Video Professor

If you have ever wanted to start your own home business, then you are certainly not alone. The advantages of a home business are obvious and numerous. The biggest advantage is that you are your own boss, and you can run your home business the way you want. It also allows for a more flexible lifestyle, less of a commute, and the ability to avoid all the bureaucratic nonsense that frustrates so many professionals, just to name a few.

You also have the ability to fill a niche market better because you can be a lot more specialized with a home business. So if you have a passion for something specific or if you just see a need that needs to be filled, you could create your own home business, and there is no telling how well it might be received. Take a look at some of these home business ideas from Entrepreneur.com that you might not ever think of.

Bathtub reglazing - The popular colors for bathtubs in the ‘70s were pink and blue; brown in the ‘80s; white in the ‘90s; and now black, as we head in the new millennium. Not all homeowners can afford to replace their bathtubs just to keep up with new and popular remodeling trends. However, many of these same homeowners can certainly afford to have their bathtubs reglazed as a method of inexpensively updating their bathrooms’ appearance. Starting a bathtub reglazing service requires very little working experience, and the equipment is readily available through paint and industrial supply stores. The service is best marketed by establishing alliances with industry-related businesses, such as construction companies and property maintenance companies who can utilize the service for their clients. The bathtub reglazing can also be marketed to end consumers via a display and demonstration booth that can be setup at home and garden trade shows to collect sales leads. The potential to profit will vary greatly in this home business and be determined by factors such as material cost markup, number of bathtubs reglazed, and operating overhead. However, once established, the business can easily generate an income in the range of $40 per hour.
Intercom Installation - Recent technology changes in intercom systems have made them extremely easy to install, as intercoms are now available in wireless form. Due to these recent changes in the product, starting a business that sells and installs wireless intercoms is a fantastic business opportunity for just about anyone, regardless of construction or business experience. Intercom systems have wide range of uses including: Installations in baby nurseries, residential and commercial. Business applications for warehouse to office communications. Security applications for residential and commercial door entry use. Overall this is a very good choice for a new low-investment home business start-up that has the potential to generate a very lucrative income for the owner-operator of the business.

Most people might not think of reglazing bathtubs or installing intercoms, but these are services that need to be filled, so you can take advantage of these areas with your own home business, especially if you have some construction or business experience.

If you have ever wanted to start your own home business, then you are certainly not alone. The advantages of a home business are obvious and numerous. The biggest advantage is that you are your own boss, and you can run your home business the way you want. It also allows for a more flexible lifestyle, less of a commute, and the ability to avoid all the bureaucratic nonsense that frustrates so many professionals, just to name a few.

You also have the ability to fill a niche market better because you can be a lot more specialized with a home business. So if you have a passion for something specific or if you just see a need that needs to be filled, you could create your own home business, and there is no telling how well it might be received. Take a look at some of these home business ideas from Entrepreneur.com that you might not ever think of.

Bathtub reglazing - The popular colors for bathtubs in the ‘70s were pink and blue; brown in the ‘80s; white in the ‘90s; and now black, as we head in the new millennium. Not all homeowners can afford to replace their bathtubs just to keep up with new and popular remodeling trends. However, many of these same homeowners can certainly afford to have their bathtubs reglazed as a method of inexpensively updating their bathrooms’ appearance. Starting a bathtub reglazing service requires very little working experience, and the equipment is readily available through paint and industrial supply stores. The service is best marketed by establishing alliances with industry-related businesses, such as construction companies and property maintenance companies who can utilize the service for their clients. The bathtub reglazing can also be marketed to end consumers via a display and demonstration booth that can be setup at home and garden trade shows to collect sales leads. The potential to profit will vary greatly in this home business and be determined by factors such as material cost markup, number of bathtubs reglazed, and operating overhead. However, once established, the business can easily generate an income in the range of $40 per hour.
Intercom Installation - Recent technology changes in intercom systems have made them extremely easy to install, as intercoms are now available in wireless form. Due to these recent changes in the product, starting a business that sells and installs wireless intercoms is a fantastic business opportunity for just about anyone, regardless of construction or business experience. Intercom systems have wide range of uses including: Installations in baby nurseries, residential and commercial. Business applications for warehouse to office communications. Security applications for residential and commercial door entry use. Overall this is a very good choice for a new low-investment home business start-up that has the potential to generate a very lucrative income for the owner-operator of the business.

