Balancing Work And Home While You Work At Home-Houdini Ain’t Got Nothing On You

A work at home mom has a unique set of dilemmas, and soon realizes there is a fine line between a curse and a blessing. A mother who works a traditional job gets to leave for the day while a home based business means simply that, you are home but still with the responsibility of running a business. Working from home doesn’t lessen the determination, pride, or enthusiasm you have for your job. Quite contrarily it empowers you to be more passionate than ever.

So how do you handle the assumptions that since you are at home you must have time to bake cookies for your child’s school carnival? Tactfully would be the first answer that came to mind. Honestly and politely are other choices. Guiltlessly would seem the most important answer though.

Explaining what products or services you provide and how much time it consumes would be a great way to help Miss Johnson understand why your kindergarten son’s version of your “job” isn’t exactly true. Mommy’s who stay home all day and paint may seem like the perfect candidate for baked goods necessary for this year’s fund raiser. Moms who paint custom floor cloths, complete with deadlines, to sell is the “rest of the story.”

Once Miss Johnson understands where you stand with time the next step for a work at home mom is not to feel guilty because you have to say no. Always remember that when you do have time to help in some way you will, but now is just not a good time. The dialogue you allow to run through your own head can sometimes be more harmful than what anyone else truly thinks about your efforts. When you balance work and home and work at home… remember, Houdini doesn’t have anything on you babe.

The Magic Act-Managing Your Time Before It Vanishes

There is just not enough time in the day. You’ve heard it before and if you are a work at home mom you’ve probably said it several times. You may have even said it several times today. Twenty-four hours seems eternity when you are anticipating a special event, but flies by far too rapidly on a normal day.

There are strategies that will help you manage your time more effectively and efficiently. Schedules have to be made even if you abhor structure. Visualizing the week all at once really creates the necessity to eliminate things you can live without. You may realize your children are involved in too many activities and you can’t be two places at once. That’s right even with all the technology we have clones are still “too controversial.” Sorry moms!

You may have to make a few schedules - one for home, one to keep the home based business rolling along smoothly, and one just for your personal time. The idea of scheduling is to eliminate a lot of clutter and guess work so the fewer schedules you need to adhere to the better your schedule will actually work.

Structuring your chores so that you are not looping around and backtracking like the kid in the Family Circle cartoon is a simple yet monumental achievement. In house chores as well as out of house chores are equally in need of being planned.

Structuring homework, dinner and bed for the kids and doing the same for your major chunks of time is a great way to keep everyone in a rhythm. This is not to say that you can’t deviate from the schedule from time to time. In order to manage time more effectively there should be a structure to the main core of events.

Keeping your home-based business on track and being certain deadlines are met, clients are happy, banking gets done is another reason for a separate business schedule. Incorporating the business life into the personal life is a unique process. This is a challenge for all mothers but holds a unique feature for work at home moms. Being at home and having to be separate from home is a challenge in and of itself. It can be achieved and has been successfully done, so don’t give in to the lack of time. Make time work for you.

Where is Your Phone Number?

by Jeff Mulligan

There is probably a major problem lurking on your sales page right now. And it could be hurting your profits.

Experts agree that one of the most important factors in a successful website is credibility. This frequently translates into the credibility of the site owner. People are more likely to buy from somebody they believe in.

Is your website as credible as it could be?

People judge credibility by many subtle factors. Does the design of the site look professional? Is the site well written? Are there typos and grammar errors strewn throughout the site? Is the author believable? Does the author have experience in this market or with this product? These are all important factors.

We also know that a strong guarantee is a key part of a successful sales page. Taken one step further, the reader needs to believe he will actually get a refund if requested. And herein often lies a major inconsistency.
Look at your sales page and ask yourself: Who is standing behind the product? What do you provide for contact information?

If there is only an e-mail address, or worse yet, no contact information at all, then you do not have a believable guarantee.

If you want someone to believe that you stand behind your product you need to be reachable. Put your complete contact information on your web site. I’m not just talking about an e-mail address. Consider adding your snail mail address and even, dare I say, your phone number.

At first, I worried about using this approach. I feared getting calls at all hours of the night. I worried about getting overwhelmed. But, I reasoned, I could always remove the phone number if it became a problem.

Turns out, having my phone number on the site is a blessing. I have made dozens of sales because I have been available to answer one or two simple questions from a prospect. I now look at each telephone call as an opportunity to help someone solve their problem and, frequently, earn their business.

I have received numerous comments from customers saying that one of the reasons they purchased is because they can tell there is a “real person” standing behind this business. The fact it is, I only get about one or two phone calls a day. And my sites have thousands of visitors every day.

