8 Questions every Business Analyst Should Ask

It does not matter what project you are going to undertake. It is not important what industry you are going to be assessing. What is important is you know what you are going to do. You must as questions. You must find what it is the client wants. Presented is a list of obvious questions every good business analyst should know the answer to when starting a project.

1. What problem is this business having that you hope to solve by developing this project? It should be obvious as to why you would ask that question. If you do not understand what the problem is then you can not help to solve it. Also, when reading the project program it may not be clear as to what the client actually wants. The scope may only tell you what they would like to see happen. It could and often times is not focused on what the true issues are.

2. What is the business doing at present to alleviate or solve the issue? What has been tried in the past? You must understand what the client is doing in order to understand what must be done. You do not want to develop a project plan overview only to have someone tell you it has been tried. Listen to the customer. Find out what they have done. Ask questions while you are listening. On your toes brainstorming so to speak. Listen to what has not worked.

3. What inside resources will this project be utilizing? What outside resources will be necessary? You will want to determine where your help and team players are coming from. You may be familiar with most of the IT, but if the client wants to outsource it is a different game. You may have to make a list of external interactions. Define the company's strengths and weaknesses. This can be most advantageous.

4. Have you determined a vision for the project? The business analyst will compare this scope with the one he or she will develop to ensure consistencies and a parallel outlook. In other words make sure you are on the same path. This is sometimes easier said than done. Communication is the key to success with this question.

5. What risks to you foresee and are you willing to take them? A conservative client may not be inclined to take large risks. Getting them to be specific can help when generating the project program. You may also be able to overcome some of their fears or doubts by explaining the risk factor more thoroughly.

6. Are you under any type of time constraint? There has to be a set time frame for the outcome. A goal can be reached for any project if time is not a factor. Most clients have time constraints which affect every avenue of business. You will want to know what these are and plan accordingly.

7. What is the projected cost of the program? An aggressive business analyst may be blunt and honest by wording the question like this. What is the projected budget and can it be deviated from? There are times certain steps must be taken which can cause a project to run over budget. Other plans of action may not need implemented because management was not fully aware of certain assets available. It is best to know exactly what is going into this project for the project program to succeed.

8. Who is the end user? What support will they have? You will need to know this in order for the program to even fulfill it's purpose. Marketing data must also be collected to incorporate what the end user is asking for. The goal is to reach the objective with everyone satisfied. A business analyst can not do this without talking and listening to everyone involved.

THE INSIDE SECRETS OF FREE PUBLICITY FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Product publicity is the "secret pathway" to business success

everyone wants. In simple terms, product publicity is a kind of

advertising that costs you nothing, yet brings in the orders for

you.

Regardless of what kind of business you are operating, you

should want, and strive for, as much publicity for your business

and your products or services, as possible. After all, it's

"free advertising" that is essential to the growth of your

business. However, your publicity efforts should be well

thought out, and pre-planned for maximum results.

The first, and basic form of obtaining publicity is through what

is known as the press or news release. This is generally a one

page story about your business, your product/service or an

event/happening related to your business that is about to, or

has recently occurred. These publicity stories are generally

"shot-gunned" to all the various media: local newspapers, radio

and TV, and trade publications.

Problem number one is getting the people to whom you've sent

these publicity stories, to use them - publish or broadcast

them. And this leads us back to the "right way " of writing

them and sending them in.

In every case, send a short cover letter addressed to the person

you want your material to be considered by... This means that

you send your story to the city editor of the newspapers; the

news directors of the radio and TV stations; and the managing

editors of the various trade publications. It will do you no

good what-so-ever, to send your material to the advertising,

circulation or business managers - describing how you're a

long-time advertiser, subscriber or listener. The most

important thing is that you make contact with the person who has

the final say as to what is to be published or broadcast, and at

the bottom line - this person's use of your material will

somehow make him a "hero" to his or her readers, viewers or

listeners.

The cover letter should be a short note. Go to a paper supplier

- tell him you want a hundred or so sheets of good bond paper -

8 1/2 by 11" preferably in a pastel color such as blue or ivory

- and that you want this paper cut into quarters, giving you a

grand total fo 400 sheets of note paper. "From the desk of..."

note sheets are too elaborate until the people you're contacting

get to know you - first time around, and until they use your

material, don't use these semi-formal note sheets...

