Email Addresses - Business & Personal; Learn to Separate

Those that play together stay together...

and those that don't, shouldn't!

Today's virtual world consists of mass, online correspondence between bosses, co-workers, clients, acquaintances, friends, family and complete strangers. Millions of emails are sent daily, people chat online in real time and many have even taken up tweeting to communicate by the minute. Progress is fascinating however, as our business and personal lives entwine it's imperative for them not to collide!

Putting distance between your various relationships will enable your professional life to remain as such while your personal life remains on the downlow. I'd suggest taking the time to ensure they don't clash by creating new, separate email accounts for each facet of your life.

Tips...

- If your hands are into everything break down your correspondence into categories; business, personal, friends, family and then branch out from each one if necessary.

- Hotmail, Google and Yahoo all have the option to acquire multiple email addresses for any application you wish to use.

- Utilize email forwarding features when you have multiple business ventures. , each with their own email addresses. Being forwarded to your main addy saves time, you won't forget to checkt' and lessen .

- When communicating be sure to use the appropriate email address for each task. Sending your business proposal to your ex-wife and your buddies bachelor party pics to a client isn't beneficial.

- When surfing, don't be so quick to offer up your business email address for sign-ups and logins. Being flooded with hundreds of useless junkmails is an unnecessary, time consuming nightmare you will remember. 

- It's also necessary to let everyone know of your change in email habits, repeatedly if necessary ;)

Lack productivity? Establish a Daily Home Office Routine!

When conducting business productivity is an important factor, regardless of where you hang your hat. Whether a person is telecommuting, already a home business owner or a future entrepreneur one has to admit the dynamics of a regular 9-5 business day change. When you decide to work from home you lose more than just a boss looking over your shoulder and a long commute, the structure that a work focused environment provides is also gone.

For home based entrepreneurs establishing a daily, home office routine enables higher efficiency. They find it easier to stay on point with a prioritized, dated work load that also encompasses mundane, easily forgettable tasks. Knowing what needs to be done is key but doing it is imperative!

Tips...

- Use a date book, agenda, calendar or phone settings to remind and/or alert you of upcoming tasks

- Keep website urls, sign-in information, usernames, passwords and email addresses together in one secure location that is easily accessible to you.

- When logging onto your computer for the purposes of  internet, change your settings to open more than one home page automatically (via tools > internet options).

- Learn to self motivate and set time limits, this will minimize time for distractions.

- Determine your busiest time during work hours then determine when you work best, try to combine the two on some level, especially on complicated or daunting projects.
- Knowing when to crack the whip and when to ease off is a learned trait and equally important.

Ultimate efficiency begins with an organized workspace and a sharp, clear mind. Being strong in one and lacking in the other may hinder your work at home process. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff from my What Wrinkles...? blog and Organizational Home Office Tips from this blog may help you along (if you'd like my opinion on that too ;)

Thanks for visiting, please feel free to comment! 

Deadline for filing taxes in 2010 fast approaches... Are you ready?

Tax time only comes but once a year, yet for many it's dreaded from one season right thru to the next!

If the term 'self-employed' was added to your resume then income tax filing procedures have changed. Possibly from many slips with lots of deductions to a few or no slips with zero deductions and a lot more bookkeeping for you?!


If you're still procrastinating consider this post a gentle reminder for you...

United States

Income tax returns for the 2009 tax year are due (for calendar year taxpayers) on April 15th, 2010.
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Canada

Income tax returns for the 2009 tax year are due (for calendar year taxpayers) on April 30th, 2010.
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

Tips...

- If you aren't comfortable filing you own tax return seek out a professional but do your research. Many will claim to have the knowledge to prepare tax returns, but don't.

- Ask for credentials, training and experience. You need to know they understand the theory behind the line#'s, box #'s, deductions, have been updated with current changes in the tax laws etc.

- Don't shop by price alone. A referral that extends back (long term 4+ years) is a good guide. Paying a lower price for tax preparation may benefit short term but sometimes, you get what you pay for.

- For paperwork I say... When in doubt, don't throw it out! No receipt = No claim, pretty simple.

- Regardless of what your tax preparer submits to the government on your behalf, the onus is always on the taxpayer! Regardless if it's fudged by accident or accidentally fudged on purpose.

- Fearing brown envelopes in your mail, such as government reassessments, is not a nice feeling. They don't generally bring good news and ignoring them won't make them disappear!

Thanks for visiting, please feel free to comment.

Search Engine Optimization & your Small Business

When marketing your home business online, having it ranked on the first page of Yahoo, Google or Alta Vista's search engine is a respectable and achievable goal. Ranking on the first page won't be easy but with research, dedication and hard work you can learn to optimize and market your online business, brick or mortar storefront or blog. By learning how to create your pages properly you can achieve search engine rankings and gain the knowledge to continue applying what you've learnt to any future ventures.

