2 Keys to Online Home Business Success

An online home business is a dream that many people have. More time with loved ones, financial security, and a life of ease and freedom is something that everyone would love to have. If everyone would love to have this type of lifestyle, then why are there not more people working from home?

I have never been one to beat around the bush or sugar coat anything, I am a "no fluff, no bull" kind of person and I will tell you why most people do not succeed in an online home business.

The first and foremost reason that people do not succeed is the time factor involved. Most people who want to start an online home business are working shift jobs for someone else and barely making ends meet. When they jump into the online home business arena they are under the misconception that all they have to do is put in a few hours work per week and they will succeed.

While this "can" work it will be slow and you should not quit your day job. To truly succeed you need to understand the time commitment involved in any online home business and be prepared. If you thought your 8 hour work day and 40 hour work week was grueling you have not seen anything yet.

To succeed with an online home business you must be prepared to spend as many hours as it takes to get you day's work done. I have owned an online home business for more than 10 years now and I still work 4 to 6 hours per day. In the beginning there were a great many 12 to 14 hour days as well.

The second reason that many people fail with an online home business is failure to research the opportunity. Too many people simply grab the first opportunity that they are presented with and try to run with it. They never explore other opportunities. One of the keys to online home business success is to be happy with the business that you are trying to develop. Do not settle for the first opportunity that falls in your lap.

Starting and running a successful online home business requires a major commitment of time. To succeed you should learn everything that you can before deciding on what your niche will be in the online home business world. Read what others write about their business, they have in many cases been in business for years. Learn from them before you dive in.

Is Working at Home Right For You

Working from home means you are either selling a product or service or you've found an employer who is happy to have you complete your work at home rather than in office.

One of the first questions to ponder is whether you are self disciplined. While not having a boss is very appealing, it also means you are completely on your own to complete your work and you have no one to go to if you're uncertain on how to complete something.

I know some people who are in their offices working by 5 a.m. and I know some people who are still up and working at 1 a.m. If you have a job to do, whether it's for an employer or a client, the person expecting the completed job does not want to hear you were not able to complete it.

Along with self discipline comes time management. Are you able to adequately manage your time, creating a balance between work, wife and mother? Not everyone finds it easy to tell a customer "I'm sorry today is a family day" and not every customer is ok with you saying "I'm off for the day." Working at home requires balance.

Speaking of "management" how are your money management skills? Working at home will require you to create a budget, if you are running a business or to put money away if you are being paid on a 1099 form. You are liable for taxes unless a company is withholding those taxes, so money management is very important. You have to be able to put the money away and not touch it until such time that you figure out your taxes for the year.

Another question to consider is will you be ok in isolation? When you work at home, while you'll communicate with others, you are still very much alone. I've gone hours at a time with no one to talk to and no social interaction. In an office you almost always have someone to say hello to, someone to share stories with and someone to just hang out with. At home, you have none of this. In order to have any social interaction, you'll have to preplan it and work to make it happen. When my kids were young, I took mommy and me classes, I met friends for lunch and I joined a few groups. Especially for women, we thrive on social interaction. Working at home provides none.

The Best Things in a Home Business Are Free

One of the biggest advantages for doing business on the internet is the low or no cost that is involved in starting and managing the business. Take the place where you do business which is the site, your online store. Most sites can be setup for free by a hosting company. You can either design it yourself or have someone design it for you, again for free.

Products for your business can be obtained for free from various affiliate programs. You do not have to pay for storage of the product because this is done for you by the affiliate. Once the prospect lands on the affiliate's page they will sell, pack, and ship the merchandise for you. Again, for free. And you are paid a commission on the sale just for leading the prospect to the affiliate's landing page through your promotions.

Now some promotions can also be free. For instance, you can write articles with links to your site, about the products, and have them published on hundreds of directories on the internet for free. The articles act as advertisement and through the links take the prospect to your site where you, in turn, through links or banners direct the prospect to the affiliate's landing page where the sale is made. You can also get the prospect to your page through links with other web pages or through your position in search engines. All again for free!

