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Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2011

Creating Fillers

A filler for business is marketing materials sent to others and usually grouped together in packs. This is a great networking and marketing tool. These are great to hand out at vendor fairs with just your information.

A good filler has a business card, brochure or catalog, and a sample or promotional item. These should be neatly put together or attached.

Above you see a few ideas for fillers sent in to me recently to be placed inside a tote that will be given out during my local Relay for Life event on June 10, 2011. Some are simple while others are more elaborate.

You can join groups such as mompack.com and start your own filler packs. Include them in orders, hand out during customer or hostess meetings, pass out at fairs, or anytime you come across a potential customer. They are fun to receive as a little gift and makes you memorable. Of course when passing out filler packs be sure your own information is included. I like to add my business card to the outside of the pack I give out.

I use 6"x9" sealed cellophane envelopes. All fillers I collect must fit within this. I do not collect fillers for the same business or similar business I am in. I also am careful not to place competing reps within the same pack as well. I take in several at once so I can organize them easily and not overlap. I take 1 day a month to create my fillers. Because of this I only collect enough to give out in 1 month. One so I don't have tons and tons of fillers and two I don't have fillers for longer than I need that may have promotions and coupons that will expire before I can pass these out. At this time I only give out about 25 a month. Soon I will be doubling this so I will take more than this in the next few months. Some do not do this and that is ok. Everyone creates theirs how they choose. This is just how I create mine.

Filler packs are a lot of fun to assemble and pass out. They have brought me much success and are very appreciated by those receiving them.

Olivia Vidal

© 2009-2011

Get in the Habit

Getting those business cards can be difficult to get out there. You can never remember when is it ok to hand them out, who to hand them out to, when it is not appropriate.

Here are my tips:

Whenever someone asks for your phone number regardless of what it is, hand them a business card. I just hand them one and tell them its easy to to give you this and it has my email in case you ever need it.

When someone asks about my business I hand them one and tell them call me sometime and lets have a drink. It keeps it casual and keeps the gate open to a new customer.

I never leave them in areas that are iffy such as bathroom stalls. Some will tell you this is ok but I do not. Most times stores have policies against this and can just get you into hot water. Plus when the maintenence people come for a cleaning your cards go down the drain and possibly without one ever being seen.

I have a business card case which I have attached a magnetic version to the outside. When I am out having a drink with the girls or out to dinner I place this on the table. Most times the server will ask about it and I will give them a card. I don't leave a card because for me most times these just get throw away and never where I intended it to go.

When at the nail salon they have cards from others available. I will ask if I can leave some with them.

I trade business cards with my hair dresser. When someone needs a new stylist I had them a card. When he has a bride to be come in or hears of someone going to a bridal shower he passes on my card.

When I pass out cards I want to keep the ratio high when it comes to going into the hands of someone who will use it. I know not everyone will use them but I want this to be effective marketing.

What are your tips for passing out business cards effectively?

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2011

Market Like you Game

I am guilty of indulging in fun games that appear on social networks. One thing I see every day is comments of how nobody is making money or out of ideas but nobody has a problem asking for a tree for their farm. If you can share and exchange for entertainment, why not employ those same tactics in business?

Now let break this down a bit. You send everyone a request to be neighbor or for a special tool needed for a game. Does everyone respond? Those that do you continue to do "game" business with right? You may even pass on their name to others to help them gain levels and friends correct? Guess what!? You are networking! It wasn't as hard as you thought previously now was it?

Everyone you invite to play doesn't respond just as in business. Everyone you introduce to your business does not become a customer. You invest in those you have introduced and show interest.

How do you use these in business? Start with what most in business have; business cards. You pass out business cards to those interested. Don't force a card on those not interested. Its a waste of your time and theirs. Just politely thank them for their time and either move on to another subject or excuse yourself.

Next are catalogs. There is no need to leave the latest makeup catalog in areas where only men frequent. You are wasting your money. This does not mean never do this but only when its appropriate. This goes for flyers as well.

