Summer is typically a time to relax, unwind and refresh your mind.  The kids are out of school and all you want to do is play outside at the beach with them.  (Well, maybe just outside…there’s no water in sight here in far West Texas!) 

But when you own your own business, you are never really on a true vacation.  You are always thinking about ways to improve your business, you brainstorm about your next product launch, marketing strategy, etc.  Whether you are a virtual assistant (or an aspiring one), a direct sales consultant, internet marketer or online business owner – you can benefit from continuing education. 

Whether you are the one actually “doing” the tasks, or you outsource it, you at least have to know “what” it is to ensure you are getting the best benefit for your business.  How else can you measure the results?

I just received this very important 18-minute video for you from Craig Cannings at VAClassroom entitled: “Ten Ways to Create Ten Income Building Opportunities for Your Virtual Business in 2010″.  Even though this video is geared toward helping Virtual Assistants build their business, it can really help any online business owner.  Craig consistently delivers high quality and relevent content and you can honestly benefit from taking any of their courses.  VAClassroom’s fresh approach to providing training exactly when it’s needed has helped several business owners take their businesses to new heights – as soon as they implement what they’ve learned.  Whether they have completed the course yet or not! 

This video will give you some keen insights and ideas on how to expand your skills and the services virtual assistants  are currently offering in their business. Plus, it will also give you a nice preview on the types of skills that will be covered in the upcoming VAClassroom Summer Skill Camp starting on July 6!

Check out the 18-minute video here:

VAClassroom Summer Skill Camp starts July 6. Click here to get more details and
check out the early-bird registration special.  I’ve already signed up for camp – won’t you join me?

VAClassroom.com/summer-skill-camp-2010

Part 1 of a 2 part Radio Show with Scott Fox.

For more information on Scott Fox and his wonderful Click Millionaires Social Network, visit www.ScottFox.com

Have you already made plans for summer?  Do your plans include expanding your skills to offer new services to clients or improve your business?  They should!

Summer is a great time to stretch your legs and get outside for some awesome fun
in the sun. (Our friends “down under” will need to wait to enjoy this for a
couple months:-))

It’s also a great time to stretch your mind and enhance your business! So let’s
do BOTH!!

This year, check out VAClassroom’s Summer Skill Camp 2010 – an amazing
opportunity for you to build ten new skills and ultimately ten new
income-building opportunities for your virtual business.

While this particular summer camp may not include the usual weenie roasts and
campfire singalongs like you might be accustomed to with other summer camps, it
will offer an easy and profitable way to develop the right “in-demand” skills at
the right time to hit the ground running in your virtual business for the last
half of 2010!

Here’s what skills you’ll be building:

* Develop the right system for creating a profitable, in-demand Facebook Page
Service.

* Receive an easy-to-follow blueprint for building an effective online
newsletter or ezine.

* Discover proven techniques for designing a winning WordPress Blog.

* Uncover and implement the right kind of WordPress plugins to ignite traffic
and results for you and your clients.

* Learn how to leverage a freebie offer or information product to attract and
win new clients.

* Discover a simple formula for crafting and delivering top-notch social media
presentations to your clients and community.

* Master a proven system for seamlessly organizing your many social networking
activities.

* Learn how to effectively measure your client’s Internet Marketing results and
success.

* Receive an easy formula for writing articles and press releases that produce
results.

* Develop a winning squeeze page or landing page that converts for you or your
clients.

10 in-demand skills over 10 weeks. What could be more perfect?

VAClassroom has opened its registration doors to their “Summer Skill Camp 2010?,
which will begin on July 6th. Right now they’re offering an early bird
registration special.

Check out all the details here: VAClassroom.com

I just enrolled – won’t you join me?  Would love to “see” you in class!  This is a great opportunity to start you work at home business.  These skills will get you off on the right foot so take advantage of this ASAP!

Enjoy your summer!

