The Work at Home Family Carnival July 18, 2009

Welcome to the July 18, 2009 edition of the work at home family.

We have some great articles that will really help you with your home based business. It is so nice of our authors to share their expertise and even some great marketing tips and secrets with the readers of this blog. In addition to articles on online and offline marketing, the Carnival has some good articles to help you with economic and family management. I am sure that you will find some valuable “nuggets” of information and some excellent resources as you review the selections.

Our new carnival is already receiving traffic and getting many submissions. In some cases I received multiple submissions by some authors. Since I am the sole editor for this carnival and I want to publish the carnival in a timely manner, please only submit 2 articles per author to each carnival. Also, all articles must be family friendly, be well written, have good content, and not be spammy. I have no problem with promoting your business, but a submission that is not a true blog, does not have useful information and good content, and is primarily an advertisement will not be published. Thanks for your contributions this month.

Internet Marketing

Helene Zemel presents Internet Marketing Basics for Work at Home Moms & Dads posted at Work at Home Mom and Dad, saying, "Whether you have a brick and mortar store or work out of your home, advertising on the internet will allow you to reach millions of people with your ads. Books and courses have been written on how to use the internet effectively for marketing, and each one of the tips below can be the subject of an article or even a book chapter. What I have attempted to do in this article is to provide you with some basics on getting started with internet marketing."

Kim Roach presents Hidden Traffic Sources posted at BuzzBlogger.com. Editor’s note: The author shares some great traffic building tips. I plan to try some of these.

Silicon Valley Blogger presents Start an Online Business: Open an eBay Store, Build a Website or Blog posted at The Digerati Life. Editor’s note: The author presents some sound advice on starting your own online business.

Robert Alan presents 7 Website Design Flaws to Avoid posted at Sell It on the Web, saying, "Here's a great list for small business owners, bloggers and the work at home family of the top 7 website design flaws to avoid the most."

Missy Diaz presents 7 Elements Of A Successful Website posted at G34 Media. Editor's note: The author presents some good tips for website planning and design with an emphasis on WordPress.

barry walls presents Is Article Marketing The Optimal Way to Maximum Profits from Content for Newbies? posted at Strategic Outsourcers, saying,” Basic article marketing, also known as bum marketing is a form of generating cash which draws in many people who are new to internet marketing who have limited funds. Is this a smart way to earn money for newbie’s?”

Christian Russell presents 3 Simple, Killer Steps to Improve Traffic and Monetize Your Blog or Website posted at Next Level Blogger. Editor’s note: Some good information is presented here. The author suggests 3 Simple, Killer Steps to Improve Traffic and Monetize Your Site.

Christian Russell presents Use a Sales Funnel to Blow Up Your Blogging and Internet Marketing Sales posted at Next Level Blogger, saying, “The good news is that by developing a well-designed sales funnel, you will be able to truly maximize sales on your site.” Editor’s note: More good content from this author.

Barbra Sundquist presents How to Set Up an Aweber Autoresponder posted at HomeBusinessWiz. Editor’s note: The author provides step by step instructions on how to work with the AWeber autoresponder.

Andy Loverock presents Free Search Engine optimization Tips posted at Work At Home Opportunities, saying, "For anyone with plans to have their own website, or business owners who already have a website, search engine optimization is one of those areas that shouldn’t be overlooked.”

Robert Alan presents Features of Effective Shopping Cart Platforms posted at Sell It on the Web, saying, "For all those work at home business owners who want to start selling products directly from their blog or website, we've put together a list of features that you'll need to have in any new shopping cart platform."

Simon Stapleton presents Does Facebook Flunk Your Performance Review? posted at ACE Your Performance Review, saying, "Time Magazine recently caused a stir when they published the results of research that strongly suggested that Facebook (and other social networking sites) caused graduate students to suffer lower grades."

Joanne Collins presents The Google Story posted at Jo's Reviews And Ad Space. Editor’s note: The author reviews 2 books which should be of interest to internet marketers.

Brian Terry presents How to make your subscribers love you posted at Big Selling Website Design, saying, “it’s all about finding out what people want then giving it to them. That’s the bottom line and one so many people miss out on.”

alland smith presents Options for Memory Card Packaging posted at Memory Card Packaging's Blog, saying, “Packaging offers physical support and protection to products, particularly those that are considered sensitive or fragile and they also serve as a marketing tool, a means to display and promote the product they contain.”

Marketing and Advertising Tips

Ken McArthur presents If You Want to Be Noticed, It Matters Who Hears You posted at Ken McArthur's Impact Factor, saying, “Key people are waiting to spread your message right now. They interact daily in networks that exist today where their influence is felt far beyond your limited vision of what you can do. If you know who to target and where to find the influencers, you can create a firestorm of activity around your project, before you even launch.”

