How to Start a Business

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 22: Fedex Chairman, President and CEO Frederick Smith addresses the 2012 America's Small Business Summit, hosted by U.S. Chamber of Commerce, May 22, 2012 in Washington, DC. Smith delivered remarks on 'How Small Business Can Achieve Big Business Success.' (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)
Starting your own business can be an enormous undertaking, but it is not impossible. While there are seemingly countless obstacles to overcome at every turn and possibly thousands of decisions that need to be made in order to begin your business, this article will serve as a motivational guide in helping you light the fire in your belly to begin the process. Millionaires are not created through minimum wage jobs, nor are they usually created by working for someone else. Wealth building is almost always dependent on having a stream of income that you control. And while being a small business owner may sound more luxurious than it really is, the reality is that building any substantial amount of wealth does take some element of calculated risk, incredible amounts of hard work and energy, and some amount of time. But you have to start.
FIND YOUR PASSION In order to really succeed at being a business owner, it makes sense to figure out what your passionate about. In the first few years of owning your business, you may be working twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, three hundred sixty five days a year! Doesn't it make sense on some level then to do what you love? Figure out what this passion is. Be creative about ideas. It is absolutely possible to build an income through owning a pet shop or by becoming a courier or selling floral arrangements. However, if you are not passionate about a subject then your business will turn into yet another failed endeavor in your life. For example, if you know you are not a "numbers person" are you really going to strike out on your own and set up a shingle as an accountant? Probably not.
GIVE IT TIME Anything worth doing in life is worth doing well. This applies to starting your on business, too. It will take some level of commitment and sacrifice. You may not see the financial rewards in the first three, six, or nine months. There needs to be some awareness around the fact that your marketing plan will take time to sink in. It will take a matter of weeks for people to be aware of your new storefront in their neighborhood.
BE SMART Most business owners fail, not because they are not smart people, but because they were not smart about their business. While it is important to start a business that is closely aligned with your passion in life, this does not mean that you should be blind to the realities of business. Develop a business plan. Create realistic objectives and goals that are attainable. Figure out what your operating costs, business expenses, and financial necessities will look like. You may have to work towards your business on a part time basis, while still holding down your full time day-to-day job. Do not jump into this with reckless abandon. Be smart about it.
THE #1 RULE Most business owners, large and small, often lose sight of the number one rule for any business: to make money! As a business owner, you are not there to be a good neighbor or to be the source of donations for local charities. As a business owner, you are not there to make sure your employees make money while you neglect to draw a paycheck. While each of these may be wonderful byproducts of being successful business owner, all too often they sink businesses before the corporation was ever really able to get off the ground. Remember, you are in business to make money! Profits are the key to any successful business, not their debt load.
DO IT Inertia is the enemy of success. Too often, people whittle away their dreams each day by delaying them. Action is the number one key to being a small business owner. By doing you will learn what works and what doesn't work. There will be successes throughout your lifetime as a business owner, but there also will be countless failures. Often times, we learn more from our mistakes than we do from our victories. So, before you get too comfortable today, take a small step towards moving forward in your dreams.
Being a business person is difficult, but it is its own reward. Overcome the inertia and figure out an action plan to starting your own business. If you have not figured out your niche, then its important to begin the brainstorming process and stick to the mantra: Do what you love and the money will follow!

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How to Make Money During a Recession

The Money Pit (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Every single day for the past few years, Americans have only heard about falling home prices and rising rates of foreclosures. Unemployment numbers are up, while the number of new jobs created month-to-month is down. Without a doubt, this economy absolutely provides some challenges. Even as you might be worried at night about your lack of control over your own job security, you might want to focus that energy into coming up with creative ways to make money during a recession. Let's be honest, there are still a million different ways to make more money.
THIS IS WHAT WE KNOW We know that employment is good. It keeps your schedule and your bank account filled. If you are one of the lucky ones, you have health, disability, and retirement benefits for you and your family through your job. You walk into work every morning and you interact with other adults--some are friends, some are not. Psychologists will often talk about how important regular employment is for the mental health of Americans and even state that the number one stressor in someone's life is a sudden job loss. So, overall, making a steady income and making money with a traditional job leads to happier, more secure individuals.
THIS IS WHAT WE DON'T KNOW Work is good for you, good for your financial future and good for the economy as a whole. That we know. Unfortunately, there is a lot about your job and your career that we don't know. We don't really know what upper management is thinking. We don't know how deep and how long lasting their cost cutting strategies will go. Will they cut back on employer-sponsored health benefits? Will they put in place a hiring freeze? Will they freeze your annual raise this year? Or, worst of all, will they terminate you and your colleagues? You just never know.
THIS IS WHAT YOU KNOW You know you want to make more money. You know you have the potential to make more money. And you can start a part-time business while still holding down a full-time job. You know you want to. You know you have some passions that could be marketable. Or you may have some talents and skills that others need. Are you an arts and crafts person? Then perhaps you can make money on the weekend selling your products at flea markets and fairs. Or, you might be a more "love-to-get-dirty" type and you might be able to offer gardening or mechanic services to your neighbors. There are literally hundreds of ways that you could discover in order to increase your income during this Great Recession. The wonderful part about it, too, is that you can start exploring these money making endeavors while still holding down your day job!
THIS IS WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW You don't know--you will never know--your full income earnings potential if you do not get out there and try. You don't know how much money you could be making in addition to your full-time job. If you don't explore any additional money making opportunities, you will never know what it will be like to pay off your debt, own your home outright, or live the like the wealthy do.
Every single event in our lives began with a spark of an idea, with a small seed of motivation. That spark was able to ignite a larger fire of passion and that seed was able to sprout into a bountiful harvest of inspiration. It is time to find out how you can make more money and increase your income during this recession without having to quit your day job. It is time to pay attention to that spark, let the fire burn, and find ways to fuel that fire.

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• Pay Down Debt: Make Money Online

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What Are the Different Types of Debt?

Wipe our Debt (Photo credit: Images_of_Money)
Although the term "debt" is widely used, there are generally four kinds of debt: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly, and The Worst.
Good Debt There's not a lot of "good" debt. Borrowing money for home or for school is considered good debt. Some even consider a car loan a good debt to carry. Although, quite honestly, I contend that borrowing for a home and school are the only kind of good debts to carry. A normal run-of-the-mill car should never be considered an investment since it depreciates 20% the minute you drive it off the car lot. Some financial gurus argue that carrying loans for school is not a smart financial situation. However, I think any action you can take to better your financial future is a smart move.
Bad Debt It's clear that credit cards are the fastest way to fall into debt. If you cannot afford to pay off your entire bill within a month or two, then you can't afford the items you want to buy. Too many Americans are getting themselves in way over their heads because of vacations and food and nights out and clothes that are charged away. They then spend the next few years trying to eliminate this debt. (Fact: More than a third-36%-of those who owe more than $10,000 on their credit cards have household incomes under $50,000. Wait. It gets worse: 13% who owe that much have incomes under $30,000. Source: msnmoney.com)
Ugly Debt Stay away from charge cards that are offered at department stores. These cards-across the board-have insulting interest rates. So even if the clerk offers you a 10% discount on each item you bought that day if you open a store card, continue to refuse the offer since the interest rates for the cards hover around 20%. (Wasn't worth that 10% off, was it?) Sub-prime loans and sub-prime credit cards are some really ugly debt, as well.
The Worst Debt And really stay away from payday loan offers. This is equivalent to predatory lending. We see these commercials on television and too often these check cashing and payday loan institutions set up shop in the poorest areas of town. With APR of 400% to 1000% the "services" these businesses offer are unjust and immoral, keeping those with the least financial cushion in a state of perpetual debt. It's incredibly unethical. Fortunately, many of us have known about the pitfalls of entering into an "emergency" loan with these sharks. However, there are too many people who haven't been able to avoid this predatory lending practice.