Another way that you can get free advertisement is by belonging to a forum where you can participate in discussions and develop relationships. Your name and site will be listed each time you make a contribution and if enough interest is developed in what you offered; bingo, you have another person following the link to your site.

You can also develop and place a free press release on the internet every time you add a new product or launch a new site. Blogs, Newsletters, and eBooks can also act as free advertisements. And because the internet is free, their distribution is free.

Let us not overlook the fact that in order to profit from all of the free stuff that is offered you need to do your homework. You will need to examine which hosting company offers the site designs that fit your style. Study which products you are going to be comfortable with representing and promoting. Determine how much knowledge and skills you will need to possess about the products so that you can develop interesting content to draw interest and develop a desire for the product.

You will need to develop a reputation for yourself as being an expert in the field before you will gain a following. This will take some time to establish. You need to be patient, persistent, and committed. Remember, "Rome was not built in a day" but it has lasted many a lifetime. And so can your home business. It is a great opportunity when you consider all of what can be done for free.

What Are the Best Affiliate Programs?

I have some good news, and some bad news. The good news is that there are many good affiliate programs out there. The bad news is that you will have a hard time identifying which are the best. Everyone has to decide for themselves which program they know and like enough to promote on a continuous basis.

When it comes to the best affiliate programs for me, I have considered a couple of things. First, who is my target audience? (And I had to make sure it was not me, a trap that most people fall into). Since most people using the internet are females between 20 and 50 (I read this some place not too long ago). I decided to pick them as my target market and design my site around them.

My second consideration was what this group is buying on the internet. What I discovered was that they were shopping for all kinds of things on eBay, Amazon, and Overstock.com Upon further research I noticed that this group had a lot of stay at home moms who were interested in earning extra money for various reasons and were heavy into surveys, data entry, and typing jobs. I spread my research further using information that I gathered from search engines and other websites concentrating in this arena. Here I saw a lot of duplication and not necessary things that I would be comfortable with associating myself.

I started to do some thinking on my own and reasoned that if most people use the internet for information, then maybe I should provide some information. So, I have an eBook on how to make money on the internet as a free offer on my website. I also set up a FREE Newsletter where I offer marketing tips on a continuous basis so that I can stay in touch with my customers.

Looking at the web site with what I had up to this point, left some room for creative thinking. My thought was that if these ladies were going to work and shop on my site I should give them some things to shop that are not readily available in every neighborhood shopping strip or mall. So I picked the Playboy store and Fredericks of Hollywood as a special attraction. The Dollar store, Golfsmith, and Entrepreneur Magazine were thrown in because of their brand value. And that is it.

Top 3 Worst Networking Questions

Professionals, entrepreneurs and students alike can benefit greatly from networking as an avenue for business and social success. Learning to network with confidence and purpose are keys to succeeding in all aspects of networking. Individuals should be focused on making great first impressions, being professional, communicating well with others and developing their skills and talents. Although, these are ideal for any networker, individual must guard themselves on how they conduct their conversations and build relationships with their counterparts. Asking the wrong question, can give off the wrong impression which can lead to a terrible domino effect.

Listed below are questions that professionals, students, and entrepreneurs should avoid asking at networking events.

#1 How much money do you make?

Unless you work for the IRS or handle some type of census, avoid this question at all costs. Networking events are designed to encourage professionals to connect through business and social matters. Asking too many personal questions can create tension and bad feelings. While networking professionals should try and respect the privacy and personal lives of their counterparts. If the discussion leads to personal finances and people are willing to share information, then that is ok. Otherwise, find other topics to discuss and engage in meaningful conversations.

#2 How do you get paid?

This question is very similar to the above question but also can create a negative impact or vibe to the conversation or networking environment. The question is too direct and harsh, especially if you are meeting someone for the first time. Once again, it is proper etiquette to respect the other person's privacy and do not appear to be overbearing or unreasonably nosey. If you are interested in asking this type of question, there are ways to format it in a more professional and tasteful manner. For example, you can ask similar but not so offensive questions such as, "Where do you work?", "Who is your employer?", "How long have you been in your profession?", "What is your educational background?", "Do you do work outside of your full time or present job?". These type of questions can allude to how your counterpart makes their income.

