Internet Work - Marketing Tips

Free Internet work opportunities you can perform from your residence are possible and seem to be a topic you hear a lot of people talking about these days.

If you are searching for Internet Work you will come across a huge volume of internet sites that offer you these types of opportunities or better said claim to offer you these opportunities. It reminds me of years ago before the internet was what it is today, the mailers offering people a position as a mail stuffer for a membership fee. Back in those days many of these companies were not so reputable and the same thing happens now with all these websites claiming to offer you work in exchange for a membership fee.

Then, how do you know which websites are legitimate and which ones are not?

First, try to Google reviews of the site in question, go to the forums and become active, ask questions and you'll be surprised at how much honest feedback you'll get. You'll be amazed at the number of these sites there are out there just to get your money.

You have to think about something, a big part of the world is experiencing some big changes in economy, there seems to be a lot of fear in the workforce and of course there are many good reasons for that since here in the United States the single digits of unemployment rate have been very close to the high single digits since 2007.

As a result many people are turning to jobs on net to try to find a solution or to have a backup plan in order not to have all their income depending on one source which is their job.

If you find a site that you find good reviews about and it really seems like something you'll like to try, you can always check if they have a trial period this way at least your money is secure. Personally I like trial periods because I get to test the products, see if I'm really happy with them and if I like them and if I do then I keep them and work with them, if not I just cancel the trial period and no hard feelings. I like ClickBank for that reason, ClickBank is an affiliate program network and the sellers that sell their digital products through them, have to adhere to a no questions asked return policy.

Also, you should always keep in mind sites like Craigslist, Elance or Freelancer. The Internet Work offered on these sites is typically of good reputation. At the beginning it might be a little hard to get your foot in the door just like in many situations but once you have accomplished a few tasks for your online employers and start getting good reviews you'll be on your way up and you'll consider sites like these to be a great career builder for you.

A good thing to remember is that, there is nothing that replaces hard work and dedication.

Is Your Net Working? Become a Thought Leader

Wikipedia defines a thought leader as being an individual or firm that is recognized as an authority in a specialized field and whose expertise is sought and often rewarded.

Would being recognized as a leader in your field or in your business make a difference to your bottom line? Is it possible for mere mortals, average people like you and I to become thought leaders?

I believe that it is not only possible to become a leader in your specific field but that it is in the reach of most of us to do so. With my keen interest in developing my business networking skills I am working towards becoming one of those thought leaders. I write about practical networking skills development for shy people as well as those that have some networking skills and want to improve their success rate.

Am I an expert at networking? In theory yes, in practice, not as much. I write about the subject of networking and shyness because they have caused me problems throughout my life. I've tested the tips & techniques that I offer and I know from first hand experience that they work. I also know that the lessons that I have learned can be very beneficial to others that are experiencing similar difficulties. Recent studies have indicated that over 50% of Americans consider themselves to be shy. That is a huge market awaiting me to become an expert.

My researching the topic of networking has been educational for me in several ways. I have learned that I know more than a lot of people on the subject yet not as much as I could. My anxiety in networking situations has been steadily reducing as I become more educated on the subject and my effectiveness is increasing.

My goal is to become a thought leader on the subject of business networking. I am open to the fame and fortune that will come my way when I do so. It would be nice though if this happened a little sooner rather than later.

Is it really possible to become the thought leader on a subject that you are experienced with? Perhaps it might be helpful to replace the word "the" in the previous sentence with "a." You don't have to be the top expert on your subject. You can become one of many and still be an effective thought leader. You also don't have to compete on the world stage. Odds are that your local community and its surrounding geography could support you being its top thought leader on a specific subject.

So how does one become a thought leader? I will offer a few suggestions that you might want to consider.

To be a thought leader you actually have to give some thought to the subject that you want to be an expert in. That sounds rather obvious at first but I don't believe that it is. Many entrepreneurs and business people are caught up in working in their business rather than working on their business. Day to day they provide a service or a product in their business without taking the time to think about how to grow their business so that they can realize even greater revenue. Becoming a thought leader involves investing in yourself.

I believe that it was Brian Tracy who said that if you read about a specific subject for one hour a day, in five years you will become a world leading expert on your subject. In essence, he is referring to becoming a thought leader. Thought leaders are well read.

