1 Ongoing Scam? Earning Money by Stuffing Envelopes

No matter how many years I write, no matter how long I do business, I constantly am asked the same question about earning money stuffing envelopes at home. While this is a wonderful thought, the idea of earning lots of money for the sole purpose of stuffing envelopes seems unrealistic. I've seen plenty of ads in tabloids, magazines, newspapers promoting this business venture etc. I have responded to a couple of these ads that require you to send in a dollar to start your job opportunity. In return you get some instructions.... but to get off into the specifics of what I have discovered are detailed basically the same in this article http://www.projectpayday.com/articles/stuffing-envelopes.cgi. So, the next time you decide to follow this work at home opportunity, think again.

5 Rules for Effective Business Marketing

To effectively promote your business, you must remember to give it the necessary attention required daily to ensure it succeeds. Here, you will find five rules to keep your business on track:

You must continue to experiment. Successful businesses were not built overnight. They became successful through trial and error, so if an action isn't proving to be beneficial to your business, make a small change to see if you can improve things. Never stray from the path of making your business the best it can be.

Know the right Customer for your business-to be successful in your business, you must know who your target audience is. Are you marketing to the correct individuals? Often businesses do not keep their clientele lists current, survey potential prospects enough...and instead end up wasting time by targeting the wrong potential clientele. Review often to ensure you are taking the proper actions to reach the intended targets.

Daily marketing is a must-this doesn't have to be a lengthy process, but it does need to be a consistent one. Starting today, allow at least twenty minutes to work towards promoting your business. Often people start a business and fail to continue to promote it, then when their revenue is short or their customers are lacking they wonder why? or end their business out of frustration. When is the last time you marketed your business? If you cannot answer today, then it has been too long.

Why are you special? Of course you are special to your parents, but what makes your business special? Whatever type of business communication you send to customers, never miss an opportunity to repeat the message about your special offerings. Remember to repeat generates heat. Turn up the flame on what your business offers today.


First impressions last a life time. No matter what you do or how many opportunities you get to do it, people will always remember the way you were the first time they encountered you, so make that a positive experience. If you run a business keep your clothing appropriate, and never allow an opportunity to promote yourself to pass by. You can easily do this by being prepared. This doesn't mean shouting to the crowds "look at me." But, when there is an opportunity to distribute a business card, or make your services known if the situation presents itself, do that. I have noticed in my local area restaurants are holding drawings to see who can win a free meal. This is done by placing your business card in a container placed on the front counter. Cards are drawn on particular dates, and the winning names are posted. Why not have your business card handy and toss it in the container. You never know who might need your services, or see your card and pass it along to a friend, family member, or business acquaintance. Seize all opportunities, and make things happen.

$17.21! You Decide Is There A Gold Rush Now

A few weeks ago I was presented with the question is the business Gold Rush Now legite? Can you really send in gold jewelry (broken or condition of gold doesn't matter,) or other items and actually receive money for them? Well, after hearing this question numerous times, and seeing Steve Wilkos (of Jerry Springer fame) brag about it on late night television, I decided to take the plunge and see for myself. What I report here is my personal actions, experience, and outcome. I in no way ask you to substitute your judgment for my own-this is what I can honestly report happened to me. After reading the fine print on the website www.goldrushnow.com I followed a few simple steps to get things moving along:

Rather than have the Gold Rush Bundle sent to me to package my items, I decided to select the option of printing out the pre-paid Fed Ex. shipping label so I could get things moving quickly. It took just minutes to do that. I rounded up some gold items that were just laying around the house, some were just collecting dust, others were earrings I couldn't find the mate too etc. Nothing really expensive as far as I could remember or sentimental. I just wanted to see what was going to happen.

I found some bubble wrap, a small box, taped the label on as isntructed, dropped the box off in a nearby Fed Ex drop off box and waited. Within days an email arrived indicating my items had been received and a check was on the way. I was stunned, but decided to wait until a check actually arrived and was in hand before making any final decisions. A few days later it did! The amount, $17.21! I wasn't expecting a fortune, and again remember I sent gold items that had only one earring etc. So, anything I received was considered a bonus.

I would like to also note-there is a form to complete where you can include the value you estimate your items to be, and include it in your packaging. SO, I would suggest checking more closely if you choose to send things more valuable and are concerned about this.

When I took the check to the bank, I was still skeptical as to if I could actually cash the check. I have checked out numerous business opportunities through the years, and nothing surprises me much anymore. With the recession in full swing, there are more scams than ever occuring.

The check was cashed and voila! I had $17.21 in hand. Not a fortune, but more than I had before. Besides, if you have extra jewelry just collecting dust around the house, gather it up, send it off and collect a few extra dollars. I found it much easier to do this rather than answering some of the surveys other businesses allow you to do to generate money. See my previous Cash Crate blog report if you are unsure of what I am referring to.

Is this for you? You decide, but I have found that Gold Rush Now is a legite way to put a little extra in your pocket.

If you have had an experience with this company, and want to share it with our readers. Leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you.

3 Ways to Move Your Business Forward When Everything Else Falls in Your Path

With the economy in its tragic state, it is more important than ever to ensure we are constantly on the move, in the right direction to keep our businesses progressing. No matter what the size, to succeed you must get your business noticed by customers. You have the ability to control this task, but often this is forgotten due to the continual goal of earning money and life's daily requirements. Sure money is important, but it is just as important to ensure you choose a homebased business you will enjoy. When you do, your authentic being will shine through. Here are a few tips you can employ daily to keep your business on the right track.

