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I am so pleased to announce that I just had one of my articles published in Ezine Articles (http://ezinearticles.com/?id=988616)! I have reprinted it here for your enjoyment! :) I hope you get something of value from it.
Internet Home Based Business - Scam, Hype, or the Real Deal? Due Diligence is the Key!
With all the online business opportunities flooding the market today it is becoming more difficult to tell the difference between the real deal and one that exists simply to take your money and disappear the next day.
On the other hand, an online business opportunity may NOT be a scam - but it may be so steeped in hype that you don't know WHAT to believe!
Remember, there is a difference between a scam and hype. "Hype" usually overstates the value of the opportunity and a "scam" presents an opportunity that does not usually exist.
Scams usually rear their ugly heads at the beginning of the sale pitch. You may read something like "make tons of money with little or no effort" (ask ANYONE who really works a successful home based business if they "did it in their sleep!").
Another popular come-on claims that you will be making money within 10 minutes of signing up (again - ask someone who IS making it if they turned a profit within 10 minutes! I know I didn't!).
There are NO business opportunities where you can make tons of money and not do anything. Yes, it IS possible to make enormous sums of money online. But overnight?
Not likely.
It can take weeks, if not months to generate enough traffic to your site to begin making money online! Is it worth the effort? Absolutely yes! ...IF you want it badly enough to actually do the work., and IF you are investing in an opportunity built on truth, integrity, and value.
Invest in a home based business opportunity only after doing your due diligence. A lot of the hype you read is designed to entice you act right now - impulsively, based on your emotions at the moment rather than based on calm, patient, and rational review of the opportunity.
Let me ask you this: If you have a hankering for a donut one day, and happen upon a donut franchise offered for sale, would you buy it, based on your immediate craving for a donut? Of course not!
Instead, you might ask: What is the demand is for a donut shop in the area (after all - why is it for sale to begin with?)? Is there enough traffic driving by to sustain a donut shop?
In other words, you would certainly not invest in a business based on your immediate emotional response. Well, the same logic should rule your decisions regarding a home based business opportunity.
Here are some things to consider as you continue your due diligence:
1) Can you speak with someone to get your questions answered before you invest? For example, in my case, I am fortunate that we have real humans who are ready to speak with a prospect about any questions they have - sometimes within 15 minutes of filling out a simple request - BEFORE they invest!
2) What is the demand for the product you will be marketing? Don't depend on the hyped advertising and testimonials to determine actual demand. Search the internet for the product you are considering. Is there a wealth of information, and numerous vendors selling the similar products? If so - that's a good thing!
If, however, the only listings showing up on your internet search happen to be the opportunity you're looking at - well... you might be better off finding a different product to market!
The particular opportunity that I represent taps into the luxury travel market. But I'm far from the ONLY person on the internet involved in the travel industry! Travel happens to be a multi-billion dollar a year business - and not likely to be monopolized by one product or opportunity.
3) Finally, does the company offer value to the customer? Does it operate based on truth, honesty, and integrity? Follow your gut instincts! If something doesn't sound right - if you feel that the customer isn't really getting something of value, then you are wise to have second thoughts before committing. After all - how hard are you going to work promoting a product that you don't feel good about?
So, learn the truth and the facts about what it really takes to start, build, and - most importantly - sustain a home based business BEFORE you invest! You will thank yourself later!
Kathy Tremblay loves internet marketing, which allows her to reach out to people all over the globe. She is an active affiliate of the ground-breaking Global Resorts Network business opportunity. "It's much easier to succed in home based business if you start with and build on Truth and Integrity - and this includes having a real product with real value to your customers!" she says. For more info, please visit her websites here: http://truthtowealthonline.com/ or http://jointhesuccessteam.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Tremblay
Friday, February 22, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
What's In YOUR Self-Development Library?
I belong to a number of entrepreneurial and self-growth communities, and I'm always interested in hearing about what people are reading and learning from. What inspires them?
