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In this issue:
Working From Home - No Selling?
Secret Business Building Tool
Should Your Business Be Online?

Working From Home?

Many folks have a misconception of the term Working From Home. A lot of people tell me: "I want something that I can do to stay home and work on my computer and that doesn't involve sales". Now let's be realistic!

Can you think of a single business that could survive without sales?

If you do not want to be involved in sales in any way, you should definitely NOT start your own homebased business! Why do I say that? Because no matter what you do as a small business owner it demands good salesmanship! Let's take a look:

When you own your own business, you wear many hats! Sales, Public Relations, Accountant, Secretary, Janitor, CEO, CFO, Manager and many more -- That's the reason I LOVE my own business! It is an exciting challenge everyday! No boring routine here.

But, if you are afraid of talking to people and are not self motivated, you may want to think twice before venturing into self-employment. As your own boss, you get many benefits including setting your own hours. But you also have the responsibility for all of the functions of a business.

The excitement, satisfaction and ability to earn more money from your own business is the main reason so many people take the plunge. But, it is not for everyone and you will need to work to make it successful!

If you feel unsure about some aspects of owning your own business, but feel you have the people skills, the dedication and the will to succeed then go forward with your plan. You can always start part-time and build up your business to full-time as you go along. You should also look for a business where you can get training and support to help you get started.

Secret Business Building Tool

So what is the secret all successful businesses share? Would you believe Networking?

It's the truth! You can send out direct mail, hand out flyers, place classified ads, but none of these methods will produce the high rate of return of networking.

Word of mouth is always your best bet at a sale! Think about it. You're looking for a carpet cleaner. You're flipping through the yellow pages when the phone rings. It's a friend of yours. They ask what you're doing and you reply "Looking for a carpet cleaner". He says, "hey I know I guy that's great".

What do you do? 9 times out of 10 I bet you take the number and call the recommended carpet cleaner! How many times have you asked someone if they knew of a good movie or a good mechanic, dentist etc.

The same principle applies to your business. You need to have folks out there recommending your products or services. And people can't recommend you if they don't know about you!

Call your Chamber of Commerce or City and see if they have a listing of business organizations in your area. Also, check your local paper for announcements of upcoming meetings. Find a couple groups that you feel you would enjoy participating in and start attending the meetings.

This does several things for you! One it gets you out of your house and back around people! (Being self-employed from home can get lonely sometimes.) Two you will build up an invaluable sales team! Three you will learn alot from other small business owners. And you will also begin to build up name recognition for your company.

So How About Some Tips on Networking?