Creating A Network That WorksWritten by Diane Hughes
Do you ever stand in awe of those people who seem to know everybody and everything? I know I do! Regardless of what you're looking for, these people have their finger on pulse of 'Net and know where to find it. Their network of resources and people is incredible! Yours can be, too. It's actually very simple to create a network that works to bring you business, offers feedback and provides those resources that we all need to have.---- Make A Wish List The first step in creating a network that works is making a list of what you want. Go ahead, think of perfect situation where you would have anything you needed at your fingertips. For example, if you have a Web design business you might find it very helpful to create associations with people who offer services that compliment yours. Why? Because if these people are heavily involved with process of getting a Web-based business up and going, they could send you many leads and that could turn into paying clients. What else might you want? Perhaps free advertising or publicity to bring more business your way? Sure! Write it down on wish list. ---- Making Wishes Come True Now, next step is to find resources you need in order to make those wishes realities. It's not as difficult as it sounds. Just expand on your wish list a bit in following way. We mentioned needing associations with service providers that compliment our example of Web design. So write down companies that provide: Web hosting, merchant accounts, shopping carts, autoresponders, Internet checks, copywriting, graphic design and scripting/programming. We also said we needed some advertising or publicity. So add to list following: ezine ad swaps, banner ad swaps, local newspapers, local TV and radio stations, Chambers of Commerce. Finally, it's time to go to work. The best way to start is to alert your friends and associates of what you are trying to accomplish. It's simple to send a quick email that states something to effect of, "I'm in process of expanding my resources and find I'm in need of following [provide list]. If you know of anyone who you highly recommend in one of above areas, please offer them my phone number and email address. I am interested in arranging a joint affiliation with them in order to increase both our businesses."
| | All The Comforts Of Home - Or Home Office!Written by Diane Hughes
With continued explosion of small business startups these days, home office setups are becoming more and more of an issue. You need all standard equipment of a brick and mortar business, but can you afford them? And does it really make a difference? The answer to both questions is yes!Many home business entrepreneurs feel that if they don’t have clients stopping by, they don’t need to have a good office setup. An old desk, your child’s forsaken bookshelf, a chair from kitchen table, and a miscellaneous table or two will work just fine. The rest is just fluff. However, consider these things. Every human being responds to his/her surroundings in one form or another. When your office looks like a professional place of business, you actually respond by being more professional with your clients and vendors. But more importantly, "leftover" desks and chairs are normally not as comfortable as furniture specifically designed for an office. When you spend a tremendous amount of time at your desk, you physically need it to be as comfortable as possible. Chairs that provide little support, desks that don’t offer enough space or aren’t ergonomically correct, and a setup that does not lend itself to ease and functionality often cause back, neck, shoulder, and eye strains. These may only manifest themselves in form of fatigue at first, but eventually can develop into more serious conditions.
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