Make Money This Week

In this economy people are not only looking for a stable income, but in many case they are in dire need of fast cash now. While generating a stable, steady income from home takes time, there are ways to generate tie-over money fairly quickly; this week even. Here are some of the fastest ways to make money at home this week.

Amazon.com – You can sell a variety of your used items on Amazon.com, but my preference is books. I have tons of them and seem to always be bringing in more. Fairly new non-fiction sells best, but fiction and other types of books can sell well.

1. Start by gathering all the books in your house, stacking them cover side down.
2. Visit Amazon.com and click on “Sell Your Stuff” in the “Features and Services” box on the left hand side of the page.
3. Click on “Start Selling” under the “Sell Your Stuff” option.
4. Find the ISBN code on the back of the book and enter it in the box (you can enter the title or keyword but I find the ISBN is faster). The ISBN is listed near the bar code of the book, usually on the back cover. Click on “Start Selling”.
5. Enter the condition of the book such as any marks or defects. Click “Continue”
6. Enter a price. On the right hand side of the page you’ll see how much the book is currently listed as a used item. I always choose a lower price. My goal is to make money quickly and anyone buying used is buying to save money. So I always list mine lower than the current lowest price.
7. Indicate how many copies you have.
8. Give the zip code of where the book is located (your location).
9. Indicated if you’ll provide expedited shipping. Click “Continue”.
10. If the listing looks good, click “Submit Your Listing”.
11. If you don’t already have an account, you’ll be asked to create one.

Go through the process to add as many books as you’ve got. Be sure to pick up some quality mailing envelops to send your books. Amazon.com gives you a shipping credit to help cover the cost of mailing the book. Unless otherwise indicated (i.e. expedited shipping), ship the book by media mail. Amazon.com pays you through direct deposit every 14 days.

eBay – I like eBay for selling all my clutter. I’m always amazed at what can sell at eBay. In the past I’ve sold a chili pepper wreath, an old college football ticket, and some of my son’s Pokemon cards. eBay requires a bit more planning and effort than selling on Amazon.com, but it can be worth it if your items sell well. To sell on ebay:

1. Gather items around the house that you don’t want anymore.
2. Take a quality picture of the items. While eBay does offer stock photos for many items, most people prefer to view the actual item.
3. Visit eBay and register for an account.
4. Log into your account and click on “Sell”. eBay is intuitive and will guide you through the process of classifying your item.
5. Provide details about your item. Be as descriptive as possible in the title to encourage people to click on your listing. Don’t just say a blue dress. Instead indicate the brand, size and other details.
6. Upload the picture you took of the item.You get one free picture. You can add more for an additional fee.
7. Include a description of your item. Again provide as much detail as you can to help buyers.
8. Put in a starting bid amount and auction length (number of days).
9. Indicate how you’d like to be paid. Most people prefer to use Paypal as its fast and more secure than a check.
10. Give shipping information (cost and method) if you’ll be passing the shipping costs on to the buyer.
11. If you need to charge tax, include that next. Indicate if you’ll accept returns and what the return policy will be.
12. When finished, hit the “Continue” button to view your listing. If its acceptable, click on “List Item”. If it needs work click on “Edit”.

Like Amazon.com, eBay doesn’t require payment until after your item has sold. If you use Paypal to accept payments, you can get a Paypal debit card or ask Paypal to direct deposit the funds into your bank account (this takes a few days).

DemandStudios – Of all the online writing sites, DemandStudios is probably one of the best. It pays a set fee (as opposed to revenue share although it does have that option as well) of $5 to $15 (experienced writers can get paid up to $30) for each article. There are hundreds, if not thousands of available topics to write on. And it pays twice a week through Paypal. If you can write 5 articles a day, 5 days a week, at $15 an article, that will be $375 per week. Some writers crank out as many as 10 articles a day ($150/day).

DemandStudios is free to join, but you do need to submit a writing sample and application. As a beginner you’ll only be able to reserve a few articles at a time until you’ve had some experience. Then you can reserve up to 15 at a time. Editors review your submissions and often ask for edits. Once the article is approved you can be paid. Payments are made on Tuesdays and Fridays.

There are a host of other ways that have the potential of making money fairly quickly (i.e. affiliate marketing, contract/freelance jobs), but there is no guarantee and usually it can take a little time. If you don’t have time, the above three options offer solid ways to generate income quickly.

