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1. BLM Traders Specialty Information and Online Shopping Sites

BLM Traders

Specialty Information and Online Shopping Sites

A massive amount of free information on some of todays hottest search topics plus a listing of "on topic" categories and some great deals on quality products that match your interests.

And if you don't find what you are looking for there? Then simply expand your search into the thousands of other products available at the store or follow an offering of relevant google ads for other sites that could fill your needs

BLM Traders Online Shopping Sites make it easy to find, learn more about, then purchase the object of your search. And if it's even more information you are looking for... well, we have some Special Gifts available to you just for browsing any of the five information sites listed here.

If you would like to receive details about BLM Traders/Traffic Wizard Promotions' full line of business creation and promotion services simply CLICK HERE to make your request and download your free marketing software.

If your have any questions, comments or just need some personal mentoring, you can contact us at the information listed below...

The eBiz Solutions Team

321-594-4405
469-595-0661

The Most Powerful Link on the Internet!

2. Speciality Information and Online Shopping Sites

BLM Traders

Specialty Information and Online Shopping Sites

A massive amount of free information on some of todays hottest search topics plus a listing of "on topic" categories and some great deals on quality products that match your interests.

If your have any questions, comments or just need some personal mentoring, you can contact us at the information listed below...

The eBiz Solutions Team

321-594-4405
469-595-0661

The Most Powerful Link on the Internet!

3. BLM Traders

Why BLM Traders?

Food for Thought.

"Every morning in Africa, a Gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest Lion or it will be killed.

Every morning a Lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest Gazelle or it will starve to death.

It doesn't matter whether you are a Lion or a Gazelle, when the sun comes up where you live, you better be running.

That, in my opinion, sums up the current business environment." ...(author unknown)

BLM Traders can help you learn how to run on the Internet.

4. The Internets Ugly Secret

The Internet’s Ugly Secret
By
Bill Reid-Internet Marketing Specialist

I am going to prepare you for a reality check. Get ready.

You know how the authority figures in your life have always prepared you for bad news by getting directly to the point with a statement something along the line of “I am going to make this ‘short and sweet’… and then drop the ‘bad news’ hammer on you? Well, get ready for something close to that, but not quite so ‘sweet’.

Taking advantage of widespread lack of knowledge

There is a great big ugly secret that hangs over the Internet these days and it’s getting bigger by the minute, literally. Because of the great “rush” to the Internet by consumers, which has been likened to the “Gold Rush of 1849”, but multiplied by hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, (And it’s not just happening in California either), many legitimate companies, along with some that are not legitimate, are racing to make sure that they get an edge in this great new “advertising” and “information” medium. In their effort to increase their Internet presence in a meaningful way, they have resorted to providing most if not all of those who join them in the marketing of their products and services with “their own” website as part of their “enticement” package. They hope that by spending some money on the development of a beautiful website, with lots of neat “bells and whistles”, they will cause the uninitiated prospective associate to “join” their organization. And really, there’s nothing particularly wrong with that, except that the “uninitiated prospective associate” believes that the site that they are being provided will be the answer to all their hopes and dreams and now they will be able to “cash in” on this bonanza just like the pioneers of the Internet have. It will all be so easy. New customers will flock to their website, because it’s pretty, and buy lots of goods and services and the money will start rolling in. Work will be a thing of the past and everyone will be happy. Right? Well, not quite right. Everyone will have a site alright, but think about that for a minute. Everyone will have a site!

Ignorance takes on a new meaning

I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, but just think about the ramifications of what it means for “umpteen thousand” people, all of whom are bright enough to see the benefit of marketing products and/or services on the Internet, where there is literally a worldwide market for the right product or service, to have identical websites. If everyone who joins an opportunity has the same “website” but just with a different “ID” number to designate it as theirs, then how can you separate yourself from the crowd so that masses of consumers will find your site and buy from you? The answer is…You can’t. And that is the great big ugly secret of the Internet!

Why millions of replicated “affiliate sites” around the world are ineffective

Search engines are wonderful creations that help people find information. That is the main purpose of their existence other than making their creators and operators lots of money. They just want to make sure that anytime someone puts a search term in their little search window, a list of sites that provide information on that particular subject will be displayed for the searcher to review, and hopefully, to pick from for the information they are seeking. That’s the way it’s supposed to work. But, then when thousands of people are using identical sites to market the same products, the search engines have to make an adjustment. Since it makes no sense to list these thousands of sites every time someone looks for one of the products that is offered there, they don’t list any of them at all! So in the end, it doesn’t matter how pretty or functional the website you are given, and in many cases charged a fee for the use of, as a benefit of becoming a part of a particular marketing organization.

There’s even more bad news

As a “user” of the “replicated” or “affiliate” site, you are just that, a user. You have no control over anything to do with “your site”. You don’t own it, and in most cases, you don’t have the ability to change the content or any of the information about the content of the products or services offered on it. As a user of these types of sites, the only control you have is to continue paying the bill, either through your membership or other fees, and keep it out there in cyberspace so that you can hand someone a business card or run a newspaper ad, pass out a flyer or otherwise distribute something with the URL (name of the site) on it and tell them that they should go there and buy some of your products. Probably not exactly what most folks have in mind when they make the leap into cyberspace.

For every ugly secret there’s an ugly answer

Ok, so now you have just signed up for that latest and greatest network, MLM, or direct marketing business and you are all fired up about getting rich with “this one”. Maybe that’s part of the reason you are reading this article to begin with. But the main reason you are excited will have something to do with the quality of, and demand for, the product that you have chosen to become associated with, but there is also some spark of hope that this thing called the Internet will be the missing link to success that has evaded you in the past. You have one of these company sponsored website and you are already online. Then, wouldn’t you know it, you stumbled up on this article and here’s some guy blasting away at the very idea that there might be some hope for you and that the “easy” riches that so many hope for through the use of the Internet may not be so easy after all, maybe not even possible.

Worthwhile advice from the Old Timers

There’s an old saying that goes something like this…”If you can’t propose a remedy for a problem, then you shouldn’t keep talking about it”. This sounds like good advice to me, and I think you’ll be glad that it does and here’s why. When I found myself in the same situation as I’ve just described in the previous paragraph, for about the second time, getting a dismal return for all the effort and high expectation for those endeavors, I started to look for a way to make these “affiliate” or “replicated” sites actual do something for me. After all, I was paying for them and they had my name on them, so there must be a way to promote them to more than just the handful of people I might bump into on the street or in the course of my normal daily activities. Fortunately, after many months of “self education” and “trial and error” starts and stops with many different attempts, I was able to find a way to get it done, and without spending an arm and a leg to do it.