Parties. Most people love to attend gatherings. They do not however enjoy a 2 hour sales pitch. Keep presentations short, offer product they can see and demo, interact with customers one on one. Do not attempt to recruit every single person at your party. Its unrealistic and can create awkward moments. I suggest having guests complete a simple questionnaire either on an order form (this is best) or a door prize drawing slip (great to file for late contacts). Those interested in joining, schedule an appointment one on one so they have your undivided attention. Do the same at events. Its ok to give initial information but get that appointment so you can answer all their questions.

If everyone marketed their business with the same passion and drive as they do games, more would create the success they desire.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Tips for Effective Networking

Networking can be very effective in building your business if done right. Networking needs to be consistent regardless if you are networking online or offline.

Networking takes place in everyday life. If you need a new doctor you ask a friend or you when you need a new hairdresser. This is networking

Here are a few basics when it comes down to networking.

Networking is NOT about selling your business or products to everyone you meet. It is about gaining contacts and getting your name out there.

Don’t come on too strong the first time you meet new people. People are put off when you are overly aggressive. Relax and speak casually yet professionally.

Share about yourself, not just your business. You want to build a relationship and not just be a walking ad 24/7. People do business with people they know and trust.

Ask people what they do and invite them to share about themselves and their business. Showing genuine interest and not making it all about "me" makes you likeable and someone others want to do business with.

Listen more than you talk and ask questions that will get people talking. This will be done in return as well so don't worry you are talking about everyone else and you never come up.

Ask for their business card. Getting the business card allows you to follow up. You can exchange cards if you wish but always get their card or if online, their email or IM name. Ask permission to contact them again. If you don't ask you will spam them. Nobody likes being invaded.

Make notes on things contacts offer that might be useful to yourself or others. Keep index cards on hand to make notes and file the business card with the index card. This is also great to make note if a contact makes mention of an occasion coming up such as a birthday or anniversary. This gives you a reason to pick up the phone and make a call.

Find common ground with the person you’re getting to know. If you both enjoy wine tasting, you have something to talk about other than business. If you have nothing in common you may not be comfortable talking to this person outside of business. That can make the contact awkward so find that common ground.

If asked what you do don’t give someone a long sales pitch. Keep it short and informative. This is where your mini commercial comes in. This is a 20-30 second explanation of what you do, why you love it, and shows your enthusiasm.

Always tell the person you were talking with it was a pleasure meeting them and ask if it is ok if you add them to your contact list. The worst thing you can do is add them without permission and insult them. Never burn bridges.

Don't file your contacts away never to be heard from again. Use them when you need something. Refer them when someone else needs them. If you don't use or refer their services they will forget about you. When you refer someone, tell them to mention your name such as "tell them Olivia from So Chic Bag Boutique referred you." This will remind them of who you are and not just a name.

Keep it professional. Watch your language. Offensive language will not be tolerated and you will be tossed to the side. People want to do business with professionals.

If you do it right networking and propel your business in the right direction.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Are you asking me or telling me?

A big problem with newcomers to marketing is knowing how bring traffic to websites. Part of that is the language used to entice people to visit. Are you asking me or telling me?

When you ask someone to visit your site you are just letting them know it is available. 99% of the time they won't. The other 1% will because they are curious or being courteous. Doesn't look for sales does it?

Internet marketing is tricky. Everything is written so it is hard to convey your feelings through the written word. Asking someone if they want to look at your site makes you sound unsure, unexcited, inexperienced. This is exactly what you do not want to portray.

Internet marketing and sales is addressing an issue and solving it. You need to tell those potential customers you have exactly what they are looking for. Don't ask them if what you have will work. You are the expert in this area.

Assume your potential customer wants your business card, catalog, flyer, samples. If they truly do not want what you have to offer they will decline giving you an opportunity t overcome the objection professionally and without pressure. Online you do the same. Automatically ask for an email address so you can email them a digital catalog, flyer, brochure. Along with these offer a coupon.

DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT add your potentials to your address book without their permission. There is nothing more damaging than spamming a potential customer right off the bat. You might as well check that person off your list if you engage in this behavior. There are better ways to get potential and current customers on mailing lists which we will discuss at a later time.

So next time you advertise or talk with a potential customer, don't ask them. Tell them. You will have far more accept than if you ask.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com/

Make that connection

If you are a consultant for a direct sales company, you are selling live and direct with your customer one on one. Direct sales is successful when the customer has a connection with the consultant, company, and the products. Online network marketing can and does work but not without dedication and time. In direct sales to be successful you need to be off the computer and in front of customers more than online.

Before you jump up and yell "I can't. I have kids" you can do this with kids. We are not talking just home parties here. We are talking about customer relationships. This happens every day, all day.

Direct sales is the marketing and product sales, direct to customers away from a retail location such as a store. Sales typically take place through a party plan, one on one demonstrations, and other arrangements. A text book definition is: "The direct personal presentation, demonstration, and sale of products and services to consumers, usually in their homes or at their jobs."

A party plan is home or online parties with a hostess earning rewards. You make sales during these home parties to your hostesses guests. You also gain leads during these parties for future parties, recruiting, and future sales.

During these interactions you will need to make that connection. Nobody wants to buy from someone they do not like. Your connection may be your children. Leads come from everywhere including your child's sports teams, club meetings, and friends. These are people you deal with all the time and enjoy the company of.

Don't just sell. Find that connection. They are lurking where you never realized. Open your eyes and look around. Your connection is just around the corner.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com/

Are You Advertising or Networking?

You join a forum/message board and think YES! Great networking opportunity. Problem is you are probably advertising not networking. Do you know the difference?

Networking and advertising are not the same thing. Message boards are not for advertising. They are for networking. Networking is relationship based building customer loyalty and making connections in the business world. Advertising is promoting a product/service in an attempt to make a sale.

Do you know how to network on a forum/message board?

When you network using forums/message boards, you building a relationship with your potential customers and creating a quality business reputation for yourself.

Here are a few important tips on how to make your networking experience positive or you, your business, and your customers.

It is very important to read all of the forum board rules, before posting for the first time. Rules and Guidelines vary from forum to forum so do not assume they are all the same.

Your forum profile is very important, so please don't overlook this and not complete your profile. Try to be as complete as possible with the information requested. Forum members do read new member profiles. It's a great way to let others know about you and your business. It is important to make yourself a signature while completing your profile. Your signature will be visible with each new post or reply you make.

Post an introduction on the forum/message board. Your intro should give your first name, state if you choose, a few personal items such as family and hobbies, and a brief blurb about your home business. Do not make your introduction post an ad. It makes you appear as a spammer and many will disregard you almost immediately. Do not make a post before your introduction. Some forums/message boards have specific rules on posting an introduction first. Even if they do not it is proper forum/message board etiquette.

Participate in some general topic discussions. This shows the other members that you are there for the right reasons. There is nothing worse than joining a forum board and immediately posting a business dd. Its a turn off to members and some forum/message board admins will immediately remove you from the forum/message board. Forums/message boards are for networking not advertising so interact with members. Get to know them and let them get to know you before you start posting ads.

Every forum/message board is different but one thing is certain, if you are joining just to advertise, don't join. Advertising is not networking. Before you join think about why you are joining. Join for the right reasons and your membership will be beneficial. The wrong reasons you will be wasting your time and the other members' time.

Be consistent when networking. Set aside time on a weekly basis, to visit the forum board. Participate in current topic discussions, or better yet, start a few new topic discussions yourself. This does not require large amounts of time. I like to schedule 2 hours a week to forums/message boards. That usually translates to 4 days with 30 minute time blocks. Do what works best for you but do this weekly.

Watch how you speak to others. Do not use curse words or overwhelming business jargon. You want to appear professional at all times while still having fun. Do not get into ugly arguments and lash out. It makes others afraid to do business with you. You may say you are who you are and people either like it or don't. The problem with bad attitudes is you will create a bad reputation for you and your business.