On this note sheet, begin with the date across the top - skip a

couple of spaces and then quickly tell the recipient of the

note: the attached material is new and should be of real

interest to his readers, viewers or listeners. We advise our

dealers and distributors of MONEY MAKING MAGIC - our regular

publication for serious wealth builders and extra income seekers

- to send the following note to the editors and news directors

of the media in their areas:

"Here's something that 's new, and for a change, truly helpful,

to people trying to cope with inflation - the soaring costs of

living - and those engaged in building extra income businesses

of their own. Should be of real value - interest - to your

readers. Please take a look - any questions, or if you need

more info, give me a call at: (503) 666-5824..." Then, of

course, you skip about four spaces, type your name, your

business name, and your address - sign your name above where

you've typed it, and staple this note in the upper right hand

corner of your news release. This note should be typed and

double-spaced.

So now, you've got a cover letter, and you know who to send it

to... We type up one such note, and take it to a near-by

quick-print shop. They xerox the note 4 times, past these

4-copies onto one sheet of paper, print 50 to 100 copies, and

cut the paper into individual notes, all for less that $10... Do

not try to save money by photo-copying or xeroxing - a

photo-copy is a photo-copy is a photo-copy, and will not do the

job for you...

Now you need the actual publicity release, which also must be

"properly" written if you expect it to be used by the media.

Above all else, there's a proper form or style to use, plus the

fact that it must be typed, double-spaced, and short - about a

half page in total length.

About an inch from the top of the paper, with an inch and a half

margin on each side of the paper; from the left hand margin,

type in all capital letters: PRESS RELEASE: Then, underline

these words. Immediately following the colon, but not in all

capital letters, put in the date. Always set the date forward

by at least one day after the day you intend to mail the release.

On the same line, but on the right hand side of the page, and in

all capital letters, write the words, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Underline this, and immediately below, but not in all capital

letters, type your name - your phone number - and your address...

Skip a couple of spaces, then in all capital letters - centered

between the margins - type a story headline, and underline it...

Skip a couple of spaces, and from the left hand margin, all in

capital letters, type the words, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: From

there on, it's the news or publicity story itself.

You can write the headline before the story, and then a story to

fit the headline - or the story before the headline, and then a

headline to fit the story - either way, it's basically the same

as writing a space ad or a sales letter... You attract attention

and interest with the headline and fill in the details with your

story.

Here's an example of the headlines we use on publicity blurbs

for MONEY MAKING MAGIC:

HELP IN MAKING ENDS MEET

NEW PUBLICATION FOR EXTRA INCOME SEEKERS

Notice how we continue to sell or involve the editor - His

readers are always looking for better ways to make ends meet,

and he's specifically interested as to what our promise

involves... He wants his readers to "think well" of him for

enlightening them with this source of help, so he reads into the

story to find out who, what and how...

Suffice it to say that your headline, and the story you present

to the editor, must sell him on the benefits of your product or

service to his readers. Unless it specifically does this, he'll

not use it. You must sell the first person receiving your

materials. Keep this fact uppermost in your mind as you write

it. The person you send your press or publicity release to,

must quickly see and understand how your product or service will

benefit his readers - thereby making him a hero to them - and he

must be assured it will do what you promise in your headline.

Come right to the point and say your product is lower in price,

more convenient to use or in what way your product or service is

useful to the people in general. It's also a good idea to

include a complimentary sample of your product or an opportunity

for him to sample your services.

Remember, the editors receiving your information are fully aware

of your purposes - Free Advertising! They are not in the least

interested in you or your credentials - If you've sold them on

the benefits of your business to their readers, and they want

background details, they'll call you. That's why you list your

telephone number and address...

These people are busy people. They have not got the time nor

the interest in reading about your trials and tribulations or

plans for the future. They want only "a flag" that alerts them

to something new and of probable real interest to their readers.

Sell the editor first. Convince him that you've found the

better mousetrap. Show him that your product or service - that

your business - fills a need and/or will interest a large

segment of his readers, his viewers or listeners.

When an editor uses your publicity release, always follow-up

with a short thank you note. Never, but never send a publicity

release to an editor and then call or write demanding to know

why he didn't use it, use it as you wrote it, or only gave you a

quick mention. Do this once, and that particular media will

"round-file" any further material received from you, unopened!