Prepare yourself for another reality check here

The first thing that has to happen if you are to do what I have done, and am still doing, is that you have to learn how to lose. Yes, that’s right, you have to learn how to lose the idea that there is anything “easy” about competing with literally millions of other people around the world for a spot in a search engine that will render the results that you need in order to make a go of any “online business” let alone one that you are trying to run with an “affiliate” or “replicated” website. Another thing you will have to lose is the idea that it won’t cost you something other than your time, which by the way, is the most valuable asset you own, and it is irreplaceable. So we can begin to learn how we can turn these “lemons” that we are calling “affiliate or replicated sites”, into “lemonade” with the following assumptions:

• That the solution won’t be easy • That the solution won’t be free • That the solution does work

Of course you wouldn’t know at this point whether the solution that I am about to share with you works or not since you haven’t had the opportunity to see it, so let me get right into an outline of the solution that can help you overcome “The Internet’s Ugly Secret”.

Creating something that no one else has

Remember that we said that the search engines wouldn’t “index” your affiliate or replicated site because it was not any different that all the others that were assigned to all the other associates who signed up to work with the company that actually owns the site? Well, then the first order of business is to make sure that you are different. If you can’t change the company’s site, then how is it possible to be different? Very simply, create your own business identity with a unique domain name that you register as your own, and then promote that URL with an inexpensive single page website that can be used to “refer” to other sites on the Internet. There are a number of ways to accomplish the project that I’ve just outlined.

One, you can hire it done if you have the money, and believe me, there are lots of folks out there who are more than willing to take your money on this one. Once you know how you will wonder why they charge so much for the services that we are about to describe.

The second way you can get it done is by taking a little time to learn about the tools and the process that is required to make it happen, and do it yourself. This is not a particularly complicated process, but most people have no idea how to accomplish these simple tasks. There are ways you can acquire the information and knowledge of the tools and process for little more than the time you spend to learn. How much time you spend learning is dependent largely on your abilities, so it’s difficult to quantify that part of your investment. We do know, however, that the things that you will have to pay for are very affordable even for the most modest of circumstances. So when we say this is a “doable” process for the vast majority of people out there who are, at the least, computer literate, I mean just about everyone who owns a computer and has a reasonably good connection to the Internet. Let’s take the process of getting you set up on the Internet a step at a time now. It will go like this.

• First, register a domain name that identifies you or your business • Second, set up an inexpensive “hosting” plan • Third, create a simple website that identifies you and your business, that can refer visitors to your “affiliate site” • Forth, post that website on your “host server” where you will have a unique “Internet address” • Fifth, manually index your new website with the major search engines • Sixth, set up an automated submissions and promotion campaign that will keep your site active on many other sites. • Finally, as you evolve through this process, you will have learned much, and the newly acquired information will need to be “reinforced” with additional study of some sort.

Since you are now on the Internet and, hopefully, moving your products well enough to make some money, you will want to find and associate with others who are involved as well. Look for and find a mentor to help steer you to the right places to get the goods you need to get started. I personally use the folks at www.trafficwizardpromotions.com An eStore for all my Internet tools and supplies. Not because they are necessarily the biggest retailer on the Internet, but because I know the guys who run the business and they treat me right and offer good prices and support. And beside all that, when you get ready to promote your webpage they offer a very good, cost effective submission and promotion system at www.sitesubmissionspromotions.com that will make your promotion almost effortless.

Of course there are literally thousands of Internet businesses that can sell you the goods you need to become an entity on the Internet. Some will charge you more than others, some will offer good support when you have technical issues that you don’t understand, and some will not. It pays to look around a little bit and not jump into the first offer you see. Talk with others who have gone before you and let them tell you how to avoid some of the pitfalls, and avoid some of the less reputable businesses available. It is much better to know well ahead of time who is good and who is not, than it is to get knee deep into a business relationship only to find that you have to stop and start over because some couldn’t live up to their commitments.

Life offers no guarantees

In conclusion, I want to give you fair warning. There are millions of products that are being sold on the Internet, and there are lots of people out there selling them. Some are making money and some are not. Just because you have a product that you think is the next “best” and “greatest” thing to come along for the use of mankind doesn’t mean that there is a wide spread demand for that product. Your actual belief means nothing really. Take the time to do some thinking about what you are selling and the times in which you are selling it. Think about who your market is and how they might react to purchasing your product on the Internet. Is the demographic you are targeting young, old, gender specific or some other criteria that will limit or enhance your ability to get your business’ products in front of them? Are your products proprietary in nature? Do they fill a recognized need? And if people do need them, how do they go about finding the product? Do they search the Internet or is it something that can easily be acquired at the local grocery next time in? Which search engines might they use if they do look for products or services, Google, Yahoo, Alta Vista, or any of the hundreds of search engines that are available? And if they are searching the Internet, what are the terms that they use when they search? These are good questions and they need to be answered.

Who do you trust?

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that someone else has already done all the necessary research for you. There is at least a chance that they have, but most likely the research that they have done is about knowing how many people there are out there who might be looking for an opportunity and would be willing to pay for the right to be associated with them, especially if there is a nice looking website involved. My advice to you is to form your own opinions. Get input from others for sure, but in the end you are the one who will have to do the work, and either reap the reward or suffer the loss, so make sure that you are doing what you are doing because it is something that you believe in and are willing to commit time and energy to its development and eventual success. To help you toward that end, I offer a free consultation that will help identify your strengths and weaknesses.

You can reach me through my “Who Is” website at www.billreid.info or email me bill@billreid.info

5. The Magic Button?

Where’s The Magic Button?

Only time will tell, but if I live to be 100 years old, I doubt that I will ever understand the way some people think these days.

When it comes to the Internet and business there seems to be two distinct views.
• One, that there is no way that anyone could possibly find a way to really make money with their computer and a good Internet connection, because it's just too technical and "I" don't understand it; or
• two, just point me in the right direction and show me where the "magic button" is... there must be a "get rich quick" scheme out there somewhere that will work, and if it will make me a millionaire in about a week or so, I am more than willing to send you some of my hard earned money, and if I don't have enough on hand, I will try to find a way to finance this great idea!

Wow! I am amazed that either of these extremes is still around. The Internet has been here since the late 1960's and the web for about17 or 18 of those years. What could possibly cause anyone to be looking at this huge collection of "links" and "content" and not understand anymore about it than they do? Which one of these categories do you fall into? Don't believe it's possible, or can't wait till tomorrow to start counting those dollars that will soon be rolling in?

The fact of the matter is, the Internet can be a source of revenue if you approach it the right way, and take the time to learn something about it and the people who "live" there. On the other hand, it can be quite a drain of resources for those who fail to take the time to find out how to proceed. Unfortunately, there are a lot of "snake oil" promoters out there who will lead you down the "rosy" path if you let them. Then there are a few honest one's too... But they all look the same. They are hard to tell apart. So what's the answer? Maybe it would help if you did know where the "magic button" is located.

The "magic button" is at your disposal almost 24 hours every day, day in and day out, 7 days a week and year round, and it's so obvious you will probably hear someone, someday, tell you that it was right there under your nose all along... But that would be a lie. It's not right under your nose; it's just above and behind it.