How to Reduce Debt - Sell Your Stuff

Image via CrunchBaseThe simplest way to supplement your income can also benefit your life in other ways. By selling your stuff, not only are you making extra cash on things that you rarely use anymore, but you also remove the extra clutter from your life. Often times, this clutter leads us to feel more overwhelmed and frustrated with the state of our financial and psychological health.
I have compiled a list of resources that will help you in your quest to sell your things.
eBay The granddaddy of auction sites created an entirely new way to shop in the 1990s. Another great way to sell your stuff. (Amazon.com, Overstock.com, and Yahoo.com all have their own auction sites that allow you to sell your stuff, too.)
Half.com Although owned by eBay, it is personally, my favorite way to get rid of things I no longer need. On half.com you can sell your old books, CDs, and DVDs. You set the price, no bidding. You are alerted of a sale via email. You send out the package within a week. Every other week, half.com pays you. Half.com is owned by eBay so if you have an account with eBay, you're ready to sell!
Craigslist A tried and true workhorse. Craigslist offers a place where individuals can buy, sell, or swap their items. Please note that there may be extra work involved: individuals may never show, they may try to lowball your agreed upon price, or they may need help lifting the items. Great resource if you need to unload items quickly.
Garage Sales Or you can do it the good, old-fashioned way, too. A few garage sales a year to clean out your basement or attic can be an excellent way to make a few extra bucks to pay down debt.
Selling items you own is an excellent way to begin to create a dent in your credit card debt. It is also helpful in helping you discover other ways you can make more money.
Jay Monroe has successfully found ways to pay down his debt and increase his wealth. At ISeeMillions.net [http://iseemillions.net] you, too, can find ways to make more money to increase your financial freedom and live the life you dream!

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Five Recession Proof Careers

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 16: U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (R) speaks as Gerald Seib (L), Assistant Managing Editor and Executive Washington Editor of The Wall Street Journal, listens during a session of the 2010 annual meeting of The Wall Street Journal CEO Council November 16, 2010 in Washington, DC. About 100 CEOs and policymakers participated in the annual meeting to discuss key public policy issues. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)
During a recession, the economy is no longer experiencing growth. In fact, the economy is either stagnant or shrinking. When the economy shrinks, people no longer pay for products, services, and goods that are no longer necessary. For example, people may not be paying for private luxury items at this time because they want to spend their money on items that they need. Below are . This list will prove invaluable for you at any time--whether you are at the beginning or end of your career. Remember, it is never too late to start living the life you want!
Careers in the medical field Nurses, home health aides, physical therapist, doctors and medical social workers all enjoy recession proof jobs? Why? Because disease, death, viruses, illnesses happen every single day. None cares if it is a "good" time or a "bad" time to occur. Oddly enough, due to the economic downturn, of the professions listed above, medical doctors are the ones that are hurting the most.
Accountants and Accounting Executives Accounting is another career field that is virtually recession proof. In fact, during recessions, accountants probably work harder than ever to make sure that the books add up. Especially now, considering what the housing market, the banking industry, and Wall Street have put the economy and the American people through, accountants are probably working more scrupulously than ever to make sure numbers are not being manipulated.
Administrative Assistants Let's face it. Administrative assistants are incredibly skilled professionals and--over the course of the last fifteen years--have been asked to take on increasingly more responsibilities. So why not pay someone half the salary of an executive to do a similar job? Companies get their money worth out of hiring administrative assistants.
Teachers School budgets are tightening these days. Teachers are being laid off in some cities and districts across the country. But, by and large, teaching jobs are fairly stable. Let's face it. At the end of the day, teachers will always be needed in this country.
Mental Health Counselors & Social Workers Social workers and mental health counselors are another sector of this economy that are fairly recession proof, depending on the organizations they work for. While other social service professionals may lose their jobs during economic slowdowns, licensed social workers and mental health professionals can not afford to be let go.

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How You Can Avoid Bankruptcy

Many people look at their overall debt load, they look at their overall income, and they think bankruptcy is the only viable option. It is absolutely important for you to figure out a plan to become financially solvent. You need to figure out .
NO NEW DEBT First and foremost, you need to stop incurring more debt. No pun intended, but you can not afford it! Your debt load is out of control. You probably toss and turn at night, stressed out about your finances. You need to start taking your life seriously. If you don't, no one else will.
BE SMART ABOUT DEBT REPAYMENT You need to be smart about how your are going to tackle your bills. There are a million different options to help you pay down your debt, but not all of them are smart financial decisions. Debt management programs, settlements with creditors, or consolidation are going to murder your overall credit worthiness. You should think long and hard about the long term impact this may have on your life. Paying off the debt aggressively will allow your credit worthiness to recover more quickly.
MAKE MORE MONEY Here is the key to getting rid of these bills: You need to find out how to make more money. This is the most important--and most overlooked--factor in being able to avoid bankruptcy. Even in this economy, there are thousands of employment opportunities available to you. Literally, these money making opportunities are just a click away.
Being financially solvent is incredible. Millions of Americans do not know the feelings and reality of financial solvency. The answers are right here: it takes a behavior change, hard work, and determination. It also takes a higher level of commitment to figure out how to discover ways to increase your income.

