Sunday, November 02, 2008

Baby Clothing Company Receives Highest Safety Score

Baby Clothing Company Receives Highest Safety Score –Keeping Holiday Shopping Safe

Long Island, NY (November 2008) - With the holidays rapidly approaching and more people using the convenience of online shopping, consumers want the reassurance that they are shopping at the most secure and trusted online merchants. They need to know that the purchases they make will not result in credit card fraud or identify theft. One company takes this issue very seriously and for the fifth year in a row has scored 100% for internet security and safety as rated by the Safe Shopping Network. That company is My Miracle Baby, Inc. http://www.mymiraclebaby.com.

Donna Bliss, President/CEO, states "Our 100% score for internet safety is critical as e-commerce grows on the web. It significantly increases customer confidence and that translates into increased sales. We have been tested and ranked as the safest baby clothing website, higher than the larger national chains. In fact, as a small company, we actually have more control over protecting our customer's information than the larger companies who store their information off site. We've never had a single incident where a customer was at risk.”

The Safe Shopping Network provides consumers with unbiased information, allowing the consumer to refine their search to find the best merchants on the Web. Cassi Hennessey, Safe Shopping Network, Inc. points out “High scores mean that the merchant provides a safe and secure environment for placing online orders.”

My Miracle Baby, Inc. currently ranks # 3 on Google for baby clothing and # 1 for newborn baby gifts with a very large selection of holiday and special occasion outfits, accessories, and personalized gifts for baby, toddler, and children. Stop by to see their spectacular holiday specials as well as unique selection of everyday baby and toddler apparel.

About My Miracle Baby.com, Inc. - In business since 2001, My Miracle Baby.com, Inc. began as a small home based business and is now one of the largest independent children’s clothing retailers on the Internet. My Miracle Baby specializes in discount children clothing and personalized baby gifts. http://www.mymiraclebaby.com
About Safe Shopping Network - Safe Shopping Network is a guide to the tested best shopping websites in the world. Its technologies have the ability to test many safety and reliability features of an online merchant.

Friday, October 31, 2008

The Great Online Networking Extravagenza

The Great Online Networking Extravagaza http://cwahm.com/wordpress/holidaycontest/
has been a huge success! This event was sponsored by Jill Hart (cwahm.com) and Diana Ennen of (virtualwordpublishing.com). And there's still time to get involved. If you'd like to do a 5 minute podcast, email me at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com. Also, we are still looking for contest donations.

We encourage you to listen to these dynamic guests. This week Samantha Ettus was featured in USA Weekend and Jill Boehler had an entire one page devoted to her products, Chilly Jilly in Woman's World. We have the best of the best.

Samantha Ettus - Click Here for Interviewwww.expertsmedia.comTopic: Experts' Guide to Doing Things Faster

Allison Babb - Click Here for Interviewwww.GreatSmallBusinessAdvice.comTopic: Marketing and building your small business.

Angie A. Swartz - Click Here for Interviewwww.SixFigureMomsClub.comTopic:Group of Moms who have left Corporate America to raise their kids.

Babs Bell Hajdusiewicz - Click Here for Interviewwww.ilikeme.comTopic:Children's books and writing.

Terence J. Noonan - Click Here for Interviewhttp://starringyou.comTopic:How to get yourself and your business on TV.

Stacey Kannenberg - Click Here for Interviewwww.cedarvalleypublishing.comTopic:Running a publishing company, writing for children.

Joe Sturniolo - Click Here for Interviewwww.ROARawakenings.com Topic:Building your small business, ROAR strategies.

Michelle PrattLienhart - Click Here for Interviewwww.jbjustbe.com Topic: Starting a small business, creating a unique product.

Summer Bellessa - Click Here for Interviewelizamagazine.com Topic: Starting/running a magazine publishing business (Eliza is a Family Friendly Fashion Mag.

