Work At Home Jobs Blog

Identifying Differences Between Internet Scams and Real Opportunities

speedbump164 — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 18:58:23 GMT

It is truly amazing what people will say to sell you an online business. Now granted, I am marketing my home business but I don't lie to people to get what I want. I don't tell them they will get rich overnight or show them my income spreadsheets to make the jealousy/greed factor kick in. It is almost guranteed that if a site is promising you money beyond your wildest dreams, with doing no work at all, it's a scam. Be cautious though because websites are getting better at disguising themselves.

You need to do your research first, just like I did. Take a look at the company you will be building your business off of. Look at their history, the type of products they market, their reputation, the stability of their business model or marketing plan, the type of system they use to generate your income streams etc....A legitimate home business is exactly the same as job opportunity with only a few exceptions. You can't expect to get promoted if you aren't qualified for the postion, right? It is the same with work at home jobs too. You have to build your business first. This is why it is so important to look at which company you will be using as your foundation. If the company you choose is not solid or at least established in the Internet Marketplace your business will fail before it even gets off the ground, and once again you will feel cheated, taken advantage of, and scammed.

Seriously, there is some really stupid stuff out in cyberspace that I can't believe people fall for these days. Unfortunately for some of us, being scammed is almost guaranteed at least once while on our quest for the perfect Internet business opportunity.   For others, creating the scams is their livelihood and thus it is proclaimed as a "home business".

A simple keyword analysis, using major players like Google and Yahoo to test keyword search popularity, on phrases similar to "earn money today", "quick cash", "fast cash", "money", "income", etc... will come back with thousands of hits. Why you ask? This is because people are always looking for a simple way to make a quick buck with little or no effort, and it really sells!

In the minds of most people this is the definition of a home based business; so while they are looking for these ways to make money online and actually end up being victimized by a scam, the first group named is those who are actually recruiting or advertising for legitimate home business opportunities because the entire group becomes a stereotype. Many entrepreneurs are getting nailed and affiliate marketing is developing a bad name because of a bias that is generated as a result of these online scams. Don't get me wrong, I am in no way negatively attacking the victims of these scams. It is more so the bias or negative image that is created by them.

You can't expect to become a millionaire overnight, unfortunately, it's just not possible. There is nothing wrong with needing to make some extra cash or even searching for it on the Internet. Just know that nothing in this world is truly free...Except for my business opportunity, that is...Ha, Ha, Just Kidding! Everything comes with a price; now that might not necessarily be in the form of spending money. It could be that you are agreeing to receive emails from the company, or you are a statistical number for some research firm, or your name is sold to partner companies, mailing lists, etc...NOTHING IS FREE! For example, with my home business you have to confirm your interest by registering and then again to receive my emails. I also require that you invest your time, your motivation, and that you remain dedicated to my Team.   I am getting a little off track though so let's continue.

Any opportunity that self proclaims riches beyond your wildest dreams is most likely hiding the simple fact that it is going to take time to get there. You must establish a presence first and then build your business off of that. If no one knows you even exist, how do you expect to market anything on the Internet?

These online scams have been doing their research and they are most definitely counting on the fact that you will let your guard down. They realize that people are getting better prepared to identify scams and therefore they begin to target their content more towards the idea that their visitors will automatically reject their opportunity in 30 seconds or less.   This moves the website's focus into triggering a subliminal human reaction. They use tactis like having you visualize wealth or what you would do with millions of dollars which is a drastic change from the days when the focus used to be the comfort of working from home or owning your own home business.

It is human nature to want more and to need more, especially as we watch the economy evolving at lighting speeds. The online scams thrive on this and have begun to base their entire marketing plan around it. Please don't get this confused with targeted or online marketing. I am specifically addressing those sites that use and abuse a person's desperation to change their life in order to take advantage of them during their times of weakness and vulnerability. I have even come across scams that have wanted to use my credit as an investment in their business; claiming that the banks do it and look how rich they are.

Wherever there is a need or a desire, there will also be scams. People will sometimes lose everything and end up buried deep beneath a blanket of debt. Sadly enough, they were only trying to fulfill a dream or passionately searching for a legitimate opportunity. It was never really about the overnight wealth....Was it?....It was about change....an investment in their success.

The FBI has an awesome resource for reporting these online scams or fraud. It is called IC3
(Internet Crime Complaint Center) http://www.ic3.gov/
I really urge you to check this site out if you've been scammed or even think that you might have been. Just don't abuse it! It is not a reason to file a complaint just because you are pissed off or don't like something that you signed up for. Regret or failure does not qualify as a scam, but regretting that you spent hundreds of dollars on an illegitimate business is. The complaint process is very simple, where people like us can at least try to save each other from becoming victims of an Internet scam.

