Well no MORE!  You must go to Sparkplugging and vote for me. I’Ve even created a little section in my sidebar now for things like this. Umm, guess I should start doing things I regularly do for others right? K, add it to my list! lol

Anyway, this is a big list to voite for your fav wahm blog. I sincerely hope i get a vote from you. If not, please send me an email valselby at gmail.com or comment here and let me know why I don’t get your vote. I can’t make it better if I don’t know!

Share This

Is It Time to Quit, or Are You Simply Afraid?

by Donna Gunter, The Online Biz Resource Queen (TM)

“You give up too easily,” is what my 10-year old next door neighbor, Mike, told me in 1972 or so when I wanted to quit playing our game of chase.  I couldn’t seem to tag him “out” as the last player the game, despite my best efforts of 10 minutes of trying. Of course, I vigorously denied that accusation, but have been given cause to think about what he told more than once, especially recently.

In my teens and early 20s, I was the most goal-driven, type A personality of anyone that I knew.  Whatever I wanted, I set a goal to achieve it, no matter what.  And, to my credit, that determination helped me a great deal.  It helped me find a way to pay for 2 college degrees without any help or support from my parents, who thought college was a complete waste of time. It gave me the courage to move to take my first professional job in the northeast U.S., a “foreign country,” as I thought of it at the time, since I’d never stepped foot out of southern culture.  That move that opened my eyes to a whole new way of thinking and of doing things.  At that time in my life, failure wasn’t an option.  And, I most certainly viewed quitting as failure.

And, through the school of hard knocks in the subsequent years, I became intimately acquainted with failure. I “quit” both of my college degrees, as I discovered too late that I was bored out of my mind with my choice of my bachelor’s degrees (Speech Pathology/Audiology), and then stayed in a job too long and suffered from severe burnout so that I “quit” my career afforded me by my master’s degree in higher education administration and completely left the field.  I then started a business in the crafts industry but “quit” that when it was no longer fun, and I realized that I didn’t really have the skills to pull it off.

My life was in shambles at the time, as I desperately searched for what I wanted to do when I grew up, and when I finally latched onto the notion of starting my own business as a virtual assistant, my marriage couldn’t take the strain of that decision.  So, I decided to “quit” my marriage and ask for a divorce and move back to my home state of Texas and reinvent myself.  A few years later, after successfully launching my business, I decided to relocate to Arkansas in pursuit of another business opportunity, which turned out to be yet another failure, and I “quit” that as well.

I spent much of this time second-guessing myself and my decisions, wondering if I was quitting too soon because the going got rough and I was afraid, or if it was just really time to quit and move on.  I discovered that I wasn’t alone in my thinking when I recently read Seth Godin’s book, The Dip.  He defines the dip as a temporary setback that you will overcome if you keep pushing. So starting a new business venture is fun and thrilling in the beginning, but after two or three years, it can become very hard and not much fun at all.  But, on the other side starting a successful business, most people can see that they are changed for the better, have learned much along the way, and are hopefully making money from the venture.

So, how do you decide if you’re simply in a dip, or if you really need to quit?  Godin says you need to make two considerations:

1.  Do you have the resources to get through it? and
2.  Is it worth what it will take?

As I evaluated my “quitting” as described above, it occurred to me that the answer in all cases to both questions was a loud and clear “No!”  Why?   Because I’d been secretly settling for mediocrity all along.  It was time to quit when the things I was measuring weren’t improving, and I simply couldn’t find anything better to measure.  Most importantly, the sick feeling in my gut that I experienced at the time at the thought of continuing wouldn’t let me continue.

I’ve had moments of panic and fear along my journey, as well, and trying to distinguish between the fear and when I’m at a dead-end has been difficult.  What have I discovered?  The difference between a dead-end and a dip.  The dead-end won’t get better, no matter how much I try, and the dip makes me feel panicked and scared because I know that I will be great at something and that scares the hell out of me because it pushes me completely outside my comfort zone.  More importantly, in a dip, I’ve realized that the end justifies the means.

I’m currently involved in moving a business venture extensively outside my comfort zone, and it scares me to death.  I often wake up in the middle of the night thinking, “What, are you crazy?  You have no idea about what you’re doing.  Everyone is going to figure out that you’re completely clueless — a complete fake.”

