ProfitBrite

What Is WordPress?

WordPress has become the go-to web development site for many businesses across the world. Since its release back in 2003, WordPress has inspired businesses and entrepreneurs to get creative with their business objectives. It started as a blogging system, but businesses are now using the software program for business websites, portfolios, multimedia sites, membership sites, squeeze pages, landing sales pages, e-commerce, news, and magazines.

For those start ups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs who want to create an affordable business website or blog, WordPress might be the best option for you. There are many popular Content Management System (CMS) Solutions, such as Drupal and Joomia!, that organize content, post-date, categorize, and publish posts and pages. Because they are all very similar, it is fair to say a predominant difference between these content management systems is how simple each is to learn and which one is more appealing. So, why WordPress?

WordPress is easy to use.
WordPress is capable of managing small to full-sized, rich business websites.
WordPress is easy to learn, and you don't need to know how to write code in order to use it.
WordPress has the functionality to easily build a page and/or blog post.

2 Options For Your WordPress Site - Self-Hosted vs. Hosted

There are two types of WordPress pages you can choose from: self-hosted and hosted pages. To understand the difference, it is important to review why you are using it and recognize what you want to get out of it. Here are some advantages and disadvantages to a self-hosted and hosted WordPress site.

Self-Hosted

Pros

Most companies choose to use the self-hosted version on WordPress because it provides you with more control over your website.
You can oversee all your content, advertising, and plugins.
You can personalize all your images and themes.
WordPress has a large supportive and thriving community.

Cons:

You must stop your own spam and back your own site.
You have to pay for your own hosting.
There can be a learning curve with a self-hosted site.
You must upgrade your software before downloading and while maintaining it.

Hosted

Pros:

A hosted site feels like having WordPress as your personal site development helper because it takes care of all the technicalities for you, including hosting.
Your posts are automatically backed up, and your site setup, upgrades, spam management, and backups are all done for you.
WordPress is free, and the probability of your site going down is slim because you are hosted on their high-end server.
There is a high possibility of receiving more traffic to your site from WordPress' "Blogs of the Day".

Cons:

You will have less control over your website due to accessing code restrictions, like less theme choices.
You must upload plugins.
There is a higher risk of content loss.
You may run into branding issues.

In conclusion, if you are seeking more control over your site, a Self-Hosted option is the best one for you as you are able to have total access to modify, tweak, and explore your personal requirements. If you need more assistance with your site & need more direction, the Hosted site option is the best one for you.

More business tips for entrepreneurs at http://www.method-marketing.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Is-WordPress?&id=6372753] What Is WordPress?

Home-Based Data Entry Jobs - 'Drop and Deliver' - How to Make It Happen

In a previous article, we talked about the seemingly limitless online data-entry jobs available to you to earn extra money working online from home. With online data entry projects, no one has to actually travel anywhere; nor is any type of hard copy material usually exchanged. All transactions are done online, through the Internet.

As we learned, types of online data entry jobs usually require you, the online worker, to:

Have available specific types of equipment, network capabilities and software.
Set up, describe and maintain a data security and data protection process to ensure that data is kept private and carefully managed.
Demonstrate your capacity for accuracy by providing work history and/or samples that illustrate the quality of your data management work.

An even larger number of data entry and data processing projects can be done from home than can be done online. Now we're going to discuss the 'drop and deliver' type of data entry jobs that you also can do primarily from home.

The difference - these jobs involve the 'dropping and delivering' of hard copy data, or a portable disk of some type, to and from your home. This can happen in a variety of ways, depending upon your employer, you, your location, and the mutual arrangement made between the two of you.

GETTING THE DATA 'TO AND FRO'

If your potential client is local or somewhat close by, you and they can agree upon a mutually convenient time, place, and system for securing the raw data and returning completed work. If you live at a distance, a common carrier, such as UPS, FedEx, USPS, can be safely and securely used to send work back and forth.

Just as was true with the online worker, you still will need an efficient, relatively new computer that is capable of running whatever data entry software the customer requires and uses. And, as with the online worker, you will be able to work at home whenever you'd like, establishing your own on-task schedule. The client will either provide you the software, at no cost to you, or you may be expected to purchase it on your own.