Well, that is enough for now.
Feel free to use this article on your site, but it must include the Author's Statement with all links intact.

About the Author:
J.B. (speedbump164) is a medically retired U.S. Army Sergeant. After sustaining several injuries, while supporting the Operation Iraqi Freedom campaign, he was soon made aware that his 5 year old son had leukemia. The severity of his disabilities prevented him from working a normal job, and in a desperate attempt to support his family, he started what would soon become a very successful home based business while working with the largest affiliate network in the world.

As his business grows, he reaches out to others who have felt a similar desperation or a need to change their lives and uses his articles to help them establish a successful internet business. Make sure to subscribe to his BLOG and also check out his website at:
www.workathomejobs101.com or the Internet Business that changed his life forever.

Have You Been Scammed? I Want to Know About It!

speedbump164 — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 18:54:29 GMT

I want to know about what websites have scammed you into a totally fake home based business opportunity! Tell your story on this thread and maybe we can help others from falling victim to the millions of "get rich quick schemes" online.

Although I have finally found a legitimate home based business opportunity, and I'm doing well with it, I was still the victim of many Internet scams on my search over the last seven years. I still mess around with some of them just so I can rate whether or not they are a scamming people. I even got scammed last week! I didn't invest more than $20, but I still got f*#!@ing scammed! I will tell you that story in another post though.

Entry Suggestions For Discussion Topics

speedbump164 — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 10:39:00 GMT

If you have a topic that you would like discussed or an entry idea, this is the place to post your suggestions. Because this blog is so new I will most likely start a new entry thread immediately if your topic sounds good. I am really trying to encourage open communication in the blog so feel free to post your comments and replies. All I ask is that you remain respectful, abide by the board rules, and no porno stuff! Talk to you later.

Blog Posting and Board Rules

speedbump164 — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 18:52:34 GMT

Please Read Before Posting on my Blog:

Absolutely No Spam Whatsoever
No Pornographic, Illegal, Hate, or Racist Links, Content, Images, or Comments Allowed
If you have something you want to advertise or promote in a separate thread contact me!
All links must be approved by me before publishing them.
If you have a separate Blog you would like to see published or a specific topic discussed, Just Ask!
I reserve the right not to publish material that violates any of these rules and they are subject to change at any time without notice.
Please be respectful to others when posting your comments.
Lastly, DO NOT PLAGERIZE ANY CONTENT ON THIS SITE. COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! This protects all users of the Blog.

Link Exchange

speedbump164 — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 21:25:24 GMT

I highly recommend that you invest in LinksMaster.com if you are serious about increasing traffic to your site, but it is in no way mandatory to link to my website or my blog. Between both of my sites I have a shared 4,000+ unique incoming and outgoing links, and by unique I mean that they are legitimate and will not be considered "sandboxing" because there is an actual content exchange between my sites and the member's sites.

My blog is perfect for posting a link to your website and vice versa. I am already linked to so many sites that just by linking to me you will be reaping some of those benefits as well which will ultimately help with your page rank with some of the major search engines. It is not an overnight deal though. It will take a while before linking actually helps you, but it definitely will in the long run.

So.....Post your link on this thread and then I will check out your blog or website and then place your incoming link on my sidebar so people don't have to scroll through pages of comments to find it. In return you must put a link on your site to either my blog, my website, or both! The more links the better!
Link Away!Internet Resources

Have FUN! Don't Forget to Check out my Website: www.workathomejobs101.com

21 Steps To Home Business Success

speedbump164 — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 18:32:00 GMT

Fifty million home-based businesses will be in operation by 1997, according to Link Resource's National Work-at Home Survey. All around the country, people who want more control over their lives are starting home businesses

In New Orleans, Rick Hart's home based cajun Cargo ships seafood nation wide. In Palatine, Illinois, Stephaine Heavey works from home designing and selling original patterns for fabric dolls. And in Dallas, Lisa McElya published the Dallas Party & Event Planners Guidebook from the entire first floor of her two-story home.

These three people are living the new American dream of owning a business, but avoiding the high overhead and start-up costs of a commercial location. If the idea of working from home is appealing, but you don't know where to begin, here is a step-by-step guide.

STEP #1 DECIDE WHAT PART OF THE HOUSE TO USE

Select an area away from family activity. The perfect space is a separate room (or perhaps the garage), but any area will do, if it can hold all the business supplies and equipment, and also provide enough work space for desks, tables, or counters.

