I mentioned here on the blog that I had started a brand new blog where I share my fitness, health, and weight loss progress and that I was going to start sharing how I set up the new blog and how I drive traffic, get readers and subscribers, and how I monetize that blog.

So this is the first post of many where I will share what I’m doing with that blog. Obviously I’m sharing here from the blogging standpoint but if you’re also interested in fitness, health, and weight loss please join us over there on the blog Bikini After 40 so we can all encourage and support each other.

My buddy, Dennis, asked me if men were welcome … Yes, men are definitely welcome (despite the reference to “bikini”) to join us gals and participate there. Some of the topics are geared towards women but much of it is fitness, health and weight loss in general so no worries there.

OK … let’s get started …

Choosing My Domain and Setting Up the Blog

I’ve mentioned here on the blog that I use HostGator hosting and I use GoDaddy for all of my domains. Yes, they are affiliate links LOL but I really do believe I have a system down pat for setting up a new blog very quickly and without any hassle.

Domain Name. First, I choose my domain name. For my niche sites I choose domains that are very … hmmm … full of keywords, but for this site I wanted it to be something fun and catchy. I did however do the keyword research and luckily some of the keyword phrases I set out to tackle (“fitness at 40” and “fitness for over 40”) worked well for the domain I wanted. No, not an exact phrase like I usually try to get but at least it’s got a couple of my keywords in there. LOL.

I log into my GoDaddy account and I purchase the domain name. DURING the purchase there is an option to “Set nameserver.” (see image). Since I already have an account with HostGator I can enter the nameservers while purchasing and then everything is set up almost instantly (instead of waiting the 72 hours they quote). You can get the nameservers from your host or if you have other domains with GoDaddy that are hosted elsewhere you can get the nameservers from inside your GoDaddy account (find them attached to the other domains in your account).

Hosting. Then I go to HostGator via my cpanel and I add the new domain to my account. By the time I’m done doing this the domain is usually up and ready and online. I then go to the Fantastico section within my HostGator account and I add WordPress to the new domain.

I Select a Theme

For this particular blog I decided to go with Squeeze Theme. I am also using it here on suzannefranco.com and I’m starting to really like it (didn’t “not” like it before … I’m just technophobic and resistant to change LOL). Some of the reasons I chose Squeeze Theme for the BA40 site (that “BA40” looks kinda funny huh?! LOL) is that it’s (a) very easy to work with within the admin panel and doesn’t require a lot (if any) coding for what I need to do, and (b) I can add some “squeeze” pages for some optin pages (an example would be here on the sf.com blog http://www.suzannefranco.com/blogging-idol-secrets-revealed-ebook/). A “squeeze” page is typically a page that promotes something specific and visitors/readers no place to go but to buy/optin or leave. The one I used is a modified version where they can still see the main navigation buttons at the top but there is no sidebar to distract them.

On BA40 I will offer some free eBooks and possibly email mini-series so that I can grow my email list.

I Dressed It Up

OK … well I didn’t personally dress it up! LOL. I hired the very talented Chrissy Jensen (<– love her!) to do that for me. Initially she did the header and the color scheme (header, background colors, heading colors, link colors, etc.). This can all be changed within the Squeeze Theme admin area but I’m not creative at all so for me it’s best left to a professional. I also hired her for the optin box and some other graphics but we’ll get to those in an upcoming post.

I Defined My “Purpose” for the Blog

We often have ideas swimming around in our heads about a business and we never really map it out from start to finish.

When I first had the idea to do a blog about my journey to lose weight and get healthy it was more of an online journal to keep myself accountable. As I thought more and more about it and visited other blogs with a similar “niche” or “theme” I realized that I would eventually reach my goals and I would love to help others get there too. If you’ve known me for any amount of time you’ll know that’s what I enjoy most about being online … meeting new people and helping them as much as possible.

I have tried a lot of ways to lose weight … some have worked and some have failed. I would love to share what they are and the reasons I believe they worked or didn’t work.

I also have access to a great fitness trainer who is also a personal friend. I explained the blog to her and told her that I’m very lucky to have her helping me. I know that readers who don’t have access to a personal trainer will assume that it’s the reason I will succeed and the reason they can’t. So … I will be getting help from her to show my readers how they too can get in an incredible workout. She will show us effective home workouts we can do without any fancy club or equipment. Pretty cool huh?

