Jere answers:

Some of the ways you can advertise your software are:
1. Post an article about your business on related blogs and get free back links
2. Submitting to directories
3. Free classifieds
4. Forums

Send an email with more information about your business to e@culx.net for free advertising help.

Jere answers:

Getting traffic is a combination of a lot of things. The key to success is to create great content that visitors want to use, search engines will love and other websites will naturally link to. Of course, it’s easier said than done.

You can use pay per click advertising in the search engines to reach audiences looking for your products. You can use Google Adwords http://www.google.com/adwords or Yahoo http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com

Here are some shoestring marketing ideas that can help you get the visitors you need at the least cost possible:

1. Create the best content you can with the best products you can possibly offer. Your content is your best advertisement – if visitors love your content, then they will go back and spread the word to others.

2. Make it easy for users to recommend your site. Viral marketing is very important — and easy to tap on the Web. But give your users the tools. Get a Recommend this Site script from websites such as cgiscripts.com and similar directories of scripts. Some even go as far as giving incentives to those who recommend the site to their friends. If only 10 people go to your site, but these 10 people invite 10 more – that’s additional traffic that you get for FREE!

Recommend Site Scripts (various) http://php.resourceindex.com/Complete_Scripts/Website_Promotion/Recommend_Site/
Big Nose Bird Recommend this Site http://bignosebird.com/carchive/birdcast.shtml
CGI Resource Index http://cgi.resourceindex.com/Programs_and_Scripts/Perl/Website_Promotion/Recommend_Site/
Hostscripts http://www.hotscripts.com/PHP/Scripts_and_Programs/Site_Recommendation/index.html

3. Rank well in the search engines (organic search results, not the pay per click). SEs can be a big source of traffic. The key is to create the best content in your niche. If you have good content, other websites will gladly link to you and offer your site as a resource to their audience. Check the on-page factors and be sure to get linked from authority sites in your topic area.

If you are going to read only one piece on search engine optimization, I suggest you read Brett Tabke of WebmasterWorld.com’s “Successful Site in 12 Months with Google Alone: 26 steps to 15k a day.” http://www.webmasterworld.com/forum3/2010.htm

4. Send out press releases. While outfits charge as much as $650 per release, there are free press release submission places on the Web. Press releases allow you to (a) attract media attention; (b) get more back links to your website without sending each website an email request; and (c) get more visibility especially if your press release gets in Google News or Yahoo News.

Http://www.prleap.com/sign_up.html
http://i-newswire.com/
http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/
http://www.pressbox.co.uk/cgi-bin/links/add.cgi
http://www.pr.com/press-releases
http://www.prfree.com/
http://www.clickpress.com/releases/index.shtml
http://www.theopenpress.com/
http://www.przoom.com/
http://www.prweb.com
http://www.newswiretoday.com/
http://www.free-press-release.com/

5. Submit articles. Write articles and submit them to websites accepting author submissions. You get exposure for your business; establishes you as an authority in your field, and allows you to get backlinks for your website. If 50 websites publish your article and it contains a link back to your website, then you easily get 50 links from a single article. The more links you have, the greater your chances for increasing your search engine rankings.

Here is a comprehensive list of where to submit your articles http://answers.yahoo.com/question/;_ylt=AhzreGmnCUicOoyedqypscUjzKIX?qid=1006022407481

6. Improve your conversion. Getting visitors is one thing; getting them to buy your products is a whole different story. Read the article ” How To Sell More on the Web: 30 Tips To Increase Conversion Rates For An Ecommerce Site ” http://www.powerhomebiz.com/092006/ecommerce.htm for tips on how to improve your conversion rates.

7. Post a link to your site for free where it is allowed (always read the Terms of Use). Examples are:

Craigslist http://www.craigslist.com
Google Base http://base.google.com
Classifieds for Free http://www.classifiedsforfree.com/…
Text Link Exchange http://www.txtswap.com/
Recycler.com http://www.recycler.com/
Yahoo Classifieds http://classifieds.yahoo.com/
US Free Ads http://www.usfreeads.com/

Jere answers:

Not knowing what you already have, start by selling on ebay and other sites that are similar. They have a large audience to get your product in front of people. Make sure you have a professional logo. Get a website where you can provide information about your business and products. Make it look as professional as possible. You can sell products without a merchant account by using Paypal or Google Checkout but to look more professional you may want to get a merchant account to accept all credit cards directly.

Next focus on marketing. Use Facebook to create a business page and promote you business there. Twitter and LinkedIn are also good for marketing. The other marketing thing is to keep in contact with your previous customers. If they’ve had a good experience keep your name in front of them by sending them newsletters or some form of email marketing.

Jere answers:

Getting traffic is a combination of a lot of things. The key to success is to create great content that visitors want to use, search engines will love and other websites will naturally link to. Of course, it’s easier said than done.

You can use pay per click advertising in the search engines to reach audiences looking for your products. You can use Google Adwords http://www.google.com/adwords or Yahoo http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com

Here are some shoestring marketing ideas that can help you get the visitors you need at the least cost possible:

1. Create the best content you can with the best products you can possibly offer. Your content is your best advertisement – if visitors love your content, then they will go back and spread the word to others.

2. Make it easy for users to recommend your site. Viral marketing is very important — and easy to tap on the Web. But give your users the tools. Get a Recommend this Site script from websites such as cgiscripts.com and similar directories of scripts. Some even go as far as giving incentives to those who recommend the site to their friends. If only 10 people go to your site, but these 10 people invite 10 more – that’s additional traffic that you get for FREE!

Recommend Site Scripts (various) http://php.resourceindex.com/Complete_Scripts/Website_Promotion/Recommend_Site/
Big Nose Bird Recommend this Site http://bignosebird.com/carchive/birdcast.shtml
CGI Resource Index http://cgi.resourceindex.com/Programs_and_Scripts/Perl/Website_Promotion/Recommend_Site/
Hostscripts http://www.hotscripts.com/PHP/Scripts_and_Programs/Site_Recommendation/index.html

3. Rank well in the search engines (organic search results, not the pay per click). SEs can be a big source of traffic. The key is to create the best content in your niche. If you have good content, other websites will gladly link to you and offer your site as a resource to their audience. Check the on-page factors and be sure to get linked from authority sites in your topic area.

If you are going to read only one piece on search engine optimization, I suggest you read Brett Tabke of WebmasterWorld.com’s “Successful Site in 12 Months with Google Alone: 26 steps to 15k a day.” http://www.webmasterworld.com/forum3/2010.htm

4. Send out press releases. While outfits charge as much as $650 per release, there are free press release submission places on the Web. Press releases allow you to (a) attract media attention; (b) get more back links to your website without sending each website an email request; and (c) get more visibility especially if your press release gets in Google News or Yahoo News.

Http://www.prleap.com/sign_up.html
http://i-newswire.com/
http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/
http://www.pressbox.co.uk/cgi-bin/links/add.cgi
http://www.pr.com/press-releases
http://www.prfree.com/
http://www.clickpress.com/releases/index.shtml
http://www.theopenpress.com/
http://www.przoom.com/
http://www.prweb.com
http://www.newswiretoday.com/
http://www.free-press-release.com/

5. Submit articles. Write articles and submit them to websites accepting author submissions. You get exposure for your business; establishes you as an authority in your field, and allows you to get backlinks for your website. If 50 websites publish your article and it contains a link back to your website, then you easily get 50 links from a single article. The more links you have, the greater your chances for increasing your search engine rankings.

Here is a comprehensive list of where to submit your articles http://answers.yahoo.com/question/;_ylt=AhzreGmnCUicOoyedqypscUjzKIX?qid=1006022407481

6. Post a link to your site for free where it is allowed (always read the Terms of Use). Examples are:

Craigslist http://www.craigslist.com
Google Base http://base.google.com
Classifieds for Free http://www.classifiedsforfree.com/…
Text Link Exchange http://www.txtswap.com/
Recycler.com http://www.recycler.com/
Yahoo Classifieds http://classifieds.yahoo.com/
US Free Ads http://www.usfreeads.com/

Jere answers:

You should start by selling on www.etsy.com. I am working on my first collection right now. I am going to be selling on etsy while I am in fashion school and then when graduate I am going to go wholesale. Read “The Fashion Designer Survival Guide.” Advertising is really important online. If you have the cash (shop around and do a google search on online advertising its not that expensive) pay to advertise on sites that will be frequented by your target market. Promote your self on myspace, flicker and create your on blog and go with a website host like Yahoo. Email me and we can bounce ideas off of each other if you want. Good Luck!!

Jere answers:

You should sell products that are in demand and something that you have more knowledge of. Make a marketing plan and conduct a feasibility study.

Then learn internet marketing methods by searching online and be updated by good tactics. Remember there is no easy or fast way to earn money, you should put time and effort into it.

Jere answers:

There is a wealth of information on the u s small business administration website www.sba.gov

Jere answers:

You can purchase an actual restaurant business plan at http://www.BusinessPlanWorld.com/restaurant. The business plan is based on a plan from a real business owner who opened a restaurant and obtained funding from a financial institution. Also on the site, you can hear an interview with the owner giving advice from his experiences as a restaurant owner.

While you will have to customize the business plan to suit your own needs, I think a plan that has actually been used in real life is better than a generic one.

Jere answers:

It depends on how much money the business would generate and how confident you were that the business would be successful.

In finance, your confidence is measured by the rate of return you could get investing the money elsewhere (or your cost of borrowing). This is called your “Discount Rate”

For example, if you know you could borrow the money to start your business at an interest rate of 10% (say from a credit card), then you had better make sure you can earn at least a 10% return from your business in order to break even.

Price = Payment / Discount Rate

If you expect to earn $100,000 per year from your internet business, and you would have to borrow money at a rate of 10%, then:

Price = $100,000 per year / 10% annual interest

Price = $1,000,000

You should invest no more than 1 million dollars in this business (example). Otherwise you are running a loss.

To be safer, you should probably set your discount rate higher (perhaps 50%).

Price = $100,000 / 50%

Price = $200,000

At a price of $200,000 making $100,000 per year, you would earn a 50% rate of return. Which is more than enough to both cover your borrowing cost, and earn a profit for yourself.

If you are not confident in your business being successful, you should demand an even higher discount rate, or assume lower income. This is how you would determine how much you should be willing to invest.

If you are very confident that you can get the business going successfully, but don’t have any cash, write a detailed business plan and present it to a bank. If your venture has a lot of potential, the bank will give you a business loan.

Jere answers:

It’s hard to give a perfect answer…..Some of it can depend on how much income you have from all sources, internet business and anywhere else.

For your self-employment taxes, you will need to set aside up to 15.3%.

For your federal income taxes you will need to set aside an amount based on your estimated tax bracket – anywhere from 10 to 35%.

For your state income taxes you will need to set aside up to 9.3%.

I have talked to self-employed persons who try to keep roughly 30-35% aside for taxes.

I would always recommend reviewing the situation throughout the year, to see how much money you are making and spending and see what is likely to be the taxable amount. So a monthly or quarterly review to “estimate” what your tax situation is looking like, and plan and adjust accordingly.

Shannon C.

Jere answers:

Best security is putting car advertisements and credit card purchases related into spam box. After ipcc report no one interested. In cars.

Jere answers:

Not much just get your firm registered with the local authorities….

Jere answers:

Well, you could post your services in newspaper and say to contact online, or you could purchase adds in search engines, or go to craigslist and post your ad.

Jere answers:

Its very easy. If you have a products sites. Submit in Google products and If you have a Services sites, first make a clear structure for your websites with 1 to 5 pages and make promotions.

Jere answers:

You are confusing sales taxes and income taxes. You need to talk to a local accountant.

Jere answers:

It can be done.
But one must know or well verse in the Thai language.
Or your contact in Thailand must be fluent in English .

You need to appoint an ad agency or printing company on the Thai side.All communications / designs flow will be online.
Therefore long distant calls and fax will not be needed.

Try their services before opening on your own , as setting up business in Thailand need to have at least one local partner.
Which i think it is fair , if in malaysia will need 30 % you know what lah.

Try contact Phukhao advertising & printing company ( Hatyai/Phuket/ Bangkok)

Jere answers:

Yes, it is easy to advertise any business online.
Good and trusted free websites where you can post free ads are the ones that have been used, tested and recommended by experienced webmasters.
I find this list of free classified websites very useful.
They have been best recommend by my media consultants.

Jere answers:

Sorry ! I don’t own Vizio TV. BUT
Vizio as an Local trademark , TV only sold in USA, and Vizio USA don’t made any things. All TV ” handle ” by Taiwan company. TV designs / parts source / productions all by China factory. Select low prices parts = low quality product. Quality is beyond control . Because is all don by other.
Vizio = OEM brand . Buyer Brand. You may get the same TV ( out-look may change , in-side 100 % same ) sode in China or some third world countries under other buyer brand. Because is ” cheap ”
failure rate for OEM – buyer brand TV by China factory is up to 20-30 % in 2 to 4 years. Usually 10 % of TV need to replace LCD display panel in 2 or 3 years.Power supply / power circuit failure rate is 20 % in 3 year.
Those worldwide brand made TV by own from End to End ( even China / Malaysia factory is 100 % OWN ) . The failure rate is 2 % . Max 3 % in 8 years . Because you paid for it. * select quality parts. Own made LCD display panel , designs back up by 40 years experience R & D team make great difference * ie. Samsung / LG / Sony / Sharp / Panasonic / Toshiba .
Http://www.forbes.com/2009/05/21/taiwan-vizio-amtran-exports-lcd-tv.html?feed=rss_business
Vizio USA order TV > Taiwan Amtran > source for other TV maker in China > Product under ” Vizio ” brand > ship to USA under Amtran > supply to Vizio USA > Sold / services by Vizio USA .
Do you think, the products quality is able to control ?
The risk is high !! Sorry to said that , you paid for what you get !!

Jere answers:

Just did the next worse flight Malaysia to Arkansas… Total time in air 21 hrs, total time traveling 36!

If you are riding in the front of the bus (aircraft), no real problems. The newer entertainment units in Business Class & First Class have the on demand service. You can choose from TV shows, all kinds of movies and games.

However if you are flying in the back, it’s another story. I would suggest taking a fully charged laptop and a movie or two. Own a iPod, good time to relax to some good tunes.

If you have time, pick-up a tourist book on Singapore online or at your local book store, read it on the way over.

Between eating, and all of this you should have enough time to take a good long nap!

As matter of fact I would suggest staying up the night before you leave, when you get on the plane remember your watch is 12 hours behind where you are going. Try to take your nap sometime after your normal time (in the new time zone). This will help jump start the body to the time zone difference.

Also if you are flying on an Asian owned airlines, you are in for a nice treat. However, it it’s an American own airlines… You might want to pack a few good snacks if you are in the back. Up front has good snacks, but the back side lacks a LOT!

Jere answers:

Norway, Belgium etc are not UK countries – they’re European countries. London’s not a country, its a city.

Having done your own research and found that most countries aren’t an option for you – I can’t really advise, except to suggest that you look into opportunities in your own country, build up your experience, then look again in a few years?

Jere answers:

Distributors will not pay advertising fees – retailers and brands will. Distributors are the middle guys with no margin.

Jere answers:

Chick the web
http://www.orbitbusinessloans.com/
http://www.orbitmerchantsolutions.com/

Jere answers:

Adobe InDesign is the best. If you’re a student you get discount off the software if you don’t already have it. You can get PC or Mac versions depending on what you have in the way of a computer.

Jere answers:

“Blogging” for dummies
“Publish and Prosper: Blogging for your Business”

These books should be enough reading material. Though there is one other book I found recently. I haven’t read it but if you want you can buy it.

“ProBlogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income”

Jere answers:

It is direct marketing, and when done right its HIGHLY effective.

90 % of the 3 million$/yr I do in annual sales is sold by direct marketing….

Jere answers:

The iPhone (play /?a?fo?n/ EYE-fohn) is a line of smartphones designed and marketed by Apple Inc. It runs Apple’s iOS mobile operating system, originally named “iPhone OS”. The first iPhone was released on June 29, 2007;[14] the most recent iPhone, the sixth-generation iPhone 5, was released on September 21, 2012.[15] The user interface is built around the device’s multi-touch screen, including a virtual keyboard rather than a physical one. The iPhone has Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity (2G, 3G and 4G (iPhone 5 only)).

Jere answers:

Here are the most active market makers in pink sheet stocks.
$ volume shares trades
Knight Equity Markets, LP 31,293,479 534,589,082 8,785
Jane Street Markets, LLC 28,985,886 1,192,093 871
UBS Securities, LLC 27,490,130 313,141,552 6,100
Citigroup Global Markets 26,461,679 366,590,361 6,039
Jefferies & Co., Inc. 19,437,598 1,489,431 612
Noble International Inc. 10,987,071 1,717,887 1,015
Hudson Securities, Inc 10,538,912 153,812,278 2,325
Domestic Securities, Inc. 9,932,873 401,053,007 1,529
Hill Thompson Magid 9,373,219 53,258,071 1,702
Natixis Bleichroeder, Inc 9,109,929 20,620,862 1,469

You might have the best luck with either Domestic Securities or Knight Equity

Jere answers:

“If a company requires initial payment from you in order to work for them, they are not legitimate.”

There are a few legitimate data entry companies but are not hiring and have large waiting lists (1-2yrs). The majority of data entry jobs you seen online are scams. A real company will want you to have skills inc fast typing, may want you to know MS Excel, and will usually ask that you have high speed internet. Once in a long while you may found one online on a job website but thats rare.

If you do an advanced search on yahoo, you will find previous answers, sometimes the info on these is good as the info they gave is likely to have been verified if the answer was voted as ‘Best’.

Jere answers:

My husband and I started a home based business over six years ago.. The company we chose made the most since to us. A product that is and always will be in high demand. People can purchase them on or off the Internet as well. There are a lot of products and services out there that are good. We decided to partner up with this company because it was things that people will always use and pay for anyway, pretty much no matter what. We didn’t have to worry if money became tight that they could easily run to the store and purchase on sale or be able to buy it at the dollar store. So, we got involved in the world’s largest direct selling telecommunications service provider that was started back in 1993. It’s now a 15 year old, world wide international company. With headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan, Charlotte, Amsterdam, Sydney and Montreal.
They have been featured in several magazines like USA Today, Success, Fortune etc. Inc 500 rated them the 22nd fastest growing company in revenue in it’s first five years. They are registered with the BBB as well.
They market in services people use every day and pay for anyway, like I had said. Services like Local and Long Distance telephones, Internet, Digital, video phones, Satellite TV, and all the major cellular phone companies like T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, Nextell, Altell etc as well. We save people money and make money at the same time. Every single month these people pay their bills, we make a percentage over and over again each month.
. A lot of money involved in this industry.
If you’d like further information feel free to email me at Kaiden4@aol.com

Jere answers:

No no no not at all my friend.
Ebay has several competitors in the retail global market such as Amazon.com Inc, Google Inc, Internet Software & Services and UBID.COM HOLDINGS . These companies are DIRECT COMPETITOR COMPARISON.

EBay Inc is the giant of all the global markets .

Jere answers:

A home based “job” is not going to bring you a sufficient amount of income. You will only be paid minimum wage. Most companies don’t feel they need to pay anyone more then that because their gas cost is eliminated. What people don’t realize, what about your spouse? Do they still have to drive to work every day? Grocery shopping, outings, and things like that are still going to cost gas. If your married and you have a minimum waged job, pretty much your entire pay check will be going to your spouse’s gas tank with the gas prices these days. Then you still have the normal bills you need to pay each month as well, food, utilities, mortgage (rent for most people). Think about how much money you spend in that alone? If you need more income, I don’t see how a minimum wage home “job” is going to cut it then. If a minimum wage job is sufficient then email me and I can give you a referal to apply for a home job. I won’t guarantee that you will get the job, I have no control over that. The compeititon is really high for home based jobs. Another reason why they pay such a low amount to work at home.
If you really want to work from home, and want to make a sufficient amount of income, then I suggest you start your own home based business. There are many different kinds of home based businesses to get involved in. Child Daycare Centers, Catering, Scrap Booking, Telecommunications, Candle Making, Travel agents, Tax Preparations, Health etc. Most home based business cost under $500 to start. Depending on what you want to get involved in doing. Home based businesses have the same income opportunity as a tradition store front business like a shoe store, Subway etc. With a Home Based Business, you don’t have all the over head expenses as you do with traditional businesses. Just about everything in your home, becomes a tax write off.
When you first start a business, their is no money made at first. You have to build it up. No matter what business you get involved in. The more effort you put into it and how hard your willing to work it, the faster you start making a sufficient amount of income. If you calculate the amount of hours you put into a regular job or a home “job” and the little you get paid, you would be better off starting a simple home based business, but make a lot more money and have more advantages.
In home based businesses, depending on which one you get involved in, it usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks to start making an average income. (about the same time frame as your first payroll period) Then as you keep working your business, 4 to 6 weeks to increase that income, and 3 to 6 months to be self sufficient. That is only if you put the time and effort into it. If you just say “I started a business” and don’t put any time or the effort needed in your business, then you won’t make an income.
Most people have full time jobs and run their business on the side. When their business reaches the income level they desire, they put their normal jobs down and continue with their business growing. Other’s dive into it head first and tackle it and get it going faster. Either way, you have the same opportunity to make a sufficient amount of income.
I don’t know what you enjoy doing, hobbies, interests etc, so I’m not sure which home based business to refer you over to. I can let you know what my husband and I have been involved in for over six years. For some more ideas you are more then welcome to take a look at my 360 page blog on home based business opportunities. There are over a half a dozen different ones to look at.
The business we chose to get involved in was more practical to us and something people used on a daily bases and wouldn’t know what they would do without. We didn’t have to worry about when money runs tight for them that they’d run to the nearest store and buy the items on sale, or have to cut back expenses and drop what I was providing some sort of service to make ends meet for them. We also wanted to make sure that they were registered with the BBB, who was involved with the company. They have also have been featured in several magazines like USA Today, Success, Fortune etc. Inc 500 also rated us the 22nd fastest growing company in our first five years. We are world wide with headquarters in in Farmington Hills Michigan, Carolina, Canada, Europe, Australia. So it’s a pretty good sized organization to be involved in.
We partnered up with a 15 year old world wide company that offers services that people use every day and pay for anyway. Services like Local and Long distance telephone services, Internet, digital, video, VOIP, Satellite TV, and all the major cellular phone providers like Verizon, T-mobile, Sprint, AT&T, Nextell, Alltel etc. As well.
How many people do you know, or know of around the world that uses one or more of these services? That’s another reason why we chose this business because everyone uses one or more. It’s a service that people are not going to give up on because money is tight. People are going to pay their utility bills before they purchase the top brand of soap when they can easily run to the dollar store and buy a package of 4 for a dollar instead of a bar for $2 sort of thing. You know what I mean? We save people money on services that they are already using and paying for, and offer them services that they don’t have, but would like to. As an example, say they have a local and long distance telephone service, they want Internet, I offer them the Internet as well as save them money on their local and long distance telephone service, they accept and then every single month these people pay these bills that they are going to anyway, every month we make a percentage. This is a very profitable business to get involved in. A lot of money involved in this industry!
If you’d like more information, your more then welcome to email me at anytime.
Tiffany

Jere answers:

Just about any job these days requires some knowledge of some form of technology. The most intensive would be in: developing applications, database administration, and marketing and selling on the web.

Check ou the link below my signature. It is an excellent source. Take care,

Elio C
Web Marketer/Developer/Bottleneck
www.paradigmoneweb.com
Find out the 5 big mistakes
to avoid when starting an
online business!

Jere answers:

The best thing you could do is check out www.clickz.com. They are a complete interent marketing info site, start reading articles and get use to the lingo. To start you out you will have your basic marketing terms thrown in as well.

PPC = Pay per click
RIO – Return on investment
Conversion rates = Is the total traffic divided by how many actually click

Jere answers:

I have taken a SEO training in varanasi from Prateek sir and i can also say that heis seo training and online marketing course is the best in varanasi. He also helped me to find a entry level job as a SEO analyst.and i also get lots of SEO work as a freelancer bbecause of his guidance. You should write to him to find more about his training, dpssingh77@gmail.com

Jere answers:

If you are looking for an online job, be very careful and check with BBB about whether or not a company has a bad rating…. Often, there is a reason why. I’d be leary about a company that requires money upfront. Good luck!

Jere answers:

In online trading Angle Broking house is doing good.
We have branch of Angle Broking ,so if you want I can help you in doing online trading .
If you require any help you can mail me on this email id-prakashm.dave@angletrade.com

Jere answers:

On my end I pretty much stuck with content along with SEO optimization. I just make sure that my content is what the traffic is looking for – up to date, easy to read, something that tells them what to do and what they should expect.

Hand in hand with that I look at keyword(s) that I think attract a lot of attention. I use Google Keyword tool for this. It’s free, and I’ve heard others don’t like it but for me it works well enough.

Link sharing is something I also try to use as much as I can.

Jere answers:

70 % of start-ups fail within the first year. This is mostly due to under-capitalization.

Likewise, investing in stocks when you have under $5000 to begin with usually results in a loss.

That said, make sure you have enough capital to cover you for a year. Then start your business, and then use some of your profits to invest in stocks. Do both.

Stock investments often result in a very volatile cash flow, whereas businesses are more stable. Oh, and there’s the niggling little detail that pure stock investors invent nothing and are a total waste of space.

Jere answers:

Google earns most of its revenue by allowing other website owners to advertise on their search result pages. All this is managed through a program they call AdWords.

You can earn a share of the revenue that Google earns from AdWords by displaying these same text ads on your site. In other words, you’re helping Google advertise and they pay you a percentage of what they earn. This program is called AdSense.

Jere answers:

Start an online business selling specialised products
You’re far more likely to succeed selling products online if you deal in a specialised market. For example, items such as custom-made jewellery, pet products, motor sport videos, telescopes, rare coins and a myriad of other niche markets could be sold from a website that targets pople interested in these things.

Jere answers:

The Data Transfer Utility allows QuickBooks users to quickly and easily transfer (merge) list and transaction data from one QuickBooks file to another QuickBooks file. Using simple parameters, the Transfer Utility automatically makes the transfer while allowing you to control the process. QuickBooks files are opened and closed by the Transfer Utility and the regular QuickBooks program does not have to be running. Small transfers can be made in less than a minute.

The utility will merge data from one QuickBooks file into another QuickBooks file without erasing or overwriting existing data. It’s useful for merging QuickBooks file, starting a new QuickBooks file, transferring work done at home, at client offices, at service locations or at remote offices to a main office QuickBooks file. Data can be transferred by network connection, email or removable disk.

The utility can reduce the effort needed to create a new and smaller QuickBooks file or to create a file containing only one year of data for an IRS audit. For more information on this, see our web page on creating a new QuickBooks file at How to start a new QuickBooks file. That web pages lists additional programs that are needed when creating a new file. After viewing the web page noted above, click your browsers back button to return to this page.

