Just for Small Business

The spun version that is. A few years ago I **briefly** subscribed to a product called "Article Bot" just to experiment with it and to see how these software products worked. They operate under the assumption that there are really no original ideas out there and it's ok to swipe content off the web as long as your reform it. Aside from the ethical problem there, the software reforms it via a thesaurus-type database and it produces nonsense like the example you gave. I quickly learned that you would have to spend so much time manually tweaking the spun content that you may as well write your own version of it (or else end up with some piece of garbage paragraph that doesn't make much sense). I'm sure few people (if any) actually read the spun versions so it's kind of like Graffiti on the web. I'm almost afraid to look to see if I have any.
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I appreciate you adding Just for Small Business to your blog network on FaceBook and made sure to join the Business.gov group. Looking forward to communicating with you.

Denise,
Just added your blog to my facebook blog network. Let me know if there is anything else you need there. Also, please check out Business.gov's blog on AllBusiness--"Government Resources for Business" by Naomi Harker, and please join our facebook group, Business.gov!
Thanks so much ...

I love my online fax service. It's the only way to go!

The only thing we can often control is our response to an issue. And often that means action, even the smallest action can help. Appreciate you leaving your thoughts.

I've used Faxpipe.com for my faxing for about 6 months, and they're better than send2fax, efax, and a host of others.

Everybody is feeling the pressures of oil selling for almost $150/barrel. However, everyone must consider that these are outside factors and circumstances that can't be changed by the individual, because if they could be changed, they would be changed. The key to dealing with these situations is recognizing the only thing that can change is your outlook on the situation. You can reduce spendings, but also look for alternative incomes. Provide a service to world and you will be compensated, which means residual income. React to the situation in a positive, proactive manner

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It does seem as though they get out of touch at times, doesn't it?

CEO's must come down to the customer level to truly understand what is happening. Then, the true leaders will be able to help customers in ways that are truly meaningful and profitable.

Denise, Could you offer some of your posts on inSocialMedia.com? The group would surely appreciate them.

Respectfully,

Nelson Bruton ...

That's the real point isn't it Kim? Thanks for taking the time to add your thoughts.

In any line of business, communication is the key to success. From relationships to business, it's all the same. If you don't communicate with others, you leave it up to them to fill in your blanks. It may be one more thing to do, but you can reach so many more people easily and effectively and it's worth it.

Thanks for sharing that resource Chip. It's a good way for small business owners to make new connections.

Insightful post. I know this is off the subject, but I made some great relationships that really helped to grow my business at last year's Inc. 5000 Conference. I highly recommend. Check it out. http://secure.lenos.com/lenos/inc/Inc500WashingtonDC/home.htm.asp ...

Thank you Sam. It's the companies that don't get stuck focusing on the negative and take action to increase their cash flow that thrive no matter what's happening with the economy. I appreciate you taking the time to comment!

I have seen 3-4 down cycles during my 18 years as a commercial loan officer. Your advice is good. I have seen businesses ignore the news that they are supposed to be having tough times and figure out ways to thrive in a down economy. These are all good pieces of advice.

That flow chart will be helpful to my readers. Thanks for sharing it.

As you stated execution is key. Part of execution should include being proactive. Looking forward and adjusting to changing conditions before they negatively affect your plan and put you in a reactive mode which can lead to frustration and increase your odds of failure. A free template, flow chart, for a typical operating plan can be obtained at http://www.bizstrategies.biz/charts/business-operational-planning-process-chart.html ...

Great comments. Appreciate you taking the time to post.

I do agree that targeting is tough in the print news market, but some businesses do much better with that medium. The key to any success when it comes to marketing is making sure you know who your customer is, where and how they look for those things they seek.

When the value of the dollar has declined because the foreigners are no longer purchasing our products, it creates opportunities to market our products globally since there is more cash flow globally. This "increases the value of the firm" (Freund, Trahan & Vasudevan, 2007) for those who market their products globally.