Tushar Mathur presents Whats The Best Way To Get The Word Out About Your Small Business - Word Of Mouth Or Social Media? posted at Small Business Resource, saying, "If you have a small local (niche) market, cheap local advertising is somewhat effective for the purpose of exposure. However, I’ve found that word-of-mouth exposure pays off the best." Editor’s note: Good discussion on the merits of Twitter, Facebook and Linked In.

GP presents Home Grown Hospitality « Musings from Montana posted at Manely Montana. Editor’s note: Some good marketing tips for the small business owner, especially in the hospitality industry. Tasty veggie omelet recipe presented as well.

Singing Steve Bermann presents How to Be Successful With Google Adwords Pay Per Click Marketing posted at Click-Here-Now.To. Editor's note: The author presents some good tips for running a successful Google Adwords campaign.

Chris McClelland presents Marketing Minute with Jennifer: The Marketing Mix and Q posted at Lucrative Investing. Editor’s note: The author provides a review of basic marketing principles with emphasis on the marketing mix of product, price, place (distribution), and promotion.

Kevin Blaikie presents HOW TO - THE SECRETS OF INTERNET AND ONLINE MARKETING - WarriorForum - Internet Marketing Forums posted at jokijio. Editor’s note: The Warrior Forum is always good place for checking out internet marketing strategies and techniques.

Fiona Lohrenz presents Formulating A Day Care Mission Statement posted at Child Care Only, saying, “You're starting a day care service and have everything in place, all the nuts and bolts are ordered, staff ready to go but have you considered one of the most important aspects of your infant business - formulating your mission statement.”

brian young presents How Retail Security Should Keep Your Business Safe posted at Retail Security Products. Editor's note: The author presents good information on security for your small business.

deborah davis presents The Challenge of Keeping Your Store Hand-Held Products Secure posted at Anti theft security systems. Editor’s note: Good information on security systems for the retail store owner.

Working at Home

Helene Zemel presents Despite the Weak Economy, Sales of Nutritional Supplements are Up posted at Work at Home Mom and Dad, saying, "Since the start of the economic recession, we read every day how retail sales are down for almost every product category including cars, restaurant meals, clothing, jewelry, and movies and entertainment. Despite the gloomy economic picture, there is one bright light. Sales of nutritional supplements have been increasing."

RemarkablyClever presents 10 REAL work at home jobs you didn’t know about (and they’re hiring now) posted at remarkably clever, saying, "Stuffing envelopes and posting ads online are not legitimate ways of earning money from home. Here are 10 real work at home (or flexible) jobs you may not have known about and the companies that are hiring for them right now." Editor’s note: This is a great resource for finding some good work at home opportunities that pay well.

Billeater presents Incorporate as an LLC, S-Corp or C-Corp posted at Billeater. Editor’s note: As your business grows, you will need this information on the differences between an LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp, and a Sole Proprietorship.

Simon Stapleton presents Freelancers: How To Increase Your Rates, Annually posted at Career & Personal Development for CIOs, Technical Professionals and Self-Professed Geeks, saying, "One of the hotly debated topics between freelancer and customer is the issue of rate escalation. Customers don’t want to pay more; they’re savvy enough to know that if you provide services year-on-year, you haven’t been subjected to marketing costs to land the gig. Nevertheless, your costs go up with inflation. What do you do?"

apply4-credit presents The Benefits of a Business Credit Card Still Ring True posted at Apply4-Credit, saying, “When you own a small business, one of the first rules of thumb is to separate your personal finances from that of your business. For many entrepreneurs, it can be difficult to undertake this task but a small business credit card may be just the solution you are looking for and one that will also help the credit score of your business.”

Shamelle presents How To Re-focus When You Lose Focus posted at Enhance Life. Editor’s note. This is a must read if you need help in staying focused in your home based business.

Andy Loverock presents Low Cost Business Ideas From Home posted at Work At Home Opportunities, saying, "More people than ever are searching for low cost business ideas in an attempt to overcome the effects of the recent economic downturn. The internet provides a great platform for people to develop low cost business ideas from home and there are some incredible success stories."

Lilycat presents Magical Gift Company (Crafting Work at Home) posted at JOBB...SOS!!. Editor’s note: This looks like a very legitimate opportunity for people that enjoy crafting. I am forwarding this post to someone that I know who was thinking doing some assembly for extra income.