Your "brain" is where the "magic button" resides. Very simply put, if you do your "due diligence", in other words, "think" and do the research necessary to learn more about what the "snake oil" promoter is pushing, you will likely find that it is really, "too good to be true". Fore thought and hard work are the key major ingredients to any success. Sure, there are cases where you might have to extend your self some, or find an "information gap" that will require some level of trust, but there is never a good reason to "put on the blinders" and just follow anyone who has a good story.

On the other hand, if you feel like you have been left behind by all these younger folks who never knew what it was like to actually work out a math problem with a pencil and a piece of paper, and that there is really no hope for you to learn enough about the Internet to get any benefit from it, then you are passing up the opportunity of a lifetime. I don't care who you are, there is a "starting place" for you. There was for me, and there have literally been millions who have picked up the knowledge to make a go of some sort of business on the Internet. It can be done, and you can do it. It will take dedication and discipline, but that is required of almost any endeavor.

Take some time to get the facts. It isn't hard to get some reasonable input and advice, and no you don't have go pay for either. But there is one thing that you will have to do, and that is to open the door and open your mind to possibilities that you may have never known could exist.

Bill Reid is a Virtual Business and Internet marketing specialist who shares fundamental information resources for the aspiring Internet entrepreneur. Talk about promotion… How about a free trip to Hawaii for two? Check it out. It’s worth over $3000.00. All you need is a little luck.

6. Can You Read, Write and Speak?
Can you read, write and speak?

With so much being written about home based businesses and work from home jobs these days it’s hard to even keep up with all the new terminology. We hear stuff like “Internet Store Front”, “Online Business”, “Internet Business”, “Internet or Online Marketing”, “Virtual Business”, “Internet Mall”, telecommuting, and so on, adnauseum. But, what does it all mean?

Isn’t the bottom line with any “business” providing some valuable service or product in an effort to earn money? Doesn’t that mean that a “sale” has to be made? If we break any business down to its lowest common denominator, won’t we find that there has finally been a transaction wherein both parties to the transaction agree that a fair trade has occurred? I think everyone knows that what has just been described is a necessary part of everyday life.

The problem, as I see it, is the general perception by Americans in particular, that a product or service must be sold. It’s easy to see why Americans would feel that such is the case, because everywhere one turns, whether it’s the phone, the television, the radio, the newspaper, the Internet, and a whole host of other mediums, including, still, some door to door efforts, it seems we are “accosted” by an attempt to “sell” us something that we “need”. So why shouldn’t we be defensive when we are treated more like a target than a human being?

In my mind, the solution to all this “marketing madness” is as plain as the nose on our faces. Those of us who are in business need to quit selling, and just allow those who need our service or product to just buy it.

So, when will they buy it? They will buy when we provide them with enough information to decide if they “need” it.

When do we provide them with that information? We provide it as soon as they ask for it.

When will they ask for information? They will ask for it when you create enough curiosity in the prospects mind to trigger a question to you.

Now, can you read, write and speak? Do you own an Internet connected computer? Do you have a telephone? Could you use some help paying your gasoline bill, or buying groceries?

Let me define my version of a “Virtual Business” for you. In its most basic form, a Virtual Business, in my estimation, means that you can stay at home, sit in front of your computer or next to your telephone, create enough interest from those with whom you speak to get permission to send them some information electronically. Then allow that person enough time to digest the information, give them a second call to get their response to your offer, either yes or no, interested or not. It is just that simple.

In your Virtual Business, with the proper tools in place, when you get a “yes” the transaction is done online, the customer receives the product directly from the company, which has collected the payment, and makes sure that you get paid electronically. You receive a nice profit and all you do is simply ask people to look at some information about your product on the Internet. Isn’t that cool?

Now, what if you could set up the complete “Virtual Business” operation, and operate it with a monthly overhead that is roughly equal to the cost of a tank of gasoline? Maybe less.

Can you read, write and speak? Do you own a computer? Have a telephone? Need to earn some money?

Bill Reid is a Virtual Business Specialist

7. What Causes People to
What causes people to not succeed?

I like to keep the word “failure” out of my vocabulary as much as possible, but sometimes it’s necessary to address the issue. Why? Well, because there are so many people out there who have the potential, and capabilities to succeed at just about anything they choose to do, but don’t, and it drives me about half nutty when I see it happening to people I care about.

Shining light on the culprit

Avoiding the “word” is tough, but if you will bear with me for a few minutes here and just agree to the term “not succeeding” as a replacement, I want to pass on what I believe to be the major obstacle that causes people to “not succeed”.

The Wisdom Of My Grand Dad

Many years ago, after I had already been married for about 4 years, my wife and I were childless, and with no plan to change the situation. At the end of a visit with my Grand Dad and Grand Mother one evening, we were parting company and as we did, he asked me when we were going to start a family. The question caught me off guard somewhat, so I just gave him the stock answer I was using as a “put off” to just about everything at the time… I just told him, “I guess when we can afford children”. His reply was quick and warm as he smiled and said, “If you wait till you can afford children, you’ll never have any.” Of course, I just laughed and we all parted with a chuckle. But as the years passed, his words kept coming back to me when I would find myself in an uncomfortable decision making process. “If you wait till you can afford it, you’ll never have”… whatever the subject of the matter happened to be.

What does this story have to do with business or success?

In my humble opinion, my Grand Dad’s bit of wisdom, passed to me many years ago, is the key to eliminating “roadblocks to success”, and it doesn't matter whether it's personal or business. In my business, virtual business that is, the ability to apply self direction is one of the essentials to success. The major reason that people find themselves “not succeeding”, is that they don’t try. What is trying? Well, you just pinpoint a keen interest, something that requires that action be taken, then take the first action that you feel will lead to the desired result. Yes, that's trying, and if it doesn't happen to generate the result you expected, then just back up, make the necessary adjustments, and "try" again. Evenutually you will succeed, unless you succumb to the urge to remain in your comfort zone.

Could the key to success be something that simple

No, not quite, because there are any number of life long, ingrained “excuses” that are used to “defer” the beginning of anything they are not quite sure of. It might be money. It might be knowledge. It might be fear. It might be… God only knows the extent of these “quick outs” that people have stored, and “at the ready” just in case something comes along that might change the status quo, IE; their comfort zone.

The simple truth is…

Sometimes you have to begin, or start, something that could lead you to the success that most human beings long for, even if you aren’t quite ready. That means making a decision without assurances of success. There will never be any assurance of success, no matter what the undertaking is, if the reward is greater than the outlay that will make it happen. Most likely, the greater the potential reward, the less there will be any assurance that you will achieve it. You will likely make mistakes, we all do, but the only way you will ever have a chance to succeed, is by trying. Start now. Do the thing that you fear will cause you to "not succeed”, and if that turns out to be the case, take stock of what you learned from the process. Then TRY AGAIN! What are you waiting for? Do you need someone to take you by the hand and lead you through the door? I can do that too. We can visit in my Virtual Office (save gas), and I will show you some things that might give you the lift you need to get going. Drop me your contact informaton and let's see.