You're talking about reaching about the target market... and I dont think giving an ad in a newspaper serves that purpose. many people who are not interested in the topic skip it while those who are never find the ad! I was in a dilemma myself some time ago until a friend recommended this tool called MyPRGenie(http://www.myprgenie.com/business/). It smartly connects the buyer to the right sellers and gives you a large audience base. I would recommend everyone to try it for their businesses.

Thank you for your perspective. I bet you're not the kind of boss that one was! :-) ...

That's a step in the right direction! I only have a handful of friends that actually work a 9-5 job. Most of them still stay late and end up having to work on the weekends, especially towards month end. I think companies do much better when they don't put tight restraints on their employee's time clock. Everyone has different things going on in their lives and to get all of us to meet on a 9-5 basis is ridiculous. It worked 30 years ago when life was simpler but just doesn't work today. For a single working parent, the ability to go to work 30 minutes after taking the kids to school can tremendously help their schedule and their productivity as well because they will not be so stressed. I used to have a boss when my children were little that would literally stand at the door tapping his watch if I was a minute late. I was a single parent of three and believe me, it was not easy to get there only a minute or two late! I say more power to them! I haven't worked 9-5 in years and my productivity is great when I run my schedule! It is a fun idea and will be interesting to see what happens. (Oh, and by the way, I hated that boss and eventually quit that job. Best move I ever made!) ...

Appreciate you taking the time to stop by an offer some advice.

Hi Great point Denise and also google only ponits to your title and description. backlink is the king for PRs. you can read more in the http://www.matchmate.ca blogs.

I use bloggs and squidoo: http://www.allbusiness.com http://www.squidoo.com/greathomebusiness ...

Everything is relative, isn't it? I could not imagine working in any of thoses offices. I'm not the neatest person on the planet, but I wouldn't even be able to breathe in one of those places!

Oh my! I thought I was bad with files and mail! You just made me feel so much better. I seriously do not see how someone can work in messes like those! I would never get any work done. One thing I can say about those people is that I would bet they spend most of their time on their computer. I have noticed when I spend more time on my computer; I don't pay attention to the mess behind me! Have a great day and thanks for the laugh!

I am driven by my entrepreneurial goals. I am building a new web based business that will change the way business people send letters and marketing literature. The focus of Better Way Mail is to make our customers more successful by getting them noticed and remembered. Making it happen with creative and innovative designs, an efficient manner of operation, and the psychology to anchor your brand in the minds of the customers. Go visit http://hotcookies.net for more information.

A PBX Phone System should be considered because it offers cost savings on internal phone calls, and uses internet protocol (IP) to carry telephone calls.

It is a complete web store that is free up to fifty products. FastCommerce.com ...

Sites like http://www.fastcommerce.com are the future of small business. For no or lost cost, simply signing up and signing in gives you an instant professional, fully operational e-commerce web store. It has all the tools and more to run the whole of a small business online. Sell 2,000 products for only 29.95. Includes Google Check-out, PayPal, shipping calculated with live shipping rates from FedEx, UPS and USPS. A complete business 'out of the box.' ...

Posting to the site will help get the word out. Glad you took the challenge.

One thing to remember is that word of mouth will help a site like BizSugar. Help spread the word...

Appreciate you taking the time to stop by and let me know your thoughts. Stay tuned for more...

Right on the money! Too many people think having their plan in their head is the right way to go. Problem is it has to compete with way too many other priorities and tends to get pushed to the bottom of the brain pile.

Nothing like hearing from a satisfied user. Thanks for adding your comments Chris.

Of that whole list, I would put documentation up at the top. If it's in your brain and not recorded somewhere, I wouldn't even call it a plan.