The utility can transfer data from Enterprise files to Pro/Premier files. To see a video of an Enterprise to Pro/Premier transfer, click on the “Videos” link at the top of this page and view video number 7. For more on Enterprise to Pro/Premier transfers, click at right Enterprise to Pro or Premier

The utility allows you to do non-networked data entry in multiple QuickBooks files at the same time and then merge the data together in one file. For example, an accountant can be paying bills on the office computer while a salesman or service technician in the field or at a remote office is issuing invoices or estimates to customers, while a stay at home worker is entering bills at home. All of the remote data can then be merged into the office computer without erasing any data.

CPA’s and accountants can use the utility to send journal entries and other changes to their clients. Clients can send a backup of their QuickBooks file to their accountant and continue to work in their copy while the accountant is reviewing and adjusting his copy of their file. The accountant’s changes can then be merged into the clients files without erasing any data. The utility does not not require that accountant’s and their clients be on the same release level.

If you have an office network and need more data entry than the QuickBooks 5 user maximum allows, you can enter data on non-networked QuickBooks files and at the end of the day use the utility to merge the data from the non-networked files into the networked file.

The utility can be used to improve security and privacy. You can have temporary employees enter data in a copy of your QuickBooks file that doesn’t contain any payroll or other sensitive information and transfer their input to your file at your convenience.

You can transfer data between two files located on your desktop computer or between a laptop computer and a desktop computer connected to a network. You can also transfer the information by email or by floppy disk.
Thank you very much..

Jere answers:

It all depends on your budget. There are many different kinds of medium; TV, Radio, Flyers and brochures in the mailbox, newspaper inserts, newspapers, magazines. The cheapest will be to get a good review or interview if you can pull that off. But before you do all that you have to undwerstand the product and the target market.

Jere answers:

Here’s where you start: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1099212/

Production Companies

* Imprint Entertainment
* Maverick Films
* Summit Entertainment
* Temple Hill Entertainment
* Twilight Productions

Start Date: February 2008
Release Date: 21 November 2008

Production Co: Imprint Entertainment
100 Universal City Plaza
Bungalow #7152
Universal City, CA 91608
USA
Phn: 818-733-5410
info@Imprint-Ent.com

Distributor: Summit Entertainment
Santa Monica, CA:
1630 Stewart St.
Ste. 120
Santa Monica, CA 90404
USA
Phn: 310-309-8400
Fax: 310-828-4132
http://www.summit-ent.com/

You’ll likely want to send a very nicely written email to Imprint Entertainment/Universal with your request. What likely will happen is that there may be a screening for “entertainment journalists” about a week prior to the premiere. A few days after that, on a weekend, the studio will host a “press junket” at a hotel where the “entertainment journalists” are invited to interview the key cast as well as the Director and Producers.

You are not trying to contact any of the filmmakers to get access to the screening. Instead, you need to speak with someone in Universal marketing. Email and/or call (very very nicely!) until you reach the person who can tell you yes or no.

Good luck!

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com

Jere answers:

Dannie,

I can save you a lot of time. I am building one also and have been researching parts for a month. Since you don’t have time, I can build it for you if you want. As you stated, the best PC is a custom one. Pre built PC’s skimp on key parts like power supplies, motherboards, etc. They are not always very reliable and come bloated with too much unneeded software. You also get a better warranty when you build yourself because pre-build negotiate wholesale warranties e.g. 1 year. Individually, you can often get lifetime warranties and as good or better technical support.

I am going to be building mine ASAP. I am getting the parts from Microcenter and TigerDirect when they are on sale in two week- Black Friday- biggest sale of the year. If you want me to build yours I could- I’ll just literally double my order. Without question, your computer will be amazing! I’ll give you all the receipts- or you can order your own parts. I can send you my parts list (shopping cart).

HP HAS BEEN HAVING A TON OF RELIABILITY ISSUES LATELY- just google HP Pavilion.

Here is the exact system I am building (after reading HUNDREDS of articles, benchmarks, etc.) For the $ this system in amazing. To get better performance you have to spend A LOT more for marginal increase in speed. Anything less than this system will perform much worse for many technical reasons. It’s definitely worth spending a little more for this system.

CPU
Intel Core i7 860 CPU. AMAZING CHIP. Just read the reviews- it consistently gets 5-5 stars. This is a quad core chip with hyper-threading (sees 8 threads) and a huge 8mb cache. It has Turbo mode that goes from 2.8mhz-3.4mhz. Read about it in TOM’s HARDWARE- $ for $ the best CPU on the market BY FAR. $229.00 at Microcenter.

IF YOU HAVE TO BUY IT PRE-BUILT BUY FROM MICROCENTER WITH THIS CHIP AND 8 GIGS OF 1333mhz (not 1066mhz) DDR3 memory. Any quality brand e.g. Dell- just NOT HP.

That CPU, being high performance needs a great cooler (not stock); go with the Hyper 212+
It has PWM (Pulse width modulator); speed controller. It basically goes faster/slower based on usage and it’s quiet. PRE BUILT WILL SKIMP ON THIS IMPORTANT DETAIL- without it, the system is loud and runs hot (causes issues).

I’ve researched Mother Boards and the one to go with for that chip and the matching 1156 socket is the Gigabyte UD4. It’s more reliable than the others and has on board high definition audio.

Next, get a solid graphics card- I’m going with the NVidia GTX275- very, very good card- great value. If you don’t game, this might be overkill- you can spend half and get a 9800GT.
PRE BUILT WILL NEVER COME WITH THIS HIGH END GPU

Install Windows7 64 bit- Best OS; 64 bit sees more than 3.5gb of memory and is more future proof although might not work with all your peripherals if they are old.

8GB of DDR3 memory at 1333- must be 5 volts only with that CPU. PREBUILT WILL GIVE YOU SLOW 1066mhz memory at the wrong voltage (causes crashes).

The power supply should be the Corsair 620HX modular supply (neat wire bundles that plug in). It is highly recommended and rock solid. It also runs with 80% efficiency. PRE BUILT WILL NEVER GIVE YOU THIS QUALITY PSU- youll get an underpowered weak PSU.

I chose the Nvidia Case with clear side cover ($100). NEVER SEEN PREBUILT WITH THIS QUALITY CASE.

Hard Drives- I’ll buy two since I do HD Video editing and that makes it faster. The WD Black Caviar 500GB; 32mb cache are highly recommended and fast due to larger cache.
YOU WILL NOT GET THIS ON A PREBUILT EVER.

Trust me when I tell you this is an AMAZING PC- yes, a little more $ but if you know about computers, you will know that it is a great value. People will try to sell you on the i7 920 but it RUNS HOT and uses 135Watts vs. Only 95 Watts on the i7 860 (better). The only advantage to the 920 is it uses the 1366 socket. The new CPU’s will be based on this socket so if you plan to upgrade the chip (I don’t), then and only then does the 920 make sense. The newer chips will not likely run on the 860 socket (1156). The new Intel CPU will have 6 cores- not necessary for me as most programs can’t even use 4 yet.

EMAIL ME if you want more details or you want to discuss my helping you to build it. You could probably even build it yourself- it’s very easy; see YouTube videos. It’s sort of like a big jigsaw puzzle. The parts really only go on one way- take your time. It can be a little tricky if you have never done it before; it’s the little things you need to know to do it right but if done right and with care, it will BLOW AWAY anything you will buy pre-built. I have an electrical engineering background (college) so it’s easy for me.

Jere answers:

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Jere answers:

Hi,
Good luck,
Marketing is a really challenging career and you have to love it if you want to make it as your life.
This profession takes all your criativity, imagination, organization and other skills as p.example finances.

A Day in the Life
A marketing executive directs the marketing of a company’s products or services. Marketing executives know the company’s product line, historical market, potential market, media costs, media response, and budgeting issues. Marketers often have to be intimate with a number of advertising media, such as radio, television, phone solicitation, mail campaigns, and promotional events. Their most difficult task is determining how best to take advantage of any or all of them to promote their product. In addition, “You have to know when to sell your own product, and when to mow down the other guy’s product,” said one New York marketing executive. Marketing takes three basic forms: Positive marketing (the benefits of your product or service), educational marketing (developing a demand for your product by educating people about their needs, such as mouthwash marketers talking about gingivitis), and negative marketing (revealing the flaws in a competitor’s product). Knowing when to do which and how is both the science and art that marketing executives practice. Most marketing executives spend significant time analyzing demographics, regional sales figures, and the competition. However, more than one marketer told us that in the end, marketing is all about “common sense.” Many said a general approach to the industry is useless each product has one specific trait, detail or role that is unique and valuable, and all the marketing executive does is apply common sense to the promotion of that trait. Another marketer put it this way: A marketing executive has to be able to recognize “unexplored potentialities” that can turn a low-selling item into a large-selling item, and a large-selling item into a mega-hit. The pressure is significant, but it has one advantage: Marketers always know how they’re doing, as tracked by an increase or decrease in sales. External events may drive demand for a product in one direction or another; it’s the marketer’s job to respond to these shifts and take advantage of them. Excuses for low sales don’t go over well. Marketers often work hand-in-hand with developers, advertisers, and production managers to ensure a product’s successful promotion. However, a number of marketers mentioned that although they are called in to consult on production decisions, such as product design, color, and even box shape, “many of the decisions are made without our consent anyway.” A marketer has to be creative, confident, and thick-skinned-marketing personnel get fired at an above average rate. Nevertheless, creative thinkers with the ability to analyze statistics and work out long-term logistical plans find sound homes in marketing divisions, where all their skills are needed to successfully launch a product or maintain a product’s sales.
Marketing executives have no formal educational requirements, but most employers require a college degree. Valued courses include marketing, statistics, advertising, psychology, sociology, business, finance, economics, and history. Communication skills are very important, so any writing experience is appreciated. Marketing executives need know their product line and its unique features, so special requirements may apply for those in science, mechanical, medical, or computer-based industries. Professional education is the norm in this occupation, with many marketers attending at least two seminars or lectures a year. Certification is available from a number of professional societies (such as the American Marketing Association and Marketing Executives International), but employers do not require it.
Marketing executives often are promoted to strategic planning positions. Others take their skills to advertising agencies, demographic research firms, or public relations firms. Many return to school for M.B.A.s. Upon completion of their degrees, many head up marketing departments or move into positions of management. A notable few work for consumer advocacy groups and are vocal participants in the debate over fairness in marketing and advertising.
Follow my blog and you’ll be able to start studying some tips from it.
Good Luck and all the best
Lucio
http://marketingeasy.blogspot.com

Jere answers:

Yes, postcard and general mail marketing is difficult to justify. 10% return mail/call rates are normal, and 10-15% of those close on average. (that relates to 1 sale for every 200 mailings! Ouch!)

-I think pounding the street is a very viable method to work B2B marketing. Closing ratios are higher.

-Industry magazines and newspaper advertising is a direct and effective way to advertise as well.

-Trade shows are another great use, and affordable means to market to other small businesses

Happy Socializing!

Jere answers:

Okay

Jere answers:

There are best practice standards with which any company that is a member of the Direct Marketing Association must comply. I gotta think that any legit credit card co. Is a member.

I’d call the DMA (site link below) and find out what you can do. Failing that, I’d call your credit card co’s customer service department and tell them that you’re going to chop up your card if they don’t stop. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, do some research and find out who the senior marketing person is and give them a call. If this person knew that this practice is going on, I’m sure they’d have a fit. They might even like to know that their telemarketing supplier is harrassing customers.

Good luck!

Jere answers:

As you probably know, there are a number of companies offering home-based business opportunities. Before I chose a home-based business, I decided it was important to do my due-diligence. I didn’t want to waste my time or money starting a business that was doomed before I began. Here is the criteria I used to evaluate the various companies at which I looked.

Is the company stable?

To determine whether or not a company was stable, I looked at the following:
Has the company been in business for at least 5 years?
Where does the company do business?
Does the company have a good reputation? (Check with the B.B.B.)
Is the company a member of the Direct Sellers Association?
Is the company publicly traded?
Does the company do at least 100 million in annual sales?
In my research, I discovered that the vast majority of home-based businesses are bankrupt within five years.

Generally speaking, the more countries a company does business in, the more stable they will be. It is a good indication if the company operates in the United States, Canada and at least one other country.

I also found that reputable companies were members of the DSA (Direct Sellers Association). Members of the DSA are held to strict ethical guidelines that would protect me and the consumer.

If a company is publicly traded, they are required by law to disclose all financial statements to the public. This information can be obtained by visiting the S.E.C.

Is the product unique?

Having a unique product or service was important to me because if the product was not unique, I would be forced to compete against other companies on price and convenience. By having a unique product, my customers would have no alternative other than to buy from me.

Is the product consumable?

This was my next question. Even if the product I am selling is unique but is not consumable, I would constantly have to find new customers. In other words, I would be unemployed until my next sale. With a consumable product, customers would continue to buy my products and I would continue to earn a residual income without having to find new customers.

Is there a demand for the product?

Having a unique and consumable product wouldn’t mean a thing if there wasn’t a demand for it. This is why I looked for a company that had a product that would be in high demand. In looking at market trends, I discovered that the 1 BILLION “Baby Boomers” are creating the largest trends in the world. As a result, I wanted to find a company that was marketing products that would appeal to this group of people.

Is there product validation?

I did not want to risk my reputation by selling a product that amounted to little more than “snake oil”, so it was important for me to know that the product was scientifically validated before I could feel comfortable selling or recommending it. Here I am narrating “Making a Difference” here:
http://www.GlycoStory.com/p.asp?c=251478337445

Educate yourself on the Cash Flow Quadrant on that sitehttp://www.glycobusiness.com/mannalive Very important to distinguish “what is Network Marketing compaired to other ways of earning money.

LLJames

Jere answers:

If you are just selling a few candles a day (like you make a few), then you can consider selling your candles on www.etsy.com too along with ebay. If you want to go for your own website, then you can sign up with a web host. They will give you free sitebuilders that you can use to build professional looking websites. You can integrate a shopping cart and paypal/credit card on your website so people can buy. Don’t forget to spread the word about your website so people can actually find it.

If you want to know how to setup your own website, have a look at:
http://hosting4beginners.webnode.com/how-to-host-a-website/

There are step by step instructions on it for that. You can sign up with any of the recommended hosts there (look at the prices etc).. You’ll definitely need limited speed, so what they offer should be 10 times more than what you’d need. Chat with the web host (I’d suggest Arvix/Inmotion – around $6 a month) and see if they will help you set up a shopping cart website – but mostly you can do it yourself once you spend the time with the sitebuilders.

Good luck! Happy candle-making! (and selling ;))

Jere answers:

Here is a rsource for you:
http://www.export-expert.net

Jere answers:

Using google adwords search engine marketing (SEM) is a very effective way to promote your business online. There are lots of useful information directly on google site where you can get started.
Http://support.google.com/adwords/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=2497976&ctx=welcome-2642398

However, if you have a small budget and limited time; a knowledgeable SEM manager can optimize your existing campaigns at affordable prices. You can do Pay Per click advertising with any budget and there are many methods to run effective campaigns to produce the best return on investment (ROI). Be careful to make sure the campaigns you run are relevant to what potential leads are searching for, otherwise you can lose a lot of money.

Bottom line its best to consult a reliable SEM management companies and ask one of the SEM managers to look over your existing campaigns and give a free estimate of their rates.

Jere answers:

This idea isn’t going to work.

You need web traffic first in order to charge people money for listing otherwise no one will visit your site and the advertisers will get angry they didn’t get leads especially if you are charging x amount if you are reasonable it can be on a base to base case I guess you win or lose.

The model needs to be planned out on what exactly it is you want to achieve, many fail because they don’t understand what they need to do in a website.

Good luck, the hardest part is web traffic and marketing.

Jere answers:

Your website will need to comply with Distance Selling Regulations which set out clear terms about returns, refunds and cooling off periods.

It will be important to make sure that your site ranks well with the Search Engines so that people looking for designer handbags can find you. Choose your keywords carefully so that they reflect what people are searching for. Include colours in your keywords so that it narrows down the search.

What payment gateway will you use? If you’re using Paypal, make sure you register it as a business account, do all the verification steps and then you’ll be able to transfer the money to your business bank account easily.

Make sure that you can fulfil orders within the period you say on your site. This includes having good stock control and being able to acquire more stock quickly if you have a run on orders. You also need to strike a balance between carrying too much stock that doesn’t sell and not having enough to satisfy orders.

Good luck!

Jere answers:

According to the US Department of Labor (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos103.htm):

“Employment in this field is expected to grow faster than average. Job prospects should be very good; technicians with a strong background in medical coding will be in particularly high demand. Employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 18 percent through 2016—faster than the average for all occupations—because of rapid growth in the number of medical tests, treatments, and procedures that will be increasingly scrutinized by health insurance companies, regulators, courts, and consumers. Also, technicians will be needed to enter patient information into computer databases to comply with Federal legislation mandating the use of electronic medical records.

New jobs are expected in offices of physicians as a result of increasing demand for detailed records, especially in large group practices. New jobs also are expected in home health care services, outpatient care centers, and nursing and residential care facilities. Although employment growth in hospitals will not keep pace with growth in other health care industries, many new jobs will, nevertheless, be created.”

That said, Pinnacle is not regionally accredited. If you prefer a regionally accredited school, Colorado Tech, AIU, and Capella all offer this degree online.

Jere answers:

Essentially you’re talking about private lessons. What you need to do is present yourself as a small business and have a few cards printed up (online, very cheap) and maybe a small website to direct people to.

Make sure you call the hotels before you visit and arrange an appointment – if you turn up and no one is there then you have missed half a day.

Jere answers:

Programming is not for everyone and I would not get too concerned about your lack of skills in that area. I can do some scripting and out of my co-workers I would say only 10%-15% can do any programming.

Here is a list of some common non-Programming jobs:
Computer Technician – Works on computer hardware at user location or in service center. (entry level IT Job)
Service Center Coordinator – Schedules the repair of user community computers, orders spare parts, schedules staff, establishes priorities, maintains loaner laptops and non-US laptops for travel outside of US.
Help Desk Staff – answer questions and resolve problems for the user community. (entry level IT Job – Tier 1 support)
Storage Administrator – in charge of mass storage servers and devices.
Network Administrator – Works on routers, switches, hubs, cables, load balancers and all the other hardware that handles LAN and WAN network traffic. Also, may be responsible for IP phone service.
Systems Administrator or Systems Engineer- Works with servers, laptops and desktop computers to keep them free of problems and secure the data they contain. Responsible for Security group creation and memberships, server patching, anti-virus protection updates, password changes and any automated mechanisms that make these changes. These positions may be divided into server and desktop teams. Tier 2 support.
Enterprise Administrator – Handles Enterprise support and design issues. Tier 3 support.
Active Directory Administrator – Designs and administers Active Directory infrastructure, AD policies, access permissions, roles, group policies, separation of duties.
Exchange and Messaging Administrator – maintains mail systems servers, other mail related devices and the company messaging infrastructure.
Backup Administrator – Maintains backup devices and determines backup strategies so data that was deleted accidentally or intentionally can be recovered. Design and control how and when data is backed up, where the backups are stored and how long the backups are retained. They will test to be sure backups are valid and usable.
Disaster Recovery Specialist – Plans for disaster events so the company data and infrastructure can be brought back online as quickly as possible after a fire, flood, earthquake, terrorism or other disaster event. Plans for failover of services to alternate locations, if the primary location is not available.
Database Administrator – Maintains the company databases which may include customer and sales records, billing information, inventory and other data.
Computing Security Specialist – A company’s biggest asset is its data and the Computing Security Specialist will work to try to keep that data protected from loss. They may be dealing with and defending against viruses, hoaxes, malware, keyloggers, phishing attacks, internal attacks and domestic and foreign intrusion. Develops monitoring and interception systems, filters and strategies and works with appropriate government agencies.
Ethical Hacker – performs intrusion and vulnerability testing of systems. Works with Computing Security to insure intrusion prevention systems are working correctly.
Corporate IT Acquisition Specialist – Works with acquired outside companies to establish migration into the corporate computing infrastructure.
Data Center Administrator – Maintains the data center facilities where the company’s servers and other devices reside. They are responsible for physical security and may review badge reader and camera information to be sure that only individuals with proper access are getting close to the company’s servers and other critical devices. Also, maintain backup power devices (UPS or generators).

In a small business the list of jobs above might be performed by one or two people doing all these jobs. In a large Enterprise environment this could be hundreds of people.

Best wishes!

Jere answers:

This boils down to “How do I market my web jewelry store”. High competition is common and should be handled by any good online marketing campaign.

COMPETING:
1. It’s often best to find the a market niche and not try to compete in the over-crowded main market.
If you deeply understand your UVP (Unique Value Proposition), as you must, you’ll be able to narrow your market down to exactly what you do better than others. Then redesign your site or landing/sales page to fine tune it to the thinking of your niche prospects. If nothing about your store is better than the competition, you’re in the wrong business.

2. Excellent market research is the key. Obviously, you succeed by giving people what they want. But do you understand EXACTLY what they want better than your competitors? If so, you can beat them.

3. Determine who your top 4 competitors are and thoroughly inspect their sites until you know how they are succeeding. Copy and improve on their best methods and avoid their worst. Same for their keywords.

ONLINE MARKETING – GENERAL:
There are over 1 Billion web pages online vying for the first 3 Google pages.
The Search Engine Marketing (SEM) process goes like this:
Your Unique Value Proposition
Write down your UVP
You must state it clearly, in writing, in a very few sentences and just a few seconds.
It must quickly and clearly answer these 2 questions in the minds of your prospects:
1. “Why should I buy your product or service, (what’s in it for me) how will it solve my problem?”
2. “Why should I buy it from you and not your competition?”

Market Research (know your audience):
What is your best target market niche? Look for market niches, not full markets, to avoid competing with the big corporations. Which market niche is looking for your solution to their problem?
What are their problems, needs, fears, desires, frustrations?
What are they thinking?
What key phrases will they use in the search engines?

Competitor research:
Who are your most successful competitors?
What are they doing right that you should emulate?
What are they doing wrong that you should avoid?
What key phrases are they using?
What are their UVPs?
Which market niche(s) has/have the best fit to your UVP and also the fewest competitors?

Key phrase research:
Make a starting keywords list from your own experience, from friend’s suggestions and your research.
Using a good keywords tool:
Discover new key phrases derived from your list
Analyze your key phrases. Rank them according to the most searches per month Vs fewest competitors.
Use key phrases from 1 up to 4 words long (ignore “stop words, like “the”, “a”, “of”, etc.).Group them according to similarity.

Design your site with a separate landing/sales page for each keyword group. This gets each market niche member to the perfect page for their exact need. Don’t use your home page as your selling page.

Put your best 1 or 2 key phrases in the lading/sales page’s file name (e.g. “green-widgets.html”), in the page title, in keywords and description metatags (Google ignores metatags, other search engines may not), in only one H1 tag, in the anchor text of your links, in your navigation, in one or more H2 and h3 tags, in the alt tags of images, etc.

Also use your keys in body text. Keep your content readable by both humans and search engine bots. Don’t overdo the percentages of keywords Vs other content. Avoid pages that seem “keyword stuffed” or don’t read naturally.

Don’t use images, Flash or video instead of text, for your UVP. It’s fine to use those to support your UVP further down the page – only after the prospects read your UVP text.

Keep all distractions off your landing/sales pages. Those pages must only lead your prospect smoothly through your sales process and to actions you want. Along the way, reinforce your UVP by always showing the benefits of moving farther along in your sales process. Follow the best practices expressed on the MarketingExperiments.com web site. Check out their free webinars every other Wednesday.

If you can afford the typical $30 a day for a Google AdWords Pay-Per-Click campaign and know how, go ahead. Otherwise, only use PPC to run cheap, quick market analysis runs.

Use free Google services, like “Google Webmaster Tools” and “Google Analytics”

Subscribe to the best online marketing blog feeds and use the best online marketing forums.

Avoid “Guru-of-the-month” scams, where “guru” groups sell each other’s latest “get rich quick online” products to their sucker lists.

There are special considerations if you are marketing a blog:
You’ll need an SEO plugin. If you use the superior WordPress as your blogging tool, there are good SEO plugins. Do a Google search to find the best blog directories. There are social bookmarking plugins for WordPress.

Hoped this helped…
_jim coe

Jere answers:

I am not sure what, if any, nationality specific restrictions are imposed on the acquisition of a Visa to Russia. For U.S. Citizens, tickets are not necessary prior to the obtaining of a Visa… At least not for Business Visas; perhaps not for Tourist Visas either. Keep in mind that the designation of the Visa (tourist or business can be irrelevant to the purpose of the trip — eg. You do not need to have business activity planned in Russia to obtain a business visa; the designations are relevant to other elements of your plans — how long you plan to stay, how many times you would like to enter, etc.). You do need officialy residency arrangements before obtaining a Visa, but these are generally provided by agencies… Www.waytorussia.com provides good, detailed, information. Be aware, though, that some of the information on the site is out of date — eg. Some information regarding Visa registration; but they also have a new section on this issue that is NOT out of date, and that supercedes the old sections. The sections on obtaining Visas seem to be at laregely quite informative; I am not sure if all details are up to date. With regard to train tickets, I have been looking for some as well! It seems that Beijing-Moscow is more expensive than Moscow-Beijing. I suggest taking a look at this site: http://www.seat61.com/Trans-Siberian.htm
This was one of the most informative starting points that I found. One of the places that you can purchase tickets from for the China-Russia trip is CITS:
according to site:
You can book trains from Beijing to Moscow, Irkutsk or Ulan Bator by emailing support-en@cits.com.cn (you can check details on the CITS website, www.cits.net) or by calling CITS on + 86 10 6512 0507 or + 86 10 6512 0503).
I have sent the office e-mail, and the office was responsive. I have not yet booked tickets, but was given the opportunity. I am not sure of current availability, as the international route, it is said, sells out in advance often. You should heed the note regarding Summer Olympics-related closures. I do not believe Beijing-Moscow is available this year June-September. But, in May it is. You can also purchase through Russian travel agencies… WayToRussia (same site, as used above) uses several agencies — I have tried Svezhy Veter, and they are responsive. Again, I have not yet made the decision to actually book tickets. WayToRussia, by the way, provides an interface to a Visa support agency, which I have used. You can find Visa support agencies online as well… And you can get a sense of their reputeability. I do have the sense that the one WayToRussia uses is reputable (intelservice). You could also purchase Trans-Siberian tickets through other agencies… I believe Western ones may come to be more expensive, though, perhaps, their services appear or are more strongly associated with the context of group tours.
To add, $600.00USD does seem to approximately represent the cost of the Beijing-Moscow train trip (I assume Trans-Mongolian route; there is also Trans-Manchurian… Which of course may be similarly priced) on Second(or First?)-Class sleeper cars (four beds in room). Http://www.cits.net/citsonlineWeb/online/homepage_EN/transportation/2008_inttrain.htm.
Trains 3/4 are the Trans-Mongolian BeijingRussia trains; Trains 19/20 are the Trans-Manchurian trains. One of the numbers in each pair corresponds to Eastbound route, the other to the Westbound route (I believe the 3 is the Westbound in the first case).