Join forums/message boards that you like not just because they can boost your sales. If you like scrapbooking but you sell headbands, join a scrapbooking forum/message board. If you join a forum/message board you enjoy, your interest will continue and not dwindle when you are bored.

The key to successful networking is involves all of the above and more. By taking the time to build quality networking relationships, you will build a professional online business reputation that others will be proud to do business with. You can't network if you don't interact with others. Get involved.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com/

How Does Twitter Work?

As Twitter membership moves into high gear more and more are asking how Twitter can help their business.

Twitter is a micro blog. It is a 1 line update on what you are doing or would like to share. You can post links in your update, have conversations with others, or anything you wish to say up to 140 characters. This is one place you can invite those following you to visit your website or blog. In your profile you have a mini about me section. Put a quick blurb about your here and if you have room feel free to add your website or blog URL. You can add your logo as a background or as your profile picture. You have a space to add a website link in your profile as well.

Those following you will see your updates in their timeline. Those you are following you will see their updates in your timeline. Your updates can also be viewed by others who visit your profile. You need to keep this in mind because a misconception of many is if you follow someone they will see your updates and that is simply not true.

An option for your background that can be great is visit http://www.twitbacks.com/. This will create a custom background with more options such as multiple websites, social networks, etc. Drawback on this is it becomes an image and you cannot copy and paste text on the background.

Keep your twitter status updated every day. I suggest a few times a day. Takes little effort to do so. Search others using keywords and follow others. Others will follow you. Do not make twitter an ad. Add in social updates as well. This is a networking site and networking is business and pleasure.

Keep your notifications on so you know when someone new is following you. When there is a new follower, send them a direct message thanking them and invite them to see your website. Direct messages are also 14o characters so keep it short and sweet. This is where the networking begins.

There is something called retweet. What that is you repost what others post granted their updates are not protected. If updates are protected you cannot pass these on. Make sure your updates are not protected or your updates will not be passed on. How it works: Lets say I want to retweet something you have posted I will click reply on that specific status put RT in front of your name (will look like @girlzstylin) then post the status after your name. When you want something passed on, make sure you also put RT PLS in your status so others know to pass it along. Some will pass it on regardless but this helps let others know you want this passed on. Just watch what others do.

Replies will appear in your timeline meaning the public can see them. Direct messages do not appear in your public timeline. If you have something private to say, do so in direct message.

If you use Twitter for business promotion don't just follow anyone and everyone. Don't always follow those that follow you. If you post about swine flu different Twitter platforms will show you as a match for this. This doesn't mean they are interested in your new diet program. It was simply your updates were a match to their needs. When someone follows you, look at their profile and see if they discuss what is of interest to you. Sadly there are also porn profiles. Just another reason to check profiles. I bring this up because those new to Twitter automatically follow everyone that is following. This is the same as accepting all friends on MySpace. If you have nothing in common, why are you friends? Same here.

Once you get the hang of it, it will become effortless and habit to place updates. The more you keep it updated, the more others will follow.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com/

We've gone NING!

Liv's WAHM Blog has started a social network on ning.com. Come join us and learn how to build a successful business.

We are dedicated to teaching WAHMs how to build a successful business. We welcome all WAHMs and those wanting to become a WAHM. Learn how to market your business, online and offline networking tips, setting goals and reaching them.

Advertise, dedicated groups, share your blogs, network, learn, socialize.

http://livswahmblog.ning.com

How do top 100 lists work?

I am sure by now you have seen 1 or 2 top 100 lists. In the WAHM world this are big which is why you have seen your share. Maybe you have joined one but wonder still how do they work.

How a top 100 list works is simple, you submit your website you wish to share and increase traffic to. Once you submitted your information you will receive an email to confirm your submission. Once you have confirmed your submission you will either be granted instant access or must wait for admin approval. Once you have been approved or granted instant access, go to the the top list and click on member log in. Here you will find a banner to place elsewhere such as your website, email signature, social network profile, or blog. You will also find valuable statistics concerning how many hits your submitted website receives.