Finding Work at Home Businesses Ideas That Actually Work

English: Jackie Robinson-Burnette, Army Contracting Command Office of Small Business Programs, discusses the various business opportunities with a service disabled veteran small business owner. The office provides services to small businesses nationwide. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Your debt is rising, your savings are dwindling, and your options for financial security appear to be disappearing with each pay period. You have finally decided to research home based businesses that work for you. Yet, in researching the opportunities, you soon come to discover that there are a million sites out there that are interested in separating you from your money. But there are incredible opportunities and workbooks out there that can introduce you to new and dynamic ways to earn extra income.
FIND OPPORTUNITIES THAT FIT INTO YOUR LIFE When finding any supplemental income streams, you first have to figure out if these are opportunities that will fit in your life. If you have small children at home, it may make sense to discover if you can turn your home into a day care for other children. On the other hand, does it make sense to try to work as a customer service rep from home if you have a child scampering around your desk? Probably not.
FIND WORK FROM HOME JOBS WITH LIMITED START UP COSTS There are going to be many opportunities out there that promise a six-figure income--at a cost. Many late night infomercials asking for hundreds of dollars of up front fees to buy a pre-made website and "earn money while you sleep" turn out to be largely ineffective. There will be some start-up costs inherent in any new venture, but the money should be spent learning about the industry, buying products, or implementing your marketing strategy.
FIND HOME BASED BUSINESSES THAT EXCITE YOU When you are excited about an idea, then you can jump into it with full force. Find work at home opportunities that ignite your passion. As a small business owner, I know first hand that it is hard work. You may work harder and longer than you ever had. It is important that there is a passion that can continue to propel you through the challenging moments.
There are literally thousands of work from home opportunities available. I have compiled a list of helpful ideas and resources to help you end your financial struggles and figure out what financial path will work for you.

Make More Money - Less Complaining and More Doing

Annual Public and Private Foreign Debt (as percentage of Gross Domestic Product) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Making money is not rocket science, nor do you need to be a brain surgeon to figure out how to make more money. The following five tips to help you wade through the high weeds to find your ultimate path to making more money and paying down your debt.
Complain Less. Do More. Nobody hates whiners, so stop complaining. You built your credit card debt, dollar by dollar and only you will be able to eliminate your consumer debt, step by step. By now, everyone knows how "poor" you are. By now, everyone knows you "can't afford it." By now, everyone knows your financial troubles, so stop complaining and start doing something about it.
Create a Strategy and Stick with It. There are two strategies that you need to create to pay down your debt. First, you need to figure out a debt elimination plan. Then, you need to figure out a way to increase your income. By making more money, you will have more financial resources at your fingertips to throw towards decreasing your debt load. Developing a strategy is good--but it is not good enough. In order for any strategy to be effective, you need to commit yourself to stick with it. A little flexibility can be a helpful thing. Just make sure you don't veer too far off your path.
Get Creative Get creative about your debt repayment, but--more importantly--get creative with ways that you will make more money. Figure out if you can start a business on the side. Some creative business ideas are completely within your level of financial and personal ability. You just have to get creative with deciding on how to make more money.
Continue to Supplement Your Income Even as your income rises--and even if you find yourself in a whole new tax bracket--continue to find ways to supplement your income. This is the transition from being "broke" to being "wealthy." You find more and more ways to bring money into your life.
Shower. Rinse. Repeat. When you find that you may waver in your financial goals and in your desire to pay down debt and increase your wealth, remember the directions on your shampoo bottle: shower, rinse, repeat. Restating and reconnecting with your goals is an important aspect of any debt elimination or wealth building plan. You have to ask yourself from time-to-time, "Am I on the right path?" If the answer is no, then make the necessary changes to guarantee you will meet your financial goals.
Debt got you down? Looking to make more money? At ISeeMillions.net [http://iseemillions.net] you can find ways to make more money to increase your financial freedom and live the life you dream!

How to Build Wealth - Uncovering the Truth

Monroe Park (Photo credit: The Library of Virginia)

While building wealth is not easy, it is not impossible either. Wealth building and becoming rich is not something that happens overnight. It takes strategy, imagination, perseverance, and hard work. During the process, risk is necessary, mistakes are guaranteed, and--hopefully--success will occur. To be sure, there are some guaranteed paths to becoming rich, just as there are some certain dead-ends.
Start a Business Though not the easiest path, starting a business is probably one of the most certain ways to build wealth. In fact, according to the U.S. Census, most self-made millionaires in this country are small business owners. Starting--and running--a business is hard work. It will take countless hours to get the business off the ground, but if you find a lucrative niche or a successful business, you will find yourself reaping financial rewards.
Real Estate/Investing While most Americans consider investing in stocks or in real estate a "sure-fire" way to build wealth, the reality can be far different. These past few years have demonstrated the fallibility of each of these sectors. Additionally, while the real estate market have caused some individuals to declare bankrupt, the reality is that others have continued to add to their bottom line. These real estate "winners" may have had wealth to begin with--and thus were able to weather the storm.
Choose a Lucrative Career Long hours, stressful days, and late nights may be the norm, but a lucrative and high-paying career is another way to build wealth. Often times, this takes effort beyond the office. Networking meetings, lots of travel, years of education. Sometimes it takes lucks--the "who" you know, over the "what" you know.
Save your Way to Millions Although a lucrative industry exists around saving money and living frugally, the reality remains that this probably will not bring you riches. Blogs abound telling you that the way to financial security is by finding deals. Frugal living may help you establish a secure retirement fund, but you won't be able to live like Oprah!
Winning the Lotto Most Americans believe that their best way to become rich is by winning the lottery. However, the lotto, Powerball, and Megamillions are just another way to throw your money away. People with money refer to these lotteries for what they actually are--taxes on the poor. Don't throw your money away week-after-week on a pipe dream. Put your energy--and your money--to better use.
While there are a millions of ways to obtain your piece of the financial pie, there are even more ways to guarantee that you will never be wealthy. Whether it's through becoming a business owner or embarking on a high-paying career, there are ways that you can find ways to live a new financial reality.
Frustrated about your financial limitations? At ISeeMillions.net [http://iseemillions.net], Jay Monroe has researched new business opportunities and strategies that will help you build your fortune.
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Five Ways to Succeed As an Entrepreneur Or Business Owner

Business Entrepreneur (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
There is no guaranteed road map to help you make it as an entrepreneur or to guarantee your success as a business owner. However, by keeping in mind these following five tips, you will increase your chances of success when you are starting your new business.
Find an idea or product the world wants or needs First off, any successful business needs to provide an idea, a product, or a service that people actually want or need. Google exploded because people needed a better search engine. Coke dominates market share in the soda sector because they market themselves to make people believe that a sip of soda makes the day better. A local company is now making millions because they have decided to offer to haul away your junk--for a fee. What do each of these companies have in common? They all figured out that they have something to sell you that you want.
Find support and mentorship When you are starting your life as an business owner, there may be dark days and you might feel lonely. This is why the support of other entrepreneurs will be key. Only they will understand that struggle and the pain that comes with establishing your business. Additionally, by linking up with a local network of mentors, you may not only be supported through your struggles, but you might be provided with real-life advice that might save your business.
Develop your brand In this day-and-age it seems even toddlers know the importance of developing and branding your business. Branding goes beyond fonts and logos. When establishing your brand, you will have to decide what sort of vision you want to impart on others in each interaction or what kind of tone you want to set in your twitters.
Action, not inertia It is important to remember that you can over-plan and over-think. Remember, "the perfect is the enemy of the good." Sometimes business owners get stuck in developing their strategy and planning and forget to act out of a fear that they may fail. If you can't admit that you will make mistakes, then you might as well fold up your shingle and head back to your old 9 to 5.
Part-time Passion...at first. When starting out, many wannabe business owners make one fatal flaw: they jump in full-time to their new business. There is an old adage in the biz: "If you can't make money part-time, you can't make money full-time." If you are single and can sleep on a friend's couch, then jump on in. If you have a family to support, then you might want to hang on to that full-time job with full-time benefits!
Though not the five keys to success in starting out in your small business, these five tips will help you as you create a foundation for financial success.
Jay Monroe helps you find small business opportunities that work at ISeeMillions.net [http://iseemillions.net].
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Can I Make Money Online? Yes

