What to tweet about

What do I tweet about? How often…etc…. Well, there are times when I ask myself what should I tweet about. Most of the things I do daily are involving my kids, shopping, cooking, working organizing etc….

However, I know exactly how to use my web stores Twitter…. That’s right, so what I will tweet about:

1. Sales
2. New Items
3. Pre-sales
4. Blog entries
5. Special Twitter Coupons
6. New lines
7. Joke of the day
8. Upcoming trade events for the public
9. Links to designers, tv shows or inspirational sites for decor etc
10. Special thanks to Customer ______

Now you can use your business twitter for your web store and location in many ways. If you have a restaurant Tweet about the Day’s Special. If you are a Hair Stylist you may want to send out pictures of your most recent style or news (would highly recommend doing Tutorial vids and posting them on YouTube). End of the day specials, or tweet-ups…

Before you can really use twitter to its potential start with encouraging your customers to follow you. Now, ask them if the use twitter or facebook. It only makes sense to place your energy where your customers are not force them to go where you are. Eventually, they will want to follow you wherever you are.

Remember Work Smart not Hard…..really……….

Internet Retailer 2010 Conference

You may want to attend this years Internet Retailer 2010 Conference & Exhibition on June 8-11 in Chicago as they review strategies for capitalizing on the next wave of double-digit e-commerce growth.

You will have the opportunity to meet many of the movers and shakers in the industry. They have an impressive line-up of speakers and workshops. You can visit their website HERE for more details.

The Basics for Starting a Business

In order to obtain any pricing or a business bank account you will need to have these Basics for Starting a Business checked.

Company StatusSole Proprietor, Limited Liability or an (S) Corporation. If you are not sure what direction you are heading with your curiosity of business then the most affordable would be to file as a Sole Proprietor. I would encourage you to file as an LLC as you would (depending on your state) have more protection and less liability than having all your business dealings reported directly to your credit report. You will want your company to relay on its own credit file and not yours. (*Dun&Bradstreet – see post)

Naming your Business aka DBA (Doing Business As) – Get the name of your business registered. Check with your County Recorder for availability. If you are going to use part of your name or your full name you are not required to register it. Banks will usually require a DBA statement only when using a fictitious business name.

Business License – A simple application filed with your local City Office that basically says they acknowledge your existence and you will be expected to comply with Code of Ethics and pay proper Taxes. You do not have to have a business location to obtain one, you simply have to indicate that you are operating your business from home.

Federal Tax ID Number (FEIN) – This is perhaps the easiest step to check off. You can visit IRS.gov and apply online for a Fed Tax Number. You can obtain the FEIN in order to open a Business Checking account and from having to provide Vendors with your Social Security Number. Eventually, as your establish your business you will be glad to have obtain an FEIN.

State Tax ID -  See Below

Sellers Permit – Some States require or offer a separate Certificate that you can use to purchase at Wholesale. Ultimately, this will allow you to collect taxes to be paid to the State. Many vendors/wholesale companies will request and verify with the State that your Permit is valid and in good standing. Some states can refer to it as a State Tax ID (In California a Sellers Permit is requested from the BOE Board of Equalization).

City License – Again, varies from City to City, some Cities require that you register and apply for a Business license or contact your County Office.  In California you can visit http://finance.lacity.org for details and links on permits and license you might need.

Visit USA.gov for links to your local government office in your State and City. When you open a Retail location will need to apply for other licenses. (I will post that later)

Many Cities offer workshops for new and existing businesses Free of charge.  These are basics steps to take in order to obtain license to resell and open accounts with vendors for you to sell the products. I will post later for you additional sources to assist you in starting your business.

Do you have a blog for beginning entrepreneurs? If so, please share with us and we can offer a link here. Or perhaps you have tips that may be helpful. Just let me know.

Las Vegas Furniture Market Show – Final Days

If you are in Las Vegas this week it would be a great idea to check out the Furniture Market Show. The economy hit everyone hard; now would be a good time to build a relationship with the Vendors that once had too many restrictions.