And that tells me that I’m right on course for success..;)

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this blurb with it: Online Business Resource Queen (TM) and Online Business Coach Donna Gunter helps independent service professionals learn how to automate their businesses, leverage their expertise on the Internet, and get more clients online. To claim your FR*EE gift, TurboCharge Your Online Marketing Toolkit, visit her site at OnlineBizU.com. Ask Donna an Internet Marketing question at  AskDonnaGunter.com.

Share This

By Alice Seba, Teacher at Internet Marketing Copy Makeover

If you sell any type of product, it’s no secret that copywriting skills (or a skilled copywriter on hand) goes a long way to selling more. We have just a few moments to grab a visitor’s attention, draw them into our offer and make the sale. We need to anticipate their objections and questions because most will click away to another seller instead of sending you an email to ask.

It sounds daunting, but it can be done by improving your own copywriting skills. But how do you do that?

Here are Your Three Tips:

1. Theory is Important: Getting to know the basics and then applying them to your own business is an important first step to learning to sell more through your writing. Start with a copywriting book or course that takes you from the beginning.

2. Study Others: Take a look at other sales copy that you find compelling and/or know that produces good sales results. Copy reaching a similar target market to yours is helpful, but GOOD copy in any market will give you very good clues to what works and what might not work.

3. Test Your Own: As you apply what you learn to your own copy, track the results. Copywriting isn’t an absolute science and some techniques may or may not work. Make sure you are testing your copy results to ensure you’re working toward continuous improvement.

These are the same basic steps I took when getting started. And actually, I still do these things because the cool thing about copywriting is that you can keep getting better all the time — and keep improving your response rates. That’s definitely good for business!

Recommended for Further Study:

For more help with your crafting copy that will bring you ultra-targeted prospects that will buy from you over and over again, check out Alice Seba’s Internet Marketing Copy Makeover. This one-on-one 4-week coaching program is customized to the needs of your unique business and shows you how to transform your current under-performing copy into an effective sales tool.

Download a Free Headline Tips, Sales Letter Template & Checklist at Internet Marketing Copywrite Makeover.

Share This

By Alice Seba, Teacher at Internet Marketing Copy Makeover

When I first heard someone say “swipe file” in regard to copywriting a few years back, I was horrified. If you’re not familiar with the term, it’s basically keeping a folder (printed or digital) of sales copy to refer to when crafting your own copy.

I know!

It seemed like people were suggesting that I keep a swipe file, so I could actually plagiarize the copy of others. It was totally shocking. But really, that is not the purpose of a swipe file. Keeping a swipe file is simply a learning opportunity to improve your own copywriting skills.

Here are three reasons why keeping a swipe file is a GOOD thing:

1. One of the best ways to dramatically improve your own copywriting, is to study the copywriting of others. Yes, getting a foundation in copywriting principles that can be found in copywriting books is important, but honing your skills comes from study and of course, practice. Studying shows you how people can create compelling stories, make copy flow and transition seamlessly and more.

2. Studying the copy of others increases your copywriting vocabulary. By studying copy, you start to see which words and phrases can be most powerful. Sure, you can buy lists of “power words” or “power phrases”, but seeing them in action really solidifies how it all works.

3. Just use your brain when you use your swipe file. Realize that every product and every target market is different. What works well with one, may not work well with others. Also, there is often some specific logic in using a particular angle, wording, etc. in copy - and you need to build your understandings of the WHY certain things are done in certain ways. Through basic and then in-depth study and practice, these things will become more obvious to you.

So…what’s in your swipe file? If you don’t have one yet, keep your eyes peeled for great sales copy to add to your file.

Recommended for Further Study:

For more help with your crafting copy that will bring you ultra-targeted prospects that will buy from you over and over again, check out Alice Seba’s Internet Marketing Copy Makeover. This one-on-one 4-week coaching program is customized to the needs of your unique business and shows you how to transform your current under-performing copy into an effective sales tool.

Download a Free Headline Tips, Sales Letter Template & Checklist at Internet Marketing Copywrite Makeover.

Share This

<a href=”http://www.busymomma.mineralicious.com/”>Mineralicious</a> has everything you could ever need for makeup.  Foundation, blush, eyeshadow, brushes and face wash all in one site.  All homemade by a fellow Mom.  Of course a major selling point to myself is that another Mom owns the site and makes the products, but the price is very affordable.  The economy is super tight, but we still need to look good and feel good.  Doing so does not have to break the bank and Mineralicious proves that!

