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Articles from September 17, 2011

So, I’m a Control Freak

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Yep, that’s right, I admit it – I’m a control freak.  I wonder if there’s a 12-step program for that.  I wanted to bring this issue up as a benefit to all of those poor people out there (virtual assistants especially) who work for people like me.  And for the benefit of all of my partners in making the misery – my fellow control freaks.

Being a control freak isn’t as bad as it sounds.  You just have to realize where your limits are and of course, it’s best if you can admit it so that you can begin to deal with it.  And if you’re working with or for a control freak, you just need to know how to deal with us.  Really, it is possible to overcome some of your control-freakishness and it is possible to work with us.

I’m going to wager that most control freaks are A-type personalities (or if you prefer to talk in terms of D.I.S.C. profiles - high Ds).  That’s not all bad.  It means we’re the ones who put ourselves out there on a daily basis, are driven, and make the world go ‘round.  We’re also very task oriented (e.g. get it done!).  We’re usually very successful and we don’t give up until we’ve got what we want and then some.

So how did I get over my freakish side?  Well, I didn’t and I don’t know if you ever really can – it’s part of who you are.  What I have done though is learn how to tame it so others can live with/around me.  So how do I handle my freakish side?  For one, I like lists.  I make lists like you wouldn’t believe.  Here a list, there a list, everywhere a list list.  In fact, I’d be happy make a list for you now.

Tips to overcoming a little of the control freak in you:

1)     It always makes me feel better, when giving instructions to someone, to write it all down.  Every last detail of how I want whatever it is done.  Then I feel that nothing is or will be missed.

2)     Make your instructions clear and to the point.  This should give you piece of mind that whomever you are delegating tasks to understands what you want done and how you want it done.

3)     Take it one step further and have your virtual assistant repeat back those instructions.  This is your assurance that s/he understands what you’re after and will help you trust him/her more.

4)     Learn to trust.  Okay, maybe not the first time you delegate a task to someone new.  But certainly, after that person has successfully completed the tasks you delegated, and completed them to your wishes, you really CAN begin to let go and trust that they’ll do it “correctly” each and every time.

5)     Write it down.  Write it ALL down!  I’ve found that writing everything down helps me feel more like I’m in control so that freakish side doesn’t need to bare itself to the world quite so much.  Take notes on your phone conversations, list out what you need to accomplish, write your instructions out, and so on.

6)     Learn to let go.  Really.  Other people CAN do things as well as you can and sometimes even better – even if they’re not an A-type, High-D, control freak!

7)     Find a complimentary assistant.  Find someone who is good at and enjoys the things you hate.

Working with a control freak:

1)     Realize that we can’t help it.

2)     Realize that we do our best to overcome.

3)     Ask us for a list of what we need to have done.

4)     Ask us HOW we’d like things done.

5)     Write it down for us.  If we give you a whole bunch of random stuff that needs to be done, write it down and email that list back to us.  This way we can look it over, change our minds, add, and subtract and send it back to you.

6)     Ask us questions about what we want and how we want it before we flit off on another subject.  Keep asking until you have enough information from us to understand what we want.

7)     Do what you say you are going to do.  Nothing makes us run away faster than not doing what you say you are going to do.

8)     We have to be able to trust you.  You need to be honest EVERY time – even if it means telling us what you think we don’t want to hear.

These tips should help you, the control freak, overcome that freakish side and for those of you working with us, maybe this will make it easier. We control freaks really aren’t as scary as it may seem.

5 Benefits Of Using Feeds – How Feeds Can Help Your Ebiz

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What’s a Feed?

Feeds are a way of sharing content. When you make material from your website available for publishing on other sites, you provide them with a feed. Basically, it’s a code that lets them post your articles and blogs. There are different kinds of code—XML, RSS, Atom, etc.—but essentially they’re all just different ways of accessing a feed.

According to internet expert Sydney Johnston, “The great thing about a feed is everybody wins.” The article writer gains exposure, the reader learns about something of interest to them, and the online seller gets an endless source of pertinent content.

What Can a Feed Do for My Online Business?

Feeds are useful in a number of different ways:

• They Eliminate Spam-filters. They’re 100% opt-in, so readers can subscribe and unsubscribe at will. Feeds are delivered directly to your subscribers, so you don’t contend with filters knocking you out of their inboxes.