So the purpose is to keep myself accountable and to help as many people as possible. When I find ways to actually monetize the blog I am open to that too. This is in stark contrast to the niche sites I set up that are simply there to drive traffic and/or sales to make me money! This one is very personal and I’m very passionate about it! The money will come when it’s time.

I Wrote Out Some Post Ideas and Outlined the Categories

I got a Word Doc started with my topic and post ideas … and after reviewing those I was able to define some of my categories. These will change as time goes by and I find my “groove” on the blog but it’s important to have some type of an outline to get started … or you WON’T EVER START!

(Side Note): Speaking of STARTING … I’ve said time and time again the biggest reason I believe people fail online is they simply never get STARTED!!! This isn’t brain surgery guys! It isn’t rocket science! Just take an idea … any of the hundreds you have swimming around in your head … and take that leap ok? What’s the worst thing that could happen? I can tell you … the worst thing that could happen is that you change your mind and you’ve spent $7.50 on a domain and you don’t keep it up and move on to something else. You will still have your hosting and you just start again and see if something else sticks. Come on … give it a go!

Get the eBook So You Can Follow Along

OK … that is a brief overview of how I actually got the blog idea off of my chest and onto the net. Next I’ll start using the very techniques I’ve outlined in my “Blogging Idol Secrets Revealed” eBook to drive visitors and subscribers to the blog. If you haven’t downloaded it yet you really should check it out so you can follow along.

Do you have any questions so far? Do you have the eBook yet? Have you implemented any of the ideas so far? What would you most like to see step-by-step (in more detail) while I build and promote my new blog? I’m here to help so just tell me what to do ok? *SmiLes* Suzanne

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Well … we’ve planned our next trip to Mexico and I’m soooo stoked! In early June we’ll be taking kids down to the resort where we took our honeymoon, Dreams Puerto Aventuras, in the Riviera Maya area about 45 minutes from Cancun. It’s an all-inclusive resort and we’ll be totally spoiled. LOL We’ll also be in our bathing suits much of the time … so that means the race is on for me to lose some weight and tone up.

Since I was journaling my food and exercise and taking before and after pictures I decided to put up a blog and share my tips and ideas with others who would also like to look great in their swimsuit http://www.bikiniafter40.com. Why am I sharing that with you? Well, I am building this blog from the ground up so I thought some of you might want want to follow along and see what I do to set it up, to drive traffic, build backlinks, do the SEO, monetize, etc.

If you’d be interested in watching me I’ll be posting every so often here on the blog at suzannefranco.com and I’d love to hear any questions you have about what I’m doing with the site. I’d also love to have your feedback on the blog itself. What do you think of the concept? Of the look and feel? Of the content? All thoughts are welcome of course!

Here’s a video message:

Please leave me your comments and let me know what you’d like to learn about my new site and I’ll address it here on the blog. *SmiLes* Suzanne

P.S. If you’re looking to lose weight and/or tone up … or interested in health and fitness in general I hope you’ll join me over on the new site so we can support and encourage each other

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I plan on starting a new online business and I’m really excited about it! I am a huge fan of Traffic Geyser and they are offering a “business in a box” type system with training to go out and help brick and mortar businesses get to the first page of Google using video creation and submission.

Truthfully, I know first hand that this is pretty simple competing in the local markets.

I was going to get this system just for my own businesses and for my husband’s business but I think I’m going to have some fun doing this for others as well. It’s very lucrative and I could use a boost in income right now (who couldn’t right?).

Check it Out Here: Traffic Geyser

Let me know if you are interesting in doing this and maybe we can get a group together and brainstorm and support each other. *SmiLes* Suzanne

Watch this video it explains it better than I could LOL

NOTE: There is an email opt in to see the awesome videos of two people who have done this successfully already. Even if you’re not interested in this particular system I learned a great deal watching the videos they have posted there so it’s worth your time I promise.

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I’m just wrapping up a small series on brainstorming and how to go about finding a topic that you’re truly passionate about and now I want to do a follow up on how to narrow that topic down into a niche topic to give you a better chance of success for your online business.

What I don’t think I stressed enough in the previous lessons is how important this is … even if you ALREADY have an online business.

If you’re not as successful as you’d like to be I hope you went through the lessons as well. If you didn’t get to them yet please do yourself a favor and give them a quick listen (they’re audio/video lessons).  You can find them here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and you’ll also want to check out the post about Gary Vaynerchuk’s book, Crush It, that is specifically about finding a topic you’re passionate about (enter for the signed book giveaway too).

