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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

What Makes the Homepage of a Website Attractive?

As we all know that the homepage is the landing page of a website, this implies that it is the first page of every website that provides an overview of the entire site. What a particular company does, how much experience it has of working in the same domain, what kind of products/services it offers etc. are some of the basic questions that are answered on the homepage of any website.

Also, the success of your business mainly depends on the kind of website you have, which then depends on how attractive your homepage is? When I say the word "attractive" it not only refers to the design and the make of the homepage but also on its content.

There are various factors that should be considered before designing a homepage but some of the most crucial ones are as follows:-

Always keep your target audience in mind while finalizing the content and the design of your homepage.
It must have a glimpse of what your company or organization do, which business sector you belong to etc.
Give a reason to your prospective clients to browse through your website i.e. include relevant and required information on your homepage.
Write your USPs on the homepage itself to catch the eye of your prospects.
Include a brief explanation about your products/services.
Make sure that the homepage of your website is properly interlinked.
There must be a smooth navigation.
Try and include the portfolio of your clients.
Details about the quality standards, delivery terms and privacy policies of your company must also be included.
Your homepage should also be inclusive of effective calls to action.
The homepage must contain the company logo.
It should be in synch with the color of the entire website which must match the aspirations of your target audience as well as the industry you work in.
New products, offers etc. (if any) must be mentioned on the homepage linking back to the particular page on the website. This way you can attract your target audience.
In other words, anything new or buzzing should become a part of the homepage of your website.
Last but not the least; include the sitemap of your website on your homepage so that the users can get a fair idea as to what your website contains.

The above mentioned are some of the essential points that must be kept in mind while planning the design of your homepage. [http://blog.magnoninternational.com/key-pointers-for-a-good-homepage-design/]Homepage design

Don't miss out our blog on blog.magnoninternational.com to view insightful posts on Web Design, [http://www.magnoninternational.com/mobile-website-design.asp]Mobile Website Design, Digital Marketing, Search Engine Optimization and Web 2.0 Application Development.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Makes-the-Homepage-of-a-Website-Attractive?&id=5752104] What Makes the Homepage of a Website Attractive?

Packing Plants for Shipping

Packing plants for shipping
Growing plants in pots is the easiest way to have plants for shipping. If plants are dug from the ground for shipping, they must have all native soil removed from the roots. The tops then have to be cut back to match the amount of root present. If growing plants in pots with artificial media, this doesn't need to be done. Remove the plant from the pot... to use the pot over and to decrease the weight for shipping, knock as much soil off the root ball that will come loose easily. Then, wrap the root ball in wet paper towel, then saran wrap, and then roll the whole thing up in newspaper. If it seems like the plant is still too heavy, break up the root ball a little and shake as much soil from the roots as will come off. If it still is very heavy, swish the root ball around in a bucket of water to remove more soil. Be sure to cut the plant back by about half. Do not remove soil or cut back tomatoes or African violets. They are usually light enough to ship as they are. The African violets need special packing and that will be addressed in another article or e-book.

Shipping
Choose only those plants that are in tip top condition to ship. Spending up to 3 days in a box is very hard on them and you need good sturdy plants to handle the trip. Plants must get to their destination as quickly as possible. I suggest using the US postal service priority mail. Most times, the plants arrive in 2 days, 3 at the most. Shipping on Sat. insures the plants arrive on Monday even coast to coast. Mail moves 24/7/365 and there isn't any business mail on the weekends so everything moves through the system quicker. I don't like the plants to be in transit any more than 3 days so the customer does not have to struggle to save it. Offer a live delivery guarantee and offer to replace or refund if the plants arrive dead. Pictures must accompany their claim. Of the thousands of plants I have shipped over the years, I have not had to replace very many. Include some type of directions on how to help the plant recover from the shipping. The following is directions on how to take care of the plant when it arrives. You may use these directions or can come up with something of your own using the same info.

Plants that spend up to 3 days in a dark box need a little TLC when they arrive. Take them out of the box, remove any damaged leaves or stems. If they are very dry, soak them for a couple of hours in warm water. If in need of water, just pot up and water. Pot up in any good soil media or plant outside if danger of frost is past. Because their foliage has become tender in the dark box, keep the plants in bright light but not direct sun for the first day or so. If outside, shade in some way. The second or third day, let them have a few hours of morning sun. The next day after that, a few more hours, and by the 4th day, let them have as much sun as they are supposed to like. Keep well watered during establishment. If they should wilt during the day, and not recover at night, cut the plants back further. If the plants grow in rosettes, remove some of the outer leaves.

