Selling on eBay continues to be popular and provides an affordable option for people who are motivated enough to try and generate additional streams of income.

Identify your market

Perhaps the first thing to do before you start selling on eBay is to identify your market. Take time to sit down and observe what is selling there already. Any market research data that you can collect will help you later on. Pay attention to your competitors and look for any flaws that their auctions may have. This might highlight areas where you can cash in by overcoming the problems that they are encountering.

Finding a Good Product

Further research should be undertaken to identify a supplier for the type of product that you wish to sell. You may need to ring round quite a few in order to get the best deal, but if you can find one that can be purchased at a considerably lower cost than you have seen it being sold for, you could be in business. It may be best to start with small affordable products rather than jumping straight in and trying to sell high priced items.

Work out a business plan

Selling on eBay will be made easier by developing a business plan, this doesn’t need to be anything too elaborate, but should at least outline your basic strategy, your budget and the target market that you are aiming for. You may need to test and refine your initial plan until you find something that works, and then don’t be afraid to change your targets.

Invest and expand

Once you have found a strategy that brings a return on your investment, it may be time to invest more time and money in that particular niche to expand your business venture and generate a greater income. You could start to set some targets outlining the number of sales that you want to achieve each week or you may wish to introduce additional products.

Automate areas of your work

Once you start to experience some level of success You’ll probably find that you’re writing the same things again and again in emails or item descriptions. This might be the time to start automating some areas of your work, perhaps by investing in software that can create listings for you or respond to any
communication you receive from customers.

I decided to make this post for two reasons. Firstly, because at a time when the news seems filled with stories of economic hardship and world problems, we sometimes forget the more pleasurable things that life should really be about. Secondly, as well as being inspirational, this video also has a relevance for business owners.

I first saw the video below over at outspoken media on a post by Lisa Barone ‘The Power of The Unexpected’ Once you have watched it you will understand why it has attracted more than 18 million of viewers.

Please let me know your thoughts about the video and how it makes you feel. It made me laugh, almost brought me to tears, but most of all filled me with happiness.

Special thanks to Jill and Kevin for releasing such a fantastic video. Read about their story

Thanks to Lisa Barone for her post The Power of The Unexpected which you must read

Twitter Prodigy for reminding me about the video and sharing another compelling story

Have you ever considered taking part in paid surveys as a way to increase your income? If so, this paid surveys guide provides several things that you might find helpful. It offers a good introduction to paid surveys, tips on how to spot legitimate paid survey panels and it also reviews some legitimate organizations.

The publisher of this resource states that “Online Market research firms are not looking for professional survey takers; they are looking for a diverse group of panel members with some spare time that can offer their opinions on the latest products and services.

This means that there is no rigid criteria for being eligible to take part in them and that you just need to be willing to share your opinions. Some people do manage to generate a significant income this way, but like most things this will depend on the amount of time and effort you can afford.

This paid surveys guide also has a section that gives the answers to common online survey questions like:

1, What kind of incentives are offered for taking paid surveys?

2, How will I get the surveys, and how can I make sure I get a lot of survey invitations?

3, How much money can I make by taking part in paid surveys?

If you know of any other useful resources related to paid surveys, or reputable paid survey panels that you can recommend please let me know and I could feature them here.

Most people who search the internet for work at home opportunities, or for ways to generate additional streams of income, quickly become aware of affiliate marketing and some of the great affiliate commissions that can be earned.

Affiliate marketing is definitely one of the quickest and easiest ways to make money online. It doesn’t require complicated product creation or masses of customer service headaches. The main focus is on recommending products to keen buyers. Once that’s done you can more or less sit back and collect your generous paychecks.

Although it’s a cheap and cheerful way to make money online, and one of the most popular online work at home opportunities available, it’s important to make sure that you protect all of your commissions. If you decide to try this lucrative method of marketing there are some key things to look out for so here are the top three ways to make sure that you start banking more affiliate cash.

Stop using direct affiliate links

You probably already know that it’s a good idea to cloak (hide) your affiliate links. This ensures that ‘hijackers’ cannot switch their affiliate ID for yours, and thus steal your commission when they buy the product.

Another good reason not to use direct affiliate links is the fact that you could end up with hundreds of “dead” links all over the Internet. If you spend time promoting an affiliate product or include your direct affiliate link in an ebook, then what happens if the vendor stops selling that product? You would have dead links placed all over the internet which could damage your credibility.