In fact, I once heard Gary say (I wish I could remember which interview I heard this on *sigh*) that one mistake people make is that they have a topic they’re passionate about but they change it (even slightly) because they think there’s not a market for that specific topic.

Diet Soda … Soda … or Beverages?

The example he used was about a guy who was passionate about diet soda. He figured there was no way he could make a business out of his passion for diet soda so he thought maybe soda (all sodas). After he put some more thought into it he decided he wanted to make a fortune (and there couldn’t possibly be an audience for diet soda) so he decided to go with beverages. The problem with this way of thinking is that this guy isn’t passionate about all beverages … he’s passionate about diet soda! So when it comes time to speak and/or write about vodka or juice or any other beverages for that matter … he’s just not very interested (not full of passion for the subject) and he dreads going to work on the business and/or gets overwhelmed.

This was a “light bulb” moment for me. I have a site that I’d love to work on more often and I just don’t because it’s overwhelming and I feel like I’ll never get it to where it can be truly successful. As you might already know, Ken and I got married in Mexico earlier this year and I spent a ton of time online researching destination weddings … where to get married, what the requirements were for each country, the seasons/weather, travel expenses, etc. I was so excited about the subject that I started a site/blog on the subject (Best Destination Weddings – might as well give it a little link juice huh? LOL).

Well … after hearing the diet soda illustration I realized this: 

Weddings = Beverages

Destination Weddings = Soda

Riviera Maya Weddings = Diet Soda

Do you see the idea here? I could research, read, write … and talk about the Riviera Maya area where we got married (we returned to their for our honeymoon as well) all day every day and be totally excited and passionate about it … without wondering how much money I’ll make for sharing this information … B-I-N-G-O!!!!!!!! There’s my passion … don’t you agree?

I will not scrap the existing site but rather I will be adding a separate site that’s more specific to that area and then the sites can be a referral source for each other. I hope to find alternative ways to fill the existing site with steady content (article directories, guest bloggers, etc.) and that way I can focus my time and energy on the niche site and I’ll be thrilled to work on it.

So … where are you at in choosing your niche topic? Are you ready to get started? Do you have an online business? If so, was this helpful to you too? Are you considering an adjustments to any of your niches? Have questions? Let us hear from you! *SmiLes* Suzanne

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NOTE: Read details for FREE signed book at the bottom of this post!

Last month I went up to Austin (about an hour away) to Gary Vaynerchuk’s (Vay-ner-chuk) book signing for his new book, Crush It, and it was so worth the trip.

If you’re not familiar with Gary you’ll want to check him out on his blog, Gary Vaynerchuk, and his wine site, Wine Library TV. He was the first person who really, truly inspired me to try vlogging (video blogging) even though after watching him I felt totally inadequate LOL.

He has been hugely successful at using social media to brand himself and to grow his businesses and now most recently to promote his book.

I love the explanation on his book cover, “Why Now is the Time to Crush It! … Cash in on Your Passion.” I feel that brainstorming and truly digging deep within to find your passion is one of the most important aspects of starting any business and I’ve really enjoyed the book.

He talks a lot about how much business has changed (and is changing) and with the internet anything is possible for anyone who wants to succeed … and I completely agree. Gone are the days of needing a ton of money as start up capital … you can be up and running with a new business in a day and for under $10 bucks. Don’t believe me? Shoot me an email … Contact Suzanne.

We showed up for the signing and when he arrived he took his time with each of us privately while he signed our books and then he said to stick around for a “Q & A” session. He stood up and started speaking and I let the good’ol flip start rolling (I felt a little bad sticking that thing in his face but I’m happy to have the video). He spoke and answered our questions for over an hour. In fact, I used up my 60 minutes on the Flip and had to switch over to my Blackberry (I’ve never used that feature so I lost a few minutes of recording – and I can’t figure out how to make the Blackberry portion bigger but you can still hear it LOL).

NOTE:  The video was too long (large file) and it was causing the page to have problems loading so Ive added an audio version too: 

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I hope you enjoy the audio and if you’re looking for a great motivational read you need to pick up a copy of Crush It for yourself.

Now let’s have some fun!

I have a signed/autographed copy of the book, Crush It, that I’m going to raffle off here on the blog. It will be a drawing and it’s super easy to enter.

