Work at Home Kit

The More You Read, The More You Learn

Why learning is important..."It is critical that a company create the kind of environment in which people really believe they can learn, grow, and prosper. The focus has to be on developing people."


Google

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Blog For Money

If the thought has ever crossed your mind about including blog advertising on your blog, I want to make you aware of a great site. Smorty.com allows a person to get paid to blog.

Smorty is the middle man so to speak...bringing advertisers together with bloggers. You simply write opinion posts about a product, service or website. Once the post is approved, the blogger gets paid. That's it !

You can choose subjects that interest you or pertain to the topic of your blog. If you have multiple blogs, you can include your opinion posts on all of them and while doing so, earn money and build unique content in your blog.

It is Free to sign up with Smorty...Simply, easy, and get paid weekly for your efforts.

I have found this is an added way to make extra money from blogging. We all have opinions and this is a easy way to share them and get paid in the process.

There are unlimited ways to make money online, but if you already have a blog, signing up with Smorty and deciding to blog for money is a win-win situation.

If you have any costs associated with having your blog; such as hosting, this is a great way to absorb those costs.

Monday, July 30, 2007

Home Tools for the Single Woman

More and more single women are purchasing their own homes due to women becoming financially independent. After married couples, single women make up the largest group of purchasers, compared to single men who make up 9 percent of home buyers, according to a survey by National Association of Realtors.

Home ownership for a single woman, can make them feel independent, secure, boost their self worth and it is a safe way to plan for the future.

Having your own home leads to home decorating..adding your personal touch. Tackling Home improvements projects yourself not only saves money, but you feel a sense of pride doing a project and seeing the results plus you're not being dependent on someone else to do the job for you.

Are you a woman who would like to do your own home projects?
I want to suggest having your own tool box. If you're like me, I have many uses for the 'butter knife' other than spreading butter, but have since replaced that with the appropriate tools.

A general toolbox should include:
Safety glasses, gloves, hammer, hacksaw, six in one screwdriver, 25 foot tape measure, utility blade, staple gun, caulk gun, wood glue, painters' masking tape, plumbing tape, pliers, adjustable wrench, outdoor extension cord, plug in voltage tester, wire cutters, nails, screws and bolts of assorted sizes, electrical tape, level

Some power tools you should own:
Cordless drill with drill bits, electric hand sander, saw

Of course purchasing all these tools at once can be quite costly, so I recommend first purchasing a tool box and work towards filling it. One tool at a time or when you notice a sale at your favorite hardware store.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

SEO Tools

See if your website is among the strongest on the web!
Strong sites and pages are popular with search engines – and users – so being aware of this issue is an important part of any online campaign.

The Page Strength Tool will let you know how you’re doing.
Just enter a URL, and it generates statistics regarding links, the site’s rank with Alexa, and a number of other factors.

This information is compiled into a single score on a 10-point scale, and is a good way of measuring a campaign’s overall success.Even if you’re already aware of your own standing, Page Strength provides a quick and easy way to research competitors.

Click here for tool

Website Analysis Tool This tool displays the following:
PageRank:
This displays the Field PageRank, Full URL PageRank, and the Domain PageRank. PageRank is Googles way to determine a website's worth.

Page Age: Page Age
Displays the year that the domain was registered and when it expires.

Google Index: Google Index
Shows the non-simular and total index results from Google.

Yahoo IL: Yahoo Inbound Links
Displays the homepage, the deep and the total inbound links from Yahoo.

dir.yahoo.com IL: dir.yahoo.com Inbound Links
Shows all the inbound links within the Yahoo business directory.

.gov IL: .gov Inbound Links
Displays all inbound links from .gov top level domains.

.edu IL: .edu Inbound Links
Displays all inbound links from .edu top level domains.

DMOZ IL: DMOZ Inbound Links
Displays all inbound links from DMOZ.

Wikipedia IL: Wikipedia Inbound Links
Displays all inbound links from Wikipedia.

del.icio.us Links: del.icio.us Links
Displays how many people have bookmarked your website on del.icio.us.

Alexa Rank: Alexa Rank
Displays your Alexa Rank.

