Entrepreneur: Anyone who has ever tried to keep an accurate count of how many "cold calls" led to actual, cash-in-your-pocket sales knows it isn't an easy task. The good news is that measuring success from referrals is actually quite easy. We know this because we've designed a networking scorecard for tracking referrals and the business that results from them. You might want to develop a similar one for your own use.

On this card, record the nature and source of each referral, how you followed up on it, how you handled it, and how you followed up with your referral source--through a thank-you note, a phone call, lunch or business. It's not hard to look back at what you did and analyze how successful you were in getting business from your referrals.

The referral process is about committing to a series of actions designed to create a result not only for you, but also for the other people involved. It's about measuring the results and improving the system. As long as you track your activities, it's not hard to measure the results.

Is Your Referral Networking Working? [Entrepreneur]

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BusinessKnowHow: Nobody makes mistakes on purpose, but they do happen. If you are working in a call center, behind a counter or in any capacity that directly interfaces with customers then you are going to encounter an irate customer at some time. The most common response is to evaluate the merit of the complaint while your are listening to it. Try to curb that common response and replace it with the assumption that the customer has a right to be angry, even before you know the details.

Perhaps the customer feels betrayed because the product or services did not meet expectations. The customer may be angry because he or she made incorrect assumptions that led to improper expectations. The customer may be angry because of previous experiences, previous contacts with your company or simply because the problem occurred at a very inconvenient time in the customer schedule. Regardless of the circumstances, acknowledge the customer has the privilege to be irate. Listen carefully to how the anger is expressed so you can find the root cause of the emotion.

Listen to the inflections and emphasis that the customer places on specific topics to identify the emotional catalyst. Listen to the emotion as well as the words. This will help you to identify the specific item or items that need primary attention. Resolving a technical issue may be only partially effective if it does not also address the customer emotional concerns. It may not be possible to completely resolve the emotional distress, but it is appropriate to acknowledge it.

How to Respond to Angry Customers [BusinessKnowHow]

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Surely by now you know how important it is to start strong but how exactly do we start our presentation with a bang? Here’s 7 sure-fire ways to start your presentation that will guarantee to knock the socks off your audience.

1. Open with a humorous/emotional story that leads to your key message

I have seen that been done a lot of times - especially by speech champions - with almost guaranteed success. We love stories, especially those that makes us laugh and have valuable lessons to teach. So when you start with one, we immediately get drawn into it like moth to the flame. Your personal anecdote gives us the opportunity to know you at a deeper level and it adds memorability to your message. Even weeks after your presentation, we will still remember your message because of the story you share.

A variation to this is to tell half a story and then proceed with your points. Once you are done, end off with the other half of your story, which by now will make a lot more sense.

2. Ask a question that gets us thinking

Why is it that some speakers can command the entire floor with ease while others struggle to keep their audience awake?

If this has been a speech opener, it will have set you thinking. You will be curious yourself. The question will trigger some memories and the next thing you know, you will be looking at the speaker for some answers. Such a rhetorical question allows your audience to play an active role in your speech - you get them involved. It keeps them engaged in your speech too as they seek to resolve the gap you have created by the question you ask.

3. Do a demonstration that leads to your message

A demonstration for the sake of doing one is meaningless. However if executed properly, it proves a point which increases your credibility as a speaker and also sets up your presentation for success.

At one of my speeches some time ago, I handed a can of sweets to one of the students in the first row. I instructed him to take one and pass. As planned, there were only enough sweets for the first row, which got the rest of the students sulking. Some of them even complained, loud enough for me to hear, which prompted my first line:

“Many of us wait for things to land on our laps. As a result, we end up get nothing.”

They quickly got embarassed and became quiet. As expected, this statement also had the first row of students laughing, which prompted by second line.

“Many of us also choose within what we are given. You (referring to the students in the first row) could have ask for this box of Godiva chocolates…”

And then I whipped out the box from my jacket and the whole room went silent. The students were all visibly embarassed and were grinning sheepishly as I proceeded my speech. I had no problem engaging them after that since I have effectively proven to them that THEY commit such mistakes all the time.

So the next time you want to prove a point, do a demonstration. Trick them if you need to, but more importantly, show them point blank why this presentation is so important to them.

4. Shock ‘em with facts and numbers

Tell us something that we don’t know and you immediately get our attention. This is why shocking facts and numbers are effective at grabbing your audience attention. A “do you know…” statement works extremely well.

For example, do you know that in New York, if you commit a crime, you have less than one chance in a hundred that you will ever be executed for it? Or in our local context, you may have seen an advertisement that starts off with “Do you know that a thin film of clean standing water of the size of a 20-cent coin is all an Aedes mosquito needs for its eggs to survive?”

So the next time you give a presentation, research for shocking facts or numbers about that particular topic. Go to your trusted google search page and type “[topic] + do you know?” or “[topic] + shocking facts” and viola, you have a winning introduction!

5. Start off with a cartoon or video, funny is optional

A short video clip adds colour to your presentation in more ways than one. It creates visual connection. It engages all five senses. It commands attention. However make sure that the video is not too long, it should not take up more than 10% of your presentation since it is more like a preview. Also remember to pick a video that effectively sets up what you are going to talk about.

In one of the upcoming seminars, the organizers are going to show a clip from “The Truman Show” starring Jim Carey. Recall the part where he discovered that his life was part of a script? He was so adamant about living his own life that he decided to leave. He sailed out to the “sea” hoping to get away, only to hit a white screen. The turning point came when he bravely opened the white door and walked out of the stage set up.

This scene was extremely apt for the seminar since it was themed “Your First Step” and the objective is to encourage all the participants to courageously step out and live their mark. Not only does the video lead to the key message, it creates a memorable anchor, one that will not be easily forgotten by the audience.

