Yes, we are in an economic recession, but that doesn’t mean that starting your own business today is impossible or even especially difficult. The recent boom in online start-up companies is an example of how entrepreneurs all over the world are using new technology to launch their businesses with little money to start. So if you are thinking about venturing out into the world of entrepreneurship, here are tips from people who have experience running their own business.

1. Write your business plan down

When you’re starting a new business, potential clients or investors could present themselves at any given moment, so it’s important that you be prepared to talk about your business idea in a compelling and concise manner. Write down your plan on paper. It will help you work out any inconsistencies or flaws in your business model.

2. Surround yourself with supportive people

Regardless of how great you think your business idea is, not everyone will be ecstatic about it. As an aspiring entrepreneur, it’s important that you have a good support network. Every business owner will face tough times, and it’s essential that you don’t let yourself get discouraged by anyone.

3. Don’t work for less than you can afford to

When you’re starting a new business, it’s important to build a strong customer and client base. One good way of doing this is to offer discounts to those who sign on for your services. However, don’t go overboard by charging them less than you can afford to.

4. Stay open-minded

Being an entrepreneur means always adapting to new circumstances. Be flexible in your thinking. Markets and demand for products and services change all the time. The successful business owner must likewise be able to change the way he works and runs his company.

5. Build a reference network

As you attend business meetings and industry conferences, you will meet other professionals who might not need your services specifically but who might be able to help by referring potential customers to you. Always be on the lookout for potential partners.

6. Learn from mistakes

Every new business owner makes mistakes. It is part of the learning process as you set out to start your own company. The key is to know how to admit mistakes and learn from them.

7. Get trained

As an entrepreneur you will be responsible for handling a variety of different jobs at once, some which might fall outside your area of expertise. You don’t need to master each skill, but try to at least have some working knowledge of them. You can google anything and find the answer. Or, you can sign up for a day class or seminar to learn as you go. Knowledge in these areas will come in handy as you work to build your business.

8. Avoid isolation

Aside from a network of clients, customers and partners, it’s good to keep a community of fellow business owners and entrepreneurs around you. Such a network allows you to bounce ideas, vent and share your success.

9. Schedule some down time

When starting a new business, work will take up most of your time. Schedule in some leisure time to relax and recharge your batteries. It can be easy to get carried away with work. Too much of it will leave you burnt-out.

10. Confirm orders

Confirm business orders personally and as fast as possible, especially those requested by email. Like phone manners, email manners are important to building your image.

11. Delegate

Knowing how to delegate work is one of the most important qualities of successful business owners. You can’t do everything yourself. Look for good payroll companies, lawyers, online marketing professionals, and web designers.

12. Maintain good relationships with your banks and lenders

Staying on good terms with your banks and creditors is key when you’re launching a new business enterprise. Having your finances in order means you can focus on the many other tasks involved in making a new business profitable.

13. Keep your eyes on the big picture

Always be on the lookout of new innovations and directions in which to take your business. Remember that the ability to spot opportunities and create opportunities is one of the most important qualities of a successful entrepreneur.

14. Keep work and personal life separate

Being your own boss requires discipline. You have to set your own hours and stick to self-imposed deadlines and timetables. It also means knowing how to keep your personal life and business life separate. If you work from home, set up a separate working area.

15. Hire smart people

Good entrepreneurs know how to recognize talent. If you find someone who seems to have energy and a good head on their shoulders, bring them on board. The better your team is, the more chances your enterprise has of succeeding.

16. Learn phone manners

Always return business calls promptly and be available to answer client complaints or problems. Having good phone manners is essential to building a professional reputation.

17. Seek advice from people who know what they’re talking about

The best people to request business advice form are those who have proven themselves as capable entrepreneurs and business owners. Sign up for a peer-to-peer networking group with other entrepreneurs to discuss potential ideas or problems. Our new Vantage program allows for just that.

18. Have an existing customer base

If possible, build an existing and loyal customer base before launching your business. This involves marketing your idea, telling people and getting the word around so that you can see whether there is in fact a demand for your new product or service.