#3 What do you do?

This might surprise many readers, but the actual question is not bad or offensive it is just the tone or manner in which it is asked. If you ask the question as though you are un-interested or just trying to push time, then it can really change the mood of the conversation. Some people ask the question as a challenge to compare skills, abilities, backgrounds or status. So it is important to state the question properly and show a genuine interest in your counterpart. Similar and less offensive questions can include, "What is your profession?", "Who is your employer?", "What do you like about your job or career?", "What is your formal training and how does it relate to your work?"

Are Networking Events Worth It?

There are 2 kinds of people in the world: Those who like Sunrise and those who’ve never seen a Sunrise.

Group one thrives on networking events–the earlier the better. Why? I’ve been to lots of networking events, and they’re all the same: meet, greet, elevator pitch, business card exchange. He who leaves with the biggest card deck wins. So what’s so special about socializing at daybreak?

Better question: Are networking events worth it? Have introductions you’ve leveraged or sales you’ve made from networking (assuming you’ve made any) worth the gasoline and time drain–regardless of time of day? And if everyone shows up looking for the best watering hole, are there any fish in the pond?

Here’s the interesting thing. After 20+ years of giving networking a chance, I still don’t know that answer.

But here’s what I do know:

a. True networkers (the ones you see at every venue) are the most plugged-in, fun people I know. They know E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G and everybody.

b. They believe in “woo-woo” principles like “pay it forward” and “give to get.” They’re always first to introduce you to someone they know that you don’t. (Face it; if you met a big bore who tried to hard sell you, you’d dodge him like instant coffee, am I right? And wadyaknow, they’re ones who never show up again…sort of the networking equivalent of the Darwin Awards.)

c. True networkers are curious. They want to know all about you, what you do, who you know (and not just where you went to high school). I once had an HR consultant advise me that I should only hire people who are curious because they make better, more invested employees. They see things that others don’t because they’re paying attention…they’re listening!

Are networking events worth it?

In my opinion, they have a place in the business promotion mix. We still live in a social society and eyeball-to-eyeball meetings still build relationships better than impersonal emails. Networking alone won’t pay the bills. But absence sends a loud and clear message: You’re not part of the inner circle.

I set high standards for my company’s networking activities. Here are a few:

1. It’s in my Marketing Manager Golda Cohen’s job description to go to one networking event each week. Fortunately, Golda loves to schmooze.

2. We focus on events that are attended by business owners with employees and “road warrior” sales reps, rather than multi-level marketers. Nothing against MLMs, but they’re not our customers.

3. Events must take 2 hours or less, including drive time.

4. You must meet and collect cards from at least 10-20 people that you don’t already know. (I’m not sure I could do this, but Golda manages it…ask her if you want to know how.) There is, of course, a follow-up database component to this rule. It’s the answer to, “What do I do with all these business cards I’m collecting?” I’ll cover that answer in my next newsletter.

5. Only attend events with or sponsored by Big Mouths (refer to a-c above). My 3 favorite big mouths in St. Louis are: Karen Hoffman, Darlene Willman and Joe High. You’d kill for a peek into one of their databases. Each of these curious, generous big mouths (I say that with admiration) has a big networking event coming up. You should go. You must see professional networking in action. It’s inspiring.

Networking - It's Not What You Know, It's Who!

Networking is hugely important in the development of a new career, it's not what you know - its who! Networking entails creating and maintaining a network of contacts, friends and acquaintances with who you can exchange both information and resources. Building these relationships with other people could get your next career break!

Looking at it from a employers perspective, employing someone who comes recommended is a lot less risk than someone who turns up in response to an advert. This is part of the reason many companies give bonuses for staff introducing someone to the company. That person is also more likely to have experience and skills in all the right areas!

Networking will also help you in the actual job you are doing as well as finding a new one. Networking is now an asked for skill from major employers.

So how do you go about expanding this network?

