8 Ways To Advertise Your New Direct Sales Business Online

8 Ways To Advertise Your New Direct Sales Business Online
By: Shelly Hill

When it comes to starting a new Direct Sales home business, there are many things you can do immediately to start promoting your business online.

Here are a few ideas that you can start today that don't cost a lot of money.

1. Set up signature tags in your email program. Make sure every outgoing piece of email has your new web site link attached to the bottom of it.

2. If you belong to any online forum boards or networking groups, update your forum profiles to include your new business link and update your forum signature tags.

3. Find a few online web sites that have similar content to yours. Contact those site owners about doing a link exchange. It is very important to only exchange links with similar web sites.

4. Start a free business blog. There are many sites online that offer free blogs, Blogger and Wordpress are two of the most popular blogging platforms online. It important for your blog to provide valuable information that you think your customers or blog visitors will want to read.

5. If you are not already networking on the popular networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, LinkedIn or Ning, I suggest you pick one or two of those sites and set up a profile page. You will want to include your personal and business information on your profile and then get busy posting and making some new business contacts.

6. Get your business listed in a few online business directories. You can go to any online search engine and do a keyword search to find directories that appeal to you and your needs. Some of these directories will charge a small fee to get listed and some will require a link exchange.

7. If you enjoy writing, you can try your hand at article marketing. You don't need to be a professional writer, you just need good spelling and grammar skills. For article marketing to work, you need to write quality articles within your business niche. Once you have completed a few articles, submit them to a few article directories.

8. Contest sponsoring is another great way to get your business name and products out onto the world wide web. To find them, go to your favorite search engine and do a keyword search for contests, sweepstakes and blog contests. You don't need to donate a big expensive prize, a lot of the web sites looking for sponsors, usually except a prize donation of less than $25.00 retail cost.

When it comes to advertising your new Direct Sales home business online, it is important to educate yourself on what works and doesn't work. You can find numerous online web sites with Direct Sales articles and business tips to help guide you on a successful advertising path.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Shelly Hill has been working from home in Direct Sales since 1989 and is a Manager with Tupperware. Shelly Co-Owns a work at home business resource site with her business partner Sophia at www.workathomebusinessoptions.com for additional articles and home business tips. You can also contact Shelly at my.tupperware.com/Ravish30
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Are You Ready To Start A Business?

Are You Ready To Start A Business?
By: Leah Grant

Are you ready to start your own business? A lot of people feel they are, but they haven't considered what running their own business will really entail. They are interested in setting their own work hours, not having a boss and having unlimited income potential. These items are the rose-colored glasses of owning your own business.

I'm going to share with you the five reality check questions I ask my fledgling entrepreneur clients.

Moolah

The first question is about money. Yes, it is kind of true that you need to have money to make money, but you don't need millions. Do you have six months or more of living expenses in a liquid account? Or do you not need your wages to contribute to the household income?

If you answered, "Yes", congratulations. If you answered no, how long would it take for you to accumulate that reserve?

One thing to consider is your current lifestyle. Are there expenses you could eliminate or scale back on which would allow you to save additional money, plus, if you've eliminated the expense, it means you'll need less to live on in the future.

Tick Tock

The second question is about time. Do you have a minimum of 30 uninterrupted hours per week to devote to your business? By uninterrupted, I mean time that you aren't watching a child, doing laundry, running errands or telecommuting to a job.

A lot of people quickly answer yes to this question without really thinking about it, so I recommend that you take a calendar and map out an average week. Be sure to put in everyday things you might take for granted, such as picking up the kids from school, doing household chores and exercising.

These items take up physical space instead of mental space because they're repetitious and so they give you the perception that you have more time than you actually do. Now, how many hours of uninterrupted time do you have?

When does that time fall? If it's between 9 pm and 1 am, you could start an Internet business, but if you're offering a service to people or companies, they will want to do business during standard business hours.

If you find that you have less 30 hours per week, it might not be the right time for you to start a business. A new venture takes a lot of upfront time and energy and it will take longer to build a solid client base if you don't have the time to devote to it.

On the flipside of that, if you're transitioning out of a full time job or know that you will soon have more than 30 hours, set yourself up for success by expecting your business to get started and grow at much slower than the average pace.

La La Land

The third question often surprises people. Does your personal life run relatively smoothly? You are the center of your business. If you are also the center of emotional mayhem in your personal life, it's going to show in your ability to start and run your business. If you're in the middle of a nasty divorce, adopting your first child, moving to another country or have some other intensely emotional taxing event happening in your life, adding the stress of starting a new business could send you straight to the funny farm, and if not there, to business failure.

