Wednesday, 31 May 2017

profitable business

 

List Of 20 Profitable Business You Can Start From Your Backyard

#1. Alteration Service
If you have good sewing skill, you can start this business from home. Your main investment is a good quality sewing machine. Everyone wants to have a dress with right fitting. In addition.
#2. Backyard Nursery
This is a very profitable business. However, you must have a passion for gardening. With little cost and effort, you can grow plants that have the higher price. 
#3. Belt Buckles making
This is also a very good business to start from your backyard. Many sports team, business houses, and other professions often create their own customized belt buckles with other apparel items like T-shirts, caps etc. 
#4. Candle Making
Candle making is a perfect business for the people who have a passion for the craft. However, you must choose the right product. In addition, you must have a right marketing plan for decorative candles.

#5. Cleaning Business
This is a very profitable business. And the market is growing rapidly. You can start the business from home. A home based cleaning business demands very less infrastructure cost. In addition, this business demands very few equipment to operate. 
#6. Computer Assembling
Do you have good knowledge about computer hardware? You can start this business from home. However, you must have some basic knowledge about software. 

#7. Consulting
Consulting business doesn’t demand any investment in fixed capital or in inventory. You can start this business with your specific knowledge and expertise. However, you must have good networking skill. 
#8. Fish Farming
A backyard small fish farm is a very profitable business. However, you must have knowledge about the integrated farming method.

#9. Graphic Design Service
Do you know graphic designing? You can start a business from home. Your main investment is a computer, different software and internet connection. Furthermore, you can offer different types of services.

#10. Home Appliances Renting
Home appliances renting is another lucrative opportunity. However, you will need to do a market research. In addition, you must identify target demographic and their specific need. 
#11. Interior Designing
An interior designing business offers various approaches to start. However, you must have the basic education in interior designing. This is a perfect business for men, women, and seniors also. 

Tuesday, 30 May 2017

FG launches another empowerment scheme for graduate, youth farmers




THE Federal Government has flagged off its 8th graduate farmers and youth empowerment scheme as part of the efforts to increase food production and ultimately improving the standard of living of the citizenry.

This new phase of the programme was launched in Illah/Ebu community of Delta State, where the Illah/Ebu Centre Pivot Irrigation system (CIPS) was recently commissioned by the Minister of Water Resources, Engr.  Suleiman Adamu.
The initiative of the government was to support the youth  and farmers through the provision of irrigation infrastructure as well as enabling environment for job and wealth creation in the country.
Adamu, speaking at the ceremony said beneficiaries would be trained in dairy farming, animal husbandry, food processing and other sustainable agricultural activities.
He said the beneficiaries would subsequently be empowered through other Government intervention programmes to establish their own agricultural ventures and also as trainers in their own right, thereby creating a multiplier effect to further sustain the objectives of the programme.
“This will have attendant positive impact on the economy through improved food production and employment generation,” he said.
Managing Director of Benin – Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), Engineer Saliu Ahmed, said that the Illah/Ebu Irrigation Project was one of the priority projects of BORBDA, with a capacity of over 3,000 hectares of irrigable land out of which 550 hectares had so far been made available by the Illah and Ebu communities.
The twin communities are noted for the production of rice, water melon and cucumber.
Engineer Ahmed noted that irrigation had the potentials of increasing agricultural productivity manifolds through the opportunity of all year round cropping of the nation’s arable land.
The chairman of Delta Flood Plains Irrigation Farmers Association, Mr Raymos Guanah, lauded the Federal Government’s initiative of empowering the youths of the communities.
The representive of the graduate farmers, Mr.Charles Udoka, appealed to the Federal government to create an industrial market to enable them sell their perishable farm products after harvest.
The Graduate/Farmers Scheme of the Federal Government has so far been inaugurated in Kampe in Kogi State, Abeokuta in Ogun State, Talata Mafara in Zamfara State, Kadawa in Kano State, Ogoja in Cross River State, Agbala in Imo State, and Doma in Nasarawa State

profit business

 