Sup Results: Supplemental Results
Displays how many pages have supplemental results in your Google index search.

ILQ Rating: Inbound Link Quality

Click here for tool

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Save On School Shopping With Online Coupons

Have you gone into your local mall lately? Have you noticed that all the back to school items and fall clothing are already being displayed? Seeing these items reminds me that the season will be changing soon.

If you have a child beginning school in September or sending your child off to college, now is the time to purchase all necessities. I remember as a child eagerly waiting for the day I went 'school shopping'. I couldn't wait for school to start to wear all my new clothes, show off my new book bag and notebooks.

You don't have to wait for the sales in the department stores to make your purchases. If you are looking to save money, you should consider using online coupons. Shopping online now is a sure way to purchase what you need before all the items your child needs are gone. Shop at your convenience and not worry about standing in line or driving in traffic.

The featured merchants on EcouponCodes provide promotional savings with coupon codes and huge discounts. New coupons are added daily. You will find over 1000 stores to choose from. Click Here for a category listing to view.

Everyone searches for a 'bargain' and saving $20 or more on each purchase is something worth taking advantage of, plus you're actually getting more for your money shopping online with these coupon codes.

If you decide to shop at a store like Target you can purchase most everything needed for school or college...linens, house wares, clothes, toiletries, notebooks, book bags, shoes etc.
Don't forget the end of season specials on home and garden supplies.

Visit Ecouponcodes.com for your coupons

Sponsored by ecouponcodes

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Ecommerce Shopping Cart Software

Are you thinking of starting your own business? Owning your own business is the path to your financial freedom.

As most of you are aware, there are unlimited ways to make money online.
A family member has recently started his own Online Store. He has had positive results and I know someone else who considers this option will also.

Ashop Commerce allows you to manage your entire website and online business from one complete ecommerce shopping cart software.

Whether you are a beginner or an expert, Ashop Commerce allows you to set up your store within hours. Fully omtimized shopping carts, which also provides up to date and relevant advice. You can take advantage of their 10 day free trial to see if this shopping cart software is for you.

If you currently have an online store and spending a fortune to maintain it , why needlessly spend more money than you have to? A small monthly investment is all it takes to have your top notch store up and running.

Some features that are offered are: You will be able to control inventory, feature products, process orders in bulk, offer customer discounts, gift certificates and coupons, personalize your store without templates and use the design creator, html or flash. This complete service is securely hosted, offers free emails, fraud alerts and web promotion services
Your customers can pay with confidence knowing that Ashop Commerce offers SSl protection.

Selling online can't get any easier than this.

Owner Financing: Selling a Home Without a Down Payment

I have been asked many questions with regard to selling a home and offering Owner Financing. As previously indicated, I will answer the questions I receive in posts as a way to help other home owners.

Answering John's Question:

Selling a home without a Down Payment

John asks...."I am selling my home and offering Owner Financing, but having trouble finding a good candidate with a good down payment. Should I take a chance and allow a buyer to put no money down?"

My advice to John is that it is never a good idea to sell a home without a down payment. You want the buyer to invest some of their own money into the home. If they have their own money involved they are more likely to take care of the home, keep up with maintenance, pay the bills associated with home ownership.You want the potential buyer to show some commitment to the home.

How many times have you come across a rental property only to see it run down? That renter had no equity in the home, they weren't loosing any of their own money, therefore might not care about the property. What are they loosing? They can walk away and find another place to live....

If you intend on selling this mortgage note down the road, you want the buyer to have some equity in the home from the start. The more equity your buyer has, a contract buyer is more likely to purchase the note.

Example:
A home is selling for $100,000 and the potential buyer can put down $20,000. This buyer is already starting with a 20% equity position. A contract buyer likes to see that.

You might also suggest that a potential buyer secure a personal loan for the down payment. Do they have a credit union or can they borrow against their 401 ? In some cases, you can receive a hardship withdrawal for the down payment towards home purchase and not have to pay the sum withdrawn back. Maybe they can be approved for a lesser amount from the bank or receive a loan from a relative. They then give you the money for the down payment. This option gives you the cash down payment, the buyer has the commitment to the home and a contract buyer will see equity.