Bill Reid

8. When Is The Best Time To Start A Business
When is the best time to start a business?

The absolute best time to begin any business is at the point where the demand for the solutions that your business can provide is at the crisis level. In other words, there is a recognized problem, and no reasonable solution exists that is affordable. The world, or at the very least, your target market is starved for anything that will bring relief for the problem.

Let me illustrate with a real life situation that existed in the late 1940’s and 1950’s. A terrible disease was sweeping the through communities all over the world. Poliomyelitis, or Polio, as it was commonly referred to was crippling and killing children and young adults everywhere and there was no cure. The need was massive and the urgency was extreme. Laboratories and scientists around the world were racing to find a way to stop the epidemic that was occurring.

Then there was a break through. Jonas Salk, a research scientist discovered a cure, and as soon as it was proven, it was rushed into production and vaccinations were ordered for most of America’s children. Later, an improved version that could be taken orally was developed, and within just a few short years the polio epidemic was stopped. Because the need was apparent, the demand was great, and the reward was incalculable in terms of lives and livelihood, the crisis was overcome.

Now, think of what is going on the world over today in the middle of 2008. How much are you paying for gasoline, heating oil, natural gas, coal, and other sources of energy that make your economy thrive. And I do mean YOUR economy. Are your expenses going up faster than your income? Is your electric bill going up faster than you can find ways to reduce your demand for it? I think the answer is yes for most of us.

At this very moment in time, there is, at least among homeowners, a highly recognized need for some way to reduce consumption. Consumers are scrambling for something more than just lowering the thermostat or adding insulation and changing out all the light bulbs. With financial pressures mounting because of the overall increase in the average middle class family’s expenditures for energy, the situation is causing a near panic, and on top of it all, the power companies are requesting higher rates to cover their own shortfalls due to higher fuel costs with warnings that rates could double in just a few short years.

What if you had a product that, heretofore had not been available, that would help those who are paying high electric bills to reduce those bills by as much as 25%? And what if the product that would help those same people to save money on their electric bill, would also give them an opportunity to earn some extra money to pay for the gasoline that they need to get back and forth to work and the grocery store, where, incidentally, they are paying higher prices for just about everything that has to be trucked in to the store for their convenience.

Do you think a money saving product with an earning opportunity like that would stir up some interest among the masses? So all you need to do is just find a way to get the message out to them right? Well, what if you had an information packed web site located at savingenergy4you.info that would show them, not only the product, but the opportunity, and a way to make money without even having to get out of their home, and you could set up a little system called Veretekk to promote that web site all the way to a top position on Google? Do you think that would make you some money with all the people who are screaming for some relief from all these high energy prices?

Let’s take this scenario one step further. What if those who purchased the product and recognized the business opportunity decided to join you in your business, and when they do, you simply have them sign up for a Gold Veretekk System so that you can set up a little web site to promote with it, and all they have to do is affiliate with the company and feed a little content in to the system about this wonderful product and business, and they are off and running. It’s not quite that simple, but if you are interested in more detail my contact information is right below here…Give me a call and let’s talk about it.

Bill Reid
Virtual Business Specialist
972-564-5716

9. Are You Thinking About A Home Business?
Are You Wondering? Why Start a Home Business

As I go about discussing the virtues of having one’s own business as opposed to working for someone else, I am often confronted by the unspoken question that lurks in almost everyone’s mind, and that is, “Why should I start a home business?” I should be quick to add that, at least in my opinion, a home business is not for everyone. Some just are not suited to the task. There are certain personality traits and human characteristics that do not lend themselves to support the discipline that is required of a home business operator. But, with that said, I find that, in general, there are a number of ways that a home business can be “customized” to the operator in such a way as to optimize their chance of success. Identifying limitations and strong points are the key, but that’s a topic best reserved for a later article.

Rent or Buy

I believe the best way to answer the question of why anyone who is qualified should start a home business, is a simple analogy to either buying or renting a home in which to live. If you think of a “job” as “renting an income”, the same way you rent an apartment or house on a temporary basis, compared to “buying” a house or condominium, where you actually assume “ownership”, and begin to accumulate an equity in the property, then a “job” seems to be a more tenuous occupation opposed to developing your “own” income source that you control.

It’s about Control

A job is only as secure as the company that provides the work that constitutes the position that you occupy with them. If something happens to that company, whether it’s an internal matter or external forces that affect it, you will be affected as well. As we look around today we see company after company in a broad range of industries that are suffering due to the forces of the economy. High fuel prices are just one of the factors that cause major changes in some companies, like those in the transportation industry. The airlines, for instance, are struggling. They have to raise fares in order to offset the increased cost of fuel, and that affects the numbers of people who fly. The eventual outcome of the situation is that the employees are affected through no fault of their own, and some will loose their jobs as a result. Either way, internal or external, the result is the same. No job, and no income.

Taking Charge

For those who are suited for, and have the ability, operating their own small home business offers another possible outcome when an economic disaster is looming on the horizon. They simply make the necessary adjustments, if needed, and continue to develop their businesses and along with them, the income that is needed to maintain their standards. By becoming your own employer you shortcut the process, and at the same time, take the limits off your creativity because everything that you do to “enhance” your own business will be a new investment that will add value for you.

So How Do You Find a Good Home Business

I think it comes back to the last part of the first paragraph of this article. Start by identifying strengths and weaknesses, and then, the most important part, find a way to apply the strengths, and mediate the effects of the weaknesses. In my opinion, the best course of action is to sit down with someone who can present first hand knowledge of the information you need to make a solid decision, take what is offered, use what you deem to be appropriate to your personal circumstance, then get into action with the plan you choose to use immediately. Once a suitable match becomes obvious you will know it, and action will happen. Inspiration will be automatic if you truly believe that you are involved with the right product or service.

10. Do You Want A Virtual Business Business

Would you like to have a Virtual Business Business?
What would it be like to have a business where you only have to leave the comfort and safety of your home when you want to? Technology is turning over a new leaf. Setting up a home based business is one thing, but having a home based business that doesn't require outside travel is still another. And no, it doesn't matter if you have to make "live" presentations or sell a product that has to be demonstrated. Don't think it possible? If you do, then you would be dead wrong. But let's take this concept that I call a "virtual home business" still a step further. Have you done a search on Google for "home based business" or "work from home" lately? There are over 56,000,000 hits for the first one alone. And how many searches are being done for these terms? Literally thousands every month! Do you think there might be a market out there for something that is legitimate and really will work? Absolutely there is, and it's called the "Baby Boomer Retirement Crisis".... There are literally 10,000 newly retired "Baby Boomers" every day, according to the latest estimates, as I write this blog. To me, that translates into 10,000 potential new prospects for some kind of supplemental income. Very few of these 10,000 new retirees will be totally set financially. Expecially considering the state of the economy, the stock market, rising fuel and utility costs. Just how comfortable would you be if you were stuck with a "fixed income"?