20 Profitable Businesses You Can Start From Your Backyard


Do you want to earn some extra money from your home? And you are searching for small business ideas to start from your backyard? Backyard businesses are perfect for part-time small operation. As your business grows, you can expand as the full-time business.
Even if you want to start a full-time business from home it is possible with these backyard business ideas. Furthermore, these backyard business ideas demand comparatively small startup capital investment. In addition, you can start this type of business from any location across the globe. Regardless you are living in small towns, villages or metro cities.
However, you must apply careful consideration on local market research, business planning, and marketing aspects. Furthermore, this type of business demands tremendous discipline and dedication towards your business. Here in this post, I put 20 profitable small business you can start from your backyard. Check it out.

lagos commence training for unemployed youth



Lagos Commences Training For Unemployed Youth

The Lagos State Government has commenced the training of unemployed youths in the State under its Employability Skills and Job Opportunities programme.
Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, who disclosed this recently while receiving members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter on a courtesy visit to the Ministry, said 305 youth applied for the training programme but only 85 were able to scale the screening test.
He stated that the Ministry, in collaboration with West African Vocational Education (W.A.V.E), has since began the training of those that qualified on Employability Skills and Job Opportunities, adding that the programme is scheduled to run for a period of three weeks.
According to him, “The training will equip participants with soft skills and connect them with entry level jobs within the hospitality and retail industries, noting that plans are also ongoing with an Information Technology firm to train additional 250 youths, across the five divisions of the State for a period of three months in the next quarter”.
While pointing out that everyone has equal opportunity to access the various empowerment programme initiated by the present administration through the Ministry, Durosinmi-Etti emphasized that the selection process is based on the performance and creativity of each individual in the screening test.
He called on the youth to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the programme by coming up with noble ideas coupled with good character, stressing that these are part of the qualities required by applicants to qualify for the various training programmes of the Ministry.
He reiterated that previous attempts to empower youth in the state failed because the programmes were not inclusive, noting the present administration has developed a formidable plan based on equitable and pragmatic ways of creating wealth and employment for all.
The Commissioner emphasized that the government cannot provide jobs for all citizens but is ready to provide an enabling environment as the engine of growth on which the private sector, small and medium scale industries can thrive which will invariably create more job opportunities for the populace.
Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the youth team, Ambassador Olayinka Oresile said the executive members of the Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter representing the interest of the Youths in the state came on a fact finding mission to know more about the entrepreneurship programme the Ministry has initiated and how the youth can benefit from them.

Thursday, 25 May 2017

Graduate Project Engineer Intern at Karbak Ventures Limited



Job Description
  • The Project Engineer internship is designed to give students a realistic preview of a role as a Project Engineer in the construction industry.
  • This position provides onsite administrative support to the project team consisting of the Project Manager, Superintendent and Project Engineer. The PE intern must be a flexible and adaptable team-player, as well as have strong communication and client service skills.
Major Duties & Responsibilities
  • Initiate, prepare, review, track and distribute RFIs
  • Receive, review, forward and track status of submittals
  • Assist in management of project permit process
  • Track and inspect material deliveries
  • Assist in project close-out
  • Communicate and enforce Karbak Safety and Health Management Program
  • Demonstrate commitment to an Injury-Free Environment through own actions and mentoring others
Job Skills & Abilities Guidelines:
  • Knowledge of basic phases of construction projects
  • Knowledge of mathematics functions (geometry, basic algebra)
  • Computer skills (MS Office, AutoCAD, MS Project, etc)
  • Ability to perform all work in a timely, professional and efficient manner while effectively communicating and interacting with customers, clients, subcontractors and other third parties
  • Ability to develop and maintain project schedules and project budgets and to identify changes and discrepancies
  • Ability to present information in a clear and understandable manner in both written and verbal form
  • Ability to work with others in a team environment, exercising effective interpersonal skills
  • Ability to comply with all company policies, practices and standards of performance
Education and/or Experience
  • Recently graduated with a bachelors in Construction Management, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field or equivalent through experience
Authority:
  • The Intern reports to a direct manager within the department, with additional reporting to the Project and/or Operations Manager.
Skill Requirements:
  • Good knowledge and use of Microsoft office Suite.
  • Good knowledge and use AutoCAD.`
  • Good knowledge and use Microsoft Project would be an advantage.
Work Environment/Job Conditions
  • This job may be performed in the office or on the jobsite and requires frequent sitting (often working on a computer), frequent walking, standing, bending, and reaching. Due to computer usage, there may be repetitive motions of the hands and wrists. He/she must be able to navigate the jobsite and must comply with all Company safety requirements in the office and on the jobsite.
  • The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification.
  • They are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Duties and responsibilities may be added or changed as deemed appropriate by management at any time.
Application Closing Date
31st May, 2017