Vivian Eisenecher - Click Here for Interviewwww.recoveringme.com Topic: Recovering from alcoholism and finding joy in the Lord.

Lisa Gooder - Click Here for Interviewwww.associatedcontent.com Topic:Writing, publishing and getting paid on AC.

Stephanie White - Click Here for Interviewwww.BecomeBeauty.com Topic: Running a cosmetics company.

Krista Dunk - Click Here for Interviewwww.NWweddingplace.com, www.KBWomen.comTopic: Running a small business and finding other likeminded moms to connect with.

Dara Blaker - Click Here for Interviewwww.mightymiraclemist.comTopic: Starting a small business, creating a unique product.

Dena Dyer - Click Here for Interviewwww.denadyer.comTopic: Finding the time to write/work as a busy mom. Joseph Russo - Click Here for Interviewwww.AmericasBestAgent.com Topic: Selling a house in these scary times.

Jill Boehler - Click Here for Interviewhttp://www.ChillyJilly.comTopic: Starting a small business, creating a unique product.

Debi Silber - Click Here for Interviewhttp://www.lifestylefitnessinc.comTopic: Starting a small business, creating a unique service just for moms.

Bette Fetter - Click Here for Interviewwww.youngrembrandts.comTopic: Starting a small business from your kitchen table.

Larry Randolph - Click Here for Interview Topic: Founder of Rich Beginnings.

Doree Lewak - Click Here for Interview Topic: Being single, dealing with single friends.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

The Great Online Networking Extravaganza

The Great Online Networking Extravaganza Starts Soon

Omaha, Nebraska, (October, 2008) - This week on The CWAHM Network internet radio show, our special guest is Dan Poyntor, the legendary publishing giant. Poynter's books are what most self-publishers base their businesses on and his website continues to offer the latest and greatest tips for self-publishers and traditional publishers alike. This show also kicks off the Great Online Networking Extravaganza.What's the Great Online Radio & Networking Extravaganza? It's your opportunity to listen to over 25 of the best business experts and best selling authors on topics ranging from how to pitch to the major media and finally land that TV Interview to surviving the economy. Many of the guests are also offering free gifts for our newest contest.

This event will launch October 28th and run through Christmas. Each week contest winners will be drawn for great prizes such as books, cosmetics and other great items. There will also be downloadable goodies every day including free ebooks, reports, tips sheets, etc. Best yet, there is still time to get involved. Donations are still being accepted for the contest as well as requests for ebooks, tips, etc. What a great opportunity to get additional exposure for your business or book during this critical holiday season. Advertising opportunities are also available.

A collection of holiday recipes and coloring book pages will add to the holiday festivities. Winning recipes (chosen weekly), will get special prizes including free advertising on CWAHM and one hour of free press release submissions from Virtual Word Publishing. .The Great Online Networking Extravaganza is brought to you by Jill Hart, founder of Christian Work at Home Moms, (CWAHM.com) and Diana Ennen, author of Virtual Assistant the Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA and President of Virtual Word Publishing, Inc., http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com. Their weekly radio show has hosted some of the best authors and entrepreneurs including Mary Goulet of MomsTown.com, author Stan Toler and Internet Marketing Expert Scott Fox.Hart states, "We truly enjoy helping entrepreneurs build better businesses and our radio show has been a great way to share resources and expert advice. This contest is another great way to give back and spread awareness.”Tune in October 28th at 11am EST to listen to Dan Poyntor live at http://blogtalkradio.com/cwahm. Then check out the interviews and sign up for the contest for some great holiday fun and exposure at http://holiday.cwahm.com. For additional details, contact Diana Ennen at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com or Jill Hart at jill@cwahm.com.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

MomsTown on Radio Show Today

We had the pleasure of interviewing Mary from MomsTown.com. What a fabulous interview. It felt like talking with an old friend as I've seen MomsTown grow over the years. I could so recall being so proud to see them on Dr. Phil and then Montel and all the others. It sure is nice when you get to see someone you know on those shows.