6. Pause…

That’s right. Inaction could be one of your most powerful tools as a speaker. Most speakers rush to start either due to their nervousness or lack of experience. However if you observe powerful speakers, especially politicians, they take their time. Every second of silence equates to a pound more authority. As James C Hume commented, “Men, as well, as women, whether tall or short, can gain stature through strategic silence.”

So the next time you give a speech, take your time to walk up the stage. Find the center point and make your strategic pause. Don’t be afraid to look into the eyes of your audience. Smile at them. Once you have ALL their attention, begin with your first line.

7. Do something different (or crazy)!

Like my friend Darren Fleming who turned his back against his audience as he speaks. That sure make his audience love him even more. What counts is the novelty BUT make sure that you can relate it back to the objective of your speech. Click here to understand why Darren did what he did.

Or Darren La Croix, 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking who literally fell on his face to prove his point - failing is no big deal! In fact, one of the reasons why he won was because of his outrageous act. And then there is another speaker in the 80s who stood on stage without speaking for a whole one minute! It was clear that he was suffering from stage fright and performance anxiety. The contest chairperson was forced to come up on stage to escort him down. And just at that moment, the speaker blurted his first line, “When you are in the midst of a battle, do you have friends who continue to cheer you on or do they give up on you within a minute?” (referring to the contest chairperson). Now that was a powerful and poignant point!

And the list goes on. There is no boundaries to your creativity. My challenge to you is to work your creative juices and come up with an act that no one has done before. Even if it fails, at least you had fun!

Eric Feng is the go-to guy if you want to learn how to impress your investors and customers through public speaking. For more tips and tactics that you can use immediately in your next presentation, visit The Public Speaking Blog.

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Startup Students: A lot of people have a Great Idea. It might be a new invention or a local service business. Unfortunately for consumers, many would be entrepreneurs are waiting for “the right time” to start their Real Business. They have plenty of reasons (excuses) for the delays. From lack of time to lack of experience, our minds have creative ways of rationalizing our fears.

Here are 7 common excuses for not starting a Real Business, along with strategies for overcoming internal fear, uncertainty and doubt (”Internal FUD”).

1. I’m too busy right now. I’ll start when I have more time.
2. After I get an MBA, I’ll be ready to start up.
3. I hate sales.
4. I’ll do some research after South Park.
5. I don’t know anything about business.
6. I don’t have startup capital.
7. Before doing anything else, I need to write a business plan.

7 Lies That Prevent Your Great Idea from becoming a Real Business [Startup Students]

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About.com: One of the many questions about business planning I receive is how long is a typical plan? The length of a typical business plan can greatly vary from 10 pages to a 100-page document. It depends on the intended use of the plan and its audience. An internal business plan for your company will exclude areas such as management team experience and be heavier on the implementation side. A basic plan for the banks will usually run 20or more pages. The executive summary shouldn't exceed 3 pages.

Business Plan Length? [About.com]

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Local public access TV stations may be the best kept secret in America. Where else can you get free access to training, equipment, support and the local airwaves all in one location? For small businesses, local access TV is an opportunity to produce your own TV show, become known in the community and build your reputation as an expert in your field. Local access or community media, is also known as “PEG” access, as in:

1. Public – Stations open to the community for local programming
2. Educational – Stations dedicated to educational or school-related programming
3. Government – Government access channels for town meetings and city business

It’s the "public" channel that offers the most potential, and here’s how to maximize it:

Check your local listings

Not every town has all three “PEG” outlets, but with over 3,000 community media centers across the country, chances are there’s one near you. Check your town’s Web site or contact your town hall. Another misconception: You do not necessarily have to live in the town to utilize their community access station. Most access centers are eager for new producers and new programs. FYI: The Alliance for Community Media is a national, non-profit organization that promotes and supports public access TV. They maintain an extensive database and links to local access centers. Look for your town there.

Get free training

Most community media access centers provide frequent producer orientations, equipment training and studio instruction. The focus is typically on getting you up and running in one or two sessions. Volunteers and producers are the life blood of public access, so you’ll find plenty of accommodating help.

Go make TV!

As long as you’re armed with an idea, you’re ready to produce a show. If you’re not quite ready for your close up, start by assisting with another show, or by being a guest on another’s producer’s program. There’s no shortage of opportunities in front or behind the camera, so just dive in. The Alliance for Community Media’s online bookstore also features books and videos for additional training or inspiration.

Fix it in post

You can produce your program “live to tape,” if you’re doing a talk show or just want to do your show “on the fly.” In most cases, you’re probably going to want to edit your tape. Post production is where you can make your program look more professional by editing mistakes, inserting graphics or adding music. Most home computers now include basic editing or movie-making software, and those starter programs are relatively easy to master. iMovie is ideal if you’re on a Mac; Windows Movie Maker is adequate if you’re on a PC platform. When you’re ready for more professional editing, bump up to Final Cut Pro for the Mac or Adobe Premiere for the PC.

Promote and distribute

Once your show is complete, find out from your public access station when it’s going to air so you can promote your premiere! You may find that they run it several time per week. In addition to the local airing, you should definitely consider expanding your distribution. One way to extend your reach is to ask your channel to “bicycle,” or share your show with other access centers. A more direct approach is to upload your show to free video hosting sites such as YouTube or VideoEgg.com. Most video sites restrict uploads by file size (100MB) or length. Yo go beyond the obvious sites like YouTube and Google Video, and upload your video (or shorter clips) to Blip.tv and Veoh.com. These are very-user friendly, free video hosting sites with lots of great features.

Here are a few more suggestions to keep in mind:

• Public Access TV need not be cheesy. The technology and equipment have come a long way – so take advantage of the resources available.

• Expand your video from local public access to the Internet. Web users are downloading 7 billion videos per month!

• Be sure to save your video as an electronic file for the web, such as a Quicktime movie (.mov), or a Windows movie (.wmv). After you upload your video, many video sites will provide the HTML code so you can embed your video on your own website.

