The ramblings of an online mogul...

Turning Ideas into Home Based Businesses      

Starting a home based business usually starts with a simple idea. The ideas can come from numerous areas but one of the best things to ask yourself is what need in your life isn't being fulfilled? You can even try asking others what they would like to have in their life that would make things easier. Quite simply, it's all about solving people's problems. For instance, several years ago while buying coffee at a local coffee shop downtown, one of my friends said he would love to start a business delivering coffee to the local businesses in the area. He felt there was a need to fulfill as most of the business people were big coffee drinkers and preferred to purchase the "designer" coffee rather drink the regular brew in their break rooms. The idea was only a whim but with some planning and maybe another good idea to include with the coffee delivery, it may have been viable.

If you want to be sure there is a market for your ideas, try dishing out surveys to your friends and family, or ask around on internet forums. Most people will be up front answering your questions and you can tweak your ideas based on their opinions. Keep documentation of your ideas by writing them down. Not every idea you come up with will be a winner but you just when you might need to come back to it. One bad idea can ultimately lead you to a wildly successful one.

Pay more attention in your day to day events. How many times have you heard people start sentences off with "I wish I had..." or "If there was a way to..."? People will mention quite often what they would like to have in their lives to help make a situation easier. Also remember that a home based business doesn't necessarily mean that you have to be stuck behind your computer all day. Your business can primarily run from home but you are not limited to staying in the house. I once read about a local business man in the area who started a surfing school several years ago. A business like that can easily be maintained from home, yet he is able to meet clients on the beach! Sweet deal...

Ideas are everywhere and you can start multiple businesses if your ideas are interesting and there is a market for them. Keep an open mind, change your perspective, ask people questions, and stay on the look out for your next big idea! It's not rocket science, just more about being observant in your daily life.

Whether you are making money online by promoting affiliate programs or running an e-commerce website that is loaded with products for sales, you want your targeted prospects who visit your site to purchase from you. The higher the percentage of your targeted prospects buy from you, the more profit you'll make. Here are 7 benefits and power words that can motivate your targeted prospects to take an action (make a purchase) on your website:
 

1. Time – Most people makes time their most valuable commodity. When they search on Internet to shop, they are looking for products or services that can help save their time. Power words: fast, instant, quick, i.e., fast shipping, fast ordering or quick results.
    
2. Exclusivity – When there is only a limited version of an product or a limited amount of an item, it makes people feel that the product is more valuable. The more valuable your product or service appears to be the more people will appreciate what you have to offer. Power words: rare, limited, special, exclusive, i.e., limited for the first 300 buyers, special offer, limited edition.
    
3. Special Offers – People want to find bargains in the form of rebates, one time sales or percentage offers. Power words: sale, discount, rebate, one-time, limited-time, i.e., one week sale, special discount, instant rebate, one time offer, festival discount.
    
4. Simplicity – People appreciate clarity and ease. Show them how your product or service will reduce their stress. Power words: easy, simple, convenient, stress free, i.e., stress-free ordering, simple instructions, convenient to use, easy payments, etc.
    
5. Security – People want to feel safe when buying online. The want to make sure that they are accepting a real offer. Power words: money back guaranteed, risk free, i.e., 30 day money back guarantee, zero risk guaranteed, no obligation.

6. Incentives – Giving free gifts will delight your potential buyers and making them more likely to do business with you. Power words: giveaway, bonus, gift, reward, i.e., your complimentary subscription, order bonus, special e-book giveaway, a gift for you.

7. Proof – Online buyers like to know what other people think about your product or service. Power words: testimonial, review, critique, comparison, i.e. buyers’ testimonial, consumer review, customer satisfaction.