The Future of Working From Home

by Tracey Wilson

Twenty years from now business will not resemble what it does today, no more than today resembles business of twenty years ago.

The generations before us only dreamed of being able to work from home; doing so was only for those who had reign enough to do as they pleased.

In the working world today, working at home has not only become a question asked from opened conversations, but also an option that many search for on applications.

Work at home offers is everywhere. They slam your email box and even your physical mailbox. Even though there are many legitimate businesses around, sadly there are just as many scams.

Unless you are well educated about a company's reputation, make sure you do enough research: check with the Better Business Bureau, company licenses, etc... For as many legitimate companies that are out there, there are several con artists trying to defraud good people out of their money and personal information. Never give out any personal information, or run downloads unless you have thoroughly investigated.

Now since we have all the safety and security issues taken care of, let us discuss the type of businesses, which look to be good opportunities.

Computer - Writing applications, website design, circuit board repair, etc... is a safe bet. All businesses rely on the computer greatly for every aspect of their business. Decide what you enjoy doing and what you are best at doing. There will always be a need for people to write programs on the computer, or repair computers.

Software- Most people love discovering new software for the things they enjoy doing; whether it is business, home or hobby related. The possibilities are endless. Take for example the Microsoft Works Program- WOW! They have everything and anything you need to keep organized: from journaling for home and office, to card making, brochures, fax, letters, newsletters, etc... They have tons of templates readily available for your use- all you need to do is add the information. They also have direct links for sites on the internet for all aspects of plans you need to arrange a vacation or business trip. Once you are on the trip, travel journals are readily available for notes and memories you want to keep. Microsoft Works has far more activities ready for your input- if you haven't checked it out yet, be sure to! I know you will be pleasantly surprised. This will also give you any suggestions for software ideas, which is never-ending.

Medical Transcription- This is just one of the companies where working at home or in the office is totally up to you. If you are going to school, but you would still like an option to work-at-home, research the top jobs with positions available.

There are many benefits to working at home, which are all obvious; but you do need to consider the cons of working from home. Many times, we meet many of our friends and social contacts from work, especially if you are not involved in church and church related activities, or other social groups. Mingling with others is important to our socio-makeup. We need interaction with others- both the good and the bad. Even stressful situations with others outside of our family are important to our character, and helping us to learn how to deal with life-coping skills. If you do decide to work from home, make sure that you are involved with others through another social outlet; it is important for us mentally and physically

Quote of the Day

"Many people fail in life, not for lack of ability or brains or even courage but simply because they have never organized their energies around a goal."

-Elbert Hubbard

Life Goes on After Firing Your Boss

In this article I would like to go through my experience after I stopped working. Initially when I first started my very first job I was always looking for a way out. I really did not like answering to a boss and waking up early every morning to commute in traffic.

One day I was surfing the internet when I came across the course the Insider's Secrets To Marketing Your Business On The Internet by Corey Rudl. I immediately purchased it and it gave me a very good start to starting my very own internet business.

I gradually created my business and then one day I finally had enough of the corporate world and handed my resignation in.

Here are some valuable tips that I have learned from marketing my internet business that will hopefully also help you.

You need to choose a profitable niche market. This is often one of the most overlooked steps and forms the foundation of your business. When I first started I often chose niche markets that I could not make money in.

The easiest type of site to set up is a mini site. Basically you will drive all traffic to a squeeze page where the primary purpose is to capture a name and email address. You do this by offering a free report. This allows you to market over and over again to your subscribers.

Finally, you really need to become very good at email marketing. Even if you make a loss on advertising to capture the lead you will make a profit if you have emails that convert into sales in your autoresponder.

Internet Home Business - Where Do I Start?

by Nina Greene

Starting a home based internet business does not require a huge monetary investment or highly specialized computer and internet expertise. In fact, it is surprisingly easy and inexpensive to create a money-making website. While you do have expenses when starting a home based internet business, they are very minor when you compare them to the expenses involved in starting a traditional business.

For example, for a traditional business you need a location or storefront and there are lease or rental fees associated with the building, which could cost you thousands per month. With an internet business, you have the cost of monthly hosting which can be as low as $10/mth.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or frozen with fear of the unknown, then you need to read further. It is not that scary or overwhelming if your break it up into smaller pieces. The following list will help you gather your thoughts and move you in the right direction.

1. Determine how much money you will have to invest in your online business. You will need to budget for the services, products, tools, and educational resources required for your business. At a minimum, you need a domain name, a web host, and a website to start.

2. Decide on your niche, theme, product or service. You have many options such as creating a website or blog, promoting affiliate products, or selling merchandise in online auctions just to name a few. If you are going to sell products on your own website, you will need a supplier and shopping cart software. If you want a theme-based website, then you need a gather a database of articles and information to present to your visitors. You will need to do some market research to find out how much interest there is in your product or service. Start thinking about how you can set yourself apart from the competition.

3. Starting an online business without educating yourself is not advisable. It's fine to be eager and excited about getting started, but you are jeopardizing your chances of success by jumping into an internet business without a good foundation. Get all the information you can, but also invest in the best information and education products. The more you learn the easier the process will be for you. Don't feel like you have to learn everything before you get started. You just need to get a good foundation because after that, you will learn by doing.

4. By educating yourself, you will be able to identify which tools you will need to start and promote your business. Understand that probably the most important aspect of your business will be the marketing of your website. An incredible website is nothing without visitors. Without the visitors, you have not even a remote chance of making sales. Every website owner will need traffic and marketing tools, such as autoresponders and pay per click advertising. Learn all the options for marketing your website to increase traffic and sales.

5. Manage your time wisely. This is a constant challenge for a lot of home based business owners. It is so easy to become distracted when you are at home, more so than in the traditional workplace. Set a schedule and set goals for what you want to accomplish and when. Write down the goals you need to accomplish for the day and cross them off as you finish them. This may sound simplistic but it really does help to keep you on track.

6. Make a commitment and do not treat this like a hobby. Do not get into your internet home business thinking it is okay if you don't succeed. Instead, move forward knowing that you will succeed. Commit to do whatever it takes to make it happen. Keep focused on your goals and have the belief and confidence in yourself that you can achieve them.

You see, it is not difficult at all to start a home based business. Building a home based internet business is achievable for almost anyone who has the desire and willingness to do what it takes to make it happen. The information, resources, and tools are all available to help you succeed. It's just a matter of what you are going to do next. You can walk away or you can take some action now. Success is up to you!