How to Set-Up a Limited Liablity Company (LLC)

For a small solo-preneur business, operating as a sole proprietor is acceptable. It’s certainly easier since there is no paperwork and only requires a Schedule C for taxes. However, its also a riskier proposition. If sued, your personal assets (such as your house) are fair game.

In the 1970’s a new form of business structure called the Limited Liability Company (LLC) emerged that provided business owners with the protection and tax advantages not available to sole proprietorships, and yet are less complicated than corporations.

Because it is a legal entity, LLC’s should be set up by qualified professionals such as a lawyer or service that specializes in creating business entities. But it is possible to set up your own LLC.

Name your LLC making sure that the name is not in use or trademarked by another company. You can visit the US Patent and Trademark Office to do a name search. Contact your Secretary of State to see if the name is taken by another corporation, and check with your local area business office to find out if the name is being used in your area. You can use a non-trademarked name that is taken by another business if your business does not operate in the same area as the company already using the name. But you’re better off to choose something different and unique. Don’t forget to add LLC or limited liability company to your business name. To make it easier, you can use your given name. Unless your name is John Smith, odds are your name isn’t trademarked or in use by someone else.

Decide where to register your LLC business. Many people prefer to set up their LLC in Nevada or Delaware because they have liberal laws regarding corporations. If you go this route, you”l be setting up a foreign LLC (unless you live in Nevada or Delaware) and will need an address and an agent in that state. Most LLC services will provide this for you for a yearly fee. Or check with your state’s rules about setting up an LLC in your home state. You may find its just as easy and affordable.

File your Articles of Organization, which include the name of your company, its address and the purpose of the business. Some states may want a list of all the members of the business, as well as the registered agent of the company. In New York and Arizona you’ll need to put a notice in the local newspaper about your intention to form an LLC. You can find templates and forms online, in office stores or in books on LLCs. You may want to hire a lawyer to help you to make sure its done correctly.

Write and sign an operating agreement. The operating agreement gives the members’ interests in the business (percentage ownership), their rights and responsibilities and voting power, as well as how profits and losses are allocated, and how meetings are held. All of the business members should sign it. Some states may not require this, but it’s recommended to insure proper protection of the LLC.

Create a filing system to organize LLC documents and keep meeting notes, business changes and financial information. Even single person LLCs that don’t have meetings should keep accurate accounts of the money and business decisions.

Get needed business permits and licenses as required by your city or county. Also apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) which you’ll need for taxes. If you’re a single-person LLC you can operate under your Social Security number and file a Schedule C on your taxes, but then you’ll be missing out on some of the tax benefits that come with completely separating the business from you.

Open a business account at the bank. This should be in the LLC’s name and any money used from the account should be for business purposes only. Members can draw salaries from the LLC, but aren’t allowed to directly pay personal bills with LLC money.

How to Get Paying Customers

Organize Your Home Office Day

Today is Organize Your Home Office Day. I’m probably the last person to provide information on home office organization since I’m organizationally challenged. But having worked at home for many years, I can tell you that organization is a factor in achieving work-at-home success.

While you’ll find a ton of organizational books, tools, totes and more, I believe that organization is a personal thing. I have tried so many different systems and most never worked for me. My mind just doesn’t work the way the systems require one to think and act. In the end I’ve adapted existing or developed my own systems. Here are some tips and tools I like.

iGoogle – When I turn on my computer and go online, the first page I see is my iGoogle page. It has my whole day at a glance including my calender, to-do’s, Facebook, Gmail, weather, feed reader and more. It my whole life on one page!

Gmail - If you end up having more than one email account, Gmail is a great way to organize and manage them. I send ALL my email except my business mail to a single Gmail account. From there I can respond, label, delete or do whatever needs to be done. I can change my email from profile depending on who I’m writing. The labels make sorting and organizing emails easier than files.

Google Calendar – I used to use Agendus for my desktop and phone. But now that I have a Smart phone, I don’t want to have sync when I can just go online. I can SMS text an appointment to my calendar as well as view it from any computer. It works with iGoogle so I can have it on my start page when I view my day-at-a-glance.