The cost of shipping is paid in advance by the customer at the time of purchase. The difficult part is trying to figure out how much something weighs. Shipping cost is calculated by weight and the distance it will travel. rel=nofollow [http://postcalc.usps.gov/]Postage Price Calculator is on the website of the US Postal Service. Plug in the depart zip code and arrival zip code and the weight and see the options. Choose the priority mail shipping. Do not be tempted to use the flat rate boxes. They just aren't the correct size to allow good, sturdy packing of the boxes. In regard to boxes, one can scavenge boxes from stores but the easiest is to order priority mail boxes. Post offices do not offer the best sizes in their lobbies and it's best to order the correct sizes on line at rel=nofollow [http://www.usps.com/]USPS Online Store. You will need to create an account but don't worry, priority mail shipping boxes are free. The best sizes for plant shipping are the number 4's which are 7x7x6, number 7's which are 12x12x8. Another one that is handy for taller plants is the shoe box. It measures 14x7x5.

When packing the boxes, keep in mind the following. The plants need cushioning from bumps and drops and insulation from cold and heat. A good material to use is paper shred for packing material. Wadded up newspaper can be used, packing peanuts, etc. Put a layer on the bottom, lay in a layer of plants, then arrange more on top of them. Then pack firmly, but not too tight and not too loose, more shred on the sides and top. Make sure there is at least an inch of shred between the plants and the side of the box. The test to see if they are packed well is to close the top and shake the box. You should not hear anything moving. Put in the directions and a gift. I like to give seeds as a gift or sometimes if I have a lot of the same plants, I include an extra plant. This makes customers very happy and it costs you practically nothing. Happy customers are returning customers. Happy customers recommend you to others. Tape up the box. If it is very hot or going to a very hot place, drill a dozen or so holes in the box for ventilation. Do not do this in cooler weather.

There are a couple of ways to address the box. I prefer using on line postage payment which allows you to pay for the postage and get a shipping label printed. If you have a website, the site usually has a way of doing this. If not and the payment was through paypal, you can pay and print through your account. If not, you have to print the address and take the package to the post office to be weighed and pay for the postage. I bought a little postal scale from the post office and it is probably on line in their shopping area as well. It was about $35. This allows me to weigh the boxes to get the correct shipping. Always round up no matter if the weight is only a.1 over. For example, if the package weighs 1.1lbs, it must be calculated as 2 lbs.

Get delivery confirmation at the time the postage is paid for either online or at the post office. It is generally free online. Send the tracking number to the customer. This allows them to check on the status of the package as well as the seller to know when it arrived.

This concludes the series of articles written for selling and shipping plants online. [http://www.maniplantsandmalas.com]Mani Plants and Malas is a website which sells perennial plants, seeds, medicinal herb plants, African violets, carnivorous plants, malas which are Buddhist prayer beads, and information in the form of ebooks and e-articles. Ebooks and articles will be on an array of subjects including gardening, pest management, organic growing and non plant topics as well. [http://allthingsplant.blogspot.com/]All Things Plant Blog is the author's blog. Articles, links, growing tips, all things plants.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Packing-Plants-for-Shipping&id=5428906] Packing Plants for Shipping

Shipping Plants After Selling Plants

How to figure what to charge for shipping.

It is tempting to add a handling charge, but I don't suggest it. From a buyer's point of view, it adds cost and between the shipping and handling charge, it may very well make the item no longer desirable. Shipping is so darn expensive, it's better to leave the customer with more money to buy plants and seeds. The customer also won't feel gouged by the high cost of shipping AND handling and are more likely to become repeat customers.

Plants must ship by a service that has delivery time of no more than 3 days. Any longer in a box, and it's more difficult to bring them back to excellent health. I have had good results with USPS Priority Mail. They also offer free priority mail shipping boxes and supplies which may be ordered online. Usually, there are priority mail boxes in the lobby of post offices but they are flat rate boxes. They are not as suitable for shipping plants because of the size and dimensions. It is best to order boxes online from their website. The best sizes are the number 4, 7 and shoebox. They allow plenty of room for plant(s) and packing material to keep the plant insulated from heat,cold and excessive rough handling.