Spend the time to continually improve your business: No matter how satisfied you are with your business, there is always room for improvement. Each customer has a different need that desires to be met. Businesses that never offer change, or variation in their products become stagnate over time. Always look for ways to give your business that extra boost. Set it apart from the others. Ex. if you run a desktop publishing business, think of new methods that will help your clients run their businesses more efficiently. Rave about these methods. If you believe it, and show it-your client will see it. Show them why you're their "go to person." Run a landscaping business? offer a discount, free consultation on flowers that can be easily planted while requiring limited maintenance. Think of a gimmick that will stop them in their tracks. Don't let them go through their day without thinking of your business.Be creative, wacky, and keep it fun.

Have something you hate to do, assume some customers or potential future customers may have the same dislike. Offer that service that people need, but hate to do or just may not have time to do.

A couple of years ago I read an interesting article on an individual that had started a very profitable homebased business in Portland, Oregon by offering to do something he hated doing himself. Scooping dog poo from the yard. He developed a business plan, offered weekly rates to scoop the droppings from neighborhood yards, bought a few inexpensive pieces of equipment and he was on his way. Amazingly! People jumped at the opportunity to have this daunting task eliminated from their agenda. Brainstorm, and see what ideas you can come up with. You might be surprised what your next business venture turns out to be.

Make your mantra FEAR WILL NOT STOP ME! Say it to yourself daily. It is amazing the number of individuals that fail to pursue lifelong dreams because of fear. We all have it, but the way it affects your life, is where you choose to place it in your life. So,starting today take a chance on doing something you have always dreamt of doing. Make a plan, decide to give it your best shot, and go for it. If it doesn't work out the way you envisioned, chances are you will be no worse off tomorrow. But, if you fail to even attempt to progress forward-you will be left with wondering what could have been. What is your business dream? Figure out how to make it happen.

Know what you need: Often we have a tendency to think I want this, or I need that. Perhaps you think I would be happy with my business if I could make this amount of money per month. Figure out your business needs and make a list. Now look at your wants. Often when we make lists, upon reviewing them we find that our desires aren't realistic. Perhaps it is unrealistic to think you are going to make $5000.00 monthly in this economy. But, is there anything wrong with making that a future goal? No, but like anything else you must nurture your business and give it attention and time. You cannot get what you want, if you cannot clearly define what you need. Take the time to figure it out. Once you have, remind yourself often of what those needs are and make sure you perform one activity daily that will take you in the right direction of reaching your long term goals.

I Want My Money in My Pocket Starting this Year

We are all looking for a few simple ways to save money in 2010. As we all know tax time has rapidly arrived again. I know! I know! It isn't something we necessarily look forward to doing, but it is best to approach the task, handle it, and deal with the outcome. If you are using H/R Block this year to assist with your tax preparations, go to http://www.hrblock.com/taxes/office/pi_form.html?retailCoupon=53696 to save $20.00 while getting your taxes processed.

Have you had time to check out Family Christian Stores? Take a glance at their offerings, and perhaps you may find some great reading material. Now thru February 21you can find a coupon at http://www.familychristian.com/email/10/20100126_V1.asp to save you 20% on your next purchase.

Cut your grocery bill in half during 2010 by going to www.smartsource.com-find coupons you can use to purchase your basic need items.

In 2010 Make Everyday Valentine's Day

Now that 2010 is here, it is time to make positive changes. I have always enjoyed Valentine's Day but find the commercialism amazing. Often so much is focused on what is spent to make the day special, that one forgets the meaning should not just be limited to a single day, but everyday! This year as we develop new strategies to reach our goals, let's ensure we let each other know how much love we feel for one another. Happy Valentine's Day!

5 Simple Ways to Become an Expert in Your Field

Did you know that you can become an expert in your field by mastering a few simple rules? Most people think that it takes years and years to master these rules and that they are very difficult and time consuming. If you will just devote some time and energy into something you are already passionate about, your level of expertise skyrockets faster than you ever could have imagined. Here are 5 simple ways to become an expert in your field:

Study what others in your field have done: See exactly what they did to become successful and model them. Read their autobiography or if they have videos of themselves, study those. If they have written books, articles etc., read what they’ve written about. If they suggest a book, read that book. If they talk about their mentor or mentoring in general, study that. If you study several people, look for similarities. See if you can contact an “expert” and learn from them or research if they have mentoring programs.

Study the subject / field you want to become an expert in: Do this in great detail and take your time to learn it thoroughly. You want to know what you’re talking about and you want to sound confident when speaking to others, especially if you want to be a consultant or coach. Find different methods and techniques that others may not have found or used, then expose those methods.

Do something to make yourself stand apart from others in your field: Let’s say the “experts” in your field only use a certain method for bringing in people to a program. Just like what is stated above. Can you use a different method and be just as successful? Could you tweak their method or use multiple methods at the same time? Find something you are comfortable doing that sets you apart from everyone else and do it.

Write or speak about your knowledge and expertise: You’ll earn more respect and trust from people by doing this than just trying to sell them something. When you offer advice or help solve people’s problems and do it with confidence, people will look at you as someone with authority and know how. Practice this method if needed, until you feel comfortable with it then it will come naturally.

Brand yourself as the expert: Be the goto guy or gal on your team or organization. When you know your “stuff” people will come to you. You no longer have to go out and try to bring people in. People will come to you and usually bring others. Let them know you can help them and that you are available to help whenever they need it.

You have to learn some simple and inexpensive ways on becoming an expert in your field. If you look closely at these methods you will find that most of what it takes to become an expert is only your time and your willingness to learn. By simply investing a mere 30 to 60 minutes a day, you can master these skills quickly and they will last you a lifetime.



Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1379425_80.html

Author: Carmen Stevenson

About the Author: Carmen Stevenson is an author and a founding member of a brand new company, that is dedicated to helping others succeed. Carmen and her team of experts can help you step by step build financial freedom. Go to:
http://www.livedebtfreeforever.com