Americans are stretched financially. With the housing crisis comes a realization that we are stretching ourselves beyond our means. There are ways to make money--and there are ways to make quick money--online. Granted, few of these options will "change your life forever." However, most of them will help you earn a couple of dollars to either spend as pocket money or to help you reduce your debt.
1. Use the path of no (or little) resistance. There are probably many things around your house, in your apartment or tucked away in your garage that you can easily part with. See what you have. See what you can sell. Do a little market research. Look up your items on Craigslist or eBay and price your item accordingly. Sell it online, sell it offline. Whichever way you decide to go, just do it. Sell your stuff! You will be amazed at the hundreds of dollars that is languishing right under your nose.
2. Explore your talents. Again, figure out where you can make extra money. Explore the options on Craigslist. People are hungry to work with competent and talented individuals. I have a friend who advertised on a forum where people were looking for freelance writers. She now earns a couple of hundred extra dollars each and every month. Another friend, tired of dating loser after loser on Saturday nights, has decided that she will spend her time babysitting. She now earns an extra $1000 on a monthly basis. (She did this, too, at 32 years old.)
3. Make money online. There are a myriad of ways to make money online. You can start a business selling items on eBay. You can make money blogging. You can make money just by setting up a domain and "parking it." There are companies out there that will pay you to write a post for their product on your blog. At first, you may not see much income, but if you stick with it and explore all the options, you may be surprised at your own earnings potential.
4. Do not be limited by your imagination. Only you know you. When an idea pops into your mind, it is born out of a desire, a passion, or an interest. Follow your instincts. Do not limit yourself by negative self-talk. You should be liberated by your imagination, not limited by it.
5. Get EXCITED! Use all the resources out there. Everything from earning a couple of cents per email via websites like InboxDollars, to making thousands by selling your own blockbuster romance ebook! Once you begin to unlock the door to this avenue, the possibilities are endless.
But, beware. Do your diligent research. There are too many individuals out there who want to separate you from your money--and they do so pretty easily. Steer clear of offers that sound "too good to be true." They are. Steer clear of promised of hundreds of thousands of dollars in 30 days. The world does not work that way for 99.99% of the population--especially online.
Go and flourish! Exciting opportunities await your future.
Jay Monroe has successfully found ways to pay down his debt and increase his wealth. At ISeeMillions.net [http://iseemillions.net] you, too, can find ways to make more money to increase your financial freedom and live the life you dream!
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How to Start a Business During the Recession

busines plan (Photo credit: Wikipedia)Even though it goes against conventional wisdom, recessions can be an optimal time to start a business. By now you have heard again and again that both CNN and Microsoft were started during recessions. And look what it did for them! As unemployment rises, not only are there more people looking for work, but you can find workers for a competitive price (i.e. cheap!). While capital is tight to assist you with starting your business, if you can find the perfect business to start at a low cost, there is no time like the present to start a business and build your financial dreams.
Choose a business with low start up costs. First, you need to choose a business in a field in which you are passionate and with low start up costs. You don't want to sink thousands of dollars into a business if you are unsure what you returns on the investment will be. You want to make money!
Develop a sound business plan. If you were lost in the jungle, you wouldn't navigate it without a map, would you? Probably not, because you would need to find out where you are and figure out where you need to go. In simplest terms, the same can be said for starting out a business. If you don't have a "map"--i.e. a business plan--then you will soon lose sight of the direction in which you need to go. Additionally, a well developed and well written business plan can serve as a calling card for possible investors.
Research your niche. Once you have developed which business you are going to start, research your niche. Are there other competitors in your area doing the exact same thing? Will you be able to establish a foot hold in the market? If so, how can you differentiate yourself from them?
Get your brand--and yourself--out there! If you are going to start a business, then you need to know that you will have to spend a good amount of time, energy, and resources getting your brand out into the marketplace. Marketing is going to be a vital step in your business development, as is networking. Be sure to join business associations and your chamber of commerce.
Give your customers what they want--discounts! Remember, in any economy, the customer is king--and should be treated as such. Specifically in a recession, think about providing customers with exactly what they want: high quality products and low costs. Think about providing customers with customer rewards or loyalty program discounts.
If you are stuck in figuring out which business will work with you, then be sure to follow the link below to find incredible ideas for home based business that may help you become financially stable.
Visit ISeeMillions.net [http://iseemillions.net] where you can find hundreds of business ideas [http://iseemillions.net].
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Starting a Business - 3 Important Questions

LONDON - NOVEMBER 08: British Prime Minister David Cameron addresses civil servants at the Foreign Office on November 8, 2010 in central London. Cameron spoke of a shift in power from government to the people, as business plans for every government department were published by Whitehall. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

If you are thinking of starting a small business or a home based business, you should take inventory of your motivations for starting this endeavor and your personal and professional goals. The questions below are three important questions as you begin your quest to becoming a successful business owner.
1. What kind of business should I start? Just as there are millions and millions of jobs out there, there are also more than a million different ways to make money as a business owner. Will you make and deliver gift baskets? Does a career as a florist strike your fancy? Should you start a debt collection corporation? Or what about a day care? Are you interested in establishing your own bookstore? You can easily see that business ideas soon spiral into the infinite. When deciding which business you want to start, you may be guided by where you can do the bulk of the work, i.e. will it be a home based business, a brick-and-mortar space, or a mobile business? Answering these questions will help mold your business plan.
2. Full-time, part-time, or supplemental? In starting a business, it is vital to have some idea where you want the business to go. However, in its beginning stages, it is absolutely crucial to take a long hard look at where you currently are in your financial situation in life. This will help you decide if this business will be a full-time biz, a part-time biz, or something you do on the side to supplement your income. If you have a family to support and you have health and retirement benefits from your current employer, it may not seem responsible to abandon your current day job to follow this untested business plan. Remember the old adage: If you can't make money part-time, then you can't make money full-time.
3. What am I waiting for? Seriously, what are you waiting for? The most important key to success is deciding when it is time to take action. There are a million different resources available on the web to assist you in your brainstorm to find out which business will work for you. Once you find which niche you are passionate about, research the market, develop a business plan and just do it!
So...what are you waiting for? Start brainstorming now to find out which business idea will work for you and begin your path to financial freedom.
Visit ISeeMillions.net [http://iseemillions.net] where you can find hundreds of business ideas [http://iseemillions.net].
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Monroe