• A study by the Wharton School of Business reports that video can be 600% more effective in communicating a message than print. Tap into that power!

Lou Bortone is an award-winning writer and video producer with over 20 years experience in marketing, branding and promotion. As an online video expert, Lou helps entrepreneurs create video for the web at www.TheOnlineVideoGuy.com. In addition, Lou works as a freelance writer and professional ghostwriter, with a ghostwriting site at www.GhostwriteForYou.com and a blog at www.GhostwriteGuru.com.

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There are a lot of businesses out there that are competing for the customers. You are looking for a way to attract a loyal few customers for your small retirement business. You are also trying to attract them with some unique feature of your business instead of doing a large amount of advertising and the billing that comes from advertising. This approach of specializing will keep your business small, which is one of our goals, but will differentiate you from the pack.

An example is auto repairs. There are hundreds of shops in your area that will work on almost any type of car. They stock some frequently used parts and work with auto parts dealers to get immediate delivery of common parts for commonly owned vehicles. But it is not so easy if you have a 1960’s Porsche or Corvette. People taking these cars in for repairs may have to wait a long while to get some parts shipped in and some of the young mechanics may have never seen the insides of these vehicles.

Specialize in repairs of one of these vehicles and you can gain a loyal clientele if you perform good work, have many of the common parts that they use on hand or at lease on overnight delivery from a specialty auto parts dealer, and you have experience in problems with these older cars. You may also have an inexpensive advertising media in a fan club for one of these vehicles since you will only be paying for exposure to people who own the vehicles. Each of these specialty cars has web sites devoted to them where you can do advertising.

Think of your hobby. Look on-line or in catalogues for tools of that hobby. Everyone is carrying the low cost, mass produced tools. But there is always some specialty hand made tools that are available if you know where to look for them. You can specialize in selling these or produce your own like of tools that are more specific to your hobby.

The secret is specializing your business to keep it small and to grow your business through word-of-mouth advertising.

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This new weekly column, 101 New Business Ideas for Retirees, is compiled specially for GetEntrepreneurial.com readers by Stan Spector. View all articles in this column by Stan Spector.

Stan Spector is the author of “Baby Boomers’ Official Guide to Retirement Income - Over 100 Part-time or Seasonal Businesses for the New Retiree”. The book's website can be found at StanSpector.com.

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Great Low-Cost PR Tactics

Public relations can be an effective way to generate awareness and name recognition for your business. PR is also considered to be a low-cost alternative to other marketing tactics such as traditional advertising...

Continued in BIZNESS! Newsletter Issue 57 >>>

- Drink Up, Get A Toy
- Smart Closet
- Exploding Piggy Bank!
- Ccube: New Age Communication
- Specialize, Specialize, Specialize
- Smart Car
- Highly Priced Credit Cards

Continue reading these top stories in the BIZNESS! Newsletter >>>

- Ten Questions You Need to Answer in Your Business Plan
- How to Buy A Franchise - Step 1
- Train Your Sales Team Using an Effective Sale Process
- Get a Home-Based Job Without Getting Scammed
- Why Utilize an HR Attorney as a Consultant
- The Conference Commando
- Are You One of The Monkeys?

Continue reading these top stories in the BIZNESS! Newsletter >>>

Can't stand your demanding boss anymore? Start your own business! Before that, be sure to subscribe to our free informative newsletter. BIZNESS! is jointly published by CoolBusinessIdeas.com and GetEntrepreneurial.com What you get in BIZNESS! - the latest new business ideas, small business advice, business tips and info and entrepreneur resources. Everything you need for your brand new business!

Free 145-pages PDF report (worth $75) - "2006's Best Business Ideas" - included with your subscription. Learn more here.

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YoungEntrepreneur: I had a meeting today with a potential client who asked me why I didn’t have my phone number on my website. I told him it was because we were getting too many inquiries and it was making us unproductive. It got me thinking about the other ways I increase my productivity and I thought I would share some ideas with you today.

1) No phone number on the website.
2) Set times to meet people.
3) Do all your admin on one day.
4) Get help.
5) Check email once a day.
6) Do your most important work in the morning.

6 Ways To Be More Productive And Get More Done [YoungEntrepreneur]

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Public relations can be an effective way to generate awareness and name recognition for your business. PR is also considered to be a low-cost alternative to other marketing tactics such as traditional advertising and media buying. Your PR strategy should begin with the following key elements:

1. Build your target list: Compile an accurate database of key media contacts.
2. Develop your hook: Tell a compelling story.
3. Follow up: Cultivate relationships with the media and stay in touch.

Following are five steps to help you get good PR:

1. Turbo-charge your press releases
Your news releases should be newsworthy, targeted to the appropriate contact and, above all, engaging. Break through the clutter by enclosing something unique or creative (related to your business) with your release.

2. Maximize email marketing

Email marketing software has made it easier than ever to send out professional newsletters and press releases. User-friendly templates let you customize, target and track your email releases. It's a low-cost way to stay top-of-mind with the media. Constant Contact offers low-cost do-it-yourself email marketing solutions, as do Bronto and Benchmark Email.

3. Make the media's job easier

Tailor your pitch to the appropriate writer or reporter. If you're not sure who to send your release to, call the newspaper, magazine, TV or radio station first and ask. Respect their time and deadlines. Have a press kit ready if the media ask for more info, but don't flood them with sales materials. Give them what they need, when they need it, and you'll increase your chances for positive press coverage.

4. Develop relationships with press contacts

Network with the media at industry events. Make an effort to get to know local reporters and leverage those relationships. Establish yourself as a resource to reporters and editors. Need to find reporters or editors? Burrells,Luce Media Contacts database lists 300,000 contacts at 60,000 media outlets (fees vary). Or use Google News to search for news articles with the name of your company, your competitors or your industry, as a way to build a list of names of reporters.