Most people might not think of reglazing bathtubs or installing intercoms, but these are services that need to be filled, so you can take advantage of these areas with your own home business, especially if you have some construction or business experience.

We small business owners know firsthand the difficulties of funding our big ideas. Talk to any entrepreneur, and they will tell you that getting the money to get their business up and running was perhaps the most difficult and time-consuming roadblock standing in the way of realizing their small business goals. However, thanks to a number of state government programs, it is possible for small businesses to receive business grants.

Grants versus Loans?

So how does a grant differ from a loan? Generally a grant does not have to be paid back whereas a loan does. However, competition for certain grants is rigorous, and there may be defined obligations that the winner must meet.

Where is the money?

While the United States government does not award small business grants, many state and local governments do. So where do you find the information? The obvious first choice is to consult the Internet. Online you’ll find a number of different links to small business resources that cover grants and more. And while you will find more information that you can digest, you will find links to your state’s small business administration web site. The Small Business Administration is perhaps one of the best sources for small business information and funding. There you will find information on small business grants and other financing options.

Eliminate the Hype

While you’ll find an abundance of organizations, services lenders touting the small business grant, it is important to do your research before jumping in to any type of financial commitment. Not all financing is equal, and it is important to note that if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Additionally, there are many companies out there who prey upon aspiring small business owners by getting them to subscribe to business grant information services or by offering free CDs that contain the desired information. Sounds great, right? Sadly, there is no such thing as a free lunch. They ask for your credit card to process your shipping fee, but unbeknownst to those who do not read the fine print, they also charge you as much as $40 per month to access their information online.

If you have any questions regarding the integrity of grant offers you come across, make sure to visit the Better Business Bureau’s web site to do some research. Starting a small business is an exciting process that should be enjoyed. By being mindful of your financing options, you can ensure that your small business is up and running for years to come.

Last week, I started discussing and recapping an article I read on www.alltipsandtricks.com called “All For Time and Time For All: The 10 Commandments of Time Management”. This week I will continue sharing the lessons from this inspiring article about how you can manage your time stress and guilt free.

4. Don’t point blame, look for solutions.

When things get out of control, don’t blame anybody (including yourself), but look for solutions. No matter how much we like to think that we are in control, there are times in life when things take an unexpected course. It is very easy to screw up a project, or a marriage or a trip. A lot of people try to seek out the guilty, wasting time to collect evidence, to playback the failure over and over, to match the punishment with the guilt. If you recognize yourself in these words, at least for once in your life, please try to leave behind all this guilt-punishment mechanism, and focus your energy on what to do next. Seek for solutions. Think for the future, not for the past. Think “how?” instead of “why?” Don’t you see how much more constructive this approach can be? It can save you a lot of time. Not to mention that your peers will love you for that. 

5. Know when to quit.

Don’t continue doing something just because you started it. Life is not a competition. If you don’t find a reason anymore, just quit and start something new, be it a career or a hobby. Lengthening your misery will not benefit anyone. In fact, it will only leave you with more regret and resentfulness.

6. Don’t look back in anger.

We all know someone who spends way too much of their time thinking of the past, re-playing all the sad moments over and over. This is truly the ultimate waste of time. Time is much too valuable to let it all slip and waste away digging up the defeats of the past.

7. If you delegate things, assume the outcome may not be what you imagined.

There aren’t two identical people in the world. Then, why would you pretend that somebody thinks and acts exactly your way? If we are partners and you ask me to redecorate the office by myself because you are busy, please don’t come later to tell me that you hate the outcome. If redecoration was so important to you, you should have come with me and had your say then. Why do you come now and ask me to call the plumber again because you would have liked the sink to be mounted two inches lower? Of course I won’t move a finger, so you’ll have to do it by yourself, and you’ll waste your time doing again things for which I’ve also spent my time on. If you are a detailed person, at least look more closely at who you delegate for what task.