• They Provide Free Content. One of the best ways to differentiate your site is to supply readers with interesting material—educate them on topics relating to the product you’re selling. If you sell preschool toys, chances are you don’t want to study child development and write numerous articles on the subject—so find someone else who’s already done that and make their feed available to your customers. The constantly updating, applicable subject matter gives your visitors a reason to keep coming back.

• They Can Improve Your Search Engine Rankings. In the past, search engines were unable to read feeds, but software is now available to translate them into live links the engines can see (check out http://CyberWS.com). Search engines love fresh, dynamic content, so feeds are ideal. They provide relevant information that updates automatically. Not only do your customers get the facts they’re looking for, but the search engines like your site and give it better position.

• For Affiliate Marketers, They’re an Alternative to Banners. You not only give your customer valuable knowledge, but if they click through and purchase something, you get credit. And unlike with banners, you don’t look like you’re putting up junk ads or spam.

• They Can Increase Your Traffic. Anything you write, you should make available as a feed. When other sites pick it up, it’s free advertising for you—all their traffic is able to click through the feed to your site. So you gain new potential customers you wouldn’t have otherwise.

Feeds on any subject are easy to find. There’s a whole collection of search engines just for feeds, like http://Plazoo.com and http://Feedster.com. Says Johnston, “The future of the internet for entrepreneurs is feeds. If people don’t master them, they’re going to get left behind, period.”

Home Business Opportunities: Choosing the One that’s Right for You

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Whether to make extra money or in lieu of a full-time job, a considerable number of people are looking for home business opportunities. There are many possible ways to make money on the Internet from your home computer. You don't need to invest in new office equipment, fancy offices or other expensive items to get started.

Set Your Own Schedule

One of the biggest advantages in work at home jobs is the ability to set your own schedule. You can schedule your work hours around other activities or needs that you have. With home business opportunities, you can work as little or much as you want. If you need a full-time income you can spend more time working than if you are working part time.

When you are looking for a home based business opportunity, you should think about what you would like to do. Your business will likely be more successful if it is something you enjoy. If you are thinking of quitting a job you don't like to work at home, don't jump into something that does not suit you. Think of things that interest you and look for a prospect in those areas.

Home Based Business Opportunities that Suit You

Find a home business opportunity that fits your lifestyle and personality.  You can make good money by selling products for others on your own time. Find a company that allows you to enter at an affordable level and then allows you to work your way up.

If you have a unique product to sell, use network marketing to promote it. You can set up your own website or have another company do it for you. Make your product available on the Internet and use online advertising to generate sales. Look for new places to promote your site and keep building your business.

If you do not think you would enjoy or be good at selling, find a job that offers your services in another way. There are many online sites to help you find a way to use your services. You can do telephone polls, complete surveys, assemble products, clerical work, and working on eBay.

Find a Business Opportunity Online

There are online sites that will help you get started in several kinds of home business opportunities. They can set up your website and get you started. There is no pressure to work long hours. You can devote as much time as you want to working.  The potential is there for you to make as much money as you want.

Most services and home business opportunities do not require prior experience. That is what makes it such a great opportunity to anyone who wishes to make money on the Internet. If you would like to be your own boss and build financial security, look for a home business opportunity that will help you reach your goal.

Why You Should Incorporate in Nevada

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are close to 18 million businesses in the United States that have no paid employees. According to a Census Bureau report, "Nationally, these small businesses make up more than 70 percent of all businesses.... Nationwide, receipts totaled $770 billion." The data shows that Nevada is consistently at or near the top of the nation in the increase in the numbers of small businesses.

The Case for Nevada

It's natural to wonder why Nevada, which ranked thirty-fifth in population following the last census, is such a hotbed of business activity. The simple answer is that, when you incorporate in Nevada, you gain a number of business advantages in addition to those that you would receive when you incorporate in California or in another state.

For example, Nevada doesn't tax the income of either individuals or corporations, and doesn't share information with the Internal Revenue Service or with other outside agencies. A Nevada corporation's directors do not have to be stockholders, and a Nevada corporation can purchase, hold, or transfer its own stock. In fact, the state is avidly pro-business and goes to great lengths to protect the privacy of business owners. So, while Nevada's annual filing requirements necessitate providing information on a single officer or director, changes to a corporations directors or officers do not have to be disclosed.