OK, here are my first two videos EVER!  I know I need to work on my lighting and volume, but it’s a  miracle I even did them.  Remember, this was on my New Year’s Resolution so I can cross another one off the list!

Let me know what you think of the videos!

Great idea for Dad’s who LOVE to grill! Order by June 16th to receive in time for Father’s Day. Use coupon code: WAHMBAHM for $5 off your order too!  Go to www.GrillCharms.com NOW

I hope everyone in the US is enjoying this holiday weekend! So sorry I am posting on a holiday weekend, but this offer is time sensitive and I wanted to share.

If you have been looking for a unique home business opportunity – I have something special to share with you. Visalus is a hugely successful business in the weight management and weight loss industry. They have a fabulous compensation plan for distributors (including a new BMW), cash incentives and a great customer plan to earn FREE product.

BUT, as a special offer until Monday, May 31 ONLY – you can start your business ahead of the pack. I have partnered with a successful internet marketer who has made an unbelievable special offer to get your business started online.

For all new consultants that join me by 5/31/10, they get the following at NO EXTRA CHARGE:

* Body By Vi Blog Hub Set Up with autoresponder integration, banners & syndication.

* Capture Page Creation

* Autoresponder integration & followup series ~ pre-written & set up for you

* Social Media Profiles Set Up & linked to your blog + capture page

* Facebook Body By Vi Fan Page

* Body By Vi Applications installed on your new Facebook Profile

This means a fully integrated ONLINE business to generate leads, prospects, customers and distributors DONE FOR YOU! This is a huge incentive and one that I have never seen before. The value to have this set up for you is over $3000 – plus the time and energy to LEARN how to do this.

As work at home moms, how many of us have wanted to learn to do these things, but don’t have the time? Now, there are no excuses… this is done for you! This is an opportunity to make money, build a residual income and if you need to, lose weight in the process.

If you are interested in this opportunity,  please contact me ASAP so I can give you more details and share the amazing compensation plan with you. Or if you are interested in the product – please contact me too. I have a special offer for customers as well.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE – all these offers are available only through me, so I have to get you set up. Please make sure to contact me if you are interested to ensure you get all the special offers listed here.

Best wishes for a great weekend and Happy Memorial Day to all our military families, spouses and friends. Thank you for your service!

Ivette

Email me directly at ivettemuller {at} aol {dot} com

P.S.  If you have visited my blog before, you know that I do not believe in any “get rich quick schemes” and would never promote that.  This is a business opportunity and you will have to work and grow your business.  The main difference with this offer is that you get a fully integrated online business to help you get leads.  You’ll still have to follow up with the leads to earn money.  I just wanted to make this clarification to ensure you understand that this in no way implies immediate success – it just gives you a head start!  You will still need to grow your business.

Carla Young, Founder and CEO of MOMeo Community shares her story of WHY she started a work at home business!

by Carla Young, Guest Post

The short answer is “Because…”: Why I started a work-at-home business!

At cocktail parties (not that we get out much after becoming parents), people ask me what I do and I explain, “I work from home doing what I love and raising my daughter.”

I know I’m talking to a corporate captive when this answer gets the scrunched up face and the quizzical look that implies they think it’s a cover story for watching Oprah all day. Then they think about it and say something like, “I could never work from home. I would go crazy!” I take that to mean they spend most of their days socializing with coworkers and not actually doing any work (studies support me in this belief).

The polite ones usually ask why I decided to do that – why take on the challenge of working from home AND raising a child. And thinking about it I realized that it seems kind of crazy. Both are more than full-time occupations and I’ve signed myself up for two!

The short answer is “Because…”

Because I get to take my morning coffee breaks with a spirited child who in the blink of an eye went from a wiggly baby to a busy 5-year-old. Because even when my daughter is with her nanny, I can hear the sound of laughter from my office. Because when it’s nice out, I can play hooky and go to the paddling pool.