Business Ideas on a Budget

Often times people have the drive and the will to start a business, they just don't have any idea what to do! Below are five full-time, part-time, or sideline low cost business opportunities that you can start almost immediately.
BECOME A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT In this economy, outsourcing is the name of the game. Businesses still have executives, but they don't always have the money to hire the support staff that they need. Small businesses may also struggle under the weight of the current financial times and would be more than willing to hire a "virtual" assistant. Just think of the money they can save on benefits. Dust off your computer, make sure you have an additional phone line to juggle multiple calls, and start to sell your services as a virtual assistant for multiple clients. You will be raking in the money in no time.
BECOME A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER Think of all the people in your life. Now think of their garages. Or their homes. Or their kitchens. Or their cars. Cluttered? Full of junk? Disorganized? If you have superior organizational skills, you can become a professional organizer and help them get their lives in order. This is easily a job that can be performed after-hours and on the weekends. And you can become a professional organizer and make extra money at very little out of pocket costs to you.
MAKE MONEY BY MAKING GIFT BASKETS The gift basket business is a perennial recession-proof home-based business that you can easily fold into your life. As a full-time, part-time, or supplemental income, you can create an incredible income stream with your fresh and innovative ideas. Beyond marketing costs, transportation costs and a business license, additional start up costs are limited. Just think of the potential in this field to make money creating and delivering gift baskets.
START A CLEANING BUSINESS Although not glamorous and undoubtedly hard work, creating a home or office cleaning business can lead you to financial freedom. Start up costs for this business are substantial, but after a month or two of work, you will easily be able to see the financial rewards.
MAKE MONEY STAGING HOMES FOR SALE While the economy has caused home sales to slow recently, home staging has never been more necessary. Have you ever dreamed of becoming an interior designer, but never had the training? Then stage homes and prepare them for being sold. Allow yourself to showcase your creative mind while you transform shabby shacks to luxurious homes.
My intention of developing this website is to inspire you to discover what other ways you can do to make more money. If you are like most Americans, you are either worried about your current level of credit card debt or you are trying to figure out strategies to secure your financial future.
Jay Monroe has successfully found ways to increase his wealth. At ISeeMillions.net [http://iseemillions.net] you can end your misery and discover ways to increase your income potential.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Monroe

Five Ways to Save More Money

There are probably countless ways that I save money. I save money by buying inexpensive items. I save money by buying more efficient machines. I save money by turning off lights. Here's a quick look at how five ways I save money.
1. By Not Spending The #1 way that I now save money is-quite simply-by not spending money. It has become quite a paradigm shift in my life. A life that was once filled with dinners out with friends and cosmos at happy hour has turned into a more intentional life. By not spending money in the first place, I realize that I am in fact saving more money than I could have imagined. Before I began my debt elimination journey, I didn't think I had "extra money." I was so wrong!
2. Go for the Rebates! I have also found that I have been able to increase my savings by going for the rebates-if it makes financial sense. It doesn't always. Look, I am not going to overspend X amount on an item only to get "x" amount back in a rebate. However, I have found that rebates are often a smart money saving choice with some recent spending habits. Additionally, when that rebate check arrives in the mail, it is a nice little reminder and an emotional financial bump! Go for the rebates if you are going to send in the rebate request. Most businesses 1) bank on the rebate being an incentive for a consumer to buy and 2) bank of the fact that the vast majority of consumers do not follow through with the offer!
3. Ask for free samples. I am not above asking for free samples. I find this helpful in many different environments. At the doctors office, I have saved on medication. At the cosmetic counter, I have saved on a new item that I am not entirely sure will look good on me in the less flattering glare of my bathroom mirror. I have asked for samples at the yogurt shop and at Panda Express. Ask and ye shall receive!
4. Eliminated expenses This is similar to rule #1. However, where I have decided not to spend on luxuries, I have also been able to eliminate expenses on other daily or-I will get flack for this!-necessary items, such as coffee. While the copyrighted Latte Factor can't transform my debt to fortunes overnight, I have discovered that I have saved over a hundred dollars in spending in the past two months due to the fact that I now make coffee at home or drink it from the office machine. I have also saved money by filling a bottle of water with my Britta filter instead of buying water at stores.
5. Libraries and Due Dates I have returned to the childhood habit of using my local library. I have been able to save money on books and DVD rentals. I used to think that the selection would be quite limited, but I have been incredibly surprised at how my quality of entertainment as increased even as the amount of money I have spent has plummeted.
These are five ways that I have saved money lately by simply changing habits in my lifestyle. I have been able to find "extra money" to throw at my credit card debt. It has been quite an eye-opening experience.
At ISeeMillions.net [http://iseemillions.net] you can find ways to eliminate debt and build wealth.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Monroe

Emergency Supply Kit: 5 Things Necessary to Survive Any Disaster

Residents of nearly every region of the United States will experience some natural disaster in their lifetime. In the West, earthquakes tend to be the major threat. The northern Midwest might suffer from severe winter weather. Residents of Texas, Oklahoma, and surrounding states might experience a tornado or two throughout the course of a year. Residents of the South and Southeast are very familiar with the destructive impact of a hurricane. And--in this day and age--all Americans might very well be victims of another terrorist attack. Yet, we ignore the calls by public health and safety officials to prepare ourselves for an emergency. However, the time to act is now.
"Great," you may be thinking. "So I know that I need an emergency kit. I just don't know what to put in one." Still other state, "Look, I know I need an earthquake kit. But I don't have the time to drive around to the various stores looking for the items. And even if I did, those items are too expensive. I don't know how I could ever afford them." All understandable excuses. But one thing is for sure: when the disaster hits, excuses won't keep you warm, hydrated, or fed. Here are some general guidelines and ideas for pulling together an emergency supply kit:
1. You will need water. And lots of it. Emergency experts state that you should estimate needing one gallon of potable water per person per day. Most emergency supply kits prepare you for being stranded for 72 hours. However, safety and survival experts suggest you have enough water to last you well beyond the normal three-day parameter. "You want about a gallon of water per person per day, enough food to last anywhere from 7 to 10 days," advises Brian Blake of the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium. It may take three days for emergency crews to not only formulate a response plan, but it could take far longer for damaged infrastructure to be replaced. Human beings may be able to survive with limited amounts of food, but the body simply must stay hydrated in order to live.
2. You will need other items. Water is, without a doubt, the most important item in your kit. However, you should think about stockpiling other items, as well. Canned or dehydrated food is important. As are other items, such as prescription medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, batteries, and battery or hand powered flashlights and radios. Do not forget to plan for the smallest members of your family, as well. Toddlers, babies, and pets will need special attention during the planning process.
3. Cash is King In the event of a catastrophic event, it is safe to assume that the power grid and physical infrastructure will be affected. You will not be able to rely on normal conveniences of your daily life. ATM and credit card readers will probably go offline. In short, you will need cash to cover yourself in the emergency. If your kit is well-stocked with other items, experts suggest about having $300 in cash on hand. Be sure that this amount is in smaller denominations as you may not be able to rely on many people being able to provide you with change for a one hundred-dollar bill.
4. At Least Three Day's Worth As mentioned above, you should think about supplying your kit with enough items to last you through the first three days following a natural disaster. Seventy-two hours is a safe assumption for city dwellers as large municipal disaster relief plans are already in place. While execution will still prove a challenge, cities have central areas for individuals to congregate and receive necessary aid. Individuals who live in rural areas or more expansive metropolitan areas may want to plan on a week's worth of supplies, as crews may not be able to reach you by the time you begin to run low. Additionally, if you live in areas that are susceptible to severe winter weather, many weather events sometimes last longer than three days.
5. Reevaluate and restock Your individual and family needs change throughout the years. Five years ago, you may not have had children. You may have been single. Reevaluate your needs on an annual basis. Additionally, many of the perishable items have a limited shelf life and will need to be replaced at or around five years.
Developing a plan and executing a plan will help you and your family survive any catastrophic event that may occur. Earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods disrupt regions of this country on an annual basis. Additionally, we never know when the next terrorist will strike. Wouldn't you rather be prepared?
Jay Monroe has made emergency preparedness his business. Living in a disaster-prone area, he knows first hand the experience and the horror of being caught unprepared. Head over to QuakeKit.info [http://quakekit.info] to find inexpensive emergency supply kits, as well as fantastic resources you can use to prepare you and your family for the next natural disaster.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Monroe

