happy Birthday, Anniversary, Retirement, We Will Miss You, etc.)

Valentine's Day Party Cookies
I make hundreds of heart shaped cookies nearly every year for Valentine's Day. These are pre-orders with custom messages. I have a set of 4 heart-shaped cake pans in different sizes, so that is what I bake my cookies in. I take pre-orders for the cookies, and then order supplies based on how many cookies I have sold. Of course, I prepare a few extra since I may be able to sell more. I bake a sample and show it to those I think would be interested in placing an order. I have used this with church and home school groups as a fundraiser too (so they take the orders). I have always sold many extras. Also, do not underestimate the influence of word of mouth. Share what you are doing and it will be well received.

Team Sports
I have made football shaped individual cookies for ball teams with each player's number on one cookie. You could also make basketball shaped ones with the round cutter. These I made out of chocolate chip cookie dough but you could easily make them out of sugar cookie dough or gingerbread.

Sugar or Ginger Cookies
I have made seasonal shaped individual sugar cookies for a bank office and some libraries. Some shapes I have used are flowers, crosses, butterflies, hearts, clovers, stars, dragon flies, buffalo, bears, leaves, etc. I sprinkle these with colored sugar before I bake them. You may want to make gingerbread men and sell them around the holidays. I usually sell these by the dozen.

There are many ways to make money with baking, selling cookies is just one of them.

Happy Baking,
Reda

Reda Redding has successfully operated a home bakery business from her home while raising her large family. She wants to help you get started baking for profit right from your home kitchen. For information on how to get started today visit http://www.bakingforprofit.com or email your questions to [mailto:bakingforprofit@gmail.com]bakingforprofit@gmail.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Make-Money-Selling-Cookies&id=6161308] Make Money Selling Cookies

Filed under  //   cookies   email   gmail  

Comments [0]

6 Must Have Free Tools For The Newbie Internet Marketer

When starting to learn Internet Marketing or creating your own products and you are short of any spare cash there are 6 free tools that I recommend. You can move onto better paid software if you want however I recommend these few to start with... which I still use today.

Freecorder Tool Bar... A downloadable software that allows you to record many of those 'soon to be taken down' webinar or video replays so you can keep and watch whenever you want. You can learn quite a bit from these pre sales videos and webinars!
Google Mail... with a Gmail account you get Google docs which has free Powerpoint, and Excel style programmes with Google doing the storage. Not only does it save you buying any programmes but should your computer crash you have them saved on a separate server. Ideal for password sheet, which is best not stored on your computer anyway.
Screenr .screenr.com... this is by twitter and is great if you want to make 5 min videos like tutorials. It records what you are doing on your monitor. It is an online software and free to use, you can upload directly to YouTube and Twitter from here.
Windows Live Movie Maker... Again this is free to download and is great to make your films longer, add pics. and videos to create longer videos. You can upload straight to YouTube and Facebook from here.
Audacity... This software needs to be downloaded and is ideal for recording audio projects like podcasts. You will need to download an extension to work with this to convert your audio files into mp3 format. For some reason Audacity needs this extension, it cannot legally give it to you as part of Audacity however it is also free to download and use.
Wordpress... I have played around with different free web design software to build websites but have found the easiest system is to use the Wordpress blogging platform. It can be installed onto your hosting account. You will need to pay for your hosting (unless you use wordpress.com) but building and using the Wordpress system is free and very simple. You can create great professional looking websites with Wordpress and its plug-ins.

Using these free tools will give you a great start into internet marketing. They can allow you to build sites, video and audio tutorials or podcasts, membership sites and information products that you can charge for without the expense that most business start ups require.

The next step in your quest to be financially free, which is what I assume you want from your venture into Internet Marketing and product creation, is an easy to follow business blueprint giving you all the steps on how to create a six figure a year business. For this you will need to find a successful Internet Marketer who has already achieved what you desire and model you and your business on them.