STEP #2 DETERMINE HOW MUCH TIME YOU CAN SPEND ON THE BUSINESS

Many people start a home business on a part-time basis while raising children or working outside the home. Others start full-time when family and finances allow. However you begin, figure out how may hours per week you can devote to the business Make a weekly chart of your activities, examine it, and determine where the business fits. Don't assume you have time and find out later you don't.

STEP #3 DECIDE ON THE TYPE OF BUSINESS

Make a list of things you like to do, your work and volunteer experience, and items you own that can be used in a business. Look over this line-up, and using ideas from it, list possible businesses to start. Eliminate any business that isn't appealing or doesn't fill a need people have.

For ideas on different types of businesses, consult the end of this article. Other ideas can be found in the source material listed at the end of this article.

STEP #4 CHOOSE A LEGAL FORM

The three basic legal forms are sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation. The most common is the sole proprietorship. As its name implies, a sole proprietorship is owned by one individual. It is the oldest form of business, the easiest to start, and the least complicated to dissolve. Here are some of the advantages of this business form:

1. You own all the profits 2. Your business is easy and cheap to organize. You don't need any government approval, although you may be required to carry a city, state or county license. Your only other obligation is to notify the Internal revenue Service (IRS) for the purposes of sales tax. 3. You're the boss 4. You enjoy certain tax savings. You must pay regular individual taxes on your income, property, and payroll, but these are not levied as special taxes, as with a corporation. You will also have to pay sales tax which you have received from your customers. 5. Greater personal incentive and satisfaction. Since you have your investment to lose if your business is not successful, you should be more willing to put time, thought, and energy into the business. And when your business is successful, you enjoy maximum sense of accomplishment since you know its success was dependent upon your decisions about your management ability alone.

For more information about this and other forms of business, send for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Publication MP25. Selecting the Legal Structure for Your BUsiness (50 cents). It outlines the advantages and disadvantages of each legal type of structure. If after reading it you are still uncertain what form of the business should take, consult an attorney.

STEP #5 DETERMINE WHERE THE MONEY WILL COME FROM

There are three ways to finance start-up costs: use your own money, obtain a loan, or find investors. If possible, it is better to start small, use your savings, and not worry about repaying a debt. also keep in mind that since you are a home-based, chances of qualifying for a loan or finding investors are slim until the success of your idea is proven.

STEP #6 GATHER INFORMATION Spend a few weeks researching home-based businesses. A library or bookstore can provide numerous books on business basics, and on the specific type of business that interest you. Homemade Money by Barbara Brabee (see sources) is an excellent book to start with.

If you are considering a computer business, get in touch with the association of Electronics; Cottagers, P.O. Box 1738, Davis, CA 95617-1738. To keep informed of what is happening in home business world, contact National Home Business report, P.O. Box 2137, Naperville, IL 60566, for subscription information; and Mothers Home Business Network, P.O. Box 423, East Meadow, NY 11554 (send SASE for free information).

STEP #7 CHECK ON ZONING RESTRICTIONS

Find out how your property is zoned, the call City Hall and ask what regulations apply to home businesses in that zone. Also, if you rent or live in a condominium, check the lease or homeowner's association rules to be certain a home business is allowed.

Generally, if you do not annoy your neighbors with excess noise, odors, and traffic, you will not be deterred from running a business at home. The neighbors may not even be aware of the business, but it is necessary to know exactly what you can and can't do before you start. This is important should any problems or questions arise later.

STEP #8 PICK A BUSINESS NAME AND REGISTER IT

If the business you choose is different form your name, file an assumed (or fictitious) name certificate with the county. You are notified if another business already has that name, so you can select a new one.

Do this before investing in expensive stationery and brochures. It costs only a few dollars to file, and it protects the business name from being used by someone else in the county.

STEP #9 WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN

A good business plan clarifies your ideas and establishes a plan of action. A good business plan should include a description of what you are selling, your background and qualifications, who the prospective customers are and where they can be found, what is needed to build the business, how you plan to promote, and how much money is need for start-up costs.

SBA Publication #M925, The Business Plan for Home-Based Business ($1) is helpful.

STEP #10 GET AN IDENTIFYING NUMBER

If you are the sole proprietor of the business and have no employees, you may either use your Social Security number or an Employee Identification Number (EIN) as the business number on official forms. If you have employees, or the business is set up as a partnership or corporation, you must obtain an EIN. To do this, complete IRS Form SS-4 (Application for Employer Identification Number) and file it with the nearest IRS Center.

STEP #11 OBTAIN A SALES TAX PERMIT

If the product or service you sell is taxable, you need a state sales tax permit. Call the local tax agency, explain the type of business you have and what you sell, and ask if you need to collect sales tax. If you do, they will send you the necessary information and forms to complete. You also use this tax number when your purchase items for resale.