Most important is to talk to everyone you can about any possible career move you want to make, it'll not only give you great advice on where to head and what to do, but will also put you at the front of your contacts mind when they see an opportunity.

Attend every function and networking opportunity that you can, many companies and professional organisations organise events for this very purpose. The more people you speak to the better.

Don't expect instant pay-offs from this approach, leads may be few and far between - but they are much more likely to be suited to you when they arrive!

Networking Blues - You Are Arriving to Events Late

One of the keys to having a successful networking experience at events and meetings is to arrive on time. Although, it would be ideal to arrive early, arriving on time gives networkers a chance to take advantage of unique networking opportunities and meet people before the big crowd rush. But as a business professional, do you find yourself always running late to networking events and meetings? Do you always enter the room after the speaker or presentation is done? Do you find yourself standing up at the back of the room and never meeting the right people? Do you feel like events are not as beneficial as they could be?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, then time is a factor and critical issue that is affecting your networking endeavors. Learning to have better time management skills and being properly organized for networking events can improve your networking results greatly. Listed below are helpful tips that professionals, entrepreneurs and students can use to get the most of their networking experiences.

State of Mind

Before you attend another networking event, take some time to develop your ideas and mental capacity for the future event. Whether it is meditating, brainstorming or visualizing a successful event, take some quality to focus on the event. Decide what you want to accomplish from attending the event. Focus on the type of people you would like to meet and how that will impact your business, business relations or social status. Develop positive thoughts towards networking and achievable goals in your networking pursuits.

Networking Buddy

It could be possible that you may need some accountability or extra help in your networking endeavors. Professionals that battle with networking obstacles should consider a having a networking buddy or networking mentor. This is someone whom they can attend events with who are associated with their company, industry, profession or social sphere of influence. It is a motivating piece that can get you on track and improve your networking progress. Keeping connected with a networking buddy can also improve your networking outcomes and allow you to set higher goals and objectives for your networking endeavors.

Proper Preparation

In order to stay focused and prepared for networking events, this may involve professionals taking time to properly prepare. We encourage individuals to be conscious of the time, location and date of their networking events. Call or email ahead of time to confirm practical and useful information about networking events and ask to be updated on last minute changes. Also be aware of construction, traffic delays, increment weather and other issues that may cause you to be late for events and meetings.

Networking Tips - The Proper Handshake

Business professionals, students, entrepreneurs and savvy networkers know the importance of making a good first impression. Whether you are interviewing for a job position, meeting the top directors of your company, making a formal presentation for clients or doing business with colleagues, your professional approach is key. Individuals and companies invest a lot of time and money developing and perfecting their skills for business and social etiquette.

Although there are several ways to make a great first impression, the handshake is the strongest and most viable element. It is the greeting call and the platform for a great conversation which leads to a great relationship.

Listed below are helpful tips that individuals can use to improve their first impression with others, gain the right attention and develop excellent social and business relationships.

First Come, First Serve

At networking events, meetings, conferences and interviews, individuals should not wait to be introduced. We encourage you to take initiative, step up to the plate and introduce yourself first. Being proactive is a great way to show that you are eager to meet the other person, passionate about building a great relationship and are not shy or intimidated. There may be situations where you are being accompanied by someone, and must wait for a formal introduction. But in most cases, it is socially and professionally acceptable to introduce yourself first and get the ball rolling.

The Right Hand

The right hand is key to making the best handshake ever. The right hand is the symbol of power, authority and order. Business professionals, students and entrepreneurs should not use their left hand to make handshakes. It is considered a faux-pas and very offensive in various foreign cultures. Also, when you are expending a handshake, always make sure that you are standing up and making direct eye contact with your business counterpart. This is a clear sign of respect and shows that you have manners and understanding.

Firm and Confident

The proper protocol for a handshake goes as follows:

1. A firm grip that is not too tight. Women should also have a firm hand grip which conveys confidence and respect to their business counterparts. Having a limp or weak handshake is offensive and not very inviting.