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicants should forward their resume/CV's to: recruitment@karbakltd.com

9jaskilled: ACCOUNT OFFICER NEEDED @KARBAK

9jaskilled: ACCOUNT OFFICER NEEDED @KARBAK: Job Description Responsible for posting transactions into the accounting software Creating system code for new vendors and customers En...

ACCOUNT OFFICER NEEDED @KARBAK

Job Description

  • Responsible for posting transactions into the accounting software
  • Creating system code for new vendors and customers
  • Ensuring daily updating of bills payable and reporting
  • Maintain Fixed asset register and asset valuation
  • Responsible for updating payment of contract workers and payment
  • Maintain and keep the office float.
  • Ensure custody of financial instruments used by the company.
  • Prepare Monthly bank reconciliation statements.
  • Responsible for raising and sending of customer tax invoices.
  • Responsible for receivables management and filing copy of customers’ tax invoices sent to clients.
  • Responsible for updated staff payroll schedule, payment and printing of payslips
  • Responsible for inventory control on materials supply to project site and material returns
  • Responsible for inventory reconciliation with physical count.
  • Ensure the supplier accounts are reconciled and reported to the head of operation.
  • Other duties as delegated by management.
Requirements
  • Candidate must be female.
  • Must have 1-2 years experience in accounting and tax matters.
  • Must not be older than 26 years.
  • Must posses any of OND, HND, B.Sc in Accounting.
  • AAT (ICAN)would be an added advantage.
Application Closing Date
29th May, 2017.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their resumes to: 

 recruitment@karbakltd.com

5 Early Warning Signs Your Business is Drowning – and What to Do About It



How do you know your business is facing a potential collapse?

Nobody wants their business to fail, do they? But businesses fail all the time, don’t they? In fact, over 70% of new businesses fail in their first year. My first business failed within 8 months. I never believed it would, but it did.
Most times, a drowning business leaves some early warning signs most of which you can avert if you recognize those signs and take corrective measures. That is what this article is about – 5 early warning signs that show your business is failing and what to do about it.
Aссоrding tо induѕtrу experts, majority of business failures result from inаdеquаtе planning, undеrсарitаlizаtiоn, рооr саѕh-flоw management and indеbtеdnеѕѕ. Although some of these firms соuld nоt have been saved, ѕоmе соuld hаvе rеvеrѕеd course оr bailed оut with smaller loses, if they hаd rесоgnizеd аnd responded tо еаrlу wаrning ѕignѕ.
Mоѕtlу duе tо poor рrоfеѕѕiоnаl exposure to thе rеquiѕitе skill in business mаnаgеmеnt, ѕоmе buѕinеѕѕ оwnеrѕ dоn’t knоw how to determine if thеу аrе on thе right course or not. Frankly, only results could show if a company is going in the right direction or not. A ѕimрlifiеd way tо ѕtаrt is by lооking аt the соmраnу’ѕ bаlаnсе ѕhееt and inсоmе ѕtаtеmеnt.

These 5 early warning signs should tell you if your business is heading for the rocks or not.


1. Cash Flow Problems

If a соmраnу consistently ѕhоwѕ рrоfit, mаkеѕ current payments and has rереаt buѕinеѕѕ, then the company is staying clear of turbulеnt waters. Hоwеvеr if a соmраnу is so thinlу сарitаlizеd thаt juѕt mееting day-to-day bills bесоmеѕ a сhоrе, it spells potential danger.