If your first effort is not used, then you should review the

story itself; perhaps write it from a different angle; make

sure you're sending it to the proper person - and try again!

As stated earlier, these people are busy, with hundreds of

publicity releases passing across their desks every day - They

only have so much space or time - therefore, your material has

to stand out and in some way, fit with the information they -

the editors - want to pass along to their readers, viewers or

listeners. Regardless of your business, product, or service,

you must build your press release - write it - around that

particular angle or feature that makes it beneficial or interest

to the readers, viewer or listeners of the media you want to run

your press release. Without this special ingredient, you're

lost before you begin!

The timing of your press release is always important. Try to

associate your press release with current events in the news. A

story on job lay-offs and increased unemployment carried in the

newspapers, on TV and radio would prompt us to get a publicity

release out to all the media on the help and opportunity offered

by MONEY MAKING MAGIC! Say there's a deluge of chain letters

and pyramid schemes making the round - the media picks up on it

and attempts to warn the people to beware... Within 5 days, we

would get a publicity release out, explaining the availability

of our report on chain letters and pyramid schemes - a report

that explains everything from A to Z - who're the winners and

who're the real losers.

There's another kind of timing also to keep in mind...

Publication deadlines... For best results, always try to time it

so your material reaches the editor in time for the Sunday

paper. This is because that's when the papers have their

greatest circulation; the most space is available; and the

people, the most time to read the paper.

For articles you'd like to appear in the Sunday paper, you'll

generally have to get your release in at least nine days prior

to the date of publication. If you're in doubt, call and ask

about the deadline date.

IN SUMMARY:

Choose the media most likely to carry your press release.

Select those that carry similar write-ups on a regular basis.

Always use a cover letter of some kind. It pays to call ahead

to find out the name of the person you should be sending your

press release to.

Use the proper press release form, complete with a headline that

will interest the man deciding whether or not to use your item.

Be sure your press release is letter perfect - no typo's or

misspelled words - and don't photo-copy - always have each

letter or press release individually typed or printed.

When your item is used, send a thank you note or call the editor

on the phone and thank him for using your press release.

Never, but never call or write an editor demanding to know why

he didn't use your press release, why he had it rewritten or cut

it short - just try, and try again!

Business Start-Up Fact Finder Manual

Introduction

America is coming home to work. Home-based offices are becoming the wave of the future. Tens of thousands of workers are opting for this way of life, a life in which they can make their own hours, commute to work in seconds, make their own choices and become their own bosses.

For many the home office is becoming the location for a full-time job and the primary source of income. For others it is a part-time venture. Many start on a part-time basis and grow their business into a full-time operation.

Current figures available indicate that during 1991 the percentage of self-employed working from home jumped by almost 6% to approximately 12 million. While working at home has an almost irresistible appeal to many, and many have some big misconceptions of what it is like, here is some very useful information that can help you get started successfully.

Legalities of Working at Home

Zoning

Before setting up your new business it would be advisable to check on the legal status of your business. You need to check zoning laws for your community which may dictate if you can legally operate a business from home. We realize that many businesses never check on zoning for their home-based business and chances that they ever get into difficulties with the law are probably pretty slim. If there are no changes in structure and you do not have customers and or employees enter your home, regulations will tend to be far more easy. Laws and regulations change from community to community, but the following 5 factors will generally be regulated items:

1. Separate business and private entrances.

2. Square footage of the home which is taken up by commercial space.

3. Employees working in the home.

4. Certain occupations such as jewlry or clothing

5. Storage of commercial goods, especially any hazardous materials.

Here is an important suggestion: keep relations with your neighbors on a friendly basis. Your neighbors will soon become aware that you are working at home. Some may even be envious, and yes, unfortunately zoning authorities will generall become aware of home office zoning infractions through a "friendly neighbor".

Business License

Most cities or counties require businesses to be licensed. Some home-operated businesses, however, are not required to have a business license. Check with your local City or County Clerks Office to obtain regulations for your locality.

D.B.A. Registration

If you are using your own name as your business name it will notneed to be registered, but if you use any other name, or even your abbreviated name, almost all localities require that you register the name. This is called a fictitiousname registration or D.B.A. "Doing Business As" registration. If your name is:

Randy M Jones and youu name your business Randy Jones or Randy M Jones Enterprise you will not have to register it, but if you call it: RMJ Enterprises you will generally have to register the name.