Before making any final decisions, please make sure you have a good real estate lawyer to help you. Protect yourself.




Monday, July 23, 2007

ARM's To Reset

According to CNNMoney, soon more than two million adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) are going to reset at much higher rates in coming months, worsening an already suffering housing market.

Borrowers who took out hybrid ARMs in 2004 and 2005 to secure low "teaser" rates for the first two or three years of the loan may see their monthly mortgage payments climb by 35 percent or more.

In October alone more than $50 billion in ARMs will reset," according to Mark Zandi, chief economist and co-founder of Moody's Economy.com. That's a record, according to Zandi.

A buyer in 2005 with poor credit and limited means might have signed on for a $200,000 2/28 hybrid ARM, locking in a fixed rate of 4 percent for two years. After paying $955 a month, his bill would now be set to spike to $1,331, a 39 percent increase.

The tightening mortgage-loan standards could also result in short-term foreclosure spikes. Home owners with resetting ARMs, for example, may not qualify for refinancing under the stricter oversight. That could lock borrowers into unaffordable loans and they could lose their homes.

The effect of a foreclosure rise and home price slide on the nation's economy may be hard to predict but it will have an impact.

Source: CNNMoney

Friday, July 20, 2007

Why PayPerPost?

You may have noticed sponsored ads appearing on this blog. I was first introduced to payperpost after reading a blog I came across on the mybloglog community. This blog reviewed payperpost in a positive way and my curiosity got the best of me.

I thought about including these sponsored ads on this blog for awhile and after weighing the pros and cons, decided it was a good idea.

I have become a member of payperpost due to the ease in which you were able to join and the wide variety of opportunities available to me. Membership is free.

I believe in a win-win situation, where everyone can benefit. The Sponsor, the Blogger and the Reader. With payperpost I can pick and choose a company or product that will benefit my clients and/or readers.

We should take every opportunity to learn what is being offered if it is of interest. Networking is extremely important and it's effect is what we all strive for. Whether it be word of mouth or blog marketing.

As with television that brings you sponsored ads for sales, new products,etc... I will be able to bring attention to certain products and/or web sites that some would not ordinarily be exposed to. I myself learned about web sites that I can benefit from when I filtered through the opportunities on payperpost .I doubt I would have had the chance to know about these sites had I not found them on the payperpost site.

I also believe that this will tune up my writing and communication. These sponsored ads are reviewed and they all have guidelines which must be followed, so the posts must be of quality.

The addition of Sponsored ads is an added perk to me as a blogger.I have already become addicted to writing and look forward to writing posts. I have been getting positive feedback, so I know I have been successful in bringing information to my readers and/clients that they found useful.

I hope I am able to bring a post that will interest you and can benefit from.



Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Are Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Worth It?

Yes, they are. In fact, they are taking over the shelves at the Home Depot and hardware stores.

According to Fast Company, if every American swapped in just one bulb in their homes, we'd save enough electricity to power all of Delaware and Rhode Island. We'd also cut 1.3 million cars' worth of greenhouse gases!

You will also save $30 over the lifetime of each compact fluorescent bulb you install as per the Environmental Agency.

A CFL bulb runs cool, uses 70% less energy than a incandescent bulb and lasts 14 months or 14 years if used 2 hours a day, according to the manger of Home Depot, Brent Hodgson.

The CFL bulb comes on instantly and emits a warm light that nearly indistinguishable from incandescent light.

So if you are looking to save alittle money, doing something to help cut greenhouse gases, go out and change your bulbs. Helping the enviroment one bulb at a time...

Source: Men's Health

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Homeowners: Now Is The Time To Shop For The Best Deals

If you're like me when it comes to shopping, you look for the best deals and the sale items.
Even though we're only in the month of July, this is the end of the season. It is the perfect time to purchase items for your home much cheaper than a few months ago.

One of my favorite stores believe or not is Home Depot.
I'm in that store so much, the employees know me and ask what project I am working on. It's a one stop place where I can purchase all my home and garden needs. I also attend The Home Depot free How-To Clinics.