To get access to a proven step by step business blueprint in 7 easy to follow daily videos by a series of successful Internet Marketers who generate a six figure income a year go to http://www.six-figure-formula.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?6-Must-Have-Free-Tools-For-The-Newbie-Internet-Mark...] 6 Must Have Free Tools For The Newbie Internet Marketer

Filed under  //   audacity   facebook   free   gmail   google   mail   step by step   twitter   wordpress   youtube  

Comments [0]

Working From Home Without Losing Your Mind

How do I do it? How do I work from home with a 5 year old and a 1 year old without losing my mind? Well, honestly sometimes I feel like I just want to hide in a closet and sleep but since that isn't an option I have some tricks that I use to make sure my day runs as smooth as possible and the girls still get their Mommy time. I work from home as a Virtual Assistant and I have a team of awesome people who also work with me. So how do I do it? One day the girls will be in school all day and I will have the 'office' to myself but until that day arrives I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

Nap Time

Do not, I repeat DO NOT schedule a client call 20 minutes before it is nap time for your baby! I did that once and was so embarrassed. Abigail was so fussy, all she wanted to do was cuddle up with me and take a nap. But since I couldn't really snuggle with her at that moment all she did was scream and I had to tell the client that I needed to call them back.

Instead, schedule your client calls for around when your baby wakes up from their nap. They are more than likely ready to play alone and be content without you for a about 20 minutes or so while you take the call. I have also tried to schedule client calls for when she is napping, however this can backfire on you because when they wake up they are screaming and you need to go into their room and pick them up etc and the client will hear all of that.

Movies

I've been known to turn on a movie in the afternoon to help get me through that dreaded 4:00 - 5:00 hour. That is the time when they are a little sleep, hungry and cranky. I get them a snack, get their pillows, blankets and make a little snuggle nest for them to chill out in. Then I turn on a movie and it keeps them quite for a little while and gives me some time to work on a project.

Purses & Boxes

When working at my desk or even in the playroom I get a few bags or purses and fill them with little toys. For some reason my 1 year old loves to unpack and repack bags and purses, this will keep her busy for about 15 minutes and sometimes that is long enough for me to do a quick email to a client or finish up a project. When she comes crawling over to me I plop down a purse in front of her and say "wow, what is in the bag" and she in good to go! I also keep a small toy box in the office and near my desk. It is filled will all kinds of random toys. I often rotate the toys with others around the house so the box isn't full of the same old stuff. This is great for cleaning up the room too, just toss it all in the box and poof the room is clean.

TV Time

How much TV does your kid watch? If you tell me less than an hour a day then you are lying and you have a maid, cook and nanny! There is nothing wrong with turning on Nick, Sprout or The Disney Channel while you get some work done around the house. I do however strongly encourage that for every hour your kid watches TV you spend time with them playing a game or reading a book or even dare I say it...go to the park. There certainly has to be a balance so be sure to not have your kid watch TV all day, just a few hours is good.

Important News

Do your kids always bug you the moment you are on the phone? To help curb this behavior I tell the kids that I am going to get on a call with a client (they know what that is) and I ask if they have any important news for me. I give them about 10 minutes to 'think' about it and then I get on the call with the client. Generally, they will come to me just few minutes before my call and tell me something crazy about school or one of her friends and I thank them for telling me the important news and then remind her them I am about to get on a call with a client. I would have to say that this one works very well.

Play Date Trades

I often have my kids go on playdates and that is the perfect time to sneak in some client work. Just be sure to repay the favor and have your kids friends over for some fun as well.

Have a Satellite Office

I utilize Gmail and online project management tools so I can work from any computer, anywhere. I have a few office spaces around the house. The main office is downstairs in our 'office' and that is where most of my work stuff is kept such as books, binders and resource materials. Then upstairs, tucked in my bedroom I have a desk for my laptop. This desk is pretty cool because it looks like a dresser, and even has 3 drawers and desk space. I spend a lot of my time upstairs, the play room is upstairs and so it the laundry room and the girls bedrooms. I find that this is a good space to work in because I can work at night when the baby is sleeping I don't need to run upstairs to get her when she wakes, just a short walk down the hall. My other workspace is a small table in the play room. There are times when I need to be in the same room as the kids, normally when they are watching a movie I am in the room with them. I set up my laptop on the little table and all is good.

Invest in an Android phone or iPhone

I used to have a Blackberry and thought it was fantastic, but I also got it 2 years ago. My contract was finally up and I upgraded to a Samsung Epic phone which runs on the Android network. Having a phone like this is super because I can work from anywhere. With my BlackBerry, I was able to get my email and get on the Internet but with an Android phone, it is a a whole new ballgame. The network is so much faster now, especially with 4G and the ability to connect to WiFi networks. I can log into my blog or even clients sites and make changes as needed. I am also able to connect to my project management system, Basecamp as well as my invoicing tool Freshbooks. Just the other day while out to dinner with the family I was able to draft up an invoice and send it off to the client and was paid within minutes!