I use it to create flowcharts, timelines, Gantt charts, and other cool diagrams when I'm freelancing web copy or PR. I also use it to create graphics for PowerPoint presentations. Makes me look like a real pro...the clients are always impressed! Just got the new 2008 version and I can't believe all the things I can do with it. You can download a free trial on the website. http://www.smartdraw.com/ ...

I signed up and posted my first news. I like the callenge of being voted on.

I just checked out Bizsugar and have to say it's just what I've been looking for. I tried Digg for a while, but it was kind of an overwhelming nightmare unless you're a Ron Paul fan. I really hope this site takes off. Thanks for the heads up!

Hi Denise, I'm new to AB. I'm editing the manufacturing section, and also blogging. This is a great topic that a lot of business people need to know more about. Bravo. Mike Stevens ...

I am sorry to say that I do not agree with your proposal by keeping the staff in the recession period, or rather hiring more staff for just training purpose, because during recession there would be no more work and even previous staff would be surplus. More over when after a year or two recession will be over all of new recruited will run away for a better offer from other organization wanting trained staff on higher wages...

We started back in the early 90's then moved right into the dot.com period as a small software company. We actually didn't notice a downturn and in fact started our growth back then. We were so excited about our new company I think our enthusiasm was our safety net! Now, after weathing many ups and downs in the economy it seems the big lesson is to try to stay on plan and don't let the "r" news spook you without good reason. No doubt, if you are in the business of building homes, or selling them things are changing and you may have to rethink your plans. But many small businesses seem to be somewhat insulated from the bigger market. A "baseline" economy if you will. I'm no economist, but I'm optimistic. And I agree, it is a great time to seek new talent as long as you have your long term plan in place and your cash flow is positive. http://www.officetracker.com ...

If someone steals your intellectual property or photographs, often all it takes for them to remove the offending items is the receipt of a "Cease and Desist" letter. You could start by contacting the site owner directly and requesting the items be removed. It they still don't take any action, a more official approach may be necessary. A letter from your attorney. You can write one of these on your own, but I highly recommend you get an attorney to help you.

I wholeheartedly agree. But what happens if it happens to you? What do you do if somebody uses your intellectual property or photographs In their web ads and don't have your permission?

You're welcome. Don't let it sit. Work through it and you'll see results.

Thanks for your valuble information Denise O'Berry I got your material and working right now. Hope It will be new start for me to turn my business into smiles.

I agree you ...

I saw two businesses today that still had their Christmas decorations up! At their physical location, not their website! I can only imagine that if their decorations are not off the property, they surely are not off the website either. I love Christmas and all the decorations, but once it's over, it's time to remove them! I would say anything up after January 13 (we'll give them a little bit of time) screams to your customers that you just don't care about your appearance. What do you think?

I remember back in the day an urban legend that someone was doing this it's weird how it's actually come true. I recently lost a URL due to some email misplaced in a spam folder so domain registration is at the top of my mind. I suggest choosing one company for domain registration. Attaching them to a card fore renewal and really mind the store. These things can be really expensive to get back.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, Sidney.

Ralph -- normally a virtual assistant is just that -- virtual. That means the small business owner works with the person via email, phone and other online technology tools. In most cases, special equipment is not required.

Ralph -- Thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts. If one small business (like yours!) can be saved from disaster, I'm happy.

This is a great article. What's more impressive is that it really is based on common sense. I hope forum members take the time out to read this post. It can be implemented in any size business and have substantial impact where the advantages can set any business ahead of it's competitors who chose to ignore these suggested approaches. Thank you for the information.

A grand prize of $5000 credit for a virtual assistant. I am not sure I know all there is to know about a virtual assistant. For instance, does a small business owner have to acquire special equipment in order to work with or acquire the services of a virtual assistant?

I am very glad I took the time to read your post. I agree with you, and I am a small business owner who did not even consider a disaster plan until I read your post. Having read your post, I intend to utilize the advice and resource links you included. Thank you.