STOP AND DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

A word of caution if you're required to buy any software up front - beware the scam artist! It is one thing to purchase generally useful software in order to work from home, and quite another to spend significant money on software that only the "so called" client uses.

Ask yourself: "Am I preparing myself in order to take a job that will pay me? OR "Am I purchasing software that may or may not lead to my being able to find work later?"

Some steps you might want to take before you invest any cash in a venture that may or may not be legitimate:

Check with your local Better Business Bureau. If your client is nearby, the BBB should have a track/performance record on file. If your potential customer is at a distance, your local BBB can direct you to the proper source.

Ask for references - any reputable company should be happy to share a roster of other satisfied data entry workers who are earning money working for this organization.

Spend some time surfing the web - usually there is a blog or a user group that posts comments, opinions, and valuable insight about your potential organization.

Do a Google search using the name of the company, and sift through the results for any red flags.

Read the fine print when you agree to the "Terms and Conditions." I know this can be a tedious, and sometimes overwhelming chore. But remember - the company is protecting itself from any liability. You are the only one who is protecting you!

WHO ARE YOU ANYWAY...?

...and what do you have to offer? Before you embark on your home based data entry hunting expedition, make sure you inventory your 'gear.' You'll need the following 'tools' to ensure success:

A reliable vehicle. (Have wheels, can and will pick up and deliver!)
A decent computer and printer.
A fax machine and a scanner are a bonus.
MS Office (and knowing how to use it) is always a tried and true workhorse. In particular, refresh or update your skills using MS Access, the database software.
A reliable phone number and e-mail address.
A resume and portfolio of sample work.
A supply of business cards.

If you are going to be your own business, create your business name, design a memorable logo, and start building your business identity.

Spending an hour on VistaPrints using their preset templates can yield you an amazingly impressive assortment of promotional items, ranging from flyers, business cards, letterhead and brochures, to car magnets, notepads, pens, calendars, and even baseball caps.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR HOME BASED DATA ENTRY JOBS?

Let's start with my personal favorite - Google. I typed in 'Home Based Data Entry' and my first five resulting subheadings were: a) Home based data entry jobs, b) Home based data entry work, c) Home based employment, d) Home based jobs without investment, e) Home based jobs in the USA.

Then I went to another popular source - Craigslist - not to find home based data entry work, but to go through the process of posting my services to perform home based data entry work.

The process is relatively simple, beginning with establishing an account. The good thing about Craigslist is that it's location specific - i.e., it recognizes the general area where you live, so that users can find products and services in their own geographical area. This is of prime importance when you, the home based data entry worker, are seeking jobs. The closer you are to your clients, the more efficiently and economically you can deliver services.

Don't forget local print sources. Each community has one or more weekly 'free advertising' newspapers and fliers where you can post your availability and skills. And often you'll see large bulletin boards in supermarkets, block stores, and even small local establishments where you can post your contact information in the form of a business card and/or a brief description of your skills and services in the form of an eye-catching flyer.

And then there's your personal and professional network---Facebook, Plaxo, LinkedIn. Make professional-sounding announcements about your services and why you would be the best person to handle any data tasks your connections, or their connections, have pending.

I think you're ready! You know where to look, and once you find your clients, you have all the tools you need to begin to earn money as a home based data entry worker! Go for it, and start making money NOW!

Dr. Carolee Duckworth is an online work expert, earning her own living online for 12 years & teaching 1000s of others how. She designed and initiated College-Online.com---providing significant work advancement for tens of thousands of working adults since 1996.

To learn what you need to know to navigate your way to doing [http://www.workonlineandearn.com/articles/work_from_home.html]data entry work from home, go to http://www.WorkOnlineandEarn.com and see how, with a little guidance, you can make the crossover from vague ideas to a clear direction, starting with her FREE e-course and her downloadable eBook, "The Definitive Webworker's Guide: 35 Secrets of How to Work Online and Earn Money."

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Home-Based-Data-Entry-Jobs---Drop-and-Deliver---How...] Home-Based Data Entry Jobs - 'Drop and Deliver' - How to Make It Happen

Work At Home Jobs: Home Is Where The Profit Is

The office is a regular component of any profession - be it a clerical or a managerial position. The four walls of an office cubicle have come as a symbol for work. That is, until work at home jobs have given the work-related dynamic a little shake up. Now, professionals can secure projects over the Internet, and earn profits right at the comfort of their homes.