2. The handshake motion should be up and down and not back and forth. The grip should be two short but firm pumps. Both individuals should make sure that they are doing the motions at the same time. So it is courteous to wait for your counterpart, in order to make the right handshake motions.

3. The initial handshake is just as important as the release. After shaking your other person's hand, make sure to do a proper hand release. A proper hand release is a gently release of the other person's hand without dropping their hand or quickly letting go of their hand.

Have You Made Your First Dollar Online Yet?

The process of creating a website is quite simple and can be reduced to only a few basic steps.

Get a domain name, get hosting, create the site, put relevant content on it and you are finished.

You just have contributed to the world another website that you can be proud of and so should be the rest of the internet.

Fine, time to sit back and see the visitors come in - but nobody seems to take notice of your incredible site that contains your best thoughts, developed to inform people, help them to find answers to their questions and give them solutions to their problems. How comes?

Now you realize you don't have visitors. Besides some accidental traffic no one is coming to your site. Maybe it's not even in the Google Index.

You better face the truth: a website, even the best information site ever, is useless if nobody knows about it.

No big deal if you just want to put out your personal view of the world or write about your hobbies.

But what if you want to make money with your website?

You may own or promote the best product in the world that would sell like crazy if only people would know about it.

So you are facing a new major dilemma: either you work on developing your site and don't have the time to build traffic or vice versa.

You realize that you need to have a well developed site with both information and products that people want so you can turn the visitors into buyers.

If you have the skills and the time to build such sites, create all the content, find the products to sell and do the promotion of the site - perfect.

But if you're new to internet marketing or only have limited time and/or programming skills you soon may find out that you can't accomplish your goals because of these limitations.

If only you had somebody in the know who would give you a ready developed and optimized website - you could put all your time, energy and efforts into the promotion of this money making site.

By now you have got it absolutely clear: traffic equals money and more traffic equals more money.

For the internet is a numbers game you are do drive as much targeted traffic to your site as possible.

If you had your site today you could start to make money.

You could concentrate on driving traffic to your site. Even if you only work one hour each day on site promotion using only some of the various traffic generation methods you can succeed and see results in you bank account very fast.

So start immediately. Build a site - of course do proper market and keyword research first. Make sure you apply at least the basic SEO principles so that our website will be loved by the search engines. Put enough unique content and articles that Google, Yahoo, MSN AND your readers love - and off you go.

Does that sound like heaps of work and time before you can think about making the first sale? You bet!

The other route you can take is to get a ready made and well optimized website, packed with tons of articles and relevant content, put in online and all you have to do is to promote it as much as you like.

So if you want the shortcut to online success you now know that you have to focus on marketing and you don't want to loose precious time with website building.

Did you know that you can get a perfect optimized Website with tons of content and fully integrated products in no time?

If you want to start your success and without loosing time click the link below:

http://www.ebookmonitor.com/recommends/niab

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harris_Weldson

How to Deliver Your Worst Elevator Pitch

Have you ever been to a networking event and asked someone, much to your regret what they do, and half an hour later you are still standing there nodding your head feigning interest and wondering why you even bothered getting out of bed?

It has happened to us all...but the trick is not to be one of those offenders ourselves. Not only will you switch off those people you talk to but you will get zero chance of business as a result.

So what is an elevator pitch and what are the biggest pitfalls you can fall into?

Firstly an elevator pitch refers to those first few words you speak when someone asks you 'So, what do you do?'

You therefore have to do 3 things:

• Engage your listener(s) so they do actually listen to what you have to say
• Ensure that you convey the message you want so the listener understands you
• Ensure that what you say is remembered

Remember you only get one opportunity to make a first impression so your elevator pitch is something you should spend time planning, practising and testing.

So what are the biggest pitfalls you can fall into when delivering your elevator pitch?

Talking too long

This is probably the most common mistake. When someone first asks you what you do you don't need to go into the minutia of who you are, what you do, where and when you do it, and how you do it...reserve that for the follow on questions if the person is interested.

Instead be short and concise (generally 10 seconds is about right) giving a very brief overview of what you do.