If you're looking to add 'curb appeal' or accessories that can be used for 'home staging' or add value to your home, Now's the time to start thinking about purchasing those items. A bench for the garden, a new deck,a fountain which will provide soothing sound of water or even a pond...how about bulbs for fall planting or creating a path with stepping stones that will lead potential buyers right to your front door? Create a warm atmosphere in your rooms with paint, update your kitchen, remodel your bathroom...the list is endless and doing these things will certainly sell your home.

Useful Tip:
Did you know that red is the first color your eye sees in the spectrum? To draw attention to one of your home's best features; place a red accessory (like a flower, bowl, or book) near it. On the other hand, to minimize a problem, put the red accessory elsewhere in the room, so your buyer's eyes will move towards the red color, not the flaw.

I found that some stores offer different products on their web site than sold in store. The sales price might even be better shopping online.

To help you further get the best deal, visit Coupon Chief. Coupon Chief provides a one stop coupon deal and discount resource for Web site visitors. You will get up to date coupon codes and promotional deals and discounts. Free Coupons, Online Coupons and Coupon Codes.

Online shopping coupons are typically redeemed by typing in the corresponding Coupon Code at checkout time.The fastest and most convenient way to shop 24/7 and get the best deal. Why not? Who doesn't love saving money?

With over 1000 stores to choose from at Coupon Chief, I'm sure you'll find a deal at your favorite store. Mine just happens to be Home Depot.

I have literally saved hundreds not only shopping online, but with the use of online shopping coupons

Below is a "how to" screencast from Home Depot, so shopping at Coupon Chief will be easier.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

How Well Do You Communicate?


Have you ever felt communicating with someone can be difficult or challenging? or When speaking to someone, whether it be at work,home or in our personal relationships, messages can easily be misunderstood, misconstrued and mistaken for something they're not? Surely that can lead to confusion and frustration.

We have to remember people have different goals, tempers, backgrounds, perception, ideas and personal rules. I think if we keep that in the back of our minds when communicating, it will make it easier to get our point across.

A person can be successful when communicating if you have the ability to get the other person's point of view and see things from that person's angle as well as your own.

Think of how many times you've said, or heard others say: "But I thought you meant...." or "I assumed you were talking about...." or "No, you've completely misunderstood what I was saying."

These little phrases come out of our mouths daily. We're so used to saying them we don't think about the wider implications: that it sometimes requires really hard work to make ourselves clear and to get ourselves understood by others.

When someone is talking to you, listen with the intent to understand first, not impose your ideas. Once that person feels heard, he or she will be open to then listen to you.

Effective communication occurs only if the receiver understands the exact information or idea that the sender intended to send. Most successful leaders have one thing in common...strong communication skills. They have the ability to effectively communicate and connect with all different types and kinds of people and personalities

How Do you rate?

Take this quiz to find out: COMMUNICATION TEST

Here's my score...

Snapshot Report


Insightfulness
_____________74 (out of 100)


Your results indicate that you are fairly adept at interpreting other people’s words and actions and seeing things from their perspective - although the rare misunderstanding may occur. Overall however, you seem to realize that empathy is an essential part of good interpersonal skills and therefore, will do your best to place yourself in other people’s shoes in order to better understand them. For the most part, you can sense what others are thinking and will likely adjust your behavior accordingly if a person you’re conversing with seems confused or perhaps uncomfortable. There may be the occasional time when you pay more attention to the message you’re sending rather than how it’s received. With some time and experience, you’ll likely be able to improve your insight even more.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Help Wanted

This is not spam. I have recently expanded my business to include Homes Loans: Purchase, Refinance, Home Equity, Debt Consolidation. I am looking for additional quality people to further expand with me...go nationwide. I am taking this opportunity to network with my fellow bloggers and readers to extend this invitation.

This is REAL, PROVEN and FINANCIALLY BENEFICIAL

Do you Dream of Building Your Own Business?

You journey through life working way too many hours for too little pay.

THERE IS A BETTER WAY !

The only way you can achieve financial freedom and control your own destiny is to have a successful business of your own.