Jere answers:

Quote: I don’t need home phone.

Old information on DSL relating to service found online:
Serch term used “Where can I find Internet access….”
DSL, while growing in popularity, has some downsides
By Sandra Hume, BuyerZone.com Tips and News Editor
December 13, 2000

Ah, broadband. What a nice idea. Always-on, dedicated Internet access at some of the highest speeds available outside of a line leased directly from the phone company. And your costs are fixed; whether you use the Internet for only a few hours a day or you want to be constantly dialed in, you pay the same price every month.
But as convenient as it is, going broadband via digital subscriber line (DSL) – the fast-growing, top broadband choice for small businesses – isn’t as easy as calling a provider and flicking a switch. In fact, many would-be customers have had to take routes other than DSL for their Internet access because the roadblocks faced were ultimately insurmountable.
The proliferation of DSL availability is an aftershock of two events: the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which ended the phone companies’ monopoly of their networks and an FCC ruling late 1999 that specifically required phone companies to share their wires with DSL providers.
Using these existing telephone lines, DSL service providers let customers surf the Internet at speeds up to 50 times faster than a standard dial-up connection with a 56 Kbps modem. Including equipment and installation, the service can run you anywhere between $200 and $800 per month.
But if you’re thinking about getting DSL, before investing any time or money into such an endeavor, keep in mind the troubles the service has faced.
Limited availability. As of now, the United States leads the charge in worldwide DSL access, and it’s available in all 50 states. Providers, however, are not available for all areas, particularly non-metro regions.
A matter of distance. Even if providers exist in your area, you may not live close enough to a central office – a little less than three miles – to get service.
Incompatibility and wait times. There may be a provider in your area, and you may be close enough to the central office, but unless the technology of the central office, the DSL provider, and your own office are compatible, installing and using a line may be impossible.
Because of such complexities, most customers can currently expect to wait at least a couple of months to have a DSL line installed. Wait times have been reported to be as long as two years, even in areas where the service is available. And in some instances where service was promised, unexpected holes in the DSL-readiness of central offices have led to much scrambling – and many disappointed customers.
If it works for you, DSL can be one of the most cost-effective solutions for Internet access today. Satisfied users swear by it. But unless you do your homework, your journey into the land of DSL could lead you through a maze you’ll wish you hadn’t found.
—————————————–End of news report———-
Reply:
Thanks for your post and I hope that I can help. You want to rent a farm house which adds to your problem by way of distance from built up areas, you don’t want home telephone service and you have no cable access in your area.

My question is; If you don’t have a land line or current POTS telephone service to your home and no cable service then how could you connect to the Internet otherwise?

Other than a wireless Wi-Fi hotspot by way of cell phone (think limited cell tower reception and costs of the service) do you know any other way to get Internet service to your home paid for or not? As of 2004 I was a telecommunications worker and I know that data lines from the telephone company are limited in some areas for telephone use alone because of many customers whom are installing two or more phone lines for home, business or family members personal use. The phone company will split the line to make more lines availible which cuts the bandwith even lower on the one twisted pair line. If you do know another medium other than copper lines (twisted or coaxial) or over-the-air (OTA) satellite or cell phone service then sell that method and make millions or billions for that service.

I searched the Internet using ask.com and a program called Copernic and both results showed the same thing. Free service by NetZero is free, slow, banners, lag, limited time of use is what you get. Other than the methods of getting Internet to your home mentioned as well as the best method of service which is satellite in your case, for basic Internet service you do need a dial up modem with a telephone land line so that statement that you don’t need it is mistaken. Sorry but that is the best answer that I can give.

Jere answers:

They could replace their PCs with Macs and avoid the 117,000 Windows viruses.
I’ve had two companies I have done business with on the internet get viruses/malware. As a result my credit card info was used for other sites and airline tickets.

Jere answers:

We own a small comercial printing company. If you want to act as a broker, you can hook up with one of these companies: 4over, Carlson Craft Business Solutions, Business Cards Tommorrow. All have web sites that are easy to find with a search. You will need to invest in a decent computer and desktop publishing software such as Corel Draw, Quark Express, or In Design to do the typesetting. You most definately will need to broaden your scope of product coverage from just business cards to also include envelopes, letterheads, forms, brochures, flyers etc. It would be helpful if you are a creative person, but if not, it won’t take long to get a good working knowledge of the of basic layout and design. All of the wholesalers I mentioned above have sales kits with printed samples and ordering over the internet. They also have comprehensive pricing tools so you will not have to “fumble” around trying to price your customer. You can go to my web addy at impressiveinkprinting.com to get an idea of product offerings and street pricing.
As far as producing them yourself, you must have a really, really, really good color laser copier that has a RIP (Raster Image Processor) which is also has an interface so that it will act as a printer for your computer. People get by with less, but their quality is the pits. You will need a business card slitter. I print cards 12 up, some people print them 10 up. Your slitter choice needs to accomodate one or the other. There is quite a bit more to learn….but this will get ya started!
Good luck!! Hope this helps ya!

Jere answers:

There are plenty of jobs that you can get for example a job as an IT business analyst (I found the below job description while I was looing for a job). Good luck in your search and with school and do not let ignorant people like the one before me discourage you or bring you down

Title: IT Business Analyst
Location: IL – Chicago
Division: Corporate
Department: Information Technology

——————————————————————————–

Description
Responsibilities:

Document and analyze business process
Work with business and support departments to identify solution for meeting objectives
Develop detailed user requirement and functional specification documents
Author and execute test plans to ensure successful implementation
Work with various business units, project management and application development staff
Requirements:

Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Business or related field
5+ years of related work experience
Extensive experience and understanding in the financial services industry; strong analytical skills and understanding of derivatives preferred
Strong process management and analytical skills
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written (samples of written communications from prior engagements may be requested)
Experience in quality assurance testing
Familiarity with development languages, tools, databases and platforms (MS Access, SQL/Stored Procedures, Sybase, Internet technologies)

Jere answers:

Network Marketers have struggled to realize the near-infinite networking, lead-generating potential of the Web.

How can that be?

Network Marketing (sometimes called “Multi-Level Marketing” or “MLM”) is all about…

– recruiting/lead generation/relationship-building
– sales conversion
– ongoing consumption
– replicating yourself through downline motivation and training.

How in the world could the Internet not be the best thing since sliced bread for Network Marketers? Because it’s being done, all wrong, by all the wrong people.

Solution here…. Http://networkmarketing.sitesell.com/wotsnext.html

Jere answers:

Assuming you are in the U.S. No you usually do not need a business license. If you’re from another country, I cannot answer that, as I have no experience with other countries.

I’ve owned a number of online stores over the last 20 years, first in Maryland, now PA. Neither state requires a license. Think of a license as usually applying to businesses that have special requirements and that the government needs (or thinks it needs) to regulate, such as real estate licenses, banking licenses, etc.

Thank being said, it’s best to check with your state department of labor and licensing to make sure. You never know when some state somewhere might have a requirement that I’m not aware.

A quick look online or phone call should give you the correct answer.

Tony

Jere answers:

It is hard to find grants to start a business. Unlike the myths that some perpetuate, federal government and even private foundations hardly give grant money for a for-profit business. You may stand a greater chance of getting grant funding if you will start a non profit organization.

Nonetheless, you can go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) http://www.cfda.gov and Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov – these are two sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support a for-profit venture.

Even if you buy books on “how to get grants” or list that supposedly has information on grants — all of them are mere rehash of what CFDA has, albeit packaged differently. But still the info is the same – hardly any grants for starting a for profit business.

Even SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website http://www.sba.gov/expanding/grants.html…

“The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. (See http://www.sba.gov/financing for more information) While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments.”

Here is a listing of federal grants for small businesses. See if there is any available for individuals for starting a business — THERE’S NONE.
Http://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.BROWSE_BENEF_RPT.show

Most of the federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (e.g. Minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT – Grant#20.905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Lending Program

Grants are also often given to non profit groups or organizations involved in training or other similar activities (grant 59.043 Women’s Business Ownership Assistance that are given to those who will create women’s business center that will train women entrepreneurs

For private grants, you may want to check the Foundation Center’s Foundation Grants for Individuals Online. It’s a subscription based website ($9.95 per month) but their opening blurb only says that the database is ideal for “students, artists, academic researchers, libraries and financial aid offices.” Entrepreneurs are apparently not one of them, so I take it they also don’t have listings of private foundations who give grants to would-be entrepreneurs.

Jere answers:

To start a non profit you need to file a 501(c)(3) which is the government non profit documentation. Unlike most businesses, to start a non profit you need to either register your company as an LLC or a corporation(all states require one or the other, some require incorporation). Your state also determines the steps that are required to register your business and what it will cost. Registering either of these legal structures will require going through the IRS, particularly incorporation. Both the 501 and registering your business can cost you a good amount so make sure that you have the money to invest.

There are so many great non profit organizations out there that my best advice would be partnering with one of these organizations and getting them to sponsor you rather than starting your own non profit. However, if you do decide to go ahead with your idea for starting a non profit then I would certainly advise getting professional assistance to make certain that you don’t end up making any mistakes that will cost you more. Do what you think will be best for you!

Http://www.RanksIntl.com

Jere answers:

From the US to the EU or Australia/New Zealand, the most fluid option would be to acquire an Employer Sponsored visa from the UK. Essentially you set yourself up with a job by applying online through an agency or directly with an employer, and they will walk through the process of getting the visa on your behalf. It is generally very fast (withing 12 weeks or so).

Your family would travel with you listed as dependents, which the employer would also sort. These visas do not confer the right of residency, but the time you spend working will count in your favour should you choose to apply for permanent residence or citizenship.

The other option is to go for a skills based visa. In Australia this is done under the skilled migrant program, in the UK (which being an EU member is a gateway to Europe) the HSMP program is its equivalent. It helps substantially if you are a University Graduate and HSMP confers permanent residency and the right to apply for citizenship after a period of time. It is speculated Ireland is the easiest country for Americans to obtain visas to, but I do not know the Irish application system or the truth in that rumour.

There are also numerous classes of visas which are open to those with money to invest in business or relocating an established business in Europe and Australia/NZ. They require fairly significant investments.

For most places you need a good bill of health and a clean rap sheet.

When I migrated I left my stuff in the UK until I had permanent residency and then shipped it, but that is entirely a matter of personal preference and planning. Some stuff I simply replaced.

For the uk & australia if you are curious you may want to take a look at the official government websites listed in sources.

Cheers

Jere answers:

You can go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) http://www.cfda.gov and Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov – these are two FREE sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support your purposes.

Even if you buy books on “how to get grants” or list that supposedly has information on grants — all of them are mere rehash of what CFDA has, albeit packaged differently.

Note though that these grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments. Most of the federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (e.g. Minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT – Grant#20.905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Lending Program. Individuals especially for personal purposes are not eligible for federal grants.

Grants are also often given to non profit groups or organizations involved in training or other similar activities (grant 59.043 Women’s Business Ownership Assistance that are given to those who will create women’s business center that will train women entrepreneurs

It is hard to find grants to start a business. Unlike the myths that some perpetuate, federal government and even private foundations hardly give grant money for starting a for-profit business.

One possible exception is for companies developing or exporting agricultural goods, including food and forest product. Another exception could be the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sbir/index.html , which fund the research and development of technological innovation that meets specific government needs.

Jere answers:

If you join the military you’ll be 3-4yrs behind the person who went straight into the R.E. Business!

Find a busy office that has plenty of listings so the phones will be constantly ringing w/incoming calls, LEADS! Volunteer for floor time so you can take up-calls, LEADS! And conduct very professional Open Houses, an inexpensive way to find even more LEADS!

And remember you’re not in the R.E. Biz you are in the LEADS generating biz!!

Jere answers:

Well, my husband and I bought a 3 bedroom, 2 bath house with about 1150’ish square feet (NOT A FORECLOSURE) for around $90,00. It is about 10 years old and in good shape.

There is a house at the beginning of the road (we live in the cul-da-sac) that sold in 2007 for around $88,000 (I worked in real estate and had access to the MLS). It is about the same square footage as ours, less one bathroom. The person who bought it lost the house probably 6 months later and the bank was trying to sell it (in bad shape cause the morons trashed the place apparently) for around the same price! One of our neighbors said their son made a low ball offer on the place when it first went for sale because of the condition it was in and the bank laughed at it and rejected it.

Well, they probably should have accepted that because it sat on the market for about 6 months and they kept lowering the price and lowering the price and I am almost certain it probably sold for around $40,000. I got laid off from the real estate biz in December, so I am not sure. I do know that I kept close tabs on it because some friends of mine might have been interested and the lowest it went while working there was around $50-60,000.

So yeah, they probably won’t accept your “low ball” offer it just being put on the market, but it’s possible it may sit on the market for 6 months or more and going down in price periodically.

Jere answers:

Hi yeah I’ll agree with the other guy head to Bali.Take a pick from the web sites listed below for good accommodation and surf the real stuff in Bali

Jere answers:

Hello Stephen, It depends what kind of channel or certain type of show you wanna be in. You have to have that certain taste in acting and that special ”thing” they’re looking for. Most people start off in commercials. Research how to start acting in a commercial. I remember it was either last year or the year before, one of these TV shows were hosting a commercial contest acting biz for a few kids your age : Ellen or Dr. Phil. Hey good luck though! Just keep dreaming. You could make it out there.

Jere answers:

All guys SHOULD be able to peel it back. If they can’t by the time they’re 16, something may be wrong.

Http://www.newforeskin.biz/CI/CIchart.htm

Foreskin’s come in all shapes and sizes. This website should show you.

Jere answers:

Your Answer:
Everything and anything that falls under the Freedom of Information Act !! You don’t go to a dance without music, do you ? I would want to know everything possible !! Did you know your Internet service provider sells your information to marketing companies ? I.e. Time-Warner !!
You have no privacy today, might as well find out where you stand ? Bucket Trucks, are also used by the police agency’s at night, for surveillance on second story buildings, also !! Privacy ? You have none !! Read all in fine print !! Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, always !!

Jere answers:

Here is some simple SEO tips for a site based on displaying facts:

1. Presents the facts in a descriptive manner instead of just phrasing it in 2-3 words.

2. Include the potential search terms in your description. Many times you would skip some words since it is easy for humans to guess, but search engines can’t guess them

For example, see this sentence:

“A big Boeing airplane is 20 tons”

A human can easily figure out that you are talking about the weight of the airplane. But a search engine can’t find that out. If someone search for “what is the weight of a Boeing airplane”, your page will not show up in search results because there is nothing in the content that indicate you are talking about the weight.

If you rephrase the FACT like this, it will bring much more SEO benefits:

“Are you surprised wondering what would be the weight of a Boeing airplane? The biggest Boeing airplane weights about 20 tons.”

See how I inserted some of the keywords like “weight of Boeing airplane” which is the most possible search term?

By following some simple SEO tips, you can promote your site well.

Jere answers:

Although I am an attorney licensed to practice law in California, what follows is not to be construed as legal advice, nor am I in any manner undertaking to represent you in a legal capacity. (Ok…now that the boring disclaimer is out of the way…) The answer to your question depends upon a number of factors including (but not limited to these 3); 1) the jurisdiction in which your business operates; 2) the form of your business entity; 3) the contractual relationship that was formed between the company and the independent contractor. In California, for example, if you formed and operated your business as a limited liability entity (Corporation, LLC or Limited Partnership), you may be able to dissolve the business by filing a certificate of election to wind up and dissolve and a certificate of dissolution with the Secretary of State. You would publish in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where your business is located a notice of dissolution. This step gives vendors one year to file suit to try to collect, as opposed to the four years statute of limitations on written contracts.
If you did not organize as a limited liability entity, it is highly likely that you can be sued personally for the debt. If your contract verbiage provides that the parties to the contract are Company A, a California Corporation, and B Subcontractor, then your contract restricts recovery to the corporation, and the debt would not be recoverable from you personally, unless the prospective plaintiff is successful in piercing the corporate veil. This is generally accomplished by pleading that the business owner and the corporation or llc are a sham and under the alter ego theory if the court decides that equity favors the Plaintiff, you can be held personally responsible for the debt.

Jere answers:

A couple of assumptions:
1. Each customer would go through the same or very similar set of tasks
2. You would prefer to work with one Microsoft Project schedule as opposed to multiple files (and a Master plan)

Here is what I would suggest.
1. Create a summary task for each customer
2. Under each summary task, insert the set of routine tasks
3. Set up each customer as a Resource on the Resource Sheet
4. Assign the proper customer to the corresponding set of tasks
5. To see who should be working on what, you can use the Filter for and select the proper date range.

Be sure to maintain the % Complete column and keep dates in line with reality.

For additional tips with Microsoft Project, try this link:
http://www.pmconnection.com/modules.php?name=Web_Links&l_op=viewlink&cid=7

Jere answers:

I don’t think anything should be withheld by law. As long as the government is posting information that is inherently confidential (which they aren’t).

Frankly, I don’t think ease really stops anything if the person or company is determined, it certainly didn’t start any of this. There have always been surveys, our information has always been sold. Anyone having a problem with it should only enter into contracts with privacy clauses.

The problem with fighting to abridge free speech is that you open the door for ANYTHING to be censored. Who exactly decides what’s unnecessary? Embarrassing v relevant information? A gubernatorial candidate in my state plagiarized an article. That’s embarrassing, so it can’t be posted online? It’s damaging his reputation pretty severely. Would he be able to decide whether or not it can be posted? Would you?

See what I mean?

Jere answers:

Presuming you are talking about sales tax: Add the tax rate to the sales price and collect both. Make sure you keep the sales tax money separate and file the appropriate sales tax returns with your state tax agency.

Jere answers:

Hi, i’m 14 and have an online business. And yes, you are too young for all the legal stuff. I had my parent do all the legal steps: #1 Register you business at town hall, #2 have your parent create a business bank account, #3 make a paypal account. As far as i know you have to pay for a domain name. I created my website on google: http://sites.google.com/site/minkmelainestudios/ and webs in also good. Hope i helped 🙂

please answer my question: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AtvPbPWQig1T.ADKw5vNaAfsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20090906200651AAK62jM

Jere answers:

If you are filing business taxes as a partner in a partnership or member of a multiple-member LLC (which is taxed as a partnership), you will use Form K-1 to determine the net income of your business. Form K-1 information is obtained from the partnership tax return (Form 1065) which was previously completed and filed separately with the IRS. No taxes are paid on Form 1065; it is only an information return.

Schedule K-1 includes several pieces of information which must be included in the correct place on Schedule E – Supplemental Income and Loss. Then the total Schedule E information is entered onto your personal Form 1040 on Line 17. It’s best to have a tax preparer help you with this work, or to use a tax software program that will allow you to enter the information on a blank K-1 and have the information automatically placed in the correct section of your 1040.

Including Business Income in Schedule SE
Your business income is used to determine your self-employment taxes (Social Security/Medicare for self-employed). You must insert the information on your net income from Schedule C and your share of partnership income from Schedule K-1 on Schedule SE, to calculate your self-employment tax liability.

Jere answers:

Some costs of starting a business are IRC sec. 197 expenses and must be amortized over 60 months as start up costs (vs. Currently deductible) but you need to make the election on your return. You need to file a 1120-S whether you make money or not and the net flows to your 1040. I would recommend that you need to file your 1040 whether you owe any money or not because you start the 3 year audit clock running. If you don’t file, the clock doesn’t start.

Jere answers:

If you are a sole proprietor (self-employed), the answer is no. You file only your personal tax return and include everything on it – wages (W-2s), self-employment income, etc.

Jere answers:

Hello,
The huge collection of business plan is at nextiq.com
Hope the tip work.
Matt

Jere answers:

This is what ur looking for..i was looking for it as well
http://www.filestube.com/aU4zkypXGo3DuMBCkzcbW2/Ultimate-Business-Plan-Template.html

Jere answers:

According to the book “The ABC’s of Writing Winning Business Plans: How to Prepare a Business Plan That Others Will Want to Read — and Invest In” http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0446694150/powerhomebizguid by Garrett Sutton, below are some tips to make a winning business plan that can get funding:

– Money follows management. Investors look first at the people involved in the company. If you are just starting out and don’t have relevant experience, investors expect to see that you have an experienced team of advisors and employees helping you in the business.

– Make sure you “sell” the one reason your business will become profitable.

– State clearly the strategies you will employ to get the word out about your business. Your business plan must show how you will leverage the Internet, public relations, viral marketing, and other strategies to attract customers.

– Present realistic estimates of the time, energy and costs of building a successful business. Do not underestimate or overestimate revenues. While investors know your numbers are simply guesses, they want to see that your numbers are within the “range of reality.” Be careful of your financial statements: this is one area where you can easily lose credibility if presented poorly.

– Benchmark similar companies to show that you’ve done your homework and researched the market.

– Your Executive Summary is your calling card. If it is not a winner, investors may not even read your entire plan. Emphasize your own as well as your team’s track record in the Executive Summary.

– Before sending your business plan to lenders and investors, send it out first to a few in order to get feedback. You’d want to correct your plan if someone tells you that you’re way off mark, rather than have a potential investor tell it to you and lose the chance to get the funding you need.

Here are some resources that can help you write your business plan:

– SBA Business Plan Basics http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/planning/basic.html
– PowerHomeBiz.com Creating a Business Plan section http://www.powerhomebiz.com/startup/businessplan.htm
– Entrepreneur.com Writing a Business Plan section http://www.entrepreneur.com/bizplan/0,7253,,00.html

You may also want to review some sample business plans to see how it actually looks like:

– Bplans.com http://www.bplans.com/sp/businessplans.cfm
– MOOT Corp Business Plan competition winners
http://www.businessplans.org/businessplans.html
– VFinance – View hundreds of real business plans in pdf format. Http://www.vfinance.com/home.asp?bps=1&ToolPage=bps_main.asp

Jere answers:

Go to http://sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/plan/writeabusinessplan/index.html or http://www.score.org/template_gallery.html for instructions on how to write a business plan and sample business plans.

Jere answers:

According to the book “The ABC’s of Writing Winning Business Plans: How to Prepare a Business Plan That Others Will Want to Read — and Invest In” http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0446694150/powerhomebizguid by Garrett Sutton, below are some tips to make a winning business plan that can get funding:

– Money follows management. Investors look first at the people involved in the company. If you are just starting out and don’t have relevant experience, investors expect to see that you have an experienced team of advisors and employees helping you in the business.

– Make sure you “sell” the one reason your business will become profitable.

– State clearly the strategies you will employ to get the word out about your business. Your business plan must show how you will leverage the Internet, public relations, viral marketing, and other strategies to attract customers.

– Present realistic estimates of the time, energy and costs of building a successful business. Do not underestimate or overestimate revenues. While investors know your numbers are simply guesses, they want to see that your numbers are within the “range of reality.” Be careful of your financial statements: this is one area where you can easily lose credibility if presented poorly.

– Benchmark similar companies to show that you’ve done your homework and researched the market.

– Your Executive Summary is your calling card. If it is not a winner, investors may not even read your entire plan. Emphasize your own as well as your team’s track record in the Executive Summary.

– Before sending your business plan to lenders and investors, send it out first to a few in order to get feedback. You’d want to correct your plan if someone tells you that you’re way off mark, rather than have a potential investor tell it to you and lose the chance to get the funding you need.

Here are some resources that can help you write your business plan:

– SBA Business Plan Basics http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/planning/basic.html
– PowerHomeBiz.com Creating a Business Plan section http://www.powerhomebiz.com/startup/businessplan.htm
– Entrepreneur.com Writing a Business Plan section http://www.entrepreneur.com/bizplan/0,7253,,00.html

You may also want to review some sample business plans to see how it actually looks like:

– Bplans.com http://www.bplans.com/sp/businessplans.cfm
– MOOT Corp Business Plan competition winners
http://www.businessplans.org/businessplans.html
– VFinance – View hundreds of real business plans in pdf format. Http://www.vfinance.com/home.asp?bps=1&ToolPage=bps_main.asp
– Business Owners Toolkit Sample business plans and information on how to create a plan. Http://www.toolkit.cch.com/tools/buspln_m.asp
– PlanWare Planning software and information. Http://www.planware.org/
– Virtual Business Plan Walk through the design of a business plan. Http://www.bizplanit.com/vplan.html
-SBA Business Planning Guide http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/planning/basic.html
– Small Business Advancement Center http://www.sbaer.uca.edu/business_plan/businessPlan.pdf
– Sample Business Plan General planning guide created by the Canadian Business Service Center. Http://www.cbsc.org/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=CBSC_FE/display&c=GuideFactSheet&cid
– Business Plans Index – A subject guide to sample business plans and profiles for specific business types from Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Http://216.183.184.20/subject/business/bplansindex.html

Some recommended books are :

– Business Plans Kit for Dummies
– The Complete Book of Business Plans : Simple Steps to Writing a Powerful Business Plan
– Writing Business Plans That Get Results : A Step-By-Step Guide
– Business Plans For Dummies®
– Your First Business Plan : A Simple Question and Answer Format Designed to Help You Write Your Own Plan

Hope that the above resources help

Jere answers:

Check your IP address.

Jere answers:

I would have to agree with Courtney’s answer above. All the things listed are vital marketing tools in the changing world we live in today, especially since its an internet start-up. If the thought of internet marketing is overwhelming (which it really can be) don’t hesitate to check out my agency’s website. We specialize in everything Courtney listed above (and like he said, much much more!)

Hopefully that helps!

Katherine

Jere answers:

Jilly, there comes a time and point when managing your mailing list should be shifted to a third party provider. They make scrubbing your mailing list a DREAM and will save you hours of time. I have a suggested resource, http://email-marketing-services.topfiveawards.com/ , however, I don’t recommend Aweber in your case because Aweber requires you to re-email your entire list and require an opt-in which isn’t ideal.

Jere answers:

Check this website out for email and email marketing resources. It totally free!

Jere answers:

I have email addresses and can send out 5,000 per hour for you. What are you adverstising? Email me for more info emuschinski@yahoo.com

Jere answers:

If you’re looking for a work from home JOB (not a home based business), there are lots of companies who hire for call center type

positions. And don’t listen to the nay-sayers who say work from home and telecommuting jobs are all scams or that there aren’t real jobs.

There are. You just have to know where to look and how to avoid the scams.