19. Keep your goals specific

Always have a specific business goal to work towards. This will help you stay focused and moving towards specific targets.

20. Know your industry

Never go into a business that you know nothing about. If you have an idea that relates to an industry that you are unfamiliar with, do your research first before embarking on the new venture.

21. Don’t worry too much about funds

When you are first developing a business idea, don’t focus too much attention on how to get funds or resources. These will come later. The most important thing is coming up with a good idea and a good business plan. Once this is done, finding funding will be easier.

22. Be financially prepared

Most new business go through their initial investments very quickly. Before you launch your business, make sure you have sufficient initial funds to cover you for the next year or two.

23. Make quality your primary concern

Businesses stay in business by providing quality services and products. Quantity is not as important as knowing how to treat customers well and making their experience pleasant and memorable. Quality is what keeps customers coming back.

24. Take advantage of the internet

Take advantage of online business communities like LinkedIn and BusinessWeek Exchange to connect with others for your business needs. The internet is free and incredibly useful for spreading the word about your business to potential clients all over the world.

25.  Be prepared for failure

Failure is not a bad thing, provided you take it not as a permanent defeat, but as a learning experience. Most start-ups fail. This shouldn’t discourage you. Good entrepreneurs know how to get back up and start again.

In terms of connecting with people who share your business interests and finding ways of promoting ideas or products, the internet has become as real a place as our physical world. Online, you can find tools to communicate with clients, potential partners, contractors and many other parties that are involved in the creation of a new business.

Along with online networking groups such as Resource Nation’s Vantage Network, there is an abundant amount of resources for those looking to start up a new venture. The following is a sampling of some the best business and finance resources that you can find on the net.

Getting Funding

One of the first challenges for any emerging entrepreneur is acquiring some type of funding for their new enterprise. Looking around for potential investors can be a stressful task, but the following online resources may help you locate and communicate with possible sources of financing.

1. Biz2Credit
   This site connects small business owners with service providers and lenders, empowering them to effectively compete with big business, innovate their services and products.  
2. Find That Money
   Find that Money is social network especially for funding-seekers, investors and lenders to get together and do business. You can set up a profile of your proposed business and contact investors and lenders directly via their profile.
3. Venture Deal
   Venture Deal is a venture capital database that provides businessmen with the latest info on venture capital firms and venture-backed technology companies.
4. American Capital Advance
   This is a lending service that is catered especially for entrepreneurs seeking funding for their new business enterprises. American Capital Advance offers fast loans, so you can get started on building your business right away.
5. Financing: Where to Find It
   A financing guide from Inc.com that will let you know where to go for quick business financing.

Time Management

Any successful business is characterized by tight and efficient time management. Keeping your start up’s business goals on schedule as well as handling day-to-day commitments and deadlines is one of most important parts of an entrepreneur’s job. The following links will take you to sites that offer tools for task and time management.

1. Google Calendar
   Google calendar, as with most Google software products, is steadily growing in popularity. It is simply a free online calendar service that lets you to share your calendar dates with others, which can make coordinating meetings and events easier.
2. Vitalist
   This is a web-based task manager that was created to work in conjunction with “Getting Things Done”, or GTD, the popular iPhone application.
3. Backpack
   Backpack is a personal and small business organizer that can help you manage your business information, intranets and to-do lists.
4. Basecamp
   This is a web based tool used by small businesses as well as large corporate brand names to coordinate and run individual business projects. It lets business owners connect with contractors and other business owners in order to manage a project. Fee required.
5. Side Job Track
   Provides online invoicing, reporting and management software. Good for tracking jobs to make sure projects stay on schedule.

Communication

More than any other form of communication, the Internet has managed to bring people from all over the world together with little or no cost whether it is by email or other sources. Here are a few more online resources that will help you connect and stay connected with people as you grow your business.