Where to Get Jobs Online

Companies, ever since the online community was recognized as a viable resource for both clients and employees, have dedicated a portion of their operations online. This means many of them find staff through job websites. They use the online platforms to post openings, so they can find skilled and qualified professionals all over the world. Developing countries happen to be a primordial resource for reasonably priced labor.

As a job seeker, you can visit one or a handful of job sites, to get your fill of opportunities to make money, and there is a ton of them. Each job website - reputable ones in particular - transacts with hundreds or even thousands of companies, covering various industries. Freelance writers, project managers, web designers and graphic artists are also known to post jobs, in case they need a hand with their workloads.

Basically, the range of job providers and opportunities spans the globe, and all of them are found within the confines of job websites. You'll find a plethora of job categories once you visit a site, with each category potentially holding at least hundreds of jobs.

Types of Jobs Offered

Think of the online job market as a more diverse version of its physical counterpart. A seemingly saturated industry has multitudes of job opportunities online, as employers from around the world are entitled to post work at home jobs, as long as they are legit providers. Almost every type of job can be found on the pages of reliable job websites.

However, in most cases, the most number of openings posted are for specialized creative jobs, like those in information technology or web content writing. The current trends in today's social media age have led a lot of companies to focus their operations online, stressing the need for websites, write-ups for websites, and mixed media.

Talented professionals can either use the jobs as freelance work or collect dozens of clients, so they can make money and handily give up their day jobs. You can even go on to form your own web team, which is the initial step to building a web-based company.

Apart from web-based tasks, you'll be surprised to find more conventional lines of work posted on reliable job websites. Clerical jobs, project management, database management, sales and marketing positions, and legal jobs are just some of the openings provided.

Some of them are really easy, so what some people do is work on multiple short projects simultaneously. Whether you have a day job or not, you'll find more than enough income earning opportunities online from work at home jobs.

Workathomenoscams.com is your safe and reliable source for [http://www.workathomenoscams.com]work at home jobs. The job site ensures that each job posted comes from trusted outfits. So, upon visiting the site, you can make money in no time, without having to worry about scammers.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Work-At-Home-Jobs:-Home-Is-Where-The-Profit-Is&id=6181689] Work At Home Jobs: Home Is Where The Profit Is

Groupon Effect - Dawn of the New Internet Bubble

After almost 3 years since Groupon's online debut, thousands of knock-off daily deal websites have come online. Groupon's success has spawned a new Internet bubble many with some variation but the premise remains the same. And many daily deal start-ups want a piece of this sweet pie. But why are these companies trying to get into a market that Groupon is already dominating? The truth is, in today's tough economy getting a huge deal is just about every consumers dream come true. And studies have shown that consumers really don't care where they are getting their deals from as long as there is a great deal to be had - they will be there. This makes it very easy for companies to be interested in such a market. As an example, let's say a small daily deal start-up has a great deal running on its site, the chances of both Groupon and any other daily deal sites running the same deal or even a slightly similar deal from the same company is very remote. So even if only for a day, many daily deal sites can become a monopoly and generate a huge following. In fact, many daily deal sites don't even offer deals directly instead they become the aggregators of deals from other sites thus giving the consumer a way to get only deals they are interested in. And it doesn't matter if the deal is on Groupon or another daily deal site, the consumer just wants a great deal. This makes the market very attractive for just about any daily deal startup.

But why is this new form of advertising so big with small and large companies?
It's simply really; most of these daily deal sites guarantee a minimum number of customers. When was the last time your advertising agency offer you that kind of guarantee, probably never. But what's even more attractive with this form of advertising is that everyone involves win. The consumer gets a huge discount, sometimes upwards of 90% off goods and services. The businesses in turn gets tons of traffic coming through their doors that they can up-sell, cross-sell and potentially generate new repeat business at the regular prices. Finally the daily deal sites gets to split the proceeds from each sale with the businesses allowing them to see profits sometimes in as little as 6 months. This is a model that creates a win, win, win situation for all involved. I can't remember the last time I have seen that in any business model.