1. Subscribe to my RSS via email (must be email so I can confirm the subscription)
2. Tweet this post using the “Retweet” button at the top of this post (if you have a Twitter account)
3. Leave a comment below that you’ve done so (with your Twitter ID)

If you are already subscribed via email no worries just retweet the post and leave a comment that you’re subscribed and that you’ve tweeted (with your Id) … if you are not on Twitter please state that as well.

Last day to enter is November 30, 2009!

Let us hear from you! Are you familiar with GaryVee? Have you read the book Crush It? If so, what’d you think? Are you entered into the drawing to win your own signed copy of the book?

   Crush It … the book sold on Amazon.com – for less than the cost of lunch?! Better at least check it out!

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I did a couple of posts about brainstorming (Part 1 and Part 2) and if you did the exercise you should have two lists of topics that you are passionate about. Do any of them jump out at you? Are there any topics on there that if you spent several hours a day researching, reading, and writing about you would lose track of time? Something that you’d talk and/or write about whether you got paid or not? If so, you might want to explore it further for a new online business.

Now … here’s the part where I want to interject some wisdom.

I want you to answer this question … honestly. How long have you been thinking about starting an online business? Has it been two months … six months … a year or two? I meet and converse with a ton of people online and I am always amazed (and sad) to hear how long people have been searching for the “perfect” online business … so they NEVER get started!

What If?

I’d like to ask you something … what if??? What if you just picked one of these topics and got started … NOT knowing at all what you’re doing … having no business plan … but just decided TODAY that you are going to give something a try??? How does that feel to you? Scary? Exciting? Relief? Come on! Let’s do this! Quit researching, reading, and writing your ideas down … and watching what seems like everyone around you do this … just do it … TODAY! OK?

Now with that said I want you to know that it’s almost certain that you will start more than one online business so the one you start with does NOT have to be perfect … or even great. You just need to get yourself started and you can make changes and adjustments along the way. You can even scrap it and start all over if it’s not working right?

So … are you willing to get your new online business started? I’d personally suggest getting started with a self-hosted WordPress blog because you can do so much to that platform that you can start almost any type of business with it … and again … you can always make changes down the road as you get the hang of things.

I’ll make you a deal. I use and promote HostGator hosting and I love them. If you’re willing to use my affiliate link for your new hosting account (or transfer to them) I will personally help you get your hosting set up and get your domain purchased and pointed to your hosting account. Then I will help you get WordPress set up on your new account and give you some basic pointers on where I’d start and we’ll get you up and running for your new business very quickly. Basically you can get your business started with my assistance and guidance for under $8 bucks using the links and coupons at the very bottom of this post!

So … what do you think? Are you ready to quit sitting on the sidelines and start to play this game? I can help … so just let me know! *SmiLes* Suzanne

Have you been searching the net looking for the perfect business? Are you afraid to get started? Do you want my help with this? Please reach out and tell me what’s up! Let us hear from you in the comments below (or via Contact page).

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Coupon code OYH7 (Domain Names for only $7.49)

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So in my post, Brainstorming Your Business – Finding Your Passion (Part 1 – Video Tutorial), we looked at all of the things that make you happy and that you really enjoy in life. 

Today we’re going to take a look at any problems you’re having in your life (or have had). You want to especially think about topics that you think of that you would go search the internet looking for answers and/or solutions. 

This could be a parenting issue, how to get rid of debt, a medical issue … or how to get a stain out of clothing or carpet.

Again, don’t try to second guess anything about the topic – just write down everything that comes to mind. You can analyze these topics and ideas later. It’s best to just write down everything that comes to mind.

OK … watch the video and see what you come up with.

Was this harder than you thought? Was it a good exercise or do you feel like it sent you off into the wrong direction? Don’t be upset … just do the exercise and we’ll discuss each of your lists in the next lesson. Let us hear from you! *SmiLes* Suzanne

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I recently conducted a poll here on the blog and I asked you, my readers, to take part in it (Where Are You at in Your Online Business). If you haven’t done so I hope you’ll take the few seconds to check the box that most closely fits for you – it will really help me give you the best content and information here on the blog. After reading the results I found that there are some of you who still need some direction in finding ideas for your new online business. I think those of you who chose answer one or two, that you’d like to have an online business but don’t yet have a topic in mind or that you have a topic in mind but need some help getting started, will benefit greatly from this tutorial.