1. Skype
   Unlimited free calls over the internet. Talk to other Skype users whenever you like and for as long as you like.
2. Vonage
   Vonage is a major provider of voice over internet protocol broadband telephone services.
3. Gizmo
   Yahoo Messenger, Google Talk and Windows Live users can use Gizmo international calling services for free, and non-users have access to low cost calls.
4. VoipBuster
   A free program that provides you with high-quality voice communications. PC-to-PC calls are free and you can regular phones as well, often free depending on the service provider.

Data Storage

Having a system in place for storing sensitive information can prevent a potentially disastrous data loss. The following resources offer some good data storage options.

1. Mozy
   Mozy is an online storage service that offers unlimited storage space for $4.95 a month. If your laptop gets stolen Mozy will help you find it by tracking all the new information that the thieves put in it. And if all your hard drives get destroyed, Mozy will still have all of your files intact and available.
2. Intronis
   Same as Mozy, with remote computer data backup software.
3. Carbonite
   Same as above. The price is a flat $54.95 a year.
4. Data Deposit Box
   Affordable data backup service that lets you run a system recovery wherever you are.
5. Athena Backup
   Athena Backup automatically stores all your computer files, so you never have to worry about losing anything.

Invoicing

Programs specifically designed for sending and tracking invoices can save you time by streamlining the process and making it much more efficient. The following resources will help you keep your invoices organizes and let you focus on more important aspects of your business.

1. Bamboo Invoice
   A simple, online invoicing program that lets your organize and keep track of all your invoices. It is an Open Source program, which means you won’t have to pay for upgrades ever, and you can modify it to fit your needs.
2. FreshBooks
   A professional looking online invoicing and tracking program. It also lets you manage expenses.
3. Transcepta
   Transcepta is an electronic invoicing service that requires no software or hardware.
4. InterlinQ Solutions
   This site provides not only online invoicing services, but daily job reports, time sheets, job tracking, and mobile billing.
5. 2nd Site
   2nd Site is an invoicing site with online payment and online employee timesheets.

Any other resources I’m missing? Let us know.

Here’s some encouraging news for anyone trying to launch or grow a business - you don’t necessarily need a business plan, a blueprint, or even a business loan to build a successful company.  What you do need, according to one successful business founder, is a love for what you do, the ability to embrace change as your business grows, and a strong desire to give your clients the best value possible.

Judi Sheppard Missett, founder and CEO of Jazzercise, an international company with over 7,500 franchises, will be leading a program this week (April 23-25) at the Annual Conference of the  Women Presidents’ Organization in San Diego.  Missett’s story is an inspirational one for both new and seasoned entrepreneurs- how did she build such a thriving business from the ground up? (more…)

It depends how you do it.

Going to cocktail events and social hours, grabbing business cards and tossing yours around, brief handshakes while looking over that person’s shoulder for the door or the next person in the room.

Nope, that doesn’t work.

Connecting, helping others first, taking a sincere interest in them and their business, helping them see opportunities they may not see themselves.

That’s what I’m talking about.

And yes, it is work. Just like building any relationship, it requires commitment, follow up, and heart.

And it’s worth every minute.

Do you make networking a regular part of your business and marketing strategies?

Are you connecting in person (or over the phone if geography is a challenge) with people you meet online?

How are you contributing to your networking relationships? Just this morning, on a call with a colleague, I thumbed through my mental Rolodex for a connection that will help her grow her network and her business.

Easy, peasy, Japaneasy. It took about 5 minutes to make the connection and a warm introduction. She’s off and running, with gratitude, and I feel very good about it.

How’s that for honoring a “Givers Gain” philosophy?

How do you use networking in your business? How has it helped you? Tips to share?

Can I help it that I am smiling from ear to ear?  I have been floating on air for the last 24 hours.  Let me explain.  I have been telling our clients and writers alike to engage with our readers for quite sometime.  Of course, their response is “yes” then they never do anything about it, or should I say their response is “I never get anything out of it”.  Quite honestly, I wonder if people know what “Engage with your readers” really means.