Each time someone clicks on your given link you will earn an incoming hit. Each incoming hit moves you up in rank or popularity. The more incoming hits, the higher the rank your website will appear. This increases your website visibility.

Every time someone clicks on your website from the top 100 list you will earn an outgoing hit. This increases your traffic to your website.

The more visible your site, the more traffic you will generate. You generate traffic by making your site available and inviting others to visit your favorite top 100 site that you have submitted your site to. Not only are you increasing your own visibility and traffic, every time someone else refers someone to the same top 100 list your site will be seen by a new group of people you did not have access to.

This is all an advertising circle. If you do not refer others, the circle is broken and your submission is useless. I also suggest visiting the top 100 site from time to time and visit another site on the list. You may find a valuable source you never thought of.

Now that you know how one works, join your first if you have not joined one. Start with http://livswahmblog.gotop100.com/in.php?ref=101. Take a look at many of the others listed here on Liv's WAHM Blog and choose your favorites. Don't forget, check out a few other sites listed.

Get out there and share!

Networking

It seems there are many that are confused about networking. You here this term often but rarely is it practiced in many circles. Let's talk about it for a bit.

Networking is not joining groups and sites solely to advertise to a group of people then wait for the sales to come in. It is connecting and utilizing your resources to build and shape your business. This can be a simple exchange of leads and referrals as well as the exchange of information between each other.

To network you must interact beyond just giving out your information. Talk to others. Build trust and be visible. This is not the time to sell a product/service. This is the time to build connections. This is your time to stand out. You certainly cannot be memorable if you are quiet and behind the scenes.

You likely network now without realizing that is what you are doing. You probably network frequently in your personal life and don't even know it. How many times have you asked a family member if they know someone who can fix your car, get boxes so you can move, know a good restaurant to eat at? This is networking. If you can do it for your personal life, you can do it for your business.

Utilize what other WAHMs have available to you. Need professional business cards? Utilize fellow WAHM Kris with WAHM Promo by Designer Wrappers. Holding a party and need refreshments? Who do you know that sells food products? Need a cute and practical thank you gift? Use a fellow WAHM who hand pours candles such as LunaWolfs Mystical Essence.

When you network you are building connections that will generate opportunities to make money. You do this with the exchange of information. The best way is to connect with your fellow WAHMs since you are all WAHMs yourself. Find a message board related to networking such as http://livswahmblog.proboards.com/index.cgi and your target market. You can branch out but start where you know. Network in other areas of your niche. You don't want

Have a clear understanding of what you do (type of business), why you do it(what you like about your business), for whom you do it (company), and what makes what you do special and unique from what others are doing in the same field. To get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily explain to others. If you don't understand why you do what you do, others will not either and they will not refer others to you.

Follow through in a timely manner on all referrals given to you. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection upon them. If you make them look bad by being an unreliable referral, you can bet you will not receive referrals from that person again no matter how many times you refer to them. Respect and honor that relationship and your referrals will continue to flow in. Don't burn bridges you are trying to build.

When you meet others to network with, get a name, company, website, email. Know who offers what products and service and keep a list. Keep a box of index cards and whenever possible a couple business cards for that person. You never know when someones product/service will come in handy. Use this list to refer others to a WAHM as well. Just because you can't sell it to a customer does not mean you can't refer them. This is part of the customer relationship you should be building with every customer you have. They have a need, you fulfill it even if that means you have no options within your own products. This alone can give your customer the relief they are not just a source of $$$ but you want to help them. This relationships makes a customer loyal and loyal customers are return customers.

Be polite when contacting referrals and you network with. Watch your language. The use of curse words is an instant turn off. Avoid big words. Avoid company jargon. You need to keep it simple, confident, short, sweet, and to the point. Let others talk and ask questions. If you talk about nothing but yourself, you come off self centered and not worthy of connecting with. First impressions are lasting impressions. Don't let others think low of you because of your choice of words and tone.