Focusing on what you are rather than what you actually do

Tell someone you are an accountant, at best they will politely say 'oh right' at worst will yawn and think 'not another!' Focus instead on what you do in other words how you help to save people money on their tax bill, help grow their business and you may have a willing ear wanting to find out more.

Telling them everything

You might have several businesses or be involved in different types of work but trying to explain all at once is confusing and gives mixed messages.

Instead focus on one area that you think is of most relevance to the person you are talking too, so they are left with no doubt in their mind as to what you do.

Being a bore

People's time is precious so being boring isn't going to endear you to those you meet especially when they have a choice perhaps of 100 others to speak with. A bore may earn that title if they are repetitious, talk too long, focus on themselves as a person or show little regard to needs of the person they are talking to.

So think what you have to say that will be of genuine interest to the other person so they value the time spent talking with you, and again, keep it concise. Even consider using props to help you stand out from the crowd or an interesting business card which will help you be remembered.

Using jargon

Have you had those conversations with people who know exactly what they are talking about but clearly haven't registered that you don't? Many people get carried away with their own technical terms or abbreviations that only those in the profession have heard of.

Consider who you are talking to, establish their own experience in your field and tailor your language accordingly.

The Most Effective Marketing Secret You'll Ever Hear

Women love to talk and are naturally supportive in almost every environment, especially in their business. How many times have you talked with a woman and gave her a recommendation on where she can get her hair done, offered her a time-saver or told her where she can buy what she needs, ON SALE of course! By offering just a few referrals, you have just made her beautiful, gave her more precious time and saved her money. By now, you have just become her new best friend. She feels that if she needs support, she can contact you for advice or possibly offer her help by putting her in touch with someone else. This referral system is also known as a "Network". Most women are born with this technique and some have become "Networking-A-holics!" They love to connect others and find a way to help one another.

Here are a few secrets to help you become a powerful networker:

• Always have your business cards on you, with a back-up stash in your car!
• Wear a nametag everywhere you go, it identifies who you are and provides the other person something to talk to you about
• Ask how you can personally help them
• Listen to her and be fully engaged in the conversation
• Follow up by phone, email or another in-person meeting. Join her for a cup of coffee somewhere.
• Be on the look out for what she needs
• Keep a contact management system like ACT! so you can easily retrieve information for your referral
• Hand write a note on the back of your card with a lead, a contact or other valuable information
• Be a giver of referrals without any strings attached, remember the old saying, "Give and ye shall receive".
• Attend networking events whenever possible
• Make it your goal to meet 3 new people each week and learn as much as you can about them
• Find a way you can promote them and get them more business
• Be prepared to introduce yourself (in 60 seconds or less).

Networking is one of the most valuable skills you can develop for the success of your business. There are plenty of organizations that can provide you access to people locally or nationwide. You should visit a few and determine if they offer a full assortment of ways to help you market and promote your company specifically to your target market. Remember, networking is about building relationships so don't assume everyone will do business with you immediately. It's a process and takes time to cultivate and grow. Make a commitment to be involved and attend regularly otherwise you might just miss shaking hands with your next customer!

Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce, Palm Desert CA - a Case Study

All businesses should join their local chambers of commerce and like anything you only get out what you put in. Simply joining a chamber of commerce is not enough, you should attend meetings, join committees if time permits and show up at evening mixers to mix and mingle. Finding camaraderie amongst fellow business owners makes sense and during tough business cycles, it might be just what your business or non-profit needs.

Not too long ago our not for profit Think Tank went to a number of networking mixers of many of the local chambers of commerce to see, which ones were the best suited. In the Valley each city has it is own chamber of commerce and each one competes with all the others. There are 9 or Ten here. After attending several functions we decided to join 4 of them.

Being a not-for-profit Think Tank, yet looking for business type people to be involved with our think tank, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the chambers we did join had discounts for non-business organizations. Thus we signed up to a couple of them without yet attending a mixer meeting, because the price was nominal and the chambers were rather large. But, do not let a large chamber fool you, the size does not make the chamber, the people and staff do.