Binder – While I use a lot of online apps, I’m not completely paperless. I haven’t yet found the perfect daily/weekly organizer online (or offline for that matter). So I created my own. I have a fancy full size planner binder in which I keep my schedule as well as sections for my projects. For example I’ll have a section for each blog or my writing work. The actual planner is one page with my weekly view and an opposite page where I keep my weekly writing tasks. The challenge for me was that so many planners were business or personal, but didn’t integrate both. Since I move from one to the other during the day, I needed everyone on one page. So I have my everyday tasks listed at the top along side with my project goals for the week and my home cleaning zone (I try to be like Flylady although I’m not so good at it). Below that I have a section for each day of the week Monday through Friday and the tasks that need to be done that day. For example Monday is grocery day and post all job on the blog for the week. There are blank lines for me to fill in other activities or appointments as well. I use a highlighter to highlight appointments and tasks that have to be done.

Organization is really about being able to access your information and materials when you need them and knowing what you need to be doing and at what time you need to do it. However you’re able to set up your home office to achieve that goal is going to be the best organizational system for you.

You might want to check out my blog Better Living on the Web where I post all sorts of great web-based organizational and make-life-easier tools.

WAHS Podcast #81 Organizing for Work At Home Success with Elizabeth Hagen

This week I cover telecommuting myths and misconceptions, and what’s true about work-at-home jobs.

If you’d like to download any episode you’ll notice a new “Download MP3″ below the player. You can get the podcasts through iTunes as well.
Listen here:

You can also subscribe through iTunes.

Resources Mentioned On the Show

Elizabeth Hagen

Turn Interests Into Income on the Internet

The number of people earning a living online is exploding. Every day people are turning their skills, interests, passions, and even rants into an income. You can too, even if you’re not tech savvy or don’t have a lot of money.

I’m doing a live 3-hour seminar on “Turn Interests Into Income on the Internet” March 6, 2010, 9 am to Noon at Piedmont Virginia Community College. In the course you’ll learn how to:

• Identify the assets you have that are potential money-makers
• Determine the best way to make money from your idea
• Use free and low cost online tools to turn your idea into income
• Develop a plan of action to turn the dream into a reality.
• And more!

To learn more or to register, visit Piedmont Virginia Community College online or call 434-961-5354.

WAHS Podcast #79 Ask the Pajama Mama

This week is Ask the Pajama Mama where I answer your work-at-home questions.

If you’d like to download any episode you’ll notice a new “Download MP3″ below the player. You can get the podcasts through iTunes as well.
Listen here:

You can also subscribe through iTunes.

Resources Mentioned On the Show

Creative Hot List
Media Bistro
Canadian Telework Association

WAHS Podcast #78 Inteview with Kelly McCausey of MomMasterminds

This week I interview WAHM expert Kelly McCausey owner of MomMasterminds, WAHMTalkRadio, and more!

If you’d like to download any episode you’ll notice a new “Download MP3″ below the player. You can get the podcasts through iTunes as well.

Listen here:

You can also subscribe through iTunes.

Resources Mentioned On the Show

MomMasterminds
WAHMTalkRadio
KellyMcCausey.com

Taking the Fear Out of Sales

The one thing that keeps many from pursuing a work-at-home arrangement is the aspect of sales that comes with most work-at-home opportunities. The word “sales” can bring up images of slick used car salesmen or telemarketers who won’t take “no” for an answer. The reality is that successful salespeople are more like counselors….they listen more than they talk, they ask questions, and only offer information when they can meet the client’s need.

The trick to overcoming sales fear is to change how sales is viewed and done. Everyone has an element of a salesperson in them. In our everyday lives we encourage, convince, and advise co-workers, family, and friends on many different things. So when it is important to us, we can find ways to “sell” our ideas, thoughts and feeling to others.

When selling services or products, it helps to see yourself as offering a product or service that can meet a need. You aren’t begging, coercing, or forcing people to buy your wares. Not everyone will or need the product or service….and that is ok.

The following are some ideas to help make selling second nature. When done successfully, it won’t seem uncomfortable. Instead it will flow as naturally as any other activities you do relating to your work.

Know your product or service inside and out! People are uncomfortable buying from people who are hesitant or unknowledgeable. That doesn’t mean you have to know every single detail but, you should be able to access any answer a potential client may want or need.Be enthusiastic about your product! I am not talking about the forced, obnoxious excitement we see on infomercials. Your belief in your service or product should be genuine. People get excited when you’re excited and they want to be enthusiastic like you….if they believe your feelings are real, not an act. The more genuine and sincere you can be with clients the more receptive they will be to you.