Get your personal affairs in order then open your business. I coach many of my clients for six months to a year on getting their personal and financial life cleaned up before they get down to opening their business.

One-Ring Circus

The fourth question is: Do you work well by yourself? Not everyone is cut out for working from home alone. If you currently work in an office, ask your boss if you can work from home for a week. See if you like working without outside stimulation or the environment of an office. A day isn't enough. You need to be home for a solid week to see how it feels to be isolated and solely responsible for each minute of your day.

If you find this isn't for you, you can still open a business with a partner or even several or you can rent office space in an executive suite.

A lot of people love working by themselves from home but they determine that they aren't as productive when others aren't around or someone else is setting the deadline. Your level of self-management will impact this element.

Juggling

The final question is do you manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously without getting overwhelmed? If you answered yes, that's great, because that's exactly what you're going to need to do daily. You are the provider of the service, the customer service department, the accounting department, the hr department, the marketing department, the administrative department, the technologist-EVERYTHING (unless you have a good amount of startup capital and can hire help right away).

If you answered no to this question, you might be a tradesman or woman who desires autonomy in your work, but who really isn't an entrepreneur. The distinction is that a tradesman or woman wants to do their specialty, such as massage, process improvement, executive coaching, but they don't want to punch a clock or be responsible for all the ancillary duties of owing a business.

If you fall into this category, I recommend one of two things. Buy Michael Gerber's book "The E-Myth Revisited" and see if you want to stretch into the areas necessary to run a successful business or find a company or business that has put the structure in place and pays you as an independent contractor. This arrangement allows you to control when and how much you work without managing the day-to-day.

If you answered yes to all of the questions, then you are ready to go!

(c) 2009 Leah Grant Enterprises LLC.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR ON YOUR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you include this entire blurb with it: New Business Mentor Leah Grant publishes Startup Success, a weekly enewsletter. If you're thinking about starting a new business or are in the early phases of entrepreneurship, get your FR.EE New Business Startup Kit including the Secrets of Successful Business Owners audio at www.leahgrant.com
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How to Stay Clear-Sighted, Even in today’s Economic Turmoil

How to Stay Clear-Sighted, Even in today’s Economic Turmoil
By: Lisa Alexander-Wolfe

Simple Answer: Goal Setting

If your company doesn’t have a set of strategic goals, the only motivation you have is survival. Working out of desperation will kill your business, nine times out of ten.

It’s important to develop a systematic set of controlled goals, even each week. Weather those are new targets, revisions or just a healthy check-up on them.

Those goals must be divided amongst your key players and each person must have a solid grip in understanding their part in moving forward.

Even employees or independent contractors who aren’t the main decision makers in your company should have definitive goal sets, as they are in the process of running your business too! The more information your employees or independent contractors have, the more their efforts are truly going to help the organization, hence the more committed they become to you.

Goal setting shouldn’t be a difficult project, but one much needed, especially today. As a CEO, working sporadically on everything, not dealing with issues of redistribution of what needs to be delegated out, will surely put you in a very bumpy and confusing spot.

Start with the KISS theory (Keep it Simple Stupid)! You know what needs to be done, so get it out to those who can achieve those goals swiftly and accurately, while you focus on other important issues.

Goal setting is the first step – but follow through is the key that will help you become a more organized company and a successful one at that.

To Staying Focused and Productive!

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Co-Founder of TaskTroop.com, Lisa Alexander-Wolfe, an Internet visionary with many talents of over 10 years experience in Internet Marketing, PR, Operations Management, Customer Service, and Telecommunications, makes big impacts on businesses with her hard-working, energetic, results-oriented work ethics and expects nothing short from her entire team. TaskTroop is a full service, outsourced (North America) Business Development Company and the leader in low price, superior quality for live chat services, sales support, lead generation, appointment setting, telephone customer service and telemarketing. Visit tasktroop.com for more information.
This article may be reprinted for free so long as the author's resource box is kept intact and all links remain live and clickable. The Article Source must also be included. All rights are reserved by the author.

Work At Home Forums Putting Forth A Professional Business Impression

Work At Home Forums - Putting Forth A Professional Business Impression
By: Shelly Hill

When it comes to online business networking and spending your time on social networking sites like work at home mom forums, what type of business impression are you sending out to the members of that community?