I asked one of our clients to join every Social network they thought would have their target market and start engaging them in NON-sales copy.  If you are into online marketing, you can see the blank looks on their face.  You see, we are entering a second Internet phase; businesses are downsizing and trying to stretch every dollar looking for efficiency.  They’re shifting their budget from PPC, while using SEO for organic traffic.

What does that mean?  In simple terms, great content with a mix of social media. The new era of marketing, which created the foundations of marketing on the web, made its way to a new buzz in the industry - Inbound Marketing.

What Is Inbound Marketing?

Inbound Marketing focuses on bringing the customer to the business, instead of the business searching for the customer

In outbound marketing, the “traditional” way, companies use poorly targeted techniques to bring in customers.  They use radio and T.V. advertising, spam, cold-calling, print advertising, junk mail and more.  In other words, they use every method that most people get irritated about.

These techniques are long out-dated, less effective and more expensive, thanks to technology.  TiVo, spam filters, caller ID that blocks cold calls and tools like RSS render print and visual advertising almost useless.  While these methods of advertising still work to some extent, it’s much more expensive.

Inbound Marketing flips outbound marketing on its head.

The Internet opened up whole new avenues and marketing possibilities.  Instead of television ads that scream at potential customers to “buy, buy, buy”, or junk mail that gets thrown away, inbound marketing has a gentler, more persuasive technique.  Entertaining, informative videos, interesting blogs, useful content and tools – inbound marketing is a soft, inviting whisper rather than a pounding sledgehammer.  With these tools and techniques, highly qualified customers are attracted to the business through a combination of curiosity, confidence and trust.

The Three Components of a Successful Inbound Marketing Campaign

1.  Content:  Every Inbound Marketer knows that content is king.  Information and persuasive writing, helpful tips and tools help attract potential customers to the company’s website or business.

2.  Search Engine Optimization: Potential customers find this informative content much easier through SEO.  Building your site, and building up inbound links to your site, through optimization and website design “best practices” maximizes your search engine rankings.  SEO brings your product, website or company into the public’s eye, so they can begin the buying process.

3.  Social Media:  When the content is truly helpful, informative and interesting, people tend to discuss it with their friends, family, co-workers etc.  Distributed across several networks, it gains credibility and authenticity, making it more likely to draw people to your website.

You’re wondering what any of that has to do with the smile on my face?  In one day I was able to prove that using inbound marketing can not only save you money by getting free targeted traffic, but you learn that investing in your company’s future sometimes has it’s rewards without trying.

I was featured in Businessweek.com for engaging in Social media.  That alone has sent our website a nice boost of traffic.  I know I may not get all the business that‘s out there but, the way I see it nobody does. However, the new business I do get can result in a higher base of  happy customers, more referrals, and ultimately more sales.

It’s that time again…time for New Year’s resolutions. Every year seems to go by faster and faster, there seems to be no time to make plans for your business and take the time to improve your business. But, there is. There has to be. It’s too important to bypass. To celebrate 2009, the following is a list of 9 valuable New Year’s resolutions to help you grow or start a business.

1. Save money. Now, more than ever, it is important to manage your company’s finances. Find innovative ways to cut costs, but be careful not to cut out critical activities such as marketing and networking that keeps your business top-of-mind with customers. With today’s online communities, there are many ways to market effectively without spending too much money.

2. Embrace change. Face it – change has already begun. The economy is changing, we have a new President, and laws and regulations for small businesses are about to change. Do your research and understand these new laws and how it will affect your business to make the necessary changes you need in order to keep a positive cash flow.

3. Grow. Frankly, this should always be a resolution for business owners. If your business is in a struggling industry, figure out creative ways to introduce new opportunities. Whether it be launching a sub-division that performs well, or starting another company to supplement your current company, be open to ideas. During a recession can be the best time to start a new business because suppliers such as web design and credit card processing services might have cheaper rates. Take advantage of these opportunities and you can survive and grow during the tough year, while competitors fail.