STEP #12 OBTAIN LICENSES & PERMITS

It's very important not to overlook any necessary license or permit. For example, some cities and counties require a general business license, and most have special laws regarding the preparation and sale of food.

Call City Hall to find out what is need for your particular business. In addition, Chamber of Commerce provide information on city, county and state licenses and permits.

STEP #13 SELECT BUSINESS CARDS, STATIONERY, BROCHURES

Spend time on the color, design and paper for these items. They make a definite impression-good or bad- on the people who receive them. If you are not certain what is most suitable and effective, consult a graphics designer or a creative printer whose work you like.

STEP #14 OPEN A BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNT

Call several banks to find out what services they offer, and what minimum balance, if any, must be maintained to avoid paying a service charge. Also ask about credit card if you plan to offer this convenience to your customers. Bank fees can be significant, so shop around for the best deal.

If your personal checking account is with a credit union, see if it can also provide a separate business account. when you open your account, you may need to show the assumed name certificate and business license.

Finally, investigate obtaining a credit card in the business's name. If this is not possible, set aside a personal credit card to use for business expenses.

STEP #15 SET UP RECORD-KEEPING SYSTEMS

Put together a simple and effective bookkeeping system with an 8 1/2 x 11" three-ring binder, columnar pad sheets and twelve pocket dividers from the office supply store. For each month, set up columnar sheets for income and expenses. Use a pocket divider for each month's receipts, bank statement, deposit tickets, and canceled checks.

In addition, an automobile log for business mileage, and filing system for correspondence, invoices, supplier catalogs, client records, etc. are two other useful tools.

For more information on record-keeping, see IRS publication #583, Information for Business taxpayers.

STEP #16 CHECK IRS REQUIREMENTS

If you comply with basic IRS guidelines, you can deduct a percentage of normal household expenses (mortgage, interest, taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs, etc.) as a business expense. see the box accompanying this article and, for more detailed information, IRS publication #587, Business Use of the Home.

Also become familiar with these IRS forms: Schedule SE (compensation of Social Security Self-Employment Tax) and Schedule 1040 ES (estimated Tax for Individuals). Depending on circumstances, you may have to file them.

STEP #17 OUTFIT THE BUSINESS

Make a list of everything needed to start the business, but before you buy anything, look around the house for things you already own that are usable.

When you are ready to start purchasing, check the classified ads and garage sales. Both are good, inexpensive sources for office furniture, typewriters, computers, answering machines, etc. But only what is absolutely necessary for start-up, and wait until the business is off the ground to get the extras.

STEP #18 DECIDE ON TELEPHONE REQUIREMENTS

Call the telephone company to find out the cost of a business phone in your area. If you cannot afford a separate business line, investigate the telephone company's regulations on using your personal phone in a business. It may be possible to do this if you follow certain guidelines. Keep a record of long distance business calls as they are a deductible expense. Finally, consider the benefits of an answering machine to catch calls when you are out.

STEP #19 CHECK OUT THE POST OFFICE & UPS

Using a post office box as the business address down plays the fact you are home-based. It also prevents customers from dropping in at all hours.

While looking into box rental, ask for information on the various postal rates, particularly bulk rate, if you plan to do large or specialized mailings. If you mail many packages, check out United Parcel Service (UPS), as it is less expensive than the Post Office.

STEP #20 PURCHASE THE NECESSARY INSURANCE

Check with your homeowners insurance agent about a rider for your existing policy or the need for a separate business policy. Also make sure you have adequate personal and product liability coverage. Shop around, as each company has different rules regarding home businesses

To save money on medical insurance, join an association and participate in their group plan. One such body is The National association for the Self-Employed: they can be reached at 800-527-5504.

STEP #21 ORGANIZE THE HOUSE & YOURSELF

To have more time for business, organize and simplify household routines. Start by holding a garage sale to get rid of unnecessary possessions. Next, have a family conference and divide household duties, making sure each person does his or her part. The, set up a planning notebook to keep track of appointments, things to do, calls to make, errands to run, shopping, etc. Finally, set up a work schedule so you won't get sidetracked by TV, neighbor's visits, snacking, and telephone calls.

Creating and operating a home business is a wonderful and rewarding challenge. The satisfaction is not only in the money earned, but in doing what makes you happy.

-----------------------------------------
Perfect Home Based Business Opportunities - The Net’s Top Growing Source for Home Business Information. Webmasters & Web Publishers Get Free Home Business Content at Free Web Site Content