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Earthquake Proof Your Home: 3 Things to Consider

Image via CrunchBase

Much of the damage that occurs during an earthquake is the result of falling objects and debris. Steps can be taken to avoid unnecessary damage to your home and possible injuries. By using this guide as a checklist, you will discover how easy it is to earthquake proof your home.
1. Bolt It Down Take a walk around our house and keep a list of the larger objects that need to be bolted to the wall or the ground. This will likely prevent them from falling over during the next natural disaster. Items such as bookcases should be bolted to studs in the wall. Other large objects--such as hot water heaters--should be secured, as well. Additionally, bolting down the water heater might also help prevent future gas leaks.
2. Avoid Windows Large windows often shatter as a result of earthquakes. Take the precaution to move pieces of furniture out from underneath such windows. Beds should not be placed below windows. This precaution should be taken with other furniture items, like couches and chairs, as well. By doing so, you will likely avoid unnecessary injuries as a result of glass shards.
3. Latch Cabinets and Store Items Smartly Following sizable tremors, contents are often thrown out of cabinets. Fine china may be thrown to the floor and destroyed. Cereal, spices, and dishes might be tossed from kitchen counters and will land on the floor. The kitchen will look like a disaster area. To avoid a messy clean-up, consider using child safety latches as a way to secure cabinets. Additionally, think about which items you place in which cabinets. Heavy items should be placed in cabinets that are low to the ground, thus minimizing the possibility of injury should they fall.
By taking the necessary precautions in advance, you will likely limit the amount of damage to your home. Additionally, by securing your home and objects inside, you will also safeguard you and your loved ones again harmful injuries.
Jay Monroe has made emergency preparedness his business. Living in a disaster-prone area, he knows first hand the experience and the horror of being caught unprepared. Head over to QuakeKit.info [http://www.quakekit.info] to find inexpensive emergency supply kits, as well as fantastic resources you can use to prepare you and your family for the next natural disaster.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Monroe

How to Make Money Online: 5 Mistakes to Avoid

Making money online is not rocket science. Thousands--maybe millions--of individuals are making a living from their online endeavors every single day. However, finding a way to support yourself financially through internet marketing is also not a "get rich quick" scheme. It does take some understanding of the rules of the game and you do need to develop some awareness of the landscape. There are five common mistakes that beginning and intermediate marketers make when trying to build an online empire.
1. Your Niche is Overly Saturated
Finding and filling a niche as a marketer is the first step one must take to make money online. However, all too often, people want to fill niches that are already overly saturated. Cameras, electronics, weight loss systems, and strategies to stop smoking cigarettes are all areas that immediately draw people to the net. They think they will make millions with these niches. Yet these are among the most populated in the online game. Although, just because the niche is full still doesn't mean that you can't make money. You might want to figure out a new angle on an old niche or you simply might want to look elsewhere.
2. Your Keywords are too Common
Too broad a niche and keywords that are too common will kill your energy. This is learned by most of us in the first few months--and sometimes years--of trying to make a living online. However, there are just as many keywords as your mind can imagine. Increasingly, people are paying more attention to the "long tail" of search terms. The "long tail" describes very specific searches that people make. For example, while a common search term might be "how can I lose weight fast," a query that is considered long tail might be "starting a diet program on Tuesdays." (I am merely bringing this up as an example). So step away from common search terms.
3. Lack of Knowledge
When I first started this game, I didn't have the slightest idea about significant aspects of this world. I had no clue what SEO stood for. Even when I discovered that it was an abbreviation for search engine optimization, I was still confused as to how to translate that knowledge to real results. Additionally, I refused to follow the advice of those who came before me and I neglected to develop a list. I didn't pay attention to CTRs, backlinks, or the power of social networking. Lack of knowledge killed me. Don't let it kill you.
4. Lack of Focus
Focus is the key. If you want to succeed at this business, then you need to develop a plan and stick with it. All too often I see people who have a little bit of energy and a little bit of knowledge and want to apply it to everything and anything that comes into their minds. In the end, they have registered fifty different domain names, advertising fifty different affiliate products, but have not spent any time on figuring out how they are going to grow their list or develop significant traffic. Focus is the key. Figure out one thing. Work on it and succeed. Once you have reached a pre-developed goal, replicate your strategy. Roll out your business slowly.
5. Lack of Follow-through
Burnout is incredibly high in this world. Don't let it happen to you. So many aspects of this life can be automated that burnout should not be a significant factor in leading you to decide to throw in the towel. Develop a plan and stick to it. Decide to give yourself three to six months to see the results of your endeavors pay off. Making money online is something that absolutely anyone can do.
Are you interested in figuring out how to increase your income by implementing a sure-fire strategy for success? Are you interested in avoiding these five mistakes and learning how to successfully follow a plan of action to increase your income?
Then head to ISeeMillions.net [http://iseemillions.net] where Jay Monroe discusses a strategy that allows him to make great money online.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Monroe