4. Seek financial advice. Getting a line of credit or increasing your credit limit may be difficult this year so it is important to meet with a banker, CPA, accountant, or other financial advisors to discuss alternative options to help manage cash flow. Factoring and merchant cash advance are two alternative resources for companies that have been in business for a few years.

5. Listen to your partners, customers and employees. Listening. It’s what our grandparents taught us when we were young and we slowly forgot. However, when you listen - truly listen - to your partners’ and customers’ needs, your company can address any issues and work together to make a profit during economic slowdown. Your employees are actually smarter than you think and if you can listen to their ideas before you provide a response, you might land the next profitable product.

6. Build relationships before you need them. I can’t stress this one more. Our economy goes in cycles and will pick up so take this time, especially if it is slower for your business, and re-connect with professional social groups. Get online and not only join network sites such as LinkedIn, but participate.  There are also many specific professional networking sites you can join for your industry. For example, legal professionals can join EsqChat and JDSupra and woman business owners can become a member of Ladies Who Launch.  Just ensure you use these social networking sites effectively, not just as a way to plan happy hour.

7. Be brave – take risks. There is no question that 2009 is going to be a challenging year. It’s going to take courage to get through the year and it’s going to take risks. You must be able to evaluate risks and be brave enough to take them when necessary. Often times, risks turn out to be the best business growth facilitators.

8. Improve your technological skills. I know, I know, it’s tough to learn that stuff and it’s tough to change. But, too bad, you have to. From simple everyday tasks to entire corporations going paperless, technology is taking over. You must jump on the bandwagon if you want your business to improve. Learn software programs, PDA functions, video applications and more. Use online assistants and conferencing. By expanding your skill-set, or knowing the right places to look, you’ll save money and optimize time.

9. Get organized. Whether it takes remodeling your office, buying file cabinets, investing in management software, buying a PDA or smart phone, or something else, you should do what it takes to become organized. The most successful CEOs got there because of time management skills. If you don’t know how to answer the phone and type email at the same time, you’ll never manage 20,000 employees. When you are organized, you not only remember to attend meetings, but you’ll have the time to create an agenda so the meeting accomplishes your objectives and is on-time.

For more advice, or a customized road map to help start or grow your business, visit our StartMe Up program where we provide tips, guides and everything you need to grow your business in 2009.

Quick question: When you hear the phrase “Board of Directors” do you think of Fortune 500, Mega-Sized, enormous conference table companies?

Show of hands?

It sounds impressive to have a Board supporting you. To provide direction, guidance and support to you and your business. But that’s just for the big guys, right?

What if you - small business entrepreneur - could have your own Board of Directors, AND stay the size you are?  Receive all the support and benefits the big guys do without the “bigness” of the big guys?

Enter the “Virtual” Board of Directors.

Any business can have a Board of Directors - a set of respected professionals who serve in an advisory capacity for your business. Yep, even you.

Why should you have a Board of Directors?

1. Reality Checks - Board members can bring your feet back to the ground wen you are flailing, unfocused or scattered (it happens to the best of us). They’ll keep you on track so you don’t lose traction.
2. New Insights - When Board members from different backgrounds, have different experiences.  They’ve seen different successes and failures, and have different ideas you can use in your business.
3. Provides Stability - Financial folks like when small businesses have support from seasoned professionals. It gives them confidence knowing you’re not out there on your own.

You may be wondering “why would somebody do that for me? Who am I to ask that of another professional?”

First things first….who are you not to ask that of another professional? You’re no less important than any other entrepreneur.

So, why would they agree to be on your Board?

1. Networking - being on a Board allows fellow members networking opportunities with other professionals. Make your Board appealing to other members so they’ll want to join you, and they will also benefit from the experience.
2. Leadership Experience - Professionals are continutally seeking leadership opportunities. Boards are great ways to do that.
3. Honor - What an honor to be asked to be on a Board, particularly by a business owner who is taking the initiative to take their business to the next level!

What types of industries should the professionals on your board represent? The usual suspects are industries like finance, law and human resources. Don’t forget about asking other successful entrepreneurs who have navigated the waters and make it (in non competing industries, of course). They have great insights on how to make it through the tough times, how to grow, and how to make the most of the high times.