5. Start a blog

Establishing a company blog is low-cost way to position your business as a leader and an expert in your field. You can then direct the media to your blog and include the URL in your press releases and emails. Blogger and WordPress are free, easy-to-use blog publishing tool that can have you up and blogging in minutes. An alternate, low-cost blog publishing site is TypePad.

If you work to become a reliable and trusted source to the media - and if you provide them with real news - they will put you and your business in a positive light.

Lou Bortone is an award-winning writer and video producer with over 20 years experience in marketing, branding and promotion. As an online video expert, Lou helps entrepreneurs create video for the web at www.TheOnlineVideoGuy.com. In addition, Lou works as a freelance writer and professional ghostwriter, with a ghostwriting site at www.GhostwriteForYou.com and a blog at www.GhostwriteGuru.com.

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Please welcome our latest 8 GetEntrepreneurial.com Network Experts who have come on board to contribute small business advice to our community of aspiring entrepreneurs. These extraordinary people, in addition to the previous 9 experts which we have introduced earlier, are contributing their valuable time and expertise in posting small business and entrepreneurship articles on GetEntrepreneurial.com. Here are the 8 new Experts:

Andy Lax
Andy Lax has worked in the credit card processing industry for over five years and is now an Account Manager at IntelliCollect, a merchant account provider that enables business owners to accept credit cards and electronic checks.

Recommended Article: Accepting Credit Cards Online

Andy Lopata
Andy Lopata is one of the UK's leading business networking strategists. He is the co-author of two books on the subject, including the Amazon UK bestseller '...and Death Came Third! The Definitive Guide to Networking and Speaking in Public'. Andy offers a full consultancy service and works with companies to help them realise the full potential from their networking.

Recommended Article: The Conference Commando

Charles Krugel
As a labor and employment attorney and businessperson, Charles Krugel, has represented management in hundreds of negotiations, in-house and 3rd party proceedings. Charles has over 13 years of experience in the field and he has run his own successful management side practice for the past 7 years.

Recommended Article: What are Human Resources and Why Should It Matter to You

Jill Hart
Jill Hart is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com. She graduated from Grace University with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies/Bible. Jill has worked from since 2000 and started her own home-based business to assist other Christians who desire to work from home while maintaining a godly life.

Recommended Article: Get a Home-Based Job Without Getting Scammed

Kimberly Ellis
Kim Ellis is the President of Bison.com, a leading online resource for franchise and business opportunities. She has been quoted as an industry expert in USA Today, Wall Street Journal and a variety of local and regional publications regarding trends in business and franchising. Kim combines her entrepreneurial spirit with a diverse background in marketing and operation to help others succeed in franchising.

Recommended Article: How to Buy a Franchise

Lou Bortone
Lou Bortone is an award-winning writer and video producer with over 20 years experience in marketing, branding and promotion. As an online video expert, Lou helps entrepreneurs create video for the web at www.TheOnlineVideoGuy.com. In addition, Lou works as a freelance writer and professional ghostwriter, with a ghostwriting site at www.GhostwriteForYou.com and a blog at www.GhostwriteGuru.com.

Naomi Dunford
Naomi Dunford writes for IttyBiz, a blog for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and other work-from-home types. Come by for marketing tips, small business advice, and the occasional very bad joke.

Recommended Article: Top Ways to Get a Fresh Business Idea Off the Ground

Ron Finklestein
After a successful consulting career, Ron Finklestein has spent the past 6 years building his business AKRIS LLC and helping entrepreneurs and business owners build their businesses by helping them solve the tough problems that hold them back. Ron is called The Small Business Success Expert by his clients because of his passion for their success and his knowledge of business.

Recommended Article: Are You One of The Monkeys?

* * *

Would you like to be a part of the GE Experts Network? We invite you to email us to join the network and share your small business expertise with us. We look forward to your application!

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What is the definition of Success? Many people confuse the outcomes of success with success. The outcomes of success can be the new car, the new house, more free time; but that is not success.

In this unique and short (10 minute) video, I will talk about the real definition of success (and I can assure you it is not what you think!):

After a successful consulting career, Ron Finklestein has spent the past 6 years building his business AKRIS LLC and helping entrepreneurs and business owners build their businesses by helping them solve the tough problems that hold them back. Ron is called The Small Business Success Expert by his clients because of his passion for their success and his knowledge of business.

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You’ve thought about it for years and you’re finally ready to make the leap into business ownership. It’s time to be your own boss, to be the one in charge of your financial future – your destiny. Because you are a smart woman, you want to avoid making mistakes along the way. You have so many questions: Will you be happy as a franchisee? Can you make the money you need to provide for yourself and your future? What kind of franchise would be best? Where do you start, with thousands of franchise opportunities available?

The simple answer is that you start with YOU.

Before you even begin looking at franchises, you need to do a thorough self-evaluation of your own business style, strengths and challenges. So find a quiet place, get out paper and pen, and as objectively as possible answer the following questions. (And don’t worry; unlike the quiz in Cosmo, “Are you a good friend?” there are no wrong answers!)

What's Your Personal Business Style?
What part of your current and past jobs have you liked doing the most?
Do you like working with the public or would you rather be involved in a B2B company, helping other businesses to grow?
Are you an outgoing, people person or do you prefer to be behind the scene, managing the business?
Are you willing to ask for help when you need it? One of the benefits of franchising is the ongoing support you will receive but it will do you no good unless you use it.
Describe the work environment that most appeals to you.
Are you status conscious? Does it matter to you what the product or service of the franchise is or does the business potential matter more?

What Are Your Skills and Strengths?
List your skills and evaluate how well you perform each.
How do you feel about sales and marketing? These skills are most often on a franchisor’s list of desired attributes in a potential franchisee.
Are you good a networking? In many cases, a franchise owner’s role will be to make community connections by joining civic organizations and networking with various groups.