Most states have a name search bureau which is a part of the state government. You will generally be able to call this office to see if a given name has already been registered to someone else in the state. This is important to do, or it could be costly later. If you give your business a name which is already registered to anoher company, the other company may demand, and even take legal action to make sure you comply, that you cease to use the name.

Your Company as a Legal Entity

Businesses are most commonly set-up as one of the following entities:

The Sole Proprietorship

Incorporation

Partnership

Most new businesses choose the Sole Proprietorship. It is the least complicated. It requires no paperwork. The proprietor you, or you and your spouse as the owner, or owners, are taxed for all net profit from your business. You add the income of the business to other income, or deduct the business loss from other income. Your tax adviser can give you specific information.

The disadavantage of the Sole Proprietorship is that as the owner you can be held fully liable in a lawsuit. An incorporation, on the other hand, will give you some protection. In this case the "INC" rather than you is the legal business entity. If you are starting a business that tends to have liability exposure the corporation may be the way to go. In this and other legal questions, only your attorney can give you competent legal advice.

Partnerships are generally chosen when unrelated individuals own a business. A partnership should be set up by an attorney, or all kinds of problems can develop later.

Designing Your Work-space

First, you must determine how much space you need. Chances are what you may initially think is quite large may be crowed or not enough space. While many businesses are started from a corner of the bedroom or kitchen, if the space is available it wouldbe far better idea to take a spare area of the house and convert it it into your office. There may be space in the basement, garage, or a spare bedroom. Having a separate space is more efficient and will make for maximum efficiency. It is also psychologically important. You do not want home activities to interfere with your business, or vice versa.

Friends and family will need to be told politely firmly that business hours mean business and dropping in, or calling to chit chat is not acceptable. Psychologists suggest that you work "from" home not just in your home. There is a danger of becoming isolated. Inasmuch as time allows, participate in seminars and local business activities and organizations.

Financial Planning

It is said and also my own personal experience that owners of new businesses never have enough time or money. The majority of small businesses which do not succeed will fail because they are not properly financed. n your financial planning carefully review all required start-up expenses as well as on-going expenses before revenue will be generated. Estimate your profit margins and all fixed and controlled expenses. Almost all entrepreneurs will tend to be much more optimistic about their estimate of the financial performance of a business taken what is necessarily realistic. There are always unforseen expenses.

It is a good idea to only invest in absolutely necessary expenses. This applies to furnishings, supplies and all equipment. Computer equipment in recent years has become outdated within a short period of time. So, if what you acquire will serve you well for 2-3 years will be able to upgrade your equipment later on. Your empasis should be on conserving capital. As your business develops, unexpected hurdles will come along and periods of low revenue. Your capital will make it possible to keep your business operating during these times.

Why Should You Have A Business Plan?

While writing a business plan can be made into a highly sophisticated undertaking especially by large coporations, its easy to do when done for a new or small owner operated-business. Essentially, you will be committing your plan to paper. As you do so your thought will become more formal and concrete and this will tremendously assist you in the development of your business. If you are considering to obtain financing for your new business either through a bank or the SBA, a formal business plan will be a necessity. Home-operated businesses will have a much more difficult time in obtaining financing.

Don't Forget Uncle Sam

As in all undertakings of life from birth to death and beyond, the IRS will be there to watch over you. Almost all small, home-based businesses will start out as "Sole Proprietorship." This legal status is best for ease of handling and for tax benefits. Your net business income or loss becomes an addition or deduction to other income ddeclare at the end of the year. Careful record-keeping of all business revenue and expenses is a must. Keep a separate business checking amount for your business. Do not intermingle business and personal expenses. Other special tax benefits and regulations apply to home-operated businesses. You should obtain professional advise from your tax adviser.

Free Publications available:

"Record-Keeping For A Small Business" IRS publication 583. Call the IRS 1-800-829-3676.

"Business Use Of Your Home" can also be obtained free from the IRS.

"Tax Guide For Small Business" is an annual IRS publication #334. It is also free.

Insurance

One disadvantage of being self-employed is not having health and disabilty insurance. You may also need liability insurance. Your homeowners insurance covers your belongings in your home, but itmay not cover all business inventory and equipment. Check with your insurance agent to make sure you have the right coverage.