Put another wау, when a соmраnу finаnсes рrоjесtѕ with dеbtѕ аѕ орроѕеd tо equity, оr increases еxреnѕеѕ while ѕаlеѕ decrease, that company iѕ hеаded for trоublе. It is оftеn painful to diѕсоvеr thаt business оwnеrѕ ignore such wаrning signs until they bесоmе irreparable.
A quick fix fоr саѕh flоw problem is tо undеrѕtаnd whаt it takes to get a revolving linе оf сrеdit bеfоrе buѕinеѕѕ ѕtаrt-uр. It doesn’t mаkе ѕеnѕе to plan оn уоur unredeemed cash in thе hаndѕ оf сuѕtоmеrѕ or ѕuррliеrѕ while you have a wаiting рауrоll. To аvоid dеѕреrаtiоn, buѕinеѕѕ оwnеrѕ ѕhоuld dеvеlор their рlаnѕ uѕing соnѕеrvаtivе projections void of unrealistic optimism.

2. Growing Too Quickly

Every business owner dreams to еxраnd thеir buѕinеѕѕ rеасh, gеt more сuѕtоmеr base, and more profit аnd buѕinеѕѕ соvеrаgе. However, expansion with nо system in рlасе to sustain growth mаkеѕ a buѕinеѕѕ riре for fаilurе.
It iѕ a grave fаilurе tо ореn аdditiоnаl locations just because уоu think орроrtunitiеѕ abound in оthеr lосаtiоnѕ withоut аdеԛuаtе mаnаgеmеnt in рlасе tо run those sites. A good еxаmрlе iѕ a retailer whо opens two or three nеw оutlеtѕ but fails tо рrоvidе сuѕtоmеr trаining for the аdditiоnаl staff. The оutсоmе iѕ рооr customer ѕеrviсе аnd dwindling sales.
Aраrt frоm the соѕt of physical еxраnѕiоn, there are diffеrеnt buуing habits in diffеrеnt gеоgrарhiсаl locations. The bеѕt way to guаrаntее аnу еxраnѕiоn drivе is to рrераrе fоr it аdеԛuаtеlу bеfоrе venturing оutѕidе уоur home turf.

3. Loss of Focus

Never lose focus.
Dоn’t bе quick to switch to another buѕinеѕѕ, but try to improve оn whаt уоu dо. Onе litmus tеѕt tо ѕhоw that a buѕinеѕѕ hаѕ lоѕt fосuѕ is when attention iѕ no mоrе on the соrе prоduсtѕ and ѕеrviсеѕ.
Your customers раtrоnizе уоur buѕinеѕѕ because of уоur рrimаrу products. Sо if your business iѕ ѕеlling office ѕuррliеѕ, don’t еmрhаѕizе ѕеlling housewares. To avoid lоѕing fосuѕ, the buѕinеѕѕ ѕhоuld bе reviewed аt intеrvаlѕ to еnѕurе it is within itѕ viѕiоn ѕресifiс bоundаrу.

4. Customer Decline

What iѕ thе еѕѕеnсе оf a business withоut customers? Increased сuѕtоmеr соmрlаintѕ and dесrеаѕеd сuѕtоmеr traffic must nеvеr be ignored.
Diѕgruntlеd, flееing customers сould cost a соmраnу much money in lost rеvеnuе. Management еxреrtѕ аlwауѕ say that the cost оf kеерing a сuѕtоmеr is a lot сhеареr thаn thе соѕt оf gеtting a nеw оnе.
An imрrоvеmеnt оn the сuѕtоmеr service еxреriеnсе аnd mаrkеting force will hеlр inсrеаѕе сuѕtоmеr rеtеntiоn, еѕресiаllу tо kеер rереаt buуеrѕ. Introduce rеwаrd programs where сuѕtоmеrѕ will bе mоtivаtеd tо аlwауѕ come back.

5. Not Knowing Your Limitations

Fаilurе tо rесоgnizе your deficiencies will lеаd tо tоtаl fаilurе. Aѕ a business оwnеr, nеvеr think you have more tаlеntѕ than уоu actually роѕѕеѕѕ. You must know where you are not skilled at and bring in more skilled experts to execute the job.
It is not аn еmbаrrаѕѕmеnt to admit thаt “these аrе thе thingѕ I’m not gооd at.” Thе bеѕt wау tо gеt bеttеr rеѕult iѕ tо ѕurrоund уоurѕеlf with ԛuаlifiеd people.