What Do You See As Your Challenges?
What part of your current and past jobs have you liked doing the least?
List your weaknesses, those things you would not want to do or would want to hire someone else to do in a business.

What Experience Do You Have In Employee Management?
Do you have experience managing employees? Did you enjoy it?
Are you comfortable recruiting employees?
Do you have the experience and skill needed to create a work environment that will allow you to retain employees?

What Is Your Financial Profile?
How much capital do you have to invest?
Can you afford to do without a regular income during the start up phase of your new business?
What are your financial goals?
How do you see your lifestyle changing as a result of meeting your financial goals?
How do you feel about taking the risk of becoming self-employed?

Are You A Team Player?
Franchising is all about following someone else’s system. Can you picture yourself in this role, executing a system you didn’t create?

Once you have answered these questions, you’ll begin to see a clearer picture of what talents you can bring to a franchise business and what you expect to receive in return. Do you see yourself managing a string of dry cleaning franchises and vacationing in Tahiti ? Or, would your perfect opportunity be to own a mall-based tax preparation service where you could mingle with your customers and have lots of free time to spend with your family?

The next step is to start looking at opportunities and evaluating them based on your answers. It may take some effort to find the right franchise so don’t feel that you need to compromise. Just like jeans, franchise opportunities com e in many shapes and sizes and you never need to settle for one that is just not a great fit. Choosing the franchise opportunity that best matches your needs, interests and style is your greatest assurance of happiness and success as a business owner.

Kim Ellis is the President of Bison.com, a leading online resource for franchise and business opportunities. She has been quoted as an industry expert in USA Today, Wall Street Journal and a variety of local and regional publications regarding trends in business and franchising. Kim combines her entrepreneurial spirit with a diverse background in marketing and operation to help others succeed in franchising.

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Working from home is a great way to supply the extra income a family needs so that one spouse can stay home and raise the children. But many people are scared away from doing so because of the scams that are prevalent today.

Although it can be hard to tell fact from fiction, it is possible. Many excellent work-at-home opportunities are available. And, it’s well worth the time to explore them so you can start your own business and enjoy the many benefits it provides. Following are several tips to avoid work-at-home scams.

When researching companies that hire home-based workers, the best place to start is the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which can provide information on disputes or other problems involving a potential employer.

You’ll want to look for a pattern of “unresolved” or “unanswered” disputes, which will be an indication that there is a problem with the company in question. By the way, complaints can be filed against a company whether it’s a member of the BBB or not.

Next, perform an Internet search on the company you’re checking out to see what others are saying. If you see a pattern of negative comments, often that’s an indication that you may need to explore the company in more detail.

There also are Web sites such as BBBonline.com that will tell you some of the common scams around, including the “work-from-home typing” scam.

Operators of scams often lure job seekers with promotions such as the ability to earn $35,000 a year, or a promise to provide a list of companies that will hire them.

Diana Ennen, author of Virtual Assistant: The Series has been a home-based word processor more than 20 years. Ennen states, “Working at home as a typist is an excellent opportunity that often only requires excellent secretarial skills. However, be cautious of offers guaranteeing a list of companies that will hire you. The truth of the matter is that most of these companies aren’t even aware they are on this list. There’s so much information available online today that there is no need to fall for this scam.”

It’s also important to know the difference between paying for information about working from home and actually investing in a home-based business. Most home-based businesses, such as direct sales companies, are valid ways to make an income. However, because you need to make an initial investment many people are confused and believe these to be scams as well.

Think about home-based businesses in terms of your local fast-food chain. A fast-food restaurant will pay you if it hires you as an employee. However, in order to start your own franchise of that same restaurant, you would need to make a monetary investment.

The same holds true when you begin a home-based business. You must make an investment, but in return you receive the means to begin your own business—generally the paperwork needed, marketing materials, and product for display.

Still, you must do your research when considering a home-based business. It’s important to know things like the history of the company, its reputation, how many representatives are in your area, and what quotas must be met.

Whether considering a telecommuting position or a home-based business, speak to others who have worked with the company you are contemplating. Ask for references of other employees/business owners in your area.

There are many legitimate ways to work from home, but when seeking a work-at-home opportunity, it’s important to take your time and do your research.

Unfortunately, there are people who make it their primary goal to take money from the unsuspecting. If you are thorough in your examination, you will not become one of their victims. Remember the ages-old saying that still holds true today: If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Jill Hart is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com. She graduated from Grace University with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies/Bible. Jill has worked from since 2000 and started her own home-based business to assist other Christians who desire to work from home while maintaining a godly life.

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Ignore these at your peril!

1. Do What You LOVE: If you've chosen your business because you read that this niche was the next hot one, or because your favorite uncle (or your best friend) thinks you'd be well-suited for this business, you may as well pack up now and save yourself some time and money. If you don't love what you do, it will show...potential customers will know it and will go elsewhere. Is it possible to be successful anyway? Sure -- but it won't be easy and it won't be fun...and isn't that why you want to be in business for yourself anyway?
   
   Instead, choose what you love. You'll know what that is when you find yourself being incredibly productive, forgetting the time passing by, and not being able to wait to get up in the morning to do more! At Solo-E we call that being juiced...but whether you call it being in the flow, or the zone, or whatever, FIND IT!
   
   
2. WRITE DOWN Your Business Plan: As a small or solo business owner, you still need a business plan. Even if you aren't getting a loan! Would you invest thousands of dollars of your own money buying stock in a company that didn't have a written prospectus? (I hope not!) Then why would you spend thousands of dollars AND hours of your precious time on a business that doesn't have a written plan?
   