Figuring out how much things might weigh takes some practice and just trying it and seeing what the actual weight is. One plant may fit nicely in the number 4 box and weigh less than a pound. Several tall plants may be able to go in a shoebox and that might weigh over a pound. A number 7 box filled with plants may weigh up to 3 lbs. or more. If in doubt, you can always go to the next higher rate and if the actual shipping is significantly less than that either refund the difference or toss in extra plants. Refunding over payment of shipping first shocks customers and then it encourages loyalty. You can also give a store credit for over payment. Once you have the weight of the box, it's plugged into the shipping section of the eBay listing, Bonanzle, or website and when the customer checks out, shipping cost is calculated from the zip codes.

The address labels can be paid for and printed online through the USPS, PayPal, eBay, and through some website set ups. Or, it can be hand written and taken to the post office to be weighed. If done online, an added advantage is that pick up from the post office can be arranged or it's a simple matter of walking into the post office and handing the items over.

NOTE: no matter what way you make out the address labels, make sure you get delivery confirmation, either at the time it is weighed at the post office or online. It is free for packages online through the post office or PayPal. Send the confirmation number to the person and they can track it. It also gives the seller great peace of mind because they have proof they sent the package and there is proof of whether or not it was delivered. The buyer appreciates it as well.

Shipping plants internationally.

First, a PayPal account is absolutely necessary for doing international business. This allows the buyer to pay in his/her currency and the seller gets paid in their currency. Some credit card companies will do international transactions, but PayPal does them all. This is done without any effort on the part of either the buyer or seller. Fees for PayPal transactions are paid by the seller, which is a small percentage of the total transaction. It is a safe method of paying and accepting money because the seller never sees the buyers account information and the seller has the money deposited into their account.

Plants can be shipped internationally but it is risky. Time required in transit and getting through inspection in customs may cause the plants to die. In addition, they need to be phyto-certified which means they were inspected and found free from pests and disease. A paper is issued which must be on the box during shipment. If a box does not have this, the plants are confiscated and destroyed. Getting this certificate costs money and there is no guarantee the plants get to their destination in a timely fashion. Dogs, particularly beagles are used in many countries, and now states, to find plant material so unmarked boxes may not get through either. I own a beagle. They are noses with feet. They live to sniff and she constantly amazes us with her olfactory acuteness.

Seeds are much easier to ship and get into countries. Every country has its own standards but Australia has the strictest. I make it the responsibility of the customer to find out if certain species are allowed and I will not change the names of the seeds so they can get them. I also make it known that I am not responsible for replacement if the seeds are confiscated. All that is required on your end is to fill out a customs form at the post office. It's a small bit of in triplicate papers with a declaration of what is inside and its value. It is not complicated and costs nothing and it must be on the package. I have shipped seeds all around the world and charge $3.00 US for an unlimited amount of seeds.

NOTE: If you have carnivorous plants, it is not legal to ship them or their seeds out of the country unless you have all the proper documentation to show they were not taken from the wild. All of the carnivorous plants are considered endangered and their movement is strictly scrutinized.

U.S. Shipping Restrictions.

There are a few states that have very strict standards for allowing plant material in. California, Arizona, and Hawaii all have strict regulations and rightly so. California and Arizona grow most of the nation's food and seed crops. They do not want pests brought in that may ruin an industry or cause a food shortage. Hawaii is a state which has issues of alien species disrupting the ecosystems. California and Arizona require phyto-certification, which is paperwork and inspections, to certify the material is free from pests. Beagles are employed to sniff out packages containing plant material which is not properly documented. Those packages are confiscated and destroyed. [http://www.maniplantsandmalas.com]Mani Plants and Malas is a website which sells perennial plants, seeds, medicinal herb plants, African violets, carnivorous plants, malas which are Buddhist prayer beads, and information in the form of ebooks and e-articles. Ebooks and articles will be on an array of subjects including gardening, pest management, organic growing and non plant topics as well. The latest e-book is [http://www.maniplantsandmalas.com/servlet/the-e-dsh-books-and-e-dsh-articles/...]Starting A Plant and Seed Business.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Shipping-Plants-After-Selling-Plants&id=5417692] Shipping Plants After Selling Plants

Google Tricks

By now, most of us use search engines to search for people, places, products, and businesses that we are interested in or want to learn about, however, Google offers so much more in terms of searching tools. Are you using them?