5 Tips to Run a Profitable Business in Nigeria



Below are 5 tips I suggest you implement to run a profitable business in Nigeria.


Make sure you have a marketing plan

Do you have a marketing plan. If you don’t, you need one.
It’s all about the plan. What is your value proposition? Who is your target audience? How do you plan to reach them and deliver your product/service to them? What are your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and how are you tracking them?
Without a solid marketing plan, your business is running on random luck; one thing you don’t want in your business is random. You need a solid system which ensures that everything runs smoothly. You must know where every kobo is coming in from and where you are spending them.
A marketing plan is not something you draw up over the internet, especially in Nigeria where we have insufficient to nonexistent records. You need to enter your target market and conduct your own study to discover the best way to penetrate that market.

Understand the business

I notice that people usually pay more attention to ‘lucrative business ideas’ than on how those businesses really work. Not a day would pass on nairaland without someone asking “what business can I do with Nxxx,xxx and make Nxxx,xxx every month.” The business idea articles on this blog get more attention than all other articles. There is so much emphasis on the best lucrative business idea to make the most money.
There is nothing wrong with looking for lucrative business ideas to invest in. But you must understand, the devil is always in the details. You need to understand the details about the business you want to venture into. This is where most people get it very wrong.
Many people venturing into a particular business do not spend time to understand the pros and cons of that business. They only need to see that Mr. Adamu is raking in money with that business and BAM, they are in, just like that. Kind of shoot first, ask questions later.
Till today, many people are still trying to create their own nairaland. A lot more are still trying to create their own naij and SDK. Most of them fail. Only a few who are able to understand how the industry works are able to make it. You must first understand what makes a business flourish before you launch into it.

Have a leverage

A leverage is what gives you an edge over your competition. It makes you stand out and leaves a permanent impression in the mind of your target audience, making it difficult for them to leave your brand.

The tailor who makes my clothes has this ability to look at you and just figure out what would suit you best. It may not mean much to you if you always know the patterns and design you want. But for some of us who have little to zero fashion sense, having someone like that is invaluable. For my tailor, his leverage lies in the way he understands, interacts with and delivers the best service to his customers.
What is your leverage? There has to be something you can offer better than anybody else. Use that leverage to your advantage and your customers will pay you for it.

Get techie

Technology makes things so much easier these days. The best part is you don’t need to be tech-savvy or a programmer to leverage the power of technology in advancing your business.
One chore I hate with all my heart is taking inventory (taking stock, in street language). Even if you don’t hate it, taking stock is often a time-consuming task, time which you could devote to something else. Now, technology makes it easier to take inventory with only a click. There are many business management software you can deploy to automate such tasks as inventory and sales records. So you don’t have to worry about your sales girl stealing your money.
This is just one example of technology at work in business.
If you used to spend a lot of money paying graphics designers, you can now design your own graphics, free of charge, using a service like canva.com The examples are endless.
Don’t keep doing things the old-fashioned way when you can use technology to save time, automate tasks, and make more money.

Innovate

One innovative idea or concept could make your business go viral. Do something creative, something out of the box. Make your customers go wow!
Photo Source: CNN
CNN once ran this story about a Nigerian windscreen cleaner who showed up to work one day in dapper suits, with a bright red bow tie to match. See the picture above, if you see this guy cleaning your windscreen would you be able to ignore him? You see him sweating and everything but the suit was a head turner. It was so never-seen-before that his picture went viral on social media; he landed a huge job the following day.
The point is, to run a profitable business in Nigeria, you must innovate. Explore your creative genius, give people something to talk about your business and watch your profits grow.
Finally, patience, persistence and focus is key. Nigeria is a goldmine for business owners and only by doing your due diligence can you enjoy this wealth in all its profitability.