What was especially nice was getting to talk to her about her new book, Live the Life You Crave - It's All About You! I love this book. It was guidelines and tips for all us moms and businesswoman. As I mentioned on the show today often times I would pick it up and I would be going through the same thing and feeling the same way (especially as my kids reached the teenage years.). It was great not to feel alone and also to hear some of their tips. It's available at Amazon if you haven't gotten it yet.

Also, we discussed the economy and how moms are surviving. She offered some great tips that I hope I can follow through on. For example, live in the day. Forget the past and don't fear for the future. Just live for today and you'll be so much more at ease.

She also shared all the new happenings at MomsTown. If you haven't been over there lately, GO!! You'll be so glad you did. www.momstown.com.

Thanks Mary for an awesome interview. http://blogtalkradio.com/cwahm

Diana Ennen, Virtual Word Publishing.com

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Children Learn More With One-On-One Tutoring

Children Learn More With One-On-One Tutoring

After school tutoring is practically the norm today. Even in these economically challenging times, parents still put their children's educational needs first. They realize that the best gift they can give their child is a good education. That’s why so many choose private one-on-one tutoring.

Why one-on-one tutoring? As each child has a unique learning style, a tutor can embrace that style and teach in a way they fully understand, often unlocking previous learning challenges. The personalized touch enables children to feel confident and secure.

The challenge is often finding the right tutors to match your child’s needs and personality. Following are some tips and what to look for in a tutoring program:


Individualized Coaching – Matching Tutors with Students: Tutors can be so much more than just a weekly visit with your child. Matching the right tutor with the right student takes experience and dedication. Not only do you want to match your child with a tutor that can fill their educational needs, you also want to make sure that their personalities match as well.

Tutors can address special issues or challenges that a child might be experiencing. For example, tutors can stay in contact with the child’s teacher and find out first hand what is most needed.

Help with Homework and School Curriculum Worksheets: Children feel more relaxed about all school activities when they aren’t afraid of homework. Today’s students face a great deal more homework than in the past and with everyone’s busy lifestyle, homework often loses its priority. When hiring a tutor, find one that specializes in the area your child needs the most help.

Affordable Pricing: What do parents need the most of today? Affordable rates. The economy is such that even though parents might want a tutor, they might not be able to afford one. When looking for a tutoring company, keep this in mind. Ask yourself, what do they offer and can I afford it? Find a company that is within your budget so that the tutoring can be done on a consistent basis.

Parental Involvement: No one knows more about a child’s individual needs than their parents and when the parents provide that extra personal insight, it can help the tutor determine what might be hindering their educational goals. Find a tutoring company that acknowledges that unique partnership and embraces parental involvement.

Interactive Learning: Some tutoring companies have become interactive, whereby allowing students to log onto their website and stay involved. Some will also provide educational games and other educational challenges so that the children want to spend time there learning. Many even offer online tutoring. When looking for a good tutoring company, find one that offers these added bonuses.

Screened Tutors: It’s obvious today that safety comes first. Even though parents are normally required to be present during tutoring sessions, it’s important to know that the tutors are reliable, trustworthy, and professional. Make sure when hiring a tutoring company that you know that there have been background checks and qualifications done. Ask questions, lots of questions to make sure of the safety of your child. Most companies are happy to provide this information and well aware of its importance.

Most in-home tutoring companies make it their goal to make a difference in a child’s life. As Patricia Goodwin, Founder of Comfort Zone Tutoring, states, “Because of the overcrowding in schools and stress put on students throughout the day, we see an increase in children falling way behind in their studies with no hope to catch up. That’s where a tutor can come in and make a substantial difference. Take your time to secure one that is the perfect fit for your child. The whole family benefits when a child is able to excel at school and enjoy the journey.”

Give your child the gift of learning by using these tips to connect your child with a tutor that has their best interest in mind. Stop by Comfort Zone Tutoring at http://www.comfortzonetutoring.com for complete information on their tutoring programs.