Go to Google.com and try out some of the tricks below.

Flight Tracking: Need to know flight details? Type in the airline and the flight number to receive the departure and arrival times as well as the cities and airport codes.

What to type example: American Airlines 1234

Package Tracking: Expecting a package from UPS, USPS, or FedEx? Enter the tracking number into Google for instant package status.

What to type example: 1Z9999999999999999

Weather: Planning an outing and need to determine weather conditions? Enter the word weather and then the city or zip code.

What to type example: weather Raleigh NC

Sunrise and Sunset: Need to know when the sun is going to rise or set today? Enter the word sunset (or sunrise) and the location.

What to type example: sunset Raleigh NC

World Time: Need to know what time it is in another location or timezone? Type in the word time and then the location.

What to type example: time Raleigh NC

Population: Interested in the population of an area? Type in population and then the area.

What to type example: population Orange County, NC

Local Search: Have a craving for pizza and need to locate restaurants close to you? Search the type of food (or other service) with your zip code

What to type example: pizza 27722

Movie Showtimes: Google will display current movie showtimes around your area. Type in movies and your zip code.

What to type example: movies 27722

Definitions: Need to know the definition of a word? Type the word define and then the word you would like defined.

What to type example: define indigo

Cooking Conversions: Making a recipe that calls for ounces but you only have measuring cups?

What to type example: 4 ounces in cups

Unit Conversions: Google will calculate unit conversions as well such as volume, weight, length etc.

What to type example: 17cm in inches

Currency Conversions: Need to know how much your money is worth in another currency? Type in the amount, current currency, and then the currency you need the information for.

What to type example: 100 USD=Euros

Calculator: Google also has a calculating function. To get the answer to a math related question, type in the equation.

What to type example: 7+6=

Advanced Calculator: Google will compute more advanced math equations such as algebra etc.

What to type example: (5*2)+(5-2)/2=

What to type example: sine(49)=

Translation: Type in translate, the word you want translated, the original language, and then the language you would like the word translated into.

What to type example: translate hello English to Spanish

Stock Information: Type in the stock name to get real-time stock quotes and information.

What to type example: GOOG

Marybeth Shanafelt

Business Owner, Consultant, Designer http://leftclickstudios.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Google-Tricks&id=4911301] Google Tricks

5 Low Cost, High Potential Home Based Businesses

I get a lot of calls and emails from people who have been down-sized after years of faithful service, and others who are just burned out from having to work long hours and forego raises and other benefits. All of them want a franchise business that is low cost, can be run from home and offers the potential for a six-figure income.

They are happy to learn that such franchises exist and I want to share five of the best ones with you. All of these franchises can be purchased and started for less than $25,000. I would recommend, however, that you have adequate reserves to pay for your living expenses while your business gets started.

Fabulous Floors

Fabulous Floors offers entrepreneurial-minded individuals the opportunity to capitalize on the increasing demand from consumers to restore their wood floors rather than spend a small fortune to replace them. The remarkable Fabulous Floors system brings back the beauty and character of hardwood floors by gently buffing minor nicks and scratches in the floor's finish, without sanding away precious wood.

The initial investment required to commence operating a Fabulous Floors Franchise is $25,000, for an exclusive geographic territory that includes a minimum population of 300,000 individuals. The investment includes everything required to open your franchise and operate the business for a period of up to 90 days (including a capital reserve). The investment even includes the cost of your first direct mail campaign in your territory!

The business is scalable and once established you could purchase additional territories and employ additional crews. With high demand, low overhead, high margins and rapid ROI, you can see why it is one of the fastest growing franchises in the US.

Medical Staffing Consulting, Inc.

Medical Staffing Consultants provides complete and comprehensive training, start-up programs and ongoing support for establishing a Healthcare Staffing Services Firm and Permanent Placement agency. Their programs are designed, developed and taught by experts in the Medical Staffing Industry. Their program exceeds all State Department of Health and Joint Commission Standards. The Department of Labor projects that medical staffing will be one of the fastest growing industries for the next several years.