Do NOT pay for a list of jobs or pay to get a job. There are a few of the legitimate companies that, after you have qualified for the job, ask you to pay for a background check if you will be handling sensitive information like credit cards. It’s usually $20-$30 and from legitimate companies is a legit fee to pay. Other than that, there is no reason or need to pay anything if you just want a job. Some of the call center jobs, you are an independent contractor (IC) and some you are an employee.

If you want to start a home based business, there will be fees involved and business expenses. There are many legit business opportunities out there in direct sales, multi-level and network marketing. There are great companies to work with, but having a business isn’t for everyone.

For info on jobs, you can check out this comparison chart from RatRaceRebellion.com – it shows a huge list of companies, their requirements, pay, where they are etc. Http://www.ratracerebellion.com/CS_Comparison.html

Also, check out the telecommuting forums at WAHM.com and WorkPlaceLikeHome.com

Jere answers:

“CONSUMER PSYCHOLOGY is the study of human responses to product and service related information and experiences. Many responses are important, including beliefs and judgments, emotions, purchase decisions, and consumption practices. A broad range of product and service related information is also important, such as advertisements, package labels, coupons, consumer magazines, and word-of-mouth communications from friends and relatives. The goals of consumer psychologists are to describe, predict, influence, and/or explain consumer responses.

Consumer psychologists are educators, researchers, and administrators. They get direct feedback from their work and they see how it changes things. It is not easy to understand why some people buy and others do not. Nor is it a simple matter to discover the trends and predict where things are going in the next few years. The majority of business executives and managers are well educated and trained in their field, but few are also all that familiar with the behavioral sciences. This is where consumer psychologists step in. The consumer psychologist’s job is not easy. Once a Coke was a Coke. Today’s consumers have more than brand preferences. Some want regular cola, some decaffeinated, some sugar-free, and some both decaffeinated and sugar-free. And there is still more: New formula and Classic; cherry-flavored, too.”

Jere answers:

Creative Memories, Stampin Up, Passion Parties (adult toys), Scentsy (wickless candles).

Most of those require a start-up “fee” that usually pays for the first round of supplies and training material.

You have to put out a lot of your own money for advertising, products, parties, etc and then when you sell the products you keep a percentage and pay the rest to the company.

If you can sell a lot of products you can make decent money. You’d have to work pretty hard to make enough to really live on, and you could possibly end up paying more than you take in.

With Avon and Mary Kay you have to buy products and use them, have testers, and have knowledge of the products that you can demonstrate.

For creative memories and stampin up you have to buy products to make sample cards to advertise the materials.

You need business cards, flyers, you have to go door to door, get your friends involved..and trust me, nothing is more annoying than when my friends pester me to come to their scentsy party (I’m a military wife and scentsy and passion parties are like gold to some of them).

I wouldn’t say they’re scams per say, and they’re certainly more legit than Amway or Market America, but you’re essentially starting your own business and that requires a cost and time output before you even start seeing much of any income.

Jere answers:

Excellent question. Although very specialized. And not the cup of tea of all who read these columns. You have heard recently that Milton Friedman passed away (g-d bless his soul) he put the nation into the right course by his monetarist views. As an answer to your direct question — you obviously realize and are in agreement that “keep gold standard” is not very logical since gold is a finite material (i.e. It is not endless) and we need the monetary unit for indefinite growth given the explosion of our own populations and those of other countries (see china, etc.) once you understand those simple facts of life you realize that on no gold standard we need a good government that will keep the monetary supply in good check and balance too. If we have a government that overspends, and prints its way out in printing more money without the equivalent growth in the economy then we have trouble which leads to the ills of inflation, stock market bumps, and insecurity in the job market. Hope it answers your question. From a professor of economics.

Jere answers:

Hi LV,

Experience in both professional life and personal life is overall key. Ask yourself:

Is the location truly detrimental to you staying at the job?
Does the company have other locations closer to your preference?
Do I like this job enough to commute, or do I want to roll the dice and find something with a better location? Possibly something I might not enjoy as much…..

My .2 cents, is that you are upfront on your resume, by simply stating the location move reason and explain further to the companies that call you back and want “you for you.”

Obviously things happen and positions change, and no one wants to be looked upon as the flake who jumps around. But always remember that it is better to me forthcoming about yourself to a company, rather than worry about something ever coming back around to you even in the slightest.

Please feel free to email me direct if I can help:
Lou@attainmentlife.com
www.attainmentlife.com

Jere answers:

How effective the courses are really depends on the student. Online certification programs are not as highly valued by employers as are degrees from accredited institutions. Very few of the 3D animation schoolsl carry any recognized academic accreditation. Businesses are looking for the whole package, not just a splinter skill.

You want not only to learn the software, but how to be creative with it. You need to know how to create a story line. You need to develop your own flare.

You don’t want to be stuck with the XYZ package when the company you are attempting to get a job with uses ABC software. Some of the courses teach to only one or two packages of software.

ITT has created 90 campus throughout the U.S. Many gaming companies accept their grads.
So if you don’t want a full time college, this is a pretty fair second rate option.

You would be best served by getting a full education at an accredited state school. The cost is most likely 1/2 of the online course even if you had to go to an out of your state college to get the program you wanted. You get a rounded education and have access to your instructors.

Jere answers:

Those “certifications” are worth less than the paper they’re written on.

If a “certified” trainer is are not qualified to teach gym class to 2nd graders, then he shouldn’t be trying to teach adults how to work out.

Jere answers:

Starting an online money making business isn’t easy though and will require a lot of time and effort. The best part is that anyone can start their own home based business. If you have a computer, an internet connection and some free space somewhere in the house you can use as an office, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to make money online with an online website business.

When deciding to start an online website business, you should try to focus on the skills you already have. Think about the skills you acquired while working at your job. Now’s when you can start to make them work for you instead of for somebody else! Think about the things you were good at in school or college that you’ve never had a chance to apply in the real world. These skills could be the building blocks for your new online money making business.

If you really want to learn the world of online business, you have to click the link on the source box. It will give a big lift in building an online business that works and it is designed for amateurs and best of all you don’t have to pay a single penny if you watch the videos there. Good Luck.

Jere answers:

Allied Business School…
Www.appraiserlicense.com
I used this one, as well as several other appraisers I know … Fairly flexible and easy to work with. I started when I had just had my son 4 years ago, I love it! Good Luck!

Jere answers:

Make sure the school you choose is Regionally accredited! For example most if not all schools that include the cost of textbooks for on-line courses are NOT regionally accredited ie., Grantham University Ashworth etc..

Jere answers:

Good question. Lots of great offers out there, but the problem is that most are scammers just trying to get your money. I still feel the best way to get a start on the net is a eBay business or starting a simple website for a $0- $50 investment. It has its grief but its a good way to learn how to do business online. The key is to find a good supplier who doesn’t charge an arm and a leg monthy frees to sell their products. They should be happy that you want to sell their products… Who would charge you for being a free saleman for their store? Http://BuyatDiscounts.com on there “about us” page they have lots of free resources and free ebooks to help you get started. I have never seen a website or business care enough to give away information. There is hundreds of dollars of freebies on the site.

If you’re looking for a dropshipper/supplier then http://www.BuyatDiscounts.com is the best free dropshipper out there. Trust me… I paid the stupid scammers hundreds for every list in the world and none were worth a dime. I finally bumped into Buy at Discounts by accident online and was very happy with their service when I did work on eBay. Now I run my own website and I use them to supply my products. So my answer to you is… Yes its worth it because its a great learning tool. You may also want to check out the “about us” page at BuyatDiscounts.com or towards the bottom of the home page for more info on other services and home business ideas. Good luck and Email me if you have any questions.

Direct quote from their site:

You are sure to find all of the portable electronics you could possibly want here in our online store at a portion of the prices our retail competition charges! Find an extensive car audio and video selection, portable CD players, quality refurbished iPods, discounted Phillips mp3 player gifts, assorted clock radios, and new iPods to name a few of our products. Whether you are looking for inexpensive Nintendo Wii bundles, discounted Nokia cell phones, affordable Samsung cell phones, and Motorola cell phones, or if you want to buy DJ equipment; we offer everything you want here in our online store. If you are interested in finding a reliable and inexpensive dropship source, we encourage you to take advantage of our free dropshipping opportunity to ship all of the portable electronics you want.

Jere answers:

Green Monkey….
I have tried a few things and it is definitely a different world working at home for yourself versus at a job working under someone else.
The survey thing didn’t pay (I am still owed money from doing them) and even when they do it is very little money for the effort. This was my experience and there very well may be some companies that are better than others. It will just take some homework.
Like the other responder said, avoid things that require you to pay out hundreds or thousands of dollars to get started. This is pretty much a no-brainer for most of us because we simply don’t have that kind of money laying around. However, there is an understanding that to start your own business there will be a start up fee involved or some other form of payment (ie so many qualifying parties or customers).
What I usually recommend is that you look around and find what fits with your personality. Find something that you believe in and then run with it! Everyone should have their own home based business!
Click on the link in my profile to check out what I chose or email me directly!

Good Luck!

Jere answers:

You have to discover a niche that people will respond to in either advertisements or subscriptions. My understanding is newspapers are preparing for the online world as subscriptions decline. If your local community doesn’t have a paper but has a strong business community – that might be a niche.

Jere answers:

Because the game’s constantly updated and needs to be maintained with server costs and staff etc…
There’s very few online games that are free to play.
Not to mention it’s a business and if they can get your money, why wouldn’t they?

Jere answers:

Hi Grace,
Wow… This is a huge question. I don’t really know if 10 or 20 people’s answers here are the best guide for you to then launch into your online business.

I started my first online buisness a few years ago with the most well known world leader in teaching people how to start a successful online business. It’s actually almost best if you don’t have the perfect idea before you start, because all their online powerpoint tutorials teach you about how to brainstorm ideas to end up with the perfect fit for you… Where you know your entire plan and strategy for getting traffic and making financial return even before you start…. And you don’t even need to know how to design a website as you just point and click the mouse to choose colours, drag in photos, add forums, newsletters, writing… All with a click.

It’s worthwhile checking out, even if you just want to look at their free online movies and ebooks. But for $30 a month, it is possibly the very best investment you could ever make. I’ve never looked back and now family and friends have started their own online businesses too!

Have a look at:
http://first-day-of-the-rest-of-your-life.sitesell.com/websales200624

Jere answers:

Actually, you spread wealth by spreading knowledge. Howard Hughes can come back to life tomorrow and become a millionaire in three months because he has the know how. The best thing to do is to start up an extensive vocational training program. Deal with Life Skills, Job Readiness, and Group Job Search issues. Acquire a competent staff and have excellent job developers. Establish a twelve months post transition curriculum. This is where you help those who have become gainfully employed troubleshoot life’s obstacles. You should case manage in the areas of savings, crisis management, owning real estate, bills and dealing with creditors. Be sure to provide emotional and motivational counseling.

There are hundreds of job training program doing marvelous work in our communities, but most stop short of really helping the person maintain the very thing they helped him to obtain, a job. An extensive job training programs would revitalize the community beyond measures. I can go on for days, for this is my field of expertise. Whatever you do is more than what others are doing. May God bless you real good!

Contact me if you have other questions.

Jere answers:

Here are some of the best of the best of “old skool” classics:
The Message – Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Fight The Power – Public Enemy
Nuthin But A “G” Thang – Dr. Dre
It’s Like That – Run-D.M.C.
Rappers Delight – Sugarhill Gan
Children’s Story – Slick Rick
Planet Rock – Afrika Bambaataa
Paid in Full – Eric B. & Rakim
Rock the Bells – LL Cool J
Walk This Way – Run-D.M.C. & Aerosmith
The Breaks – Kurtis Blow
They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.) – C.L. Smooth & Pete Rock
It Takes Two – Rob Base & DJ EZ Roc
Me Myself and I – De La Soul
The Show – Doug E. Fresh w/Slick Rick
The Bridge Is Over – Boogie Down Productions
Bring The Noise – Public Enemy
Award Tour – A Tribe Called Quest
Push It – Salt-n-Pepa
It Was A Good Day – Ice Cube
Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
C.R.E.A.M. – Wu Tang Clan
My Philosophy – Boogie Down Productions
You Gots to Chill – EPMD
Dear Mama – 2pac
Set It Off – Big Daddy Kane
Scenario – A Tribe Called Quest
I Need Love – LL Cool J
O.P.P. – Naughty By Nature
Sucker M.C.s – Run-D.M.C.
Mama Said Knock You Out – LL Cool J
Ridin’ – Chamillionaire w/ Krayzie Bone
U.N.I.T.Y. – Queen Latifah
Passin’ Me By – The Pharcyde
Parents Just Don’t Understand – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Ain’t No Half-Steppin’ – Big Daddy Kane
La Di Da Di – Slick Rick & Doug E. Fresh
Bonita Applebum – A Tribe Called Quest
The Definition – Mos Def & Talib Kweli (Black Star)
Just A Friend – Biz Markie
Wild Thing – Tone-Loc
Get At Me Dog – DMX
Triumph – Wu-Tang Clan
Regulate – Warren G. W/ Nate Dogg
The Choice Is Yours – Black Sheep
Gangsta’s Paradise – Coolio
Ladies First – Queen Latifah w/ Monie Love
Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat) – Digable Planets
I’m Bad – LL Cool J
Lyte As A Rock – MC Lyte
The Humpty Dance – Digital Underground
I Got 5 On It – The Luniz
Paul Revere – The Beastie Boys
P.S.K. (What Does It Mean) – Schoolly D
Boyz-N-The-Hood – Eazy E
Roxanne, Roxanne – U.T.F.O.
Shook Ones, Pt II – Mobb Deep
Dirty South – Goodie MOB
Freaks Come Out At Night – Whodini
Big Pimpin’ – Jay Z
Tennessee – Arrested Development
Deep Cover – Dr. Dre w/ Snoop Doggy Dogg
t’s the Joint – The Funky Four + 1
Crush On You – Lil Kim
Roxanne Roxanne ~ Roxanne Shante
Life Is…Too $hort – Too $hort
Let Me Blow Ya Mind – Eve
6 In the Mornin’ – Ice T
Bust A Move – Young MC
Peace, Love & Happiness

Jere answers:

6 Million People Are Anxious To Pay You $6 each!!
That’s $36,000,000.00 Waiting For YOU!
This product that virtually sells itself. $6 BY SIX MILLIONS combines reprint rights and 100% commissions into one incredible package. All the details.Also as a free gift I will give you a free search engine site to advertise your new program for FREE!

Http://www.6x6million.biz/jeffchris86

http://www.SearchFeast.com/join?id=jeff68

Jere answers:

Who says you can’t outside of a few sleep overs i have been doing it all my life and i know a lot of single men and women who do the same thing!!!

Jere answers:

Any degree will help you get a job, and if you’re in honors classes, all the better! More education is always a good idea in reputable companies. An MBA will help you in some cases–it’s not an assurance that you’ll get a promotion, higher level, etc…, but it may help you beat out the competition in a job interview. The main thing is being able to sell yourself in a job interview, and education is only one part of that…you will need to show your abilities from all angles ie, working while going to school (to show you are able to balance priorities, have worked in the ‘real world’), or doing volunteer work over time (work experience plus social consciousness). Good luck!

Jere answers:

You have to be an adult to file LEGAL forms.
There’s much more to it than you think.

You need education in the fields of business, nonprofit management, psychology, and social services.
You also need life experience to teach you to deal with all of the types of people you’ll encounter.

There are thousands of organizations already doing the work that you want to do.
And they’re already competing for VERY scarce dollars.
Find a good one and volunteer.
Http://serve.gov/

Take relevant classes in high school and college.
Eventually, you can get a paid job with a nonprofit.
You could get a degree in nonprofit management.

A nonprofit is a corporation, just like General Motors, or Sears, or McDonald’s.
You file the incorporation documents with your home state the same way.
There must be an official address and place of business, by laws, a board of directors, board meetings, and minutes of those meetings.
They are required to file formal reports on their financial activities with the state AND the feds.

Now here is where the differences start.

The difference is that a nonprofit has no owner and no stock.
When the corporation brings in more money than it spends, the excess is called a “fund balance”, instead of a “profit”.
That fund balance can be re-invested in the corporation or held in savings for future projects or for lean times.
The board of directors makes those decisions.

Once the org incorporates, it must apply to the IRS for a tax exempt status.
Those rules are under section 501(c) of the IRS code.
Most charities are under (c)(3).
Labor unions are under c5.
There are about two dozen different categories.

That means that the ORGANIZATION does not pay taxes on its income.
The EMPLOYEES of the organization pay their personal taxes under the same rules as everyone else.

Individuals who donate money to c3 orgs can deduct it from their income taxes, if they itemize.
Donations to other categories – c4, c5, etc. Are not deductible.

There are thousands of state and federal rules governing activities, finances, and reporting.

For example, c3 orgs CAN NOT endorse political candidates and there are strict limits on the lobbying that they can do.
That’s why labor unions can endorse candidates and churches can’t.

State laws on soliciting donations from the public vary, but all states have them.

C3 and C4 orgs can be eligible for government grants for their work.
They can also solicit money from charitable foundations.

But then the foundations will come to their offices and tell them they’re doing everything wrong and refuse to give them any money unless they change everything they do.
And even then they might not give the money.

I hate foundations.

Look at http://www.irs.gov/charities/index.html
There is more info at www.foundationcenter.org
Source(s):
27 years as volunteer, staff, manager, board member, board president, and consultant to nonprofit corporations.

Jere answers:

First the bad news:
There is just no such thing as online jobs that you can do from home. These are all scams and the people that encourage you to do them and tell you how much money they have made, are all a part of the scam. The scam may be building a network of people, telemarketing, online sales, filling out surveys, gifting businesses, data entry, travel writing, transcription services or other similar ploys. Remember that data entry has been made obsolete by Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software which can read that characters in a document and translate those into text for you. Re-typing information is completely outdated and unneeded. Cut and paste jobs fall into the same category.

Multi-level marketing (also called network marketing) is a fine line away from an illegal pyramid scheme where the emphasis is on involving more people and not on selling products. If the emphasis is on building a marketing group but no product is being sold then that is a red flag. Also, if they are trying to get you to buy motivational materials, etc. Then you can cross them off too.

A word about Ponzi schemes – A Ponzi scheme is where you are asked to invest and the returns are usually paid for by the new incoming investors in the system. I friend of mine was involved in one of these. He was an innocent party but eventually when it all fell apart the investigators showed up at his door asking them to pay back all they had made and to testify against the original person who was running the scam. Bottom line was they lost thousands of dollars and they lost all their friends who had likewise been caught up in the scam.

I honestly wished that there were options for home online employment. Recently I went out to one of the web sites that people will post here as an online jobs site and their web site tried to install malware on my computer. Fortunately my anti-malware program detected and stopped that. I often find that the same one company will have several web sites that all eventually refer you into the same company and other strange stuff like web addresses that are not descriptive of the actual company name. Other web sites pay pennies per transaction (or whatever they assign you to do) that you do so we are talking about making so little money it is ridiculous.

Many of these ploys require some kind of up front registration fee. They are all designed to take your money or to take your personal information. With that information they can steal your personal identity and empty your bank account. I can’t think of any more diabolical scam than to give people, like single parents hope that they are going to make some money and then dash those hopes by giving them nothing but empty promises. Also, scamming single moms who are trying to keep their heads above water or teenagers who are trying to help their families or trying to earn a few dollars of spending money is about as low as you can go, in my book.

Now the good news:
Your best bet is to look for legitimate jobs with known local companies. Some of those local companies will allow you to work as a virtual employee for a part or all of your hours but that is usually only after you have worked there for a while and proven yourself as a trusted employee. On the simpler side of things many local small service businesses like Heater/AC service, plumbers, pool maint, landscaping and others may not have a physical office and still may need to have an phone answering/scheduling provider to handle their appointment scheduling and phone answering duties. One of my friends does this from home while caring for kids. They gave her a company cell phone and she answers the calls and makes appointments. These are communicated to the service staff by phone, walkie talkie or text.

Jere answers:

Many of the hotels in Orlando actually have a nominally priced check-in service at the hotel which allows you to check in for your flight and check your baggage on the flight right at the hotel. If your hotel offers this, it’s probably the best solution.

If you need to take your bag to the Magic Kingdom with you, and it does not fit into a locker, you can check the item for a nominal fee at Guest Relations inside City Hall, just inside the main entrance.

Mears Transportation Group offers scheduled service to the airport from Walt Disney World. You can make reservations online.

Jere answers:

There are many IT majors and IT jobs that involve little to no Programming. The classes that you listed will probably contain little to no programming. Networking will involve being able to remember and type in commands but that is as close to Programming that you will get. System Administration and Computing would be other fields you could look at.

If you are not good at Programming here are just a few possible jobs.

Computer Technician – Works on computer hardware at user location or in service center. (entry level IT Job)
Service Center Coordinator – Schedules the repair of user community computers, orders spare parts, schedules staff, establishes priorities, maintains loaner laptops and non-US laptops for travel outside of US.
Help Desk Staff – answer questions and resolve problems for the user community. (entry level IT Job – Tier 1 support)
Storage Administrator – in charge of mass storage servers and devices.
Network Administrator – Works on routers, switches, hubs, cables, load balancers and all the other hardware that handles LAN and WAN network traffic. Also, may be responsible for IP phone service.
Systems Administrator or Systems Engineer- Works with servers, laptops and desktop computers to keep them free of problems and secure the data they contain. Responsible for Security group creation and memberships, server patching, anti-virus protection updates, password changes and any automated mechanisms that make these changes. These positions may be divided into server and desktop teams. Tier 2 support.
Enterprise Administrator – Handles Enterprise support and design issues. Tier 3 support.
Active Directory Administrator – Designs and administers Active Directory infrastructure, AD policies, access permissions, roles, group policies, separation of duties.
Exchange and Messaging Administrator – maintains mail systems servers, other mail related devices and the company messaging infrastructure.
Backup Administrator – Maintains backup devices and determines backup strategies so data that was deleted accidentally or intentionally can be recovered. Design and control how and when data is backed up, where the backups are stored and how long the backups are retained. They will test to be sure backups are valid and usable.
Disaster Recovery Specialist – Plans for disaster events so the company data and infrastructure can be brought back online as quickly as possible after a fire, flood, earthquake, terrorism or other disaster event. Plans for failover of services to alternate locations, if the primary location is not available.
Database Administrator – Maintains the company databases which may include customer and sales records, billing information, inventory and other data.
Computing Security Specialist – A company’s biggest asset is its data and the Computing Security Specialist will work to try to keep that data protected from loss. They may be dealing with and defending against viruses, hoaxes, malware, keyloggers, phishing attacks, internal attacks and domestic and foreign intrusion. Develops monitoring and interception systems, filters and strategies and works with appropriate government agencies.
Ethical Hacker – performs intrusion and vulnerability testing of systems. Works with Computing Security to insure intrusion prevention systems are working correctly.
Corporate IT Acquisition Specialist – Works with acquired outside companies to establish migration into the corporate computing infrastructure.
Data Center Administrator – Maintains the data center facilities where the company’s servers and other devices reside. They are responsible for physical security and may review badge reader and camera information to be sure that only individuals with proper access are getting close to the company’s servers and other critical devices. Also, maintain backup power devices (UPS or generators).

In a small business the list of jobs above might be performed by one or two people doing all these jobs. In a large Enterprise environment this could be hundreds of people.

Best wishes!

Jere answers:

You start by targeting the customization type you want to build. Gamers are most likely your target as they are the main group of individuals that normally use customized PCs. If you know the hardware and building of the hardware in and out, then all you will basically be doing is assembling the stuff together. Selling online is pretty much the same as selling anywhere else, it takes a while to get onto google’s first page rank, even though some trollers have probably crammed up there already. Ebay is an ok option, so is craigslist. The decision on ‘where’ or ‘how’ to sell is not a single unique answer. You could combine a simple website, with a twitter account, an ebay account and craigslist listings and sell through all these multiple channels for free. Apart from online(which involves shipping and delivery charges) you can also put up posters, advertise on school and university boards and sell locally within your community.

I think efficiency here is in the strategy, you can start with multiple forms of marketing and advertising and gradually diminish marketing strategies that aren’t helping you. You do this by asking clients where they heard about your service, if more people say “through a university ad” and only 1 in 300 people say on twitter, you simply focus more on advertising on university boards and give less time to twitter. I further recommend that if you’re going to sell something tangible, then it must be a long-term business, cause nobody likes to buy things from a company that doesn’t exist after 2 months.

Jere answers:

AP,

You did ask THE question that’s guaranteed to get a bunch of interesting advise.

There are a bunch of models for making money on the net. That being said, it’s not as easy as many people may tell you.

There is:

Affiliate marketing, (selling other peoples products)
Marketing your own product.
Drop shipping
Network Marketing
Information Marketing

Wheww… Ok that’s all I can do. The single most important thing to know is that your not going to be billionaire in a week! In other words, have realistic expectations.

I spent several thousand bucks on guru courses to learn those “super secret insider tricks”… I wouldn’t advise that method! The vast majority will give you just enough info to make you have to buy their next product…. Ya,, I did….

I finally joined a mentoring organization that actually got down to the nuts and bolts and “how to’s” before I got off the ground and started seeing some income.

I wish I’d done that first but,, live and learn… My advice to you is to join such an organization and do the… Earn while you learn thing…

I’m dropping you a link to the one I use.. It’s an ad page and it’s a bit lengthy so scroll down to the videos and you’ll get a pretty good idea of what to expect.

Hope this helps…

Micah

Jere answers:

Enjoy your sports on your time – Watch what you want, when you want! Get Instant Access to all sports channels over the Internet.
Http://watch-live-sportsonline.com/hockey/

Jere answers:

It has to do with poor management of their reputation. Owners see a negative comment and react by attacking the person who left the comment. There is a much better way. When you are listed on Yelp and many sites and have a huge internet presence you are going to get comment good and bad. The worst thing to do about a bad comment is nothing. No matter what someone has said about your business you can always take the high road and come out looking sweet. A monitoring system can be put in place so that you will be notified when a comment has been posted. This is something as a business owner you should want to monitor.

Example ” I went to Joe’s Pizza and the waiter was wondering around clueless. When we finally got our pizza it was cold, may never go back.”

Answer “Since school has restarted we have lost of few of our veteran wait staff. Your satisfaction is very important to me so please give me a chance to earn back your business. Your next pizza is on me, thanks for bringing this to my attention, Joe”.

Jere answers:

The first thing you need to think about is what type of internet business you want. The website and the requirements for it are just secondary considerations, and the complexity will depend on the type of business you will run.

For example, an ecommerce site will require different elements compared to an information site monetized through advertisements. User generated content will also be different.

Think of the business model first.

Here are the steps you need to take when creating your online business:

STEP 1: Set Your Goals – Why do you want a web site? What is the size of the online market? What are the goals for your website?

STEP 2: Develop Your Web Site Strategy – Who is your website target audience? What typically appeals to your target audience? How are the other websites (your competition) reaching out to this target audience? How will you measure your performance?

