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Articles from September 18, 2011

Tips for Finding a Legitimate Business from Home

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Today, there are seemingly tens of thousands of home business opportunities on the Internet. While they all initially sound spectacular, upon closer inspection many Internet business opportunities promise the moon and the stars - and don't deliver. How, then, do you find a legitimate business opportunity that will truly allow you to succeed? Here are some tips to point you in the right direction.

Expect to Work

Legitimate business opportunities require work to succeed. If a home business opportunity promises that you simply have to open your virtual doors with your own URL in order for the money to start rolling in, don't believe it. Any type of true financial success requires work.

That's not to say, however, that you have to work 40, 50, or even 60 hours a week. Legitimate business models can harness the power of the Internet so that you can make an executive-level salary working four or five hours a day. If you choose to work longer hours, your earning potential certainly increases. But the bottom line is that you do need to work.

Find Mentoring and Support

Unfortunately, too many Internet business opportunities sign you up and cut you loose. They may have a bare bones virtual back office and they might even have a webinar or two, but all too often they give you little direction or guidance. A legitimate business opportunity will provide you with training and mentoring, as well as ongoing support - ideally from people who have already achieved their financial goals from the same business model.

So, when you're considering an Internet-based home business, look for transparency. This means that the website should have a phone number, and that you should be able to speak directly to someone in a position of authority within the company. It should also have an email address for an individual, rather than for a general department, such as "sales" or "support."

Expect to Invest in Your Business

Fly-by-night Internet business opportunities might promise that you won't have to lay out any money, but don't believe it. Ask any entrepreneur, and he or she will tell you that start-up money is required. A legitimate business opportunity will tell you this up front.

However, keep in mind that Internet-based home businesses do have two start-up advantages over traditional brick-and-mortar businesses. First, you don't have to rent an office or storefront, hire staff, or invest in a tremendous amount of overhead. Second, you should be able to recoup your start-up investment very quickly - often in a matter of days.

Examine the Compensation Model

Most Internet business opportunities are based on network marketing and sales. This isn't a bad thing, but you do need to review the compensation model for each business you consider. Legitimate business opportunities provide for immediate cash flow to cover your initial expenses, as well as ongoing compensation so that you can consistently see a profit that is aligned with the time and effort you put into your business.

Working from home in a legitimate business is a wonderful way to achieve your financial dreams. In fact, it can change the course of your life and the lives of your children. Just keep in mind that, like any business owner, you need to invest in and work at your business in order to succeed.

Online data entry services

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Best Ways to Choose a Credit Card Processing Company

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Best Ways to Choose a Credit Card Processing Company

One of the most critical decisions for launching an online business is deciding on which credit card processor to use and how you will choose to process your customer's payments.  There are two primary methods to choose from: You can use a true merchant account and do it yourself or you can use what is known as a third-party processor.  The credit card processor method you select can possibly effect the execution of your entire Website.

Probably the best way to choose a credit card processor is by simply listing your needs and then comparing the various available plans.  Will cost be the most important element and what other factors will be involved?  Try comparing both a true merchant account to third-party credit card processors side by side.

How is a true merchant account different from a third party credit card processor?

True Merchant Credit Card Processors

With a true merchant account, you are the merchant and you have the option of applying directly through a bank.  However, this is often done through a sales agent.  The account will be dedicated to your business only.  You, as the merchant will have total control over the account and be totally responsible for it in everyway.  You will have to provide a gateway for the account because this will not be included in the account.

Note: Some companies that offer credit card processor plans will extend a bundle that includes a gateway as an enticement.  You are free to choose any gateway you prefer since they are totally separate entities.

Basically, your merchant account for a credit card processor is a direct account with MasterCard, Discover Card and American Express.  If you resolve to accept payments from their members, you must abide strictly by their rules.

Third-Party Credit Card Processors

A third-party credit card processor company has it's own merchant account and they allow individuals and businesses to accept credit card payments through them.  A third-party credit card processing company has all of the power since they make the rules, which you must adhere to since they are allowing you to share their merchant account.