I have recently expanded my business and I now want to expand further.
I am offering a risk-free opportunity to join me.
* No major investment
* No franchise fees
* No loss of job security
* No experience required
* No inventory
* Unlimited Territory
* Unlimited Opportunity

The ever growing Real Estate Market. Did you know that 78 BILLION dollars were made in real estate commissions?

We want to create more financially independent families than any other business. We are commited to helping people make their dreams come true. Whether it's controlling their debt, buying their dream home or building tremendous wealth.

Our system gives our leaders a proven, predictable turnkey plan for building and running a successful mortgage business. You run the system and that system runs and helps build your business.

FREE In house training and support system.

We have alliances with the most respected companies and provide the lastest technology to help build and run your business.

Create a business within a business.

REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS:
Here's your chance to DOUBLE, TRIPLE your income potential !
Clients already have listed with you. You are showing homes to potential buyers. Mortgage Loans are needed. You can help both the buyer and seller.

For the right person, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
* 100% compensation plan
* Part-time or full time
* Lifetime residual income
* Unique Business format system
* Nationwide operation

CONTACT ME: andrea@acassociatesusa.com for additional details.
Business Opportunity

Purchase, Refinance, Home Equity, Dedt Consolidation Loans

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Are You a Talker or a Doer?

As I grow older, and as I watch people, I have learned there are two basic types of people.

There are talkers. And there are doers.

Lots of people are talkers. They tell you all about what they are "going to do ." They have big plans and good intentions, but all they do is talk. They're always going to do it tomorrow. They're always going to do it later. They're always "going to do it ."

Sound like anyone you know?

Then there are the doers. They might not talk about it at all - they just go do it, then tell you about it when it's done. Regardless, they DO IT. If they say they are going to do something they do it.

No matter who you are - man, woman, teenager - the results of your whole life will depend on what you DO, not what you "talk about"!

Would you like to guess which group of people are going to be the ones that experience success in life. Success in whatever they decide to do?

You're right. The DOERS!

I learned a long time ago that important things take tremendous work and perseverance. I also learned the closer you get to the realization of that goal, the greater and more intense the obstacles become. It's as if the Universe is testing you to see how much you want it.

Here's two tips to find out if you are a 'talker' or a 'doer':
Tip #1
Write yourself a letter. Make a commitment to yourself of what you are going to DO. Make a list of your goals and put them where you'll see them.

Tip #2
Write your letter, then ask a friend to mail it to you in 2-3 months. You can put it in a self-addressed, stamped envelope they will merely slip in the mail. You'll be able to see for yourself whether you are a talker or a DOER.

Monday, July 9, 2007

The Definition of a Winner

Winners take chances.
Like everyone else, they fear failing, but they refuse to let fear control them.

Winners don't give up.
When life gets rough, they hang in until the going gets better.

Winners are flexible.
They realize there is more than one way and are willing to try others.

Winners know they are not perfect.
They respect their weaknesses while making the most of their strengths.

Winners fall but they don't stay down.
They stubbornly refuse to let a fall keep them from climbing.

Winners don't blame fate for their failures, nor luck for their successes.
Winners accept responsibility for their lives.

Winners are positive thinkers who see good in all things.
From the ordinary, they make the extraordinary.

Winners believe in the path they have chosen even when it is hard, even when others can't see where they are going.

Winners are patient.
They know a goal is only as worthy as the effort that is required to achieve it.

Winners are people that believe in themselves.
They make this world a better place to be.

The Definition Of A Winner
--Author Unknown

Friday, July 6, 2007

Social Networking Sites

If the phrase "Social Networking site" brings to mind only giggly teenagers or finding a date, think again.

Entrepreneurs are using these sites to get advice and recommendations from other business owners. They're also finding employees, meeting potiential clients, investors and attracting customers.

These sites may offer limited marketing tools, but they are worth looking into.
You can create a profile, link to other profiles and networks. Members have a fair amount of control over how much information you want to reveal to other members.

You can post to various discussion groups, bringing attention to your company. Reconnect with past clients, business associates, or former contacts.