In summary, take a look at your own sales page or contact page with a critical eye. Do you look like just another anonymous web site? Or is there a person there; ready, willing and able to help. The answer to these questions may have a lot to do with your conversion rates.

At the very least, test putting your phone number on your web site. Even if your web business is part time, with a good voice mail system you will sound professional and you can return phone calls when you are able. Try this credibility improvement. And see if it doesn’t improve your sales.

Jeff Mulligan has an MBA and 20+ years of marketing experience as an ad agency Senior VP and VP Marketing for two software companies, one of which was publicly traded. Jeff owns CBmall, a site that provides 15 different ways for ClickBank affiliates to earn income on 1,997 ClickBank InfoProducts. http://www.cbmall.com/info

Ann Vogel of Ann’s Personalized Books and Gifts

Name: Ann Vogel

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a single mom of a 12 year old boy living in Austin, Texas. I have owned
many retail businesses over the years and have been looking for something
that I would be proud to sell on the internet. I found personalized
children’s books about a year ago and keep thinking of more personalized
products that I can do and do well - I just can’t find the time to get them
all up on my websites.

What is your business name and web address:
Ann’s Personalized Books & Gifts
http://www.anns-personalized-books.com/
http://www.anns-personalized-gifts.com/

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
Being single, my son needed to know I would always be there for him for
whatever and whenever he needed me. Now I am available to pick him up after
school, and it makes a huge difference in our lives.

Tell us a little about your business:
Ann’s Personalized Books & Gifts is growing faster than I can keep up. I
offer the personalized books that many other people are selling, and my son
designed all of the coffee mugs on the website. I love puzzles, so I found
some that can be printed on and that are more special than just the
rectangular puzzles - they are heart-shaped and have the letters “LOVE” as
puzzle pieces - and I can print anything on them for you. I am working on
many other personalized products including personalized picture frames,
Christmas Ornaments, wedding favors and gifts, personalized graduation
gifts, greeting cakes and color-a-cookies.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women:
Find something you truly enjoy doing, and then at least sometimes it doesn’t
seem like work.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
Word of mouth and repeat customers.

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:
Always get samples of products before you decide to sell them (even if you have to pay full price).

Gena Saunders of Fleecies

Name: Gena Saunders

Tell us a little about yourself:
I have 6 children, 5 of whom are still living at home and the oldest is in college. I have a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. I currently manage a Wound Healing Center as well as operate my home-based business, Fleecies.com. Fleecies was started 3 years ago while I was attending graduate school. I hope to make it my sole income source within the next 6 months.

What is your business name and web address:
Fleecies - http://www.fleecies.com

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
We needed more income while I was attending graduate school and it was a good opportunity to put theory into practice. I have always enjoyed (preferred) working for myself, and have owned several businesses over the years.

Tell us a little about your business:
Fleecies supplies blankets, patchwork and applique quilts, rustic bedding, luxury bedding, comforter sets, and children’s bedding. We have been in business on the web for three very successful years.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women:
Pick your dream and go for it! Planning is important for success, but at some point, once you have a good plan, you have to jump in with both feet and do it.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
SEO and Google Adwords.

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:
Since many of our products are drop-shipped, I had to very carefully and clearly spell out shipping terms and return policy after receiving several complaints from customers who had not read the shipping times on special order items. Never assume that just because it is on the website, customers will read it. You have to spell out your shipping times over and over again - in your FAQ, on a separate web page, on each individual product page, and on the receipt. We will soon be adding an order status option on our website so that customers can instantly see where their order is in the process and track it if it has been shipped.

Jessica Tracy of Scentual Embrace

Name: Jessica Tracy

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a 22 year old married, WAHM of 2 little boys. I started working from home when I was 19, shortly before I got pregnant with my second child to help with household expenses, and quickly fell in love with the freedom available to me!

What is your business name and website address:
Scentual Embrace http://scentualembrace.net

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
Well, I put my education on the back burner when I became pregnant with my first child as I felt it was more important for me to stay home with my son and raise him myself instead of shipping him off with a babysitter or to a daycare, and I guess that just kind of escalated when I started to think more about what my kids could be exposed to if their father or I were not available to guide them. Plus it was heartbreaking to see the hurt in my sons eyes when his father would go to work every day, so when I decided to try and help out with bills and other expenses, I opted for a home based business.