You have to stop it right away buy refusing business or hire a receivable staff to stay on it daily. This is not good business after a reasonable time so get the money now or get out. [url=http://www.squidoo.com/business-plan-restaurant/]Business Plan Restaurant Will Help Make It Business Plan Restaurant Will Help Make It Happen ...

Internet products are the easiest to get but the price may not be right.Use the directorys,blogs etc for the product type and you will get plenty of answers. Business Plan Restaurant Will Help Make It Happen [url=http://www.squidoo.com/business-plan-restaurant/]Business Plan Restaurant Will Help Make It Happen[/url] ...

Because we manufacture our own products we are constantly looking for raw ingredients to get the best price, quality and service. The best ways for us to do this is by word of mouth and second, via web search.

Small businesses must : a) develop purchasing policies, have a price threshhold from which they will require at least three quotes before purchasing b) developed a list of preferred suppliers, so as not to rely on ony one supplier ...

Being in the construction business I have found the best way to identify a new subcontractor is to ask the other subcontractors that work for me who they do not mind following on a job. Typically they hate to work after anyone that is sloppy or does not take pride in their work. I have also used this same approach to identify other service providers for our business.

There is no doubt that an IYP like YellowBook.com could out perform google or yahoo when it comes to a local search of businesses. While YellowBook.com gives a specific list of local quality businesses you could use, Google or Yahoo would shoot back tons of information on local, national, international, and paid advertisers. There really is no comparison.

Hi Ralph, If you business is treading on thin ice financially, most lending institutions or investors will see you as a risk and probably opt not to invest or extend a loan. In my own personal experience, I have already found out how easy it is to make financial mistakes and how hard it is to try to fix them. You will be a relief to know that there is an online resource that is ideal for resolving this very stressful financial situation. At www.snaploans.com a business owner can apply for a loan for up to $500,000. I didn?t need that much, but I was very surprised to know that I could get up to that much. The part I liked best the approval process, besides getting back a response from the company so fast, was that they did not restrict me in any way as far as how I could spend my approved funds.

I operate 2 home based business sites as well. They are http://www.gourmetchocolatenbg.com and http://www.homebasedmlmbusinessopportunitynbg.com ...

I completely agree with your article. I operate a number of web sites for my various small business interest. On the mortgage side I have NBG Mortgage Finders and Free Mortgage Quotes NBG .

Great points! After getting frustrated with the amount of time I find most businesses make people wait to give them business....figures I came up with a technology solution called www.lobbymanager.com a "Visual Organizer" every business that makes customers/prospects wait should use a tool like this.. Thanks www.lobbymanager.com ...

I visited the site. It does have noted advantages. What I am curious about though is the cost. It mentioned on the site that it doesn't cost any more than advertising on radio or television. However, advertising on television can be extremely expensive. Does any body know what kind of cost is associated with using this interesting business resource? Cost is a big factor for me because my business is currently treading on thin ice financially. Additional expenses with low turn around would be a major setback for my business situation. After you introduce your business globally, then what? Does anyone know how long it will take or how exactly it would benefit a business to use this venue?

Ralph -- In most cases, it is best to get money before you need it if you want to secure a loan from a bank or get a line of credit. Given your current situation, the best you may be able to do is go to one of your current creditors and see if they will work with you to set up a line of credit. Sadly, it may be too late. Other options could be to borrow from relatives (with the intention of paying them back of course) or if you are a home owner, securing a line of credit on current equity. The housing option is risky and could backfire on you so use extreme caution.