Factors that will Determine Your Success

Do Your Homework

The more you know about your business, the better your chances of success. Attend seminars and join trade associations. Read books and trade publications. If you do not have a business background a business introductory class at a local college would be advisable.

Planning is Key to Your Success

You and your family's future and livelihood is at stake. So your decision and planning to start a business are very serious matter. Establish a long range plan which encompasses your business and financial plans. You should obtain legal or financial advice from an attorney or accountant before committing to nay long range or major financial transactions. Agreements with suppliers or customers shoul;d be put into writing.

You Must Wear Many Hats

Small business owners over time can become experts on a variety of subjects. At the start the most important aspect is the mind-set. Your communication to the rest of the world through all available means will determine your success. here is an abbreviatedmarketing check list:

Telephone equipment

Promotional Material

Advertising (Don't forge the Yellow Pages)

Stationery

Direct Mail

Membership in Organizations

Direct Sales

Invest in Good Equipment

The right equipment will make your work easier and your business more efficient. To conserve cash used equipment should also be considered.

So What Are Your Chances

The better you think they are the better they generally are, and don't forget that among thousands of others:

Apple Computer, Domino's Pizza, and Walt Disney all started as home-based businesses.

Resources/Associations

There is a great deal of expert advice and resource material available to you. Much of it is free of charge. A variety of literature is avilable, both excellent books on all business subjects and various magazines. Your local Chamber of Commerce often sponsors classes. Banks can give you advice, or can be used as a sounding board. Local schools offer a variety of classes of interest to business owners. Don't forget the Public Library. Last, but not least, don't forget the U.S. Government.

SBA (small Business Administration) offers a range of services such as loans, financial consulting, computer and technical consulting services and a variety of publications.

Check your local telephone pages, or contact:

Small Business Administration

1441 L Street NW

Washington, DC 20416

(202) 659-6000

United States Chamber of Commerce provides literature, telephone referrals and other services to small businesses. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce or:

United States Chambers of Commerce

1615 H Street NW

Washington, DC 20062

(202) 659-6000

Internal Revenue Service offers a variety of services which includes workshops, films and publications to clarify tax matters for small businesses. Contact your local IRs office or:

Education Branch, Taxpayer Service Division

IRS, Department of the Treasury

1111 Constitution Ave.,NW

Washington, DC 20274

1-800-424-1040

Better Business Bureau (BBB) The BBB can be an important ally in checking on potential suppliers and other businesses. Check for telephone listing in the city where the company you are checking on is located.

How is accounting used in business?

It might seem obvious, but in managing a business, it's important to understand how the business makes a profit. A company needs a good business model and a good profit model. A business sells products or services and earns a certain amount of margin on each unit sold. The number of units sold is the sales volume during the reporting period. The business subtracts the amount of fixed expenses for the period, which gives them the operating profit before interest and income tax.

It's important not to confuse profit with cash flow. Profit equals sales revenue minus expenses. A business manager shouldn't assume that sales revenue equals cash inflow and that expenses equal cash outflows. In recording sales revenue, cash or another asset is increased. The asset accounts receivable is increased in recording revenue for sales made on credit. Many expenses are recorded by decreasing an asset other than cash. For example, cost of goods sold is recorded with a decrease to the inventory asset and depreciation expense is recorded with a decrease to the book value of fixed assets. Also, some expenses are recorded with an increase in the accounts payable liability or an increase in the accrued expenses payable liability.

Remember that some budgeting is better than none. Budgeting provides important advantages, like understanding the profit dynamics and the financial structure of the business. It also helps for planning for changes in the upcoming reporting period. Budgeting forces a business manager to focus on the factors that need to be improved to increase profit. A well-designed management profit and loss report provides the essential framework for budgeting profit. It's always a good idea to look ahead to the coming year. If nothing else, at least plug the numbers in your profit report for sales volume, sales prices, product costs and other expense and see how your projected profit looks for the coming year.

HOW TO START A PROFITABLE HOME-BASED BUSINESS

In these days, it's becoming increasingly difficult to make ends

meet with just one source of income. Thus, more and more people

are investigating the possibilities of starting their own

extra-income business. Most of these part-time endeavors are

started and operated from the comfort and privacy of the home.