Way to often I see new members signing up for every work at home community that they can find online. They join and if we are lucky, they will post a two sentence introduction to the group. However, 8 out of 10 times...they just immediately head to the advertising folder and spam a business advertisement.

For those that practice this type of behavior on forums, you are really leaving a bad taste in the mouth of professional network marketers. Those of us who have been on these type of social networking groups for years...will absolutely tell you that we won't do any type of business with what we call "hit and run spammers."

As a forum owner myself, I personally will not tolerate bad professionalism on my own message boards and I can state for a fact, that members and forum owners do indeed talk with one another about the slew of online spammers that we see running around from message board to message board and slyly spamming their business ads.

If you are looking to network your business online, you really need to become a valuable member of the work at home communities. You need to participate in general chit chat and business discussions and keep the advertisements to a minimum. You should never post your personal "dirty laundry" on any work at home business forum. I also recommend that you don't bad mouth your Direct Sales company, your manager or your teammates as this would be considered to be unprofessional.

When it comes to networking online, it is important to set forth a professional business impression to those who read your postings. If you want others to do business with you and to take you seriously, you need to act and post appropriately on the work at home forums.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Shelly Hill has been working from home in Direct Sales since 1989 and is a Manager with Tupperware. Shelly has been running her own online home business networking community since 2003. You can visit her community at www.classybusinesswomenforums.com/index.php or her business website at www.workathomebusinessoptions.com

Use Affiliate Marketing To Increase Your Work At Home Income Stream

Use Affiliate Marketing To Increase Your Work At Home Income Stream
By: S McIntyre

Affiliate marketing is one of the best ways to diversify and supplement your income source when you work from home. Whether you work for a virtual employer or have your own home based business, adding affiliate programs can help bring in extra residual income each month.

What is affiliate marketing?
Affiliate marketing is promoting a merchant's service or product. You are paid a commission when you make a sale. You may also earn on pay-per-click or pay-per-lead, but pay-per-sale is the most common way of earning when it comes to affiliate programs.

How easy is it to earn with affiliate programs?
It's largely due to how well you know about the different types of marketing methods you can work with. If you're well-versed and know your way around the web, then you have an advantage over someone who is not so business savvy.

There is a learning curve, but it can be mastered if you're willing to learn and absorb all the free information out there. Remember though, top affiliate marketers who make a lot of money didn't make it by chance or luck. They invested hours of time and they invested in their learning of how to become a successful marketer.

How To Choose Affiliate Programs
Choose products or services that are geared towards your interests, but also think if there's a demand for that product. You don't want to have to compete with thousands of people who are selling the same thing you are so look for something that is unique, but is popular and is wanted by the masses.

Look for a merchant that offers more than one product. A product can lose its appeal which then leads to discontinuation. A plus side to this, if people like what the merchant is offering, they are more likely to come back and see what other products you have.

The higher the commission, the better it is for you. Would you rather receive a commission of $10 or $50? In addition, if you have a revenue goal each month, you can reach it a lot quicker. Also look for affiliate programs that offer affiliate support and offer the most marketing tools.

All in all many people continue to look for more ways to earn an income online. Affiliate marketing is that choice because anyone can do it. With the right affiliate programs and with all the learning tools under your belt, affiliate marketing is the sure-fire way to have a continuous stream of income lining your wallet each and every month.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Go now to download your free copy of "5 Simple Steps to Start Making Money with Affiliate Programs" at www.workathomespace.com/affiliateprograms.php
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Daily Routines for Work at Home Business Success

Daily Routines For Work At Home Business Success
By: Shelly Hill

I have been successfully working from home for over 20 years. During that time, I had to quickly learn how to multi-task and manage my time. A common question I am often asked is... "Shelly, how do you find the time to work on your home business and still get your household chores done?"

What I have found is if I stick to a routine and a schedule, I can get my business work, household cleaning chores and cooking done. What has worked for me, might not work for you...but here is how I accomplish my tasks.

Morning Routine - When I get up in the morning, I make and feed my family breakfast and get them ready for school and work. Once they are out the door, I turn on my computer and head to the shower. After I get myself cleaned up for the day, I start a load of wash and unload/load my dishwasher.

I then sit down to have my breakfast while reading and responding to email inquiries. Once that task is completed, I will unload my wash and place it into the dryer...if necessary, start another wash load.

I will spend the next hour working on my business tasks. After one hour, I will do some cleaning up around the house and spend an hour completing those tasks.