Would this bubble burst?
Well, we never really expected the dot com bubble to burst or even the housing bubble. But that is the nature of bubbles when they get to big and over-saturated they pop and only the best survives. The Groupon bubble is no different, but my prediction is that this bubble has not even properly inflated yet. There is still a long, long time to go on this one. As far as I can see as long as there are customers, businesses and deals to be had this bubble will be around for a long time, even if only some limited variations. http://www.dealpike.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Groupon-Effect---Dawn-of-the-New-Internet-Bubble&id...] Groupon Effect - Dawn of the New Internet Bubble

3 Of the Most Common Questions About Benefits Of Reverse Squeeze Page

Innovations over the past few years must have definitely made you familiar with some common terms such as 'pop-ups' or 'fly-in ads', while building up your own mailing list. However, one of the newest and most clever concepts in the area of online marketing is the 'Reverse squeeze page'.

It sounds like a very technical term when heard for the first time by the novice net-marketer, but it is actually based on a simple idea and is easy to understand.

To begin with, let us first find out what a 'standard squeeze page' is. Consider an example where a user visits your article website. In a standard page, the user first has to fill in a form where he is asked for details like his username or email address, and only then does he get to view your articles. Well, as the name suggests, the Reverse Squeeze Page functions in exactly the opposite way to the Standard Squeeze page. The viewer first lands on your squeeze page, views a 'limited' number of articles (let's say two or three) and when they've reached that limit they get redirected automatically to your page, where they are asked to fill in details of their email address or username, etc.

How does it improve your emailing list or contacts?

Does it encourage website visitors to opt in?

It's true that designing a reverse squeeze page and placing it on your website encourages people to give you their name and email address. Your contact list increases dramatically and I'm sure you want that!

Is your content brief but detailed?

If this is the case, the viewer will be interested in your site before enrolling, which is the correct way to list build. This way they have already got the 'gist' (by reading your articles) of what you have to offer them, knows your site is trustworthy and then, and only then, do they join your list. The potential customers that you have will be the ones who are genuinely interested in your work and not ones who were misled.

Is emailing here to stay?

Let's get this clear; emailing will be with us for a very long time. Emailing is one of the most powerful tools of communication, and your emailing lists that you have generated are your most valuable assets in consolidating your relationship with your customers.

This is definitely a new era of user-centeredness and personalization. The Reverse squeeze page is about making a deep impression on your readers, which will have two benefits: a great service for them, and increased profits for you.

To receive more information about reverse squeeze pages, click here: [http://www.squeezepagesalternative.com/35/what-is-reverse-squeeze-page/]reverse squeeze pages.

Valentin Dem is a passionate internet marketer who has created hundreds of articles in print, 12 published e-books online and 3 revolutionary lead generation software applications.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?3-Of-the-Most-Common-Questions-About-Benefits-Of-Re...] 3 Of the Most Common Questions About Benefits Of Reverse Squeeze Page

Different Types of Online Advertising

When it comes to online advertising you're spoilt for choice with the variety of positions and types of ads available, the only hard part is picking one. In order to choose you need to be aware of which types of ad are out there, then you'll be able to weigh up which ones can help you with a successful advertising campaign.

Text Ads/PPC:

Text ads are the oldest and most basic form of online advertising as they're literally just text hyperlinks. Text ads can be placed anywhere on sites and are usually only a couple of sentence long, though the maximum limit is around 5 sentences. Text ads rely on their wording to attract clicks and still have a respectable click through rate (CTR) when compared to banner ads or skyscrapers. They'll usually be sold on a PPC (pay per click) basis, meaning advertisers are charged an agreed rate every time the link is clicked.

Banner Ads:

Banner ads are probably the most popular online advertising option as the majority of sites will have banner advertising of some sort due to their size. Banners are typically 468x60 pixels so they nicely fit into most horizontal gaps and are often placed at the top of pages for maximum exposure. They can be a still ad or an animated image and they'll click through to the site of the company advertising. Banners are sold in pretty much every way going, including CPM (cost per 1,000 views), PPC (pay per click) or weekly/monthly/yearly charges.

Pop-Up Ads:

Undoubtedly the most annoying type of online advertising is the pop-up ad. Pop-up's happen when you open a certain web pages and your browser automatically opens up another page with the ad on. They're not always full pages through they always fill up a larger chunk of your screen with an ad that is more often than not, completely unrelated to your interests or the website you're on. Pop-up's are mainly just seen as spam now and are avoided by most marketers and advertising specialists.