When should you consider using a third-party credit card processing company?

-If your business isn't registered

-If you have been blacklisted

-If you or your mechanize is considered high risk

-If you have poor credit or no credit

-If you only process a small amount of transactions

If you are a non-programmer and can't carry out a complex API.

Additional considerations concerning third-party credit card processing

1. They will not charge higher rates for high risk businesses

2. They don't perform credit checks

3. They can't be used with a separate gateway

4. Their name appears on your customer's credit card statements

5. It can take up to a month to receive deposited funds.

6. You can't negotiate rates for third-party credit card processing.

Most reputable online merchants understand they will be accepting credit cards online and that they will need a merchant account and a payment gateway.  There are good reasons for assuming this:

-If there are large volumes of transactions to be processed, the discount rate will be far superior with a true merchant account than with a third-party credit processing company.

-The merchant will have 100% control over the account.  The merchant can deal directly with customers and it's the merchant's name that appears on the customer's credit card statement.

-Transparent checkout feature - Allows the customer transaction to be processed directly on the Merchant's Website, rather than being redirected to a third party site.

-Portrays a more professional image - A true merchant account is a more seamless process which is expected from customers.

When you apply for a true merchant account, you will have to go through a full credit check and you may not use the account in anyway for your own personal use.  The rates are always negotiable but high-risk products will garner much higher rates.  You may use a separate gateway of your choice for credit card processing and your business name will always appear on the customer's statement. Funds will be deposited within 1-3 days and you may be locked into a contract for several years.

Most online businesses that are just starting out have small margins and tight budgets.  Cost will be the single most important factor in choosing a credit card processing company for most of them.  The needs of each business will vary, as will the offers they receive for credit card processing.  In making a comparison, it's almost like comparing oranges and oranges and can be quite difficult.  One way to approach the comparison process is to collect the data on fees associated with both third party and a true merchant account first.

-Setup fee: how much you need to pay to establish the account

-Discount rate: the percentage of sales that the processor takes

-Transaction fee: the flat fee the processor charges for each transaction

-Monthly fee: the monthly fee associated with keeping the account active

-Setup fee: the cost to set up a gateway

-Gateway monthly fee: the monthly fee charged by the gateway provider for use of their payment gateway services

Next, list the number of transactions you will make each month and how much the average customer will spend on your Website.  There is a multitude of third-party processors and true merchant providers for credit card processing that may be compared.  For example, Papal and Verisign are two well known companies, but are completely different.

Conclusion

You may ultimately use both of these methods to use credit card processing online but the way in which they are implemented are very different.  Each has it's own particular advantages.  Since every business is different, you must consider all of the factors involved with accepting credit cards online, not just the costs.  Sometimes, paying a few additional costs in fees can enhance your customers experience and the overall appearance of your Website.  Take ample time to explore all of your options in order to find the best cost-effective credit card processing company that fills the needs of your online business.

Convert leads into clients and boost your sales

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A major part of keeping profitable and growing your business is maintaining a focus on business development. Even when you've got the right mix of work, clients and employees you should be looking for new sales leads. Establish a process that ensures your existing customers don't get neglected while you manage new business opportunities in a cost - and time-effective manner.

1. Generate sales leads. Identify the types of companies you want to work with and a realistic number of companies you want to target over a given period of time. For example: An accountant with experience in the marketing industry might decide to target five opportunities per month focussed on marketing consultancies.

Finding potential clients and identifying new opportunities can be done through networking events, tenders listed in newspapers and industry magazines and headlines in newspapers about new projects and industry seminars. Keep an eye on your industry and stay aware of new developments.

Track the companies you approach in a database (you could use Microsoft Office Excel or Access). Tracking should cover the obvious things — company contact details — as well as details of what was discussed, potential work, actions and more.

2. Qualify the leads. Once you have companies identified, review it to ensure they are realistic opportunities. Some areas to think about include:

Do you have the right contacts to get started?

Do you have the right services to offer them?

How can their website help you understand them better?

Do you have any conflicts of interest in pursuing this company?