Don't Do It Alone

Lastly, I have to advise any Virtual Assistant to develop a team of people to help you out. It was the best thing that I did to save my sanity. I was really hesitant to do it at first because I thought that I wouldn't make any money if I was 'farming' out all of the work. However, what I found is that the clients that I already have really welcomed the idea of being able to take advantage of more services that I had to offer and ended up purchasing more hours from my company. So not only was I able to continue to work on their project, but I was able to give out work to my team as well.

(c) Copyright 2011 Sunrise Virtual Services. To publish this article in your ezine or website please include the following information: Dawn Cullo is a Virtual Assistant who helps small business owners find their way in the world of Social Media and is the owner of Sunrise Virtual Services. Visit Dawn online at http://www.SunriseVirtualServices.com today!

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Working-From-Home-Without-Losing-Your-Mind&id=6131936] Working From Home Without Losing Your Mind

Filed under  //   Disney Channel   as well as   client   email   gmail   much TV   screaming   to get her   watch TV   work  

Comments [0]

Business Security Lessons From the Earthquake Zone

What can a small home-based business learn from the Canterbury earthquake disaster?

Many commentators and experts have spoken about the recovery for medium to large businesses. This is all good advice, but how does it work when you are thinking about disaster-proofing a small business?

Right now Christchurch businesses are coping, with varying degrees of success, with injured staff, loss of premises, inability to access records loss of water and power and all the rest. Listening to a data system specialist on radio today, I learned that inability to get to servers and office computers, even laptops left on desks in collapsed buildings was a major problem for large businesses. These larger businesses are the ones we expect to have good back up systems. For many they have not worked. They are struggling.

I wondered about the many HBBs in Christchurch. How many of them have been forced to evacuate homes and relocate without the essential data to look after their customers. This may seem a low priority, but as I reflected on their future, the primacy of their income stream in rebuilding their future came to the fore.

I thought about the importance of keeping in touch with customers, and the way customers support a business experiencing temporary problems when disaster strikes.

How would we fare if an earthquake or volcanic eruption hit our small part of New Zealand? For the record we have operated a professional HBB for over 20 years.

I ran through a mental checklist. My answers to the situation after a disaster strikes may help you run your own reality check.

Q1: Where is our customer data stored?

A1: Paper files. Gone. Diaries. Probably lost. Off-site archives? You must be joking.

2 Apple laptops and an iMac desk computer. Probably gone.

Q2: Any backup?

A2: Yes. Hourly automatic backup of two computer hard disks to a 1 terabyte hard disk, Apple Time Machine, with full restore capability. It was inexpensive.

Q3: Where is it?

A3: In the same office. Probably gone. If we lose the house we lose the Time Machine.

Q4: Can the backup device go somewhere else? Somewhere safer?

A4: Yes, it's all wifi (Airport) capable. But what about power and weather protection? Where will it be safe and accessible after a disaster?

Q5: What about your email records?

A5: Several email addresses, with the really important stuff on NZ servers and unknown backup if we are dealing with a regional disaster. The others are on Gmail. I expect them to be safe with plenty of redundancy.

Q6: What about websites?

A6: Four to worry about. None are financially critical yet but they will be, and they are a big investment of irreplaceable time. They are on three different IP servers, 2 in New Zealand and one in the USA, but security is unknown. It is unlikely they will all go down in a single event. The backup and restore capability is good on the 3 that I run as long as the servers are intact.Conclusion

It's not looking too good, is it? Score 4/10 in a major disaster.

It seems that my strategy is "Cross fingers and hope."

Q7: Can it be improved?

A7: Yes, without a big investment, now I know where the vulnerable points are..

Q8: Will insurance help?

A8: Not really. The weak points are not financial, they are about the location of backup systems.

I hope this quick reality check prompts you to ask your own questions about the data security of your business. Remember, it's only worth the effort if you do something to reduce your risk.

If you can stay in touch with your customers, they will support you when things go wrong, and you will be able to recover your income quicker.

