Selling a Similar Product

If you have a product that is similar to something already out there, Business Week has some tips on how to market your item successfully in "Marketing a Copycat Product."

Some marketing ideas include making your brand visible by using pay-per-click Internet advertising, developing a consistent message about your product and establishing a Facebook and Twitter account for your brand.

Until next time,

Sarah

Finding the Right Mentor

Having someone who can mentor you along your career path, whether it be in the corporate world or a home-based business, can be a boon. But finding the right person to be that mentor can be difficult.

"3 Successful Strategies to Find a Business Mentor" from the Fox Small Business Center offers the solution.

First, look for mentors who have more in common with you than just business. For example, if you're involved with your local animal shelter, you might meet other animal lovers and businesspeople who could help direct your career.

Second, be public about your search for a mentor. Kind of like, if you don't let people know you're looking for a mentor, you might not find one approach. Blog about your search. Ask friends for recommendations. Don't be shy, but don't be a pest about it, either.

Third, call, don't email, your request. Emails are easy to get lost or deleted accidentally, so be old-fashioned--call your prospective mentor. Sometimes, talking on the phone for a few minutes can show whether you'll be a good fit more than exchanging emails.

Until next time,

Sarah

Using Speaking Engagements to Promote Your Business

Came across this article about "10 Tips for Giving an Important Speech," which has some good stuff about speaking engagements. Whether in front your kids or a larger group, these key steps can help you give a great presentation.

Be enthusaistic. No matter what the topic, if you're not excited about it, your audience won't be either.

Tell engaging stories. Make sure your illustrations have a point that ties into your subject matter.

Interact with your audience first thing. Don't wait until the question-and-answer portion of your speech. Engage your audience with questions at the beginning.

Rename your nervousness. Instead of butterflies in your stomach, think fireballs. Reoriente your idea of being nervous to your advantage.

Fix your gaze on one person at a time. When delivering a point, look at one person instead of scanning the room.

I recommend reading the entire article for more tips on public speaking.

Until next time,

Sarah

Speaking Engagements

I'll be speaking on time management at the Ashburn, Va., MOPS group, on Oct. 22 and 29. If you're in the area and would like to stop by, visit http://www.cfellowshipc.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=10076 for more information.

Until next time,

Sarah

When You Post Matters

If you blog or update your Facebook page, when you post that new information can help you generate more traffic, a new study reported in Entrepeneur.com found.

"Overall, Friday gets the most attention per fan; with 64 percent more 'shares, likes and comments,' and Saturday comes in second, with 13 percent more," the report revealed. But "Friday is only 7 percent more effective than Monday and 3 percent more than Tuesday and Thursday." Translation? Don't post on Sunday if you want to get any tranaction.

The report also showed that posting in the morning brought more response than in the afternoons.

So I'll be posting updates to my blogs in the a.m. from now on. And not on Sundays.

Until next time,

Sarah

On the Air--Christian Authors Show

My interview on The Christian Authors Show is now airing at http://www.thechristianauthorsshow.com/. The 15-minute interview is available Oct. 18 and 19. Take a listen!

Until next time,

Sarah

Color Consultation

If you've ever wondered what a color consultant does, check out the October issue of At Home News. I've interviewed a color consultant who works out of her home.

You can sign up for the free monthly e-newsletter by clicking on the newsletter tab.

Until next time,

Sarah

The Fair Playing Field Act

If you're considered an independent contractor (i.e., a freelancer or contractual worker), you might want to find out more about the Fair Playing Field Act currently being considered in Congress.

Essentially, the act would eliminate an IRS regulation loophole that lets companies label workers as independent contractors if the business has "a reasonable basis" for the classification--and reports the contracted workers' compensation on 1099 forms.

The act also would require new federal guidelines on how to classify independent workers. You can read the entire bill online.

As an independent contractor myself, I'll definitely be keeping an eye on how this bill might effect my working relationships with client companies. Check back here for updates.

Until next time,

Sarah

Beware of Social Media

Social media usage has become an American time-waster. A recent 60 Minutes/Vanity Fair poll found that 36 percent picked social networking as their biggest time waster, followed by fantasy sports (25 percent) and television watching (23 percent).

As with anything--reading books, for instance--an overindulgence can lead to ignoring important aspects of your life and work.

Until next time,

Sarah

Regaining Work Energy

To rejuvenate yourself for your at-home business, try these tips from Bloomberg Business Week.

Take a break from work. If you can't spare a weekend or longer vacation from your business, try scheduling an afternoon's worth of idle time. Do something fun with your kids or catch a matinee movie. Whatever you do, don't think about work.

Limit your use of technology to check in on work. If you must bring your iPhone to your son's soccer game, at least restrict the time you spend on it.

Schedule regular times throughout the week when business is the last thing on your mind. For example, when I pick up the children from the bus stop, I block out thirty minutes to spend with them, talking about their day and asking about homework, etc.

Have paper and pen--or PDA--handy for jotting down ideas. Help to keep your good ideas from getting lost by committing to paper or iPad those thoughts about your business before you forget.

Until next time,

Sarah

The Importance of Websites

For those who might think social media is better than websites, along comes an article that debunks that idea. "5 Solid Reasons Why Facebook Does Not Matter More Than Your Company Website" talks about how a website relating to your company helps your business more than a social media presence.

The writer's main point is that Facebook and other social media enhances your online presence but shouldn't take the place of a website. Even if your business is yourself (i.e., you're a freelancer or contract worker for hire), having a professional website is a must.

Until next time,

Sarah

Get Your Business On the Web

It's more important than ever to have an online presence for your at-home business. Whether it's a dedicated website or an store in Etsy.com, having your business available on the Internet is essential given today's tech-savvy consumer.

A recent article in the Commercial Appeal (Tenn.) found that "online sales will reach $248.7 billion in the next five years, accounting for 8 percent of total U.S. retail sales by 2014." However, the article also pointed out that half of small businesses did not have a website or other online presence.

Using the Internet to talk about your business via a website, online store (like Etsy or eBay), or social media (Facebook) can build your brand and increase your outreach to clients both near and far. Don't neglect this vital aspect of your at-home business.

Until next time,

Sarah

Revisiting Tax Returns of Yesteryear

A recent Wall Street Journal article suggests revisiting old tax returns to see if there were any deductions or other business-related items you missed. The returns also can remind you of deductions and carryovers for this tax year.

Personally, I find using Turbo Tax for Home and Business extremely helpful in ferrating out deductions I can take for my home-based freelance writing business.

Until next time,

Sarah

Fall in Love With Social Media

Think you don’t have time for Facebook and Twitter? You should make the time because building your brand (i.e., business) via the social web can bring huge dividends in the long run, according to a recent blog on Small Business Trends called “Why The Social Web Is Like Falling in Love.”

The author recommends viewing brand-building as a long-term relationship. Put the effort in and receive the fruits of your labor later. See the value of social media and embrace that as part of your marketing plan.

I plan on tackling how to use social media as a marketing tool in an upcoming issue of At Home News. Sign up for this free monthly e-newsletter by clicking on the newsletter tab.

Until next time,

Sarah