Tell us a little about your business:
I have experimented with many different businesses from Telemarketing to Avon and have narrowed my WAH Businesses to a few Direct Sales Companies I love, My primary business is my site http://scentualembrace.net where I sell the products from all of my direct sales companies. I have everything from Bath & Body Products, Soy Candles, Home Fragrance, Gifts, Educational Childrens Items, Jewelry and more. On the side I also do Auto-Surf Programs on the side which is a pretty steady source of income for those slow sales months.
Is there any advice you would like to share with other women: Be as organized as possible, Keep yourself on a strict schedule, make sure you set enough time for work, home, family and PLAY! “Mommy and Daddy” time is a big thing in our house, we try to make sure to spend a couple hours at least once a week together, sometimes we get a babysitter for the night, it really helps us both unwind from working and dealing with kids, and I think it has really helped business as well!

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
I would have to say the most effective advertising method has been Network Marketing. Using Ryze.com to meet other work at home moms with similar interests, participating in Online Events, and just general chatting on a work at home mom message board. I’ve found that when people get to know me better they are more likely to be interested in my products and services.

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:
The only negative experience I can think of off the top of my head was the first company I worked from home for. It was Telemarketing, and it was horrible. They had terrible training, outrageous quotas, it was just really bad. I guess what I learned from the experience is to do as much research as possible on a potential business opportunity before you jump in feet first. Otherwise you could lose a lot!

Holding It Together While Spreading It Out-Organize And Delegate, Woman!

Well-honed organizational skills are a tremendous asset to any business endeavor. Delegating duties so that one person does not become overwhelmed is another essential skill that is helpful in any business atmosphere. The work at home atmosphere is not exempt from these truths - on the contrary work at home moms should benefit greatly from use of these two important skills.

Having a well-organized work place and structured work rules creates a nice flow. There are no surprises when everyone knows what to expect. This structure includes all aspects of the home environment. Children have to understand when mom is working at home it is the same as if she was leaving the home to work (only she is available for emergencies such as much needed mid-morning hugs).

Organization is helpful to everyone. As a work at home mom there is a chance that you might put off until tomorrow what should be done today. Adhering to a schedule – albeit a semi-flexible one - keeps things from piling up on all fronts.

Delegating is as important and for the same reasons. Burn out is not a pretty sight. Children can become weary of carrying loads that aren’t age appropriate. Spouses and partners who work outside the home also need to have their fair share of home chores. The work at home mom needs not be afraid of delegating duties that are simply putting her on the edge of being frayed.

Simply because a partner brings in a chunky paycheck while you are attempting to get a business off the ground doesn’t give them the opportunity to fizzle on the household. It is everyone’s home thus everyone should partake in the care and participation.

Network Marketing On Auto-Pilot

Are you frustrated with your network marketing business?

Imagine for a moment that you worked in the hi-tech world and you knew everything about the internet, you knew all about computers and internet-marketing and you walked away from that to join a Network Marketing Company? Then you think to yourself, wait a second…what if we could marry that hi-tech with the hi-touch of Network Marketing and I’d never have to do any of those things that I used to do in the hi-tech world. I don’t want to go to meetings anymore. I don’t want to wear a tie. I don’t want to hear an alarm clock. I want to sit at home in my shorts and t-shirt on my time, on my dime and do it the way I want to do it and that’s online.

Imagine that you had never gone to a single hotel meeting or given a face to face presentation. Yet you’d built a team in 13 different countries and became the number one sponsor for the last 2 years running in an organization of over 100,000 people in all of the United States.

It\’s called Technology Empowered Network Marketing and last month I had the privilege of hearing the man who did this speak to a select group of captivated marketers. They had come from all over the world to hear how he’d built a million dollar business completely online, with online tools, the internet and the telephone.

The following is a unique and revealing interview with him about Internetwork-marketing. His name and company are not mentioned here because it’s not important. These techniques can be adapted by anyone, for any online product.

Me: Thanks for meeting with me today. Do you mind if I record this?

Him: Not at all

Me: You talked about sorting. You called it separating the serious from the curious. Can you elaborate on that?

Him: Spending the right amount of time with the right people and the least amount as possible with the people that aren’t serious is very important. You have to go through a ton of rubble to find an ounce of gold. So why not let your system do all of this sorting for you so you have more time to spend on more important things?

When your system does the sorting 80% of the work is already done for you. A powerful system will welcome the visitor, find out what they are looking for and take them through the basics of having a homebased business. It will also educate them about the industry, invite them to an online webcast presentation and show the visitor how to make money as fast as possible. My system actually notifies me when each of these important steps has been completed.

The right system can enroll a new business partner, train and introduce them to a system they can use themselves.

Me: So they get to see how well it works even before they join you?

Him: Exactly. People join systems. They look for systems they can see themselves doing. Systems that will bring them success and make them money.

Me: In your talk you mentioned how important it is to find the right company and the right team. How did you know you had the RIGHT TEAM?