Avoid scripts. You know why! We can all tell when someone is reading or is mechanically reciting a sales script. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write out important features or benefits you want to cover. The best thing to do is have an outline and practice delivering your message over and over until it is second nature. You don’t want to memorize a script because many conversations don’t follow the script’s order. By using an outline of the ideas you want to cover, you can practice different scenarios as well as communicating spontaneously. This is very important. To converse spontaneously, you need to be listening. Clients aren’t going to buy from those who don’t listen to them.

LISTEN! As mentioned above, clients need to know that you are paying attention. Plus, if you are going to meet their need, you need to know what it is! People will buy your goods or service if it meets their need. Have you ever had the experience of going to buy something, you tell the sales person  what you are looking for but the sales person  shows you something not at all close to what you want? Don’t do that!

Ask questions! Instead of listing all the features and benefits of your product or service. Ask questions about what your client wants and needs. By understanding what your client is hoping to gain through your product or service, you are in a better position to present your product or service as meeting their need.

Ask for the sale. Most of us don’t want to seem pushy. After all, if they want what you have to offer, they will ask, right? Not necessarily. There are many ways to ask for the sale. Some suggest coming right out with something like, “How many would you like to order today?”, making the assumption that a sale will occur. Others suggest, “If I can get this product with these features, will you be ready to buy today?” Also, just because a prospect says “no” today, doesn’t mean they won’t buy in the future. Don’t be afraid to find out why they aren’t ready to buy. Perhaps you have a solution.

Follow-up. Successful sales people have relationships with their clients. That doesn’t mean they are best friends but, they do check in with clients to be sure the client is happy with the product, answer questions, address concerns and even make future sales. Many marketing books remind us that it is cheaper to keep a client than it is to get a new one!

Ask for referrals. A happy client will refer your services. Someone who hears about you from a client is more likely to buy from you than someone else. To encourage referrals, offer your clients a discount or gift or another incentive to recommend you.

Sales is like any new skill; practice always makes it easier. Not only do we become more comfortable with doing it, we become more confident. True work-at-home wannabes feel the fear and uncertainty but, do it anyway. And usually they discover that it isn’t that bad particularly when they wake up one day and commute from the bedroom across the hall to the home office!

Best Ways to Make Money Online

The Internet has not only changed how people work and run home business, it has created entirely new income options. With the Internet, making money at home is easy. That’s not to say that internet-based income is automatic or doesn’t require work. Instead, it provides tools that if used correctly, can have anyone making a good income from home. Here are some of the best online income opportunities.

Writing – If you can string words together, there are a host of income options available to you. Businesses are paying writers to create articles, reports, books, ads, sales letters, emails, and blog posts. Many of these companies are posting their jobs online and providing ongoing work for the write writer. Or you can start your own writing business.

Affiliate marketing – This method of making money online is so low cost and easy, but it’s highly misunderstood. Affiliate marketing is a way for you to make money promoting other businesses’ products and services. But success in affiliate marketing, as in any business, is in the marketing. People can’t use your affiliate links if they don’t see them. Most successful affiliate marketers use a website or blog to provide information and promote products in a specific niche.

Virtual Assistance – If you have good office support skills and the needed tools and equipment, virtual assistance work may just be for you. Many businesses are outsourcing tasks they don’t want to do or don’t know how to do. These tasks can include everything from email management, follow up contact with clients, scheduling, website management, ghost writing, web design, research and much more.  Some virtual assistants focus on a target market such as Realtors or authors. Others focus on providing a niche service such as blog management.

Online Storefront- The success of Amazon.com and eBay indicate that people do a significant amount of shopping online. You can take advantage of this by opening your own online store. Options include selling your home-made items, finding used items to sale, or using wholesalers who will provide you with products that you can resale for profit. You can sell your wares at Amazon, eBay or Etsy, or create your own storefront website.

Be an Expert – People go online to find information or support. There are a variety of ways you can provide this information and support, and get paid. Virtual tutoring and coaching are expanding fields. Or you can create your own informational products and training materials to sell online. Another option is to get work as a subject expert at a content-based website like About.com in which you write articles and blog about your area of expertise.

The Internet has everything you need to create a home-based income. You can find virtual work or create your own virtual business, as well as find a host of free and low cost web-based tools and resources to make it happen.   While nothing will work overnight or run itself, working online can be simple and straightforward. All you need is your imagination, desire, and the willingness to do the work.

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