How can a Board serve your business?

Whether you’ve been laid off, or are just trying to build a new career for yourself, the current near-recession economy we are experiencing may seem like a brick wall for your financial future. But for industrious, creative thinkers there are still plenty of ways to make money during a down economy.

Buy things at a value price. Certainly, the last few months have seen stock prices and real estate prices plunge quickly and severely. For those who are not risk-averse, this represents an opportunity to invest in the future. Buying foreclosed property or undervalued stocks represents a firm belief that the market will rebound – and when it does you will be in a prime position to make a profit off of it.

Become a financial planner/adviser. For many families, the future is looking pretty scary right about now. Everyone could benefit from having a trusted adviser in their lives that will help them best utilize their precious income while still enjoying life (and saving for the future).

Look towards the Internet. Not every business has seen their world come crashing down around them in recent weeks. The Internet Economy is still growing despite economic setbacks that are impacting global markets. And as long as there are investments still being made online, there are opportunities for you. Do some homework and look into online avenues that fit with your skill sets.

Some of the most powerful ways to make money on the Internet include:

Start a Blog – A fun, informative unique blog can bring in tens of thousands of visitors per day. And when potential advertisers see that traffic, they will pay you for the privilege of advertising on the blog. The best thing about a blog is that they are easy to start and relatively inexpensive to run. You can hop over to www.wordpress.com and get all the basics you need for free, including a cool blog design, a place to host your blog, and literally miles of helpful reading from expert bloggers who have made their mark on the industry.

Sell products – If you’ve invented something or bought an overstock of an interesting, useful product, why not sell it online? You can build a simple web site then optimize the page for search engines or buy Pay per Click impressions to bring in the customers. Keep it simple at first, and then as you grow, bring in professional web designers and programmers to enhance the look and functionality of your site.

Publish an eBook – Writing a book, getting published then selling it in Barnes and Noble or Borders can be difficult. However, if you are an expert in your field of work or know your hobby backwards and forwards, why not write a 100 page eBook and put it up for sale online? Regular folks from all walks of life have developed a steady income stream with their “home brewed” eBooks.

Post on Craigslist – There are literally thousands of different ways you can make money from Craigslist. You can post things for sale, offer you services or even buy and sell cars or real estate. And the best thing about Craigslist is that it is FREE to post. So you can experiment with different copy, ad styles or messages until you find the one that really strikes a chord and brings in business.

Sell off the things you don’t need. Many Americans have spent the last several years in a buying frenzy. Too many families are now drowning in debt because of all the unnecessary luxury items they have purchased. Although you won’t get top dollar for them now, if you need capital, selling off extra appliances, gadgets, timeshares, cars and other items can bring in some much-needed income.

Improve your skill set. When things are tight, the individuals who are in the highest demand are those who can perform a variety of different tasks. Look into continuing education programs that will not only help you land a great job, but will also provide benefits if you start up your own business. The investment you make in your education will pay back huge dividends in even the worst economic situation.

Become a freelancer. Corporate layoffs are at an all-time high as businesses look to trim every last dollar they can off of their books. This doesn’t mean that you don’t still provide value to your company – rather it has more likely become too much of a burden to keep you on staff for the entire year. Offer your services to your old company, and other businesses, on a per-project freelance basis. When all is said and done, you could end up making MORE in a year than when you were on salary.

The most important thing to remember when trying to make money in a down economy is DON’T PANIC! These are tough times, yes, but they favor the creative mind and the hard-working individual. Keep reinventing yourself and looking for new, innovative ways to utilize your skill set.

In this sluggish economy, it has become harder than ever for small businesses to get started and build a clientèle. Those individuals who do succeed are the ones with innovative ideas that are a bit more off the beaten path. The following are ten unique home-based businesses that you can start today without even leaving the house!