But there are problems with many of the home based business opportunities that are out there. There are many good one's, to be sure, but there are more that are just pure scams, and even if they are legitimate, some will be out of the question because they will require the home based entrepreneur to go outside the home to "make sales" or "present his business" to others. What if I could show you how to take your business to the Internet, and literally conduct it without ever having to step outside your "home office door"? With just a computer, a phone, and a little knowledge and the right tools, all of which are available to the serious entrepreneur, and most of it is free for the taking, you can do just that. Would you like to have a look-see at the very powerful communication tool that makes it all possible? Come on in, as my guest, and browse around a bit. Then give me a call. I am not hard to find. For more information, and yes, even FREE instruction and training, drop in to my Virtual Business Office and take a look around.

If you would like a personalized tour, just give me a call and I will be happy to show you how it all works. All you have to do is ask and I will give you a FREE VIRTUAL TOUR.

Bill Reid-SEO Specialist
972-564-5716 or toll free 866-209-8104
http://billreid.info
http://freeconsult.mygreatbig.info

11. The Right Time, The Right Place
What is a “typical” retiree? There may have been a time when those who were beyond their “working” or “productive” years of life were relegated to the relative obscurity of a “retirement” lifestyle. In times past, the mental images that come to mind when we thought of retirement was “Grandpa, passively sitting in his rocker, by the fireplace, pipe in hand, and a blanket to keep his legs and feet warm, and grand children sitting about listening to his stories”, or maybe it was “Grandpa, sitting under a tree at the lake, fishing pole in hand, sound asleep, missing the catch that just stole his bait”. You may be wondering what is so bad about the lifestyle these descriptions depict, and if you are, perhaps it will do you some good to examine your attitude and beliefs as they relate to the “stereotypical” retiree. Do you live to work, or work to live? As youngsters, trying to establish our worth in a very competitive workplace, we spent a great deal of our time in the pursuit of knowledge and experience to help enhance our value to employers, or a clientele if we were interested in professional status, and as our abilities grew, generally, so did our productivity and the income associated with success. This same process plays itself out, in one way or another, for every individual born on this planet. For some, survival in life may mean just learning a simple trade, or the family business, or other pursuits depending upon influences to which we are exposed, even criminal activity. Some of us love what we do, no matter what it is, and others loath the price life exacts for the space we occupy on this Earth. For one, the load is heavy. For the other, the load is light, even uplifting. The latter looks forward to a new day and the opportunity it presents, and the former feels forced to “comply” with life’s demands, and only “dreams” of the day that things will change. Which one are you? Are there insurmountable obstacles? As a layman, having traversed a considerable span of my life at this point, I have drawn a few conclusions about the things that seem to be “causal” in the determination of what any individual may or may not become during their lifetime. Some of these “causes” are beyond our control, and some are brought about by the quality of our own thought. For example, a child born with a handicap, such as deafness, or perhaps a more obvious abnormality, such as missing limbs or even mental disability, really has nothing to do with the circumstance in which they find themselves, but given the proper nurturing and the development of a proper attitude and a little focus, some have done quite well. There are many documented case histories. Helen Keller is one example that proves this point. Of course there are others who are not able enough to live independently and support themselves throughout life. Consider it duly noted that there are some who do not get a fair shake in life, but also, that it is not these unfortunate individuals around which this discussion revolves. Are you a product of your circumstance? Most, who find themselves on the wrong side of success at some point in their life, if they can be honest, will generally admit that it was about choices they made. Sure, there may have been some who were pointing them in the wrong direction, but they “bought in” to whatever was presented to them, only later to learn that it could have been different, or that they didn’t have whatever tools it took to make it work for them. Ultimately, they could have taken a different course and avoided some critical mistake. But how could they have known? There are studies that have proven that the social environment in which we are immersed has a great deal to do with our thinking. I believe this is true. Human beings have a tendency to become a product of their associations. If you hang out with criminals, it is more likely you will become one. I think the same can be said of just about every facet of our lives. The difference between these otherwise healthy individuals, and those described in the previous paragraph, is that they were in possession of, or had access to, all the tools for success, but ignored, misapplied or misused them. Had they chosen to direct themselves, starting with the abilities they possessed, toward the “right” (for them) objectives in the first place, perhaps the story would have been somewhat different. Another human frailty that seems to come into play here is that of “selective hearing”. My own experiences have proven this point to me. Sometimes we only hear “the good side”, or “promised reward” of an issue, as we apply it to our situation, and simply do not take into account that there is a “downside” that has to be factored into the equation. It’s sort of like playing a slot machine. If all you think of when you drop in the coins is the large jackpots that are possible, then you are likely to drop in all your coins before you give it up. On the other hand, if you will just look around at all the glitz, glitter, and expense that are required to bring you to the machines, you have to be wondering how the proprietors pay the bills. The odds have to be stacked in favor of the house don’t you think? Balanced thinking is a good thing. What is the cost of an uncorrected mistake? Time “marches on” as they say, and every minute that is spent in a “misguided” effort, is a double loss. First, the obvious loss, that minute is gone forever, that much we know for sure. The second loss occurs because it was spent for a lost cause instead of toward the acquisition of an asset that could benefit us directly or even later on in life. In other words, you pay almost double since you didn’t benefit from the endeavor. But is the “misspent minute” a total loss? Not quite. Of course a lot depends on one’s attitude, I think, but it doesn’t have to be a total loss. If nothing else, you will have found one way that did not lead to the success that you expected. What does this have to do with retirement? Remember the descriptions of the “stereotypical retiree” at the beginning. Is that what you expect to happen when you get to retirement? Or are you beginning to develop a little different view? If you haven’t already figured it out, how much longer do you think you can afford to believe in the “cradle to the grave” promises of big government or the corporate world? Have you been listening to those who would have you believe that the retirement income that you have been promised all your working life will be sufficient, or that the government social security plan will fill the gap and provide the added income that will give you the ability to continue the lifestyle to which you have become accustomed? Have you “chosen” not to hear about the pressures of inflation (more dollars for fewer goods), or appreciating real property values (and the subsequent higher tax appraisals and assessments that follow)? Even worse, do you realize that you are probably as healthy today as you will ever be, and that healthcare costs have been going up at a rate about 5 times faster than the rate of general inflation? And, by the way, the vast majority of us will have to face these issues on a fixed “retirement income”. I could go on and on, but the results we can all expect from these retirement challenges will not be changed by remaining focused on the problems themselves, but by looking for, finding, and implementing the solutions for them. Is there a way out of the dilemma? I am convinced that there is a solution and a way out of the dilemma for many who find themselves in the middle of the “boomer” generation with its many challenges. And I have great faith that the “solution” will come, not from the politically powerful elite who claim to have all the answers, but from the “Boomers” themselves. How? This has been the great question that has become the watch word for this very large segment of the world’s population. Think about it. How did our nation, and the rest of the world for that matter, cope with the arrival on this planet of one billion new citizens? Yes, that’s billion with a capital “B”. This huge number includes those who were born between 1946 and 1964, an 18 year period, who have placed a huge burden on every facet of our societies around the world from the beginning, and every subsequent phase of a human life since then. And I will quickly add, the same generation of the world’s population that has made a huge contribution for the betterment of mankind along the way. We have done it before and we can do it again! The answer to every “how” that’s been asked has been answered. Somehow we have managed to make it through every “boomer” crisis that has developed. Now, as the retirement “boom” is arriving, the question is again, how will we get through it, and I think the boomers will respond, as in times past, with new and innovative ways to make it through. One of those ways will be by changing the way we think about retirement. No more rocking chair. No more full time fishing or golf retirements (that stuff gets boring pretty quick anyway). The Boomers will become the “new version” of retiree who will find a way to pull their own weight. Will retirement become the final career? Why do I believe we will do it? We will do it because we must do it for our very survival, the same as with all previous challenges. How? I believe it will be by becoming independent home based business owners and operators, consultants, independent contractors and other entrepreneurial types at precisely the moment in our history when economies around the world, especially in America, need a major boost, an extra shot of energy. I believe that Baby Boomers will take advantage of the experience and knowledge they possess, combine it with the Internet and all the advances in technology to do what has to be done to “save” ourselves. I believe we will create the greatest of all Boomer legacies as we meet the greatest of all challenges of the Boomer Generation, and that is, a proud and graceful exit from the world scene.