Affiliate Marketing: How You Can Make Money, Too

I imagine you have been toiling on the internet for years trying to figure out how you can make money with affiliate marketing. The sad reality is that many people who attempt to make money online simply do not ever see a dime. But the fact of the matter is that the internet is a vast landscape of commerce with seemingly endless opportunities for earning money. Here are some pointers that will assist you in making money online.
FIND A PRODUCT TO PROMOTE
This has been discussed extensively, but this is one of the most crucial steps in achieving financial success. You need to find a product--or a series of products--that people want to buy. Get creative and brainstorm attractive niches. However, do not limit yourself. You would be surprised what people are searching for--and buying--online.
SIGN UP FOR AN AFFILIATE PROGRAM
Again, there are countless affiliate programs out there. From Amazon to ClickBank to Commission Junction to everything in between. You need to figure out which affiliate programs work best for you. Are you going to sell an informational product or are you interested in developing a niche around physical products that can be shipped to a buyer? Regardless of your choice, chances are there will be an affiliate program that will suit your needs.
PROMOTE THE HECK OUT OF THE PRODUCT
I wish this were Field of Dreams. I wish that Shoeless Joe Jackson's mantra was true with online marketing. "If you build it...they will come" is not a rule that works for affiliate sales. Metaphorically speaking, you need to go out and find buyers who are interested in your product and pull them to your website. In short, you need to promote, promote, promote. However, in this age of Facebook, Twitter, and the millions of other social networks, promoting a product or a website has never been easier. But promotion does take work. And money, if you are willing to pay.
IT TAKES TIME
Have some reasonable expectations in terms of the time it takes to build an online business. There are "gurus" out there who are able to sell six figures worth of product in 24 hours because they have spent years developing an audience that trusts them. For those of us starting out, it may take us a month or so to even see our first thousand in profit. However, money can be made!
LATHER. RINSE. REPEAT.
I say "lather, rinse, repeat," because this is what we do every single day when we wash our hair. It is a proven system that works. The same can be said for promoting affiliate products online. Simply figure out a system that works and replicate the success again and again.
Opportunities in affiliate marketing are limitless. There are just as many paths to success with marketing online and making money with the internet as there are ideas in your brain.
Are you interested in finding out a system that will walk you step-by-step through a proven business strategy?
At I See Millions.net [http://iseemillions.net], Jay Monroe introduces you to a tried and true business strategy for financial success.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Monroe

Affiliate Marketing - How to Make Money Without an Initial Investment

There are a million different ways to make money online. There are also just as many unscrupulous people who want to separate you from your money. Making money on the internet does not require always require upfront money. You can begin to build your online empire without pulling any money from your bank account. You just have to be aware of which programs work for your benefit.
START WITH WORDPRESS
There are many choices when you want to set up your website. If you go the cheap route, then you should at least decide on a site that you will be able to transfer later. Every single search engine optimization pro will suggest that you skip the free blogging platform in order to build your online following from day one. If you decide to disregard their advice and try to re-invent the wheel, then you should head to WordPress.com. They will host your site for free. However, if you are serious about making money with your website, you might want to think about spending a few dollars to buy a domain name and set up a site using WordPress on your hosting service.
SIGN UP FOR AMAZON ASSOCIATES
The first affiliate program that you should sign up for is a free affiliate program by Amazon. They offer incredible products that people will buy. In addition, they will provide you with the necessary analytics to see if your endeavors are working. Once you begin to master affiliate marketing through Amazon, you will find there are many other affiliate programs available. Don't be shy with signing up for products. If you feel you can promote it effectively, then do it!
ARTICLE MARKETING
People will suggest you promote your site through buying advertising space on Google and Yahoo searches. However, if you chose effective keywords, you can promote your site simply by writing effective articles. Once you have written these informative and helpful articles, you can then post them to articles sites online. Article marketing is an effective--and inexpensive--way to promote your website.
CONCLUSION
The beauty about the internet is that you can make money without spending money. You do not need an initial investment of any amount of money in order for you to make money online. There are ways that you can build a money making empire without spending thousands of dollars. Find a product, build a site, and promote it.
You can build a money making site without spending money. If you don't want to spend years mastering the basics and if you don't want to re-invent the wheel, head to ThatsAwesome.org
Jay Monroe is passionate about people making money online by creating smart passive income streams. He believes that it is something everyone can participate in, regardless of education level. Follow his free step-by-step approach to financial success.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Monroe

How to Make Money Using WordPress and Affiliate Marketing

As you have developed a greater sense of internet marketing, you have quickly discovered that there are thousands of ways to make money online. You have seen the payday projects proclaiming that you can become wealthy by filling out surveys or by setting up a blog and hoping that readers click on your ads. In the end, these endeavors usually provide you with dismal returns. You see pennies for your hours of participation. Many who have seen real money from the internet argue that the combination of WordPress and affiliate marketing leads to money in the bank.
What is WordPress?
WordPress has long been known as an incredibly accessible and easy to understand blogging platform. But those who know increasingly consider WordPress to be one of the leading content management systems (CMS) available on the internet today. WordPress is an open source system which allows you to increase the functionality of your website merely by adding or subtracting plugins and widgets. If you are unfamiliar with WordPress, spend some time poking around the internet to develop a working knowledge of it.
While WordPress has long been the darling of internet marketers to increase their presence on the web, affiliate marketing has been an almost guaranteed way that marketers make their money. While they may branch out and develop useful scripts, incredible software, helpful ebooks, or other digital products, the way manner internet marketers got their start was through selling affiliate products.
Unlike other blogging platforms, WordPress gives you total control. Blogspot, Typepad, and other platforms severely limit the freedom that you can exercise over your own content. WordPress has long since allowed you to host their platform on your domain (just make sure your web host supports it). By owning and hosting your own domain, you have total control over what affiliate products you decide to market and sell. Imperial forces like Google and Microsoft do not dictate your decisions.
What is affiliate marketing?
When you are an affiliate, you sign decide to sell someone else's product and receive a commission on each sale. One of the most successful affiliate programs around is run through Amazon. You pitch Amazon products on your website and, for each sale that you facilitate, Amazon will give you 4% of the total cost of the product. The more you discover about affiliate marketing, the quicker you will discover that a 4% commission is peanuts in comparison to the commissions that other affiliate networks offer.
There is almost no limit the types of products that you can sign up and become an affiliate for. You can sell programs to assist people with their panic attacks. You can sell products to help people stop smoking. You can peddle natural supplements. You can decide to set up an electronics review site and sell cameras or televisions. You can even become and affiliate for affiliate programs. The possibilities are endless!
If you haven't put two and two together, let me spell it out for you with this equation: WordPress + Affiliate Marketing = Real Money.
In fact, this may be the "not-so-secret secret" that takes some individuals years to learn. By using these two incredible and proven forces, you will soon see money in your pocket in no time. It will take some amount of studying and it will take some amount of work. But if you continue to learn, you will reap the benefits of your labor before you know it.
Are you interested in learning how to learn a strategy that will lead to online financial success?
Jay Monroe is passionate about people making money online by creating smart passive income streams. He believes that it is something everyone can participate in, regardless of education level. Follow his free step-by-step approach to financial success.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Monroe