If instead you use a redirect link, you can change the redirect link to point from the dead affiliate link to a similar affiliate product in just a minute or two. And in doing so, you could potentially save thousands of dollars in affiliate commissions.

Look for these common sales leaks

If you don’t vet the sales process thoroughly, you may find that the biggest thief is the product vendor! Sometimes the vendor is just a new marketer who doesn’t know any better. Other times, you may find vendors who are deliberately trying to pocket your commissions.

Here are some things to look out for:

* Google AdSense ads on the sales page. Some marketers don’t realize that a good sales page shouldn’t have any major distractions, and that the only way to leave a sales page should be via a back button or the buy button. Other marketers know exactly what they’re doing. You send them traffic for free, and they get the money every time someone clicks on their ads. Either way, you need to
look out for these methods and it’s usually best to avoid these vendors.

* Alternative payment options. This is another sneaky way that some product vendors reach into your pocket. They offer multiple payment options on the affiliate landing page. This is only troublesome if the customer chooses a different option. For example, if the vendor uses Clickbank for affiliate tracking, then obviously you won’t get a penny if the vendor encourages customers to use an alternative method of payment.

* Customer service reps that send visitors to a new page. Sometimes when a prospect has a question, the customer service rep (or the vendor) can send the customer to a different sales page. If this happens then it’s likely that You will lose the commission!

Look for any loopholes

Here’s one last tip: Always read the terms of service and affiliate agreement. Sometimes you’ll find outrageous payment thresholds that allows the vendor to legally keep your money until you reach that threshold! Other times the vendor charges a huge “accounting fee” just to reduce what he has to pay you.

There you have it – three quick and easy ways to start banking bigger affiliate paychecks.

I Have A Dream

So, you have been thinking about it for some time. You have decided that a web-based business would be an ideal way of working and, if you could just find out where to go for information about web business ideas, you could select one you like the look of, read up on the subject and get your web business idea up and running in no time at all.

Perhaps you have a vague idea of the type of web business ideas you think would succeed. You probably imagine it would have to be totally original- a product or service never before offered, an entrepreneurial gem which would shine out brilliantly via the world wide web attracting thousands of customers and making you rich in the process!

But hold on a moment- just look back over how you have spent your own money during the past few months. What you have bought for your home, the clothes and food you have chosen, the entertainment you have enjoyed and the leisure activities you have pursued. You might have subscribed to a website designed for people with your particular interest or concern.

These have all involved somebody’s business idea, and the chances are these days, that your choices of products or services have been available on-line. They come to you via other people’s web business ideas! And are they unique or obscure? Not at all. They are products, services or information which you wanted and which the people with the web business idea were able to provide. Quite a simple concept, really, and one you can replicate in a highly profitable way!

Let’s now look at how you might be able to turn your germ of an idea into a web business of viral proportions!

The Big Idea

Unless you already have a web business idea that you believe will capture every other internet browser and result in some kind of a gain for you, your first task is to take a long hard look at your interests, hobbies and life-style choices. You might like to use the following framework to help you to identify some possible web business ideas:

a) Art & design
b) Alternative medicine/therapies
c) Beauty
d) Conservation/ ‘green’ issues
e) Consumer issues
f) Entertainment
g) Education
h) Employment
i) Exercise
j) Faith & culture
k) Family & relationships
l) Fashion interests
m) Food
n) Gardening/self-sufficiency
o) Health issues
p) Housing
q) Life-style preferences
r) Long-term illness or disability
s) Money
t) Music
u) Personal book choices/favourite magazines
v) Pets
w) Skills
x) Sport
y) Travel & transport
z) Using the internet

These topics will probably spark off a few possible web business ideas. Obviously this list is not exhaustive and many of the areas can be sub-divided, but the subject headings reflect products, services and experiences which are common to most people and therefore have the potential for stimulating related web business ideas.

The Method

There are several critical stages in the creation of your web business idea:

1) Decide on the product, service or interest based on your own knowledge
2) Identify your likely consumer/target market
3) Thoroughly research the web business idea (product knowledge, viable pricing etc.)
4) Present the product in an attractive way by having a well designed website
5) Establish efficient, reliable business practice
6) Deliver! (and it’s always good to give a little more than you promise!)
7) Encourage feedback about the presentation of your web business idea

Your Shop Window

Take a little time out to study your own consumer habits, both on-line and in the shopping-mall. Try to identify what attracts you, what entices you in to look around further and what persuades you to commit to buy! These are all considerations which must be taken into account when you submit your web business idea to the net.