Thought leaders are also well spoken. Many people believe that you are born with good public speaking skills or that it is a gift. There is no truth to that belief. Public speaking skills are no different than any other skills. You get better with practice and feedback providing corrective action. If you don't, you won't. It is also a matter of using it or losing it. To continually develop your public speaking skills you need to consistently work at it. I have been working on honing my communication skills over the past 20 years as a member of Toastmasters International, the world's leading inexpensive provider of communication and leadership skills development. Whether you are an experienced speaker looking for opportunities to speak or a beginning speaker wanting to get over your stage fright, Toastmasters is the place to do so.

Speak well, speak often!

Thought leaders are good writers. The old saying that "the pen is mightier than the sword" readily comes to mind. To be able to influence people and in turn lead them you need to be able to write in a manner that not only grabs the reader's attention it spurs them into taking action. The challenge is in writing so that your message is understood by the reader. The average North American reads at a grade seven level. Your challenge is to write so that they can understand it yet not have your material so dumbed down that you insult those with higher literacy skills.

On-line bulletin boards, chat rooms and social media venues such as LinkedIn have helped level the playing field for those that tend to be on the shy side. You can be as bold as you want to be with your on-line persona.

LinkedIn has a relatively new feature where you can follow Thought Leaders from around the world. Some of them like Sir Richard Branson have a couple million followers. I don't follow him but I guess a lot of people are interested in what he has to say. Others on the list have a mere 30000 followers. Wouldn't that be nice? It helps to look at that 30000 or so as being a number that could be achievable, assuming of course that it is something that you desired.

I'm guessing but I believe that LinkedIn likely has a group dedicated to almost any subject that you can think of. You are allowed to follow and be a member of up to 50 groups at a time. To help gain exposure for yourself you can post questions or submit an article of interest to share with others. You can also provide answers or commentary on questions or discussions that others have posted. This can be a great way to create credibility for yourself and develop a reputation as being one who gives thought to a particular subject. It is also okay to disagree with what is written as long as you follow the rule of thumb of disagreeing with the opinion of the person rather than the person. There are ways to soften a response that differs from the writer such as "My experience has been a little different... "

To be a thought leader, or a leader of any type, you have to have followers. I am fond of a saying that goes "If you think that you are leading and you turn around and see that no one is following you, then you are really just out for a walk." I think that we all need to turn around every so often and see if anyone is following us.

We haven't answered the question yet of why we would even want to become a thought leader? Fame and fortune certainly would be nice but on a smaller scale there is great value in becoming the "go to" person if a problem arises that you have the expertise to resolve.

I have been lead to believe that the media is always looking for experts on a specific subject. It would be great to be on a short list of experts that the media reaches out to when they need a quote or sound byte on a topical subject. This is not only great attention for you but it also raises attention for your business. It can be a great conversation starter. Can you imagine being able to respond to the question of "so... what's new?" with "Oh, I was on the Oprah show last week." We might have to settle with an interview by the local AM radio station but you never know who is listening or what it might lead to.

Followers need leaders. If you lead, people will likely follow you. This can be an effective way to develop your business network. Get to know with your followers. Connect with them. Try it and see what happens. Let me know how your net's working.

Is Your Net Working? You Get Back What You Give

I recently noticed the often used saying "You Get Back What You Give" written in large letters on a roadside display board at a local church. Perhaps they are stating the obvious but then one's base personality of being an optimist or a pessimist might come into play. Do you see the world as one of opportunity or as one of danger and threats?

If you are a believer in the law of attraction you have likely also heard the sayings "you reap what you sew" or "what you think about comes about." Dr. Ivan Meisner, Founder of BNI describes this as the "Givers Gain" principal. The law of reciprocity says that if you provide a service or favour for another they will likely feel obligated to return the favour. I have read somewhere that it creates a tension in the individual who has received a favour to the extent that they feel a discomfort until they have returned the favour and evened the score. This may be at a subconscious level and they wouldn't even be aware of why they are doing it.

The example above refers to the results that can occur for helping another individual. Sometimes, cause and effect aren't related in time. Meaning that you can't always see your results nor can they always be attributed to your actions. The law of attraction would have you believe that if you put out something good to the Universe it will respond by having something good return to you. The results that you obtain aren't always related to the good that you put out though. It could come back to you from a different, perhaps unexpected source.

So what does this have to do with business networking? When you provide assistance or a favour for another individual without the expectation of gain, the Universe will balance it out and you will receive something in return. Providing a business referral to someone in your network could result in multiple referrals back to you.