If you have an online business and you are not truly happy and excited to work on it you’ll want to listen to this too. I for one know that I’ve “happened onto” some businesses that I don’t truly have a passion for and it makes it really hard to work on the business without feeling like I’m “working” LOL. If you have a business that you ended up in for whatever reason but you’re not truly happy with it then maybe it’s time for you to too to see what other business options are out there. Working a business that you don’t truly enjoy is almost as bad as going to work every day at a job that you don’t enjoy and none of us should put ourselves in that position – don’t you agree?

Now, before we get started with this lesson I want you to get out a pen and a piece of paper (or your notepad or journal) because as we go through this lesson I want you to write down EVERYTHING that comes to mind as it pops into your head.

NOTE: These notes differ a little from the video so I suggest if you have the time you not only watch the video but you also read this post.

This is what I want you to think about and to start writing down … and for now don’t worry about spelling, penmanship, what order or which number they fall under … just let your ideas and thoughts flow out and onto your paper OK? 

Let’s get started:

***In fact … as we go through this exercise … I don’t want you to try to figure out if ANY of these could actually be monetized or not … we’ll be looking at that in a different lesson … so for now … just make sure that every single thought and idea makes its way onto your paper.

OK … let’s continue: 

1. Write out ALL ideas you have … or have had … for a business (don’t worry about if it could be made into a blog or business or not. 
2. Write out ALL of the things you’re interested in (i.e. sports, hobbies, what you do in your spare time, where do you travel to (or where would you like to travel to?), what you like to read about, material possessions you have or want … think about what magazines you read or subscribe to (or wish you did) … what type of shows you like to watch … what interests you and captures you? Are you crafty? Do you make things? What do you make?
3. What’s a subject or topic that you’d research and write about that you could care less if you got paid for that work or not? Which topics could you do this work on and hours have passed before you even know it?
4. What do others tell you you’re good at? Are you a good cook? Baker? Good with relationship advice? At organizing? Cleaning tips? At decorating? At event planning? Do others come to you before they make a purchase? If so … of what? Computers? Cars? Boats? Appliances?
5. Write out WHO you are (i.e. woman, divorced, engaged, parent, mom, soon-to-be step mom, Christian, like to help and teach others, tall, etc.)
6. Write out what you are experienced in … for instance what did you study in school? What types of jobs and careers have you had? (i.e. legal assistant, list cars on eBay, cell phone business, direct sales, sales, marketing, people, etc.)
7. Write out ALL of your causes or passions (i.e. politics, religion, environment, advocacy issues, etc.) 

• Write out EVERYTHING that comes to mind
• Nothing is too silly to add to the list
• Do NOT try to figure out if you could make a business out of this (that’s another step we will get to … I promise) 

Once you are done, you should start to rearrange your list putting the top 5 – 10 towards the top (they don’t need to be in an exact order) and then try to filter on down as you see fit. 

That’s it for the Brainstorming Part 1.

I want you to put that aside for today and tomorrow we’ll move onto Brainstorming Part 2.

NOTE: I made this video some time ago and even though it says for “blogging” it definitely pertains to any type of business you’d like to start

Was this helpful for you to get some ideas about what you actually enjoy in life? Are there things on your list that got you really excited? Did you find yourself asking, “Wow! What if I could actually make a living around “blank”? I hope you’ll keep adding to this list as other things you enjoy pop into your head. Let’s hear from you below! *SmiLes* Suzanne

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Make Some Extra Money … Buy Low ~ Sell High

 
Buy Low ~ Sell High

Want to make some extra money? One way to make some extra cash is by buying stuff at a low price and reselling it at a higher price. Sounds simple enough right? Well, this idea falls into the category that I call “simple ~ not always easy” but if you’re willing to put in the effort it can be lucrative.

Where to Find Stuff

Some of the best ways to do this is to get familiar with eBay, Craig’s List, and your local classified ad sources (online and print). If you’re in a good area for flea markets and garage sales those work well too.

Know or Research

You should try to stick to the type of products you know something about or you’ll need to get really good at researching the selling price of the items you want to pick up.

Be Prepared

You might be surprised at some of the good deals you can find if you just get in the habit of watching for them.  