Him: Well, before I left my job in Corporate America I was tired and very burned out. It wasn’t just the work, it was the stressful lifestyle as well. I did my due diligence and found a publicly traded company that made sense and was a good fit for me. I then called the company and asked for their best rep in my area.

After getting all the information online in a timely manner, I contacted the representative from the number on his site and asked him what the next step to get started was. He asked me if I’d like to go to a presentation with more details about the business and I said: “Sure where do we have to meet?” He answered, How about right at your desk? It takes about 45 minutes.
I was still thinking that he was going to come over to my house when he said: “No, you can watch it on a “live” web-cast right on your computer. What’s better for you 6pm or tomorrow at noon?”

He clarified that he did everything online and that I could do the same. This made a lot of sense to me and was my introduction to the best way I have found to build a Network Marketing business.

Now, the only time I actually meet my business partners is at the company’s annual convention. They come up to shake my hand only because they recognize my voice from our occasional telephone conversations.

Me: That’s incredible! You’re shaking hands on the Internet.

Him: Yep! In 5 weeks I made my money back. In 4 months I went full-time and in less than 9 months I was up to six figures. After that I streamlined my system, shared it with my team and made them all wealthy as well!

Me: Would you still have been interested if he’d done things the traditional way, like taking you to a hotel meeting?

Him: Maybe, but I don’t think so. There’s nothing wrong with traditional Network Marketing, it just isn’t for me. I have some stereotype hang-ups like most people. I don’t like to talk face to face, I’m shy and I hate getting dressed up. Believe me, there’s a lot of people like me out there.

I never have to approach my friends and family and I don’t have to dress, walk or talk any certain way. Working online removes all the nonsense. Like, gender, race, age, weight, dress. It also eliminates the driving, meetings, hard work and getting ready…is my tie on straight? (laughing)

Me: Most companies out there already have internet tools like websites, flash presentations and voicemail. Can you tell us more about your system? Why does it work so well?

Him: Well, I figured out a system that puts hundreds of fresh business-builders into my business each year and it’s simple so that anyone can learn it.

It’s a 4 step process:

1. Attend an online Webcast
2. Get Started
3. Train
4. Invite others to the Webcast

Then we track from the backend to see where people are in the system.
They usually contact us. It’s that simple.

Me: People actually call you to get started?

Him: All the time but understand that not everyone wants to get involved and that’s fine. Somebody has to wash the cars and work at McDonald’s (laughing) There’s never a wrong prospect-Just the wrong time for a prospect.

Me: Anything else?

Him: Something we have built into our system is what we call a third-party presence. Our system recommends it’s owner as a lifestyle coach. This recommendation is made by a well-known success expert so the visitor can feel confident and assured that all the information will be presented honestly and in full.

When a well-known author or businessperson is presented as your partner and shares some highly-educational and motivating advice BEFORE introducing you to the new visitor. Everything gets off on the right track from the beginning.

If we take the focus off ourselves, people can listen clearly (without hype) to what’s being said and make an educated decision for themselves. Your system should definitely help this happen.

Me: Where do you think people are going wrong with their network marketing online?

Well here’s a few things to keep in mind:

1. Don’t send people to your company’s all-in-one website. It’s like going to the new Spielberg movie and knowing that there are 20 scenes going to be shown and you can pick which order to see them in. Would the movie make any sense to you? I doubt it. That’s what’s happening out there.

2. Beware of companies that just want to sell you leads. There’s nothing more frustrating than calling people who were hoping to win an X-box.

3.Don’t inundate people with 17 emails in one week and 27 different websites. Present your company in a simple way with internet media.

4. Don’t use the same approach and information for everyone. Find out what the person is looking for. Is it: Time Freedom, Wealth, Health, Fire their Boss? Once you know you can get them the information that pertains to their personal concern. Someone that wants to quit their job right away is not going to be interested in a new skincare line.

5.Use a courtesy call technique when you call someone. When the car service center gives a courtesy call to remind you that it\’s time to have your oil changed, you don\’t take offence do you? In fact, you\’re probably glad to hear from them. They\’re just doing you a favor and being helpful. That\’s how your return phone calls should be made.

6. Lead with the business and not the products. The fastest way to the big money is to find more people like yourself that want to do the business. Stop chasing the ambulance and concentrate on the Brinks truck.

Me: You were the Number One Sponsor of your company out of 100,000 associates in North America. How’s does that feel?