Unicast Ads:

Similar to pop-ups are unicast ads, though they're seen as less annoying. Unicast ads are pop-ups that run TV commercials with full audio and video content. They have a much higher CTR than generic pop-ups as they require a click through to access the actual website.

Skyscraper/Sidebar Ads:

Skyscraper ads, also called sidebar ads, are the vertical images or creatives that are usually found running along the right hand side of a web page. They work in the same way banner ads do, except they're often visible for longer period of time af the length of them means you cant scroll past them as easily. Because of this they tend to have a higher CTR, usually 2 or 3 times higher than banners.

Floating Ads:

Floating ads are another one that does what it says on the tin. Floating ads hover, usually in the middle of your screen, when you access certain web pages. They can last anything up to 30 seconds and are often big enough so that you can't see much else unless you click off or it times out. They're usually quite targeted and have a good CTR although they're often banded in the same class as pop-ups for their annoyingness.

Peel Back Ads:

Peel back pretty do what it says on the tin. A peel back ad will usually appear in the top right hand corner of a webpage and will look like the corner of a page being peeled down. Once you click on it, it will completely peel back to reveal a full ad, obscuring a significant chunk of the page. Most of the time they'll only feature on homepages, though they can be found throughout sites.

Expanding Ads:

Expanding ads are similar to peel back ads and are often designed as banner ads that sit the top of a webpage. Once you roll over the ad with your curser (you don't need to click) it will then expand to a larger ad or sometimes a video, again, obscuring a lot of the page and drawing your attention to it.

Interstitial Ads:

Interstitial ads are full pages that can be inserted in between the current page you're on, and the destination page you've just clicked through too. They'll nearly always be relevant to the pages you're on and can either be on a timer, giving views enough time to read them, or you'll find a 'Skip this ad' button somewhere on the page (or often both). http://www.Serchen.com - Home of the largest online Hosting, Cloud, Server and SaaS directories in the world.

At Serchen, we offer unique online advertising opportunities for advertisers of all sizes. Our selection of category specific ads, homepage sponsorship and banner ads make our directories the prefect advertising solution for companies looking for high traffic and maximum ROI.

Check out our industry specific directories here: http://www.serchen.com/brands/

Get in touch for advertising opportunities: [mailto:media@serchen.com]media@serchen.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Different-Types-of-Online-Advertising&id=6182733] Different Types of Online Advertising

The Newbie's Guide to Finding a Legitimate Online Business

The Newbie's Guide to Finding a Legitimate Online Business is a must read for anyone who is looking to earn internet income without experience. The issue is that it doesn't exist. Many folks have complained that they have been scammed and feel that there are no real opportunities available. Well let me tell you that they are wrong! Here are a few tips on avoiding failure before you even get started.

1. THE INTERNET IS THE FUTURE
To become successful today or in the future you will need to be a forward thinker and understand that the internet is vehicle that has and will make many entrepreneurs tons on consistent income. Pretty much everyone and everything can be found with a few keystrokes. It has become the convenient and cost-effective way to purchase, brand, advertise and conduct business. If you haven't learned or are not willing to learn how to properly utilize internet marketing methods you will be left behind.

2. EXERCISE COMMON SENSE
This should be in the first chapter of the newbie's guide to finding a legitimate online business. You cannot image how many people fall into the trap of believing the hype and invest in a low-cost program that promises to be turnkey, automated, requires a minimum time commitment and little or no experience. They usually come with a very low price tag and an instant upgrade fee if you want to gain access to the full compliment of the program. THERE ARE NO GET RICH QUICK or short cuts to becoming a successful internet entrepreneur. Avoid these like the plague, unless you have found someone, a Mentor, to assist and guide you through the ups and downs and will teach you the fundamentals. Most of all, if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.

3. REMEMBER ITS A BUSINESS
I know this may sound elementary, but many forget this. All successful ventures require the following: An initial capital investment, strong work ethic, marketing, branding, a product or service that is in demand and TIME Most folks who are new to the internet have no business plan or specific goals, other than that they want to make money. If you are serious about starting a venture, please determine the following:

- How much money you are willing to invest
- What you will do to raise the capital if you don't have it
- Set specific income goals. i.e. $2,000 per month
- How much time each day/week you will work the venture
- What you need to LEARN to become successful online
- What you want to accomplish. i.e, payoff bills, more free time etc

Having a simple plan and specific financial goals will allow you to measure your progress, which will build the foundation for long-term success.