Does this client have growth potential or would it be a quick job?

Who makes the decisions? How can you reach them?

3. Raise your business profile. By raising your company profile (no matter how small you are) you'll be able to generate new business with less effort. As a leader in the industry, new business will come to you. There are many ways to raise your profile; you could try sponsoring events, adverts and gaining media coverage. The size, location and target market of your business will dictate the medium to use and the areas to cover.

4. Show them what you're made of. Start to reach your qualified opportunities by showcasing your company's products. Send them a brochure or a copy of any newsletters you produce and invite them to join; show off examples of your work; highlight relevant media articles. However, if you're using e-mail, avoid being overly intrusive or they may regard it as spam.

Develop standard template letters in Word to send to potential clients to accompany your credentials/brochures. Link to your database (Excel, Access or Outlook) when merging the letters and envelopes to ensure you don't have to re-enter details.

There is no specified time for this courting, so be patient. It could be six months before anything comes to fruition.

5. Set a meeting time. So you're in the door. Now you need to sell yourself. Tailor the meeting to suit the way you operate as a business. It could be a formal PowerPoint presentation or a discussion over coffee. You may have no choice for the style of the meeting but make sure you are comfortable and well prepared. During the meeting be sure to demonstrate the knowledge you have developed in the previous stages.

6. Follow up. You've presented your capabilities and ideas. Don't stop there. Follow up is essential. This is a major part of the process and should be taken as seriously as the other steps. You'll probably be able to build on ideas from the meeting, or you might find an interesting/relevant article or statistics you could send to re-open discussion. Even if you don't have anything to send, thank them for the opportunity.

Merchant Accounts 101: Understanding Their Role In Your Ebiz

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A merchant account is one piece of your whole payment solution. In its simplest terms, it’s a bank account that allows your eBiz to accept online credit cards and e-checks. At a specific time each day, your merchant account bank receives that day’s completed transactions. They hold the money for several days or more to make sure all parties involved are satisfied. During this time, they also perform additional security checks. If no issues arise, the bank then wires the money into your business checking account.

What a Merchant Account Isn’t

People often confuse merchant accounts with other elements involved in payment solutions. But each element is a separate function of a larger service.

• A merchant account is not a shopping cart. Shopping cart technology is software that simulates a physical shopping cart in that it allows users to “place” items in it until they’re ready to check out and then totals their purchases for them.

• A merchant account is not authorization software. Authorization software is the equivalent of a digital credit terminal. It runs address verification, sends the buyer’s information through fraud detection filters, and ensures the card has enough credit available for the purchase. Authorization software makes instant approval possible.

When you’re looking at solution providers, be sure that all three elements—your merchant account, shopping cart, and authorization software—are compatible with one another. They all have to be integrated in order for you to have that seamless payment solution you’re looking for.

Is It Hard to Get Approved for a Merchant Account?

Every institution has different policies and requirements for getting approved. Some want your corporation papers, your Tax ID, and your business banking account information at the time you apply. Others are more lenient, even to the point of pre-approving your account and allowing you to activate it when you have everything ready.

Getting approved can be especially challenging if you have poor credit history. But some institutions will allow you to have a co-signer. Michael Mack says his company, http://TruthInProcessing.com, was set up to help the new business owner: “We’ve structured our business in that fashion…Less than one-half of 1% of all our [merchant account] applicants, since the inception of our company, have been turned down.”

Don’t Lose that Sale!—Why You Need a Merchant Account

Shoppers are likely to move on if you don’t offer their preferred payment option. That’s why, even if you have a PayPal account, you still need the flexibility a merchant account gives your buyers. You’ll lose the majority of your customers who aren’t PayPal members if you don’t make that option available to them. Most people won’t take the time to muddle through PayPal’s alternate solutions. Says Mack, “If it takes 5 minutes to find the product and buy [it], but 15 minutes to pay, they’re going to go somewhere else.”

Overcome Online Business Challenges with Lessons from Others

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If you've always dreamed that you would be your own boss someday, don't worry. It's not too late. With many Internet businesses today, there are people who have gone before you who will train you and help you succeed along the way. You just have to know where to find them.