Michael Taplin has worked from home for over 20 years operating a boutique management consulting firm. He has a very practical view of what works and what fails when things go badly wrong. You can view more of his ideas on improving business performance at http://www.bizlearn.biz

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Business-Security-Lessons-From-the-Earthquake-Zone&...] Business Security Lessons From the Earthquake Zone

Filed under  //   Time Machine   a data   apple   business   data   earthquake   email   gmail   good   yes  

Comments [0]

Perfect Home Based Business

Life is an adventure. Cherish everything that happens. There is something good in each situation. Sometimes it is harder to find the good.

People are losing their jobs all over America right now. At first glance, that pink slip and the words in the downsizing note "your job has been eliminated," sound like the financial death bell. Maybe it is a blessing in disguise. Doesn't feel like it right now? I understand that sentiment.

Take the time to really look at what you want out of life.

Ask yourself if you could do anything you wanted, what would you do? Losing a job is an opportunity for a new beginning. Maybe even change directions.

Did you really enjoy your previous job?

What parts did you like the best?

What would you change?

Take some time to reflect on these factors and create the ideal position for yourself.

Do you really enjoy working for someone else? Is your dream to own your own business? Not everyone is destined to be an employee just as not everyone really has what it takes to be a business owner. Only about three percent of the population really has the initiative, motivation and determination to be successful business owners. Look at that fact for a few seconds. It has nothing to do with age, gender, experience or even your bank balance. It all relates to desire, motivation and determination. I know so many, males and females, who started their own business later in life with very limited financial resources. If you have funds available, even better.

It all hinges on your desire, determination and your "why." Why do you want to be your own boss? Personally, I am psychologically unemployable; I am an entrepreneur.

I love my life. I love the challenge. I thrive on the entrepreneurial environment.

Look seriously into your own deep desires. What is it that you really want? This is your opportunity IF you are ready for it.

It is about which choice is right for you. Just be certain you are choosing out of desire rather than fear. If you choose a job because of fear of stepping out on your own or fear of losing the security of a paycheck, reconsider. It takes more nerve and determination to start your own business even if it is a great home based business.

Don't even consider starting your own business unless you are going to be consistent and persistent. Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur? Consider this fact: You are either an entrepreneur making yourself wealthy or you are working for one making them wealthy. Which is greater, your desire or your fear?

Look at the positives and negatives of each choice.

Job

Positives - A regular paycheck as long as the job lasts
No decisions or few decisions - the boss sets your schedule and duties

Negatives - Someone else controls your income potential
Your future is not in your control

Entrepreneur

Positives - Unlimited income potential
Freedom to control your future
Freedom to set your own schedule and duties

Negatives - You are responsible for your decisions (This is both positive and negative)

The perfect home based business is the one which is perfect for you. Does it match your interests, talents and goals? If so, great. If not, keep looking. Make the choice which is best for you.

Hire Elaine Love to speak at you next conference. Hire Elaine Love as your personal coach and mentor.

28 years experience as a successful entrepreneur, post-graduate degrees in Communication and Alternate Dispute Resolution, and a proven track record as a teacher, coach and mentor, revealed the success formula.

Network marketing achievements for the last 4 years. Executive Committee, Ethics Committee, Certified Consultant Seminar Program, Leadership Support Team, Leadership Award Synergy Saturday, Empower Magazine, Millionaire Mastermind Group and selected as Consultant of the Month by Network Marketing Magazine in July 2007.

Elaine Love, Owner

Results For Life LLC

Certified Master M3 Consultant

303-284-0514

[mailto:resultsforlife@gmail.com]resultsforlife@gmail.com http://www.Elaine4Success.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Perfect-Home-Based-Business&id=5971295] Perfect Home Based Business

Filed under  //   business   coach   desire   elaine   even   gmail   job   look   really  

Comments [0]

Opportunity

Whether you want to make a little extra cash in your spare time or a full blown six figure income, below you will find what is in my opinion the best internet business idea, SFI.

Click to join SFI, A Home Based Jobs Online.
About ProfitBrite

ProfitBrite is dedicated to researching the best Free work from home business ideas and opportunities, which can help you start an home based business, make money online or grow the one you already have, it's your work from home information portal. All the free work from home business ideas and the opportunities mentioned in ProfitBrite are my way to earn extra money online and you will find even more ideas for internet home business.

Take your first step and subscribe to my FREE Internet Home Business Training and learn how to start an internet home business - Today!

Searching for Internet Home Business Opportunities can be very time consuming and frustrating, but I did all the searching for you. On this site you will find different internet home business opportunities and ideas to help you take the first step and start your own internet home business.

Site Meter