Most of these people are making the extra money they need. Some

have wisely and carefully built these extra income efforts into

full-time, very profitable businesses. Others are just keeping

busy, having fun, and enjoying life as never before. The

important thing is that they are doing something other than

waiting for the government to give them a handout; they are

improving their lot in life, and you can do it, too!

The fields of mail order selling, multi-level marketing, and

in-home party sales have never been more popular. If any of

these kinds of extra income producing ideas appeal to you, then

you owe it to yourself to check them out. But these aren't the

only fields of endeavor you can start and operate from home,

with little or no investment, and learn as you go.

If you type, you can start a home-based typing service; if you

have a truck or have access to a trailer, you can start a

clean-up/hauling service. Simply collecting old newspapers from

your neighbors can get you started in the paper recycling

business. More than a few enterprising housewifes have found

success and fortune by starting home and/or apartment cleaning

services. If you have a yard full of flowers, you can make good

extra money by supplying fresh cut flowers to restaurants and

offices in your area on a regular basis. You might turn a

ceramics hobby into a lucrative personalized coffee mug

business. What I'm saying is that in reality, there's literally

no end to the ways you can start and operate a profitable extra

income business from your home.

The first thing you must do, however, is some basic market

research. Find out for yourself, first-hand, just how many

people there are in your area who are interested in your

proposed product or service, and would be "willing to stand in

line and pay money for it". This is known as defining your

market and pinpointing your customers. If after checking

around, talking about your idea with a whole lot of people over

a period of one to three months, you get the idea that these

people would be paying customers, your next effort should be

directed toward the "detailing" of your business plan. The more

precise and detailed your plan - covering all the bases relating

to how you'll do everything that needs to be done - the easier

it's going to be for you to attain success. Such a plan should

show you start-up investment needs, your advertising plan, your

production costs and procedure, your sales program, and how your

time will be allocated. Too often, enthusiastic and ambitious

entrepreneur jump in on an extra income project and suddenly

find that the costs are beyond their abilities, and the time

requirements more than they can meet. It pays to lay it all out

on paper before you get involved, and the clearer you can "see"

everything before you start, the better your chances for success.

Now, assuming you've got your market targeted, you know who your

customers are going to be and how you're going to reach them

with your product or service. And you have all your costs as

well as time requirements itemized. The next step is to set

your plan in motion and start making money.

Here is the most important "secret" of all, relating to starting

and building a profitable home-based business, so read very

carefully. Regardless of what kind of business you start, you

must have the capital and the available time to sustain your

business through the first six months of operation.

Specifically, you must not count on receiving or spending any

money coming in from your business on yourself or for your bills

during those first six months. All the income from your

business during those first six months should be reinvested in

your business in order for it to grow and reach your planned

first year potential.

Once you've passed that first six months milestone, you can set

up a small monthly salary for yourself, and begin enjoying the

fruits of your labor. But the first six months of operation for

any business are critical, so do not plan to use any of the

money you business generates for yourself during that period.

If you've got your business plan properly organized, and have

implemented the plan, you should at the end of your first year

be able to begin thinking about hiring other people to alleviate

some of your workload. Remember this: Starting a successful

business is not a means towards either a job for yourself or a

way to keep busy. It should be regarded as the beginning of an

enterprise that will grow and prosper, with you as the top dog.

Eventually, you'll have other people doing all the work for you,

even running the entire operation, while you vacation in the

Bahamas or Hawaii and collect or receive regular income from

your initial efforts.

For more details on market research, business planning,

advertising, selling, order fulfillment, and other aspects of

home-based businesses, check with the distributor from whom you

Business School Long Distance: The Allied Business School

Many people want to start their businesses, earn their own keep, and have their own success story to tell in a couple of years. However, not everyone has the money or the time to actually go back to school and stay in school, especially with a family to raise, children to feed, and many other priorities to meet. This is why many people opt for distance education in order to earn their degrees from reputable institutions, and still get the knowledge they need to get ahead. One such distance education institution is the Allied Business School, which has been providing distance education for over fifteen years.

The Allied Business School boasts of course materials that are up-to-date, and are reviewed regularly in order to keep them current. Because students are largely based at home, the instructions for all course work, homework, and examinations are developed especially to fit the needs of students working in the home environment. The Allied School system also supports its students by being on call to answer questions. When school ends, the Allied Business School also helps its students get jobs by preparing them for the job market. The Allied Business School will give advice on how to write a resume, phrase out a cover letter, network amongst companies, respond well during interviews, and make the best transition from a student, to an employee.