A total Investment of as little as $25,000 includes fees and working capital.

Lease One

Lease One Corporation is a commercial lease affiliate business opportunity. A great deal of money can be made by bringing sellers and users of equipment together with funding companies through a commercial equipment leasing program. Most equipment used in business today is typically leased. Equipment leasing is a $270 billion industry!

Lease processing, including obtaining the most competitive rates, running credit reports, and submitting necessary paperwork, is performed by Lease One Corporation. This allows the affiliate broker to focus entirely on marketing and sales to produce the maximum income. The affiliate broker receives 100% of the commission for each transaction.

The affiliate's relationship with Lease One Corporation is a partnership of teamwork that consists of a comprehensive training program, and a dynamic sales, marketing and support system that continues for the life of your business.

Your $19,900 investment includes 3 fays of training at corporate headquarters, proactive sales, marketing and administrative support forever, fax machine and HP financial calculator, custom sales and marketing collateral package, lead generating support for 1st year, Lease One email and Web address for 1st year.

Outdoor Connections

Are you a hunter or fisher? Do you enjoy Outdoor Adventures? Then this is the perfect franchise for you. Outdoor Connections franchise owners arrange hunting, fishing and outdoor adventure trips to their inspected and approved outfitters, lodges and guides worldwide. Have a client who wants to fly fish for trout in Argentina? You can arrange that. Brown bears in Alaska, Cape buffalo in South Africa, or gazelle in Iran? Yes, and much, much more.

Historically, customers would call lodge owners after reading about them in a magazine or Internet web site. Lodge owners would then explain their service to the customer. In contrast, Outdoor Connection franchise owners will work with customers to determine their needs first, and then match them with a proven lodge. This is a free service. This system has proven to create long-lasting repeat customers.

Your $21,000 investment includes franchise fees, training, continued support, brochures, a website and more.

Dollars Inside

It is a well-known fact that every business needs to advertise to be successful. Dollars Inside fulfills this need by delivering the perfect medium at the perfect price to the advertiser. Dollars Inside sells a product, business to business that is actually needed.

Dollars Inside is a Direct Mail Franchise that is streamlined and franchisee oriented. The coupon book format is mailed to at least 20,000 homes in each zone, along with inserted flyers and direct mailed post cards, for maximum exposure for you customers. All of their products are deliver direct by the USPS.

Your $20,000 investment includes franchise fees, training, continued support and a $15,000 credit toward your first mailing to insure you get off to a quick and profitable start.

Remember, Low Cost does not mean Low Income Potential. In fact, all of the Low Cost Franchises mentioned above offer:

� Potential for a six-figure, executive income

� Recognizable Name

� Training

� Established Business Model

� On-going Marketing & Consulting Support

� Complete Business Package for $25,000 or less

If any of these concepts excite you, rel=nofollow [javascript:void(location.[]email me today. You could be at the helm of your own business in as little as 6 weeks.

Bob Salas is a consultant to the Franchise Industry, helping to match Entrepreneurs with Franchise Opportunities. If you have been searching for a recession-resistant business look into one of these businesses. Visit my website http://www.rmsfranchiseconsulting.com or email me at [mailto:bob@rmsfranchiseconsulting.com]bob@rmsfranchiseconsulting.com.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Low-Cost,-High-Potential-Home-Based-Businesses&id=4256182] 5 Low Cost, High Potential Home Based Businesses

Tips on How to Set Up a Home Office

Today's business world is seeing more and more people opting to run their businesses from home but to successfully run a business from home you will need a home office. Setting up a home office is frequently a little more difficult than just simply adding a desk and computer to your family room. For a home based business to run smoothly, and professionally you have to set up a home office that is adequate for the business you are in.

To set up an office in your home your first consideration should be where in your home you'll setup your office. Ideally, the location for your home office should be a room that is separate from your living space and set aside for use only as an office. While you are deciding on a location for your home office keep in mind that the area that you use will have to have enough electrical outlets to accommodate your office equipment as well as phone lines.