Thursday, 18 May 2017

Meet Olabisi, pretty Nigerian female carpenter who’s proud of her proffession




This young lady, named Olabisi is a very rare breed. She voluntarily went into carpentry because it is her dream, and she is very proud of the path she has taken.
On her decision to tread where few ladies dare tread, she said:
So about a week ago, I started my self carpentry training..waow!thanks to YouTube and the free carpentry books online. I had actually thought it’s going to be an easy ride but eish….it’s not been easy and neither is it as difficult as I was told it would be.
The beautiful thing is, this journey is revealing to me much more than ever that God is a God of process. Therefore, no pressure! Whether I succeed or fail is inconsequential, I am open enough to take the risk to fail. No pressure. No quest for instant gratification. No immediate result needed. For me, its all about enjoying the process.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES


MOJI OLAIYA IS DEAD



We have received reports that Nollywood Yoruba Actress, Moji Olaiya is Dead. This is coming barely few weeks after Nollywood was thrown into mourning with the deaths of two popular actors, Olumide Bakare and Pastor Ajidara .
The Nollywood actress gave birth less than 2 months ago. In March, Moji Olaiya welcomed her first child In Canada, a few months after she officially divorced her first husband to marry another man. She passed away in a hospital in Canada from complications linked to the birth of her child. She might be buried in Canada.
The late actress split from her husband in 2008 and decided to re-marry in a rather low key ceremony.
Miji Olaiya shot to limelight after she featured in Wale Adenuga’s popular family soap, Superstory. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Tuesday, 16 May 2017

9jaskilled: leading platform for small business loans in niger...

9jaskilled: leading platform for small business loans in niger...: 4. ONE-FI Formerly known as One Credit, OneFi is a credit facility company that offers short-term consumer loans to credit-worthy indivi...

leading platform for small business loans in nigeria


4. ONE-FI

Formerly known as One Credit, OneFi is a credit facility company that offers short-term consumer loans to credit-worthy individuals with limited access to finance.
One-Fi loan repayment cycle is typically between 3 – 12 months, with loan amounts ranging from N40,000 – N2 million. You can apply here.

5. C24

C24 Limited is a microfinance institution that was established with the sole mission to create an avenue for people to actualize opportunities around them, by helping them access cash loans when they need it.
C24 understands the need for quick cash loans and the necessity of quicker loan processing time. Their online loan process has been optimised to help applicants avoid the stress associated with other loan companies.

Monday, 15 May 2017

i regret dating segun egbegbe

 
Toyin Aimakhu Reveals
Nollywood actress, Toyin Abraham has revealed that she regrets dating Nollywood filmmaker, Seun Egbegbe – in a quite emotional interview with talk show host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on Rubbin Minds on Channels TV, the actress said she’s been unlucky when it comes to love.
She says she would never date anyone in the film industry anymore.
 When she was asked about how she feels when people keep referring to the filmmaker as “Toyin Aimakhu’s ex“, she says “it’s part of the price for being“, then the host cuts in and asks if she regrets the relationship, she says “of course!“. Then she goes on to say “that’s why most times when I see any woman, that’s why I was there for Mercy Aigbe, when I see any woman going through emotional stuffs, I wanna quickly talk to them because I’m… I… I made a very…you wanna make me cry but I’m not gonna cry… I made a very terrible mistake which I…
…at this point her emotions tenses up and for the rest of the clip, she mutters words as she holds back tears.
Apparently unable to hold it anymore, Ebuka goes on a commercial break and you can hear the actress sobbing in the background… quite emotional.

how to start mobile DJ business




HOW TO START A BUSINESS ONLINE

There is a proven sequence of steps you can follow to guarantee your success when you're starting a small business online. I've seen thousands of people start and grow successful businesses by doing the following:
  1. Find a need and fill it.
  2. Write copy that sells.
  3. Design and build an easy-to-use website.
  4. Use search engines to drive traffic to your site.
  5. Establish an expert reputation for yourself.
  6. Follow up with your customers and subscribers with email.
  7. Increase your income through back-end sales and upselling.

Step 1: Find a need and fill it.