Because I want my child to grow up on home-cooked meals made with lots of love just the way she likes it. Because I want to teach her how to cook from scratch the way my mother and aunts did for me, not reheat grayish goop from a can.

Because I want to raise my daughter to believe that anything is possible by showing her by example. Because I want her to create her own universe without fear or self-doubt. It’s not enough to give the valiant speeches anymore – kids need to see it.

Because I want her to know that even as she heads out into this big world, that she has me there as her backstop, the way she does today when a boo-boo sends her rushing into my office for a cuddle and a band aid treatment the way only Doctor Mommy can do it.

So yes, sometimes it means I need to work late at night to catch-up on the work that didn’t happen during playtime. Yes, sometimes the laundry sits in the dryer so long that it’s just easier to wash it again. Yes, sometimes I feel like a zombie because the one morning I have to get up early to give a speech is the morning after the night my daughter has a bad sleep.

But it’s worth it. Why? Because…

Interested in starting a work-at-home business? Check out the MOMeo Magazine Business in a Box Special Edition -  www.momeostore.com/businessinabox! It’s FULL of insightful how-to articles and practical tips for starting your own business, including 141 Mom-Friendly Business Ideas! And it’s FREE – RIGHT NOW!

Carla Young is the Founder & CEO of MOMeo Community.com and Publisher of MOMeo Magazine.com www.momeostore.com/businessinabox. She’s dedicated to supporting mom entrepreneurs (or mom entrepreneurs-to-be) build work-at-home lifestyle businesses and succeed on THEIR terms at work, at home and in finding a little playtime for mommy!

To tell you the truth, I have been putting off this post all week.

Why?

Because I was afraid, well – still afraid that you would think that I was posting a “fake” business opportunity.  I know what it’s like to be looking for a home based business opportunity, and I know there’s a lot of crap out there.

The internet is filled with empty promises of big bucks, easy money and unrealistic expectations. I promise, this isn’t one of them.

One of my commitments to you is that I will only recommend and post LEGITIMATE home based business opportunities.  I would never promote anything I knew wasn’t a true opportunity.  Trust me, I’ve been burned before too, so I would never do that to you.

Now that you understand where I’m coming from, I want to introduce you to Main Street Marking Machine.  This is basically a business in a box, offered by Traffic Geyser.  Traffic Geyser is one of the most powerful tools that an online marketer can have.

Without going into a ton of detail, Traffic Geyser helps you mass distribute your content to multiple sites so that you can promote your products, videos, services, articles, podcasts and blogs quickly.  I have used Traffic Geyser and even took a course to become a Traffic Geyser certified VA.  I know what this system can do.

Now, Traffic Geyser is offering a business in a box called Main Street Marketing Machine.  It’s a business in a box because you get EVERYTHING you  need to start a legitimate local online marketing business.  You get the Traffic Geyser system for a full year, access to the Main Street Marketing University to get all the online marketing education you need, plus resources like a SlideShow Video Creator, royalty free music for videos, business contracts, opportunity finder to help you find clients, and even sample marketing materials.

I can’t tell you enough about this business opportunity — it’s best for you to watch the video www.MainStreetMarketingMachine.wahmbahm.com .

Now, let me very clear:

1. This is not a get rich quick scheme – you and I know they don’t exist.
2. You have to review the training and put the effort into the business.  You can’t just buy this opportunity and expect it to work.
3. You can do this business part time or full time.  Whether you need to earn a few extra $100 a month or more, you can do this business.

This business can be done anywhere in the world by anyone.  You don’t have to know anything about local online marketing now to make this a success – remember, you will be given all the tools you need.

Did you know that small local businesses account for about $7 in Gross Domestic Product sales in the United States alone?  That’s just the United States!  Plus, local business owners know they need to use the power of the internet to get more customers.  The challenge for them is that they don’t know how.  With Main Street Marketing Machine, you can provide the marketing services they need and want.