STEP 3: Set-Up Implementation Plans – What name will you give to your site? How do you envision the design of your web site? How will you create your website? How will you create your content? How will you maintain your website?

STEP 4: Start the Ball Rolling – Do you have a logo? For e-retailers, do you have the critical components needed to run an e-commerce site? How are you going to host your site?

STEP 5: Create and Launch Your Web Site – Have you uploaded your site with your chosen web host provider? Are the scripts and application you need for your website functioning well? Have you tested your website?

STEP 6: Promote Your Web Site and Measure Its Results – Do you have a plan in place to market your website? Do you regularly review your traffic logs and web site performance tracker? How are you going to get sites to link to you? Do you know the search engine keywords that you rank well? If your site is not visible in the search engine results pages for its keywords, what strategies do you intend to do?

STEP 7: Maintain Your Website and Grow Your Web Business – Continue to find ways to grow your web business. How do you intend to continue your education on web development?

Jere answers:

There is a whole section on the schedule C for “Home Office” deductions that would cover this.

The short answer is yes you can but only up to the percentage that you use them for business. So if you use your cell phone or internet only about 10% on business you can deduct no more than 10%. You also have to be sure you have Excellent records as if you get audited this will be the first place they go to in the audit.

For example with your cell phone, you need to keep the entire year of bills with the breakdown of each call and if it was business or personal and then take the percentage.

For something like this you should consult a tax professional as they can give you the exact answer for your situation.

Jere answers:

No. Agents do not give anything to the Broker. It is the other way around. If you are working for 50% of what you bring in you might start looking for another Broker.
All Real Estate Comissions belong to the Principal Broker in the office. What ever the Broker pays you should be recorded on a IRS 1099 at the end of the year.

Jere answers:

WW2 and WW1 Reenactors collect both originals and repros. Here are a bunch of sites with something for everyone’s budget.

AMERICAN
WWII Impressions – Uniforms, Equipment, and Footwear
http://www.wwiiimpressions.com/

At The Front – Quality Combat Military Equipment and Militaria
http://www.atthefront.com/

J Murray Inc 1944 – WWII U.S. M1 Helmet Restorations – Recreations – Reproductions
http://www.jmurrayinc1944.com/

The Old Crouch’s Military Surplus – Source for Leggins, Rubber Grenades, etc
http://store.oldgrouch.biz/

National Capital Historical Sales – Best Place for Repro Patches – Unit & Ranks
http://stores.ebay.com/National-Capital-Historical-Sales

Service of Supply – Great website for accessory items to add to your impression
http://www.serviceofsupply.com/

GERMAN
1944 Militaria – German Original & Reproduction Camouflage, Uniforms & Equipment.
Http://www.1944militaria.com/

Ostfront – Specializing in German and Russian uniforms Items
http://www.ostfront.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc

Spearhead Militaria – Inexpensive German Uniforms
http://stores.ebay.com/Spearhead-Militaria

Landser Outfitters – Field Gear, Footwear, and Helmet Parts, plus accessories
http://www.landser.com/

Jere answers:

Before I go on… Where do you live?… The United States?…

I’m quite interested.

First off. You have many aspects of Australia. You have the city life, the coastal life, & the wonderful unique outback life.

The biggest & most populous cities in Australia are “Melbourne” & “Sydney”…

Melbourne, the capital city of the state named “Victoria” & a sister city to Boston & New York City, America – has a slightly less population than Sydney, however in my opinion it is the most stylish. Melbourne is all about fun & culture & what goes on. History hits sky high here, if you’re into Australia’s origins. Of course the city was the former capital of Australia before “Canberra” was built, so that helps too.

You have a diverse zest of restaurants, shows, beaches & if you’re into shopping, you HAVE to visit the “Victoria Markets”… It is literally HUGE, and is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs, ect.

You can visit the Melbourne zoo. Great place, and especially if you’re into animals of all kinds. It’s a great place to get close to Australian native animals such as Kangaroos, Koalas, Echidnas, Wombats, Emu’s, Dingoes, ect;

The beaches in Melbourne are modest, but the quantity speaks for its self. Considering Melbourne spans out as a coastal city, you have 4+ beaches scattered around the city at your disposal.

“St Kilda” is a great place to visit. It has a “Bohemian” feel to it that many people love. You have Luna Park (An amusement park) for any children in the family. Its right next to Port Melbourne beach, the coffee & delicacy there is just divine. “Lygon Street” the best place to go for Italian cuisine. It is the “Little Italy” of Melbourne itself. Wonderful place for European food as well.

Another thing unique about Melbourne is the tram system, which travels ALL around the city, so you will never have a situation where you cannot get to where you want. Public transport in Melbourne is far ahead of any city in the country. Trains, Buses, Trams, all run co-operately & on time. You literally have the whole area covered.

A city VERY close to Melbourne called “Phillip Island” is also for the laid back beach/animal lovers. Hotels are great & you can literally feed Penguins as they come out at night! – Turtles too.

Http://www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/files/2535_night%20penguins_web.jpg

Anyway I could go on; however I suggest you look up some information if you desire the chance to dig in deeper details. :]

Here are a few pictures of Melbourne…

Http://www.sydney-australia.biz/victoria/melbourne/graphics/melbourne.jpg

http://www.sydney-australia.biz/victoria/melbourne/graphics/melbourne-australia.jpg

Sydney. Ahh Sydney. The capital city of the state called “New South Wales” & a sister city to San Francisco, America – Sydney seems to be based on Looks. This city is simply beautiful. It’s not as stylish or packed as Melbourne is. But the views make up for it.

I’ve only been in Sydney for a few hours, (as I was travelling through) so I haven’t explored much of it; however I can tell you it’s beautiful.

You have the Sydney Harbor Bridge. This Bridge is the biggest arched bridge in the world. And guess what?… You can climb it. Once you are on top, the view can make you cry in joy. It is not for the faint hearted. But it is great for people who love big sights. Also, make sure you do it at sunset… Beautiful.

Http://www.planetware.com/i/photo/harbour-bridge-sydney-ausw089.jpg

You have the Sydney Opera House. This iconic structure is known for its unique design (which compliments Sydney very well) – you may have noticed it in the animated film “Finding Nemo”… It’s a great place to visit for public shows & theatre presentations. Or just for the occasional views of the sea.

Bondi Beach is one of the best beaches in Australia. And during summer time (now) Between December-February – it is the most gorgeous place to be. Very hot, and very big. The water is nice, clean & the people there are extremely nice.

Http://www.destination360.com/australia-south-pacific/australia/images/s/australia-bondi-beach.jpg

Toronga Zoo is pretty much the most diverse zoo in Australia. It’s a great place to visit if you LOVE animals of all kinds & love interacting with them!… All in the view of Sydney itself.

Http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1c/Sydney_taronga_zoo.jpg

I could go on, but likewise, you should really look up info. If you want more detail. :]

The Great Barrier Reef. This reef is the biggest living organism in the world. Because it is the home of the most variable sea life you will EVER see no matter where you go in the world. Ranging from the beautiful Corals, to wonderful Fish, Sharks, Dolphins, Sting Rays, Manatees, Sea Turtles, Jelly Fish, ect; It is also the home of NEMO! :] – It’s a great place to go snorkeling as the water is crystal clear.

Here is the sea life at work.

Http://liveandletdive.googlepages.com/dreamstimeweb_7417461_reef.JPG/dreamstimeweb_7417461_reef-full.jpg

The Gold Coast is not a capital city, but resides in the same state as Brisbane. It was literally dubbed the “Miami” of Australia. & is a sister city to Miami, America.

It has some of the BEST looks Australia can give to beach/tropical lovers.

Here are some pictures of The Gold Coast; the views speak for themselves…

Http://media.hubonline.com.au/agents_folder/2744/gold-coast.jpg

http://www.movieworldstudios.com.au/media/photos/gc5.jpg

It is a GREAT tourist destination, and a hotel HEAVEN. Literally paradise if you ask me, and is worth a visit for any surfing lovers too. The weather there is perfect in the summertime.

You also have sights such as Ayers rock (nicknamed “Uluru” by the aboriginal community) It is the largest rock in the whole world! – You can also climb it too.

Http://www.qsl.net/sp9hzx/ayers-rock-1.jpg

It is located close to the city of “Alice Springs” which is literally in the center of the Australian mainland.

This area caters to the Native Australian population. It has history spanning back to 40,000 years ago, from artifacts, to cave drawings, to pre-historic animal museums, which takes a deep look at the wildlife that once ruled the Australian land. Aboriginal myths are interesting to look into as well as ancient stories as to how the Natives reached Australia in the first place.

To cap my reply off… I have to say. I could have talked about the other capital cities & territories in Australia & I could have said more than I have all around, but I shouldn’t, otherwise I would reach endless space! – because singling Australia down to one Yahoo Answers Reply is impossible, you have to come walkabout yourself!

There is plenty more to discover, as Australia is all about what you find on your own… Not what is mapped out by others! – I hope your interest has been rekindled!… And I hope you have a good time wherever you choose to go. I’m not the best travel agent, nor am I one.. But I hope I did well in explaining the basics!

Take care! :]

P.S – The 10 link limit on Yahoo Answers sucks so bad!

Jere answers:

It’s not insurance. It looks somewhat similar to Medi-Share. It combines a discount, with “sharing of cost”. Preexisting conditions are not covered.

If you cannot afford real health insurance, it’s better than nothing – but not much better than nothing.

Jere answers:

I wouldnt trust that. If you want to work from home and be successful what about BeautiControl. The sign up fee is $99 but get over $250 worth of products. They do SPAs, makeup and skin care. You;ll love it. The $99 ends tomorrow. Let me know if you want more info:

aanaya56@hotmail.com

April

Jere answers:

A college education and experience in marketing.

Jere answers:

I doubt there is such an MBA program. MBA programs accept students in any undergraduate field. They prefer students who do not have a business background because they give you the business training but they cannot provide the broad background that managers should have. I have taught MBA students with degrees in Music, Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Psychology, Political Science, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, and many other fields. Most MBA programs prefer students with 2-3 years work experience after the first degree., Some accept students right out of college if they have good grades and a high GMAT score. Some MBA programs are designed specifically for new college graduates without work experience. But in those programs you don’t get the benefit of learning from other students who have work experience. A lot of valuable learning takes place through class interaction.

Before you decide on an MBA program explore the Internet for information on available programs. There is a lot of information available. Some sites are limited to specific countries, such as Germany, UK, or Australia. There is a comprehensive free public service with more than 2,000 MBA programs listed worldwide. The nice thing is that it allows you to find the program that best fits you. It allows you to search for programs by location (US, Europe, Far East, etc.), by concentration (finance, marketing, aviation management, health management, accounting, etc.), by type of program (full-time, distance learning, part-time, executive, and accelerated), and by listing your own criteria and preferences to get a list of universities that satisfy your needs. Schools report their accreditation status (look for AACSB accreditation or at least AACSB membership), tuition cost, number of students, class sizes, program length, and a lot of other data. Schools provide data on entrance requirements, program costs, program characteristics, joint degrees, joint degrees such as MBA/JD, and much more. You can use it to contact schools of your choice, examine their data, visit their web site, and send them pre-applications. You can see lists of top 40 schools ranked by starting salaries of graduates, GMAT scores, and other criteria. Some of the other sites are less comprehensive, but all are useful.

Jere answers:

The only ones that arent scams are working for a company directly. Why dont you put up some flyers in your area and see what happens.

Good Luck

Jere answers:

If you’re not a graphic designer yourself. Then it’s harder to do graphic design business. But you can always give it a try.

The job outlook for graphic designers is pretty good. Demand for graphic designers should increase because of the rapidly including television, movies, video, and made-for-Internet outlets.

Graphic designers with Web site design and animation experience will especially be needed as demand for design projects increase for interactive media—Web sites, video games, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other technology. Demand for graphic designers also will increase as advertising firms create print and Web marketing and promotional materials for a growing number of products and services.

About 3 out of 10 designers were self-employed. Many did freelance work—full time or part time—in addition to holding a salaried job in design or in another occupation.

Median annual earnings for graphic designers were $38,030 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $29,360 and $50,840. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,220, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $65,940.

Given the fact that they’re not cheap, you’d be better off entering a partnership than hiring one.

Jere answers:

The reason that marketing is so important to businesses is that it is how you get customers. Clearly nobody is going to walk into your office and ask for whatever it is that you are selling unless they know that you are there and what you are selling. The way that you make sure that they do know is through marketing. All companies understand the need for marketing but most really don’t understand what it is. Marketing is not the same as advertising or sales, it is much more involved than that. Largely marketing is about generating leads that can then be turned into sales.

Individuals with marketing degrees will generally enter into their professions through sales in some capacity, but they can easily work their way up through the ranks. Some of the positions you might land in with a marketing degree include those of marketing manager, product manager, sales manager, advertising manager, or public relations.

If you have a marketing degree, you might be able to enter into Internet marketing (although an Internet marketing degree, specifically, may be better suited toward that particular goal). You might be able to find a position working for a newspaper, or a magazine, just as much as you might be able to find a position working for a website, or for a manufacturing company, or for nearly any company that produces or sells a product.

Jere answers:

There are a lot of Indian people who do Search Engine Optimization (SEO). That might be a good industry to get into.

Just Google “SEO” or “SEO jobs” and you should find tonnes of information about it.

Jere answers:

You must have worked hard to earn your MBBS .. Why don’t you start practice, build some capital and in the meanwhile keep an eye on the kind of business you would like to get into. 50k rupee is really not enough to start any business, well thats my opinion anyway .. Good Luck

Jere answers:

Fantastic I work in a call centre???

Do they respect the elderly this is most important, after mother dies the aged care system in Australia is so disrespectful I need a third world country to move to with my assets?

Jere answers:

If the site is new, you can ask your friend to create a press release and the next important and the crucial step is to submit it in the best press release submission websites which will index your website in different search engines so that your business related people can reach you very easily.

The second main thing that your friend must do is to join the high PR social networking sites so as to increase your network. I can ensure you that your friend will be more than happy to see his business coming only because of these SEO and SMO activities getting done.

Jere answers:

Online stores are cheaper for buying laptop. Minimum duration of processing orders is 3 – 5 business days.The best method to pay would be through Paypal or Credit Card. Shipping Information and calculation by clicking on the shipping cost tab located under the image of the product and order button

Jere answers:

If AZ has a state sales tax you probably would need to get a tax authority with the state.
Check with your local government to see and make sure your zoning laws depending on where you want to have the business.

Jere answers:

You will need to register a business through your government agent. You will also need to register a domain name and get a web hosting to house your web content.

Jere answers:

BEWARE OF SCAMS — such as the first answer

It is hard to find grants to start a business. Unlike the myths that some perpetuate, federal government and even private foundations hardly give grant money for starting a for-profit business.

One possible exception is for companies developing or exporting agricultural goods, including food and forest product. Another exception could be the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sbir/index.html , which fund the research and development of technological innovation that meets specific government needs.

Your best bet actually will be from the states if they offer grant programs for women (or any other special interest groups — minorities, women, disabled, veterans, etc). Or check with non profit organizations, particularly women organizations if they offer grants. Examples include

Iowa Women’s Foundation http://www.iawf.org/
New Mexico Women’s Foundation http://www.nmwf.org/guidelines.html

Even SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website http://www.sba.gov/mostrequesteditems/CON_FAQ2.html

“The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. (See http://www.sba.gov/financing for more information) While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments.”

Nonetheless, you can go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) http://www.cfda.gov and Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov – these are two sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support a for-profit venture.

Here is a listing of federal grants for small businesses. See if there is any available for individuals for starting a business — THERE’S NONE.
Http://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.BROWSE_BENEF_RPT.show

Most of the federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (e.g. Minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT – Grant#20.905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Lending Program

Grants are also often given to non profit groups or organizations involved in training or other similar activities (grant 59.043 Women’s Business Ownership Assistance that are given to those who will create women’s business center that will train women entrepreneurs

Jere answers:

Go to http://www.grants.gov for a list of government grants and how you can apply for them. However, there are no grants for a for profit business unless you are opening a daycare and then it is a minimal amount. If you need money, you will need to apply for a loan. No lender will talk to you unless you provide them with a valid business plan. Go to http://www.sba.gov , http://www.score.org or http://www.bplan.com for sample business plans and instructions on how to write a business plan.

Then, go to http://www.score.org/ and in the upper left hand corner, enter your zip code. On the next screen, you will get information on the nearest SCORE chapter. Call them and arrange for a free meeting with a SCORE counselor to review your business plan and discuss various loan options available to you.

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

SCORE has 389 chapters in locations throughout the United States and its territories, with 10,500 volunteers nationwide. Both working and retired executives and business owners donate time and expertise as business counselors.

Jere answers:

You stand a greater chance of getting a government-guaranteed loan through the Small Business Administration http://www.sba.gov/financing than a government grant. Read the SBA Financing page to learn about criteria needed for borrowing

It is hard to find grants to start a business. Unlike the myths that some perpetuate, federal government and even private foundations hardly give grant money for a for-profit business. And yes, grants mean PAPERWORK – lots and lots of it, that is why a cottage industry of grant writers was born.

Nonetheless, you can go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) http://www.cfda.gov and Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov – these are two sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support a for-profit venture.

Even SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website http://www.sba.gov/mostrequesteditems/CON_FAQ2.html

“The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. (See http://www.sba.gov/financing for more information) While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments.”

Here is a listing of federal grants for small businesses. See if there is any available for individuals for starting a business — THERE’S NONE.
Http://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.BROWSE_BENEF_RPT.show

Most of the federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (e.g. Minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT – Grant#20.905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Lending Program

Grants are also often given to non profit groups or organizations involved in training or other similar activities (grant 59.043 Women’s Business Ownership Assistance that are given to those who will create women’s business center that will train women entrepreneurs

I suggest you read the following books to get ideas of how to finance your business:

Financing Your Small Business http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1572484500/powerhomebizguid
Small Business Financing: How and Where To Get It http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0808007386/powerhomebizguid
Financing the Small Business: A Complete Guide to Obtaining Bank Loans and All Other Types of Financing http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1580626815/powerhomebizguid
The SBA Loan Book http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/158062202X/powerhomebizguid
Angel Capital : How to Raise Early-Stage Private Equity Financing http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471690635/powerhomebizguid
Financing Your Small Business (Barron’s Business Library Series) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764124897/powerhomebizguid

For private grants, you may want to check the Foundation Center’s Foundation Grants for Individuals Online http://gtionline.fdncenter.org . It’s a subscription based website ($9.95 per month) but their opening blurb only says that the database is ideal for “students, artists, academic researchers, libraries and financial aid offices.” Entrepreneurs are apparently not one of them, so I take it they also don’t have listings of private foundations who give grants to would-be entrepreneurs.

Jere answers:

Your best bet is Jangomail, they are the industry standard, and you don’t want to take risks on your new business by taking chances. They are also pretty flexible in terms of what you want to display on your website in the subscribe box, for example.
Good luck!

Jere answers:

There is no right way to spam my mailbox … I hope the email gods excommunicate u or somthing …

Jere answers:

Yes,using it small firms can get valuable information on latest business trends.

Jere answers:

Depends on whether you want to use client-side or server-side to do this.

Ron

Jere answers:

Do you send a lot of emails to the same person or just many emails because you have many recipients? If it is the former, you might wanna cut down a bit. Being that persistant might be a bit irritating to some people. If it is the latter, you should be fine. If you’re worried, I suggest integrating a forum system onto your site as it has the option to send out mass emails to everyone registered. And since it goes through your web mail rather than one like yahoo or gmail, you’re less likely to get blacklisted.

I use email marketing too and the mass emails feature on my site works just fine for me. If you ever need any tips or want to learn some tricks for internet marketing, pay a visit to 404 reviews.

Http://www.404reviews.com

It has a guide book that explains a lot about email marketing among many other methods

Jere answers:

Demand still wouldnt be elastic because there are no direct substitutes. A monopoly controls the majority of the market so it is not a competitive market anymore. Think of it like OPEC or any of the gas compaines. There really are still no good substitutes, since gas is still the cheapest way of powering cars (aside from subsidized stuff) and it is an inelastic good because people will still pay for it no matter the price.

Jere answers:

What keeps most people in debt is the fact that they keep spending more money than they make. They look at the “monthly payments” instead of the total debt loan that they are carrying. People need to stop spending now and concentrate on becoming debt free. Please do not consolidate or use a debt reduction company . It is not free, they will lower your payments by increasing the length of time until you are debt free, and you will take a hit on your credit score. Or they negotiate your debt down after telling you not to pay for awhile adding another hit to your credit score. Student loans are the only debt that can garnish your wages for non payment without taking you to court first. Just list them out on a piece of paper or a spreadsheet and follow the plan. If you work the plan, the plan will work for you.

A. Have a garage sale and sell anything that you no longer need or want.

B.Get a temporary part time job, if you have one, get another.

Here is a plan that can help you. If you work the plan, the plan will work for you:
1. Make a budget. Make the budget a week before you get paid. A budget is not a punishment! It is a tool which will free you from ever having to worry about money again. Put everything in your budget. Especially those annual, biannual, or quarterly bills like car registration, insurance, etc. Give every dollar you are going to bring home the name of where it is going. Add an “emergency fund” category to your budget for 25 dollars and save up until you have 1000-1250 dollars. Your emergency fund will help keep you from getting into new debt because of an emergency. If you can, set up a direct transfer to a savings account for your emergency fund. That way it moves automatically and you don’t even have to worry about it. You must cut your spending and live on less than you make.

2.First get current on all of you debts and make no more late payments. Stop using your credit cards immediately. Do not take on any more debt. Credit cards are like quicksand only the death is much slower. Make a list of all of your debts in order of highest interest rate to lowest interest. Use cash only for your spending from now on.

3.Pay the minimum due on all of your debts and then put your extra money towards paying off the highest interest one first. After you get that one paid off, you put the money you were paying on debt #1 (the minimum payment and the extra payment) towards debt #2. That will pay debt #2 off faster. When that is paid off, you put all three payments towards card #3 and that one will be paid off pretty quickly. As an example:

To start :
Debt #1 (highest interest): minimum payment+ extra payment
Debt #2 (middle interest): minimum payment
Debt #3(lowest interest): minimum payment

Debt #1: paid off
Debt #2: minimum payment from Debt #1+ Minimum payment from Debt #2 +extra payment
Debt #3: minimum payment

Debt #1: paid off
Debt #2: paid off
Debt #3:Minimum payment from card #1+ minimum payment from Debt #2+ minimum payment from Debt #3+ extra payment.

That way, you will get them all paid off, on time, and pay the least interest. It will also help towards rebuilding your credit since you will no longer have any late payments. This works no matter how many different debts you may have.

4. After you get all of your debts paid off, add to your emergency fund until you have 6-12 months of income saved up. Put that emergency fund money into a liquid money market fund or into a Bank of America no-risk CD so that if you need the money you can take it out without penalty.

5a. When you have your emergency fund in place, add a category for “fun” to your budget. Save for a holiday, a vacation, a big screen, or dinners out, whatever goal you want. Remember to enjoy your life.

5b. When you have your emergency fund in place, start saving for your retirement. Join the 401(k) plan at work and contribute the maximum. Your employer probably matches at least part of your contribution so why give up free money? Open a Roth IRA and contribute the maximum on a monthly basis. If you start saving for your retirement now, you will probably retire a millionaire.

5c. When you have your emergency fund in place, start saving for your next car. Only buy cars, or other things that depreciate, with cash. Save up for a nicer car. That way you get the interest instead of paying the interest.

You can do it and it isn’t as hard as you think. Just follow the plan

Jere answers:

Well, he has already said that he will revoke our right to bear “Small Arms” and will try to get a 400% tax put on Ammunition…

So now I will have my hobby, target shooting, taken away from me like he will take away my small company by taxing us to death…

What’s the point of working when my money will be stolen from me?

I guess I’ll suckle Uncle Sam’s Teat along with the lazy… I might as well take advantage of living in a Welfare State.

You people have lost your minds thinking this empty suit will do our country good…

WOW… “Like Clinton”? It was Clinton that signed the act in 1995 that PUT US in the Credit Crisis!!

They even admitted that on 60 Minutes!

And “Create Jobs”? That won’t happen because of the punitive taxes he has already spoken of…

We are screwed… Well, no I’ll amend that…. Those of us that WORK are screwed…
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Economic Reality always follows Economic Policy by 8-12 years. What we’re seeing now is the failure of the Subprime Mortgage Market (AKA Subprime Mortgage Crisis), which was a direct result of the Community Reinvestment Act of 1995 (CRA1995) that was signed into law by President Bill Clinton.

CRA1995 forced banks to use a point based system to determine the eligibility of applicants for home loans, with the three biggest points values coming from their area of residence, their race, and their income.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Jere answers:

I dollar terms, fossil fuel companies have received, and continue to receive far more direct government subsidies than renewable energy companies. The cost for a incremental barrel of oil from renewable sources is $60 and the incremental cost of a barrel of fossil oil is more than $100 now. Indirect costs for a natural gas pipeline in Afghanistan, oil contracts in Iraq or oil contracts in Libya for the benefit of senior politicians and their friends have had a huge and unnecessary cost to the ordinary citizens in blood and treasure. The tax system favors fossil fuels over renewables because fossil fuels are capital intensive and renewables are labor intensive. Income taxes are higher than corporate taxes, so tax is a larger part of the cost for renewables. The tax rate on fossil fuel production should be raised to equalize the tax per unit of energy produced. Just end the direct and indirect subsidies. New investment will flow to the lower cost renewables.

Jere answers:

I would like to inform you what, possibly, NOT to do. THEN what you should do. THEN you should be able to make your decisions and proceed from there.

DON’T fax every person in every office the same fax about your listings or services. Its not necessary. Many offices have a bulletin board or the agents can go on-line to the brokerage web site OR YOUR web site OR YOUR broker‘s site.

DON’T text message for the same reasons.

DON’T use direct mail to promote your listings and services.

Some time ago, I read a statistic which may or may not be true today:
FOR EVERY piece of direct mail a company or an individual sends, ONLY 1 in 100 will respond to that direct-mail promotion.

At today’s postal rates – 1st class – that’s $41 you could use for other purposes. THAT’S the cost JUST for the reponse! This DOES NOT include the cost of buying the stationery and envelopes, toner etc.

JUST to get the appointment is 1 in about 250-500. Your costs are accelerating, aren’t they? AND you STILL DON’T have a sale!

It takes about 1,500 to 2,000 direct mail pieces to get JUST one appointment ALL the way to the closing/settlement/escrow.
That’s about $600 to $800+ before you see one dollar – not to mentin your time – “spinning your wheels”, wasting your time.

((((You haven’t made the sale – yet.)))))