Hi Ralph, Sustaining your business by using your personal credit cards is a fatal mistake. Take it from me. It is one of the easiest ways to commit business suicide and destroy your credit. Like me, many business owners put a lot of focus and attention on income that is not guaranteed; and, when things don?t work out as planned, they are forced to use their personal credit cards to save their necks. Believe me, I know! I was just about to draw my last breath, when I found my saving grace. Business owners, who have already found out how easy it is to make this financial mistake and how hard it is to try to fix it, will be a relieved to know that there is an online resource that is ideal for resolving this very stressful financial situation. At www.snaploans.com, a business owner can apply for a loan for up to $500,000. I didn?t need that much, but it surprised me to know that the amount of their loan offer was so high. The part I liked best about the approval process, besides getting back a response from the company so fast, was that they did not restrict me in any way as far as how I could spend my approved funds, even with my bad credit. I was able to pay off my personal credit cards and successfully separate my personal credit from my business credit. In addition, I was able to establish a revolving line of business credit, which allowed my business to stand on its own two feet. This sure did make my yearly tax return routine a whole lot easier. Besides, with my approved loan, I am now able to offer my business and personal credit history another chance at survival.

Your article is great for those business owners who have not yet made my mistake. I was hoping to find some sought of solution or reference that would be suitably applicable to my business' financial situation. I am a frustrated established business owner trying desperately to keep pace with a competitive market. I'm currently sustaining my business expenses with my personal credit cards, and I have been doing so for quite some time. I have successfully maxed out each of my personal credit cards and finding it more difficult and tricky each month as I attempt another balancing act with these credit cards. Because of this situation, I am trying to get a loan in an effort to pay off all my personal credit cards and then, hopefully, be able to establish a business line of credit. However, I find that most banks view me as a considerable risk because of my maxed out credit cards, and each attempt I make to acquire a loan is denied. I am not quite ready to give up on my business. It is all I have. I believe that by paying off my personal credit card balances I will take the noose of the neck of my business. With a business line of credit, I will be able to allow my business an opportunity to stand on its own two feet. What options are available to me to help resolve my business situation?

Speaking from personal experience, I reinforce the author's suggestion - in fact, I demand that you establish some sort of back up plan for ALL your data, not just what you believe to be critical. For instance, I created some extensive spreadsheet analysis for my two home based business web sites: Sponsored by: Gourmet Chocolate NBG and Home Based MLM Business Opportunity NBG . At the time, I did not consider the data critical, so I didn't do anything to protect it. I later realized that the information was very valuable because it outlined the keys to optimizing my web sites for my chosen key words. I also used this same formula to optimize two other web sites: Sponsored by: NBG Mortgage Finders and Free Mortgage Quotes NBG . Check them out. See if you can figure out what my key words are.

Glad you found it helpful.

My score was 7.5 and today I've learnt another effective way of communicating the image I wish to present. Thank you.

Thanks for taking the time to post this tip.

It is very simple for find a notary nationally. Open your favorite browser and go to Yahoo, Google, Lycos, HotBot, AOL, MSN, or Netscape and simply type ?need a notary?. You will find more resources for locating a notary public than you will have time to review. The top two to 3 entries on your search result page should all be quality sites to help you find a notary 24/7/365 nationwide.

As a podcast designer, I am always seeking new resources to keep me up to date with the trends in technology. Audio & video is definitely the present/future for the internet. I have recently come across a new video business directory that is free. It is www.MeetMyBiz.tv The site has just recently launched. I am among the first to join this directory. It seems to be fairly comprehensive for the everyday business owner. You can post both audio &/or video to the site. Anyone that has existing audio from podcasts should be able to upload it there as well. I think it will be a great resource for most business owners.

June -- Thank you for sharing your experience. If you have the time, it would be a great idea to let those companies know how you feel. As consumers they normally only hear from us when we're unhappy. I'm sure they would be thrilled.

I'm surprised to find myself saying that my best experiences as a customer in recent months have come from big corporations: Amazon and Target. They both involved something I rarely do, which is returning merchandise. Both companies made very positive impressions on me by courteously and unhesitatingly taking back what I wanted to return. One interaction was fully through email and one was in person (at the store) and, in both cases, I came away with a very good impression of both the corporate policy toward customers and the individuals at the store who handle this. Very effective, and I have something like a feeling of trust toward these massive corporations!