12. Why Network Marketing Works
If you have ever ventured out into the world of network marketing, mlm or any of hundreds of other types of similar marketing plans, then you know that the one basic required criteria for success in any of them is recruiting. Without people who become a part of your "network" at some level of participation there can be no success at all. Many of these businesses are homebased, some are promoted through the Internet and some by other, less sophisticated, means. Regardless of how a particular business is defined, someone has to purchase the products that generate a significant flow of business activity through your organization, either to consume directly, or resell for a profit to a retail customer. My role as homebased business consultant is to simply help those who are interested in network marketing to see how, where, and if, they are a fit for a homebased business. Recruiting, or sponsoring as it is referred to most of the time, is essential, and, for reasons that I attribute to basic human nature and conditioning, is also the least pleasant of all the activities that one might need to engage in to promote the growth of their network marketing business. There are a number of ways to overcome the negatives that most associate with recruiting, but such is not the focus of this particular article. I will deal with that subject, as well as a more complete definition of what a "network marketing" business really is, in the future. In the meantime, for those of you who would like more, you can find additional general information here. For now, however, I want to explain "why network marketing works". A while back I attended a meeting where a very successful network builder/recruiter was presenting. He asked a question of the audience which, he quickly pointed out, didn't necessarily have only one right answer. The question was; "Who do you think would be considered the smartest human being who lived during the 20th century?" Of course there were an assortment of answers that arose from the audience, among them Albert Einstein, which he selected to use to make his point. Then he continued by making a few comments about some of Einstein's most notable acheivements, and pointing out that there were many others who might be used for the purpose of his demonstration. Then he asked another question which no one could answer. The question was; "What were Einstein's parents names?" The audience was silent. No one knew. Then came yet another question; "Ok, does anyone know the names of Einsteins" Grand Parents?" Of course, no one knew the answer to that question either. Everyone in the audience was able to answer the final question, which was; "Can we all agree that Einstein DID HAVE parents and grand parents?". Of course he did. Then he continued with the point of the whole exercise by explaining that there were many people in his organization with whom he was not acquainted personally, and who he did not personally recruit or sponsor. Someone else in his organization did however. He drew a parallel between the geneology of a family, in which not every member becomes noted for some great, or significant, work, and the reality that there are some who are recruited into network marketing organizations who, for whatever reason, have the personality, the mental tools, the desire, the drive, the necessary urgency, the pursuasiveness, the charism, the persistence, or any other positive qualities, that combine to become the ability to inspire and recruit others. In short, this type of person would be described as a leader. He pointed out that this scenario had played itself out many times within his organization. Someone sponsors a friend, the friend sponsors one of his relatives, the relative sponsors a casual acquaintance, and the casual acquaintance might just be the one who "gets it", the time is right for that person and all the qualities that create a leader become a factor in this person's success with the business. No one, except this particular person, will ever remember who his sponsor was, or who sponsored that person and so on right up the line until yet another "leader" is in the process of building his or her organization. This person will understand that not everyone they come in contact with will become a leader, but that everyone they come in contact with is very important for several reasons. They must be respected because they are human beings, consumers of goods and services, potential leaders (Who ever really knows?), they know other people that you do not know, and whether they understand it or not, they could lead you to yet another "Einstein" who "gets it" and suddenly you have yet another surge of business activity within your organization. These successes will lead to other successes, and so on, and that is "why network marketing works". Finally I would like to leave you with this thought. At the point in history when Albert Einstein was born, did anyone, his parents, grand parents or any other member of the family, have any idea that this newborn child would eventually, someday, develop the mathmatical equation that would change the course of world history? I think not. That's why those of us who are associated with network marketing or mlm type orgainzations, should never pre-qualify any individual based on what we perceive about that person at first glance. Treat everyone with dignity, and give them the benefit of any doubts you might have. They might just be, or have the abiltiy to become, another Einstein.

13. Are You Searching For An Internet Dream?
Have you spent a considerable amount of time sifting through about a gazillion email offers for "get rich quick" schemes that pretend to be homebased, online, Internet, marketing, businesses, and all the web sites that they send you to, only to find that they lead somewhere else, and then they take you somewhere else, and the confusion mounts to the point of nausea? Welcome to the world that has become "Internet Marketing". Unfortunately, there are many out there who think that the key to riches on the Internet is simply to overwhelm the world with email, and in some cases that might be true, but not when it comes to indiscriminate spamming, and "fake opporutnity" opt in sites that are only there to collect yet another email to send their garbage out to. It really makes you wonder what these people have on their mind. Are they selling something, or do they just get paid for sending out illegitimate email? Isn't it about time you separated yourself from the crowd and get down to the reality that anything that you might get out of the Internet, you will have to earn? There might be a few out there who found a "niche" on the Internet and capitalized on it for some quick riches, but when you look at the real money makers who are marketing on the Internet, like , and some others like Google, for example, I think you will find that the it all began with an idea that gradually grew into what it is today. The same is true of many of the Internet giants today. If you are lucky, persistent, patient, insightful, and hard working, in addition to all the technical skills you must have, or be able to acquire, then you just might make the fortunes that those entrepreneurs made and are making. Otherwise, I suggest you get a dose of reality, and then get to work with the tools that will help you to succeed on the Internet. It is possible to make money on the Internet, and the future promises even greater opportunity for those who get rid of the "quick buck" and "what's in it for me?" attitude and start concentrating on learning HOW TO MAKE IT PAYOFF. The first step in the process is to take inventory of who you are, the resources you command, what you will need to acquire, and why you are doing what you are doing. Until you do that, you are wasting time and energy and fooling yourself. There is no "magic wand".