DON’T lease or spend [notice I didn’t say “invest”] your hard-earned money for a piece of equipment with automatic phone dialing and recording/speaking features, telling agents about your listings and services.
Do you like getting those telemarketing calls?
Do you like or mind getting any telemarketing calls?

If I haven’t discouraged you, we’ll move on to the “grey area”: “cold canvassing”.
Its a terrific way to meet people face-to-face, one-on-one! It requires going to the same houses about once every two weeks – or even more frequently.

Know your market AND your product. Know how to solve various situations [“problems”] which arise on a regular basis.

When you DON’T know how to solve those problems, you KNOW what hoops and hurdles you have jump over, under, around and through to speak with the right person to get the answers and solutions to get your deals to the settlemnt table/to closing/to escrow.

The above are the DON’Ts, here are a couple DOs:

AND what about the cost of your business cards? Do you think you can “cut corners” and make a good impression with those thin, flat, lifeless, computer-generated cards?

PLEASE DO yourself a HUGE favor: Invest your time to sit down and properly design your business cards. If you aren’t sure, please go to a professional printer or graphic arts store and ask for help and guidance. Those folks should amaze you with ideas and concepts. In the long run, good, professionally printed business cards with raised lettering and features, go a long way to show others you care – about yourself, about your business and about your clients.

When you leave, your contacts and clients have two things:
1] Good, bad or indifferent – the impression you left.
2] Your business card.

Don’t you think it makes good sense to invest your money in a good, quality business card? Have your cards professionally printed.

Find an investment group – or two – or more with professional real estate investors. JOIN it/them &&&&&&&&&&&&& BE ACTIVE!!!! Get on committees, get to be known as a “can do” type of person. You should have fun [and Yes, some aggravation, too]. You should make some friends and begin building your client base. You should get leads! AND look how much time, money and aggravation you’ll save! LOTS!

As the saying goes, “Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door.”

What the saying doesn’t tell anyone or even mention is: YOU MUST get out there and let “the world” know about that better mousetrap!

Thanks for asking your Q! I enjoyed answering it!

VTY,
Ron Berue
Yes, that is my real last name!

Jere answers:

I suggest analyzing all the links to your competitors and try to go one by one and create links.

Some will be article web sites
some will be link directories
some will be paid links (in seo we are not supposed to pay for links)

after that analyze links to local businesses, UN related to your industry. For example if you are in Denver try to find Denver links.

Jere answers:

Businesses are not going to pay you for resumes, they can get hundreds with a single ad in the paper. As an “Employee Representative” you may do better, but you’d be better charging the employee. (A percent of the years first salary, or maybe just a base rate per month while you work for them to find jobs.)

As for the license, you don’t need to be “licensed” to do this, but you WILL need a business license issued by your state or local taxing authority.

Jere answers:

You could try filsupport.com. I was with them for nine full months until I finally shut my company down. Hehe. Not a very good story but i did that to shift industry. Anyways, I noticed that all of the answers probably from the SEO companies itself. If you don;t trust any of these, you could always search the internet 🙂

Jere answers:

I’m involved with a business that helps you and those that you know save money on services they use everyday. I love that I get paid to watch tv, talk on my house phone and cell phone. I’m involved with the largest global direct selling telecommunications company that’s ranked #2 out of the Top 25 networking companies in the industry and best of all I don’t sell anything but rather help my family and people around me save money on services they use everyday. This is a credible, and legitimate business opportunity endorsed by Donald Trump it’s featured in Success from Home magazine on a monthly basis, USA today and other reputable magazines. Please take a moment and checkout the links below this information will change your life.

Jere answers:

“…..The use of a trademark in connection with the sale of a good constitutes infringement if it is likely to cause consumer confusion as to the source of those goods or as to the sponsorship or approval of such goods. In deciding whether consumers are likely to be confused, the courts will typically look to a number of factors, including: (1) the strength of the mark; (2) the proximity of the goods; (3) the similarity of the marks; (4) evidence of actual confusion; (5) the similarity of marketing channels used; (6) the degree of caution exercised by the typical purchaser; (7) the defendant’s intent.”
from http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/metaschool/fisher/domain/tm.htm

But the problem for you the most is that, it may reduce your business too, because of them.

You should have considered:
8 Quick Tips to Choosing a Domain Name

Your domain name is the center of your Internet identity. So what type of things should you take into consideration when choosing the name that will represent you on the Web?

1. Keep it short
Although some places allow you to register a name with up to 63 characters, you have to keep in mind that people need to be able to remember it, and easily type it into their browser. Try to register the shortest name that your customers and visitors will associate with your Website. The general rule of thumb is, keep it under seven characters if possible. (Not including the suffix.)

2. Dot What?
There are many different extensions available right now. For businesses, we recommend a .com suffix. It is the first extension that most people try when searching for a Website. Also, since it is one of the oldest extensions, .com shows that your business has been around for a while and that you have a well-established presence on the Web.

3. Avoid Trademarked Names
There are two really good reasons for this. First, it’s not very nice. We have all heard the stories about the zany guy who thought ahead and bought “some-huge-multi-million-dollar-company.com” and sold it to the company for enough money to retire on. But, remember that those companies, like yours, have spent lots of time and money creating their brand, and what goes around comes around. Also, companies are no longer opening their pocketbooks to get their names back. They are calling their lawyers.

4. Register Your Domain NOW
Domain names are being snatched up faster than candy at the St. Patrick’s Day parade. You must register soon unless you want to get stuck with “the-domain-name-that-no-one-wanted.net”. You do not have to have a Webmaster or an ecommerce department or a Web design consultant or… Heck, you don’t even need a Web page. Just get out there and register before you loose the opportunity to get the name you really want.

5. One May Not Be Enough
Sometimes, it isn’t a bad idea to register several similar domain names. If you have “yourname.com”, register “yourname.net” so no one else takes it. You can register your full company name and a shorter, easier to remember version. Some people even register common misspellings of their company’s name. (You don’t need a separate Web page for each. Several domains can point to the same Website.)

6. Character Types
Just a reminder. Domain names can only use letters, numbers, and dashes. Spaces and symbols are not allowed. Also, domain names are not case sensitive.

7. Ask Around
When you have settled on several available name choices, see what your friends and clients have to say. A name that may make perfect sense to you may be too hard for other people to remember. Is your domain easy to say? Is it hard to spell? Do you have to explain why you chose the name?

8. Don’t Shell Out Large Amounts of $$$
At one time, companies were able to get away with charging reservation fees plus a “mandatory” $70 InterNIC fee. Recently, it was decided that other companies should be able to compete to sell domain names. This has lowered prices dramatically.
And remember, if you think that if you have found the right domain name, but you’re not quite sure if it’s the one… Register it anyway before someone else does!

Vera Chandler.
Http://www.domain-name-register-store.com/

Jere answers:

Nothing negative with search engine if you do not have too much of them. They just need back links that make them show the better result in search engine. So, grab your money. 😉

Jere answers:

SIM is a good game I heard!

Jere answers:

If you want to get money on Online Games you have a few options:

Some Gamers (Usually Very Good Players) upload videos of themselves playing a popular game online and talk about their game-play, upcoming updates and things related to the game. They usually use a PVR recorder which records as you play in which you can record your voice after its done to make it seem like you are commentating during the game-play. Upload these videos to YouTube and get lots of views for advertising money. You may also get sponcerships like from Machinima.

-xJawz (Call of Duty Multiplayer)
-SilentC0re (Runescape)
-Etc.

You can also go on MMORPG’s such as Runescape or World of Warcraft and play for items or gold.
Then you can go to certain websites and sell your gold to them through Debit Card or Paypal, Etc. Once you trade them the gold- money will be transferred to the account.
Rsgold.com
wowgold.com
playerauctions.com

-You may contact a business company about testing their games. This is usual one time thing that’ll pay anywhere from 40-300 dollars.

-You could become a Game Engineer with 8 years of college and make 80k-200k a year based on the company:D

Hope this Helps Alot:)

Jere answers:

Firewall is a computer security device that is situated between a small business’s internal network and the Internet. It can work at either the software or the hardware level to prevent unwanted outside access to the company’s computer system. “A firewall gives you a single chokepoint through which all incoming and outgoing Internet traffic must pass, allowing you to control traffic,” Vince Emery explained in How to Grow Your Business on the Internet. “A good firewall prevents Bad Guys from breaking in and helps keep confidential data from being sent out.” The firewall basically acts as a guard, identifying each packet of information before it is allowed to pass through. It is one of the most effective forms of protection yet developed against hackers operating on the Internet.

Types of Firewall Protection

The hardware security systems that act as firewalls vary in configuration and sophistication. One relatively simple device involves using a router—which controls the sending and receiving of messages—equipped with packet filters to examine the messages. This system can be configured to block traffic to or from certain Internet destinations or all unknown destinations. This type of security system is relatively inexpensive and easy to set up, but it also offers only minimal protection from hackers. A slightly more sophisticated and secure system is a proxy server. A proxy server works by stopping all incoming and outgoing traffic for inspection before forwarding it. One advantage of this type of system is that it can create a log of all messages sent and received. Proxy servers can be difficult to install, however, and can also make Internet use less convenient for employees.

Both routers and proxy servers have one major disadvantage in terms of the security they provide. These systems base their evaluation and approval of messages on the header, which lists the sender, recipient, source, and destination. But hackers can easily create false headers to fool the filtering systems. One way to overcome this problem is through type enforcement, which also scans the content of messages. Another system, known as a stateful inspection firewall, uses an even more sophisticated method of verifying the sources of messages. Finally, it is possible to use any combination of routers, filters, proxy servers, and firewalls to create a layered security system. A large company like Motorola, for example, might place a firewall at the outside of the system, and connect it to a gateway computer, and then connect that machine to a router with packet filters, and finally connect the router to the internal computer network.

For companies that do business on the Internet, Emery suggests setting up a dedicated computer out-side the firewall to run the common network services that are most easily accessible from the outside. These include Web and FTP servers, Gopher servers, mailing list servers, Finger servers, Telnet servers, and SMTP e-mail software.

Jere answers:

Business 2.0 http://money.cnn.com/2006/02/28/magazines/business2/angelinvestor/index.htm has a very good article on angel investors, what they typically look for, what kind of investments they support, etc.

You may want to go and pitch your ideas where investors gather. Here are some places where angel investors come and those looking for funding can come and pitch their business plans. Be sure to have a strong business plan and describe what makes your business idea stand apart:

Angel Capital Association http://www.angelcapitalassociation.org
Angel’s Forum http://www.angelsforum.com
Band of Angels http://www.bandangels.com
Common Angels http://www.commonangels.com
Keiretsu Forum http://www.k4forum.com
Launchpad Venture Group http://www.launchpadventuregroup.com
New World Angels http://www.newworldangels.com
New York Angels http://www.newyorkangels.com
Prairie Angels http://www.prairieangels.org (charges $125 to submit idea)
Robin Hood Ventures http://www.robinhoodventures.com (charges $250)

Jere answers:

Hi there- my name is Merril and I am the owner of FuelPay, a company that has the solution to the rising cost of fuel – and this is making us VERY rich. We now have distributors working entirely from home at huge profits to themselves.

One of the biggest problems to a vehicle-using consumer is the price of fuel. Just today I received an email each from both Asda (Wallmart) and Tesco telling me that they have reduced their prices by 2 pence per litre. I literally laughed out loud – I own a company that reduces fuel costs by up to 30 pence per litre – and it is making me very rich.

Our product is in capsule form and when added to the fuel tank of any vehicle, gives up to 30% (sometimes more) mileage – GUARANTEED. Organic and patented, it is NOT a fuel additive – and there is no competition.

This week, after they had trialled for a fortnight, we have an entire county’s police force using our product in all of their vehicles. With each fill on each of their vans and cars they add another capsule – I am sure you can see how lucrative this is.

We sell the product all day long to any company who uses fuel – we have yet to see someone not want the product and one courier company’s owner estimated that it will now be saving him £240,000 a year.

There are less than 300 people selling this in Europe right now, less than 2,000 worldwide and we really do have the monopoly. Not one company to whom I have spoken has heard of the product before – yet the official launch is just weeks away and it will become more well known, so NOW is the time to join us in selling a product that will genuinely make you very wealthy indeed and let you tell others about it before they tell you.

We are an international company, based in UK, and sell this one product worldwide at huge profits. We cannot do this alone and are looking for “franchisees” to distribute the product further – at huge profits to themselves.

Please visit http://www.fuelpay.co.uk for further details about the product.

Frequently asked questions about the product can be found at

http://www.fuelpay.myffi.biz/en/section_202.asp

You can also call 0845-62-62-222 (local rate) for a 1 minute recorded message about the product.

I promise here and now that I will amke your work from home business a huge success. I personally got through to the final round of The Apprentice UK auditions, have built my company from scratch and can and will personally support and guide you to making a phenomenal computer based work from home business which will exceed all of your expectations – you have my word.

Best wishes,

Merril (Browell), Owner FuelPay

Jere answers:

It typically ends up being whatever you can afford. A real, storefront, business will always mark you as a “real” business though. Home based, or “location” photographers are typically Facebook clowns who go around playing “professional photographer” but who are actually totally clueless. Hopefully, you are beyond that.

Steve

Jere answers:

Hi keisha!
I have similar dreams, mine to be in musical theater. Ill tell ya what i know. There are many plays without singing, and of course there is movie acting. What i would do is take voice lessons, because last year as an 8th grader i couldnt sing like at all. I was pretty much horrible, but now a year later im pretty good. I havent taken lessons, but ive developed my voice alot by implementing other peoples singing style into my own to get a good voice, and that has helped me. Long story short, voice lessons would help you do just that in a shorter time. Anyhoo… If acting is your passion that is good. It will help keep you motivated to work hard, and allow for you to have motivation to stay in the biz. Im quite shy also and quite not when preforming. I dont think that is a problem. I just try to get over myself when im in normal day situations because youll probably need to talk to lots of strangers. But i dont know… I sing in grocery stores so judge that how you will :). But i think you can do it. Start applying to the big colleges like julliard if you dont want musical theater, or tisch. Those are just two really big ones, but they are also very expensive and there are cheaper ones. You have to audition for the good schools, so be prepared for that. That is my two cense. Best of luck to ya!

Jere answers:

You can eat onigiri here.
Http://local.yahoo.com/info-43809398-oh-nigiri-las-vegas

and japanese ramen
http://lasvegas.citysearch.com/profile/7023230/las_vegas_nv/togoshi_ramen.html?publisher=smx_noncust&reference_id=1&placement=restaurant

not sure about takoyaki and dango, but this store handles japanese food.
Http://www.yelp.com/biz/whole-foods-market-las-vegas-2

Jere answers:

Gamesindustry.biz probably has sales demographics somewhere, but I couldn’t tell you how to find them. It’s worth a shot, though.

Http://gamesindustry.biz/

Jere answers:

YES

Create a FaceBook profile for yourself, and then make a PAGE (not a group) for your business. Tell all your friends and customers about it and get people looking for it. You will soon find that you will have high hits on Google and on Yahoo search and will experience many new customers.

Jere answers:

The most effective way to advertise on the Internet is
to first set up a website and publish its domain name
on major search directories such as Google.com,
Yahoo.com [at http://www.google.com/addurl/?…… And
MSN.com since 85% of Internet shoppers rely on these
search directories to provide them with goods and
services. In a sense, these search directories are a
very large Internet Yellow Pages.

Nevertheless, should your website or opening webpage
fail to contain “generic” keywords, then anyone using
such “generic” queries will not be able to discover
your website. Your domain name [URL] of your website,
in a sense, will be invisible, undiscoverable.

You may want to consider some simple algorithms which,
when observed and committed in designing of a website
with placement of various critical metatags that can
surely achieve a high search engine presence and
increase Internet traffic to your website. These
metatag strategies work well with published webpages
at Google and Yahoo.

Design: Should you create an extensive Flash-based
website, make sure to fill-in the property entries
such as the Title, Description and Keywords. Failing
to do so, leaves no hard HTML or ALT resource that can
be readily indexed by search robots. Also consider the
Internet audience and their incoming setup. For
example, if they are on analog/dialup, Flash webpages
take too long to load up and therefore analog users
will likely lose interest and discontinue entering the
Flash site. On the other hand, anyone on hi-speed DSL
lines, will welcome Flash pages which load quickly. So
before designing a pure Flash websitge, ask the simple
question, “Who’s my end user – is he on dialup or
DSL?” And if you had to choose between these two users
for maximum marketability, then select analog users
since 80% of most resident users are still analog
Internet subscribers and pure HTML designed webpages
is best for them.

A non-Flash-based website which relies on hard text,
is far easier to be indexed by search robots. Limit
the use of stylized text saved as .gifs since as a
graphic, they are not indexable by search robots.

Avoid use of frames since any number of search robots
are unable to properly classify textual material.

Placement of Metatags:

A ranking or search order does take place with Google
and Yahoo and it begins with the “Title” metag which
should consist of no more than 65 characters separated
by commas. The “Title” should describe in generic
terms, the goods and services, followed by a location
from which the resource is located, i.e., city, state.
The placement of a domain name which is not generic
within the “Title” is not appropriate, unless your
domain name is a major recognizable brand name.

The second metatag is the “Description” which is
usually 25-30 words to form a complete sentence which
best describes one’s goods and services.

And the very last category – “Keywords” are also
somewhat limited to 15-16 words which can be plural
and compound in nature. Again, avoid multiple entries
which could be mistaken as “spamdexed entries” which
is defined as the loading, and submission of
repetitive words into a particular metatag category.
“Spamdexing” when discovered on a webpage and reported
to Google’s spamreport.com can result in the
elimination of your website from their search
directory.

Here’s an example of a very highly-placed website on
Google.com: Begin with the very “generic” search query
“sandwiches downtown los angeles,” taking note to not
abbreviate Los Angeles to “LA” and of course, leave
out the parentheses (“). It will bring up some 2.4
million+ search results. Check out where “Nazos.net”
is ranked. It’s ranked No. 1!
Again, Nazos.net’s high web presence was achieved by
proper web design and placement of relevant metatags
according to Google’s publication guidelines.

Good luck!

Jere answers:

Time management and time clocking is very important for establishing a successful business, so for proper time management you need some tools and software, for more details visit this site 🙂
http://www.shiftplanning.com/

Jere answers:

Craigslist is the world’s biggest and most popular calssified site and it is free.

Http://sfbay.craigslist.org/

But don’t expect that your ads show up on page 1 of google or even 10 just because you place a free ad. If it was that easy, then everyone would only use Craigslist.

It takes time and effort and a lot of knowledge to get to page 1 of Google results. The more competition in your niche the harder it is to reach page 1 of Google.

The point of advertising on Craigslist is the amount of traffic you can generate if you do it properly. And if you get that right then you need Google a lot less.

And that’s a good thing because competion for Google is fierce and there can be many easier ways of getting traffic deoending on your industry.

Good luck
Samo

Jere answers:

Submit your site to social bookmarking sites on digg, reddit, stumbleupon, and many others.

Post your small business services on Craigslist.

Submit your website to directories (search google for small business directories)

Jere answers:

Digital Office 5.0 Commercial Version

This software, designed for commercial real estate professionals, contains over 5,000 interactive PDF forms with over 1,943,075 interactive fields.

Tailor-made for: Builders, Property Managers, Commercial Brokers, Landlords, Investors, Remodelors, Business Brokers, Lease Agents, Transaction Attorneys, Developers, Agricultural Land Brokers, Industrial Brokers, and others!

It’s a little pricey (about $550) but it’s built for commercial brokers. There are cheaper ones out there, but they don’t have all the bells and whistles that comes in this package. And, no I don’t sell this stuff. 🙂

Jere answers:

You will need a email marketing software to help you send out emails to your list of people/contact. Myself, I am using Mad Mimi and MailChimp (the crazy, creative people and their naming) to help me send out my email campaign. Pretty happy with them so far.

O. This require a bit of technical skills too. If you find a bit too time consuming, drop me a note. I think I can do a few campaigns for you. Added the links if you want more details.

Hope it helps.

Jere answers:

TML EMail:

G-Lock EasyMail: http://www.glockeasymail.com/

How to Code HTML Email Newsletters: http://articles.sitepoint.com/article/code-html-email-newsletters

How to Create and Send HTML Email: http://www.addme.com/newsletters/issue293.htm

Email Marketing Articles and Guides: http://www.mailchimp.com/articles/stupid-html-email-design-mistakes/

How to Create and Send HTML Email: http://www.addme.com/newsletters/issue293.htm

How to Create Great HTML Emails with CSS: http://www.webreference.com/programming/css_html/

30 Free HTML email templates: http://www.campaignmonitor.com/templates/

How do you typically create HTML email?: http://webdesign.about.com/b/2008/10/02/poll-how-do-you-typically-create-html-email.htm

Google: http://www.google.com/search?q=HTML+Email+software&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Ron

Jere answers:

Without a doubt, you want to use PHPList – I’ve written all about it here:
http://www.3bweb.com/site-features/email-newsletters/
It’s FREE to own and use, for as many emails as you like – FAR better than any of the externally hosted solutions, which don’t send out from your domain, and charge per email!

Jere answers:

Norton,MSE(Microsoft security essentials) and MacAfee are the worst Anti Virus you can get, they are just marketing tools made by Microsoft, hence why they are always free with computers then expect you to pay a fortune to have them permanently, and then you need to download special tools to remove them completely. You will need the Norton/McAfee Removal Tool as well as removing it from programmes and features.

PC Techs like myself check every antivirus, new and old, looking for the best one to provide ourselves with and most importantly our clients. Norton/McAfee never finds the really harmful viruses

AVG, Malwarebytes are going downhill so I no longer recommend them unfortunately. Avast and Avira are absolute dire.

The best anti viruses you can get are Trend Micro or Kaspersky, both offer a free 1 month trial before you buy. Trend/Kaspersky is only £34 a year, so very cheap.
They have there own Firewall, internet and email protection. Kaspersky also has a virtual keyboard that you can use to type in passwords and bank details so that key loggers can’t trace your information. You don’t get this with AVG, Avira, Avast etc
Every qualified PC tech like myself recommends these, and businesses we service also use them.

You can find them here: http://download.cnet.com/Trend-Micro-Internet-Security/3000-8022_4-10567655.html

http://download.cnet.com/Kaspersky-Internet-Security/3000-18510_4-10012072.html

These are only free for a month but are the BEST. The Housecall really proves it to be honest

If you only want a Free one, get Superantispyware (free edition) this is the best Free one you can get :http://www.superantispyware.com/download.html

Please do not go with what unqualified people are telling you when it comes to PC Security. I know people don’t agree with each other, but what I am giving is expert advice. I am not spamming, or giving false information. I do also use this same answer for ALL anti virus questions as its the truth,and easier than typing out the same answer over and over ( for those who like to click the report button etc)

You can also Google “Trend Titanium Full version +Keygen free” and download it, this is the best one out there. The Keygen gives you the code so you can activate it for a year and not a month

If anyone tells you to use Reginout , DONT. Reginout is a virus programme itself, alot of people on here dont realise that and tell people to download it.

Jere answers:

I think you are right.

Jere answers:

$10 p/hr plus mileage and any bonus you choose based on sales.

Jere answers:

Peggy Lou, it does my heart good to read your question! So many entrepreneurs fall in love with the idea of creating a business — with the marketing or the manufacturing. It’s fun to watch stuff roll off the assembly line or to make the packaging as cute as can be. And I’m not saying those elements aren’t important. But going forward without knowing the market thoroughly is business suicide.

The patient, smart entrepreneur takes the time to walk through each step of basic research: analyzing such pieces as potential market size, competitors, location, etc. Through interviews or focus groups (formal or informal). You’ll want to make realistic assessments of how many potential customers might be willing to try your product or service immediately, and how you might expand from the core group. SCORE, the organization of retired entrepreneurs, has pulled together a great two-part series to start the process here: http://www.score.org/new_biz_idea_part1.html.
And Entrepreneur magazine has its version here: http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/businessideas/evaluatingyouridea/article70518.html

Hopefully, that kind of research will help you move forward smartly with your idea. But it also may lead you to a different conclusion: Yes, that there actually isn’t a viable business here. While that might be a tough call, it sure is cheaper to learn that in the market research phase than further down the road.

Jere answers:

One of the most targeted places to reach college students is facebook.com. In fact, if are a college alumni and you get a Facebook account, you can typically buy 10,000 ad impressions for $5 – $20:

http://www.facebook.com

I think any normal advertiser can buy 2500 impressions for around $5 without setting up a Facebook account.

Visit the website and go to the advertiser link to see what program would be best for you. I am confident that you can target specific colleges with any of your Facebook advertisements.

I hope this helps!

Sincerely,
James
Internet Marketing Professional
http://www.loyaltylm.com

Jere answers:

Well first make sure that your website has a lot of traffic. There are many 100% free ways to do this, my favorite way is to go here- http://www.hits2u.com/?679278.

And your second question is a bit difficult- how about when they post an add, they get put into a drawing for something?? I mean I guess it depends on how much money you are willing to lose…..

I hope this helped atleast a little bit!
Good luck.

Jere answers:

I don’t think Yahoo will allow its Messenger to be used in such a fashion. Why would they enable someone else to earn a fee while using their free equipment?

Doesn’t make good business sense.

Jere answers:

The self serve paid advertising systems most often recommended for new users are Google Adwords and Facebook paid ads, Google sponsored search ads give you qualified prospects actively seeking solutions (search keywords) you choose, Facebook ads provide detailed demographic targeting, helpful if you know the profiles of your customer base, interrupting someone’s social meanderings on Facebook, ads may just be initial attention getters, useful for sending people to a free Facebook business page. You would need a company page or web site to best benefit from paid ads. Bother of these ad systems have first time user vouchers, You can pay $25 and get $100 matching funds from Google.

Jere answers:

Online business = low risk because not a lot of capital is involved (unless you employ 50 developers). There’s plenty of articles about how to bootstrap a startup. You can try approaching VCs with your seed idea, but expect them to snatch up like 40% of equity or more. You can also use something that most startups do and use the ‘sweat’ equity option, which entitles employees to equity for their labour. I suggest you consider a business plan maybe, as this will help you layout plans and financial/operational strategies. I’m running a bootstrapped startup of my own called SeekVest (seekvest.com) and it’s designed to help entrepreneurs like you to meet investors and raise capital (it’s still a work-in-progress) but pay it a visit if you like and if you need any help just drop me an email through the contact form.

Jere answers:

Visit, http://www.businessbrokeragesecretsrevealed.com/
to get free consultation on Buying and Selling a Business.

Jere answers:

If you want a template or a bespoke website completely built for you, we can offer this at very competitive prices at Aztec Online. Please see link below to see our services and portfolio.

Anything you can specify, we can give you a free no-oblication quote on the project.

Jere answers:

Have you tried asking your local bank? I know Bank of America has online Payroll where you plug in the numbers and they do it for you.