In hindsight, although the Palm Desert Chamber claimed to be the largest and most active, it is probably not the best investment, considering the other chambers in the valley. There are two other chambers that rival their size and seem to be run extremely efficiently. Many of the business people we talked to before we joined warned us that the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce was too snooty, and against those warnings we laughed and decided to join anyway.

Perhaps, we should have listened to such warnings better, although what do they say "hindsight is 20/20." Of course, that does not mean the investment in such a chamber of commerce is necessarily so awful, after all, the Presidents of such organizations do change and that usually ushers in a completely new and refreshing attitude. So, in this case study it appears that more due diligence is needed before choosing which chambers of commerce to join and the perseverance to look long-term and beyond any pettiness that is later discovered.

How to Choose a Chamber of Commerce to Join - Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce Case Study

It makes sense to join your local chamber of commerce and it makes sense to do due diligence. What happens if you do not do your research prior to joining? Well, you end up wasting your money basically, and wishing you had never gotten involved in the first place. Let's discuss a recent case study and consider the ramifications of getting involved in a chamber of commerce in your local area.

Not long ago, our not for profit Think Tank joined several chambers of commerce in the local area. Although, we do most of our work online, it still made sense to tap into the expertise of the local business community. Business people know how to get things done and therefore they make great team members. Unfortunately, contrary to our own best advice, we did not do enough preliminary investigation on the chambers we joined.

We joined four local chambers of commerce, 3 were great and one, we can safely say was a huge mistake. You should never join a chamber of commerce until you attend a few functions and check it out first, talk to members, and if possible talk to all the many members who did not renew their chamber of commerce membership from prior years.

In considering all this and after joining the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce, we have only ourselves to blame. It is for this reason that I can make a strong recommendation for you to go and meet the President of the Chamber of Commerce prior to joining, make sure they are not running a mini-fiefdom or micro-managing in a Machiavellian Way. You need to join a chamber of commerce that understands your needs and can assist you in growing your organization in the community.

Business Greeting Cards Are Social Networking Opportunities

In a competitive business environment, it is important to build existing customer loyalty as well as grow your client list. Christmas cards or seasonal greeting cards are great, but don't miss out on opportunities to stay connected during other times of the year as well. Here are 5 business greeting cards that are sure to drive your sales up and provide social networking opportunities too.

When your customers are treated like family members, they are certain to continue to send business your way and to refer you to others so that your sales dollars will grow. Remember them as you would a family member by sending greeting cards when recognition or a thoughtful gesture is needed.

Business Appreciation Cards are specifically printed and designed to say just that.. .we appreciate you as a customer and welcome your business. By sending a customer this form of business greeting, they feel special and will remember you the next time they have needs your business can provide.

Congratulations Cards are great for boosting self esteem and fostering a team approach in a business/customer relationship. Send greetings of congratulations for a job well done or a big sale you and a customer worked together in securing. And, if you know of a personal achievement for a customer or one of their family members, remember to send congratulations for that as well. The same applies for your own internal employees. A note of congratulations will certainly please and inspire continued loyalty.

Get Well Cards are always appreciated when someone is ill and in need of a kind word. Wish clients, business associates and employees well and offer concerns with this thoughtful gesture. Your genuine concern for their well being will be appreciated and rewarded in kind.

Sympathy Cards are thoughtful expressions that are certain to be warmly received and appreciated in difficult times of sorrow. Remember all those you work with and for when they or their family members have experienced a loss. A simple offering of sympathy will be a pleasant exchange when someone needs a gentle gesture of thoughtfulness most.

Thinking of You Cards can be sent anytime and for no particular occasion. A great social networking tool, these greeting cards can be sent whenever you just want to reconnect or stay in touch. This card will keep your name before a client and generate good will. Don't wait for something bad to prompt you to acknowledge someone, send a card that says they are in your thoughts just to brighten their day. This unexpected gesture is sure to please and enforce your business or personal relationship.

Keep a supply of each of these type business greeting cards on hand for use at a moments notice. Add a short note and your thoughtfulness is certain to be returned many times over, growing and strengthening your business partnerships and corporate prosperity.