Lunchtime/Afternoon Routine - I will prepare lunch and feed my family or myself, and clean up the lunch dishes. I then schedule in another 90 minutes of working time. Once that time is up, I will do another hour of household tasks before doing another 60 to 90 minutes of business tasks.

Evening Routine - I will start dinner and while dinner is cooking, do any household tasks that I didn't get completed during the day. I will then serve dinner to my family and clean up the dinner dishes. I schedule in 2 hours of family time (homework help, spending time with spouse, etc.)

Night Time Routine - Once I have the children in bed and my spouse is relaxing for the evening, I will spend another 30 to 40 minutes finishing up any business tasks for the day.

As you can see, I have a routine.

You need to sit down and come up with a business game plan and set it into action. Try to stick to your plan as much as possible. Once you have a routine in place, you will find that you can take care of your business, your household and yes...your family.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Shelly Hill has been successfully working from home in Direct Sales since 1989 and is a Manager with Tupperware. Shelly believes that having a daily working and home life routine is essential for business success. You can visit Shelly online at www.workathomebusinessoptions.com for free business tips and information or at my.tupperware.com/Ravish30

This article may be reprinted for free so long as the author's resource box is kept intact and all links remain live and clickable. The Article Source must also be included. All rights are reserved by the author.

Easy Work At Home: Dream Or Reality?

Easy Work At Home: Dream Or Reality?
By Tammy Embrich

Working at home is becoming more of a reality for many. Several years ago I sure didn't think it was even feasibly possible. I used to sit and dream of the whole work at home scenario. Imagining myself working with ease and everyday abundantly prosperous.

After having experienced a few successful years of working at home, I've come to realize that there are lots of cons that go along with all the pros. Everyday isn't always organized, filled with an abundance of motivation, and inspiration. Us work at homers have to work at this daily. We have to be realistic about our particular situation and needs and make the best of our work at home environment, whatever the case may be. We've all become accustomed to the many ups and downs of our home jobs, just like any other 9 to 5 brick and mortar job. There will be days when we'll have disappointment, distractions, and even some unproductive days. It all comes with the territory.

So if you're thinking of working at home and dreaming of the perfect, happily ever after, day after day, think again! Working at home involves work, and there is no legitimate "get rich quick" or "easy work" formula out there that puts you on easy street, as the old saying goes.

If you want to telecommute from home, you will have to work hard. If you want to start a home business, you will have to work hard, and everyday will not be perfect or easy.

Below are four important tips for people just starting on a home job journey

1. Set a work schedule and do your best to stick with it. I've learned through trial and error that having a daily routine helps me tremendously. It helps keep me on track. Now, that's not to say that things won't arise unexpectedly and you won't be taken away from your schedule. Naturally there will be unexpected distractions. Life situations happen. But what better reason to be at home in order to deal with those situations? Work up a schedule that you can realistically stick with on a daily basis. Have it in front of you at all times and consistently check off tasks that you complete.

2. Make your work area your own, wether it be a complete home office or a corner in your spare bedroom. The idea is to separate your work from your home. This is so very important. If you start mixing the two, it will most likely cause conflict. So make your work area your very own and explain to your family members, this is your space.

3. Be good to yourself and take breaks as you need them. This includes weekends. You need time away from work to rejuvenate and recharge those batteries. What about vacations? Take them! While you're away, you may come back with new ideas, motivation, and inspiration. Every business needs this. Also it's a good idea to take breaks often during the day. Maybe go have coffee or lunch with a family member or friend. Take a walk, or maybe read for awhile from your favorite book. Not taking breaks can cause overload and burnout, it's just not healthy. So, be nice to yourself, refresh, and take time off when you need to.

4. Be realistic. Be prepared to work. Realize that a work at home job is a "real job" that involves real work. Simply put, you will have to work hard to succeed and earn money. Earning a steady income will not come easy. This in itself is the biggest realization that home job searchers will have to come to terms with and take action.

Working at home is a wonderful luxury for me, but it does have it's peaks and valleys. I work at what I do consistently everyday and I've come to really enjoy it. It's been a long journey getting here and I have had to put forth a lot of effort, and still do, but it's worth every moment. I love what I do and I wouldn't change anything.

Article Written By Tammy Embrich

Tammy offers free telecommute work at home job leads, work at home articles, business tips, and more at Work At Home Jobs

Stop by Tammy's Work At Home Forums where you can find more free job leads and other work at home professionals to socialize and network with.