General Advantages of Incorporation

In addition to the specific advantages you gain when you incorporate in Nevada, corporations offer other benefits. In essence, a corporation is a completely separate entity from its owner or owners. Thus, incorporating gives you a great deal of protection from liability. While the corporation's assets can be targeted, when the corporation's officers and directors are fully compliant with the law, their individual assets remain off limits. In addition, it's easy to transfer ownership of a corporation, and it continues to survive as a legal entity even in the event of the death of an officer or director. Further, the ability of a corporation to garner funding is much greater than that of a person owning a sole proprietorship.

Nevada LLCs

LLC stands for Limited Liability Company, and is often viewed as a hybrid between a corporation and a partnership. Nevada LLCs, California LLCs, and those from other states can only stay in existence for 30 years, and can involve more public disclosures about member and owner information. In addition, the problems associated with the transfer of ownership of an LLC require extensive preplanning.

Taking the Plunge

Being a small business owner is fraught with worries and potential pitfalls. If you own a small business, it's worth your while to consider incorporating in Nevada. When you decide to take the plunge, however, make sure that you receive the guidance that you need to properly comply with all state and federal regulations.

The company you choose to assist you should have extensive experience in structuring and protecting businesses, and have a solid background in the formation of corporations in Nevada. It should also be able to walk you through the process, file the necessary paperwork on your behalf, provide you with resident agent service, and provide you with all of the compliance materials you need in order to launch your corporation.

Manage Your Finances & Get Back in Control of Your Life

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“If you would be wealthy, think of saving as well as getting”

----- Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

There is no shortcut to personal and financial. Getting rich entails long years of discipline, hard work, thrift, and wise use of resources.  Those who get rich quick usually do so because: they won a million dollars on lottery;  duped other people in a scam;  or inherited a fortune from a wealthy father or relative.

But if we go back to the root of the issue, it may be important to ask, “Why are some people poor?”

One of the main reasons why many people are poor or remain far from becoming rich is encapsulated in two words: financial mismanagement.  Financial mismanagement is about squandering one's resource on things or activities that do not bear fruit or result in additional income.  Mismanagement of finances is also one of the common causes of marital trouble and a source of enormous stress and anxiety in people.

So many people have fallen into the debt trap and now feel totally out of control of their life and finances.

So what can the average person do to better manage his or her finances? You do not have to be an economics graduate or a finance guru to get out of debt and stop the cycle of living from paycheck to paycheck.  To get back on track in terms of your money and investments, consider the following suggestions:

1. Eliminate Your Debts, Avoid Unnecessary Spending

If you are like most people, credit card interest payments actually consume a large portion of your monthly income.  The solution is simple: pay-off your existing debt and avoid making additional loans or unnecessary purchases.  Eliminate debt as fast as you can. Make a list of payables and prioritize either by starting on items that have the higher interest or those that can be easily paid off.  The choice of which debt to pay-off first depends on your paying capacity, or the amount that you take out from your monthly budget to settle the debt.  Another tip is to tell your bank to set automatic payments on your checking or savings account so you can avoid late payment charges and other penalties from the credit card company.  Avoid missing payments since the compound interest on your loan or credit will affect your financial position.

2. Have an Emergency Account

After paying off every single debt, the next step is to start on an aggressive savings plan.  There are actually several savings plans that you should start on.  One such plan is to have an Emergency Account. Always set aside at least 5% to 10% of your paycheck as savings.  If your budget permits it, save a separate amount to fund your emergency fund which you can use for unexpected expenses, sudden loss of a job, hospital bills, and other unplanned spending.  Having at least six month's worth of your salary as an emergency fund is a workable goal.  However, make sure that you use the emergency fund for emergency purposes only and not for trivial spending.

3. Check Out Your Company's Retirement Plan

Retirement plans help individuals set aside money that they can use after they retire.  A 401(k) is a retirement plan that was named after a section of the United States Internal Revenue Code.  The employer-sponsored plan works by setting aside a portion of an employee's salary which, in turn, is invested in mutual funds, stocks, and other investments in the money market.  Another option is to invest the money in company stock.  The advantage of the 401(k) is that the plan is tax-deferred.

4.  Pension for the Self-Employed

If you are self-employed or belong to an unincorporated business, you can study the potential benefits of the Keogh Plan which allows self-employed individuals set aside up to 15% of their income or they can participate in a mutual fund company and make automatic contributions or you can get a pension plan.