   Write your plan, get it critiqued by professionals, and most important, BE READY TO CHANGE IT. This may seem counterintuitive...why bother writing it down if it's just going to change? Because writing it down makes it more clear...and helps you get to the next stage of learning and planning and revising. It's critical--67% of businesses that failed had no written business plan. Want to play the odds?
   
   
3. Multiply Your Expected Startup Costs by Two--or Maybe Three: When I started my business, an honors MBA grad with 15 years of solid business experience behind me, I figured I was smart enough to estimate my startup costs accurately. I knew all the things I needed and made conservative estimates and I was still WRONG! That's right, I was still off by a factor of almost three. Don't make this mistake! One of the biggest reasons small businesses fail is because of lack of capital. Give yourself the best possible start by saving or acquiring sufficient startup funds NOW. Before you start!
   
   
4. Make Your Market Niche as Small as Possible: Again, this is counterintuitive--shouldn't you try to appeal to as many people as possible? The paradox is that the more you try to appeal to EVERYONE, the less you will appeal to ANYONE. Let's say you are selling your house...would you rather list it with the agent who operates in 14 counties, sells both commercial and residential real estate, and sells everything from cottages to estates? Or would you pick the agent who specializes in your community, selling only houses in a well-defined price range that she knows extremely well? Ruthlessly define your niche, make it as small as possible, and stay true to it. You'll thank me later!
   
   
5. Do Marketing Your Way: The temptation is to choose all the marketing methods that the competition uses. To stay with tried-and-true marketing channels. To place advertisements that you know nothing about creating, or make cold calls that give you heartburn. Why? Because (all together now) "that's how it's always been done."
   
   It's difficult to stand out among your competitors when you are doing the same kind of marketing! So instead, look to your strengths. What do you like to do? What are you good at? Then choose three marketing methods that play to those strengths. If you need ideas, check out 136 Ways to Market Your Solo Business.
   
   
6. Remember the Most Important Ingredient in Your Business--YOU: Business-owner: know thyself. Spend some time learning about who you are and how you are unique. Then let that uniqueness shine through in your marketing, in how you run your business, in everything you do. Don't hide your quirks--celebrate them!
   
   Customers go to small and solo businesses primarily because they are looking for a personalized experience. They want a relationship with you as the owner of your business. If you try to come off as who you think they want, they'll smell right through that and not come back. Be who you are, and trust that who YOU are is going to be attractive to the right people.
   
   
7. Build Your Business by Building Relationships: Being a small or solo business owner isn't about sitting in the corner alone. Actually it can be--and that isolation is what drives many out of business and back into a "job". Build relationships to survive! Start with your colleagues--others you know who are at the same stage of business as you, or are farther along and willing to mentor you. 
   
   Next, build relationships with potential customers. Ask them what they want! Then create products and services based on their input and come back and show them what you have done. Get feedback, tweak, and maybe make your first sale. Stay in touch with your customers even after they leave you.
   
   Last but not least, build relationships with your competitors. You might be able to do this right at the beginning, simply by asking them for their advice. Surprisingly, many ARE willing to share their secrets if you just ask. Later on, build cross-referral relationships, co-marketing alliances, and other relationships that are win-win for you, your competitors, and your customers.
   
   
8. Don't Accept a Customer Just For the Money: This is probably the hardest advice for new business owners to apply. Especially when there is a job, a project, a potential client, just outside your niche, that could keep your business solvent for the next six months. Don't do it! Taking on a client outside your niche inevitably results in frustration for you, dissatisfaction on the part of the client, and in the end, usually costs you more than you make. Ask any successful business owner and they'll tell you this is true!
   
   
9. Don't Do Everything Yourself: It's so tempting to fall into the self-deception that "it's cheaper for me to do it myself." IT"S NOT! If you aren't good at something, for instance bookkeeping, it will probably take you 2-3 times as long--time you could be spending doing things that are essential for you to be doing personally, like writing your business plan or deciding your marketing strategy. Put sufficient capital into your business upfront so you CAN hire help right from the start. Your business will get off to a quicker start because you aren't distracted by time-consuming tasks that drain your energy.
   
   
10. Assemble Your Support Team: Start with the people who will help you do the things you aren't good at. Some examples: bookkeeper, marketing writer, web designer. Then add the people who give you professional business advice: a lawyer, an accountant, a business coach. Finally, include the people who support you personally: your family, friends, and colleagues.
    
    Don't forget to be part of other's support teams, too. Share your expertise at Solo-E, start a networking group where business owners support each other, share a referral with a colleague. Solo Entrepreneurs supporting other Solo Entrepreneurs is what will make us all successful!

Terri Zwierzynski is a self-employed business strategist and marketing consultant to solo entrepreneurs, and a grassroots promoter of the solo entrepreneur lifestyle. She runs Solo-E.com, the resource website for the self-employed which attracts thousands of solo home business owners monthly from over 100 countries on six continents.

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Most people think that working at your hobby would make the best retirement business that they can think about. While I concur with this thinking there are a few warnings that come with this option.

Think about your hobby. Are there supplies that you regularly have to buy? Are these supplies easy to find locally? Can they be cheaply shipped by parcel, which would allow you to sell the items on line and not require you to open a storefront with the associated rents, utilities and staff? This will also allow you to run your business during different time of day at your convenience. If you need storage space, you could rent inexpensive storage areas. If there is a lot of competition for selling supplies, look at carrying specialty items that local stores do not carry. Are there customer made products available for you to sell. The large chain hobby shops, do not like to carry a lot of these specialty items. They go after the mass produced items and the items that sell the most.

Is the product you make from your hobby a sellable product? Everyone thinks they are but I recommend that you buy a booth at a festival and try to sell some of your product. This will give you a change to meet and talk with some of your potential customers. You’d be surprised on how frank they can be to you about your quality, pricing and design. If you are able to sell large amounts at a festival, you have a chance of having a good supplemental business. But don’t go too far until you have proven you can sell enough to make a business from this.