An easy way to start this in motion is to create and submit a testimonial for someone in your network and submit it to their LinkedIn profile under the appropriate heading i.e. where you have worked with them or know of their work. Odds are that they will become motivated to submit one in return on your behalf. This action has an added benefit of displaying your name in their profile which is linked to yours. People are curious and frequently read the LinkedIn testimonials. A well written one will reflect well on you.

Another easy favour that you can do for someone is to Like their Facebook page or a specific entry that they have made. It helps to give them credibility as well highlights your name somewhat. The same applies to LinkedIn. Post a favourable comment on something an individual has written or click on the Like button.

We all have skills and expertise that we use everyday in our jobs and businesses. What we take for granted might be awe-inspiring in others. Consider doing some pro bono work for others. Doing so can significantly help someone in need and can also give you that warm fuzzy feeling that we sometimes crave. You never know what you will receive in return once you set this action in place.

If you know the person well enough and you are comfortable doing so, offer their name as a referral if someone is looking for a service or product that they provide.

Whether you believe in the law of attraction or not there is enough anecdotal evidence out there that indicates that the principal of "Givers Gain" actually works. I would challenge you to test it out and see for yourself. Try it and see what happens. Let me know how your net's working.

Five Ways To Get Your Net - Working For You

I have been investing a great deal of time exploring the online networking advantages for my business as well as possible benefits I could pass on to my clients. I began with LinkedIn thanks to my good friend sending me an invitation last summer. I developed my profile and then - that was it. In the past few month however, I have worked to expand my network and join several networking groups, and have realized many the benefits it can afford to me and even more importantly my clients. Listed below are five ways for job seekers to use groups and formal networking to drive their job search and expand opportunities.

1. There are many local networks in every community that not only network as businesses but offer areas on their sites where resumes can be reviewed and also where jobs are listed that are available in your area. Check into local associations within your industry as well, their sites. They usually offer similar job and resume boards. Not only is it free but you are opening your network and job search needs to more people than you could have possibly imagined by joining and using several local networks as job boards.

2. When using these networks make sure to become an active participant. Start with a greeting to the group vial email. Provide a quick introduction of who you are and what you offer and what your current needs are such as a sales job within a particular industry.

Develop and save a descriptive signature to be used when signing your name. In your signature, include your name, email address, contact phone number and any addresses where your resume can be viewed online. You could also include your LinkedIn address and use a well-crafted profile to provide a detailed description of your past achievement and potential to an interested company.

Use this signature every time you respond on a group's e-list or forum. It is a convenient way for others in the group to easily contact you without researching you in order to find your contact information. It also reminds members of who you are and what you are looking for.

3. Use the networking sites to your advantage by asking questions, getting involved in conversations or topics which you can contribute to. When contributing, make sure that you follow the rules of the group, using appropriate language, content etc. This should not be a problem since you are trying to attract and impress potential contacts and even employers.

As you begin contributing to the groups, one thing to keep in mind is to not dominate every conversation with your input. Some people feel the need to comment on every topic or conversation. The result is that you come across with watered-down integrity, someone who just wants to add their .02 cents and "hear themselves talk" whether it is needed, helpful or otherwise. Find the effective balance and you'll be taken serious and get noticed for the right reasons.

4. I have also seen many incidents of job seekers asking for help from the group with her job search. Often by asking for members to keep an ear open for the position she is seeking or by asking for an introduction to a contact or hiring manager of a particular company. The local groups are especially productive for this type of networking.

Groups to consider becoming involved with can include your local county or business groups, women's clubs, men's clubs, chamber organizations, or college alumni group. Once you start looking you will be surprised how many groups are available and open to the public.

5. Remember to let the groups know when you have successfully found a job. Thank each group for their support and assistance. Any specific members that have helped you deserve a personalized thank you note. Don't quit participating in the groups just because you found a job. They still offer great friendships, knowledge, future knowledge, future contacts and many other things that may just surprise you. You don't need to stay active in all the groups but just the few that really caught your attention and you felt comfortable participating in.

Online networking is growing very quick and if you get too caught up in joining groups and contributing to all of the groups and activities associated with some of the more active groups; you won't have time to search for a new job. Do take some time to work through the vast groups available to you. Find out which groups you feel will be most helpful and give them a try. It is a great way to meet others in your industry and gain wisdom through your new found connections.

Network Marketing Doesn't Work For Everyone

Often it's the little things that when added up are the reasons for your business not working for you.