There are people who don’t know how to list items on eBay and they will let things go for way below their value (sorry … but it’s true). There are people who don’t understand the value, those who just need money fast, who could get more if they knew more about how and where to “sell” their stuff, those going through a divorce who have no emotional attachment to their “stuff” and just want it gone and those who are relocating and need it “gone” by a certain time and this even works great with retail stores when they have a closeout, a great coupon, and/or rebate. Now … before you go accusing me of suggesting you take advantage of people … that’s not the case! This stuff is going to sell to SOMEOME … I promise you. This is a business decision and nothing more.

This method can work for the following: 

1. High end items. The margins will be greatest on high end items. Think electronics, expensive bikes, motorcycles, go carts, golf carts, jewelry, etc.

 

2. Large lots of items that can be broken down and sold off separately. A couple of examples that would work well: (a) large lots of children’s clothing (name brands work best) that you can turn around and sell individually, (b) direct sales items that representatives getting out of the business might be selling off (think Mary Kay, Tupperware, direct sales jewelry, nutritional products, etc.), and (c) incomplete “sets” like silverware, dishes and tools.

 

3. Items that can be broken down for parts. The most common example would be cars. But really get creative here … I know someone who parts out old boats … maybe computers and other electronics?

 

4. Shop outlet stores. If you are fortunate enough to live near a good outlet mall you do have an advantage. We once bought a couch at the Pottery Barn Outlet for about $400 and sold it on Craig’s List for $1,200. The outlet mall is 45 minutes away and we no longer have the storage space to buy/sell these bigger items but if I really needed the money I’d figure it out trust me! Some of the other stores that have a great selection: Coach, Lladro, Under Armour, and Quicksilver. Don’t be afraid to bargain with the manager for these products. They want to move this stuff too. I personally wouldn’t mention that you’ll be selling it online because sometimes they frown on having their brand moved that way but get creative and it doesn’t hurt to make a lowball offer on bulk items.

 

5. Look for incredible savings, rebates, and coupons. In a recent post I told you about an MSN/Live rebate offer where they were giving a 30% rebate for eBay purchases made through their search engine. I believe the maximum rebate was $200 so that meant you could purchase something in the $660 price range to take full advantage. If you bought 2 or 3 laptops using this rebate you would’ve made $400-$600 by relisting them at full price and selling them right back on the marketplace.

Things to keep in mind and factor in: 

1. Sales tax
2. Shipping costs (buying and selling)
3. Selling costs (ads, listing/auction fees, PayPal, etc.)
4. Gas and travel expenses
5. Your time
6. Condition of product (ask for a lot of pictures and have them rate the product’s condition 1-10)
7. Authenticity (be especially careful with jewelry, designer products, antiques, etc.)

A Few More Tips

Keep in mind that you don’t have to sell the product using the same method you used to purchase it. In fact, sometimes it’s even better not to. If you purchased a couch on Craig’s List and relist it there … those who had seen it listed there previously will not want to pay your higher price a week later. Also, pay attention to how you present the product for sale. Give as much detail as possible and use company listed features whenever possible. Add as many pictures as you can and try to make the pictures look good … no … make that GREAT! I can take the same necklace or piece of clothing that someone else had for sale and make it ”look” twice as expensive by using some basic merchandising techniques … think lighting, color setting … think about how nice things look when you window shop in the mall. For higher end items I promise you this extra effort will pay off!

Have you used this money making method before? Have you ever bought something for the specific purpose of reselling it for a profit? If so, how did it go? Do you have any ideas to add to this list? You know I’d love to hear from you and it’s always great when we can all learn more on the topic from you … the readers … so let’s have it! LOL *SmiLes* Suzanne

Find Some Great Deals on eBay!

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Top 7 Home Business Ideas

There are many different ways to make money from home and here are my 7 favorite ideas:

1. Telecommute Jobs. I spend a lot of time online and I can’t tell you how many people I meet online who are looking for a “job” that they can do online from home and make a ton of money … or at least replace their full-time income. I wish I could say that these jobs were plentiful and that there are companies who will beat your door down to hire you.

Truthfully, the very best way to find these types of jobs is OFFLINE. Most people who are doing this type of work talked their “offline” boss into allowing them to work their same position from home … or they got the work through someone they know.

Please beware of the many scams on the internet. Legitimate work at home employers should not ask you for money or to pay for postage for any reason. I suggest checking out all potential companies and potential employers by doing a Google search on the company name and on the hiring person and to also check with the Better Business Bureau before making any decisions.

Read some more information about Telecommute Jobs.