Many vendors are now opening accounts for FREE. Meaning some are not charging for catalogs. Which is a great help when you want to take your time to review the items you would like to carry. Most companies are now only asking for first orders to open the account. Some with no Pre-Set amount. What is even more popular now is Drop Ship. That’s right ,ost furniture companies did not offer drop ship. If you decide to use “Drop Ship” service with any of the furniture companies at the show make sure to ask about the additional fees. Some of the companies I buy from charge too much; and is simply not worth it. Since I do have a warehouse, I will have the product shipped to me. “Drop Ship” can help you when you do not have a warehouse or can’t carry large inventory.

Here is a look at South Shore Furniture offering a quick view of their presentation.

Take a look at Las Vegas Market

Are you ready to make money online?

shoppingIts that time of the year again. I am not talking about kids back in school. Now is the time to have your Holiday Campaings ready. Check inventory and time to have new vendors.

With all the changes eBay has made and is to make in October now is the time to create a sellers account for the Holiday sales. You want to avoid any restrictions eBay and Paypal may impose on you as a new seller. Keep in mind that PayPal can hold your funds (new sellers) until you provide delivery information and the buyer confirms receipt.

eCrater continues to be my favorite alternative to eBay. You can accept Paypal or Google Checkout. So far, I accept Google Checkout only and have not paid any Final Sales fees.Depending on the dollar amount of the items you sell; first time sellers might also face some restrictions from Google Checkout.

If you are serious to make money this season create those seller accounts and start a blog. Social Media is your best tool to help you drive free traffic to your online store. Of course you can also run Ads on Google or even better you can run ads in various blogs.

Build it and with a little Social Media you will soon have your own success story. So are you ready??


Start your own Direct Sales Business

Growing up my Mom would host Tupperware or Make-up Parties. Her friends would gather and invite others friends before I knew it, all kids where upstairs while the grownups worked. Then I did not understand how my Mom could possibly work when all I heard was laughter and an occasional “I Must Have That”.

Of course all that makes sense now….. Many find success working for themselves with some of the top name brands in Natural products, toys, household items and make-up. You can run your own Business and have fun while you work. You are in control of your sales and definitely get out of it what you put into it. Now, with the internet you have the potential to double or triple your sales. You can start with a small investment starting at $10.00 with some of these companies. Create your own hours “Sell online, sell on the go, sell in person or at a party. Each of these companies is dedicated to help you succeed (I will be posting more information on Direct Sales) with online course, sales training and Sales Support in every way possible.

Now is a great time to start your own business. Many of these companies are offering special marketing programs to help get you started. Do not forget to take advantage of Social Media Marketing that is sure to help you spread the word faster and partner that with a Blog. Some secret ingredients for your direct sales business success.

Here are a few companies that I myself am familiar with and now they can help you have the freedom of owning your own business. See what they have to offer you:

Jafra

For over fifty years JAFRA Cosmetics has been transforming women’s lives with innovative, quality skin care products and exceptional career opportunities. JAFRA is a party plan company with a multilevel compensation plan.

JAFRA was founded in the Malibu, California home of Jan and Frank Day with the goal of improving women’s lives – financially, professionally and personally – by offering quality skin care products for women to sell. Our direct selling format gives women the freedom and flexibility they need to earn financial independence on their own terms. The effectiveness and quality of our products give women products they love to use and are proud to sell.”

Shaklee

As the number one natural nutrition company in the U.S., we’ve been making people healthier for over 50 years.  And we’ve made it part of our job to make the planet healthier along the way.

At Shaklee, we provide a healthier life for everyone and a better life for anyone™.  The most important thing we do is to share the gift of health with friends and family.  But the most exciting thing about it – is the reward of financial freedom. “

Herbalife

To change people’s lives by providing the best business opportunity in direct selling and the best nutrition and weight management products in the world.