Now for the warnings.

The market frequently is not prepared to spend the cost of your product if there is a (lower quality but functional) product made in a low cost production company that is less than half of the price of yours. If the market is there they will probably demand the highest level of quality and may not consider your work of that level. Remember you are competing against others who have probably been doing this full time for many years.

Don’t even think of renting large amounts of space with all the costs involved, unless you know you will have the sales. This is the quickest way to taking a very big risk with your money.

Don’t think that your hobby equipment will hold up under high demand put on it by you using it for a business. It is probably fine to test the market with it but you will have to buy heavy duty commercial equipment for it to last long and to turn out the highest quality work.

And remember that you have started a business. You are no longer doing this for just fun.

But good luck, this can be the happiest way to make supplemental income during your retirement.

* * *

This new weekly column, 101 New Business Ideas for Retirees, is compiled specially for GetEntrepreneurial.com readers by Stan Spector. View all articles in this column by Stan Spector.

Stan Spector is the author of “Baby Boomers’ Official Guide to Retirement Income - Over 100 Part-time or Seasonal Businesses for the New Retiree”. The book's website can be found at StanSpector.com.

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I have just returned from a fantastic, if exhausting, weekend at the Annual Convention of the Professional Speakers Association, where I was honoured to be elected to the Board.

This was my third such convention and, by far, the most valuable. For many small businesses, the investment in such events, both in time and financially, prompts a lot of thought about where the value lies and whether it is worth their while attending. This weekend will see a return of several times my investment should I follow through with a number of the connections made. That's what I call a 'no-brainer'!

That has not, however, been the case before. Previous conventions, while enjoyable, have not necessarily produced similar results.

At my first convention, three years ago, I learnt a lot, an incredible amount. I wrote pages and pages.....and pages.... of notes from the excellent speakers and focused workshops. Over the weekend I came up with idea after idea after idea which could transform my business.

And I put none of them into action.

The simple fact is that I learnt too much. I didn't have a plan to put the ideas learnt into action, hadn't put the time aside to review my notes and implement key thoughts, I failed to allow for follow-up. One of my contacts took the following week off just to go through her notes and ideas and look at her business, how many of us can add this to the time already invested?

Wary of this problem the following year, I was too resistant to new ideas and didn't really understand what I was going to get from the convention. I didn't really understand why I was going and got exactly what I planned for from it...nothing.

As a result of that experience, I didn't attend in 2006. With the change in my business in January, coupled with my impending election to the Board of Directors, I needed to be there this year, so I started to think about what I could get from the convention.

I knew not to write page after page after page of notes from the speakers. Instead I kept an 'Action Sheet' at the front of my notes and focused on writing down the two or three key points from the convention that, added to my business model or speaking style, could make a difference. I wrote only a few notes beyond that, most of them focused on particular areas I need to address.

That is no reflection on the quality of the speakers and workshops. I learnt a lot from some of the best speakers in the world; but there is a huge difference between what you learn and what you implement.

The main focus for me at Convention, however, was the networking. That may sound obvious coming from me but my networking this year was far more focused and planned than previously.

The week before the event I was reading Keith Ferrazzi's book 'Never Eat Alone'. In his chapter 'Be a Conference Commando', Ferrazzi talks about networking at conventions and says, "Conferences are good for mainly one thing....they provide a forum to meet the kind of like-minded people who can help you fulfill your mission and goals." Going to a Professional Speakers Convention and focusing on time away from the talks may seem strange but, in a lot of ways, that's where the value is.

Taking Ferrazzi's advice I contacted some of the attendees in advance of the events, suggesting that we take time to meet over the weekend. I arranged breakfast meetings, rather than focusing on finding a spare seat, and spent time with individuals. In addition, I have a range of meetings to set up over the next few weeks with other contacts made in the last three days.

The opportunities already created from these connections include a promised meeting with a Director of an NHS Trust to look at networking within that Trust, an invitation to speak to a group of Chief Executives, a meeting to discuss synergies with another speaker that may lead to the creation of a new CD and cross-referrals and the possibility of establishing speaking opportunities overseas.

That's not a bad return for an investment which, although for many may look large initially, pales into insignificance against the potential return.

Andy Lopata is one of the UK's leading business networking strategists. He is the co-author of two books on the subject, including the Amazon UK bestseller '...and Death Came Third! The Definitive Guide to Networking and Speaking in Public'. Andy offers a full consultancy service and works with companies to help them realise the full potential from their networking.

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I received an email that lead me to this story. In a very few words it explains why change is so difficult. At the same time, it asks you to take a look at your behavior to see how you are contributing to the success of the team. I post the original article below for your reading pleasure and I am including the link where I found the original article:

http://www.iwdp.co.uk/articles/think_outside_the_box.php. It was written by Gary Stuart Wicks is the Director of Media Services for TiggerOnSpeed Ltd.

This is a powerful story.

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself why you do a particular thing in a particular way? Do you just follow the advice of those that have been doing the task the longest without further question?

Consider the following scenario, then consider your position within your company and ask yourself honestly, why?

Let's begin with a cage that contains five monkeys. Inside the cage, hang a banana on a string and place a set of step ladders underneath it.

Before long, a monkey will go to the step ladder and start to climb towards the banana. As soon as he touches the first rung, spray all of the monkeys with cold water. After a while, another monkey makes an attempt to retrieve the banana resulting in another soaking for all five monkeys.

After a few more attempts any monkey making the trip towards the step ladder will be prevented by the remaining monkeys.

Now, remove the water source. Extract one monkey from the cage and replace it with a new one. The new monkey sees the banana and heads towards the step ladder; to his surprise and annoyance he is instantly attacked by the other monkeys.

After a second attempt and resulting attack, he is aware of the fact that if he makes his way to the step ladder in order to retrieve the banana he will be assaulted by the remaining monkeys.