Jere answers:

I’m glad to hear that you’re using Business Plan Pro 2007 but sad to hear that you’re having problems with it calculating your Break Even point. One thing that you might try in Business Plan Pro is to reset the default formulas in the Break Even table so that it is pulling the correct data from your Sales Forecast and Profit and Loss to calculate the break even point. You can reset the default formulas by right clicking in the Break Even table and choosing Formula Reset > Table.

If you’re still having problems with it calculating a negative break even point, you might have an unusual forecast like a partial year for the first year in the plan. In that case, you’ll be better served by doing your own Break Even point. It’s usually calculated by taking the following:

Fixed Cost ÷ (1-(Unit variable Costs/Unit Price))

Where:

• Unit Price – The price that you charge per unit. Take into account sales discounts and special offers. For non-unit based businesses, make the per-unit revenue $1 and enter your costs as a percent of a dollar.

• Unit variable cost – The incremental cost of each unit of sale. If you are using a Units-Based Sales Forecast table (for manufacturing and mixed business types), you can project unit costs from the Sales Forecast table. If you are using the basic Sales Forecast table for retail, service and distribution businesses, use a percentage estimate. For example, a retail store running a 50% margin would have a per-unit cost of .5, and a per-unit revenue of 1.

• Fixed costs – Technically, a break-even analysis defines fixed costs as costs that would continue even if you went broke. Instead, you may want to use your regular running fixed costs, including payroll and normal expenses. This will give you a better insight on financial realities.

This information is available online in the HurdleBook at:
http://www.hurdlebook.com/
Here’s a selection of Break Even articles:
http://tinyurl.com/2bdspk
(sorry, I had to make it a TinyURL, Yahoo Answers didn’t like it)

Lastly, we do have a free “Break Even” calculator available if you want to use it instead. You can find that on our www.Bplans.com site at:
http://www.bplans.com/common/calculators/breakeven.cfm

Jere answers:

The business form that you choose to start your business is very important. It effects many other aspects of your business (like taxes, how your business is operated) and you need expert guidance on this subject.

There are several choices:

– a sole proprietorship
– a partnership
– a limited liability company
– a corporation (including a regular “C” corporation or an S corporation )

It is best to get the advice of a lawyer, and an accountant that is familiar with the type of business that you want to start.

You need to start with a business plan, then you can show the plan to your lawyer and accountant and they will give you advice about how to structure your business.

A part of your business plan will be a time line, and in that time line you will put mile stones like when to do certain paper work that needs to be done.

For example to hire programmers you have to have certain things in place like payroll, the deduction of their taxes, their health insurance, etc. That is why you need to put together a time line and let someone who understands the legal aspects of your plan.

Check out the web sites for you state, city and county under business and you should also be able to find more information.

Check out these links for small business

http://www.toolkit.com/small_business_guide/sbg.aspx?nid=P07_2011

http://www.sba.gov/

http://www.score.org/

Jere answers:

You should only need a PAYE reference if you are at the stage where you employ staff. Until then you will just need to register as Self employed but you cannot do this until you have commenced trading. On the first day of trading go to the HMRC home page. Click on the register as self employed and you can then register online. You probably wont receive your UTR or unique tax ref from your local tax office until several weeks after registration. Once you have been trading around 3 months you will receive your first payment slip to pay your National insurance contributions. It is worth ringing the Self Employed help line before this though just to make sure they have processed your application.
There is also info on the HMRC website about what to do when you have employees, the documents that you need to keep and how to process your payroll etc. Good luck!

Jere answers:

Even if you’re going into writing your own business plan with no prior experience, you’re far better off having a plan in place than not.

Business plans are like resumes, there’s not one specific way they have to be written. What’s important is that you’ve done your homework and covered your bases. Getting outside help, e.g. Assistance writing it from your local SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) chapter can definitely help, but isn’t strictly necessary.

Your plan should cover:
1. The Market
A. Who are your customers? How are they defined (age, income, geographic location, gender, etc.) How many of them are there? What are their current habits/preferences?
B. Who are your competitors? How many of them are there? What are your points of competitive (dis)advantage vs. Each of them? How will you sell against them?

2. Details of the products/services you intend to offer, including how you’ll price them

3. Your marketing strategy: How will you promote your business? Where will you sell your goods/services? Your store? Other retailers? Online? At trade shows? Some combination thereof?

4. Your organizational information: what kind of business are you? Sole proprietorship? LLC? S Corp? Partnership? How are the various functions of the business being handled and by whom? HR? Marketing? Production/service delivery? Etc. How are you handling banking? Payroll? Insurance? Logistics? What assets do you already have? What do you still need?

5. Finance: How are you obtaining the capital necessary to start your business? What are your projected revenue & expenses for the first year or two?

If you’ve got all that, you’ve got a pretty solid business plan, regardless of who wrote it or how it’s specifically formatted.

Jere answers:

When I first got into Internet marketing, I felt the same way that you do. I felt completely overwhelmed until I came across a website by Matt Bacak. He broke down what I should be doing and how to get started with the Internet marketing basics instead of assuming I knew how to find keywords or how to set up a website.

I have now been working from home doing marketing since my son was born about 10 months ago. Like you, I only have time for part-time, around 20 or so hours a week (sometimes less, sometimes more), but I have been able to make at least $1000 a month for the past 4 months just by following the advice I got on www.mattbacak.com.

This month looks like I will actually surpass $1,000 as I got lucky with some great sales a couple of days ago. I have to say, once you learn the basics and find your niche, it is amazing at how successful you can be.

Jere answers:

I think you are right to look at using the internet to make money in your spare time. There is no better way to get into a business for very little money.

I got started online in my spare time about 5 years ago, it took a while but it got easier as I went along. Now, I work at internet marketing full-time and while I am certainly not a millionaire I do not have to work for someone else and my time is my own.

Learning how to get started is the hardest part. Because of this I wrote a book, The Beginner’s Guide to Online Success. It is an honest step-by-step plan to get your first website online with your first product. I guarantee that this book will help you or your money back.
I even offer a 30 minute free online chat with me so you can ask any questions you need to make sure you are successful.

Jere answers:

If you are starting your own Internet Marketing business, you should already know steps you need to take. My advice would be to choose another business….one that you know more about.

Jere answers:

Internet marketing websites are all over the place today. I’d recommend a shared hosting if you are starting out small. Just make sure they have the available bandwidth to handle your internet marketing campaign.
I prefer utilizing blog based with aggregator sites that bring fresh content in every other day.
Then monetize around your niche as well with adsense, amazon, etc etc.

Always good to keep up on all the internet marketing news available to help guide you as well.

Jere answers:

Oh boy, you’re probably going to get a bunch of people who are affiliates selling their stuff here in reply – not objective answers. I just want to give you an objective reply so that you can make a wise decision about all the things you’ll read about here and online.

There are three important facets to selling online:

Traffic generation – that is getting people who might be inclined to buy to your website. Lots of different ways to do that. Article sites. Google ads. Safelists – and on and on.

The site itself – needs to be set up in such a way that it’s navigation friendly, search engine friendly and looks professional for what you’ll be marketing.

The copy – must be written in an emotionally compelling way so that people say, “Wow – I want that!” and feel like they just gotta have it. Pictures alone don’t do it. Fancy bells and whistles don’t either. It’s about the copy. (That’s my expertise more than the technical pieces.)

Oh, and a fourth – the product and pricing must be something that’s quality and that people really want.

I don’t know of one product that provides all that – and I’ve attended a lot of fancy-schmancy Internet Marketing seminars over the years where they sell more of these programs. There are different programs for different facets of internet marketing.

As far as the written copy – I have an awesome ebook that’s getting great results for people that can give you an overview and excellent step-by-step instruction to that part. Check it out at http://www.SalesLetterEbook.com

Hope this is helpful to you.

All the best,

Denise Michaels
Author, “Testosterone-Free Marketing” and
“Secrets to Money-Making Sales Letters”
Visit me online at http://www.MentoringwithDenise.com

Jere answers:

First, make sure that it is uninstalled and non-functional. If there is any doubt, you can look for installation tools at the Symantec website http://www.symantec.com

Restart the computer, then look for Symantec items in the Program Files folders. There is a COMMON FILES section that also has Symantec Shared folder. Try to delete that “Symantec Shared” folder. Of course, look for other Symantec folders in the Program Files section.

You can use REGEDIT and manually edit your registry. I’ve done that. I would use the FIND feature and search for ALL occurrences of “Symantec” and “Norton”. This will take a while, but you will be DONE with them.

If you could not DELETE some of the Symantec things in the Program Files section, you should be able to do so, after ripping these out of the registry. But do so after rebooting.

I too am not a big fan of the whole Symantec Security solution, but I am OK with their plain Anti-virus software. Versions 2002 and 2003 are still supported for updates, as they were when they were NEW. Reinstallation of these program versions are not the hassle of new versions that wind up with a technical call to Symantec.

Be sure to pick a new Anti-virus solution. I would not be happy with any “DO IT ALL” solution. I would pick other Anti-spyware and anti-spam solutions. I do like Ad-aware and SpyBot Search & Destroy. For WIndows XP with SP2, I like the Windows Firewall, but for other systems, I lean toward the free version of Zone Alarm from http://www.zonelabs.com

You see, nobody seems to be the total expert of that many varieties of threats. I really would not trust Windows Vista as a total solution. HEY, Microsoft has been in this business for a long time, and are simply beginners at security. You will know that I am right by mid 2008 when everyone else is still in the business of providing quality solutions.

Good luck and Happy Computing!

Jere answers:

Try MX7! With just a little you can make friends, become an empowered individual with a drive for success, and be able to make money at the same time! It’s a legit networking business that is internet based. Visit my site and read more under Opportunity. All you need are friends and a passion to reach your goals. Goodluck!

Http://www.mx7express.com/id/julet23

Jere answers:

If you have (or need to create) a small private network of business computers and you need to allow those computers to have Internet access, then in addition to your Internet service itself, the correct solution is to purchase a firewall with a built-in Network Address Translation (NAT) gateway.

NAT is the standard solution to the problem of providing a gateway between an internal corporate network and the Internet. It’s relied upon by companies small and large which choose not to pay for individual Internet IP addresses for each computer within the business.

Pretty much all modern firewalls have built-in NAT functionality allowing them to double as gateways. Another nice feature which most have is a built-in Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. DHCP usage is less common in business and is not essential like NAT, but it can be a convenient feature in that it allows your internal network to mostly configure its own network settings.

If you have Internet service and a modern firewall with built-in NAT gateway and DHCP server functionality, then the only additional piece of hardware which you’d need to set up a rudimentary small network is a simple switch to interconnect the various devices including the computers and the firewall.

Firewalls in the SOHO sector include the “Sonicwall SOHO” and the “Checkpoint Safe@Office”. Either one of these firewalls will allow the type of connection sharing you’re describing. One step up from the SOHO sector is the SMB sector with other products. The Cisco PIX line of devices is one of the most common in business.

A quick search suggests that some of these devices can be had for as little as a few hundred dollars. That’s probably the minimum-grade solution you should consider when thinking about putting business data in close proximity to the Internet.

If that kind of spending is out of the question currently, you could use consumer-grade equipment designed to achieve connection sharing in residential settings. Technically these products work the exact same way, at least in respect to the very-limited set of functionalities which I’ve described here. I won’t mention specific products in that market segment, but any consumer electronics salesperson can steer you in the right direction. In the consumer sector, the devices are branded as “routers” but technically that’s a misnomer since the task at hand is to gateway between two networks, not route within one.

One thing to keep in mind is that your Internet Service Provider might be able to provide and support a business-appropriate firewall/gateway device together with its business-class Internet service. If that’s the case, it’s definitely something to consider since it’s nice to have technical support and a failed hardware replacement agreement available for critical infrastructure. It also prevents the Internet Service Provider’s support team from giving you pushback (e.g. “that sounds like a firewall issue, you better check with your firewall support”) during times when you’re in need of help.

You mentioned that you intend to use a low-cost Internet service. Low cost is good, but be sure that whatever service you purchase is recognized as a business-grade service by the provider. You should never try to sneak by with a residential-grade service for a business because residential service is generally provided with something like a 48-hour SLA if any whereas a business circuit generally comes with a 4-hour response guarantee in case of outage.

Jere answers:

The absolute best cost effective solution would be to have it all “digitalised”

I’m sure you know about “skype” and how it works, well it works the other way with “skype-in” which allows phones to call in for a VERY small monthly fee. You could have the other lines around your business as normal skype users on the internet via computer (you can get a skype handset which looks like a normal phone) and should you need to transfer someone onto a different line, you add the specific person to a conference call.

Should you need to put people on hold, you can always “mute”

although this can seem a bit of a “hastle” to set up, this is the difference between spending thousands or spending a mere few dollars.

I hope you can understand my method 🙂

Jere answers:

Try calling round some wholesalers and see what they can do? 90% of the time they’ll be able to advice when their peak time is for getting the products in, if it’s best to buy damaged and repair yourself (this may take time, but can save you a lot of money), and the quantity. Just always consider the delivery charges as these can be costly, and also try eBay unless that’s where your planning to sell.

If I can be any more help just ask, I do run a business that can do research etc, I’ll see what discounts I can put your way.

Hope you find a solution.

Laura

Jere answers:

Costco and/or Sam’s Club

Jere answers:

The price is the most important way,there are many people buy the mobile in discount time in China,if the mobile is much cheaper than the same types,it must be fake,in my opinion Nokia is very good to use,it can use more than 2 years.also in China have a very famous web site store ,it’s name is taobao ,many Chinse people buy anything thought the net,also you can get the very good mobile though the net ,i am the taobao agent ,i can help you!
I am a local chinese buy agent, i can do purchase for foreigners with chinese items to help their small business or daily life use,things could be from taobao.com and other china online shopping sites or china wholesale market or directly from factories.www.taobao.com is the biggest C2C online shopping site in aisa,it is just like another ebay,you can find cheap brand cloths,shoes,bags there,some are the order rest from china OEM factory,and some are 1:1 highly alike replica. If you are interest in this area,can add my msn messager:wxcansen@hotmail.com for further chatting.
Hope it helps!

Jere answers:

The greatest strength of China is its people. The family, the clan, the village, the nation, and Greater China form a chain of community that stretches around the world. From the farm laborer in Sichuan to the businessman in Taiwan to the restaurant owner in New York City, Chinese people are all one.

Chinese people stand together and support each other. When a Chinese person needs a loan for college, they don’t turn to a bank, they turn to relatives and neighbors. When a Chinese person needs a job, they don’t turn to online job sites, they turn to their network of friends and associates to get a job. It’s all one big boisterous family.

Taiwanese businessmen like doing commerce in Mainland China. Their common language, culture, and identity make for productive business relationships. A businessman from Taipei feels right at home in Beijing, Yiwu, and Guangzhou.

Jere answers:

No there isn’t a difference in the writing (between mandarin and cantonese)
but while most of China uses simplified chinese, there’s certain areas that still uses
traditional chinese, including places like hongkong and taiwan.

Now there’s a difference between traditional and simplified chinese (in the characters)
so you might wanna translate your website to both those forms.

Jere answers:

Cost that you need to consider:-
1. Your website: how much is the cost per year
My suggestion: register here and your website cost will be the cheapest and at the same time you are earning unlimited income ( http://www.website.ws/powercontrol )

My website also done through the above link, u can have a look as a sample: http://www.silverroad.ws
2. What type of toys?
My suggestion: Made in china toys are cheap but cant last long, get the toys from IKEA or Disney!!

3. How big is your business.
Go for moderate size of business as a starting

Jere answers:

One of the first things I would recommend that you do is start thinking about your interests/passions… And go into an internet business that is based on that. Why? Because it makes the work a lot easier.

Answering the following questions should help you develop ideas:

1) what websites do you visit when you’re just surfing online?
2) do you have pets?
3) do you play and sports?
4) do you collect anythings?
5) do you have any specialized education?

See what I mean….

After that,you’ve got to decide the business model that you want to use – do you want to develop you own product or do you want to be an affiliate marketer (market other peoples products)?

Then you’ve got to learn basic skills such as building and uploading websites, setting up autoresponders, setting up a merchant account to take orders, etc.

And then, probably the most important part… You have got to learn how to market you business.

If your interested in starting up your own internet business, then I would like to recommend the following great resource:

http://www.affiliatemarketinglessons.com/internet_business_startup.html

This program shows you, step-by-step, how to create a sucessful online busines. But, what is unique about this, is that the creator of the program also provides you with a special hotline, so that you have one-on-one assistance at anytime.

If your interested in affiliate marketing (marketing other people’s products/services) then you’ll want grab a copy of this book – http://www.affiliatemarketinglessons.com/superaffiliate.html

If your interested in joining an existing internet business, then I would recommend SFI Marketing Group (http://affiliatemarketinglessons.com/SFI.html). I would recommend that you join this opportunity either way because 1) its Free and 2) you’ll learn a lot through their training.

Anyways, I hope this helps… And I wish you much success.

For more information, you can try out the International Association of Home Business Entrepreneurs – http://www.affiliatemarketinglessons.com/iahbe.html

Jere answers:

Hello,
Just as in the Princess Bride, Grandpa says “when I was your age, TV was called books,” so in the same way books the way that people researched colleges when I was in high school. I am a librarian who remembers the Moon Landing, btw. What tended to happen is that prospective students requested a lot of information and pamphlets and course catalogs from colleges they were looking at, went to bookstores and libraries for college descriptions and rankings, and looked at rankings in US News and World Reports. They went to college fairs and asked guidance counselors questions, contacted alumni associations in the
ir towns, and, once they narrowed the field a bit, often went on trips to college campuses.
These days it is both easier and harder to get good college information. While the university that you are looking at may have an excellent website with great admissions web pages, there are also all kinds of marketing sites that come up when I do an online college search. Many of the links on the first page of results of any college information search are from marketing groups that are not necessarily concerned with information but rather with persuasion. Sorting through the links can be a lot of work, and so I still often use a combination of books and news articles as well as the free internet when helping students search for college information.

Nicolette
Librarian
Michigan

Jere answers:

It’s who you know.

If you have a lot of contacts in the field, you will hear about unadvertised openings.

That 5% figure is bull. 95% of job openings are not “hidden”. If they were, most of the country would be unemployed.

Try looking at employment ads in trade publications or on association websites.

Jere answers:

Go to http://www.score.org/mentors and enter your zip code. On the next screen, you will get information on the nearest SCORE chapter. Call them and arrange for a free meeting with a volunteer SCORE mentor. They will guide you through the process and you can meet with them as many times as you need to.

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide and is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

SCORE has 350 chapters in locations throughout the United States and its territories, with 13,000 volunteers nationwide. Both working and retired executives and business owners donate time and expertise as business mentors.

Jere answers:

Assuming that you already know what your going to be selling, then you’ve got to learn basic skills such as building and uploading websites, setting up autoresponders, setting up a merchant account to take orders, etc.

And then, probably the most important part… You have got to learn how to market you business. I would like to recommend either one of the following great resources:

If you don’t have much experience with computers and the Internet – http://www.affiliatemarketinglessons.com/warpspeedwealth.html

If you have good experience with computers and the Internet – http://www.affiliatemarketinglessons.com/IS2006.html

Be sure to check out the money back guarantees …you simply cannot loose. They can offer such guarantees because of their success rate…

You’ll be able to find specific guidelines on how to launch your website – find a hosting company, designing your website for success, uploading your websites, how to get free traffic, how to build your business, etc.

Hope this helps….

PS For more home business advice, you can check out The International Association of Home Business Entrepreneurs (http://www.affiliatemarketinglessons.com/iahbe.html)

Jere answers:

I’m going to offer up some advice free of charge because I Googled you and love your website and what you do. It gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling inside and I hope that I can be of service.

Keep on keeping on with the site and your social media.

I’m going to say that your target demographic is parents (and grandparents). Here’s what I would do:

Target your local schools, preschools, MOMS Clubs, libraries, parks and any social circles/clubs that the local grandmothers frequent (cooking, knitting, reading, etc).

Once you have that covered, keep expanding your reach to neighboring counties and communities until you’ve conquered the world. 🙂

Create a media kit / press packet. For the places that are outside a reasonable driving distance, this is most important. Give them a personal call and say “Hey, I’m this awesome person from Project Kids Give. Here’s what we do. By the way, could you provide your mailing or email address so I can send you a little more information?” Then link it over to them so they can look it over. Ask the clubs (like MOMS Clubs) if they’ll send it to all of their members.

Visit online forums for parents, especially ones for the 3-8 year old age range. Chat it up with them. Provide genuinely helpful information with a link to your site as a reference to who you are.

Look into advertising online via websites that are targeted for parents: anything from parenting magazines to toy stores. Those ads can garner widespread exposure.

Contact local, state and national news/media sources: newspapers, radio, tv. Get your press releases and your elevator pitch ready. Show them that you’re a newsworthy story, that you are a cause worth talking about.

If I can be of any further assistance in helping you with your marketing or technical endeavors, please feel free to contact me. Good luck!

Jere answers:

You can start a virtual assistant business and use these organizations to help you find work

?International Virtual Assistants Association http://www.ivaa.org/
?Alliance for Virtual Businesses http://www.allianceforvirtualbiz.com/
?International Association of Administrative Professionals http://www.iaap-hq.org/
?Virtual Assistant Networking Forum (VANF) http://www.vanetworking.com/
?Virtual Business Group http://www.virtualbizgroup.com/
?Virtual-Professionals.com http://www.virtual-professionals.com/

Another option for you is to be part of a virtual call center, which is one of the growing work at home businesses today

Read this MSNBC’s article on this industry http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7739611/ns/business-us_business/t/call-center-agents-without-call-centers/#.TknJns1lYjw

AOL also published an article about virtual call centers, and named it as one of the best work at home jobs http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2011/01/27/work-from-home-jobs-for-retirees/

Some companies where you can apply

Alpine Access http://www.alpineaccess.com = no fees and you will be considered as an employee, not as an independent contractor

LiveOps http://www.liveops.com/ = considers agents as independent contractors; no upfront fee but requires applicants to pay for the background check

Of course, you can also choose to start your own business from home. It will depend on what you can do, what suits you and what could fit in your resources. Some examples

Best Businesses Using Craft or Physical Skills
– antique restoration
– auto detail service
– carpet cleaning business
– errand/delivery service
– housecleaning business

Best Service Businesses
– bed and breakfast operator
– caregiver
– catering service
– senior day care center
– tutoring service

Best Professional Businesses
– desktop publisher
– magazine writer
– import/export service
– income tax preparation service
– event planner

Jere answers:

A true business credit card is a line of credit that is taken in the name of the business, under the business’ credit. Activity, whether good or bad, is reflected on your business’ credit report through D&B and other financial institutions, and the liability for any debts incurred and bills owed is with the business.

However, some companies out there offer “business” credit cards which they require a person guarantee for. These institutions will often ask for a personal guarantee, and will almost always ask for a social security number from the person applying for the card. If this is the case, the credit card is not a business credit card, but is simply a personal credit card which is used for the business. The business is not liable for bills and debts – you are.

When applying for a credit card for your business, watch out for areas asking for your SSN (and not your TaxID or EIN) and be wary of any credit card that asks for a personal guarantee. By ensuring that your credit card is in the name of your business, you can help to build your business’ credit, while avoiding creating problems with your own.

Many companies offer a list of credit cards that are issued under the business name only. Those lists typically run $300-$900, depending on the quality of the information inquiring. I would suggest starting your search online via google or yahoo. Search for “strong business credit” (just like that in quotes) to find services that sell the information.

Good luck,

Ilya Bodner
Small Business Owner
Initial Underwriting Group

Jere answers:

1. Give Testimonials When you purchase a CD, music book, or any product or service and it exceeds your expectations, e-mail the band/business a testimonial. Tell them in the testimonial the benefits you got from the product or service. Give them permission to publish the testimonial on the web site if they include your sig file at the end.

2. Leave A Message When you visit a web site with a discussion board, leave a message. You could post a question, interesting content or a compliment about their web site. Include your signature file at the end of the message. Some discussion boards let you post your banner ad or text link. DON’T spam the board. Offer good, solid comments and your effort will be rewarded. That goes for the next unique way too…post the unique qualities of your band

3. Sign Guestbooks When you visit a well designed website leave a compliment on their guest book. You could give them a compliment on their content, ease of navigation, graphics etc. When you post your compliment include your signature file so other people will see it when they sign the guest book.

4. Write A Review When you visit a website you enjoyed a lot, write a review for the website. Write about the benefits you gain from the site, the website design, interesting online services it offers etc. E-mail the review to the site. Tell them they can publish it on their web site if they include your resource box at the end.

5. Send An E-mail To The Editor When you read a good article or enjoy a certain e-zine, e-mail a compliment to the editor. Give the editor permission to publish the compliment in their e-zine if they include your signature file at the end. The editor may post it on his or her website.

6. Also try google plus

7. Post some videos of them like a teaser in youtube . May be some samples nicely edited.

8. Best of all is word of mouth.

Jere answers:

Sounds like a great idea –
I too have been doing consulting and various small business actives for a number of years (currently am running four ventures).

I have looked at several competing groups over the years, but to this date have not actually purchased any yet. Here are some adds to your list:

* Identify the real assets of the organization – is it in the products, people or some combination of the two. If it is only the people, then your attrition costs could be higher than initially thought if you lose the key person (people) that are really satisfying the customers.

* I think that you are saying that the organization is in another country – if so, there very well could be local, state or federal governmental laws, regulations or other rules of business that could come into play. Ensure that your legal fees come from that country (or sometimes even various states within the USA) to ensure that you meet all local rules.

* Depending how long the organization has been in business, what will be the cost of changing the name of the company if in fact you intend to do that. If you keep their name and also have your own, then will you develop a competition between the two groups that will waste advertising dollars? Think through how to combine the two organizations to maximize the service to your customer base.

* What might current or perspective customers think of this purchase, merger or buyout? Will a purchase cause some conflict with local client in the other country now that they perceive that an outside (not one of them) is running the company?

* What are the Cost of Poor Quality (common calculations can be found in anything dealing with Six Sigma – http://www.isixsigma.com/dictionary/Cost_of_Poor_Quality_-_COPQ-63.htm) numbers in the accounting of both organizations? Will this purchase help or hurt your organizations?

* Do you have a mastermind group that can help you through this process? What would it take to develop a mastermind group if you do not already have one?

* Might you need various forms of professional help to run the businesses once they are both on line? Since you can only be physically in one place at a time (although net meetings are great), how will you ensure that each location is running smoothly and that customer satisfaction is the highest priority at each location?

These are a few questions that I come up with just off the top. There are other factors depending on the specifics of this particular purchase option. One suggestion that I might offer is for you to talk a very close look at the people you would have at each location and see how you can develop them into real entrepreneurs so that at some point they just run with ideas and grow the businesses for you.