The good news it that anyone can become successful online. It doesn't matter if you have a formal education, internet or marketing experience, or a track record of success. All it requires is a commitment to learn, hard work and patience. I know you where looking the newbie's guide to finding a legitimate online business, but if you follow the simple steps above you won't need one.

Finally, remember to always do your due diligence prior to investing into any program. The best ones usually have a person you can talk to and if they offer mentoring even better. In the long run if you are willing to invest in and learn the proven internet marketing methods you will eventually become one of the 5% who make a living online.

Chris is a husband and father of 2 that transitioned from the corporate world to earn a full time income online. He now spends his time helping others to attain the same level of freedom. If you are interested to learn how you can earn 5 figures per month from home in your spare time check out [http://ultimatefreedom2wealth.com]Ultimate Wealth

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Newbies-Guide-to-Finding-a-Legitimate-Online-Bu...] The Newbie's Guide to Finding a Legitimate Online Business

Understanding The Top 4 Virtual Assistant Career Road Blocks

Who wants to waste time and work for free? Surely no one does. And while I feel for those virtual assistants who at one point or another felt that they got screwed about work, I'd also have to look at the side of the client who's in turn paying for all the work done.

Having been on this game for quite a while now, you'd be surprised at the many faces that I've come across with. I've experienced not getting paid as well and some point in time. Analyzing the events that came my way and those whom I know, I've come up with the top 10 reasons why Virtual Assistants don't get paid.

Conquering the language barrier

We all speak English but there's always this certain vague spot when we communicate that in turn gets the client on guard. What most virtual assistants don't realize is that no matter how fluent we are with the language, it's the interpretation of what we write that makes a difference. It has always been a tendency for a virtual assistant to make good of their chat messages and emails. What I realized with this practice is that in an effort to look good or sound good for this matter, we end up sending the wrong message which often leads to misunderstandings, thus the client turns their back not even wanting to hear what you've got to say. It's best to keep it simple and not elaborate too much on what you want to say. Don't be afraid to ask or even admit to the client that you're getting a wrong interpretation of what he or she is saying. I'm thanking Jing and Screencast for this. These tools have helped me impart the real message that I want to convey without fear of being misinterpreted.

Letting your emotions get in the way

There are a lot of virtual assistants out there who has this tendency to take everything their clients say seriously. This practice normally leads to half heartedly done work and thus ends with the client walking away. I mean, seriously man... these clients need help to expand their businesses. We can't put the burden of our lives to them. It's supposed to be a professional relationship that's existing between the two of you. If you're too sensitive, chances are, you'd end up in a likely debate on certain things especially that which is work related. Continuing to argue would just make them turn their backs and walk away.

Getting Too Close for Comfort

Your virtual relationship with your client will not prosper if you'd always put color on everything he or she says. There's a thin line between being insulting and focusing on work. As things are, we can't quantify the kind of pressure they have on their shoulders enough for us to even understand why they're acting that way. The point of the matter is that we're there for a reason... and that's to do a job. Keeping a close relationship with our clients is normal. But let's keep that thin line in between so that your clients won't feel we're taking advantage of them. I had a client complain to me about this VA of mine who seemed to be spending more time on Facebook than the tasks she had on hand. Apparently, this Virtual Assistant in question didn't even realize that by being connected on Facebook, their connections can see that they're online. And by God, she didn't even know that there's such a thing as groups that you can turn off chat on. It's a stupid mistake on the part of the Virtual Assistant but I'd have to say you always need to be on guard when juggling tasks or things that you do. Otherwise, you'd have your own time sheet questioned because of your own doing. I had to take away that virtual assistant from my group after a lot of second chances and benefit of the doubt.

To further discuss on this issue as this is among the most usual problem that I see. There are times that when the client is trying to be nice, we tend to go overboard. It's like he gave a hand and we took the entire arm. I had this experience with the same VA that a client complained about. Her style is to befriend the client and then when she feels they're close, she'd start mellowing down on her duties. Perhaps she thought that "they're friends anyway." Then what happens is she'll just put hours in even though the production wasn't at par. You'd probably guess what happened. I got flagged with her time sheet and didn't get paid for the work she allegedly did. I sided with the client on that regard. How can i justify something that I can't quantify? Virtual Solutions is all about results. Without anything to show, how can we even charge hours worked?