To be continued …

Maya S

I buy stuff from the eBay auction site all the time and have been for at least five years. Now, I think I am ready to start selling some items myself, but honestly I don’t know how to start selling my items on the eBay auction site. So I did some research and it goes something like this. First, I would need to sign up as a seller and provide all the information that the eBay auction site asks for and a credit card number. Once I have done that, I would be ready to begin listing my items. I found a top 10 tips for success on www.procomputernews.com/news. The article is called “A Beginner’s Guide to Selling on eBay.” It outlines ten tips that will help to make my auction a success so I can reap better profits from my sales. I selected five of these top ten tips that I found the most helpful.

1. Your title should be authoritative and tell exactly buyers what the item is. Instead of saying Turkey Platter, list specific info such as Turkey Platter, stoneware, late 70’s and maker. You are limited to around 80 characters for your title, so be sure to choose it wisely. Avoid words like ‘look,’ ‘must see’ etc., as most experienced eBay auction site shoppers don’t pay attention to them.

2. Choose the category for your listing carefully. With hundreds of different categories to choose from, this can be a bit difficult to determine. If you feel your item fits in more than one, feel free to select a second category. More than one category does incur extra fees, so be aware of that as you list.

3. A picture is worth a thousand words in an eBay auction site listing. All items need at least one picture. Higher priced items need more than one. Use a good quality digital camera or a scanner if the item is flat. Proof your pictures to make sure they are clear and crisp, and crop where needed.

4. List all the details of your item in the description box. Be sure to point out any flaws in the item. Think of any keywords that you would look for if you were searching for the item and include those in the description. Also list what payment methods you will accept, how long the buyer has to get payment to you and what shipping methods you will use.

5. Choose your listing time wisely. Many sellers feel that the eBay auction site has a higher traffic ratio on the weekends. Some feel that Sunday afternoons (between church times) are best, while others close their auctions late on Friday or Saturday night.

Selling on the eBay auction site sounded really scary to me because I was going to be responsible for items that I am selling to people I have never even seen. With some good advice and preparation, I have found my new endeavor profitable and fun.

Ladies, let’s be honest, we put a lot of stuff on our faces. From facial washes to lotions, blush, mascara, eyeliner and foundation, it’s a wonder the pores on our faces can breathe at all! And what’s more, do we read the labels about what exactly we are putting on our faces? Chances are, no. Just like I don’t like to eat things with ingredients that I can’t pronounce, I don’t want to put harsh chemicals on my skin or in my body.

So, what to do? Using “green products” these days isn’t reserved for those of us wearing Birkenstocks and eating granola. In fact, there are several cool and upcoming companies selling environment-friendly cosmetics. Take a look at companies like Lush, Aveda, Cargo, and Bert’s Bees, to name a few. From biodegradable lipsticks to organic face wash, you skin will thank you, as will the planet.

Environmentally friendly cosmetics will cost more, but there is a reason for that. Loopholes in the US federal law allow the $35 billion cosmetics industry to put virtually unlimited amounts of chemicals into personal care products with no required testing, no monitoring of health effects, and inadequate labeling requirements. So cosmetic companies don’t need to change their products to make them healthier for the planet and for you. In fact, one third of personal care products contain at least one chemical linked to cancer, according to the Skin Deep report by the Environmental Working Group, a partner of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

And speaking of environmentally friendly cosmetics, are we still living in a world where animals need to undergo painful testing just so our mascara looks its blackest and our shampoo makes our hair its shiniest? Animal welfare groups say that over 38,000 animals die needlessly every year in tests for new products. I, for one, say no thank you, there are plenty of companies that no longer test on animals. I have yet to hear of a person getting sick or dying from shampoo that wasn’t tested on a bunny.  

Overall, I think industries that have a large impact on the economy, like the cosmetics industry, should take responsibility for what they put into their products. And things are looking up, the natural personal care market had, “…an estimated value of $5 billion in 2004 and has grown by 50 percent since 2000,”according to safecosmetics.org. So we should be celebrating. The future is looking bright for environmentally friendly cosmetics. And all those anti-aging creams might just disappear from the shelves once people realize that their skin looks the way it does because of all the chemicals in the cosmetics and face wash they use.

