never eat dinner alone (unless you're in a bad mood)

One of the biggest challenges when starting a new business is always getting enough business to keep you up and running. It is very difficult to get customers in the beginning, but one of the most enjoyable ways is often overlooked.

I am referring to socializing (also referred to as networking). I have found in my business ventures that that most of my customers have come via word-of-mouth. It is almost unbelievable to me. I did previously know that word-of -mouth was important, but I had no idea how important it actually is. If you think about it, it really makes a lot of sense. How often do you rely on the opinion of your friends, coworkers, or other professionals? If you need a product or service, are you more likely to use that of a company that you know nothing about or a company that your friend loved?

So, the first step, of course, is becoming that company that people love. Make sure you do things the right way. Deliver the best product or service possible. Be kind to your customers, and provide excellent customer service.

Next, NEVER (unless you're in a bad mood) eat dinner alone! In other words, be sociable. You need to make as many friends and associates as possible. You need to let them know about your business and what you are doing, but don't be too pushy. You don't want to come across as a salesperson or as if you are trying to sell them anything at all. Just be sociable, super-friendly, and let them know about your business.

If you do this and do it right, I am certain that your company will benefit from it. Good luck!

work from home scams

Working from home can be a wonderful opportunity, but it is not always easy to get started. You have to be very careful, and do your homework. There are so many work-from-home scams out there just waiting for you.

So, how can you avoid these work-at-home scams? Well, just follow a few simple rules.

First of all, do your homework. Don’t ever jump into anything to fast. A lot of these scammers want you to buy into their sales pitch without taking the time to think about it. That is why they want your contact information, your e-mail address at the very least. That is also why if you try to exit the site without signing up, you will get pop-ups trying to sway you back to the site. So, my suggestion to you is not to give out too much contact information or other personal information, and Do Your Homework!

Secondly, most legitimate work-from-home opportunities, do not ask you to send them money. How many real jobs do you apply to that ask you to send them money before you start work? Exactly – NONE! Please do not fall for this. I know sometimes it is hard. Sometimes the sales pitch is hard to resist, but remember, that is what it is – a sales pitch. I do realize that people sometimes charge you for information, and I personally think that is okay. It does take time and effort for someone to share his or her knowledge with you, and they should (in some cases) be compensated for this. Just make sure that you realize what you are getting, and don’t pay too much money for it.

Also, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. I know that you have heard that before, but it is still true. If you have a bad feeling about something, then move on to something else. Most of the time, your hunches are correct. I know that these “opportunities” are sometimes difficult to resist. You may feel desperate. You may be tired of struggling, and this could be your chance. That is how scammers want you to feel, and you will not be helping your situation by sending your money to scammers.

Finally, check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). It is easier for these “fly by night” online scammers to get by the BBB because they can change their business name so quickly and really with very minimal (if any) loss. It does not hurt to check. You may find something useful, so give it a shot. I also found a site for the National Consumer’s League’s Internet Fraud Watch. It gives some good tips for avoiding work-from-home scams. Check it out!

Remember, the right opportunity is out there. Just be smart. Do your research, and you will find it. If you know of any specific work-from-home scams, send me an e-mail. I’d love to hear about it.