Shop or join for a very affordable price.  <a href=”http://www.busymomma.mineralicious.com/”>Mineralicious</a> for those looking for mineral makeup or a new job opportunity.  The owner is there for you all the way.

Share This

There are a lot of Moms and WAHMs out there looking for a company to join. At WAHMchats, we would like to help them make an informed decision when it comes to starting a new venture.  Check out multiple companies in one day and enjoy a class to you help you pick the company that is right for you. Find out all the details about joining their company and being active in the party and then ask the rep the questions YOU really need answers to.

Business Opportunity Fair Schedule

11-11:45 - Mary Kay : Diane McLachlan : We are more than makeup. We are more about proper skin care. Everyone has skin and everyone wants it to look wonderful. You can help others feel good about themselves.

11:45-12:15 - The Scented Tub : Val Selby - US Manager : Join now and receive your sign up fee back in store credit! Sign ups start at only $5.

12:15-1 - Unique Diva Boutique : Sabrae Carter

1-1:45 - Usborne Books : Tina Peterson : **September’s Kit is $35 with a FREE website and I will be offering an additional $25 in FREE books (your choice) as a gift from me! Come see what Usborne Books has to offer you, your family & your community! Click to see September’s special: http://www.ubah.com/consultant/PDF/sept2008recruiting.pdf

1:45-2:30 - Greeting Card Connections : Lauren Haugh : Lauren Haugh : Who do you know that could benefit from an unexpected card? Learn about the 3 ways to become a “Sender of Cards” and the business opportunity that gives you 7 ways to earn. Join as an Entrepreneur to receive compensation as you help others become senders of cards.

2:30-3:15 - Tomboy Tools : Linda Jirous : Tomboy Tools is offering a $99.00 dollar new consultant special!!! This is a savings of $60.00! The tools alone are valued at over $140.00 plus you get all the business materials. I am offering to a new team member a $25.00 Tomboy Tool gift certificate after they hold their first event.

3:15-4 - Gold Canyon Candles : Heather Magallanes : Gold Canyon MORE THEN JUST CANDLES SHOP ONLINE - $5.95* SHIPPING EVERYDAY!
New Demonstrators – Choose Your Discounted Kit and More! New Demonstrators can choose between the full Demonstrator Kit for a discounted price of $99 (Save $76) or the Sampler Kit for a discounted price of $49 (Save $50).

4-4:45 - Homemade Gourmet : Nikki Ilgen : ** Homemade Gourmet is one of the top Up & Coming Homebased Businesses according to Family Circle.**…Homemade Gourmet provides the products & ideas that makes today’s home cooking easy for people with busy lifestyles….Sign up by 9/30/08 for only $39.00 (plus shipping & tax) and receive a bonus coupon for $39.50 in free product with your initial order. Entry Level Opportunity!

5-6 - Business Class - “Choosing Your Direct Sales Business” We’ll go over great tips to help you choose the right business for you. All participants will also get the incredible ebook for further information.

6:15-7 - UndercoverWear Parties by Marylyn : Marylyn Friedmann : **September Recruit Special for Military Dependents…FREE $125 Kit (Value $250)! **September Recruit Special: Receive $60 FREE additional merchandise to add to kit!**

7-7:30 - Lokelani Designs : Marianne Glynn : September Sign-On Bonus! Consultants who sign-on in September receive our versatile 3-Strand Rolo Necklace ($60) for FREE!

7:30-8 - ~Passion Parties by Janet~ : Janet Piccarillo : Join my team Today and receive: **250 biz cards **$100 worth of Passion products to get you started with your new business!!

8-8:30 - Taste of Home Entertaining : Holly Weissenhofer : Smart Start incentives for new consultants! Earn product, free gas, an iphone, laptop and more! Special incentive for anyone signing by end of Sept….also earn a free new metal tray after your 1st party! Check us out!

8:30-9 - Thirty-One Gifts : Patti Wentz : Join my team and get 25 extra catalogs to get you started right away!

9-9:30 - South Main Designs : Charity Treat : Free to join! Join my team, & receive a FREE pair of earrings!

9:30-10 - Cherish Bound : Tara Brown : Anyone who schedules a sponsoring appointment at the close of my presentation and holds it within 48 hours of the event will receive a free Cherish Bound Story Starter. New Consultants that sign up will receive $29 in publishing from me! Kits start at $99.