• Tutoring Business. With college entrance becoming more and more competitive, parents are looking for a way to get their kids’ grades up. This has opened up a wealth of new opportunities for home-based tutors.
• Wedding Planner. While our economic situation has taken a bite out of many areas of the luxury economy, one thing that is almost recession-proof is the desire of women everywhere to throw a perfectly planned wedding. Being a home-based wedding planner is easy – as most of the meetings (with the exception of visiting the venue) can take place inside your house.
• Gift Basket Business. If you are a great gift-giver, why not put that talent to good use? Gift basket businesses feature relatively low start-up costs, can be engaged right from your home and provide a steady source of seasonal work (as well as birthdays, special corporate events, etc).
• Concierge. Few people realize it, but you don’t have to be at a hotel to take advantage of a concierge service. A growing number of people are turning to home-based concierges as a means for helping plan out special events, nights out on the town, and more.
• Computer Repair. If you’re the member of the family who always gets called to fix everyone’s PC or iPod then computer repair is an outstanding choice for a home-based business. Just put a little more time into self-education regarding the inner workings of computer repair and you can gain the skills needed to get started.
• Consulting Business. Let’s say you spent years in a particular industry, but left your job either due to layoffs or burnout. Why not put those vital skills to use by becoming a consultant in your chosen field of expertise? Consultants can command a high billing rate (depending upon the industry) and have the freedom to take on as many or as few clients as they see fit.
• Coaching Business. A fast growing industry is business coaching. If you have strong sales skills, are good with people, and a passion for businesses, you can help other businesses become successful. One leading franchiser for small-business growth services is OneCoach. The company website is a place to start to find out how you can provide entrepreneurs with customized solutions to grow their small business.
• Interior Designer. If you’ve got a flair for home or office décor, interior design work may be your calling. The key to getting started is finding 2-3 core clients, and then doing spectacular work for them. Create a book of photos based on your work for these initial clients – and then use it as a “calling card” for obtaining future work.
• Blog Poster. Many businesses need individuals to help them maintain an active blogging community for their online presence. You could make a supplement and potential decent living by blog posting if you have good conversational writing skills.
• Child Care Service Provider. Finally, child care services make an outstanding home-based business for nurturing individuals who are good with children. While some inspection and accreditation may be required, this can be a very lucrative business for those willing to dedicate themselves to it.

To see more home-based business ideas and vote on your favorites, StartupNation’s Home-Based 100 contest is happening right now. Next year, enter your wackiest, greenest or most innovative home-based business and you might be the lucky winner.

Here’s the last 3 components that you need to ensure that your follow-up marketing strategies are as effective and efficient as possible for you.

Follow up needs to be automated

Try to automate your follow-up marketing as much as you can.  All of us are busy and the more we can systematize our marketing, the easier and quicker we can start reaping the rewards.

Luckily there is an abundance of tools and people you can use to simplify and automate your follow-up activities - from autoresponders to full contact management systems to Virtual Assistants.

An example of automating your follow-up marketing would be a shopping cart program that sends out automatic emails in a series after someone purchases your product, or a company that formats and sends out your ezine, or a VA who produces and sends out electronic greeting and thank you cards for you.

Follow up needs reliable data

To take advantage of many of the ways to follow up with your prospects and clients, you need to have a system in place that captures information about people and keeps track of interactions and communications you have with everyone.

Use software such as Aweber and 1Shopping Cart to gather and store information like client’s birthdays, business anniversary dates, purchasing information, emails that were sent, and so on.

Follow up needs to have varied delivery methods

Keep your follow-up marketing interesting and keep people intrigued by using different methods of delivery.  Incorporate email, telephone, direct mail, audio and so on, to provide variety in how you connect with people and grab their attention.

By varying the way you communicate and follow up with people, you’re showing that you are creative and interested in talking to them in different ways.  It shows commitment on your part and an understanding that freshness and variety is key in making any business relationship strong.

Take a look at how you are implementing your follow-up marketing tactics - are you using all 8 components (as outlined in the last 3 blog postings)?  If not, take some time today to see how you can make your follow-up marketing run as quickly, easily and profitably as possible.