Online Business Challenges

Some of the online business challenges you might face include a lack of advertising dollars, lack of knowledge about the Internet in general, and the overwhelming task of designing and updating your website.

Also, keep in mind that when you own your own business, you'll be responsible for your own accounting and taxes. As with any home based business, an online business requires self-discipline and hard work. Though there are many responsibilities, the rewards can far exceed the challenges.

Mentors for Your Home Business

When you sign on for any income opportunity, be sure there are mentors available who can help you get started. You can learn from them and avoid many pitfalls. A mentor can show you how to get started with your own website, how to increase cash flow, how to build your customer base, and how to operate your business for future profits.

With some business opportunities, a mentor will be provided for you when you join. This person should be skilled and knowledgeable. They should offer proof of their own success and be willing to help when you have questions. It's best to learn from the mistakes of others than to jump right into opportunities ignorantly.

Investments for Online Business

With any online business, you'll likely be required to invest some money at the start. Whether you're starting your own company selling products or services, or planning to join another company to sell their goods and services, you'll likely be required to pay a fee to get started. Consider this money to be an investment, not merely a fee. Think ahead to the return on your investment. Ask your mentor how much you can potentially earn before getting started.

If you join an opportunity where you can earn from the investment of those who sign up under you, then be sure the investment amount and compensation amount is enough to earn a good income without scaring away new prospects. With any product or service, there is always a price threshold that newcomers are willing to pay. Be sure the company you are working with has already tested their pricing so you won't have to waste time trying it yourself.

Set Realistic Goals

Ask your mentor to help you set realistic goals at the start. You probably won't start out making a fortune, but with realistic goals, you'll feel that you are accomplishing something. Set short-term and long-term online business goals. The goals should include how many prospects you should contact and how many sales you need to make to reach your goals.

Keep focused on your goals and be sure to follow the lead of your mentor. You'll find owning a home based business to be enjoyable and lucrative once you know how to do it.

Miami Real Estate

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Miami is currently one of the richest real estate area in the United States. Buying a property there will allow you live near the most famous beaches in the world, and in the same time you will be enjoying the urban comforts that a city can offer you.

The Miami Real Estate recently received a boost from the constructions made by some of the most notable real estate investors, like Donald Trump plus many others. If you are looking to take luxury living to the next level you should definitely buy Miami Beach Condos.

Just imagine the benefits that you will get by living in such a Miami Beach Condo. You will have the opportunity to spend your time on world's most famous beaches, do shopping, and join high quality restaurants just by walking a short distance from your condo. Another great thing is the view that your new condo is going to give you.

The city has changed a lot in the last 10 years, thanks to the premium real estate investment made there, right now the city is full of life. Its population has grown significantly during the last years. Be happy, enjoy life, your first step to happiness could be buying a Miami Beach Condo.

Miami is famous for the beaches, the nightlife, the history, the style, and can be a perfect destination for anyone. You will have the opportunity to purchase some modest condos or ultra luxury condos. No matter what you are after, living there it's going to make your life a dream. Just imagine the glamorous life style that this city is going to offer you. This is the reason why many Hollywood celebrities love Miami.

Arranging Furniture Storage

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Sometimes, there isn't enough room for all of your belongings – and arranging storage, on top of moving can be a blessing in disguise – or a nightmare.  So you need another, convenient, cheap option for your furniture.

Storage companies are basically large warehouses or lockups that you can rent – and range in size from a box room to an area large enough to store a complete house.

Storage is great if you're needing to move out of one house before your other hoese is ready – or when you've sold your old house but haven't finished arranging the new one.  It saves the you having to work out what to do with your things.

It's also a good idea when you have too much furniture for your new house, and no where to store it yourself – and while garages and basements are great for short term storage, they aren't protected, in some cases against the elements, nor, possibly insured against accidents, such as fires or flood.  Garages and basements also, while accessible, may also need to be used for other things.