Letting the Air into your Head

This is a normal attitude that goes along with being too emotional about everything. While I'd like to think that only a few "Virtual Assistant Wannabe's" act this way, there's always a 50 percent chance that you'd stumble into one in one way or another. A lot of beginners or what i normally call VA wannabe's often think that you've written a couple of articles and you're the best writer in town... or perhaps when you get praised on something, you're the bosses pet.

I don't know what kind of magnetism I have when it comes to attracting goof ups but I've had a few brush ups with these lot too. I've been more of a philanthropist when it comes to sharing what I know thinking that I can share what I know but would always perform the same tasks differently from those I teach. That's why it's so easy for my team to get penetrated by people who have a slight shortness on intelligence should I say. I saw the potential of teaching writing on one VA and I grabbed it. Who ever thought it would give an impression that he's the best? It would sure look bad if I'd have told him that he's all I've got to settle with at the time, wouldn't it? Nevertheless, I've always liked giving people the benefit of the doubt. I'm not really teaching new tricks. It's more like I'm teaching people how to view this job that I've embraced for quite a while. Anyway, he wrote a few that got through and he felt like he's up for a Nobel Prize only to realize that his type of writing only means something for clients who are not particular about content for as long as the keywords are there. Of course, this was devastating for the guy. It's not that easy to accept rejection.

Now I'm only listing my Top 4. I'm pretty sure a lot of you have other experiences to share. I can't help but smile whenever I hear virtual assistants complain about not being remunerated for their work. Having been in the business this long, I've learned that it's really a two-way process. You need to give respect in order to gain respect. So which one are you?

Mavic Buenaflor is a full time [http://cybersages.com]virtual solutions provider who has been helping newbie virtual assistants find their place in the world of virtual assistance.� She operates a team of home based virtual assistants and provides optimum solutions at an affordable cost.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Understanding-The-Top-4-Virtual-Assistant-Career-Ro...] Understanding The Top 4 Virtual Assistant Career Road Blocks

Marketing Strategies - Which One Is Right For You?

There are several different marketing strategies you could implement to determine your success as a viable business, such as:

(a) DOMINANCE STRATEGY; which pushes for rocketing your establishment to the top. These specific methods will categorize a Company according to its "market shares". For example: WINDOWS operating system dominates the worldwide usage at just about 92% of market share, where-as Mac and Linux fail miserably in the market share of that specific arena.

MARKET DOMINANCE is distinquished by four specific categories of concern which are: Leader, Follower, Challenger, and Nicher.

1. Market Leader targets are geared towards multiplying the global exchange, safeguarding the cutting-edge market, and expanding market share.

2. Market Follower strategies strive to counterfeit merchandise with the greatest market share; For example: (Panasonic emulates Sony).

3. Market Challenger strategies go after the market leader, companies of comparable size, and very tiny Mom & Pop companies.

4. Market Nicher strategies focus on various niches which larger companies disregard as a threat. ( examples of that might be something like, Logitech computer mouse).

(b) INNOVATIVE STRATEGY:

Innovative marketing strategies are applied to manage corporations on the cutting edge of technology and new establishment procedures. Clearly, they dictate a corporations' rate of professional replicas regarding innovation and new merchandising growth.

INNOVATIVE MARKETING STRATEGIES consists of three separate classifications, which are:

1. PIONEERS

2. EARLY FOLLOWERS

3. LATE FOLLOWERS

These DESCRIPTIONS are related to what is known as (first-mover advantage). For example, Amazon was the first at creating an online book-purchasing outlet. Subsequently, other stores such as Barnes & Noble began marketing books online. Later, it appears that Amazon & Borders collaborated their efforts to expand sales, which prompted Barnes and Noble to oppose that action by presenting more merchandise online. In this representation, Amazon was the pioneer which makes Barnes and Noble the early followers. Once other bookstores jumped on board and decided they wanted to emulate these archetype they were termed "late followers". Currently, innovative marketing strategies incorporate express mail contests, featured write-ups in publications, third-party journals, and out-of-home promotions.