-High-quality products that combine the best of science and nature for a lifetime of good health

-A proven business opportunity that empowers people to achieve their dreams, financial freedom and the rewards of helping others.

Avon

Avon is the world’s leading direct seller of beauty and related products, with over $10 billion in annual revenues. Avon markets to women around the world through over five million independent sales Representatives. Avon product lines include such recognizable brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Avon Solutions, Advance Techniques Hair Care, Avon Naturals, Mark, and Avon Wellness. Avon also markets an extensive line of fashion jewelry and apparel. “

MaryKay

Skin care, makeup, body care, fragrances, new orders or reorders — everything you sell earns you 50% of the suggested retail price. It’s one of the highest income-earning percentages in the industry,
making it a great part-time choice or a lucrative full-time opportunity if you choose.”

Amway Global

With Amway Global, you are never in business alone. In addition to the support you will receive from your sponsor, Amway Global provides you with world-class training, marketing, products, and customer support.

When you become an Amway Global Independent Business Owner (IBO), you are connected to over 3 million other IBOs in more than 80 countries and territories.

Products – Nutrilite offers a variety of nutrition products including vitamin and dietary supplements. Learn about supplements for sports nutrition, weight management, diet and fitness. “

Tupperware

Imagine life on your terms—complete with more time for family, friends and fun, more flexibility and more financial freedom.

The lifestyle of Tupperware leaders is nothing less than wonderful! Trips, diamonds, cars and cash bonuses are just a few of the perks you can Find In Tupperware.

Whether you’re looking for a little extra money to spend on your family or yourself, or you would like a chance to build a career on your own terms, Tupperware can help you make it happen.

Discovery Toys -

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. My Mom used to test her products (beauty supplies) on me! I did not like it; I was just a kid. I am sure it would had been different in my Teen years. How about you? Do you recall any of the above names? Did you or do you participate in any direct sales programs?



Team Building and Customer Service Critical for Your Success

With the recent move I made to get a space for the growth of my online business it is time that I think about the culture of my company. I know that soon I will need to bring in Team Members to help assist with the growth. From past experience I know that my online business can grow rather quickly. TEAM BUILDING and a Strong Customer Service are critical for the success of any company, no matter the size. There are many other components that I have to keep in mind such as Insurance, Employment Policies, Compensation and Bonus and other Legalities. Most important is Team Building and Customer Service.

I have worked for companies that employed over 100 employees and understood the importance of team work and creating an environment where your Team Members feel free to be creative and find enjoyment in their work. Customer Service can sometimes take its toll on you. Creating a goal oriented compensation plan and offer Sabbaticals to your Team Members shows them you understand the impact their well being has to your success.

There are many companies that have incredible packages geared at Team Building. You can hire a Human Resource company to help you structure your Team Building plan. You can offer from One Month to 3 Months Sabbatical, back to school assistance, Career Growth, scholarships for their children, special retreats for relaxation for a day or even large Corporate Events to encourage Team Work. This of course varies from the size of your company to the industry you are in.

Now, I expect to hire at least 4 full time and 3 part time Team Members in the next year. Now would be a good time to check out what other companies are offering and create an outline on what my vision for my Team is. A trip to Hawaii would be great. I believe Oprah did this for her Staff and their families. I would like to know what Corporate Events Oprah offers.

eBay has an impressive package for their Team Members (employees) as well as Yahoo and Google. However, Zappos culture and core values have always stood out. Customer Service and their (Team Members) employees are priority at Zappos.

ABC News Nightline interviewed CEO Tony Hsieh over at Zappos. Zappos has grown to sell over a Billion Dollars in shoes and accessories. They could not have accomplished this goal without proper Team Building and Customer Service.

Do you offer sabbatical packages to your Team Members? Does your employer offer any activities to allow you to Re-Charge? If you could create a sabbatical for your Team Members what would it be?

NightLine




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