Thanks for taking the time to comment. Do make sure you spend some time on the Small Business Trends website. There is a wealth of information available to help you.

Yes, the web truly is fablulous. The doors it has opened to so many in such a short time makes it a true wonder. Thanks for the great resource you provide for small business owners.

Take your time and browse around the site. It's full of valuable tips.

Keisha -- I hear you. I see this problem repeated time and again by Moms around the world. Sadly, most businesses (including many tech businesses) still feel the need to see "butts in the seats" rather than putting the focus where it should be -- on outcomes and performance. It's shifting, but not very quickly.

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts Roderick. It really intrigues me too.

I have to agree with Maychic.com and say that this link does sound like a valuable home business resource. I intend to check it out too! I'll make it a point to comment on it once I've finished checking out the link. Thanks again for posting such practical information.

Hi Denise, you are wonderful for spreading the word. We worked very hard (over 20 hours) to put together the list of 100 podcasts. We wanted to highlight the dedication of the podcasters who create great content for business owners, entrepreneurs and managers. Never before have so many people contributed so much for others to use, as today. Isn't the Web fabulous? Anita ...

Thanks for the blog. This sounds like a valuable home business resource and I will check it out ...

Right now I have a relatively flexible schedule, if I'm willing to drive between 20 and 100 miles one way for third shift work. I miss my family and I'm not even making enough money to make it worth it. I'm searching desperately to find work that is from home or telecommuting only to have doors closed in my face. Yes I am a mother, and proud of it. I work hard and pride myself on my work and my family. Making money is important, but my family is more so. Work-from-home mom aren't dirty words. Every year more and more mothers want to work from home, why does it have to be so hard for us to do so?

I have also visited other website that uses the same technique. I think using a real person to give information to your visitors is more effected than just putting up video or audio in your site.

Thanks much for your additional information. I think Web People is the wave of the future for etailers!

Hi Denise: Thanks for letting everyone know about WebPeople. We also produce another great conversion tool, custom video banner ads! Here is a portal WebPeople site to view all our terrific products. . . http://www.WebPeopleVideos.com. http://www.webpeople.us/reps/dborre.html If I can be of further assistance, feel free to contact me, dborre@WebPeople.us P.S. I'm also a long-time Digital Women member like yourself and have appreciated your informative posts!

JB -- Thanks for your comments. Great service isn't it?

I use Ringcentral for a non-Internet business, and it's worked very well for me. I don't know why every small business won't forgo a 'normal' phone system and just get Ringcentral.

Joel --

Thank you for taking the time to share your story. I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Customer Service is a huge issue in pretty much any industry.

I had used Manager Assistant 2.0 and had no problems except for a weird error when trying to load a client on a new PC. Because I had bought their Priority Support package, the sales person said I could upgrade for free and that should fix the problem. It did fix the one problem but then I received 3 new errors. I contacted them and that salesperson is no longer there and I would have to renew my priority support if they would help me. To quote Michael Martino from Manager Assistant "While I must assist customers with Priority Support subscriptions first, I will see what I can find out and get back to you as time permits." My program has been down since late July. So I replied back that I didn't think that was good service and Eric Frazier from Manager Assistant replied "It is not fair to us or the customers that buy support for us to be expending resources to assist you any further". It's a good product if they can work the glitches out, just don't expect help unless you pay for it.

I agree Brandon. Appreciate you taking the time to let us know.

I have to comment on this one. We have been part of our local freecycle group now for probably better than a year. My wife primarily looks through it. Up until the other day we had gotten a couple of items from it - some computer magazines I wanted to look through and had donated some baby items that someone needed. This past Saturday we decided to post some things in an attempt to get control of our carport again. We posted about 12 items. Within hours we had received close to 30 replies on everything we listed. Everything from old doors we had lying around to wood scraps...there were some old paramedic textbooks (from my previous life) and an old kids backpack and finally the MONSTER antique piano... Today EVERYTHING is gone minus the piano - it'll be going soon, they had to line up help to come move it...but all it took was a little e-mail time and deciding who we wanted to give the stuff to - they come pick it up and I didn't have to fool with it. Freecycle Rocks!