Listen closely...there are business systems out there that are little more than a glorification of their owner. So called gurus selling dreams that once purchased, leave the buyer in a lurch. My advice to you is to ask plenty of questions. I've outlined three questions that I'd be sure to ask in addition to the ten questions below before investing any of my money. As they say, "Buyer, beware!"

* Is the business selling and telling, cold calling?
* Are you expected to market to your family, neighbors anybody within 3 feet of you?
* Are you instructed to focus on the product, company, opportunity?

I've outlined 10 important questions you must consider before beginning a business of your own, and unfortunately after you understand these 10 you're still a long way from success.

What is the nature of the company?
Forget the word "home based"! Business is business and if you don't do your homework and ask tough questions you are sure to be taking too large a risk. Make sure you know the full nature of any business you invest in.

How long have they been in existence?
Many business ventures go in and out of existence, dying out and then reinventing themselves under another name. Find out exactly how long they have been doing business under said name and whether the same owner has been involved in any unscrupulous or failed businesses prior.

What kind of products are they selling?
Are the products something you can believe in and use? It's hard to be committed to something if you don't believe in it.

How will this business satisfy your wants and needs?
Will this business provide the financial support that you need and desire? Will your personal life have to suffer in order to be successful with this business?

What is the comp plan?
How quickly will you be able to see financial results from this business? How often do payments go out and is this system dependable?

Are their ideals something you could support?
What is the Mission Statement of this business? If you don't feel comfortable with a business it will be hard to maintain the desire and commitment that are needed for success.

Could you see yourself working at this?
The right mixture of vision and passion is absolutely necessary. If you can't imagine yourself working at this wholeheartedly, then this business isn't for you.

How is the system laid out?
Is the system easy to understand or complicated? Are you at ease with the lay out?

Have you heard anything good or bad about them?
Be sure to do your research on the company. Check with the business bureau in the city where they are located. Search the Internet for any reviews or gossip. Ask friends and colleagues if they've heard of the company.

Are they heavily marketed at the moment?
How many marketers are working in this business? Are there any real opportunities for you to make money with this venture or is it already saturated with other marketers?

For an honest look at what's working in network marketing, go to someone who is already doing it. Seek out someone who is right there in the trenches, making it happen.

The Networking Bypass

We all know the importance of "getting out there" and networking. As we are looking for a new opportunity, in transition, growing a business or being more professional, it is essential to market ourselves. But in the mist of all these events, conversations and connections, sometimes there are certain things which are still not in place. Of course, we can not wait until circumstances are perfect to launch our academics, careers, business etc. So what do professionals, students, entrepreneurs do or say when our objectives are not crystal clear? In these cases, do not avoid networking functions or skirt around the topics/encounters.

Listed below are helpful tips for making the most of your business and social engagements.

Online Presence

Perhaps you have started a business or re-branding and do not have a functional website up and running. In your industry or business, you get a percentage of your customers and referrals from online resources etc. At your next event, offer your potential customer or client to connect with you via email. Send an email with a flier, list of services or any relevant information in regards to you or your business. Offer to connect on additional social media outlets to extend your business and following. Make sure to send a personal message with your website link, once the site is published to the public.

Professional Experience

If you are new in your organization, industry or business it can be difficult establishing credibility with little experience. In this case, focus on other aspects of your professional or academic career which can build your brand and marketability. For example, if you are a lawyer and recently started a private practice, mention the school you attended. Engage your potential clients in any of your specialties. Mention top clients or awards which you received.

Products / Services

If you are an entrepreneur and have a new business, this is an excellent opportunity to find new clients. Talk about how you are different from your competition and how you would service specific needs and offer solutions and advice. Offer knowledge about incentives offers and promotions. If you are a consultant, share the different methods of how you coach and advise your clients.

Tips on Networking

Today I wanted to share a couple of tips on Networking.

Why Networking?

Well it's no secret that well connected people are normally the most effective when it concerns developing or running a business online or offline. I will not attempt to explain why in this post today but rather wanted to provide some tips that will truly assist you build a big network. handshake.

#1. Attend Occasion.

Going to neighborhood, regional and national events and seminars is one of the best ways to fulfill and interact with people in your niche. You could think about going to a regional occasion that you find on Meetup.com. There are lots of numerous regional teams that hold regular and regular monthly meetings you can use. Likewise look for bigger occasions in your area or throughout the country. "You Never Know" is among my preferred sayings and when it pertains to going to huge events... ya never ever understand who you are going to meet or what connections you will make that will have a big effect for you in the future.

#2. Network On Facebook.