Suggested Skills: computer, data entry, telephone, customer service, sales/telemarketing

2. Party Plan/Direct Sales/MLM (Multi-Level Marketing). Most of us are familiar with the direct sales/party plan business model and it’s certainly a viable option to make some money from home. It’s a great way to jump in an own your own business without the investment and risk involved with starting your own business from the ground up.

The investment is usually under $200 and should give you most of the tools you need to get your business up and running. Most will offer representative replicated websites for free or for an affordable rate giving you an instant online presence too.

Another benefit is that you will have other representatives who will train and mentor you as you start your business and you’ll have access to company training and sales tools as well.

Believe it or not, on my WAHM 2 WAHM site we have over 300 companies listed that fall into this category with product lines ranging from cosmetics and skin care to wine … travel companies to candles … pet supplies … to “green” companies … and literally everything in between.

My suggestion is to make a list of everything that you have a passion for i.e. wine, travel, candles, dogs, investing, babies, books, etc. and then you can go to WAHM 2 WAHM and search by keyword and see what companies are out there to have a look at. We also offer tips on what to look for in not only a company but also how to select a sponsor (mentor) who is a match for your personality type.

Skills: friendly, helpful, email, phone skills, good follow through, persistence, self-starter,

3. Affiliate Programs/Affiliate Marketing. An affiliate program is simply a program that pays you to drive traffic to someone else’s products and/or services. If the traffic you send results in a sale you will be paid a referral fee which is either a percentage of the commission or a flat fee per sale. This allows a merchant to have 100′s or even 1000′s of affiliates promoting their product or service simultaneously without costing them a dime in advertising. These payouts are made on a “performance” basis. It’s truly a win-win. These programs range from Jane Doe’s custom hair bows to well-known companies like Wal-Mart, Amazon, and eBay.

Affiliate marketing is the business of promoting and marketing the various affiliate programs you have decided to represent. Just to be clear, you can choose to be an affiliate for only one company or product … or for dozens … it’s your choice. Well, affiliate marketing can be done in many different ways and that all depends on your experience, desire to learn, and budget. You can write and submit articles, write blog posts, send out newsletters to a mailing list, do review pages, set up separate websites or webpages for each, use pay-per-click advertising, social marketing, and there are a host of other methods you could use. Make sure you stay on my mailing list so you don’t miss any important information I send out that will help you with your online promotions.

If this interests you please read my Newbie’s Guide to Affiliate Marketing.

4. Crafting/Homemade Items. If you have a craft or a handmade product that you’d like to make a business out of you could certainly start your own business selling your products online.

If you already have a business doing this offline you are ahead of the game as far as pricing, packaging, and hopefully some marketing ideas and materials but online marketing will usually require a website and/or a blog and some time investment on the best ways to market your business online.

5. Wholesale/Retail Products. Another option for selling products online is to investigate purchasing products wholesale to sell at retail for profit. This can be very tricky. I feel the only real way to be competitive at this market is to have a lot of start-up capital. If you don’t buy in large enough quantities you probably won’t be competitive with the “big boys.”

That’s not to say it can’t happen but it will take a lot of research to find just the right product. I would also caution you that there is a huge scam industry just waiting to prey on people looking for wholesale products and they will charge money for “lists” of wholesalers. Please be careful with this one.

6. eBay Seller. Selling items on eBay can be a great business as long as you have something competitive to sell. This can be anything from items you have around the house, to handmade items, to wholesale/retail products. Some people even shop thrift stores and garage sales for items to sell at a profit. An eBay business is sometimes just a vehicle to implement some of the other businesses we’re covering here.

 7. Start a Blog. A blog is often referred to as an online journal and the term blog comes from “web log.” It’s a website where content entries are made in a journal style and displayed in a reverse chronological order. The activity of updating a blog is “blogging” and the person who keeps a blog is a “blogger.”

Blogs are built and updated using software that will allow even those with little technical experience to update and maintain the site.

There are many ways to make money blogging and if this is something that interests you you’ll want to reserve your FREE spot in my upcoming “Blogging for Bucks BootCamp ($297 value) by subscribing to my blog (read about how you can get emails each time I post new content here on my blog).

Maybe these ideas will help you find your new home business. Let me know if you have any questions or comments. Do you have a home business? How did you decide on your business? Do you have any ideas to add to this list? Post your questions and comments below. *SmiLes* Suzanne

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