Most people who are just starting out make the mistake of looking for a product first, and a market second.
To boost your chances of success, start with a market. The trick is to find a group of people who are searching for a solution to a problem, but not finding many results. The internet makes this kind of market research easy:
  • Visit online forums to see what questions people ask and what problems they're trying to solve.
  • Do keyword research to find keywords that a lot of people are searching, but for which not many sites are competing.
  • Check out your potential competitors by visiting their sites and taking note of what they're doing to fill the demand. Then you can use what you've learned and create a product for a market that already exists--and do it better than the competition

Step 2: Write copy that sells.

There's a proven sales copy formula that takes visitors through the selling process from the moment they arrive to the moment they make a purchase:
  1. Arouse interest with a compelling headline.
  2. Describe the problem your product solves.
  3. Establish your credibility as a solver of this problem.
  4. Add testimonials from people who have used your product.
  5. Talk about the product and how it benefits the user.
  6. Make an offer.
  7. Make a strong guarantee.
  8. Create urgency.
  9. Ask for the sale.
Throughout your copy, you need to focus on how your product or service is uniquely able solve people's problems or make their lives better. Think like a customer and ask "What's in it for me?"

Step 3: Design and build your website.

Once you've got your market and product, and you've nailed down your selling process, now you're ready for your small-business web design. Remember to keep it simple. You have fewer than five seconds to grab someone's attention--otherwise they're gone, never to be seen again. Some important tips to keep in mind:
  • Choose one or two plain fonts on a white background.
  • Make your navigation clear and simple, and the same on every page.
  • Only use graphics, audio or video if they enhance your message.
  • Include an opt-in offer so you can collect e-mail addresses.
  • Make it easy to buy--no more than two clicks between potential customer and checkout.
  • Your website is your online storefront, so make it customer-friendly.

Step 4: Use search engines to drive targeted buyers to your site.

Pay-per-click advertising is the easiest way to get traffic to a brand-new site. It has two advantages over waiting for the traffic to come to you organically. First, PPC ads show up on the search pages immediately, and second, PPC ads allow you to test different keywords, as well as headlines, prices and selling approaches. Not only do you get immediate traffic, but you can also use PPC ads to discover your best, highest-converting keywords. Then you can distribute the keywords throughout your site in your copy and code, which will help your rankings in the organic search results.

Step 5: Establish an expert reputation for yourself.

People use the internet to find information. Provide that information for free to other sites, and you'll see more traffic and better search engine rankings. The secret is to always include a link to your site with each tidbit of information.
  • Give away free, expert content. Create articles, videos or any other content that people will find useful. Distribute that content through online article directories or social media sites.
  • Include "send to a friend" links on valuable content on your website.
  • Become an active expert in industry forums and social networking sites where your target market hangs out.

Step 6: Use the power of email marketing to turn visitors into buyers.

When you build an opt-in list, you're creating one of the most valuable assets of your online business. Your customers and subscribers have given you permission to send them email. That means:
  • You're giving them something they've asked for.
  • You're developing lifetime relationships with them.
  • The response is 100 percent measurable.
  • Email marketing is cheaper and more effective than print, TV or radio because it's highly targeted.

Step 7: Increase your income through back-end sales and upselling.

One of the most important internet marketing strategies is to develop every customer's lifetime value. At least 36 percent of people who have purchased from you once will buy from you again if you follow up with them. Closing that first sale is by far the most difficult part--not to mention the most expensive. So use back-end selling and upselling to get them to buy again:
  • Offer products that complement their original purchase.
  • Send out electronic loyalty coupons they can redeem on their next visit.
  • Offer related products on your "Thank You" page after they purchase.
Reward your customers for their loyalty and they'll become even more loyal

The internet changes so fast that one year online equals about five years in the real world. But the principles of how to start and grow a successful online business haven't changed at all. If you're just starting a small business online, stick to this sequence. If you've been online awhile, do a quick review and see if there's a step you're neglecting, or never got around to doing in the first place. You can't go wrong with the basics.

11 ways to make money while sleeping


Do you remember in the past we were warned to be careful about being in debt because interest never stopped charging us, interest never slept, never took a day off, never took a holiday. Well the reverse is true, as well.
Is your money making money while you sleep? Does it sound too good to be true? Since we still live in the age of the internet, it’s not that difficult to earn extra money on the side.
With that in mind, here are 11 ways that you can actually earn money while you sleep.

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