Share This

Finding a good affiliate program can make the difference between making pennies and making a good income from your affiliate recommendations. This is especially true if you are new to affiliate marketing and need a little hand-holding and support to get you started. Unfortunately, if you are new it can be a little daunting to try and figure out what you need from an affiliate program. You are probably new to starting your business as it is.

I have three quick starter tips to help you ensure that your affiliate recommendations are going to be valid.

A solid product

Your recommendation will be much more powerful if you’ve had a chance to experience the product first hand. This is often much easier with inexpensive e-books and other products with a low price point. If you can’t afford a product that you’d really like to promote, don’t be shy about asking the affiliate manager for a review copy. You may not always get a positive response, but it’s worth asking to ensure your recommendations are always solid.

A solid reputation

Be diligent in researching the products and companies you plan to recommend. A quick search should ensure that the products you are considering have a solid reputation for quality and customer service. You don’t want to erode the trust that others have placed in you by recommending those with questionable histories. If it’s a new product or company, and you’re new to affiliate marketing, it’s likely best to pass unless you have a personal connection to the founders that assures you of their integrity.

Look up other reviews of the product. Also google any poor reviews there may be. Don’t discount the product if you only find one or two bad reviews out there. We all know there will be people that are not happy no matter how well they are treated, so take that in to consideration when you research.

Do they provide more than just a link to a sales page to help you promote the product?

A sales page might be a fine start if you’re an experienced affiliate marketer, but most newcomers need more promotion resources. Look for programs that provide you with graphics, sample emails, reprint articles and special reports. In other words, look for programs that provide marketing support and materials. This will get also help you brainstorm some other great article topics you can write up to promote the product.

To learn more of the basics of affiliate marketing, grab your free registration to Moms Affiliate Expo.

Share This

Once upon at time, and it really wasn’t that long ago – I thought affiliate marketing was something for other people. People with big lists and massive websites. If you’re having similar thoughts, let me tell you now, it’s simply not true.

You don’t need to build a list first. You don’t need to have all the pieces of your business plan in place first. You can get started with affiliate marketing with very little. In affiliate marketing, it’s okay to start small.

Of course, you won’t be making millions in your sleep overnight. That’s not what affiliate marketing is really about. It’s about recommending products and services that you believe will serve others in return for a small commission.

You’ll start small and grow slow, but you’ll be able to build a steady income over time. The beauty of affiliate marketing is the residual effects that are only evident over the passage of time.

I know I had my doubts. For well over a year, I resisted the lure of affiliate marketing. It wasn’t hard to convince myself that it would be a waste of time. Anytime I thought about it, my mind would answer “Who are you kidding? Who is going to buy from me?”

Self-doubt could be keeping you from achieving all you were intended. It gives me shivers to think what my life might be like now if I hadn’t started. Would I have been able to support my son as a single mom over these past years without the income earned through affiliate marketing?

As long as you are willing to commit yourself to working your business and are willing to learn, there is no reason you can’t reap the benefits of affiliate marketing for yourself. It really is a simple matter of deciding that you want to try and then finding the resources that will help you make the journey.

Lack of funds is not a barrier to getting started with affiliate marketing. In many cases, you can get started with no money at all, simply sign up for the programs that appeal to you and start promoting to your existing audience. If you don’t already have a blog and domain name of your own, it might cost $20 to get up and running.

So what’s stopping you from getting started?

Kelly McCausey is the mom behind Work at Home Moms Talk Radio and is hosting Moms Affiliate Expo, a free opportunity for moms to learn more about affiliate marketing.

Share This

Also look into adding sample gal as an advertising agent for your business.  It’s easy to send in a box of samples and have them get out to your market.  There are even specialty boxes you can be included in.  What a great marketing avenue to be in a niche sample box!

Share This

If bridging the gap between your street address and your web address is your goal, then the Dream Big! Web Marketing 101 class is all you’ve been hoping and looking for.

In 6 short weeks they will walk you through each step you need to take to get your business off and running. But not only will they walk you through it, they will explain everything in plain old English so you know what you are doing and can keep doing it forever.

Order quickly and take $125 off your tuition! Also the first 15 to sign up will get an ipod shuffle. Great to use so you can listen to the weekly audio anywhere you go.

There are too many features to list in one blog post. Hit the sales page and see everything included in the class including private forums for coaching on each weeks lesson.

Make your business dream a reality and sign up for the Web Marketing 101 class today!

Share This