Guest Article: How to Avoid Scams When Starting Your Own Home Business

According to Work At Home Success Online at least three million people lose their money in work from home scams each year. This is an unbelievable number of people when you think of all that they could have done to avoid it. Everyone wants to work for themselves, especially out of the comfort of their own home. Half of the population never gathers up the courage to even try, and for those that do try, it is important that they succeed.

We live in a world where almost everyone is out for his or her own. This makes it hard to know who to trust and hard to know the right path to follow when working from home. This article is going to explain some common mistakes people make that get them involved in scams as well as how to avoid making those mistakes!

There are three very common mistakes that people make when falling into work at home scams.

The first of these mistakes is a simple lack of knowledge. Too many people dive right in to working from home without researching what it will take and what expectations they should have. There are many resources online and at local libraries to educate yourself about working from home before you even begin.

The second mistake has a lot to do with keywords and what you will actually be doing. Working from home means just that, you will be working. You will have to learn early on that there are not any jobs that will pay you for doing nothing. You will be the one paying them, and that is always a scam. You will need to learn the words to look for such as telecommuting, which is legitimate.

The third mistake people make is falling for the propaganda of the scam. A lot of people let their emotions take over in these situations. They get excited about how perfect the opportunity is and never think it through. The easy answer for this is to think before you act. Use common sense before making any decision. It sounds easier said than done, but it is possible.

Now that you are familiar with the mistakes you should learn the very important things to watch out for when working from home. Quite simply there are certain jobs that are always a scam. Look out for these and don't fall victim to them. Job descriptions such as, data entry, typing, envelope stuffing, email processing, or payment processing are scams! If any job advertisement asks you to pay them in order for you to make money, it is definitely a scam! Respectable employers will not make you pay them they will pay you!

Lastly some scams take it to the next level and will try to cheat you out of thousands of dollars. This is done by asking for your bank account information. Never give this information out! It seems like its common sense, but many people get swept up in the moment of opportunity and think it's a good idea! Remember when you begin to work at home to give yourself time to learn and understand everything that is available.

Use common sense always; never net your emotions take control. Be alert for key words and certain job descriptions and make sure you understand all of the details before giving out any information if at all! A truly legitimate work at home opportunity will not get you rich tomorrow. It will take time and patience on your part, but it will be worth it in the end. Staying away from scams will be your key to an honest future!

David Ogden is an established online marketer who specializes in practical website resources and advice that have helped many people like you start their very own home based business. He can help you launch your very own money making website today, ready to take orders and pull in massive profits for you right now, guaranteed!


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Copyright - David Ogden

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Nearing Retirement...

Well, not really.

My famous last words, “I will never retire! I love work too much!”

I said it in my 30's, repeated it in my 40's...

Now I'm in my middle 50's – and rethinking the philosophy of my younger years, trying to redefine – or refine (better said) that phrase.

It's true – I really do love to work. Or maybe MY definition of work.

Looking back, whatever I was doing (or working) at the time, I enjoyed.

I started my work history at age 11 on my dad's farm – carrying milk in a pail to the milk parlor, feeding and watering calves, sweeping walkways. In the summer there was even more work loading haybales onto a haywagon and bringing the bales of hay back to the barn to be taken off – bale by bale – up the elevator to the haymow.

I was paid $5.00 a month for the barn work... and in the summer we (my sister and I) were paid $.50 per hour for getting in the hay. It paid for our school clothes, records (LPs) and a day at the local fair in August.

I worked the farm until I was seventeen.

Then I got a parttime job working as a telephone operator in town.

I saved and saved my money – and about a year later (in 1971), I had saved enough for a down payment on a car – my first car – a new car!

So, my life began – my adult working life.

So, I'm not stranger to work.

Today, I work in a pupil transportation (school bus) office. I've been here 19 years... and have loved it.

But it's getting near the time that I want to spend more time with my family, my granddaughters in particular.

I want to slow down... but I do not want to stop!

One of the reasons I started an online business was because as I looked at the future predictions of social security and pensions, it really is NOT going to be enough.

I will either be a very poor senior citizen... or I will be a senior who has a way to work from home and supplement what little pittance the government may (or may not) give me.

I majored in business courses in high school and kept jobs close to my love of organization and business-related employment.

When the first computers entered the market of “ordinary people,” I waited for something to knock me off my feet before going out and getting one of my own...

I had already learned (self-taught) DOS, dBase, WordStar, etc. on an old computer (“Victor” - we named him) at work. And he ran on 5 1/2” floppies!

When Windows was introduced and the “486's” came out – I had to “get me one” - and I did.

Not long after came AOL – oh, getting on the Internet was SO SLOW on my computer with a 2800 baud modem, 450 Mb hard drive and 4 Mhz RAM. But the thrill – I can still feel it 16 some odd years later!

Speed ahead to 2008...

Computers and my business background...

I have always had this gut feeling that these two were meant to be wedded together.