14. Most of Us
As most of us assess the state of the world today, and how we fit into it, most of us find that we would like to have, do and be more. Is that you? Are you looking for a better way? Most of us have been lead to believe that to be in business for ourselves is beyond our reach. That it takes lots of money or demands too much time, or some other obstacle that we don't feel that we can overcome. Is that true for you? Most of us have found that the world is full of offers for business opportunities, home based and otherwise. Some are legitimate, some are not. Some are feasible, some are not. It seems like everyone's deal is the best one out there! (According to them!) Has this been your experience? Most of us have tried some of these ,so called, businesses only to find ourselves in even more dire straits and much more disillusioned than when we began. How am I doing? Am I right so far? Unfortunately, what most of us have not done, is take a rational, reasoned approach, do our home work, acquire the tools and training necessary, make a plan, cross the t's, dot the i's and make sure that those with whom we associate ourselves are as committed to our success as we are to our business. Would it be fair to say that you are one of the majority of success seekers who fill this burgeoning category? Most of us don't give ourselves a real chance for success when we "attempt" to establish a homebased, or Internet business of some sort. If you give it some thought I think you will agree that most of us who have started a homebased enterprise that failed to live up to the hype, did so because we bought into someone else's dream, but that dream didn't have "legs". All you could see was the dollar signs. Yes, maybe they did tell you about the sweat required to make the dream your own, then put legs on it, but you didn't hear that part. Then, when the initial excitement began to fade away as the "dream" didn't, magically, become a reality, you realize that you are not willing to pay whatever the price for success with the new venture happens to be. If you are like most, the vast majority who "try" a homebased business, you probably looked at everyone who "sold" you the dream and blamed them for your inablitiy to make the dream come true. Or maybe you blamed your spouse, or some other relative who didn't support your effort, but in the end, wasn't it really about you? If you were to be totally honest with yourself as you look back through your experiences, wouldn't you have to say that you are largely responsible for the result of the failed attempt? What if I told you that everything that I have described to you in the preceding paragraph is NORMAL? That you really are responsible for your failures, but that it's just part of a maturing process that almost everyone goes through as they learn to deal with new and different realities that come with independence and being a homebased business owner or Internet entrepreneur? This may, or may not, come as a shock to you, but there really is NO magic! No one is going to compensate you for doing nothing, and if you find someone who says there is a way to do it, watch out, it's most likely an illegal scheme that will just take your money, or even worse, lead to a confrontation with government rules, regulations or laws. There are mistakes that really are better, not made! If you agree with this last statement, then you are probably wondering why there are so many out there who continually get involved in the many schemes that promise overnight riches. The answer is short and simple. They do it for the same reason as the promoters who devise and push them. They are looking for an easy way to riches. Something for nothing. A shortcut to success. It's a mentality that has been promoted for many years in America that says you can take a pill and get an immediate result. You can "own" a home now, and pay for it later. The same goes for luxury automobiles, and other non-necessities that we choose to lavish on ourselves, and all we have to do is pay "rent" on the money it takes to enjoy living beyond our immediate means. It is the American way, is it not? As recent generations have become accustomed to "having" everything now, as opposed to "when we can afford it", it becomes easier to believe that the "smoke and mirrors" are the real thing, and they are not. Are you ready to reel in the unrealistic expectations that drive so many to look for a quick fix or a shortcut? If so, and you are really serious about putting all the schemes, and funny stuff behind you, and understand that there REALLY IS no free lunch, then start at the beginning. First, understand more about how we have become what we are and are where we are. Then, if you agree that you might benefit by starting and developing a homebased enterprise of some kind, take some time to learn something about the dynamics of the different types of homebased ventures, and whether they will fit your personality or skill set. There are many legitimate businesses that will adapt well to homebased operation, and not all of them have a compensation plan that is based on "multi-level" or "network marketing". There are some legitimate "turn-key" businesses, and there are those that will require more cash capital than others. In all cases, it's important to understand that the less capital required to start and run your business, the more likely it will require some leveraging of effort, or duplication, to succeed. In other words, your success will depend largely on your ability to get your product, plan, or service in front of large enough numbers of prospective customers to make it work. If this turns out to be the case in your situation, doesn't it make sense to get plugged into the right people and systems to learn the business or develop the tools that will help you promote your business? It sure made sense to me, and that's exactly what I did. Now I am willing to put all my training and hard knocks on the line to help you to take inventory, marshal your resources, and eliminate unnecessary wastes of time on your way to becoming a successful homebased business owner. The next step is to just simply get better acquainted and see if we have enough common ground to work together. You will have to get the ball rolling. It will be up to you, and all you have to do is come to visit and learn about me at my "Who Is Bill Reid" site. You will find the contact information there to proceed if you choose to do so.

15. The Most Powerful Link In The World
When you are in business there is usually something that gives you, or your service, or your product, a value that will benefit others. That is really what business is all about. Regardless of whether it's a homebased business, online business, Internet business, marketing business or some other type of more traditional brick and mortar, store front type business, the entire purpose of it's being is to offer a solution for a specific problem that is evident to the prospective customer, and that the customer wants to resolve. Every business competes for customers, even though not every solution, or product that is offered by every business is equal to the others. Some solutions are just better than others for a variety of reasons. Some businesses have a product or service that is unique, or contains some proprietary technology that makes it more competitive or useful than others. When the prospective customer is properly presented the advantages of a given solution that has some "unique edge", compared to the competition, assuming the prospective customer is "qualified", (Qualification includes a need, recognition that the need exists, a desire to fill the need, and the ability to pay for the solution.), then the probabilities that the prospective customer will buy the product or service are greatly increased. Most businesses that have a "special" edge will go to great lengths to protect their "technology" or whatever the "uniqueness" is that makes their product or service more valuable than all the rest. Now, with that said, if you are attempting to conduct your business online through the World Wide Web or the Internet, with web sites or other "online" marketing tools, then "findability", or "visibility", for the web site you are promoting on the search engines is of paramount importance. You still have to have something of "real value" to offer those who may have a need for your product or service, but getting online "traffic" to the site you use to promote your product or service becomes priority number one. "Findability" is the problem that needs to be resolved. There are a lot of different methods and techniques that are being presented as the solution to this particular problem. Frankly, some work, and some don't. Some cost lot's of money, and some don't. Some are feasible or practical, and some are not. I could go on and on, but the "bottom line" is, to be successful on the web or the Internet, you must have links and content that promote your business' web presence. The content must be of high quality, and relevant, and It is no secret that some "links" are more valuable than others when it comes to promoting your business. It follows then, that if more "valuable links" are part of your promotion, you would want to know how and where to acquire them for your sites and online tools. What if I told you that The Most Powerful Link In The World just happens to be free? If you click on the hyperlink here and go to the page behind the link, you will probably begin to scratch your head and wonder if I have lost my mind. Unless you are a Search Engine Optimization specialist, or have some training in SEO, then what you see when you get there will probably not make any sense to you at all. To the untrained eye, it will probably appear to be just a simple page with some catagories that you can "click on" to see advertisements for services or products in which, quite honestly, you have no interest at all. I will be the first to admit that when I first learned of The Most Powerful Link In The World it didn't make any sense to me at all. Then someone told me how it works, and I became a bit more interested. I used the link as instructed, and it was a huge factor in producing the result that I was seeking for my web presence. Then, after a considerable amount of thought and experimentation, I devised a method of using The Most Powerful Link In The World that has a multiplying effect that I'm not even it's creator envisioned. I believe that by applying the methods of using "the link" that I do, I have captured an infinite potential to drive the web presence of any business on the Internet that, heretofore, did not exist. Would you like to learn how to put this extraordinary tool to work in your online business marketing effort? I will show you how to use it, and then if you choose to do so, the rest will be up to you, but I want to offer a word of caution here as well. The implementation of the methods I employ with "the link" are very easy and simple to use, however, it will require effort. There is definitely a price to pay. There is a learning curve, which I will assist you to overcome as quickly as is possible. Then there is the actual "work" that is involved in putting the "tool" to work for you. If you are sincere about your "online success", you will be more than just a little glad you took the time to check it out, and I hope you are, and that you do. If you follow the last link at the little flashing icons, you will find my Who Is Bill Reid page and all the contact information you may need as well as a more intimate glimpse of me and some of my online businesses. Feel free to contact me by any method you choose. I will be more than happy to make your acquaintance.