Next time you go shopping, look at the labels. If you see “Active Ingredients” or “Derived From,” that means the company isn’t telling you the whole story. Watch out for petroleum in cosmetics and try to avoid products that test on animals. Environmentally friendly cosmetics are better for the earth, but they are also better for you. So, all the time and money you spend on creams and washes to make yourself look your best could be saved with a few products that bring back vitality to your skin and bring you back to a more natural and clean state of being.  

Everyone wants to be and have the best. They want to have the best car, the best house, the best family, the best pet and the best job. Which “best” do you want? Personally, I want the best job. I tend to think that if you are happy at work, your energy is up and you are smiling, all the other things will eventually fall into place. But, let’s say that right now, you aren’t happy at your job. Let’s say you want a career change. Well, now what do you do? How do you go about starting a new job? Change is tough, but with the advent of the Internet, finding a new job can be less stressful.

Starting Out

Starting from scratch is hard, and don’t let anyone tell you it isn’t. It takes time, devotion and endurance. If you wanted to take the easy route, you should have stayed where you were. But did anyone ever get anywhere great without struggling a little (Paris Hilton is not included)?

As our world moves online, businesses are doing the same. They realize the potential global market and are taking advantage of it. So, why not do the same? What would make your job feel great? Being your own boss perhaps? So, with that in mind, let’s talk about eBay. eBay is in the foreground of the new business market and the best eBay business idea could be in your head right now. Do you have a skill, or a niche interest? Well, chances are, on the Internet, there is someone looking for what you have to offer. The best eBay business isn’t necessarily selling jewelry or movie memorabilia (although it could be), the best eBay business is what you make it! If you love origami, the best eBay business for you might have something to do with origami, or cooking, or matchbooks, or watch repair. Really, when it comes to eBay, the sky is the limit. If a man can sell a jar with his cousin’s ghost in it, why can’t you sell your collection of vintage postcards?

Moving Up

So, what’s left other than getting started? eBay is easy to use, and very user friendly. If you have never been on eBay before, look around the site. See the other businesses online and see where you fit in. The best eBay business is an open slot, because on eBay there are so many different people selling so many different things, you can find your place and sell your product with a little effort, some good pictures and writing, and the right attitude.

A picture is worth a thousand words. Simply put, if you want to sell your item on eBay, a picture will help draw in more views and start the bidding faster. Pictures can do a lot for your eBay page. When you post pictures on eBay, you are helping the prospective buyers. When you go into a store, you like to see what you are about to purchase, it works the same on eBay. Reading an item description is great, but seeing a photo of the item next to the description is even better.

Take Pictures That are Worth Posting

The easiest way to get photos on eBay is by using a digital camera. The process will be much faster and easier. So, for arguments sake, let’s say you have a digital camera on hand. Next, set up an area to take the picture. Make sure the area isn’t cluttered, simple can be better, it will draw your attention to the subject (your object for sale). A solid background will emphasize the item you are selling. Remember that when you post pictures on eBay, you want your item to look its best. Try playing with the lighting. Good lighting can make all the difference. If you are selling clothing, you might want to consider investing about $10 to buy a half mannequin. When you post pictures on eBay, remember that you are trying to convey a certain feeling to your perspective buyer. Advertise your item in a way that it might appeal to you, as well!

The Don’ts of Photo Taking for eBay

Since we just went over the things to do when you want to post pictures on eBay, let’s talk about the things you should avoid.

• Don’t copy pictures without permission from another eBay seller or manufacturer/retailer. You can get in some copyright trouble and infringement issues could arise. 
• Avoid using a flash if your item is reflective. So, mirrors, glass on picture frames, crystal, etc. should be captured flash-free.
• A good rule of thumb is to avoid using the flash at all. If the flash comes on automatically, try adding more light yourself to the scene.
• Don’t let your item get lost in the scene, take a close-up if necessary.

Buyers really like pictures, and the more pictures you have, the more they’ll feel like buying their item from you, and not from your competitor. Many buyers will avoid a site completely if the seller did not post pictures on eBay.
 