It is possible for your belongings to be damaged in storage, but highly unlikely – you'll be given a list of belongings that you're checking in – and you should check at that time that everything is secure, sealed and stacked or placed well.

If you're moving long distance, its always good to research, throughly, by phone and if possible, in person, how much access you'll have to your furniture, and belongings, and what sort of notice you need to give – you'll also need to work out what is going into storage and how much space you'll need for it all.

If you're unsure of storage companies, and you're using a removal company – ask them – they may have a group of storage companies they deal with, and offer you a better premium than you may otherwise get.  It also means that you've got less research to deal with.

Avoid the Hassles of Online Business Start-up with a Turn Key, Automated Home Based Business

Many people want to start a home business, but never do because of the hassles and start-up costs. As with any new business, a home based business can have unforeseen expenses and problems. There's also usually a waiting period of at least a year before profits can be realized. But with a turn key, automated home based business, many of these hassles can be eliminated. You can make money from home without the initial hassles of running a business. Let's see how a turn key business works to your advantage.

Make Fewer Cold Calls and Get Better Results

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Cold calling, the old way, has to be the most painful form of sales work you can experience. There’s a lot of rejection, fear, and deflated hopes.

But there’s a new way to make cold calling as pleasant and relaxed as picking up the phone and talking to a friend. Just follow these steps, and your cold calls can become an enjoyable part of your day.

1. Rip Up Your Sales Script and Start a Conversation

If you’ve been selling for a while, you’ve probably used a sales script. Perhaps using a script is the only way you know to start a cold call.

But people can almost always tell when you're reading from a script, even if you think you’re pretty good at it. There's just nothing personal about it, and people pick up on that.

A script isn’t a conversation. It’s a linear process designed to move the other person toward a sale. You’re not having a real dialogue when you’re using a script. So nothing is "real" about the whole encounter.

A conversation, on the other hand, is a living, breathing relationship. You’re two real people, talking normally and naturally.

So when you’re just being yourself, the other person’s walls can come down. Because you’re not coming at them with one-way sales strategy. So your cold calls typically last longer. You’ll make fewer calls, and have better results.

2. From "Dreaded Salesperson" to Trusted Advisor

The old cold calling strategies teach you to polarize the roles of buyer and seller. You’re trying to coax "prospects" into buying your product. You’re not thinking about their world – their budget, problems, or time constraints. You’ve been taught to think about the sale.

Well, suppose you were to focus instead on the things that matter to the other person. For example, their problems. What if you were to become a problem solver?

That’s exactly the place you want to be when making your cold calls. Imagine approaching someone with the idea of finding out whether you can help solve a problem. Imagine the kind of attitude this would convey to the other person.

You’re no longer trying to persuade. You’re not even thinking about the sale. You’re thinking about whether you can help someone solve a problem. You’re relaxed, comfortable, and authentic.

When you make your cold calls this way, you’ll find that others will engage you more. And you’ll also be able to really enjoy what you’re doing.

3. Gain the Respect You Deserve – Stop Pushing and Chasing

The old-school sales gurus teach the essentially the same approach. "Focus on closing the sale. Keep pushing forward. Overcome objections. Your job is to turn every no into a yes."

Persuading and coaxing has always been considered a normal and necessary part of cold calling. But it’s rooted in a kind of macho selling image. If you don't keep pushing, it means you're giving up. So you keep trying to move things forward, and you keep "chasing" with follow-up calls.

Even when your focus is on solving a problem for the other person, you can be coaxing and cajoling. But if you do this, how can you become the trusted advisor I spoke about earlier?

It’s really simple. Just let go of your attachment to the sale. When you do this, you can relax into being the professional that you are.

When you stop focusing on getting the sale, you can become a trusted resource. You’re no longer chasing, pushing, and cajoling. You’re helping. And that makes a world of difference in how people respond to you.

Follow these guidelines, and cold calling can become surprisingly enjoyable. You’ll find yourself spending much more time with each person. You’ll also see more positive results, whether or not a sale unfolds. Others will tend to respond to you more graciously. And your whole cold calling experience can become a pleasant one.