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Reasons Why Affiliate Marketing Is The Way to Make Money in 2011

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 26: Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Douglas Shulman addresses the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' 35th Annual National Tax Conference October 26, 2010 in Washington, DC. Shulman addressed a new IRS program requiring that anyone making money from completing tax returns must register with the IRS, pay a fee and pass competency tests and eventually attend continuing education programs. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

The resolutions are common, but more emphatic with each passing year. The goals are solid, but more attainable the older you get. "This is the year that I will learn how to make more money online," you promise yourself. "This is the year that affiliate marketing takes off for me," you state. You follow The Secret. You write down your goals. You decide that the Universe needs to finally listen to your needs.
And this is the year that you are probably going to be right. There are a million reasons why affiliate marketing will make your money in 2011. Let's start with some of the basics.
YOUR DRIVE. If you aren't driven, then you won't make money. Your affiliate pages can't simply sit online without any promotion. You need to figure out not only what products you want to promote, but you need to figure out how to promote the products. You need people driving by your storefront in order to decide that they want to make a purchase. Driving traffic to your website is not a simple "set it and forget it" mantra. You need to have some ambition. You need to make a daily or weekly commitment to get people to look at what you are offering.
YOUR VISION. Drive is one thing. Vision is another. You can't get into a car without knowing where you are going. Drive and vision often go hand and hand. Spend time this year figuring out where you want to go. Many who start out trying to make money online fail. They have the work ethic. They have the drive they just don't know what to do with it. You need to figure out what your plan is and where it will take you. As Dave Ramsey says, the difference between a dream and a goal is a plan.
YOUR SMARTS This is where most affiliate marketers fail. They think that the man or woman next to them is infinitely smarter. It took me years to figure out that they have no more or less intelligence than I have. The difference? They were smart enough to just do it! They were smart enough to try and fail and learn from their mistakes.
Harnessing the power of your drive, your vision, and your smarts will help you not only make 2011 one of your most successful years, but will help you understand how simple it is to make money from affiliate marketing.
DO YOU WANT TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE MONEY ONLINE?
Jay Monroe is highlighting his money-making exploits on Thats Awesome.org, a website that is detailing his experience with one money-making program.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Monroe

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Hard Money Made Easy: Make Money Online

Cover of Dave RamseyIn this economic environment, all any of us wants to do is make more money in order to build a more secure financial future. With the presence of AdSense, affiliate marketing, and pay-per-action programs, there are countless ways that you can use the internet to make money online. However, the ugly truth remains: there are far too many websites out there, promising far too many dreams, and falling far too short of their "guarantees." There are many "blueprints" to making money online. Below, I offer a few guidelines I have used to increase the size of my bank account.
DEVELOP A STRATEGY
Developing a plan of action might be the most important step you can take when you set out to make money online. During the process of earning extra cash, you will stumble across program after program, each promising you a "get rich quick" scheme. Starting out, it is crucial that you research a program, develop a plan, and stick to it. Don't jump from program to program. Don't wander from product to product. Decide upon a plan of action and stick to it.
LIMIT THE MONEY YOU SPEND
In the beginning, each of us was guilty of spending too much money on flimsy internet marketing products. Most promised that we, too, could also become rich jerks. In reality, all we did was feel like jerks after we realized that we helped to make other people rich. Making money online will require some sort of initial investment. But, hopefully, you will realize that you don't need to spend the special price of $97 for random "secrets" that promise to make you wealthy beyond your wildest dreams. In fact, the two most effective programs to help me make money online cost me less than $20. One program, Google's AdSense is free to join and has helped me bring in thousands of dollars over the years. The start-up costs for the other program cost me less than $14 to join.
INCREASE YOUR EFFICIENCY
We have all heard the saying "Worker smart, not hard." This is a saying I disagree with for my full-time job (for that, I love working smart and hard). However, in terms of part-time work, I can't agree with the statement more. You don not want to spend all day working hard at the office, only to come home and spend all night working hard in your living room. You need to figure out a way to increase your efficiency that will bring in the most amount of money for the least amount of time.
ACT AND ACT NOW!
When it comes down to the bare bones, there really is only one way to make extra money and that is by taking action. If you want to take the Dave Ramsey approach and make extra money by delivering pizzas, you still need to take action and call the nearby pizza parlor. If you want to take the Jay Monroe approach, then you need to decide which internet marketing tool is going to work for you and apply the heck out of it.
After all, thousands of men and women are making some good money online. Wouldn't you like to join their team?
Follow Jay Monroe as he helps you build wealth. It's all about the affiliate products that you choose. Follow his step-by-step approach to financial success to start making real money online.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Monroe

Make Money Online by Creating Passive Streams of Income

FOXBORO, MA - JUNE 4: Andres Iniesta #6 of Spain keeps the ball from Jonathan Spector #2 of the United States and Steve Cherundolo #6 of the United States at Gillette Stadium on June 4, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Spain beat the United States 4-0. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Creating financial sustainability in this economic environment can be quite a difficult task. Reports are coming out month after month about the negative outlook for the United States economy. Global economic forecasts do not fare much better. Millions of Americans are finding themselves facing the scary possibility of unemployment. For those currently employed, job security remains faulty, at best.
At times like these, it is absolutely imperative that you begin to think as creatively as possible for ways to introduce additional income streams to help bolster your financial bottom line. However, if you are facing eight, nine, or ten hour days at a job, you might find that you do not have a ton of energy to throw behind another gig moonlighting. On top of this, part-time jobs to earn extra money are becoming almost as elusive as Bigfoot.
That's why it is imperative to take a few risks and decide how you can create passive income streams.
If you are unfamiliar with what passive income (PI) is, let me take a minute to explain. Most people think that it is easy money. Others think that it is a way to get rich quick. However, this form of thinking is high inaccurate and will lead you to fail at your business in no time. This form of income is something that takes active, hard, and focused work at the beginning, but will keep earning money for months and years to come. Actors, singers, and writers potentially earn passive income. They are paid for their work upfront, but will also earn royalties on their work as long as their works are being purchased. Although potentially a ton of hard and active work, many individuals think of owning and managing rental properties as other forms of PI.
But if you are not an actor or if you don't have the upfront capital to buy an apartment building, you can still find hundreds of opportunities to create passive income streams online. Here are a few ideas that can assist you in earning extra cash online:
Create a blog and sell advertising and affiliate products Write and sell an ebook online   Create products, such as Wordpress  templates Creation or promotion of membership sites Creation and promotion of subscription sites
This is only a partial list. One of the greatest aspects about these forms of income is that you can treat them as a home based business. Making money online can be done during the evening hours or according to your hectic schedule. You create the plan, create the content, create the products, and promote the heck out of it.
The great thing about less active money making opportunities is that you place them on the web, promote the heck out of them, and let them make money for you for years to come!
Jay Monroe is highlighting his money-making exploits on Thats Awesome.org, a website that is detailing his experience with one money-making program.
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