Personally I prefer the first option however, learning to do it myself via the 'trial and error' method is a more realistic approach. I've learned that when creating pages content needs to be unique and wording needs to be relevant and on topic. Your content is derived of 'content specific' keywords in the body of your article or page and in the titles, tags, meta tags and headings etc. Your unique content and the ability to stay on topic with relevant keywords and information with be key factors to eventually finding yourself at the top.


What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?...

Search Engine Optimization (see wiki's version) is about improving and increasing the amount of quality traffic from the search engines to your blog, website or webpages.

A visitor may arrive on your site via natural, unpaid inclusions also known as an organic search or due to paid inclusions. This may occur either by accident, referral or by choice. When someone types in a specific keyword or string of words, you want your page to come up.

- review your site for content, structure and keywords
- consider using all types of multi-media such as videos, music and pictures
- coding, html, integrated shopping carts etc. requires help far beyond my capabilities at this time.

...are you search engine friendly?

Thanks for visiting, feel free to comment!

Search engine marketing is offered throughout the www. Yahoo! Sponsored Search lists your business on top sites like Yahoo!, AltaVista and CNN. Sign up and get a $25 credit.

Do beware of offers that guarantee #1 rankings on Google or other engines, this is apparently impossible to do. See Google's thoughts.

Review - SocialSpark

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

I've just signed up with SocialSpark, a marketing network that focuses on bringing social media, advertisers and bloggers together.

With SocialSpark a business that needs advertising can hone in on target specific bloggers who are then approached to create a sponsored post that reflects the desired product or service. Bloggers who create successful, conversational topics withing their blogs have an opportunity to generate income once articles are accepted and published.

SocialSpark...

SocialSpark is another new online venture for me and although I'm finding it a little confusing, I've managed to get far enough to write a post about. This post will be considered as my first posted ad hence income opportunity! Giving a review is quite common for me and I will keep you posted as to my progress. 

So far...

- There is a definite learning curve and I don't seem to have access to some information. Perhaps it's because my blog hasn't been accepted yet?

- There are no tutorials or step by step instructions. You need to be a self starter and be able to search for the answers on your own, relating them to your questions once found. 

Be sure to read the Code of Ethics before posting sponsored ads from SocialSpark.

Have a blog? Sign up for SocialSpark

Squidoo Earnings - Update: Payment received in full & ...

I'm pleased to say that since writing my post entitled Do You Squidoo? I have also received my payment! As promised, it was deposited into my Paypal account. Not that the legitimacy of Squidoo was ever questioned but having confirmation most always gives a sense of relief.

I've also been very busy researching future topics to include in this home business marketing blog but as well for other blogs that I write and maintain (visible on the left navigation bar). If I disappear for awhile it's only because I'm working on those blogs too. As you may have already figured I'm a big fan of not putting all of my eggs in one basket and multi-tasking!

The world now has two more lenses to view on the www that will not only inform but ideally generate income for me overtime... here's one entitled the Whacky World of Watermelon's. With some research this lens was created in about two days, I just took my time while learning then wham! Create your own Lens and gain free exposure for your business or blog...

Buy at AllPosters.com

Earn income with Commission Junction

If you are an Affiliate Marketer, Publisher or Reseller your research ought to consist of finding branded, reputable companies to 'affiliate' yourself, although many will promote anything if they see dollar signs. There are literally thousands and thousands of different options to choose from depending upon what you your blog, website or email content is regarding.

Commission Junction is a powerhouse in the marketing industry and as a reseller for CJ you will have the opportunity to explore an endless supply of both banner, text and product links. There is an application process to begin your association with Commission Junction. Once accepted, you will have the ability to promote such companies as Yahoo, Sony and Sandals Resorts then apply for each of their reseller programs which can be instantaneous or have a waiting period pending approval. The earnings are commission based and do vary from company to company and with each product or service being sold.

Commission Junction doesn't promote themselves by way of Affiliates and Resellers so there isn't a referral code for me to use ;) This is their website addy http://www.commissionjunction.com/. Visit them directly for complete information where FAQ's and full support are available. There is a learning curve as an online marketer with CJ but that is to be expected in this line of work. Even seasoned marketers still must learn which companies enable a profit.

Good luck on your journey and thanks for the visit!

Do You Squidoo?

Squidoo & You...

Squidoo is an online community of individual users who create single page websites focused around one subject that is of particular interest to them. Squidoo offers an opportunity to create free web pages using a huge variety of tools, widgets and modules. They are provided to assist in creating a site that both informs and intrigues the viewers. Squidoo also acts as an excellent advertising tool, can provide revenue in multiple ways and enables charitable donations.

Squidoo is user generated meaning that by creating a lens you become the Lensmaster thus controlling your own content. You can also create as many lens as you desire so you can break down subject into smaller, more specific content. Squidoo was founded by Seth Godin in 2005 and has grown immensely over the past 5 years now containing over 1 million lens. With lens there is no need to know HTML and you can incorporate multi-media, affiliate and referral links along with generate income via earning modules like Amazon, Ebay, Cafe Press and Zazzle.

