Most of us search the very place you want to do business. What does your searching return? Posts of other people’s questions and yes, they are sitting there on a forum unanswered. Articles that start to say something and then they really don’t. Weird forums you have no time to sign up for, let alone want to join in the first place.

I really wish I had a great answer to this problem. I wish there was a secret trick to figure out who is full of crap, who is selling crap, and who is the real legitimate expert.

Time-box your research

Allow your self a small amount of time each week to do your how-to research. Set a target date for calling your research complete. Maybe you want to allow two weeks to gather information before making a decision.

Keep a research log

You probably find some blogs or website that offer good information. Keep a log of the ones your gut trusts. Visit them every so often to see if you continue to like and trust their content.

Keep it Simple

Whatever it is that you are trying to accomplish, I can guarantee you will find lots of solutions that are complex. The solution can start a maze of bunny trails and the farther you travel the more things to research begin to unearth themselves.

Remind yourself to take a step back and I would suggest just pick the most simple answer. There will always be time to upgrade, expand and improve as your online business skills begin to blossom.

Keep trying

The most important thing is to keep trying. Dazed and confused is not an excuse to give up on your dream. Don’t worry about not knowing everything you want to know. Focus on learning one new skill at a time. Maybe you want to learn about shopping carts. Research that and forget about writing the perfect newsletter for a while. It’s hard to effectively focus on more than one thing.

Good luck in you search for the answer. Let me know how you find your experts!

Post from: moms-work-online.com

The Unfortunate Part of Trying to Start a Business Online

Art & Craft Business Tips for Entrepreneurs

Author: Alan Roberta

Today craft supplies are the heart of any arts and crafts business. Without supplies and good suppliers, your business will be in jeopardy. Search the right supplies at the right price and your business will have a much better chance of grow successfully.

Starting and running a craft business can sometimes be as confusing as it is rewarding. Here are 5 things to know before starting your venture into the world of professional crafting.

1. Shop Around

Always comparison-shop for supplies. Prices can vary greatly from vendor to vendor. Once you find a low-cost supplier, don’t stop there! Over time, prices do change. It’s a good idea to keep an eye out for another distributor.

2. Buy at Wholesale Cost

Many suppliers offer discounts to qualified buyers. Qualifications differ, but usually a Retail Tax ID number will suffice. Call your local courthouse to find out whom to contact to obtain a retail tax permit in your area. (If you are selling crafts, you should already have one.) Once you have your tax identification, ask individual suppliers if they offer wholesale discounts and how to qualify.

3. Buy in Quantity

Often, buying supplies in bulk can save money. When comparison-shopping for materials, ask each vendor if quantity discounts apply and if so, what the percentages off will be.

4. Use Recycled Materials

Be creative with your raw materials! You may be able to save quite a bit by using recycled wood, textiles, plastic, metal and anything else you may use. Of course all of your supplies cannot be obtained through recycled materials, but you might be surprised at where you can cut costs if you give it some thought.

5. Shop at Discount Stores

Many large chains offer comparable prices on certain upon art and craft supplies. If you intend to resell the finished product that you make and have a Tax ID number, you can avoid paying sales tax. Ask the store manager for details on tax exemption status.

Marketing is the another key ingredient to any successful business! You must have ways to get the word out about your products. Whether you will be attending craft shows, placing mail order ads, or selling your crafts online.

Selling crafts online involves more than simply publishing a Web site. Successful online marketing requires time, dedication and a basic understanding of marketing in general. Your online craft shop is merely an extension of your real-world business and all forms of marketing should compliment each other to work efficiently and effectively.

This article is not only intended to give crafts people ideas on how to market an arts and crafts supply wholesale Web site, but also to help crafters become aware of the importance of real-world marketing of a cyber-world storefront.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-articles/art-craft-business-tips-for-entrepreneurs-359203.html

About the Author:

Johnson Hardy is famous researcher of wholesale art supply craft. He publishes book upon custom craft industries.

 Leave me a comment if you enjoyed this article.

Return to moms-work-online home page.

Post from: moms-work-online.com

Art and Craft Business Tips for Entrepreneurs

Supermoms -we’ve all met other moms who seem to have it all together.  Do you ever wonder how they do it?  Well, the trick isn’t a trick… they just do it.  How is another question.  It always seems that we can never get caught up, and things just get piled up, despite our best intentions.  The key is to get organized and develop new good habits.

Changing habits won’t happen overnight.

It’s a gradual process and takes time.  So, first you need to organize your time, but once you are organized you will save a lot of time in the long run.  Plan to tackle one thing at a time. Don’t try to do it all at once, because you’ll get overwhelmed and give up.  Start with the easiest job, so you have a sense of accomplishment that will roll over to the next project.  Once things are organized, set up daily maintenance for each area of the house.

Start with clutter.

 Get rid of things that have been piling up, like junk mail, paper and other things you just don’t need.  Then take a look at each room and see what belongs and what doesn’t. If it doesn’t belong in that room, put it in a box to be sorted and placed in the right place later.  You can even have a box for each person in the family and put things in it from each room as you go through the house. Then they can put all their things away.

Many of us have clothes and toys that haven’t seen the light of day in ages, so by going through them and either having a garage sale or giving them to charity, you can cut back on the amount of stuff that needs done.  The less you have to put away, the more time you have to spend on fun things.

Organize your shopping trips. 

Making a shopping list is a start, and many people forget to make one.  They either come out with a lot more things than they wanted, thus blowing the budget, or forget one important item and have to go back again later, wasting time.  Many people have even started using a grocery store’s website to pre-order their groceries and some even offer a delivery service. 

Another great way to help save time is to cook meals ahead of time.

There are many recipe books that are designed for freezer meals. You cook several meals at once, freezing them to be reheated later.  This saves time and if you buy the ingredients in bulk, can save you a lot of money. Slow cookers are also a great way to help save time. You throw the ingredients in earlier in the day, let it cook all day and then dinner is ready with very little work.
 
Dividing up the housework is another way to help get everything done.

Even young children can help do some things, with guidance.  The earlier they learn to help, the easier it will be later.  Make a chores chart and remind everyone that this will help make time for the family to do the fun things they want to do. 

It may seem daunting at first, but just like anything worthwhile, it will take time to reorganize your house into a smooth running home that everyone can enjoy.

Return to moms-work-online home page.

Post from: moms-work-online.com

Working at Home | Getting it All Done