Robert Alan presents Can You Build A Solid Virtual Team? posted at Sell It on the Web, saying, "Tips and advice on how to build a virtual team for your home-based business."

Jacquelyn presents Moneymaking Ideas for You posted at WParent.com - Wise Parenting Guide, saying, "Are you looking for a job to do part time or full time or you just want another source of income? Are you searching for moneymaking opportunities or ideas? Check out the great ideas found in this article."

Alisha Harmann presents The Healthy Living Guide for Web Workers: 50+ Resources posted at Nursing Online Degree, saying, “If you work with computers and the Internet or know someone who does, you may know already that online interaction can damage health. But, the upside to online interaction is that it brings the normally isolated Web worker into a somewhat “social” realm.”

Meaghan Montrose presents 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Home Business posted at Colleen Palat. Editor’s note: 7 good tips to help you get your business started.

Kevin Blaikie presents Make money working from the comfort of your own home! posted at How To Make money working from the comfort of your own home!, saying, “Is it really possible to run a business from your own home that is more than a hobby or source of part-time income?”

Linda Jones presents 50 Useful Firefox Add-Ons for Job Seekers posted at JobProfiles.org - Job Descriptions and Online Schools to Start Your Career. Editor’s note: These Firefox add-ons will prove useful.

Martin Russell presents “Conspiracy of the Rich”- A Review posted at Word of Mouth Marketing. Editor’s note: An excellent review of this latest book by the author of “Rich Dad, Poor Dad.”

Family Economic and Time Management

The Smarter Wallet presents Why Work At Home? Top Reasons For Staying Home To Work posted at The Smarter Wallet. Editor’s note: This article discusses both the financial and personal costs of working outside o the home.

Chris McClelland presents Beware of Shifty Credit Related Phone Calls posted at Lucrative Investing, saying, “Be smart, be aware, and be conscious of the fact that there are thousands, if not millions, of companies and people out there who want your money, and especially your social security number. They are calling you everyday and one false move could compromise your financial wellbeing, either in a small way or a big way.”

Leave Debt Behind presents What is the Envelope Budget Method posted at Leave Debt Behind, saying, “The envelope budgeting system is becoming a very popular method for people to budget their income in a very visual way. Essentially, the envelope method is as simple as it sounds.”

Jack Schmidt presents Got Big Feet? You'll Just Have to Pay the Man! posted at SectorMatic Money Journal, saying, "SectorMatic - Personal Finance: Everything for the Big Spender on a Budget! Now you can live like a fat cat, even if you're on a money diet. Laugh all the way to the bank with Jack Schmidt and SectorMatic. It's for you!" Editor’s note: Despite the title, the author provides some good information on home refinancing.

Ben presents Discover Credit Cards in Cereal Boxes posted at Money Smart Life, saying, “When I went to recycle an old box of Honey Nut Cheerios last night a small silver package fell out of the container. I was certainly surprised to see what was what looked to be a Discover credit card!”

Kerry Fletcher presents City or suburbs posted at Houston Interior Decorating Examiner, saying, “With the price of homes currently low and government programs for new home buyers, many people are considering purchasing a new home. A big decision for most buyers will be whether to purchase a new home in the city or the suburbs.”

GoByOwners presents How To Write Ads That Will Sell Your FSBO Home posted at Sale By OwnersSale By Owners, saying, “When it comes to marketing your home, the ad you write is highly important as a first point of connection with your prospective home buyers.”

GoByOwners presents Homes For Sale By Owner - FREE LISTINGS posted at Sale By Owners. Editor’s note: This video provides advice on how to sell your home without a realtor.

Miscellaneous

Kakie presents Book Review: Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys posted at Bur Bur & Friends: Community Park, saying, "This book explores the state of raising boys in today society and shares how we can give them the tools to assist in their emotional literacy so they can thrive."

Kelsey Grace presents Best Sympathy Arrangements by Religion posted at Sympathy Plants, saying, "This article talks about the rules for sending flowers and or plants in the event of a funeral and looks at it through the lens of multiple religions. Which religion is accepting of flowers or plants, what kind, and where should they be delivered are covered in this article."
Knitting Needles presents How to control knitting needles & yarn posted at Knitting Needles, saying, "A fantastic article for people interested in getting involved in knitting."

Belle presents How to Pasteurize Goat Milk posted at Homesteaderbelle's Blog. Editor’s note: The author provides step by step instructions on how to pasteurize goat’s milk.

Joe Dale presents Accelerated College Degrees Online posted at Online Accelerated Degree Colleges, saying, "Dozens of top accredited colleges are now offering accelerated online degrees to help you earn a college degree at an accelerated pace."

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of the work at home family using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.