Him: It feels great! This online system allows me to travel with my family whenever I want. Last month I took my family to Hawaii and while the kids were having a nap I just jumped on my laptop and saw that a fellow had been through our system and wanted me to call him. I stood out on the balcony overlooking the beach and when he answered I said this was just a courtesy call to get back with him. My autoresponder had shown me that he had been reviewing my information. How do you like our system, I asked him. Do you think that’s something you could do? He answered yes but the best part is when I told him where I am (laughing) and that I’m looking at a beautiful beach with my wife and kids napping at 2 o’clock on a Wednesday afternoon. There’s nothing better than living the lifestyle and showing others that it is possible. It’s very rewarding!

Me: What about attrition and people quitting?

Him: There’s always going to be people who don’t follow through but our company did a study on my internet team and our attrition was very, very low. In fact, we retained over 87% of all our new people which astounded everyone. People like this system because this system likes people.

Me: Thanks so much sharing this amazing information with us. Any last words of wisdom?

Him: Marketing is defined as “creating an interest and then filling it.” The secret to putting a Network Marketing business on autopilot is to actually use the technology curve to show your new visitor how easy things are done online.

Your next step? To take what you’ve just learned and put your new business on auto-pilot right away!

Al Walker, makes it easy to launch a successful online business and rapidly build your wealth to a six-figure income. Learn the essential keys to online success. To receive your free 6-step mini-course visit:
http://www.auto-pilotonline.com
This article was found at Site Reference.

Karen Clark of Story Time Felts

Name: Karen Clark

Tell us a little about yourself:
My husband Greg and our 3 kids live in Northern California. I am a school teacher part time and work from home as the Director of Consultant Development for Story Time Felts (The Story Teller). I have been with this company for 7 years and support a large personal downline as well as the rest of the company through my Director position.

What is your business name and website address:
For Felt for Kids - Story Time Felts http://www.funfelt.com

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
I fell in love with the products and the company mission of helping kids learn through the multi-sensory felt products. My children were young and when I found out I could not only do the business alongside raising them but actually welcome them at my sales demos, I was hooked! Combining a product I am passionate about, the involvement of my family, and the unlimited income potential at a time when we needed a supplemental income was great!

Tell us a little about your business:
Story Time Felts has been offering parents and teachers high quality felt educational tools for nearly 18 years (also known as The Story Teller). We offer uniquely printed felt boards for storytelling and felt figures for things like fairy tales, nursery rhymes, classic stories and popular children’s books. We also offer felt products in subjects like science and math and have something for a wide range of ages, from birth to about 12. Our felt is unique in that it is washable and durable, and all of our products come with extensive lesson and activity ideas prepared by teachers so parents and educators can choose to use the product as a toy or as a learning tool. We offer our products through kid-friendly story time home parties, teacher and childcare provider events, direct sales, and internet.

Is there any advice you would like to share with other women:
For any business, the key is to be persistent! Set your goals and stick to them, work toward them every day, even when you have low times. My
favorite quote is: In the confrontation between the rock and the stream, the stream always wins, not through strength but through perseverance! Remember that, always!

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
The best thing that ever happened to me was when I just decided one dayto start opening my mouth! I hated the phone, I hated talking to
people, but I found that the more I did those things I hated, the easier they became! Now I look forward to sharing every product and opportunity I offer and love talking about the business.

Can you share with us one negative business experience that your learned from:
?? I honestly cannot think of any. I have no regrets. Even the “dud” parties have taught me lessons to improve in my business!

Cynthia Powell of Chicks and Cubs

Name: Cynthia Powell

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a former Chemical Engineer turned WAHM. I am a mother of 3 boys. I have been in business since 1999.

What is your business name and web address:
Chicks & Cubs http://www.chicksandcubs.com

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
I wanted to be home with my children but I also wanted something for myself. I love the interaction with others in business and the other moms that are my customers.

Tell us a little about your business:
I began my business for the Patty-Cakes products. My husband’s family has the bronzed hand and footprints from when they were babies. I fell in love with this product from the moment I saw it - long before marriage or kids. When my first son was born we had his Patty-Cakes done and it was then that I reallized it was a business I could do from home. All of my other products I have added because I have used and loved them.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women:
Being a WAHM is hard work. You don’t “make it” without a lot of work. But the advantage is that you can be there for your kids and you can flex work and family to meet both needs.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
The top two are customer referrals and I have a Patty-Cakes sample in a local hospital which also hands out my cards. I get lots of calls saying “… the baby should be born any time now, how do we get this done?”

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:
Putting out ads, mailing out flyers, putting out cards never turn the customers like customer referals and personal contact with potential customers.

Kristine Higginbotham of The Natural Life Store

Name: Kristine Higginbotham

Tell us a little about yourself:
I have two children ages 5 and 2. I live in Minnesota. I try to live a healthy and environmentally friendly lifestyle. I like taking walks, reading and spending time with my family.