GROWTH STRATEGIES:

GROWTH MARKETING STRATEGIES concentrate their efforts on growth of their company. They target expanding purchasing power in current markets by focusing on repeat customers. Data extracted from a repeat customers purchasing history facilitates ways to measure future growth within that company dynamic. There are four specific classifications of the above mentioned strategies.

1. HORIZONTAL INTEGRATION,- attempts to expand selling effectiveness, decreases price of buying and selling, allows merchandise ingenuity, and retails more of the same items.

2. VERTICAL INTEGRATION- facilitates a decrease in transportation expenses, embraces ambitious product margins and subsequent product margins; and introduces downstream allocation.

3. FOLLOWING SUIT- facilitates the centralized improvement of cutting-edge merchandise, corporate achievement, affiliation with like-minded companies, and contemporary product licensing.

4. INTENSIFICATION GROWTH STRATEGY- Pierces the market to expand the allotment, gain repeat customer allegiance, and develop binding motivation that focus on the current customer base. An example of a growth strategy could be a frequent buyer rewards program.

These are only a few of the options you might take a look at for growing a viable business and succeeding in any type of business venture you encounter. You can research any of these strategies, in-depth, online, and decide which one works for your specific needs and market targets.

Next, If you want to see how the million dollar guru's DO IT! go now to: http://www.topmommentor.com claim your two free videos & discover how you or your business can make an insane amount of money online today! Or call Judy Bailey @ 916-549-1009

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Marketing-Strategies---Which-One-Is-Right-For-You?&id=6160724] Marketing Strategies - Which One Is Right For You?

Why Many Small Business Start Ups Fail Online

One of the best things about small business start ups when working on the internet is the relative ease of effort involved. Starting an online business takes little time and in most cases, expense, and it is primarily for these reasons that there are so many internet businesses dotting the landscape. Ironically enough however these same reasons also factor into why a large majority fail to reach success online!

Here is a look at why the same advantages that allow many to start internet businesses can also be contributing factors to their lack of success online!

Less Commitment

With the ease of starting an online business many people are therefore LESS invested due to the lack of effort and financial resources required. This in turn tends to decrease their commitment since they have less to lose making it easy to walk away!

More Competition

Due to the low barriers of entry there tends to be a tidal wave of internet businesses in every field! This of course translates into more competition making it that much tougher for many to achieve their goals! The result is mounting frustration, discouragement and resignation to once again simply quit!

Too Many 'Opportunities'

It is important to remember that when working online you will be exposed to a constant flood of information and business opportunities. It's funny but the next greatest 'opportunity' is always better than the one you are currently working on. The point is many end up chasing after the next 'best' thing like a dog chases cars. These people as a result find themselves always starting new internet businesses but never staying with them long enough to actually experience success!

Lack of Experience

The vast majority of people starting an online business have little or no experience and this is reflected in their lack of planning and managerial skills. Now these folks may have a burning desire to succeed but without the proper direction it will be difficult. After experiencing the difficulty and confusion that comes with their lack of expertise doubt begins to settle in eroding their drive, confidence and sabotaging their desire!

Lack of Discipline

Here too you have people taking advantage of what appears to be the relative ease of working online. Being your own boss however means if you do not get it done it will not happen. This is an everyday reality that many find more than challenging and are eventually overwhelmed by all the responsibility!

Small business start ups are a relatively common occurrence on the internet due to the small investment required. However even though starting an online business is a relatively easy thing to do it by no means assures that it will be successful! Many internet businesses have short life spans and in many cases this is associated with the same reasons people are so easily able to launch them in the first place. The discussion above identifies a lack of experience, commitment and focus as leading factors that contribute to so many business failures. In the end if work, resolve and a certain dedication are not required to launch a business, then the investment going in is minimal making it easier for people to simply walk away! Success online is earned and reached at the END of the journey and not upon launch!

TJ Philpott is an author and Internet entrepreneur based out of North Carolina.

For more tips about building small business start ups into huge successes and to also receive a free instructional manual that teaches valuable niche research techniques for your online marketing needs simply visit: http://blogbrawn.com/

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Many-Small-Business-Start-Ups-Fail-Online&id=61...] Why Many Small Business Start Ups Fail Online