Good pictures show that you mean business. They help create trust between you and the buyer. Spending time on the photos could mean you will offer great customer service. And, they help your auction stand out. Generally speaking, people are drawn to visual aides and are more likely to pay attention to a result with a picture. So, when you post pictures on eBay, does it mean that you will always make a sale? No, but it will increase your chances.

Online shopping is here to stay. More and more people buy items online all the time and a more diverse array of products are available. Any major store gives you the option of shopping online and many independently owned stores with net savvy are increasing their business by selling items online. It is simply smart business planning. You can either join the online community or let its benefits pass you by. As a consumer you can chose to go the old-fashioned route and do your shopping by leaving the house. But if you are short on time, have limited transportation options or any other reason to look into shopping online, then do so. Online shopping can provide you with another level of convenience and a larger selection, but do so with a little caution. Shopping on the Internet is a relatively safe venture, but it still offers a window for online criminals to access your financial information if you are not careful. So take the time to read over some of these tips for shopping safely online and seek out some extra security measures if you shop online frequently.

One of the biggest steps you can take is keeping your browser up to date because online criminals will try to exploit weaknesses they are aware of. Installing patches and keeping everything else up to date will lessen the chances that your browser will have the weaknesses that online thieves are aware of and can exploit. If you can, set your browser up so that it can receive automatic updates for problems like this.

Other aspects to keep up to date are your anti-virus software, anti-spyware software and a firewall. A virus can give someone access to your computer and information while also causing damage within your computer, so make sure to have a reliable anti-virus program and keep it updated because viruses are constantly evolving.

You can also adjust the security settings within your e-mail provider and browser. It is important that you walk the line between security and functionality when working with these settings. The default settings for most of these programs allow for maximum functionality, but this setting can make your e-mail or Internet more vulnerable to attacks. So take some time to investigate these security settings and find the maximum security level that still allows you to perform all the tasks that you want to do.

Make sure that you are buying from a reputable business and that you are creating secure passwords. Check on physical addresses or phone numbers if the business has a physical location as well. Look for misspellings or poor web site functionality. The better the business takes care of its web site, the more serious and trustworthy they are likely to be. Don’t use obvious passwords like a birthday, address or pet’s name. Make it something you can remember, but also something that is very hard to guess. Combinations with numbers and symbols are best for sites that allow for this in passwords.

Online shopping can be very convenient and, more often than not, it is safe as long as you show a little bit of caution. 

I was recently cruising around the Net, utilizing my favorite search engine, Google™, for information on personal development. The amount of available information is amazing, both from experts and people with good ideas on making life more manageable. I saw a link entitled “All For Time and Time For All: The 10 Commandments of Time Management” on the terrific web site www.alltipsandtricks.com. Hmmmm, that topic sounds interesting to me. It seems that in a time when everything is more convenient than ever, we should have more time on our hands, but quite the contrary, we just put more on our plate. These tips are quite helpful for getting things done while maintaining your sanity. Here is my take on the first three “commandments”.

1. Don’t wait until things become urgent.

Sometimes when things become urgent and need to be done, we go a little nutty. The problem is not just that we have so much to do, but that we view it as we have so much to do and not enough time. Perspective is everything. The truth is usually that we don’t need more physical time, we simply need to believe that the time we have is enough for everything that needs doing. Wrap your mind around that!

2. Make a to-do list.

Forgetfulness is human nature, and spending your whole day running everything you need to do through your head is just exhausting. If you spend no more than 10 minutes every other hour thinking of what the things are that need to be done, by the end of the day you’ve had spent about one hour on the planning process. Try this instead. Every morning sit down for a minute and think your day ahead. Write down the things you wish/need/think to do that day. Your brain will kiss you for that. The longest to-do list can be done in less than 10 minutes.

3. Dare to break the to-do list.

Inflexibility leads to stress so be flexible during the course of your day. If by midday, your list is antiquated, simply change it … no big deal. Priorities can and often will change as the day goes on, just like as life goes on. Change and evolve with them. If there are things on your list that are based on mood, you can always take them off. If you have working out at the gym on your list, but don’t have it in you physically, then move it onto tomorrow’s list. Doing things when you are in the mood saves you a lot of time.

To be continued…

Maya S.

Read Part Two Here