What is your business name and website address:
The Natural Life Store Inc. http://www.thenaturallifestore.com

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
I did not want to put my children in daycare and I want to be here for my family as much as possible. I really like the flexibility it gives us.

Tell us a little about your business:
My business is really about two different things, natural parenting and tie dye. I am very passionate about cloth diapering so I decided to start selling them. I also added some of the natural and organic skin products I use that my friends love. Then I started a website.
Tie dying is one of my hobbies. I started tie dying my son’s diapers and added them to my website. Now I have expanded into clothig for babies, children and the adults. It just keeps growing and growing as people request more items from me!

Is there any advice you would like to share with other women:
Enjoy the moments in life. Its really all we have.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
Networking and attending shows. For me, starting local and building my internet business on the side is working best.

Can you share with us one negative business experience that your learned from:
I have gotten burned by being too trustworthy of others. You have to be careful about sending out your products with promises of payment in the mail or bartering with others and expecting something in return later. You may never see it. But I truly believe in karma so thats OK!

Successful Websites – What Do They Need?

The Internet environment is marked by continuous changes and demanding consumers. An overwhelming number of choices waits at a click of a mouse. More and more companies have to face the challenge of creating a strong web presence and building up a recognizable brand online. What makes eBusinesses work?

The most important aspect you need to remember is that it is not enough to make a website and put it online. You must give your visitors a reason to come back: call for action and provide constantly fresh content.

As the Web is an ever-evolving entity, your website needs continuous improvements and adjusting, it needs to be optimized and promoted. This way the results you expect will be gradually expanded to meet your overall goals.

Online branding through a website has an amazing power. Quality content, a user-friendly layout and the suitable code are the three key ingredients to create a successful website. Although properly “blended” they are not able to sell a site without design. And the web design has to harmonize with your branding standards.

Brilliant websites have elegance and style. They generate the emotional aura needed to transform a passive viewer into a customer.

Branding your business online is not only about showing a logo or a new look. Online branding deals with traditional corporate identity components such as values, personality and benefits. Benefits are what your visitors are looking for. Why should they choose you over thousands of eBusinesses?

A new website is born every day. The competition is extreme. To keep up with the changes is hard. Many webmasters and web designers promise astonishing results in less than a month. To achieve this they use paid inclusion and rarely really optimize your web pages. No matter what SEO myths you have heard, keep in mind that the main part of the web page you have to optimize is the body copy – the text that your visitors can read. This is content and it has to be easy to read, grammatically correct, original, coherent and relevant for your business.

Another very important factor for the success of your website is the appearance. As in life first impressions determine whether we like something or not, your visitors’ first impression will instantly determine them if they are going to take the time to check what you have to offer or not. To reach this goal and get the professional website you dream about, you need a pleasant web design and a well organized and easy to navigate website. Time is money; so don’t stress your visitors with flash intros unless you want them to go away. The “skip intro” button is one of the most clicked on the web today, after “back”. Better create a website that loads quickly, than one with dazzling special effects and background music.

Promote Your Web Presence Through Relevant Press Releases and Articles

The moment you have your new website online, promote it. Submissions to the most important Search Engines are not enough. It takes time till your website will appear in their results. If you have a great product or service, new or improved, don’t be afraid to tell the world about it. Write a press release, describe your product and its benefits, and then submit your story to the relevant press release distribution services. Some of them are free and some require a distribution fee. Choose the one you can afford and don’t be afraid to post articles for free use. Information and fresh content are valuable and your website will benefit through backlinks from the directories where your articles are posted.

Mihaela Lica is a PR consultant, founder of Pamil Visions – http://www.pamil-visions.com/

Previously she used to work as a military TV redactor for Pro Patria and the Military Media Trust within the Public Relations Directorate of the Romanian Ministry of Defence.
This article was found at Site Reference.

Cara Sonnier of The Dessert Box

Name: Cara Sonnier

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a homeschooling mama of 2 great girls and married to my best friend.

What is your business name and web address:
I own The Dessert Box - an online dessert delivery store. You can visit us at http://www.thedessertbox.com/

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
I’ve always wanted to own my own store, ever since I was a kid! I was inspired by a candy store owner from my childhood summers. Since becoming a mother and being lead to homeschool my children, taking my business online was the next best way to owning my own “store”.

Tell us a little about your business:
The Dessert Box is an online dessert delivery store. We carry the typical dessert gifts like cheesecakes, but also have unique ideas like fruit baskets, giant fortune cookies and caramel apples. We serve both retail and corporate clients looking to make their gift giving experience easy and enjoyable. Most desserts are shipped quickly and at reasonable prices.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women:
If you already own a business, make sure to balance your time well. I always schedule my kids and hubby’s events before deciding on trade shows or party events. That way nothing will be conflicting.