I started thinking about my own journey on the spiritual and entrepreneurial path, and noticed a trend in the types of books I was attracted to. I thought I'd share them with you now. If you are a person attracted to spiritual matters, home based business, self-development, the Law of Attraction, Quantum Physics, then some of these might sound familiar!
My all time favorite - probably because this book REALLY started me on "the path" is Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda, founder of the enlightened organization, Self Realization Fellowship (SRF). I continue to bow to this amazing guru, and learn something new every time I pick up the book (or anything else that comes from SRF).
Other favorites on my shelf include:
The Sedona Method, by Hale Dwoskin
Creating Affluence, by Deepak Chopra, M.D.
Quantum Healing, by Deepak Chopra, M.D.
Think & Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill
The Magic of Thinking Big, by David J. Schwartz, Ph.D.
Master Key System, by Charles F. Haanel
Mystic Christianity, By Yogi Ramacharaka (a pen name of William Walker Atkinson, a leader in the "New Thought Movement" of the early 1900's)
Money Freedom, by Patricia Remele
The Unmistakable Touch of Grace, by Cheryl Richardson
The Science of Getting Rich, by Wallace Wattles
Ask and It Is Given - Learning to Manifest Your Desires, by Esther and Jerry Hicks (The Teachings of Abraham)
A New Earth - Awakening to Your Life's Purpose, by Eckhart Tolle
As I look at this list of books (oh, there are many more!), it occurs to me that the reader may come away with the impression that all I care about is money since so many of these titles deal with financial gain.
But, while monetary gain IS important in this world (after all, how can I GIVE if I don't have something to give to begin with!?), I have come to understand that everything is interconnected - that there is no separation between anything.
And all of these titles - while there may be a reference to material wealth in the title - delve far, far deeper than the superficial "want for money."
When I talk about home based business (especially internet based business and marketing), my thoughts and excitement are not just about what's in it for me, but what's in it for others, as well. The more, the merrier!
What's got me so excited about home based business (especially Network Marketing - aka MLM)? In case you have missed my other entries, it's the fact that we are finally aligned with a business that's based on truth, integrity and value. Learn more here: http://www.truthtowealthonline.com/ or here: http://www.PresentingGRN.com
I started thinking about my own journey on the spiritual and entrepreneurial path, and noticed a trend in the types of books I was attracted to. I thought I'd share them with you now. If you are a person attracted to spiritual matters, home based business, self-development, the Law of Attraction, Quantum Physics, then some of these might sound familiar!
My all time favorite - probably because this book REALLY started me on "the path" is Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda, founder of the enlightened organization, Self Realization Fellowship (SRF). I continue to bow to this amazing guru, and learn something new every time I pick up the book (or anything else that comes from SRF).
Other favorites on my shelf include:
The Sedona Method, by Hale Dwoskin
Creating Affluence, by Deepak Chopra, M.D.
Quantum Healing, by Deepak Chopra, M.D.
Think & Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill
The Magic of Thinking Big, by David J. Schwartz, Ph.D.
Master Key System, by Charles F. Haanel
Mystic Christianity, By Yogi Ramacharaka (a pen name of William Walker Atkinson, a leader in the "New Thought Movement" of the early 1900's)
Money Freedom, by Patricia Remele
The Unmistakable Touch of Grace, by Cheryl Richardson
The Science of Getting Rich, by Wallace Wattles
Ask and It Is Given - Learning to Manifest Your Desires, by Esther and Jerry Hicks (The Teachings of Abraham)
A New Earth - Awakening to Your Life's Purpose, by Eckhart Tolle
As I look at this list of books (oh, there are many more!), it occurs to me that the reader may come away with the impression that all I care about is money since so many of these titles deal with financial gain.
But, while monetary gain IS important in this world (after all, how can I GIVE if I don't have something to give to begin with!?), I have come to understand that everything is interconnected - that there is no separation between anything.