5.  Invest Your Money

While saving some of your hard-earned money is a good start, leaving it all in the bank may not give you the results you need.  Get educated about investments and other financial instruments you can use to make your money earn more than what you are currently getting from the bank.  The first step is to learn about passive and active income.  You must also learn how to analyze and choose investments that will earn more money in the long run.   Mutual funds, stocks, and other investment options are available for you to study and consider.

6.   Manage Your Money Online

If you have an Internet-capable computer at home or at work, you can actually manage your finances online.  You can check your balance and credit statements, transfer funds, pay your bills, and monitor the status of your savings through your bank's online system.

Indeed, there is no shortcut to wealth.  Living the good life entails planning, setting goals, discipline, a  great deal of sacrifice.  Getting rid of worry and anxiety attacks over financial difficulties is not an impossible task.  When you save and invest wisely, you will be able to prepare the tough times that are sure to come;  and you can have enough to enjoy life, which is the reason why we need to take control of our finances.

SHOCKING…New Keyword Software Breaking All The Rules!&quot

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SHOCKING...New Keyword Software Breaking All The Rules!"

How One Simple Yet Incredibly Powerful Software Is Transforming The Lives of Regular People From All Over The World...Instantly Elevating Their Income and Boosting Their Qualified Traffic...All With Just A Few Clicks of A Mouse...

Keyword Elite

The Most Powerful Keyword Research Software On The Planet!

Now, I could have kept Keyword Elite a secret but the reason I've decided to release the Keyword Elite software to the public is... because of all of the misinformation happening online right now about how to make a care free living from home.

As you read on, I’ll tell you more about how this software will help you but let me tell you some straight from the hip facts about the rest of the picture.

Fact is - "In the next few years, if you don't put the power of Pay Per Click Advertising to work for you or your business, you'll slowly and certainly meet your doom! Finding and profiting from the right keywords is the key to success with pay per click advertising."

Hold on to your seat and keep reading because here's what you can do with Keyword Elite...

"Rapidly Generate High Paying Adsense Keyword Lists Of More Than 10,000 Keywords In As Little As 2 Minutes And 57 Seconds!"

http://sevilyalci.bryxen4.hop.clickbank.net

5 Start-up Ideas for Your Home-Based Business

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So you've decided to start a home-based business? That's great, but where do you start? If you're online quite a bit, then there's no reason you can't start a business right from your own home on the Web. There are so many resources available online today that you can benefit tremendously from the research of others while building your own business. And, there are many companies that will do lots of the work for you when you join with them.

Here are five easy start-up ideas for your home-based business to save you time and money.

1. Choose Your Hours

Decide how much time you will be able to invest in your home-based business. To be honest, there are many new business owners who never make it because they're not willing to invest their time. If you work a full-time job and plan to keep it while your home-based business builds, then you should determine how many free hours you can spend working. Can you invest a few hours per day, or week perhaps?

Once you choose your hours, stick with them on a consistent basis. Treat the home business just as you would a store with operating hours. If you open a store from 9 to 5, then someone must be there during those hours. So, if you plan to work on your new business from 8:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. five nights per week, then let this be your "operating hours!"

2. Choose a Business

Even if you plan to start a business selling products of your own, you might find it useful to join with a company to sell their products to build extra income at first. You can even do both if you can invest enough time and effort into both businesses. Choose a product or service that you enjoy selling. No business is fun if you dislike it. The more you enjoy it, the more likely you are to be successful.

With the Internet, MLM businesses are building down lines like crazy. This is the perfect opportunity for you to earn some extra cash or even a substantial income. The reason MLM businesses are so profitable online is because it is so easy to contact people by email and through your own website. Some MLM companies even do most of the work and contacts for you to save you time and money. Communication is very easy online even if you're not really a "salesperson."

If you plan to join an MLM group, be sure to choose a reputable company that has been in business for at least several years. Ask to speak with others who have worked with the company a while. Check with the Better Business Bureau Online to be sure there have been no (or very few) complaints. There are many scams online today, so sign on with a well-established MLM company to be safe!

3. Prepare Your Home-Based Business Work Area

Before you start a home-based business, be sure your home office is up to par. Upgrade your computer to a fast one with a super-fast Internet connection so your work will not be hindered by outside factors. Also, get a very comfortable desk chair with plenty of back and arm support. Choose a keyboard and mouse that you're comfortable with, and organize your desk. Working in a well-organized environment clears your thinking so you can work and promote without distraction.