Next, remove another of the original team of five monkeys and once more replace it with a new one. The newcomer goes towards the step ladder and is attacked. This time though, the previous newcomer has taken part in the attack with enthusiasm.

Again, replace a third monkey with a new one. The new one makes it to the step ladder and is in turn attacked.

Of the attacking force two of the four monkeys have no idea why they were not permitted to climb the step ladder, or even why they are participating in the beating of the newest monkey.

After replacing the fourth and fifth original monkeys, all the monkeys that were aware of the water source and in turn were sprayed have now been replaced.

Nevertheless, no monkey will ever again approach the step ladder.

Why not?

Because as far as they know that's the way it's always been around here; and that's how company policy begins.

So, now you should be considering what you can do to avoid making the same mistakes as the group of monkeys; this is not something that can be instructed to you, this is something that only you can discover relative to your current position within the scenario.

If your team within the company acts in a similar fashion to the monkeys then you are undoubtedly not getting the best from your team, and therefore you are not providing your best to the company.

Do you want the presence of your company to suffer? Think outside the box.

Your Small Business Success Expert,
Ron Finklestein
info@yourbusinesscoach.net

After a successful consulting career, Ron Finklestein has spent the past 6 years building his business AKRIS LLC and helping entrepreneurs and business owners build their businesses by helping them solve the tough problems that hold them back. Ron is called The Small Business Success Expert by his clients because of his passion for their success and his knowledge of business.

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Continued from previous article "Why Utilize an HR Attorney as a Consultant?"

Labor & Employee Relations Defined

These are two distinct categories which are often confused with one another because they somewhat overlap.

Generally, labor law refers to the body of laws and rules regulating labor unions and associations and their relationship with management. Such laws include the National Labor Relations Act and other similar federal, state and local labor laws or ordinances. These laws and regulations permit employees to organize, elect representation and enter into legally binding contracts with management.

Generally, employment law concerns the body of laws and rules regulating civil rights and non-union related conduct in the workplace. Civil rights include a workplace free from discrimination and harassment for people (it need not be an employee) who fit into one of the legally protected classes (e.g., race, gender, disability, national origin, religion, military status, pregnancy, and in some instances sexual or gender orientation). Conduct laws refer to equal and fair pay, immigration and employment-at-will laws. Like labor laws, these are federal, state and local laws.

Labor & Employee Relations Defined

On the macro HR level, labor relations refers to the philosophy a business adopts for dealing with labor unions, union organizing and employee associations. On the micro level, this refers to practices and rules for dealing with individual employee issues relative to unions and associations.

Employee relations refers to the ideology (macro) a business adopts for dealing with harassment and discrimination and other employee issues, unrelated to labor unions or associations. This may include communication, discipline, recognition and payroll policies. On the micro level, it generally refers to how these laws and rules are applied to individual employees.

Examples of Labor & Employee Relations and Law in the Workplace

A supervisor receives a complaint from an employee concerning racial harassment in another department. Thinking that this has nothing to do with her department, the supervisor tells her employee to ignore it, and let the supervisor of the other department handle it. The issue “falls through the cracks.” Subsequently, a fight breaks out between employees in the other department. One employee is hospitalized with injuries. Another employee is arrested and fired. The arrested and fired employee is a minority who files a civil rights complaint for racial harassment and a lawsuit for wrongful discharge, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence. The company has little to no supporting documentation to show that it did anything to determine whether or not racial harassment existed in the workplace. Even if it wins the civil rights complaint and lawsuit, it will either have to pay thousands in legal fees or its employment practices liability insurance premiums may skyrocket.

As a labor and employment attorney and businessperson,
Charles Krugel has represented management in hundreds of negotiations, in-house and 3rd party proceedings. Charles has over 13 years of experience in the field and he has run his own successful management side practice for the past 7 years.

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Continued from previous article "Macro and Micro HR"

Although all businesses with employees practice HR, and some even have an in-house HR people, many businesses still encounter HR related problems.

Moreover, there are legal ramifications associated with many human resources issues that many HR professionals just aren’t qualified to deal with. When these costly and sensitive situations arise, a company needs to rely on a professional who understands the law, enforcement agencies and adjudicators, and macro and micro HR. This is where I come in.

Problems generally start with conflict between business strategy and HR practices (again, macro versus micro). It could be as simple as a business not recognizing that its HR philosophy is out of synch with its business strategy. Subsequently, policies are misinterpreted and misapplied, and costly mistakes occur. Such mistakes include improperly administered performance appraisals and improperly allocated wage and salary increases.

Generally, resolving micro issues, while ignoring the macro issues, will most likely result in that business throwing more money at continually resolving the same issues and continually wasting capital. I have seen this happen again and again.

For example, two unionized companies enter into merger negotiations. Neither company approaches their respective unions in a meaningful or timely manner to discuss integration issues (e.g., compensation, pensions and seniority). Consequently, each union commences campaigns to destroy the merger. There is further talk of boycotts, slowdowns, "blue flu," and other obstacles. Thus, fear and misunderstanding among each company’s officials and customers bring merger discussions to a halt. Eventually, both companies call off the proposed merger.

Or consider this example: Company officials hear of a union organizing campaign. In order to prevent unionizing, the company commences an overly aggressive union prevention campaign which incorporates talk of layoffs, relocation and creating new compensation and benefits policies. Consequently, the prospective union fights back by proliferating fear and filing agency complaints (e.g., unfair labor practices charges), which the company now has to defend. Thus, productivity decreases, expenses increase, morale deteriorates and the potential for unionization is significantly increased.

Poorly aligned macro and micro HR practices led to the above discussed problems. The fact is, in order to prevent money from escaping out the "back door,” a business needs to anticipate and fully understand HR related problems before they arise or escalate.

I will be explaining more on