Networking is a skill you want to learn and master. It does not come overnight. Only repetition, watching, and learning will accomplish this. This is a skill that will last a lifetime and certainly beneficial in every way.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

NEW Message Board

I have opened a brand new message board - Liv's WAHM Blog Message Board. Come learn how to build your business and share your experiences. While other message boards for WAHMs are there to socialize and advertise, we are here to teach and network. While we have areas for you to socialize and interact with other WAHMs, our focus is coming together and learning what it takes to become a successful business. Find tips, articles, and support. If you are currently a work at home mother or looking to become a work at home mother, this is the place for you.

Come join us at http://livswahmblog.proboards.com/index.cgi

But it's just not working!

I posted a similar article in January 2008. I am revisiting that article with some added info and updates.

The most common thing I hear from WAHMs who can't seem to get their business off the ground is "but it's not working." I have to ask, why is it not working? What have you done? When you say you are working your business, what does that mean?

Write down what you have done. List everything including who you have told. You will end up seeing you aren't doing as much as you thought. It could be poor ad writing. You ad should be exciting, informative, leaves them wanting more. Should have a call to action - Hurry! Limited time! 1 day left! Don't miss out! Your ad should not be over written with big words or too long. Your reader will become bored. Have someone read your ad and give you their thoughts. Look for those who will be unbiased rather than friends who will compliment and support you not matter what. Sadly friends praise you when they should be telling you what is wrong. Then again they may not even know.

List your goals. Start with short term goals. Be realistic. You don't want to be able to buy a brand new house in 1 month but maybe you would like to pay for the light bill. Maybe your goal is to make senior consultant. What will it take to get there? Once you know the direction you are heading, follow it. If you wander aimlessly you will get nowhere. Have a direction.

Advertising in the wrong areas (ex. advertising beef jerky on a jean site) is a big one. You can't very well sell a product if you aren't selling it to people who need it. Know your market. You can't effectively sell without knowing who you are selling to. Know this before you set out on a marketing campaign.

Nobody knows about your business. You sent out an email to everyone you know about your business but did anyone read it? Follow up. Hold a contest. Invite guests to an open house where you have the chance to talk to your customers one on one. Offer a scavenger hunt where completed hunts earn a special discount or a raffle at the end to win product. Get those customers reading your ads and visiting your site.

Your are not showing how excited you are. Have you ever come across a cashier or waitress that was less than pleasant? Did that make you want to return or did you complain about how rude or cold they were? How about a home party where the consultant was dull and not very exciting. Did you buy anything? If you aren't excited, you can't expect your customer to be excited. Even on your worst days, smile. If you smile it will carry through into how you talk about your product and your business. Excitement creates more excitement in others. Excited people buy. Get them excited.

Maybe people are turned off when they ask for one thing and you don't give it to them. Nothing is worse than a consultant or representative who is not willing to work with you but expects you to buy from them. If you can't give what they ask, offer options. Just because you don't have exactly what they want doesn't mean they don't want to buy. Maybe you have an option they never thought about before. Introduce them to it.

Someone asks for a brochure, are you handing them one? Or are you pushing them off for a week because you are out? Are you sending them to a website instead because "you don't have catalogs?" Being out of catalogs or brochures are fine but make sure if you send them to a website, you are not brushing them off. Let them know you gave your last one away and you have more coming. In the meantime you have a website they can look over until the catalog or brochure arrives. Get an address or something and get them a brochure or catalog. Do not leave this customer hanging. Always follow through. Never tell them you don't have any and they have to look at a website. They don't have to look at anything and usually won't when you tell them to.

They are looking for a new company and ask for a sample. Are you willing to give them one? If not, why? Invest in samples if your company offers them. Maybe you can find a better way to spend $25 but that $25 investment today can turn into $100 in orders later. Never leave a customer empty handed no matter the reason for no samples. Give them something even if just a piece of paper with your info and make sure you get theirs. Follow up with any customer who you give samples to. Be ready and willing to answer questions. Make them remember it was you who gave them samples. Never ever tell them you will only give them samples if they are truly serious because samples are expensive. Talk about a turn off. You just implied you care more about the cost of a sample then their business. You just made them feel of no value to you. That is not the impression you want to leave a customer with.