Squidoo lens act as a 'hub' between the viewer and your own website with registered domain, your blog/s or both. When a topic is searched for by a viewer and your lens surfaces the content you provide either will or won't draw them in. If they enjoy or found value in your lens they may be further intrigued by your other material on the web! 

This is the link to one of my most recent lenses entitled The Lens Factor you can see this reflected in the following web address as well  http://www.squidoo.com/thelensfactor. It is a version of this blog post
that contains similar yet different information, please pop in for a visit if you have time.


How many Squidoo lenses do I need?

Factor in your possibilities & earn while you learn!

My version of success in it's simplest form is happiness however I've learnt that a smile doesn't pay the bills. I came across Squidoo in 2007 and created two lenses back, one to promote my current at home business and the other to portray my love of Halloween. They were easy to create. Simply fill in the blanks, click wait and repeat. Much like washing your hair only you want everyone to see!

 
If you build it they will come!...right? ...wrong!

Building a lens isn't rocket science but building a quality lens requires a contribution of time on behalf of the Lensmaster. Simply creating a random title, slapping up hundreds of affiliate links then walking away may attain a lens but will it be a lens worth retaining? Viewers want quality not quantity, sometimes less is more so keep that in mind.

 
Determine your reasons to Squidoo... 
 
Once you know why Squidoo is of interest to you, it will be easier to plan your route. More lenses equal more exposure which leads to more money from a marketers perspective.

- Do you have another website to promote?
- Are you raising money for a local cause, club, school or organization?
- Is this the beginning step for creating your web presence?
- Are you afraid of HTML and want the bells without those scary whistles?
- Did you became an affiliate and want to post links?
- Do you intend to use Squidoo as an income generator?
- Are you sharing hobbies, recipes or factual knowledge?
If you are here to drive traffic to your website then focus on topics with similar content and interest level. Providing relevant information to your viewers on your Squidoo lens will leave them wanting more. You need to give them a reason to want to go to your other sites. If they don't like your content here they may never want to go there, so keep it interesting. Be sure to post a link or an RSS Feed from your website onto your lens!!You are considered a Giant Squid when you have at least 50 lenses. What I'd like to know is what eats a Giant Squid because that's what I wanna be!!

 
How many lenses do you need to succeed?
 
Okay, so success is subjective. I'd say earning at least $3000 with hope for unlimited residual income for life is a goal I've set for myself. Squidoo is a rung on my ladder to success with online branding and earning income. All rungs become important components such as my blogs, other lenses, my website, posted backlinks etc. They all feed off each other to form a strong base and drive traffic to my affiliate links. All of my eggs are not put into one basket nor will my version of success occur overnight. Dedication and hard work play a huge factor when striving for success with Squidoo, it's not a get rich quick anything.


From what I've found it seems you can have dozens of lenses yet only a few may be profitable, the others are pretty much just there. Lewis Smile states he earned $7500 with one niche Squidoo lens over a two year period. He has over 500 lenses but he also states that many of them are 'duds'. This translates to approximately $2500 per year or $200 per month. I've seen articles from Lensmasters that state having around 100 lenses and earning approximately $800 per month in total while another claims to have 69 blogs and earns $50 a month in total. One shared earning $50 per day with hundreds of blogs. You are considered a Giant Squid when you have at least 50 lenses. What I'd like to know is what eats a Giant Squid because that's what I wanna be!!

Two key phrases come to mind while trying to factor through the infinite riddle.

- The More the Merrier meaning the more unique, quality lenses you have will increase your chances of success.

- Trial and Error meaning what you think is an ideal lens could very well prove useless. Learn from it and move on to the next lens while continuing to improve all your lenses as you learn.

I'd suggest you start with just one lens so you can learn the in's and out's of the WSYWIG platform without feeling overwhelmed. You can then continue to repeat this same process over and over as you create each new lens. Taking your time at the start means you won't have to go back and make changes later, although easy enough to do.


Other tidbits...

If you would like to take part in Squidoo and you haven't already joined, you can Join Here!

Remember to just have fun with your lens and let them come naturally. Squidoo is loved by Google but it's not a do or die scenario it's just another way to generate traffic and earn income online. When preparing each lens, attack each one on a lens per lens basis. The old bait and switch technique to attract viewers isn't a favorable habit to get into although is widely done. If you have an abundance of ideas Squidoo does enable an unlimited number of published lenses, so create a new lens as each new topic surfaces.

  

Squidoo is about finding a hot niche that you enjoy sharing. If you need help in narrowing down the perfect niche market for you to target on your lens, refer to this keyword generated software. Click Here!


I'd love to be the one who introduces you to Squidoo... Check it out here & start your own lens!