We are all attracted by certain stimuli as we scan our surroundings. Colour, form and texture are three of the more obvious things which catch our attention as we look around us. Sound and smell can also be potent signals. Another more subtle aspect is ‘familiarity’ or ‘identification’. For example, certain stores have a special appeal to young people. Other places might be designed to attract the affluent sector. A building or place of entertainment might have a deliberately ‘aggressive’ or competitive ambiance, (such as a sports shop or a concert venue) while another would encourage feelings of well-being and calm, (as in a spa or therapy centre.) These are important and intentional enticements which are designed to attract and hold the attention of individuals, and exactly the same principle applies when you are thinking about your web business idea. It must have a well-defined appeal to your target audience.

When designing your website, remember that it is your ‘shop window’. People will only stop at your sight if it has certain qualities. Make it attractive, suitably colourful and dynamic. Make it very clear what you have on offer initially, and then encourage further exploration by hinting at further ‘goodies’ in store! Don’t make the window too busy or confusing and avoid irritating gimmicks. Keep the whole thing crisp and concise, but provide easy to follow links to further information and an easy route to purchase or participation.

Remember that most businesses have ‘loss leaders’, a useful tool which can attract casual traffic.

Let your enthusiasm shine through! It will transmit itself to visitors looking at your web business and, if you have researched your product, whatever it is, you will engage with people and earn their respect.

Don’t be afraid of criticism- learn from it instead. Invite it from trusted friends and family and see it as constructive.

Believe, wholeheartedly, in your web business idea and your ‘customers’ will go with you. Whether you are aiming to sell physical product or an idea, or providing much searched for advice, keep focused.

Finally

Have the courage of your convictions!

Don’t keep that ‘good idea’ to yourself!

Don’t sell yourself short- don’t assume that just because you have a real flair for promoting a product or enthusing others with a new approach to an idea, it isn’t worth pursuing; It almost certainly is!

BE BOLD!!

If you’re thinking of starting a web based business, at some point you will need to invest in a domain name. You could do a lot worse than to look at Global Domains International who offer free domains in conjunction with their web hosting. I use several providers for the various Domain names that I own and most of them have affiliate programs but can’t see any that match the income potential that GDI offers.

The co-founders of Global Domains international, Michael Reed and Alan Ezeir boast an impressive track record in business and have a wealth of experience when it comes to entrepreneurial/start-up environments. GDI not only provide some excellent services, but also include a built in work at home opportunity too!

Perhaps the most attractive part of the GDI package is that you can get started at no cost. Yes, absolutely FREE! Their 7 day free trial provides you with a choice of ready made website templates, a website builder in case you prefer to build your own site, a domain name of your choice, web hosting and a whole host of additional services such as personalised email addresses.

After the initial 7 day trial period you can continue to use this remarkable package for just $10 per month. Even without the business opportunity this has to be considered great value. Global Domains International is a Inc500 listed company and currently maintains customers with annual renewals and web services in more than 180 countries.

The domain industry is exploding and experts in the industry forecast that over 500 Million domains will be active annually within the next ten years. The fact that using dot com domain names has become less significant in the marketplace and the lack of any real competition for Global Domains Internationals use of network marketing to increase their market share, means that this is a fantastic opportunity.

There is a generous reward plan in place and no selling involved. If $10 per month is within your budget, Global Domains International can offer a complete home business opportunity for providing you with services that are essential for just about any online business you might start anyway.

I know that not many people will want to take my word for it so why not pay a visit to the Global Domains International website and have a look at the long list of testimonials that highlight some exciting success stories. Let me know how you get on.

Please feel free to leave a comment, or share the article using the icons below…

There are a number of ready made online income opportunities and several in the travel and leisure industry. Clubfreedom represents such an opportunity and also opens the door to an attractive way to reduce your international travel costs.

Travel and Income Opportunities

Clubfreedom is an exclusive members club offering a range of benefits in the areas of travel and income opportunities. It’s great concept with heavily discounted travel and a rewards program that can provide a substantial passive income.

Rather than follow others offering points based rewards similar to Frequent flyer programs and other rewards programs, Clubfreedom chose to pay it’s members cash rewards. You might be surprised by the level of income that can be generated.