2nd to going to occasions is networking on Facebook. This tool has truly opened up the entire world to everybody. See to it you are following and having favorable interactions with people you fulfill. Keep in mind Facebook is not a place to push your business on others. I prefer to do genuine networking and afterwards make the appropriate invite at the right time if it makes good sense.

#3. Take note of everyone you ever satisfy.

Among my coaches taught me a long time ago that you need to take note of everybody you ever fulfill or connect with. Record their names and essential information like, e-mail, address, birthdays and make a note about how you fulfilled them. Then any time you have contact with them you log it. You will be astonished when you do this how quick your network will expand due to the fact that you are really keeping track of them. This will be your MANY useful property in your business going ahead. You do not have to be ideal at organization... just keep track.

#4. Have regular contact with your network.

Ensure that a minimum of 3 to 4 times a year you have some kind of contact with your network. Birthday cards, Hand composed notes and gifts, Call simply to see how they are doing, emails and Facebook messages simply to state "Hey". This is a super crucial action as you wish to make certain you nourish your network.

#5. Link your network together.

Among my mentors recommended this to me and it works marvels. Once or twice a week I constantly attempt to present people in my network to each other. I try to find people in the exact same niche or business and just make an e-mail or Skype intro. It just takes a few minutes each week and it reveals that you truly care about the people you interact with. It likewise has a side perk... many individuals you do this with will also present you to their network!

If you wish to start or grow any kind of business, networking is really a task that you want to work with. In fact it could be the MOST crucial task for a long term business. You never ever know when things will change in your life. If you build a large network, you will constantly have something to help you from the difficult times or motivate you to greatness.

Back to Networking

The Summer vacation is over. Students are headed back to school. The Fall is officially here. This is the perfect opportunity for savvy professionals to gain their second wind in networking. Moving along with your networking agenda / calendar, it is prime time for attending more social and business events. Focusing on your networking goals and how to strategically grow your network are vital.

Listed below are tips for effectively advancing in your endeavors for big success.

Hit Refresh

Just like using the internet, from time to time, savvy networkers have to refresh their networking practices. Starting on a clean slate and prioritizing are key factors in productivity. Consider re-connecting with trusted colleagues and following up with contacts for additional referrals and leads. Remember networking is a two-way street. Be available for business and helping others in their dealings.

Groups / Associations

Be an active member in your groups and associations. Attend meetings on a regular basis and make it a point to add value. Although growing your networks is essential, do not use these meet-ups as a basis to over sell or over promote your initiatives. Find ways of getting to know your fellow colleagues and dong profitable, mutual business. Also, make sure that the mission of these organizations falls directly in line with your career, business or social objectives.

Checks and Balances

As you are moving forward in your processes, do not hesitate to give yourself an internal audit or performance appraisal. Follow through and be on point with your methods and ways of networking. It is important to be as efficient and effective as possible, to obtain the best results. This guarantees your longevity and success.

These tips can definitely energize your networking mission. Most importantly focus on adding value and building meaningful relationships for extending your social and business connections.

Networking Patience

Being overly aggressive or impatient can backfire in the game of networking. Although savvy networkers are results driven, strike a balance and be reasonable in your requests. Find additional ways to share resources, develop relationships and add value without offending or annoying your counterparts.

Listed below are easy, practical and useful ways of navigating through contacts and relationships while networking.

Time Frame

Do your due diligence and follow up in a timely matter, after attending events and making contacts. Before offering products, services and contacts, make it a point to set a time for reconnection. Assess your schedule and the other individuals' work/social demands and plan accordingly to meet up at a later time. Be flexible in the ways you can meet up via phone, through video conferencing or social media outlets. Keep in mind various work, travel agendas. As always, after suggesting a time to meet, be flexible if changes may arise.

Proceed with Caution

Do not push the envelope and cut to the chase on the first follow up. Keep in mind the importance of adding value and paying it forward. Continue to share ideas, look for mutual interests and common ground before trying to sell something or ask for specific help. Give your counterpart an opportunity to get to know you and feel comfortable doing business with you. Show your personality strengths and core values to set the foundation of the relationship.

Checkpoints

Consider periodically connecting with your counterparts after your second or third meet up. Set time within your calendar to follow up and touch base and maintain the relationships. Focus on developing and merging networks to strengthen the networking processes. At this point, you can comfortably ask for referral, leads or recommendations. Also be willing to offer those as well.

Use these tips to develop and leverage quality and meaningful relationships. Show sincerity and professionalism in your interaction for good results.