Having your office in a location that will provide you with privacy as well as quiet is important to productivity. When you work from home friends and family tend to think that it is okay to disturb you because you are at home. The more you can eliminate these types of disturbances the better.

Once you have established where your office will be your next consideration should be equipment. You will likely need a desk, chair, filing cabinets, fax machine, phone, computer and printer. These are the bare essentials that you are likely to need to setup your home office.

Arranging your office is nearly as important as the equipment that you put into it. You should situate your home office to best suit the type of work you will be doing. For example, if you are shipping merchandise to customers you will need to ensure that you have enough room to store and package your shipments. Aside from this your office should be as comfortable as possible with adequate legroom and lighting. The more comfortable your home office is the more productive you will be.

Some additional considerations may include a voice mail system so that you do not miss calls while you are away and if your business includes mail order or e-commerce, you will likely want a means of which you can ship merchandise.

One of the easiest methods of handling a home based businesses shipping needs, is with an online postage service such as Stamps.com, or eBay's postage site. You may also want to set up an account with either UPS or Federal Express and consider using these companies to ship merchandise to your customers.

Another consideration should be your office and shipping supplies. If you search online you are likely to find great discounts on these supplies when you purchase them in quantity. Also, keep in mind that when you use the USPS Priority Mail, you can get your shipping supplies for free.

With some planning and forethought, you can easily setup a home office where you can run a business successfully.

Brian Cooper is the Author/Editor of a number of websites including http://www.OnlinePostageReviews.com where you can learn how to print Online Postage from your home office today.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-on-How-to-Set-Up-a-Home-Office&id=3975055] Tips on How to Set Up a Home Office

Why Should You Take Advantage of Online Postage Today?

Online postage is slowly but surely beginning to gain awareness from those running online businesses. If you have not yet given into this tremendous concept, it is about time you realize the countless benefits that come from it. So why should you take advantage of postage on the internet today?

The most obvious reason is the convenience. As with running an online business, it eliminates the need to leave home and waste gas as you can handle all of your postage needs from the comfort of your own home. Believe it or not, this can save a great deal of time if you are constantly shipping packages, products and mail out.

Next, it can save you and the business a great deal of money. If you are sending one package out a month, the impact will not be as obvious. However, if you send multiple pieces of mail out it can save you a load of cash. You can receive everything from 100% discount of insurance on shipping, 5%-8% off USPS international postage and 5% off express mail.

The final reason it is more than worth it to take advantage of online postage is because of the 24 hour store hours. The internet never closes and neither does online postage. You should not be limited to shipping activity as time is of the essence when running an online business. Whether you need to weigh a package, print labels, or check out a delivery status, online postage allows you to do so at all hours of the day.

Widen your knowledge on online postage at http://www.weprintpostage.com - Free information and impartial advice.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Should-You-Take-Advantage-of-Online-Postage-Today?&id=3951783] Why Should You Take Advantage of Online Postage Today?

Extra Income For Seniors - Postcard Marketing

Postcard marketing is becoming one of the more interesting extra income sources for seniors. There's nothing new about sending out postcard advertising pieces, but with the advent of the Internet new systems have evolved that produce substantial additional income. The major advantage of postcard marketing is that it is predictable.

A typical system would involve sending out a "teaser" postcard that is not intended to sell anything, but send the recipient to a website, yours. The website is usually provided by the system developer, but you will be responsible for the annual hosting fee (usually about $40 per year) and purchasing your site (domain) name, about $10.

Your free website does the selling for you. It provides your lead with information, sales copy and a method to purchase your product online. The best use PayPal as it requires stringent standards for its users. You will be paid based upon the product purchased with almost all $100 or more and be paid the full or at least a substantial portion of the purchase price.

Systems themselves range from $98 to $300 and all provide extensive training. Usually, you would receive both online training and a manual in hand shipped by USPS Priority or UPS. Postcard marketing is not a difficult income builder, but you need to learn how and why to do things to insure your success. Virtually all will provide a number of proven postcard designs, so you don't have to be an artist or super copy writer. That's included.

The manuals also include the best mailing lists of targeted prospects (usually $100 per thousand) and the conversion rate will run from 1% to 3% on average, so this is a high profit business.

The time necessary to run a postcard marketing business is about 2-3 hours per day for a single individual and 1-1.5 for two.