The Clubfreedom program has been so successful that since Clubfreedom’s launch in September, 2006, hundreds of thousands of people from over 160 countries have become proud Clubfreedom members sharing in millions of dollars paid out in cash rewards!

This is one of those web business ideas that only requires a small financial investment, but can bring huge financial rewards in terms of significant travel discounts and a source of income.

If the travel and leisure industry is something that interests you, this is an income opportunity that might be just right! You can apply some of the principles that I mentioned in my post about targeting niche markets to find a ready made customer base.

Have a look at Clubfreedom and see if it’s the right kind of income opportunity for you. Let me know how you get on.

There are so many work at home income opportunities these days that most people don’t know where to start. Internet marketing provides a number of ways to work from home on your computer and develop a reliable source of income.

There are plenty of low cost business opportunities to choose from and there’s also a great opportunity to turn your own hobby or interest into a successful business. It can pay to find a reliable internet training course that teaches proven ways to make money online and by doing this you can learn how to quickly start promoting your business to a global market.

It’s important not to be mislead by promises of overnight riches. Most genuine opportunities require hard work, a high level of motivation, self-dicipline, and a willingness to learn new skills and marketing techniques.

The business opportunities that I’m involved with are fantastic and provide real value, but they still require some degree of hard work and commitment. There are obviously some people who are fortunate enough to quickly generate substantial wealth by working at home and utilizing the incredible power of the internet, but most people have to work hard to achieve success.

If you’re serious about working from home on your computer, it makes sense to approach it like any other business venture. Careful thought and some degree of planning are needed. Most banks and financial institutions provide good business plan templates and there are some great resources available online to help you automate certain areas of your business.

If you’re familiar with Bob Yeager, you will know that he’s an excellent Personal Growth Strategy Mentor with an ability to create strategies for his students to follow, that enable them to quickly achieve peak performance.

He’s spent most of his adult life working in the sales and marketing industry, overcoming some pretty big hurdles on his journey towards the successful career he’s got now.

Personal Development

One of Bob’s sites Personal Development RAW gives you a stripped down, straight to the point approach to achieving ultimate success in record time. Bob manages to ‘tell it to you straight’ while at the same time delivering a warm, hands on approach with his expert use of live broadcast mentoring.

He can help with your personal development in a number of ways and has already helped a lot of people including myself, to start maximizing their true potential.

Bob’s recent work with Heather Vale, reveals the true power of learning to communicate properly. This is often overlooked by business owners, but can have a big impact on the amount of success they experience.

Bob describes Heather as the only teacher he would endorse 100% for teaching others the power of an effective approach to communication and relationships. So it’s worth taking notice!

Have a look at Bob’s Unwrapping Heather Vale interview which is 20 minutes of mouth watering discussion if you understand the importance of communication and relationships in business. Bob and Heather give you an idea of the powerful techniques revealed in The Physical Interviewing Unwrapped Home-Study Resource.

Let me know if you find Personal Development RAW useful by leaving your comments. You can subscribe to Bob’s RSS feed and enjoy some of the benefits I outlined in my last post about using RSS feeds.

What is an RSS Feed?

Wikipedia says (at the time this was written) that RSS is “a family of web feed formats used to publish frequently updated works such as blog entries, news, audio, and video in a standardized format” This doesn’t tell the whole story,so if you’re keen to understand how RSS can help you to plan and build your business, have a look at the excellent video explanation at RSS in Plain English.

This is a three minute video presentation that gives a clear indication of how as a business owner who makes use of the web, you can use RSS to gather and supply valuable information.

RSS is spam free and enables you to receive your favorite sources of information without having to keep searching online. Once you have a website you should attempt to make sure your own content is available via RSS.

As the use of RSS becomes increasingly popular, those who leverage it in their day to day lives will have an advantage when it comes to content consumption and those who use it in business will gain the greatest success.

The three minute video above shows you a simple two step process for enjoying these advantages, so it’s certainly worth taking a look.

Once you fully understand the importance of RSS you’ll wonder how you managed without it. You might want to subscribe to my RSS feed hint hint, but if not I recommend the three feeds below which are bound to help you if you’re starting an online business. Subscribe to them today and start benefiting from the fantastic content, which is FREE:

http://www.paulcolligan.com

http://www.stomperblog.com

http://www.marketingonlinelive.com

Please let me know if this information has been useful in any way.