And my drive to use the computer as a tool (NOT for Solitaire :-) – but to make money – now and into my retirement years.

Of course, all of this does not come by magic.

I started to educate and search out information on topics so that I can make this a reality.

So, building a business online does not come without some blood, sweat and tears. It does not come without sorting through the mess – oops – mass of good and yes, bad information on the Internet today.

You must be willing to learn, and take some chances.

What kind of chances?

Well, remember my first computer and how s-l-o-w it was? When the next wave of computers came out – larger hard drives, more RAM – do you know what I did?

I could not go out and just buy the newest technology everytime “they” made changes.

So I decided I had to learn to upgrade the computer I had.

The first thing I did was buy some RAM at a local computer fair. The man said that all I had to do was open up my case, look for a slot (he showed me) and snap the slender bar into the slot, reboot my computer and (magic) – my computer would be more speedy.

I remember holding the screwdriver (to open my computer case) and saying to my Dad - “Well, here's goes nothing...”

We both held our breaths (did I tell you my Dad, a retired farmer, was my whole computer inspiration?)...

Snap... reboot... and my computer ran faster than ever. Success!

Anyway, my point here?

Don't be afraid to take small chances.

Believe in yourself.

Do you need to go beyond just playing games on your computer?

Then find someone who will teach you. Or better yet – for self-motivators – buy a book. Try some of the suggestions you read.

I got my confidence when I bought - and applied suggestions from the “Windows for Dummies” series. I bought the series for Windows 3.1 (Books 1 and 2), Windows 95 and Windows 98. After gaining confidence and some skill, I discovered I could go to the next level of learning... and the next... and the next.

If you're reading this and nearing retirement age (as I am) – or if you're in your 30's or 40's – don't wait another day to begin learning how to use your computer as a tool. It's powerful... and put to good use, can help you build a business from the comfort of your home.

Educate yourself. Read, research – spend some money (you don't have to spend a lot) for your education.

There are many self-help books out there. Some of them are great, some of them are not so great. But even in the “not so great,” I have found jewels that I've picked out and used successfully.

One book (in particular) that I am reading is the “Retirement Survival Guide.”

Yes, I have a business online – and an accounting business offline... and a full-time job – I'm not retired yet!

But I'm reading everything I can get my hands on.

I want to retire. But I also want the knowledge that will help me retire with some money left over at the end of the month.

Is this you? Then you might want to join me. Again the name of the book is “Retirement Survival Guide.” And you can get more information about this book by clicking on the title (or the Resources below). It will take you to an information/promotional page along with ordering information.

Another suggestion is SiteBuildIt.

SiteBuildIt is great if you have an idea but feel the task of learning so much in so little time is daunting. They guide you from brainstorming your idea to producing a full-fledged webpage. (And the forums are great, too.)

Even it you have several ideas, their Brainstormer tool will help you choose the best idea for your website.

They have a webpage with many case-studies from real people who have used SiteBuildIt. If you click on the link, you can read whether one of these studies may fit you!

An option for brick-and-mortar business owners who don't have the time (or inclination) to build their own website, SiteBuiltIt for your local business has experienced people who will work with you to get you online – and found by your customers.

I know this has been long-winded and I hope that by the time you read this that you don't think that this is pure sales-pitch...

What I say is sincere.

My goal is to be able to retire – or partially retire with my at-home business.

Why? To enjoy my family, my little girls (granddaughters) and life itself!

-----
Resources:

Retirement Survival Guide
SiteBuildIt Case Studies
SiteBuildIt for Local Businesses

Starting an Active Blog

Blogging is great for your business.

But many don't know much about blogging much less about setting one up, writing posts, and attracting readers.

Anik Singal and Rosalind Gardner of Affiliate Classroom recently came out with a series of free videos. "Blog Classroom," shows you step-by-step how you can download, install and set up a WordPress blog. The videos are simple to follow and even help you learn to write posts and set up your blog to receive traffic.

In my opinion, the videos are top-notch -- Anik and Ros go more than the extra mile to providing instruction filled with value (especially if you're new to this - like me).

Check it out here and enjoy!

BlogClassroom

"Build-a-Biz" Videos to Be Released

I don't like internet marketing hype. So the script that I was asked to post to my mailing list or blog has been edited to MY liking. Guess I'll never "get rich" by being pushy.

If you've been near the internet marketing arena for any length of time, then you may have heard of Derek Gehl from the Internet Marketing Center (formerly owned by Cory Rudl, who passed away unexpectedly a few years ago). Anyway, Derek took over as CEO of the Internet Marketing Center when Cory died.

I have bought his product and in my opinion, and it's pretty complete as far as internet marketing strategy goes. I also bought his product "Insider Secrets of an eBay Millionaire." (No, I haven't become an eBay millionaire - but I'd like to think I'll eventually make it there!)

Anyway, Derek is releasing a free "Build-a-Biz" video training series next week.

Here's the story behind the video series:

Derek was challenged by a frustrated blog reader to "put his money where his mouth is" and PROVE it's possible to build a niche website from scratch in ONE WEEK or less.