For more information regarding Postcard Marketing go to: http://www.postcardbonanza.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Extra-Income-For-Seniors---Postcard-Marketing&id=37...] Extra Income For Seniors - Postcard Marketing

Work at Home Parents - This is Success?

My life is a scale that is consistently unbalanced and I find it very difficult some days. Take a look into the typical day in the life of a work at home mom with four children.

Drag yourself out of bed. Say a prayer you make it through another day. Yay! Another day!

Kids screaming, brushing teeth, shoving down breakfast, yelling "I do not have this, I do not have that", five minutes before they need to reach their bus stops. I frantically, run around grabbing what I can to help these totally unorganized aliens, oh sorry, children, get out the door in time because I really do not want to have to drive them in. There is a perfectly good way of transportation awaiting them.

Ah kids off to school. That morning project is finished in somewhat of a calm state. Now, the younger set that is still at home. After changing diapers, clothes, and getting breakfast, business needs to be taken care of. Ok, the baby of our house is set. He has had a morning dose of love, hugs, kisses, food, clean clothes, face washed, and now I pray I can get to provide my family with the extra income we need.

Emails. Wow, when you're doing everything yourself you walk into an email program with at least 50 to 100 emails a day waiting for your responses or wasting your time with ads. Better yet a whole network or group is fighting back and forth over the stupidest of topics and they just think you have the time to jump in and fool around. Get real! All the responses done, an hour gone easily. Take a break, play with your child, read stories, play a game, get a snack or drinks, more hugs and love.

Back to the work board. Now, take care of the details of your business, some have it easier than others but again when your working at home alone there is a mountain that can easily be built of "fall behind projects" and details that need to be taken care of. Another hour or two, gone.

Shoot the phone is ringing and it's my Mother in Law. Love her dearly but know, if I pick up that phone another hour will be gone. Better get it in case there is something urgent. Bye, bye hour!

Go back to your child, more love, hugs, kisses, play time, cleanup, lunch, and whatever else you can cram in.

Clean? Oh my, the house is a mess, better run the vacuum, pick up the toys, clean the bathroom, the kitchen, the dishes, laundry etc.... Better get this all done because the parent at home feels so guilty that they are home in the first place. Even though running a business, taking care of children, the house better be neat for the other parent to come home too. Wow, the dust in that corner is big enough to make a small bird's nest. What's one more mouth to feed? It gets hidden by moving the couch and inch over for now. Two more hours gone.

Jump back to business, take care of bills, ordering, more emails! ARGHHHH the never ending emails!! Doesn't anyone have a life anymore? Why are they all on their computers! Oh yea, the same reason I am. Sigh.....

Guess what? Another hour gone and the older ones are walking in the door. But where has the day gone, why do I feel I didn't get anything accomplished? OMG, they want snacks, they need this and that at the Walmart for projects that are due tomorrow!! I turn on super mode. ARGHHH, the baby needs changing and more hugs, got to get to the grocery store, have to buy little Billy down the street a birthday gift, have to make dinner, get more laundry done, feed the dogs, the fish ( they can go a day without food) there is enough in the bottom of the tank from when the baby dumped the whole canister in! Two minutes saved! Yay!

The constant phone calls, the neighbor that wants you to watch their kids because you are home and NOT busy! Ha! Ya, I sit and eat bon bons all day and watch mushy soap operas. I wish I had a soap opera life. At least they have maids and run around in gorgeous clothing with their hair perfect. Hmm wonder if they would like my look? Hair thrown in a ponytail, sweats and t-shirts with stains from the baby or the dogs that decided they were so happy to see you they jumped all over you, covering you in their loving way with dirty paw prints! Ya, sign me up for the next model for Young and the Restless! Ok, business is calling. I need to figure out twenty ways to advertise my whole network for free! Searching in all the places I have not searched. Came up with one! Good job! The network doesn't agree. What do they know?

Kids are fighting in the background over who gets to play which game. Then they fight over the last pudding left! What next? The house is a mess again with all these kids running through and throwing their gear everywhere. Time for family management. In a huff, I start dishing out chores and orders only to get strange looks back. Have I lost my mind that I want them to help me out? Oh yes, aliens, they don't have messy houses or Mothers that look like they might fly off the deep end at any minute. Right, I am the one in a tizzy and no one seems to get it. Baby needs changing again, dinner needs to be cooked, house needs to be cleaned up again and the never ending laundry just grew instead of going down. What is up with that anyhow?