Thinking of starting a new company? Check out JumpUp. Created by Intuit, it offers many tools, including templates for business planning and financial calculators

If you have a business plan and looking for investors. Look at Go Big Network, which aims to connect start-ups, investors and job seekers.

Entrepreneurs wanting to broadcast their business might want to check out iKarma. Customers can rate and review services.

LinkedIn is the largest social networking site for business. Reconnect with former clients/colleagues, forge partnerships, hire new employees or attract customers.

Ryze's strength is probably as a source of advice from other business owners. It has 19 groups for entrepreneurs and 10 for small businesses which include those specifically for women entrepreneurs, start ups and even entrepreneurs with attention deficit disorder.

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

A Great Find: Hotel Reservations.com

I was invited to attend a seminar in Vegas. I don't have much experience booking travel arrangements over the 'net, so I searched for the most trustworthy site.

I came across Hotel Reservations.com and was completely surprised on how much they had to offer...Hotel Discounts,Gas rebates, savings up to 70%, translation of not only different languages, but currency as well (this might be needed for my next trip...) There was also a rebate of up to $100...depending on my booking. International specials, cruises, even bed & breakfasts.

You can Research and Plan Your Trip, Get Special Group rates and once you are member, you will receive monthly e-mail with their Best deals and savings for Hotel Reservations up to 70% off, for many cities worldwide including your favorite destinations.

This all peaked my interest, so I continued with a search for my designation. Upon looking further, I found I was easily able to navigate my way through in finding great prices for air fares, hotels, car rentals. The booking tools were great for someone with no experience, so that was comforting.

I did have one question regarding a hotel and found that when I called the toll free number, I was connected to someone very pleasant who helped me. It was wonderful to actually speak to someone rather than having to get those automated answering devices that take you 'round and 'round...that can be so aggravating.

I also learned there are no change or cancellation fees. That was a surprise because I didn't find that with some other sites I visited.

Maybe you'll want to visit Hotel Reservations and get Cheap Hotels for your next trip. Save time, save money...isn't that something we all look for? If you can not find the City Or Discount Hotel you are looking for you can call 1-800-447-4136 ( US & Canada ) and Worldwide at (1) 817-333-5105

Do You Use a Laptop?

Seems like a silly question in the year 2007, but according to a recent survey of participants ranging in age from 24 to 64, firm leaders by Design Intelligence say...

  • 28.8% said they were not able to set up their own email accounts without assistance from IT
  • 88.5% admitted to not being proficient at using building information modeling (BIM) tools

This survey was aimed to reveal use and comfort level for well-established and emergency tools and technologies.

  • 8% said they don't use laptops
  • 19.5% don't use desktops
  • 73.5 use both
  • 80% Trust their antivirus software
  • 20% Do not

Another question asked....

Have You Ever Owned an LP?

  • 39% said yes
  • 18% said no
  • 43% asked what an LP was

If you don't know what an LP is: a long playing vinyl record

Sunday, July 1, 2007

Dial 811 for Damage Prevention


Each year, thousands of hits to buried utility lines occur. When this happens, it creates serious legal, financial consequences, personal injuries and sometimes even death.

The Federal Communications Commission approved the use of '811' as a national "call before you dig" telephone number. There are 62 one-call centers across the United States. When someone dials 811, they will automatically be connected to one of the call centers in their area. They will in turn route your call to the appropriate utility company. Your utility company will then send out a professional locator and mark your lines. When you know what lies underground, you can digg safely and protect you and your family.

The 811 campaign targets diggers--professional escavators and the do-it-yourself homeowners. According to a recent national survey, half of Americans are active diggers, who have done or planning to do some type of digging project at home. Only one-third have called or will call to get their utility lines marked.

National awareness of 811 will hopefully improve damage and injuries stats.

One easy call to 811 starts the process to get your underground utility lines marked for FREE.

Many homeowners often make assumptions they do not have to call even when doing small projects...planting trees and shrubs. This can be a vital mistake. The depth of utility lines can vary. Digging without calling can disrupt the whole neighborhood--service can be interupted, harm those around you and possibly result in line repair costs.

Be safe...call 811 before doing any project at home

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