4. Investing Your Money

Before you invest a dime, be certain it's the right business for you. When selling products for others, you might be asked to invest money before getting started for inventory, membership, a website, and so forth. If so, study every aspect of the business before doing so. Any business start-up will require some monetary investment, but you need to think before you invest.

Once you've chosen a business to invest in, set up a budget solely for your business. Having a business account at your local bank will help. Also, set up an account with an online payment processor if possible. PayPal and StormPay are two of the most popular ones online right now. If signing on with an MLM company, find out how they issue their payments first.

5. Use Your Talents and Skills

Whether you sign on with an MLM company or start a business selling your own products and services, remember to use all your talents and skills. Maybe you're a great typist or a very savvy Internet user. Perhaps you know how to design websites, printed flyers, or promote online. Use your talents to maximize your home-based business profits.

Don't just sit at home and dream of owning your own business. Use these five start-up tips to get your home-based business moving today!

Work from Home Successfully through the Internet and Network Marketing

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You've probably heard or read plenty about the Internet and network marketing. Network marketing often gets a bad "rap" because so many thieves and greedy people have abused this type of business. But for all those who have given network marketing a bad reputation, there are plenty of others who are successful through hard work and perseverance.

If you can forget the negative things you've heard and find a team of network marketers with similar goals, you can realize the same success that thousands of others enjoy every day - and work from home doing what you love.

Learn the Principles of Network Marketing

Before getting started, do research to learn the basic principles of network marketing so you will know what to expect. Network marketing gives you the freedom to become "your own boss" without limiting your potential to create a steady cash stream.

Network Marketing with Others

The first key to success with network marketing is to learn to recruit others. Spend time getting others involved in the business so you can enjoy profits from their efforts as well. Some network marketing companies will recruit people for you. With these types of businesses, you may pay more on your initial investment, but will enjoy the benefit of marketing experts promoting for you.

Receive a Residual Income

Second, set goals that will enable you to receive a residual income. This is an income that you receive on a regular basis, even after the work has been done. You might recruit several individuals to work with you. If they are successful, you'll receive a recurring income from their efforts. So it behooves you to encourage and help them every step of the way.

Grow Your Network

Third, you must learn how to grow your business or network. When you work from home, you can use the Internet and network marketing together to grow your business. The Internet opens doors of opportunity you might never have in your local town. For example, in your hometown you might find 10 to 20 people who are interested in network marketing. On the Internet, however, you can find thousands of others just like you!

You can promote using many avenues online without spending a fortune. Also, email is a free avenue of communication for you and your network marketing team members, and it's a great tool in finding new prospects.

Find a network marketing company that already has a profitable business model in place for their business. The company should be able to provide proof that it is working well for others with no gimmicks and hype - just good business strategies.

A popular type of network marketing today is global resorts networking, in which you can purchase trips to beautiful destinations at wholesale prices. You can do what you love, work from home, and take vacations that most can only dream about.

Start looking online for a work-from-home network marketing opportunity that works for you. You can realize success and meet other great people as you reach your goals.

Accounting Classes

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If you’re thinking about taking accounting classes in order to better manage your own business or non-profit organization you’re off to a rewarding experience! In fact, chances are that you’ll notice evidence of your expanded understanding of accounting and financial management in various ways almost as soon as you apply the new knowledge and methodology.

You don’t have to earn a four year degree in accountancy in order to expand your knowledge of accounting in meaningful and productive ways. If you want to make accountancy your profession, you would do well to invest your time and resources into a two or four year degree program.

If you’re serious about educating yourself about financial accounting in order to manage an organization that you participate in you may also find that a two year degree program is worth your time and effort. There are, however, many community college and leisure learning classes that may fit your schedule and budget to a tee.

If you live near a community college, visit the campus or website and find out more about the types of accounting classes that are offered. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the curriculum or to seek advice about what types of accounting classes will meet your learning goals.

Particularly if you live in a larger city, there are many learning centers and organizations that offer classes on all kinds of things from sushi making to kayaking, CPR and accounting. Many times these types of classes are the most feasible type of education because sessions last from one day to a few weeks long so participants can fit them into their schedules. Additionally, accounting classes from these smaller learning organizations will cost less than college degree programs.

Take a look online and ask around about local accounting classes. If you’re looking for a quick solution, there are also some online courses if you enjoy self-paced learning. Take your time to research tuition for online schools, as many of them have rates that are much higher than others.