You might use my standard advise to new owners (you already know most of this) with your employees to help convince them that they are important to you and that you really want them to stay around (given of course that you really do):

Anytime you want to start any kind of business, there are several basics that you will need:

* You should first sit down and think about what it is you want to do and then write out the scenario in detail! This may sound tedious, but it will help you clarify what it is you are thinking about. Also, when you talk to anyone about the business (mentor, bank, clients, prospective investor), you will have a clear vision to share with him or her. You can check any number of books at your local library or the Internet for ideas on creating a business plan or goals list.

* Is there anyone out there doing something like what you want to do already? Can you research what it is that they do and maybe even talk with them about what they do?

* Are there businesses out there that are doing some aspect that you want to do? In this case, you want to create an online drop shipment business. What websites have you seen that you like (can you talk with them)? How does the local McDonalds or other retail outlet do business that might help you in yours (i.e. How is McDonalds able to provide a product to a customer on demand at almost anytime of day – and do it with a much of high school kids)?

* Never listen to anyone who says that you CANNOT do something UNLESS they have been there and tried that!!!!! Anyone can tell you the good things that you can try or do, however, only someone who has actually tried the specific thing your are thinking can truly give you advise on the pitfalls that could await the unsuspecting.

* If you want to look for a mentor (free or paid – although mentors usually offer their time at no cost), the question that you should be ready to address is WIIFM (What In It For Me {the mentor})! What are you willing to do for your mentor to help them with something that they may need (for me it’s simple – I am looking for 10 points 🙂

Contacts:

* Contact your local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce – they have business people who will help start up operations.

* Contact your local high school, community college or university and find out whom the teachers are for courses related to your business (like business or computer/internet classes). Contact these teachers to get some ideas or even to see if they will take you company startup on as a class project or special project for some of the student to work on (might give the students extra credit and you a free startup). In the worst case, you might get the names of some good students whom you might hire to do certain aspects of what you need at a very low cost.

* Contact you local, county or state governments (check their websites) – many areas have small business administrations (or some other agency that can help with various things) that have any number of references and resources available at little or no cost.

* Go to your local library in the Reference Section and find the Encyclopedia of Associations. It is a three-book set published by Gale Research. The first book lists thousands of tiles of professional organizations and groups. It will give a code number to use in the other two books to find out more about that organization. Contact the organizations who have something to do with your idea and find out if they have a services to give you advise or local groups that you can network with. In many cases, just asking for membership and publications information may give you a lot of useful stuff.

Other outstanding sources that I have used in running my four businesses:

* Nightingale-Conant – the largest producer of audio/video training programs in the world. Many of their programs can be borrowed for free from local libraries. Http://www.nightingale.com

* Entrepreneur Magazine (http://www.entrepreneurmag.com) – many great tips and ideas about running a company.

* Rich Dad Poor Dad – http://www.richdadpoordad.com/ – by Robert Kiyosaki. Has any number of products (read the book first) that you can choose from.

* Start Up Nation (besides their website, they have a radio show that may be on in your area – usually Sundays and read the book) http://www.startupnation.com/index.asp

The secret to success in business is to read everything that you can relate to your subject and to talk with as many people in the field as possible.

Good Luck.

Jere answers:

First, you should go the the Better Business Bureaus website, www.bbb.org. On their site you can research a company and see if they are a member of BBB, see if any complaints have been filed against the company, and a last know address and telephone number should be listed.

If you find the necessary information to contact the company, I would do so, make sure to ask to be on a recorded line for quality assurance purposes, do not use any foul language and present your issue in a courteous manner. If the customer service representative that you receive can not resolve your issue, ask to speak to their supervisor or manager. This may require a call back, so make sure you note the date and time you spoke with the customer service representative, any ID/name they provide you with at the beginning of the call, any reference number they provide you with, and what department they are in. You will need this information at a later time. Usually, a promise of a call back from a supervisor or manager is within 24 hours of your request. Make sure to add, that if you do not hear back from the supervisor or manager, you will be filing a complaint with the Attorney Generals Office, this should ensure you receive a call back. If and when you receive a call back, make note of the same information I provided above and once again request that you call is on a recorded line for quality assurance purposes. If your issue is still not resolved, go forth with placing a complaint with the Attorney Generals Office.

If you can not find the company on the BBB website I would go to your state’s Attorney Generals website. There you can file a complaint against the company, the department that would handle your complaint would be Consumer Affairs. Be very specific in your complaint to the details of your issue. This will ensure that your complaint will be investigated and resolved. Best of all this is a free service which assists you with legal matters. The Consumer Affairs Department, does all of the research and investigation and imposes what remedies the company must provide. To find their website type in your state followed by Attorney Generals Office. The website will look like this www.doj.your states abbreviation/consumer/. We will use Maryland as an example; www.doj.md/consumer/. Make sure to include all of the avenues you have tried to rectify the issue, including trying to locate them on the BBB website. The more precise you are in filing you complaint will result in the best outcome.

In conclusion, keep making your monthly payment that was greed under the contract, this will ensure not interruption in service and no cancellation in your contract. If you require additional assistance, please contact me.

Best wishes.

Jere answers:

I took a look at their site, didn’t really see anything on it.
My suggestion would be to call customer support
1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966)

Jere answers:

Makeup, Haircare,are not deductible on the Federal Tax return. Those are considered personal care items
Clothing is only if it is for a Uniform that you are required to wear and it can not be worn as every day clothing.

Internet and and cell phone only the portion in relation to your job

Daughters Tuition, NO, only Post secondary educational expenses (colleges, university) are deductible

The Telephone Excise Tax credit is a one time credit with a maximum deduction of 60.00 based on the number of exemptions claimed on your return.

Mortgage Interest on your home is deductible if you are Itemizing your deductions rather than taking the Standard deduction for your filing status.

Http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=164032,00.html
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p936/index.html
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p529/index.html
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p17/ch26.html
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p970/index.html

Jere answers:

I’m not paying a $100 a month for mobile phone service. I don’t know how much they cost but if they are expensive (meaning more than a couple hundred) then I pass. They will come down in price and someone will notice every shortcoming it has and come out with something better and cheaper. I don’t need a phone with movies or even music on it. Going to internet would be good though. A camera can be handy.

Jere answers:

Ultimately, if the people you’re pranking are determined enough, the call can be traced but only through the company skype

hope this helps 🙂
and if you get the chance, please sign my guestmap, thanx 🙂
============================================
http://www.realityisautomatic.com

Jere answers:

Hey there mate!

The Philippines’ Music Industry is quite active indeed. But be it be the most active…possibly but there are a lot of competition we have to win before being called the greatest.

Activeness in this line of business would vary based on a number of factors. It could be in terms of how the local artists’ produced records, performance, gigs, documentaries, public appearances, bookings, TV/Radio/Ad commercials, online exposure, downloads, culture, marketing to Local and International communities abroad, etc.

Aside from the local artists…the industry is contributed also by foreign artists that would do performances in the country.

Ratings would depend also with the music genre that is quite popular in the a particular location and a particular crowd.
—–
Now it seems that you are quite interested more into “Bands”. Basing it from you YA ID…it seems that we are referring it more on the Alternative Rock, and RAP/RnB genre.

With the Alternative Rock and RAP/RnB genre…yes we are quite active. We are actually competing for being the most active with countries like some of the Southeast Asian countries (Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia…to name a few), and Oriental countries (China, Japan, and Korea).

If there is a genre that we are quite famous for…its for Solo Artists who performs Easy Listening Music (Ballad, Mellow, Soft Pop, Smooth Jazz, Light RnB…). Believe it or not, Charisse Pempengco created a stir when she was featured in the US and UK. It made the country’s music industry active in search of talents and producing LPs for the said genre.

Hope this helps.

Jere answers:

That would be your second biggest mistake. Your first was purchasing a copyright. You should never never never do that. It shows publishers and agents you distrust them and they get very nasty about it sometime. It is an almost guaranteed slush pile move. You own the rights to your work automatically the minute you write it. The best protection is to just NOT spread it around on the internet. If and when you sell the book, your publisher will obtain a copyright as a part of a standard book contract. Purchasing a copyright tells publishers and agents you are not professional. Only amateurs do that.

And you have been given some bum information regarding the so called “poor man’s copyright” where you mail a copy to yourself. A copyright is only as good as the high priced attorney you pay to defend it. A “poor man’s copyright” does not stand up in court without major additional evidence to support it. No lawyer would take the case to defend one. There are literally dozens of ways to beat it. The latest is backdating your computer, stealing a story online and burning a disk with a date of a few years ago. Just like that, someone lost a story. And I hate to tell you, but it is possible for someone to plagiarize your work and you not even know it until it hits the book stores. And tell me what you do if someone in Malaysia plagiarizes you? Where do you hold the trial – here or Malaysia? Just don’t share your work online or pass around copies and your claim to the material will hold up.

I sure do wish people would skim through other questions before they ask. They would see all this information is archived to help them.

No, you do not send the manuscript to the publisher. You follow their submission guidelines to the letter. Usually that means sending a query letter with a synopsis. If they express interest, they will ask for a full or partial manuscript and a book proposal. You have to learn how to write a proposal. There are books that will help. It is a very important document. It is your #1 selling tool. Make sure it is a good one.

That being said, as a person with experience in children’s books – let me tell you the real deal about kids’ books.

The odds are heavily stacked against you. You have chosen the most difficult thing in the publishing business – getting a children’s book published.

Let me describe for you the current nature of the children’s book market. I just finished ghostwriting two children’s books for a very major sports figure – already sold to a very major NY publisher. The first is with artist now and due out in Spring. I am currently working on another one with others to follow. This information was given to me by a Senior Editor at the publisher I write for (one of the top 5 Publishers in the world) …

40% of children’s books published today are by celebs like Madonna, Jamie Lee Curtis etc.

40% are written by existing, established children’s authors like Eric Carle.

15-20% are reprints of children’s classics like Curious George.

That leaves at best 5% for new authors.

And that percentage is being cut into by adult authors like Carl Hiaasen and Mary Higgins Clark entering the children’s market recently.

As a result, most A list publishers aren’t even reading children’s books right now, which means agents arent either. Agents only read what they can sell.

There is very little room to break into the children’s market. Only books that are extremely exceptional and have huge appeal stand a chance. Forget any holiday related books – the selling season is too short to make money.

And most publishers have huge backlogs of children’s books they have purchased and are not published yet. It takes about a year for a children’s book to make it out – often MUCH MUCH More. It usually takes an artist about a month a page to illustrate. So most publishers have their production schedules for children’s books filled out for the next few years.

Take a walk through any major childrens’ book department and you will confirm what I am telling you. Getting a childrens’ book done is almost impossible – and getting an advance for it is virtually out of the question anymore. Unless you fall into one of those categories above. I am fortunate to have the backing of a very major sports star to get me in the door with kids books. I write adult novels, but believe me I have tried with kids books before and failed for exactly the reasons I list here.

Ghostwriting has gotten me in through the back door, and now I will be able to sell some of the children’s books that have my name on them. For now, someone else’s name is on the cover. Someone whose name sells books – big time. Don’t ask me how you can get a ghostwriting deal for a major sports star … I really backed into this. It was a gift from Heaven really and it is a blast working with this person too!!! My mantle is now covered with sports memorabilia worth a fortune!! Presents. (I am watching out for OJ to invade my house and steal it LOL)

That is the nature of the beast. You might get a copy of Writers Market and search for some small publishers who are reading childrens’ books, but searching through the agents section, you will see that almost NO agents are reading childrens’ books. Try for some small publishers that read without going through an agent. Expect a lot of rejection. Develop a really thick skin and learn to advocate for yourself.

Always remember that before you send anything to anyone, check them out. Preditors and Editors, Absolute Write Water Cooler’s Bewares and Background Checks, Writers Weekly.com and Writers Wall are all great sources and totally free – although if they help you, it is nice to contribute a donation. Someone has to pay for running the sites. If you do not see information on the publisher or agent in question, write to Dave K at Preditors and Editors, Victoria Strauss or James Macdonald at Absolute Write or Angela Hoy at Writers Weekly. They are happy to pass along any info they have to help you.

As for self publishing it – it will get you nowhere. Self published books dont make it to bookstores. Childrens’ books are impulse buys. What is out on the tables for kids to see is what sells. Kids don’t shop at websites for things like books. They have to hold them in their hand and nag Mom to buy it. The only way to achieve that is through a good traditional publisher. I recently read an article in the paper about a woman who self published a childrens’ book. She refinanced her house for over 60 thousand dollars and invested it in self publishing. She has recouped less than 10% of her money and is in danger of having her house foreclosed on.

I have starred a lot of great Q and A regarding writing on my profile. You can access it and print out the pages. Start a notebook you can refer to. There s a lot of good information here and I add more as I see good ones. I am doing it to help others. Feel free to use it. Add me as a fan and get the regular updates. Keep writing. Remember you have to need to grow a hide as thick as a herd of elephants. There will be rejection letters and plenty of them. Most authors save theirs. I recently came across my very first. I may have it bronzed.

Just keep writing. Be exceptional!!

Good luck. Pax – C

Jere answers:

Enrich members can claim Malaysia Airlines award flights online with dynamic pricing, which means the price in miles will go down or up depending on demand. The program does not have an award chart online. Members must input their desired departure airport and destination online to receive the amount of miles that will need to be redeemed.

Jere answers:

Hello,

(ANS) I would be highly dubious about ANY University that offered a PHd course via the internet. 99% of such courses are just a scam, a con, a rip off. Any such qualification will more than likely be completely bogus DON’T be naive here.

**YES! Of course there are real distance learning courses such as the famous Open University here in the UK.

**Have you checked out how real (if at all?) Atlantic Int University in Hawaii is? Is there such a University? Do they have a phone number, do they have a real bricks & mortar office, do they have a website, how long have they existed? How long has this PHd been going. How long is the course, what are the qualifications needed to undertake this course.

**Most real PH’d courses require a student to have at least a first degree to even begin such a course.

ITS PROBABLY A SCAM !! You pay your money & get a bogus PH’d certificate which is not worth the paper its printed on.

Ivan

Jere answers:

An online business is a business that is run via the internet. These businesses may include retailing, outsourcing of services, reselling of items of your own or other companies/people’s products, being an infopreneur and many others. Finding an online business that you can make money from may require you to create a website that advertises your business and items, registering yourself on certain websites or forums where you can advertise your services and finding clients from the rather huge world of the internet.

Identify your area of expertise. Do you have any information that others will benefit from?
Write down some keywords that you will be using on your website and check out the demand for your keywords using the many keyword tools available.
Use to determine the Google supply(the number of websites that are built around those keywords) for your keywords.
Determine profitability of your keywords using the formula ‘Demand number/Supply number’.
Research what people are looking for and buying online by going to different forums, Google Trends, Ebay.com and www.amazon.com and places like www.ezinearticles.com and look at their top sellers or articles. Find a niche that looks interesting and do more research. Think about what and why people buy things online.
The goal of all of your research is to come up with a business idea that people are interested as compared to just starting a business that you want to create.
Knowing what you can easily offer people online and what business you can successfully run and make money out of is the first step in running an online business.
Create a list of keywords and plan your pages according to what people are looking for.

Jere answers:

Hey Om,

You can do some business listing for your company website.
You can also go with other Off page Search Engine Optimization (SEO) activities like Forum, Blog, Directories submission, Search engine submission etc.
You have to do On page activities like Title tag, Meta tag, alt tag creation etc.
But most important work is appropriate keyword analysis for your company.

By all these activities you can introduce your business online or we can say through SEO you can increase your website as well as company visibility in online world.
But if you are not aware of all of SEO activities than consult good SEO services company for this.
SEO is one of the cheaper thing for get visible in online world in long term.

Thanks

Jere answers:

Here ya go

1. Go to www.sba.gov

2. Got to www.legalzoom.com

3. Go to www.copyright.gov

Jere answers:

First you start a retail business. “Online” isn’t a business model. Once you have a successful business, you hire a web developer to build you a website.

If you want to do it all yourself you’re going to have to learn HTML, CSS, computer programming, Javascript, PHP and SQL (to start). Figure 2-5 years.

You don’t perform operations on yourself, do you? Or represent yourself in court? Why do you think you can develop your own website? It takes almost as long to learn website development as it takes to learn medicine or law. (Do your own site and do it wrong and you could get sued by customers who were financially injured by your lack of knowledge – and your business would be out of business, and paying off a HUGE judgment.)

Jere answers:

On line WON’T WORK… And you have not even remotely considered this business venture seriously yet.
But the business concept is a potential success, however you are looking at this completely in a word WRONG
if you have a large enough city, ability to undercut established competition, offer delivery, work for free or lose lots of money, and are dealing with highly flammable gas, plus the Mylar, plastics and other balloon materials, are of such a nature, you could have damaged 500 retail dollars of product in a blink of an eye. And have related business products that have a far higher profit margin and far greater volume.
There is a chain of stores exceeding 6000 units that sells balloons, and their design is to use the balloons as a traffic generator.
Your product is an impulse item, fairly cheap and have very small profit margins, plus is briefly labor intensive.
People send/take balloons to hospitalized folks, and for new born babies, for the benefit of the parents, to birthday parties of all ages, retirement parties at work, sometimes to family pic- nic, for the children to tie a message to, and release, seeing who finds and replies, carnivals/downtown festivals, where impulse spending occurs.
Where you won’t sell weddings for the most part, and not likely funerals, unless the departed requested it, job firings and people being sent to jail.
Why don’t you start by reading some entrepreneur manuals, any of the for dummies books in marketing, or eBay or small business…contact SCORE, business coaches, who can help in lots of areas, which is FREE, as part of the Small Business Administration. [Government/federal, phone book SBA]
if you are going to try to sell on line, you need price, being cheaper than brick and mortar store fronts, quality equal to the stores, and the fact people will wait for delivery, and therefore as you have lower costs, you offer lower price.
In a related type of product that might allow you to succeed, I suggest the following: flags national, universities, historical, holiday, and fun or seasonal flags… In the same product line is wind socks and wind chimes. And for a final line bird feeders and bird houses.

Jere answers:

Funny how people will fall for any scam out there.

Jere answers:

I have been very successful using EBAY.

Send me an email at BOB_FORD@SBCGLOBAL.NET for the details.

BOB F

Jere answers:

Market research would be a good thing to do and then you would know what your cleints need too as well as yourselfs

Jere answers:

Real estate agents use Multiple Listings to sell their services. They all have web sites too.

Direct mail had been proven to be useless in marketing studies. Fax marketing is just plain annoying. Email is spam.

Forget about it.

Jere answers:

You have to visit each office personally. Have your menu with you (that shows your website, and your e-mail address), and drop it off at the reception desk. Ask “Who do I call to follow up on this.” You’ll almost always get the name of the person responsible for ordering food in. Make your followup phone call a day or two later.

Repeat for 10 offices each day. There is no shortcut to this process.

Jere answers:

Email Marketing is very much in trend right now. If you have an email account then you must be quite aware about the emails you get every day. Companies want to target their customers in all possible ways and emails are something that most of the people use on everyday basis. It has become our routines to check emails and look for something interesting. If you use email marketing in a right way then you might get the desired business only through this source.

People are scared of spending money to buy email lists but I say if we are getting good deals, loads of emails and that too without wasting time to search for it then why not. Its going to repay back with profits only. Imagine reaching company’s CEO or such higher authorities directly to promote your business. Doesn’t it sound good. You just need to find a perfect way.

Our company has been buying data from http://frescodata.com since last eight months or so and we haven’t faced a problem yet. They keep updating their data regularly. Best for B2B dealing I would say. We recently bought 2 Million Australian Business executive email list and it was perfect. See the website I hope you will find what you are looking for.

All the best!!

Jere answers:

Greg,
There many programs available that can make you a lot of money, however there also a lot of programs that are worthless. The question is, how will you know which is which.

You can go to review sites that will compare different programs, but again you must know how to analyze it. You can ask your friends who are already successful, but ultimately you have to make an informed decision and bear the consequences.

To be able to do that you must know enough, or as much as you can about internet marketing, do not jump into it without preparing yourself. Too many programs are over-hyped and sold for $200 to over $1,000, it might have worked for the promoters but will it work for you?

My suggestion is to learn about internet marketing first. The market is huge, you are not limited to sell in your own city but you can sell worldwide. However, to minimize the hassle, do not start selling your own product but become an affiliate of a reputable company like Amazon or Clickbank.

Amazon is the largest internet marketer ($28 billion), it started with books but is now very big in electronics. You have to become an affiliate and promote it on your website.
Clickbank offers digital products from many vendors wordlwide, and their commission is much bigger than Amazon, it can start at a few dollar to over $100 per sale. The good things is you only have to do the sale, everything else – from billing to delivering and paying your commission is handled by Clickbank.

The key is to
– promote sale-able products, (which one?)
– find a niche market (who is likely to buy it)
– create a web site (how to make an attractive sales page?)
– get a high ranking with Google search ( search engine optimized)
– generate traffic (what keywords to use?)
– promote it to them. (how to make it appealing?)
– and hope that they will buy (call to action to generate conversion)

In the end the most important factors are how to get Traffic (visitors) and how to get Conversion (they buy).

You can learn this for free – with Ebooks and Videos – at
http://www.internet-marketingtools.biz/
Prepare to really study all the material, do it at your own pace but try to understand all the steps. The programs are done on a step by step basis, so you can progress at your own speed.

Once you have done this, you will be better equipped and can easily compare different programs and choose the one that fits your needs.

Sorry, it is a little long to answer your question but if you do this you will be in charge of your own destiny not just depending on biased reviews.

Hope this helps

Victor

Jere answers:

Tasha-
This is a problem that most people encounter. A fews things to keep in mind before purchasing hair extensions.
1. Make sure that you buy extension that match your color and texture. All super-expensive hair isn’t for everyone. Neither is the lower priced hair. Look and feel the hair in the store and holding it up to yours even trying to blend it in with yours to make sure its the right match.

2. If you are doing them yourself its all about placement. If you are experienced with them you are likely to not be satisfied with the end result of things. You want your tracks to be covered and blended well some when you walk, run, jog, dancing or whatever its looks and moves like your own! Also make sure to bruch them regularly to keep them tangle free.

3. If you are going to a salon be sure that that person is skill and ask for reference and photos of previous work. SO many people will do anything for a quick buck.

These are just a few things that will help you along your extension journey! Feel free to visit my hair care blog at http://couturecoiffres.blogspot.com and follow me!

Also if you are in the Chicagoland area in search of a stylist feel free to contact me at haircaremaven@gmail.com or at www,platinumimages.biz in the “Contact us” section. All inquiries are answered within 24 hours!

These are just a few thing

Jere answers:

Prelims; yes
why free-so they can get your title insurance biz.
Pure and simple

Jere answers:

Http://www.biz.indygov.org/

You don’t necessarily have to pay. Above is the link for the Marion County government web site. I found it by googling “Marion County” and “Indiana.”

If you click on “court records” at the top of that page, it seems to indicate that you need to pay with a credit card to view online. I don’t get that because in many states like Florida, it’s all open access and free.

However if you click on “property search” at the top of that page, it looks like you can do property searches for free. That generally tells you who bought a property, what they paid for it, and what the taxes are — not liens per se.

Usually to find out if someone had a lien put on them, you would go to the county clerk of court web site — sometimes you can find these things by googling the name of the county, along with search terms like “clerk, court, official records,” etc.

Then look for a link that says something like “official records” or “public records.”

They really shouldn’t be charging you for this. But if you have to pay anyone, I guess it would be best to go through the county’s web site and do it. It probably would be cheaper than going through some online private investigator service.

Try surfing around on the web site link above — it may very well be there’s a link somewhere that lets you search the county’s public records for free. But if it’s there, I didn’t find it.

Hope this helps.

Jere answers:

She isn’t ur real friend. She’s using you for secrets. Tell her you didn’t like that she did that and if she keeps doing it, drop her like a sack of BRICKS

Jere answers:

What kind of services are you looking for?
I am registered with the chambert of commerce here in tx as a personal business secretary, here at home I have my own office/
personal computer/fax/copier, but if you are looking for somebody
close by, go to chamber of commerce or go online and put personal
business secretary/services.

Jere answers:

Since your business is local wrt the range in which you can get customers – your marketing and advertising need to be local as well. Never count on just one marketing idea to get the word out – you need a whole strategy – think more, more, more.

Consider the kind of people and families who get on location family or couple photos. My experience is most of the time they are upscale. I lived in San Diego for ten years. So, it makes sense to market in the upscale communities like Del Mar, La Jolla, Carlsbad, Rancho Santa Fe and others.

If you want to get in with an upscale crowd you have to hang out where they hang out.

Here’s one good idea: Do some research either online or through the newspaper or at the library and find out what kind of charity events are coming up in the next few months. This is a perfect time of year to do it – because the holidays are coming up and that’s when these events take place. Many events will either sell raffle tickets for prizes or have a silent auction.

Offer a basic level photography package as a prize or silent auction item, but make sure that means you get one free ticket to the event. Or, at the very least, they give you a deeply discounted ticket for the event itself.

When the event is advertised your business name will show up as someone who donated a prize. There will be a table or tables with all the prizes/auction items. Get dressed up, go to the event and network like crazy with these people. Hand out business cards – and get ’em from others.

And consider promotional onsite photos for businesses too – like a picture of a CEO and staff standing outside their place of business. Do a good job on that shot and later his wife will be calling you to do their family portrait on the beach or against the backdrop of the old Spanish architecture at Balboa Park or something.

Hope this is helpful to you.

All the best,

Denise Michaels
Author, “Testosterone-free Marketing”
Get the book at: http://www.tfmbook.com
Visit me online at: http://www.mentoringwithdenise.com

Jere answers:

I use a small company for my internet marketing. They do a great job and drive a lot of business to me. ( www.internetmarketingofsandiego.com ). However, they type of business you would use is up to the type of your business. I have a local business, and this business specializes in local business marketing (I don’t need to have people in New York seeing my website as much as I need people in San Diego to view it).

If you have a more national or global business, then you would need to use some type of internet marketing, email marketing, sms marketing, search engine marketing company that would be able to get you widespread marketing. You can always do it yourself (see seomoz.org) but it is very time consuming and meticulous to get it to work right). I only pay about $200/mo and receive about $18,000 in business using a focused marketing company.

Jere answers:

You will need a webhost that supports php for osCommerce. I would recommend that you move away from Frontpage as it’s a product that no longer is supported by Microsoft. Instead, you can build a free professional website with Microsoft Office Live Small Business – http://starturl.com/officelive . It comes with a free online design tool that lets you create web pages without coding. Currently, MS is offering a free domain name (i.e. Yournonprofit.com) for the first year. To add ecommerce capability, you can add paypal buttons/shopping cart yourself or you can add the Store Manager add-on to your office live site.

Jere answers:

Today online shopping store is good business to open.