Someone ordered a product, get into my shippers mode. Package it up after finding the packaging tape in the baby's toy box. A half hour spent looking for that sucker. Get on USPS, print my labels, adhered, and set by the door for shipping, schedule the shipment, good to go! Dinner still needs to be made!

More emails, guess what? They lost my whole website! Working on it for weeks and they can't get the files up on the web. Nice! Is it a full moon? They are working on it. I am trying to be patient but in my mind, know that I am losing money every day it is not up and ready to go! People complaining that they are not getting enough business to their business. Ok, note, find fifty more ways to promote the site! Find more businesses to get involved in to make more money so you may offer others pay. Wow! I wonder if they will offer me pay from their businesses when they are successful. It would be nice wouldn't it?

Argh, I have to write new guides to direct everyone on how to do everything in their business. I need to write guides for leadership teams. I need to write articles so people have FREE content to give out on their websites as a courtesy from my site and my passion of helping others.

Shoot! Dinner still needs to be made! Now husband calls! How was your day dear, he asks. In the calmest voice imaginable I say, just fine. Nothing I couldn't handle. Do you think he believed the lie? Do I believe the lie?

50 more invites to networks that I just cannot handle. What's this? Join the love your pet site? Ya, I love my pets but I don't want to sit 15 hours a day and talk about them.
Dinner! The kids are complaining they are starving. They might drop over since they have not eaten since snack time. I am a horrible mother.

I go into the kitchen. Hmm nothing available to make quickly. Order pizza night! Love ordering out. Makes my life so much easier. Then the complaints start because the driver can't find the house and they are over a half hour delivering our food. Damn them, don't they know my kids have not eaten since three hours ago? The nerve!

Back to business, answer more emails; help more people, still searching for new and creative ideas to help my fellow work at home family. I get lost in my thoughts of a sunny beach, refreshing cocktail in hand, and the ocean waves rocking back and forth slowly. Ahhhh, how wonderful that sounds. Then the baby pulls on my shirt, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Austin hit me. Wake up, back to reality!

Is it bedtime yet? I don't care if it is the kid's or mine. Someone needs to go to bed!

Baby is screaming, he fell while climbing to get fruit snacks! I jump up and go running worried I will find a head spewing blood all over. Thank goodness he is fine. More love, hugs, comforting.
Hubby will be home any minute! The house is a mess; the kids still don't have their pizza. Did I eat today? Oh yes, I ate the crust off the baby's sandwich!

Dogs are barking they want to come in. Hubby is home and is hungry, the laundry needs changing over, the emails are piling up, the kids need clothes for tomorrow, they need help with their homework, does it ever end?

My mother calls and says, "We never see you!" That is because I don't want to see anyone anymore after days like this, is what is on my mind. Instead, I apologize and try to explain but there is no sense in it. They don't get it.

Kids fed, baby changed, bathed, and pj's are on. Time to relax? HA HA HA HA, no, time to start on business again. Then the hubby comes over and wants some attention. Get in line buddy! Passionate kisses? What are those? The closest I get to them now is a big sloppy kiss from my little one after eating a bowl of ice cream. Time alone, dear? What time? Sure, you have two minutes. Sorry, your time is up!

Fighting starts up a again and I need to get things posted on my site. I do not have time to be a referee! Bedtime! Go to bed every one of you! I love you but enough for one day! Kisses given out, goodnights given and I collapse in my computer chair. Now I can get work done!

It's now 1:30 am......I can't hold my head up any longer. Good night to my world. See you tomorrow when I get to have this successful life start all over again! Lay my head down, smile; I wouldn't trade it for the world. I am queen of my domain.

No portion of this article may be reproduced without all links and names being fully intact and clickable.

Krista Clyburn

Christian Work at Home Mom

Founder of Wahm Addicts Social Site http://wahmaddictssocial.ning.com

Founder of Jesus Day Gifts http://jesusdaygifts.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Work-at-Home-Parents---This-is-Success?&id=1866913] Work at Home Parents - This is Success?