And all of these titles - while there may be a reference to material wealth in the title - delve far, far deeper than the superficial "want for money."
When I talk about home based business (especially internet based business and marketing), my thoughts and excitement are not just about what's in it for me, but what's in it for others, as well. The more, the merrier!
What's got me so excited about home based business (especially Network Marketing - aka MLM)? In case you have missed my other entries, it's the fact that we are finally aligned with a business that's based on truth, integrity and value. Learn more here: http://www.truthtowealthonline.com/ or here: http://www.PresentingGRN.com
Monday, February 18, 2008
So what DOES one do with an English degree?
I was just looking over my profile, and I chuckled at the part where I mention receiving a B.A. in English. Really... What WAS I thinking?
Actually, what I was NOT thinking was "Internet Marketing," or "Home Based Business." No. I think I had "Writer for National Geographic" on my mind - but since I feel out of place in Corporate America, I guess I'm glad it didn't go that way.
But, once - while working as a helo scheduler on the Ice (see my profile about Antarctica) I had the distinct pleasure of being on a helo trip with an absolutely brilliant National Geographic photographer (I think George Mobley is the name...), and watching him work really was an honor.
When I was about 7 years old, my dad asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I told him, "Either a fairy princess or a writer." He then wisely suggested that being a writer might be the way to go.
But who knew, in the late 1970's, what a writer would be doing in the 2000's? A short journey in the land of the freelance magazine writer proved quickly to pay about $2.00 per hour. That was my first foray into the world of "home based business." Surely, I was good and stuck if something didn't happen.
I almost gave up. I nearly bought into the idea that I just needed a "good job." Oh... the shudder of it all...
I played around with a variety of early models of home based businesses such as mail order. Once, my first husband and I tried an early model of network marketing. I think, if I could locate the bottles of the fiber wafers we stocked up on, they would probably be pretty moldy now - but the guy who introduced us to the concept was pretty successful. He drove a new Chrysler that his commissions paid for. Considering the fact that we drove around in a '72 Duster, that Chrysler looked pretty good.
I think that very short experience set the stage though. I have ALWAYS loved the concept of network marketing or direct selling as a home based business. Of course I never succeeded in those early years - but I never forgot about it (thank goodness!)!
Fast forward to the world of the Internet. It was on the Internet that I learned about the skill of copywriting (aka advertising writing). I love it! I have finally found a use for my writing skills. I now use them to create all the text on web pages on my Portable Garages website, http://www.portablegaragesandshelters.com/.
As far as my GRN business landing pages (http://www.truthtowealthonline.com/ and http://www.PresentingGRN.com hint... hint... hint) I have to hand the kudos for the development and writing of them to others! I've had a lot of people comment on the retail page (to sell vacation memberships to people who are not interested in the business opportunity end of things) - and while I wish I could take the credit for it, I cannot! Again, the great work of other copywriters: http://www.FineResortVacations.com
I use my skills when creating ads, running pay per click campaigns, doing internet research... and all sorts of things! I used help others develop resumes and cover letters - but I don't do much of that anymore. It's far too tempting for me to tell clients to forget about a 9-5 job and go for a home based business - preferrably an internet based marketing business - instead.
Anyway, to any of you aspiring writers or English majors out there - don't lose hope! While teaching is a grand and necessary occupation - it's certainly not the only one! Get some copywriting classes under your belt, join with a good home based business opportunity (pick me! pick me!), and broaden those horizons!
Actually, what I was NOT thinking was "Internet Marketing," or "Home Based Business." No. I think I had "Writer for National Geographic" on my mind - but since I feel out of place in Corporate America, I guess I'm glad it didn't go that way.
But, once - while working as a helo scheduler on the Ice (see my profile about Antarctica) I had the distinct pleasure of being on a helo trip with an absolutely brilliant National Geographic photographer (I think George Mobley is the name...), and watching him work really was an honor.