If you don’t own a business yet, or are just starting, do LOTS AND LOTS of research BEFORE buying anything. I’ve seen too many moms get swindled out of money for websites, domain names, hosting, etc. If you are tight on a budget, try learning it yourself. But if you must pay someone for a service, do your homework before spending the money.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
Networking groups and word of mouth are my biggest methods. I’ve also done a lot of SEO (search engine optimization) work to get my website listed for certain keywords.

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:
When I first started years ago, I didn’t have a lot of policies listed online. After returns and complaints, I learned to make sure that policies are listed or linked to on each page. I also have a shopping cart set up so they must check a box showing they have read the pages about our shipping/ordering/return policies.

Selling on Ebay?

From time to time I come across some posts on various message boards from work at home moms asking for help with selling their products or how to get started with selling on Ebay. I came across this little report that offers some great tips to those wanting to get started on Ebay. Even if you are already using Ebay and you’re not completely happy with your sales, this report may have some tips that you haven’t thought of. Grab your free copy now.

Adela Osmond of Train Up Children

Name: Adela Osmond

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a WAHM for 5 years. I’m married to my best friend. The very one who caught my eye back at the age of 18 yrs when I gave him his first “Micky D’s hat” as we both worked for McDonalds during our early days together. You could say, it was love at first site under the golden arches! We now have 2 children, girl 3.7 and boy 13 months. Yes, I bore my children eleven years after we married simply because we both wanted for me to be able to stay home with them. Plus, it took me that long to get the 8-4 career mentality out of my head.

What is your business name and web address:
My current business is http://www.TrainUpChildren.com, an online Home School Search Engine. Its sister
division is http://abide.trainupchildren.com, a super-quick and fully integrated point-and-click web hosting solution for women who have the Proverbs 31 mindset (and for those wanting to discover it).

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
How much time do you have? lol. I’ve always had a passion for business. There is something about the American dream, the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, which sparks my interest.

Maybe it’s because I believe that virtues of hard work and ambition can take one anywhere. As president Hoover said, the American dream is “A chicken in every pot, and a car in every garage.” I’m here to tell you, there’s no shortage of chicken or cars in the internet world. It’s all here for the taking.

Tell us a little about your business:
The inspiration for Trainupchildren.com came when I decided to look for home school material and noticed that popular search engines often paid little respect toward home school resources available to the public. The more engines I searched the more results I found buried deep within sub-category after sub-category.

So, Trainupchildren.com was born for one simple mission — to give dedicated home school families the best Web search results for educational resources, Bible oriented curriculum and home school support while generating an income through the means of advertising. But it doesn’t stop there.

My second aim is to inspire women to a mindset of virtuous womanhood. Lifting up the word of God in a society that frowns on femininity that reduces industrious homemaking and that takes away the joy of being a true woman of God. I want to encourage every woman I meet to expand and develop a Proverbs 31 vision. Along with giving them the tools they need to come home and run a profitable business.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women?
Always, keep in mind to press towards developing godly character and teach your children to do the same because if not you’re robbing yourself of the beauty and purpose of becoming a virtuous woman.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
Networking with other WAHM’s has been the most expedient means of advertising for me. I joined the Mompack a couple of months ago. Already I’ve met and exchanged many links with ladies who own family oriented websites. In addition, I’m working with a WAHM in a type of joint venture in which will give my site an opportunity to reach “playgroup” stay-at-home moms.

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:
When you plan, prepare, and even attempt a business adventure but within 6 mths, a year, or more it doesn’t work. don’t loose heart and call your
entrepreneur days over; because with every closed door you come to another will open. And not only will it open a little it will open wide for you to walk through carrying the experience you have learned from all the other attempts. (It’s happen to me. four times) Go for it girl, you can do it!

Marilyn Williams of Mari Sue’s Paint Cabin

Name: Marilyn Williams

Tell us a little about yourself:
I’m 4 times a Nana, I’ve painted for most of my life. I have a great husband of 37 years, 3 kids and 4 grandkids. I recently closed my shop at Silver Dollar City and am now just selling my things online or special requests from past customers. I enjoy painting, antiquing, spending time with my family, cooking and travelling.

What is your business name and web address:
Mari Sue’s Paint Cabin http://www.marisuespaintcabin.com

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
I wanted to spend more time with my family and didn’t want to give up my job/hobby of painting for other people.