You have told everyone about your business and are sure they know it's you with the new candles. Now telling everyone about your business is the first step but it's far from the final step. People know about it but now they need a reason to buy. Have you given them one? Just telling someone about your business doesn't make them buy. In the same turn today may be a "no" but tomorrow may be a "yes". Everything takes work. There is no such thing as a WAHM business where you can pay the bills without getting out there and working. Building locally is easier than building online but you have to work your business. It can happen but YOU need to make it happen.

Close the deal. When a customer asks about a product, LISTEN to them. Know what they are wanting and needing. Show them options then ask them help them place an order. You can end off with something like "I can help you order that now. How many would you like?" or "we have blue and pink, which color would you like me to order for you?". Don't send them to your site and wait for them to order. Follow through and close the sale. Many times this alone is why it is "not working". You left the customer to fend for themselves and they went elsewhere.

Tell everyone about your business. They don't know if you don't tell. Put your business link into your email signature. Make sure when you add your link, add http:// before your website. Example http://www.yourwebsite.com This makes your link live and clickable. If it's clickable, people are more likely to click on it and see what you offer. If you need to add html to make a link live use this code:
YOUR WEBSITE URL

Next, find others who need what you offer. Find message boards related to your market. If your market is woman, find message boards related to mothers, WAHM, SAHM, career moms, women, etc. You can even join message boards of interest to you. Like scrapbooks? Join a scrapbook community. If you are interested, you will socialize and get to know others. Message boards are great because you get to know your market. DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT just join message boards to advertise. If this is all you do, you just won a ticket to ignore land.

Next look for groups dedicated to to your market. Yahoo! and MSN are filled with these groups.
Join Profile sites such as Cafemom.com Facebook. While MySpace is great for friends and such, it's lousy for making money so avoid the profile that are nothing but a full page ad. They will be useless and people will avoid it because they will think you are nothing but a spam bot. Does that mean don't advertise there? Absolutely not just be realistic about your expectations and careful how you advertise. Social networks are an untapped venue because they are used incorrectly to advertise. These are social networks so socialize. Toss in the occasional ad and utilize the blog function.

Buy ad space. Look for websites that are related to what you offer. Ad space can be as little as $1 per month to $25 per month. Join banner exchanges. Get your business banner in rotation. If you don't have banners to promote your business, make one or have one made for you. These are relatively inexpensive. Free always sounds better but you can't do free forever. Buy prime advertising on high PageRank sites. You can check a sites page rank at http://www.prchecker.info/check_page_rank.php. 1 is the lowest with 10 being the highest. The higher the PageRank the higher the ad fees. Also keep in mind PageRank does not update all the time. Just because a site shows a low PageRank does not mean they are worthless. Use PageRank as a guide not a rule.

Join traffic exchanges. Get your name out there. Know the traffic exchange you join as some are filled with nothing more than get rich schemes. Join 1 or 2 relate to your target market.

Write blogs about your products/service, how to use them, tips and tricks, about business, etc. Show you are knowledgeable about your product and field of choice. People buy from professionals who are successful and knowledgeable. Why? Because they know you will be around.

When talking about your business, talk success. Do not talk about low sales. Do not talk about not being able to pay the bills. Here is why; if you do not seem successful, you will probably be out of business in a short amount of time. Why buy from you if they aren't sure you will be around when they need you again? If you come off successful you appear reliable. This isn't lying. This is showing your success. Maybe this months success was 1 $5 sale. A sale is a sale. Maybe you didn't get a sale but you handed out 100 fliers. That is successful. So next time asks you "how are you" or "how are things going" you respond "Great! I made a sale yesterday" or "I passed out (such and such amount of) business cards and I am so excited".