When I was about 7 years old, my dad asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I told him, "Either a fairy princess or a writer." He then wisely suggested that being a writer might be the way to go.
But who knew, in the late 1970's, what a writer would be doing in the 2000's? A short journey in the land of the freelance magazine writer proved quickly to pay about $2.00 per hour. That was my first foray into the world of "home based business." Surely, I was good and stuck if something didn't happen.
I almost gave up. I nearly bought into the idea that I just needed a "good job." Oh... the shudder of it all...
I played around with a variety of early models of home based businesses such as mail order. Once, my first husband and I tried an early model of network marketing. I think, if I could locate the bottles of the fiber wafers we stocked up on, they would probably be pretty moldy now - but the guy who introduced us to the concept was pretty successful. He drove a new Chrysler that his commissions paid for. Considering the fact that we drove around in a '72 Duster, that Chrysler looked pretty good.
I think that very short experience set the stage though. I have ALWAYS loved the concept of network marketing or direct selling as a home based business. Of course I never succeeded in those early years - but I never forgot about it (thank goodness!)!
Fast forward to the world of the Internet. It was on the Internet that I learned about the skill of copywriting (aka advertising writing). I love it! I have finally found a use for my writing skills. I now use them to create all the text on web pages on my Portable Garages website, http://www.portablegaragesandshelters.com/.
As far as my GRN business landing pages (http://www.truthtowealthonline.com/ and http://www.PresentingGRN.com hint... hint... hint) I have to hand the kudos for the development and writing of them to others! I've had a lot of people comment on the retail page (to sell vacation memberships to people who are not interested in the business opportunity end of things) - and while I wish I could take the credit for it, I cannot! Again, the great work of other copywriters: http://www.FineResortVacations.com
I use my skills when creating ads, running pay per click campaigns, doing internet research... and all sorts of things! I used help others develop resumes and cover letters - but I don't do much of that anymore. It's far too tempting for me to tell clients to forget about a 9-5 job and go for a home based business - preferrably an internet based marketing business - instead.
Anyway, to any of you aspiring writers or English majors out there - don't lose hope! While teaching is a grand and necessary occupation - it's certainly not the only one! Get some copywriting classes under your belt, join with a good home based business opportunity (pick me! pick me!), and broaden those horizons!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Truth & Integrity in my Home Business - Why Write About It?
Me? A "blogger?" A friend said, "Why not? After all, you like to write - and you can type fast."
Well. This is only half-true. The true part is everything the friend said. The part that's not the half-true part is the "friend" part.
Actually the friend who said this was an imaginary friend - the one who lives in my hyperactive imagination and tells me all sorts of wonderful things about me when no one else will.
This is probably because I live in a very isolated part of the country and hardly ever interact with real people - but that's why I do business online! Where else can I get customers?
I digress... Perhaps we can chat more about that later.
But this helps me get straight to the point - which is Truth & Integrity in Business. The reason I'm really doing this.
I stopped working the "9 to 5" stint over a year ago. It just didn't resonate with me anymore. Probably because there was no money in it.
Every single J.O.B. (translate either "Just Over Broke" or "Jerked Outa Bed" - take your pick) I have had in the last 15 years started with:
1) Grant funds and
2) The hint of a glorious future ahead - uh... IF funding continued. Which it never did. Ever. And I suspect I'm not the only victim of this sad state of affairs.
So. All the stuff my guidance counselor in High School would have said if he had actually ever taken the time to speak with me (stuff like: "Go to college, and get a good job with a good company and good benefits - give them your best, and come time for retirement, you'll have a nice pension with nothing to worry about...") was the FIRST pack of lies I believed regarding business.
I've heard a LOT of lies in my life. Lies from kids, lies from an ex - and lies even from my imaginary friend who talked me into "just one more grant-funded job - because this one will be different."
But, I don't want to harp on lies. Being the positive and philisophical thinker that I think I am, I prefer to accentuate the positive, and talk about Truth and Integrity.