Patricia Goodwyn, Founder of Comfort Zone Tutoring, http://www.ComfortZoneTutoring.com matches tutors to students in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, specializing in K-12 and through college. Contact Patricia at info@comfortzonetutoring.com for additional information. Also stop by their site for their latest updates and educational games.
Summary

Friday, October 03, 2008

Saving money in your home-based business

Here are some tips for saving money in starting and operating your home-based business

1. Any tips/advice for saving a services (e.g. Internet)? Are "unlimited" capabilities for things like long distance a good idea? How about "bundled" services (such as cable TV, Internet and long distance on one bill)?

Having unlimited capabilities is very beneficial for entrepreneurs. For example, with unlimited phone services, you can talk freely and don't have to worry about being on the phone too long with potential clients and even your regular clients. Plus when you have unlimited services you find you have more ways to use your services, such as offering coaching. Unlimited Internet is almost always a necessity. Not only do you need the Internet for connecting with clients, but you also do research, marketing, networking, etc. You want to be able to have access to this freely.

You can often save money by getting services bundled. For example check to see if you can get a lower rate on combining services such as long distance phone service, Internet service, etc. It's important though to check your bill monthly and make sure that you are getting what you signed up for and nothing additional. Also, if you are unsure if you have a package added, call and find out before you utilize the service to make sure you are covered. For example, if you aren't sure if your calls to Canada are covered, call and find out. Don't just assume they are and make a call. You don’t want one large unexpected phone bill to negate the savings you receive.

One point that Kelly Poelker, my co-author of VA the Series points out is when bundling have a back-up plan in place as one down side to bundled services is if one service goes down, typically they all do. Use caution in selecting a provider and get the most reliable one.

#2 – Any tips/advice for saving on regularly purchased office supplies, such as toner and paper? Are generic versions usually acceptable quality? Where can home business owners find wholesalers or suppliers at wholesale prices?

Always buy in bulk whenever you can and shop until you find the best prices. Also shopping at wholesale or non-office supply stores can save you money. Today, I purchase most of my office supplies, including toners, at Walmart. I also find places such as Costco or Sams Club can save a bundle. However, I will still look to the sale ads at places such as Office Depot to see their sales. Once in a while their sale price will be cheaper. Also, Office Depot and many places offer Rewards cards. By using your rewards card, at the end of the quarter you can get a gift card back that you can use for purchases. The amount is dependent on how much you spend. Shop online as well. Often you will then get email notices of sales.

Generic versions do work for some products, but I’ve found for toners, etc for quality I want to go with name brand. What you can do is try out one to see if it works for you. It’s worth the experiment if it works and you save monthly from then on. And it’s not a large investment if it doesn’t. But always keep in mind, professional image for entrepreneurs is the most important factor in determining price.

3. Any tips/advice for determine which services are necessary and which can be cut?

Focus on your particular business and what needs relate directly to that keeping in mind that your business is unique. Even though some businesses might need some services, you might not.
Now consider what services you used in the past year and how often you used that service.




4. Any tips/advice for comparison shopping and/or negotiating?

There are times of the year that certain items routinely go on sale. Take note of these times and plan accordingly. Also, be aggressive and ask sales personnel when they routinely have discounts. For example, when new computer models come out, you can get cheaper prices on the older models.

Buy bulk and go for volume discounts with vendors you purchase from routinely. Also check into a commercial accounts for contract pricing. Share the costs with your colleagues and save even more.

Any other tips/advice

Write out a budget for your business and prioritize what your needs are. This is invaluable. Many add this to their business plan when starting a business, but a separate budget can be a real asset. It helps to see things in black and white.

Also, stick with products that you trust and look for the best prices on them. For example, I normally purchase Hewlett Packard computers. I keep an eye on their products and always look for the best prices before I need to make a purchase.