16. Where Do You Fit In?
Questions abound when the topic of homebased businesses come up. There are those who are so skeptical of everything that unless some catastrophic event happens in their life, they won't even take the time to consider any activity outside their established daily routine. And if you are talking with a couple, it only takes one of them to put down any "outside the box" thinking that might interupt the status quo. Unfortunately, there are quite a few who think that there really isn't anything else in the whole wide world that will be any more effective for the income producing ability than that which they are doing now. So the first question for anyone who finds themselves somewhat less than satisfied with their station in life is, "Where do I fit in?" If you will allow me to offer some advice before you begin to seek the answer I think you might approach it a little differently. The following is just a suggestion, but, I believe, a helpful suggestion. Back around the turn of the 19th century, believe it or not, there was a "political movement" in the United States to abolish the U. S. patent office. The conventional thinking of the proponents was that "everything that could possibly be invented had already been invented, therefore there would be no need to waste good taxpayer dollars keeping the office in operation". As you think back over the whole of the last full century, what is your take on the issue in retrospect? Do you think we needed the patent office? I think you will be hard pressed to find anyone today who will think that the premise for the idea was anything but laughable. So begin your thought process with an open mind, and the idea that there might actually be someone and/or something out there that you are not aware of, which might just be the answer to your prayer for some relief. Someone much more famous than me once said, "in order to change, you have to change". I think he or she, whoever it was, got it right. But what has to happen before you can change? Don't you have to accept the idea that change must occur if you are to expect a different result? You can help yourself immensely with just the realization that you (or me, for that matter) are not the smartest person on the planet Earth. Bring, or take, as the case may be, an open mind to the table. The best place to begin doing anything is at the beginning. This truism can actually be applied over and over again, to learning, applying, practicing, studying, and so on, until you have a clear understanding of who you are and where you are. It really is like the Oldtimers say, "there is more than one way to skin a cat". Would you like some really good advice here? Ok, then. Open your mind, then click on the title of this post, take a little bit to look around there and see if you don't come away with at least a little different attitude about yourself, and where you fit in. Then if you'd like to get better acquainted, come visit me here, or browse my Who is Bill Reid website. Maybe I can help you to overcome some of the obstacles that are keeping you "in the box".

17. If you are telling you are selling
Do you sell products or services? Or do you listen for people to tell you when your product or service will benefit them? If you are approaching your prospective customer with the attitude that you have a product that they need, and the only way to get them to "want" it, is to pull out your fire hose and blast them with all the good information about the products' features until they finally see how much they need it, then your are in a heap of trouble. There's an old saying among the enlightened sales people out there, and it goes something like this... "If you are telling, you're selling". The fact is, no one wants to be "sold", but everyone wants to "buy". Have you ever noticed your own reaction when you go into a store, and the sales person approaches you? When they ask to help you, a normal response from most people is, "no thank you, I'm just looking." Is that what you do? But what happens when you enter an establishment, and you have something specific on your mind that you "want"? I don't know about you, but I usually walk through the door looking for a sales person, and as soon as one approaches me, I immediately tell them what I am looking for, and ask if they can help me find it. How would you react if you were walking down the sidewalk in front of the store and one of the store's sales staff came out of the store and tried to get you to come inside and look at some of their merchandise? You would probably think they had completely lost their mind. Right? So what's different if you are the sales person and your only qualification for a prospect is whether they can fog a mirror if you hold it under their nose? As soon as you see that they are breathing, you begin your "assault", and they are immediately "on guard", and looking for a way to avoid you. Think about it. Wouldn't it be better if they thought they were asking you for information about your product or service? So how do you get them to do that? You can start by just beginning a conversation, with something like, "hi, how are you?", and then maybe follow up with another question about them, then a question about their job, where they are working, how they like it and so on. If you ask enough questions of anyone, they will eventually reciprocate and do the same for you. You have to wait till you have their permission to present your idea, product, or service, but only after you are sure that they are qualified prospect... More on that later. Till next time, Good marketing and better selling

18. Taking the Internet To the People
I have always been told that you post your stuff on the Internet, then find a way to drive "traffic" to your site, and when you do, the people who go there will buy what you are selling. Doesn't work that way, does it? We have to be a little more aggressive and a little more creative than that. So what do you do first? Very simple. Just change your attitude. Think backwards in some cases and see if things don't start to work a little better. Instead of trying to drive people to your site.. Why not drive your site to them? Then comes the age old question. How? Well, begin by understanding that the Internet, in reality, is really no different than if you were meeting someone face to face. Don't you have to create some interest or curiosity in your approach that will get their attention? So why not on the Internet as well. Get creative. Think about your product and what you have to offer. Why would they want to hear your story. What's in it for them?

19. My $75,000 Blog
My $75,000 Blog is an offshoot of a casual marketing scheme that I use that has gradually developed into minor branding campaign for my homebased Internet marketing business. I think it is sort of an unusual "visual" branding that helps to identify me to people that I come in casual contact with through everyday activities. For Starters, I wear a ballcap... I have a little iron on patch on the front that reads "My $75,000 Cap"... Then I have a little plastic snap together campaign button that's about 2" in diameter that I wear on my shirt or jacket as well... It still amazes me when people stop me in a store or walking on the street and inquire as to what these labels represent.. It gives me a way to open a conversation and then turn it toward a recruiting effort with that person...It works... I get lots of inquiries and now, with the help of a professional sign company, I have put "My $75,000 Number" on the back window of my car... Of course the number given is my cell phone and you might be surprised how many people will call me as I am driving along the highway... For something like my "$75,000" anything to work, it needs to be something that is unusual and will ellicit the right response.. Definitely something neutral, but that will arouse curiosity, and there you have it.. The key is curiosity, which leads to interest, and then the rest is up to you. Till next time. Bill