I actually practice truth and integrity in my home based businesses. That's why I named this blog the way I did.
I suppose if I ever become a real jerk, I can rename it. But, after all I've gone through to make it in business, and to build some business ventures that really do reflect truth, integrity, and value - I sincerely doubt that I'll turn to the dark side.
If you happen to be someone who wonders, "Gee, How can I also become a person who operates a home business based on Truth, Integrity, and Value?" I invite you visit my sites and explore a great opportunity with a terrific stand-alone product - and I invite you to get in touch with me to get your questions answered. The company has integrity. The product has value. We operate from Truth. A winner!
This is a blatant advertisement - I want you to visit my sites. I want you to examine the membership. I also want you to know that there is a growing population in the home business industry who are awakening to a higher consciousness - and our lives are amazing and peaceful.
Start here: http://www.truthtowealthonline.com/ - or, here: http://www.PresentingGRN.com - and check the retail site here: http://www.FineResortVacations.com It's fun!
If you happen to be in the market for a nice portable garage, greenhouse, motorcycle shelter or party tent, visit one of my other sites - where you will see how I put my money where my mouth is: http://www.portablegaragesandshelters.com/
Well. That oughta do it for now!
Well. This is only half-true. The true part is everything the friend said. The part that's not the half-true part is the "friend" part.
Actually the friend who said this was an imaginary friend - the one who lives in my hyperactive imagination and tells me all sorts of wonderful things about me when no one else will.
This is probably because I live in a very isolated part of the country and hardly ever interact with real people - but that's why I do business online! Where else can I get customers?
I digress... Perhaps we can chat more about that later.
But this helps me get straight to the point - which is Truth & Integrity in Business. The reason I'm really doing this.
I stopped working the "9 to 5" stint over a year ago. It just didn't resonate with me anymore. Probably because there was no money in it.
Every single J.O.B. (translate either "Just Over Broke" or "Jerked Outa Bed" - take your pick) I have had in the last 15 years started with:
1) Grant funds and
2) The hint of a glorious future ahead - uh... IF funding continued. Which it never did. Ever. And I suspect I'm not the only victim of this sad state of affairs.
So. All the stuff my guidance counselor in High School would have said if he had actually ever taken the time to speak with me (stuff like: "Go to college, and get a good job with a good company and good benefits - give them your best, and come time for retirement, you'll have a nice pension with nothing to worry about...") was the FIRST pack of lies I believed regarding business.
I've heard a LOT of lies in my life. Lies from kids, lies from an ex - and lies even from my imaginary friend who talked me into "just one more grant-funded job - because this one will be different."
But, I don't want to harp on lies. Being the positive and philisophical thinker that I think I am, I prefer to accentuate the positive, and talk about Truth and Integrity.
I actually practice truth and integrity in my home based businesses. That's why I named this blog the way I did.
I suppose if I ever become a real jerk, I can rename it. But, after all I've gone through to make it in business, and to build some business ventures that really do reflect truth, integrity, and value - I sincerely doubt that I'll turn to the dark side.
If you happen to be someone who wonders, "Gee, How can I also become a person who operates a home business based on Truth, Integrity, and Value?" I invite you visit my sites and explore a great opportunity with a terrific stand-alone product - and I invite you to get in touch with me to get your questions answered. The company has integrity. The product has value. We operate from Truth. A winner!
This is a blatant advertisement - I want you to visit my sites. I want you to examine the membership. I also want you to know that there is a growing population in the home business industry who are awakening to a higher consciousness - and our lives are amazing and peaceful.
Start here: http://www.truthtowealthonline.com/ - or, here: http://www.PresentingGRN.com - and check the retail site here: http://www.FineResortVacations.com It's fun!
If you happen to be in the market for a nice portable garage, greenhouse, motorcycle shelter or party tent, visit one of my other sites - where you will see how I put my money where my mouth is: http://www.portablegaragesandshelters.com/
Well. That oughta do it for now!
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