Hold an online party. These are very simple and a great way to get your name out there. You will commonly find vendor parties held with several at once and you reserve 30 minute time slots to present your product/service. These run anywhere from $1- $5 and upwards for special dates such as Christmas. You can also reserve rooms for longer periods to present during an exclusive party. Exclusive rentals range from $5- $25 for any where from 2 hours to all day. This is a better option as you are not rushed and you can spend time with your customers. Both get your name out there.

Have you submitted your website to search engines? While that thought sounds expensive, you can submit your site for free! It just takes a little searching.
Here are ones I use regularly:
http://www.google.com/addurl
https://siteexplorer.search.yahoo.com/submit
http://www.scrubtheweb.com/addurl.html
http://www.exactseek.com/add.html
http://www.domainsdomino.com/ses/
http://www.addme.com/submission.htm

Network your heart out. Everybody knows someone who knows someone who can get you what you need. That is called networking. Use those people around you to get your name out. Keep an ear open. Someone may know someone who needs exactly what you have to offer. Are you in the PTA, in the auxiliary of a woman's club, a soccer mom, etc? You can network. Contact your local Small Business Administration. Ask about business expos. Contact your Chamber of Commerce. Offer opportunity brochures for new residents needing to find work. Maybe you sell Tupperware. Offer welcome baskets through the Chamber of Commerce for new residents of the city. Get involved with charities. Not only are you doing something good to help others, you are getting your name out there. Offer a part of your sales or commissions to charity. Join the board of the local charity. This is also another great way to network.

These are only a few ways to get off and running. Just remember you need to get out there and network and show people they need you. If one thing doesn't work, try something else until it does. Don't just try something once though. Try it several times and give it a real shot. Your business will only build and thrive based on your hard work and is nobody's responsibility but your own. Do your research, seek out new and creative ways to get your name and business out there. Don't hide. The more you hide, the less you are seen. Make yourself known. Nothing is easy but it does get easier. There is no such thing as quick and fast sales without hard work. if that is the line you are sold, it probably isn't true.

While I am by no means an expert, I have been through the ups and downs of building a home business and continue to build even now. It never ends no matter what steps you have taken. You need to give your business time every day even if only 30 minutes. You only get what you give. If you only have 10 minutes a week, what return do you expect to get back?
There is no excuse in success but failure is full of them. The only things holding you back are what you are not willing to do for your business. Don't give up after the first no. The 11th try may be your yes.

Now get out there and work!

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

What is PageRank?

We all hear about PageRank and wonder what that really is. We hear is it based on visitors and traffic. We hear it is based on repeat keyword use. There are many reasons that others contribute to what your PageRank is. Most of them are wrong while others are correct but not in the list or priority.

A little technical information first...

Google assigns a numeric value from 0-10 for each web page on the Internet. PageRank shows denotes a site’s importance in the eyes of Google. PageRank results from a voting type process from other pages on the world wide web. This voting process determines how important a page is. This is your PageRank. The higher the value, the higher importance your page is. A hyperlink or back link to a page counts as a vote in this process. If there are no links to a web page there is no vote for that page. Another way to understand this is you place you exchange links with another this is your voting process. The more clicks your link receives from said exchange, the more votes you get and raise your PageRank over time. Keywords also assist in this. The higher the page rank of the page your link is listed on, this can also raise your PageRank. To scale it down PageRank of your page is mostly based on the quantity of inbound links listed on other pages to your page as well as the PageRank of the pages your link appears on.

So how do you make this work for you? When you exchange links, you are placing your link on a page that someone will promote. More people will place links on this same page. This allows you to reap the benefits. Others will visit and click on these links. With all this cross linking, traffic comes in, clicking begins. Traffic increase, so called voting increases, PageRank increases for everyone. The better everyone's PageRank the faster your site rank increases.

How do you find your current page rank? Click here and enter your sites URL
http://www.prchecker.info/check_page_rank.php

Is it that simple? Yes. Is this all I need to know? No. Go do some reading on PageRank. It is easy to accomplish with a little elbow work, networking which every wahm should be engaged in, and patience.