Tell us a little about your business:
I’ve had a shop since 1988 and the last 7 years my shop was on the park at Silver Dollar City. This past January I decided it was time to give it up and be an at home, Mom/Nana so we all could have more family time. All of the things I paint are primitive or country home decor. I have lots of signs that can be personalized. I do customized house numbers with end pieces for every holiday or occasion. I will do custom orders or custom colors.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women:
Don’t ever let anyone tell you …you can’t do it. It’s a lot of work but so worth it when you know you have made a customer happy. You also will get out of your business no more than you are willing to put in it.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
I feel word of mouth and satisfied customers is the best advertising there is. I have just recently been doing some online and it has turned out pretty good. I also have a mailing list to just remind people I’m still around a few times a year.

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:
Don’t have a partner if you want to keep that person as a friend.

Emma Clites of Clites’ Complete Internet Protection

Name: Emma Clites

Tell us a little about yourself:
Mom of 3, ages 6, 3.5, and 3months. I enjoy crafts, reading , homeschooling my daughter, and learning as much as I can about my business.

What is your business name and web address:
My business is Clites’ Complete Internet Protection www.myinvisusdirect.com/EClites

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
I’ve always wanted to work at home because my mom was a stay at home mom, and today’s economy dictates the need for two incomes. My mom was always there for us and I want to be able to say the same about myself for my children. My mom passed away recently, she would have been very supportive and proud to see me at home with my kids.

Tell us a little about your business:
We provide a corporate grade suite of Internet Security Products that work together as a Service to keep your computer completely safe from all the online threats like hackers, keystroke loggers, ID and credit thieves, Spyware, Security holes…etc. We help you to be invisible to the internet guaranteed.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women:
Don’t be afraid to be professional, Treat your business like a business, keep a work schedule, and dress the part.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
Newspaper ads

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:
Don’t be so desperate for customers that you go against your own standards. I had a gentleman call me up when I was a massage therapist asking me to go to his home to do the massage because he thought I was too uptight doing my business out of my own home, just because I made him keep the sheet on. Needless to say, I didn’t get a tip, but I also didn’t lose my integrity.

Top 5 Tips for Successful Article Writing

You may have heard by now that writing articles and submitting them to different locations is a great way to increase the traffic to your web sites and in the end increase your income. But if the articles you write aren’t getting people’s attention and they are not clicking on your links in the resource box, then you need to do something about it! Here are the top 5 tips that will help you write the most successful articles.

Tip #1: The most important thing you need to do when writing articles is to capture your reader’s attention. How else are they going to read to the bottom of your article to click on your link? How can you get people’s attention? It has been proven that people related better to stories or people they know. Adding a quote from a well known person near the beginning of your article to make people associate your knowledge with the well known person’s knowledge. Or alternatively you could retell a story that you once heard, it can be something that happened to you or a fable that you can make connections to your topic with.

Tip #2: Of course what is a great article without a catchy title?! The reason I still put that you need an article that will capture and keep people’s attention is that this will decide how many people enjoy your article. You want to keep a high level of quality for all your articles, since that will bring in the most people to visit your web sites. But of course you will need a title to get people to take a look at your article. You will want to come up with a title that describes what your article topic is, but with something of a mystery to get people to click. People respond well to lists and “top 10’s” but they also like questions or implications of success.

Tip #3: Pick a very hot topic. If you’re writing about nursing or babies, try to write an article about the latest fad in diapers or something that is related to the current world. Write articles that are seasonal or festive. Webmasters and ezine owners are always looking for an article that relates well to the current time of the year. When it’s Christmas time, relate your topic to Christmas and do the same for other holidays and seasons. If you’re not sure what else you could use, read the news, some weblogs or talk to your friends to find out the most current events.

Tip #4: Check your grammar and spelling. This might seem obvious, but articles that have bad grammar or spelling are not going to help you much. These articles might even be rejected by certain article submission sites! So take the extra few seconds it takes to press the “Spellcheck button”. You’ll see it makes a big difference.

Tip #5: Write from the heart or from personal experience. This is one tip that helps you write articles more easily which is then reflected in your articles. If you’re interested in the topic you’re writing about, you’re bound to write better articles. Maybe you found out that a certain keyword is very saught after, but you’re just not feeling motivated to write about it. Take a break and write about something that really thrills you, and think of the other topic at the same time. If you keep practicing this technique, soon you’ll think positive things about more topics and will be able to write about a wide range of topics without losing out on the personal touch you can add to each of your articles.

Nathalie Lussier maintains the All Around Success Article Directory where you can submit your articles and find great successfuly written articles too! Submitted with Article Distributor.

Article Source: Direct Articles

If you’re looking for an article directory that is targeted towards women stop by and visit Mom Articles and LadyPens. Two great resources.