You probably already have an idea of which local businesses could use these services.  Doctors, lawyers, hair salons, auto repair shops, chiropractors, restaurants, mom and pop grocery stores…the list goes on and on.  Wouldn’t you like to help them get more business and help your community thrive?  Think about it, the more business they get, the more  job opportunities will be available because they’ll need to hire for all their new business!

There is an investment – afterall, you are starting a business.  Whenever you start a business, there are always upfront costs you have to pay.  But one of the big differences with this business opportunity is that you are given PROVEN techniques and ideas to make the business successful.  You just have to put in the work.

If you have been looking for a home based business opportunity, you need to check this out.  This opportunity could be the best thing for you and your family.  Think about what an extra few $100 a month could do for you.

www.MainStreetMarketingMachine.wahmbahm.com

P.S. VERY IMPORTANT – you have to watch this video now.  This offer ends Friday, April 30.  After that, the price will more than likely triple.  If you have any interest at all, look at the video to see what they have to offer.

If you watch the video, please let me know what you think!

Hi everyone!

So sorry I haven’t posted in a while — this last month has been crazy.  I’ve been planning this post for a few weeks so I thought I should get busy since Mother’s Day is in about 10 days.

The “Money Is No Object” List

This is my selfish girlie list of goodies that I would love to get someday.  You know, someday when we win the lottery, become independently wealthy and have no bills.  :)

1. A weekend retreat at a spa – with the works!  Massages, pedicures, manicures, facials and SLEEP!  Food would be good in between naps.
2. Keurig Platinum Brewing System – all moms know why we NEED coffee, not much explanation is needed.  Truth be told the new Mini Plus Personal Brewer is probably a better size for my kitchen but I want the special My K-cup to make my favorite coffee.  Even though the reviews aren’t great on this item, I’d still like to try it.  Would definitely have to purchase it somewhere that offers an extended warranty option because most negative comments come after the first 9-12 months of use.  And, of course I would need a huge supply and wide variety of K cups, the carousel, etc.
3. Housekeeping services for a full year – no explanation necessary!
4. momAgenda Personal Portfolio in the Crocodile print – Yes, I am still a paper planner person.  I have tried PDA’s and haven’t found one that works for me yet.  Plus, I have little ones that always want the electronic stuff and when I don’t give it to them, the crying begins.  It’s just best to avoid that for now.  I’ve tried other “mom” planner products and in my opinion, momAgenda is the best.  I really like everything they offer from the Kitchen planner, to the family planner, All-in-One folio…I just want and need one of everything!
5. Kindle eBook Reader –  complete with accessories and my full book wish list.  Easily about $1000 value.  I really do love to read, I just don’t have the time or extra money to buy all the books I want to read.  I need to start going to the local used bookstore!

The “Within My Price Range” List

OK, time to be serious.  The list above are luxury items for me right now, we have other priorities.  So the following is a short list of things that can be purchased at a store:

1. Edible Fruit Arrangement – you know, I’ve always wanted one of these.  The fruit looks so good on the commercials that it makes me crave fruit immediately.  Plus, it’s no fuss:  no cleaning, cutting, etc.
2. Chocolate covered strawberries - pure decadence in my book.  And, the funny thing is that I’m not really a fan of chocolate!  But the combination of strawberries and chocolate is hard to beat.
3. Manicure and Pedicure – there’s a nice Aveda spa close by, would love to get a couple of hours to myself.
4. Eyebrow Wax – this really isn’t a wishlist thing, it’s a necessity thing.
5. New clothes – a new top and capris would be nice for Spring.  I don’t even have time to shop for myself.  Good thing is that I’ve lost some weight, bad news is that I have to actually try the clothes on.

The Truth

All I really want for Mother’s Day is to have a good day.  You know, the kind when I can sleep in, eat a leisurely breakfast, read the newspaper and spend the day lounging.  It would be great if the kids would behave and give me hugs and kisses all day too.

What do you want for Mother’s Day?