Derek has agreed to meet the reader's challenge in front of us. Yes, he's going to videotape the whole process!

These videos will be released over a 4-day period (April 21-24th) -- so YOU can use the strategies Derek's demonstrating to create your OWN money-making website in just a matter of days (if you're quick :-).

You can register for these free "hands-on" instructional videos NOW at:

www.marketingtips.com/xtreme-challenge/t/11627

Like myself, you may be skeptical that anyone can actually build a new niche business from just an idea - especially since the niche he's targeting has NOTHING to do with Internet marketing...

But my skepticism has turned into curiosity. And whatever he's presenting in the videos, I'm sure I can glean something I can use to benefit my internet business.

So come with me and mosy on over to www.marketingtips.com/xtreme-challenge/t/11627 and join me.

At the very least, I believe these free videos will be a fantastic learning experience.

What's The Best Way to Build a Business Web Site?

If you're a business owner, does one of the following apply to you:

• You don't have a web site.
  

• You have a web site, but it's embarrassing.
  

• You have a sharp-looking web site, but nobody visits it.

Wouldn't it be better to have a web site that works to do the job of attracting visitors to your local business?

Ken Evoy, the creator of SiteBuildIt! (SBI!) has helped tens of thousands of small business owners to create successful web sites using the one-and-only online tools at SBI!. This service basically taught ordinary people with a dream, a willingness to learn and a determination to succeed how to use SBI! tools to brainstorm ideas, research keywords, choose a niche and build successful web sites.

This may sound like a lot of work (with a learning curve) to many. And if you have the time and are up to the challenge of learning the dynamics of building a successful web site yourself, I encourage you to sign up - it's really awesome!

However, you, the small business owner wanting to increase your local business presence and get more customers, are busy tending to the "business of making your business work".

You have limited or no knowledge about building a successful web site – or you lack the time to build it and market it so that visitors will find you.

So, you find a local web master to build your web site. **By the way, local web masters may (or may not) be great for building web sites. However, because they do not market your business, the web site they built for you fails to attract the targeted traffic you need and desire.**

So you have a fine looking web site, yet your web site yields slim to no results.

What can you do?

SBI! has recently taken the giant step of helping small businesses – local businesses – mom and pop businesses - to build the web site they only dream about.

You provide the seed – they do all the work.

You can have a web site where local clientèle – your potential customers - can find your business on the web.

You've worked hard to build a successful “brick and mortar” or service business.

Does having a web site – a web site that produces customers for you - sound inviting to you?

Then head on over to SiteSell Services and get 'er going - today!

If you're a little hesitant about SBI!, click here to read a local business success story who used SBI! to take her local business to the "next level."

The Benefits of Starting a Medical Transcription Business

Years ago I had a friend who worked in a local hospital as a medical transcriptionist.

The doctor would dictate patient history, treatment, and prognosis to a machine. The when the transcriptionist would come in to work and type up a finished product.

Not only was this an exciting career for my friend. And since no two medical histories were the same - so it was NEVER boring.

We've come a long way - especially since this very work no longer has to be completed in the formal work setting of a business office. This is a career you can pursue at home.

Some of the benefits of starting a medical transcription business are:

Low start up costs - Your biggest investment may be in your education and even that's reasonable for the return you can make on your investment. Other than that you won't require much money and your overhead and supplies will be minimal.

Set your own hours - Work evenings, mornings, or during the day. As long as you meet your turn-around-times, it's up to you when you work.

Low Advertisement Costs - A medical transcription business will grow through word-of-mouth marketing and is also easily marketed with simple flyers and business cards.

Great Earning Potential - A successful medical transcription service can earn anywhere from $20,000 per year (for a part time one person service) to over $200,000 per year for a full medical transcription service. How much you'll earn will be dependent on a number of factors, but there is potential for a decent income.

Flexibility - Expand and grow the business when you like, hire people to help you, work from home, work mainly online or locally - this business allows you a lot of flexibility and choice.

Exciting Career - You'll learn medical terms and get a better understanding of how the human body works. You'll regularly transcribe a variety of reports and learn about diseases, cures, and medical findings. An added benefit for many MTs is that when they go visit their family doctor they feel more able to communicate and understand what all those medical terms mean… this gives you a great sense of empowerment when it comes to your own health.

Prestigious Career - You'll make great contacts and often become friends with many physicians. This usually comes with many extra perks such as great holiday bonuses. You'll learn a valuable career skill for life and a lucrative profession you can feel proud of.

For complete information about starting a medical transcription business, grab your copy of Moms Talk Biz Guide to Starting a Medical Transcription Business - where you will find step-by-step instructions, resources and inside information to start your own medical transcription business from home.

Think & Grow Rich by Napolean Hill - Listen on MP3

No time to read?

Napolean Hill's popular book, "Think and Grow Rich" can now be downloaded and listened to on your mp3 player.

For more details, click here.