Laurie -- It sure is a gold find, isn't it? Glad to hear the network in your area is so big. Come back in a bit and let me know how this worked out for you. And thanks for taking the time to post.

Frank -- You are the expert's expert on this stuff since you've been doing it for so long. I was really impressed with what was available behind the scenes at this site. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Thank you for providing this resource Denise. It will prove invaluable to every home-based business owner. I just discovered a Freecycle Network in my town 900+ strong! I'll be sharing this virtually unknown gem with my community members and readers. Laurie Hayes www.thehbbsource.com ...

I agree with Denise. I try to foster a feeling of empowerment so that my employees know they are a key part of the company. The surprise audit is accepted as a way to catch "that other guy". KC Crocker Tax www.crockertax.com ...

Denise, thanks for this review. I was always under (apparently the incorrect) assumption that Salehoo was an aggregator (like Doba). I wonder what made me think that? Were they at one time? At any rate, I'm always on lookout for new wholesale sources as you know so I will be sure to check them out on your AFF.

Peter and Bill -- Thanks for taking the time to add your thoughts. The points you both made are very important. Anyone else want to share?

I appreciate you taking the time to leave me a note. Anyone have additional comments about this issue?

Open discussions regarding ethics and fraud by senior management (i.e. Owners) sets the tone for fraud prevention. Quarterly or semi-annual meetings where fraud and ethics are the topics is a proven fraud prevention technique.

Thanks, Denise, for reminding us of these important guidelines.

Those are great tips. I'd put 3 as the most important. A hotline is also a good idea, but if employees don't recognize fraud for what it is, the hotline might not get used.

Yes Elgin, a very good point that you made. Thank you for taking the time to add your thoughts.

I think it is very admirable the person you were speaking with giving work to her friends, but as you said she should definitely add a premium. Also, I hope she is very confident in their ability to offer the same level of quality service. When you refer anyone, they might as well work for you. Every accolade or disappointment will be attributed to you because of the referral...that's just the way it is. A business owner must remember it is always business and no matter how minor the task may seem, to put the same level of scrutiny and consideration on the person you refer, as you would an employee.

You bet Frank. Having the business at home makes it even tougher to separate. The best thing to do is have a completely separate place for the business with a door you can shut!

I never thought you could use ClickBank as a source of Affiliating to make money until I recently got an email on it. It will be a most definitely better way of making money using ClickBank. What a way to make Money!

Great post Denise, I think Work Life Balance while an issue for all entrepreneurs, it is particularly evident for a home-based business. It's just too easy to hobble into the office and get some work done right after dinner or sneak away to walk the dog, etc. I agree the key is to define your balance, commit it to writing, and then stick to it!

Thanks for the pointer on FreeIQ, I had heard some lite buzz on it but did not realize Brad Fallon was behind it. I am headed over there now to sign up!

I agree, YouTube can be a small business owners best marketing option. We have wedding and event videos on YouTube. We then place a link from our site to the videos. This is a quick and cheap way to have video demos on our site. www.memorablecelebrations.com Sharon@memorablecelebrations.com ...

This site is really a wonderful idea. I'm often looking for freelance writers and editors, and I'll have to start checking this site out.

Thanks for sharing your story. It's heartwarming to hear that you are nurturing the entrepreneurial mindset in your son.

As an entrepreneur currently teaching a NFTE based pilot program at a local high school I whole-heartedly agree with you. Also, my son and I are in the midst of his first venture, which I've written about in my blog. www.garyschoeniger.com Why this stuff isn't being taught as a regular part of the curriculum is a mystery to me. Old paradigms die hard I guess.