The Allied School also offers education in the medical and real estate fields. There are also different levels of certification. For instance, you can be a licensed broker, or you can start off your career as a property manager. You can also specialize in medical coding, medical billing, or be an assistant in medical administration. You can also be a businessperson who has strong skills in accounting and computers. The Allied Business School also offers program for military members who are on active duty, their spouses, and even veterans.

There are two ways for students to complete their coursework via distance education, and through the Allied Business School. Through a traditional correspondence course, students will receive their course materials via their mail, while in the online course, the students receive the same course materials online. However, with the online course, the students are able to complete all their examinations and homework immediately.

Once students receive their course materials, they are given up to a year to complete their course. At this rate, they work at their own pace as they complete their assignments and do their exams. At the end of the year, they will be awarded a Certificate of Completion. At this point, students can immediately enter the job market if they have a certification for a certain profession, or they can choose to undergo more coursework if they need it for their specific business or organization.

The Allied Business School, as part of the Allied School, is an accredited school. The school also offers payment plans that can make it convenient for students to enroll without worrying about their finances. Students can start with a small down payment, and then follow up for the next six months by installment. There are other financial packages available for students who need such assistance.

The Allied Business School is open for enrollment all year. If you are interested in a course at the Allied Business School, visit http://www.alliedschools.com.

Starting it Right: the Best Undergraduate Business Schools

Going to school is probably not the most exciting thing to do, and certainly not when you have to face more teachers, try to get better grades, try to score high on your examinations, and still have fun and survive in the process, not to mention keep your sanity intact. Going to college is certainly a challenge where all of these are concerned, and if you are interested in going to business school, you may have to think about a lot of things, and you might have to do a lot of research in order to get yourself going.

In this day and age of digital technology, the Internet is your best friend when it comes to learning more about the business school that you plan to go to. However, there is no substitute for the human mind and will, so if you are planning to go to business school, you need to first know why you want to go to business school at all. Do you want to run your own business? Are you going to work in your family business, or at a desk job in a corporation? Will you be doing auditing for a major firm? Do you want to do some accounting?

The different business schools out there will specialize in many different fields, so before you start choosing a school, start thinking about your goals. When you finally have a goal, that is when you start choosing a school – and based largely on your prospective adviser. Look through the faculty list of each school and look for people who have interesting research work, or who are affiliated with companies that you would like to work with, or that are interesting enough for you to emulate in the future when you set up your own business.

When you finally find the faculty member that you like, email this faculty member and ask about the business school. See if the faculty member can give you a tour of the facilities, and ask to drop in for a visit. The best members of any faculty should be able to accommodate your requests and give you the chance to see how they can help you have a better future. Do not be afraid to ask questions: an undergraduate business school is a highly competitive place, and you need to know a lot of ins and outs in order to be comfortable enough in the business school atmosphere. This may lead you to perform even better.

There are other considerations, of course, that come into play, such as finances and location. Some schools will offer scholarships to academic achievers, but if you have average or only slightly above average grades, you might want to apply to a scholarship program that might be specific to your needs or status instead. You might also want to look at a school’s location: if you want to be far away from home and learn how to be independent, you will also have to spend more on lodging, out-of-state tuition, and other fees that are associated with living expenses. If you are near home, on the other hand, you can comfortably commute to school, but you need to factor in your commuting expenses as well.

These are only a few things that you may want to watch out for as you choose an undergraduate business school. Remember, there is no such thing as a single best undergraduate business school. The best school will be the one that is perfect for your needs and future goals, and it is one that will help you get through to a brighter future.

Blogging For Business Owners

If you run a small company, you may find that the world

of blogging for business owners is a world that you

want to be a part of. Blogging is a great way to get the

word out to consumers about your product or service,

and it can even be useful for inspiring employee loyalty

and helping you keep your workers at peak morale. If

you are looking for a way to take your business to the

next level, consider what starting a blog might be able

to do for you.

Blogging for business owners has a lot in common with

all other types of blogging, but it has its own unique

pitfalls and strengths. The key to having a successful

blog as a business owner is keeping your goals clear

and concrete at every step of your blogging adventure. It

can be all to easy to get sidetracked, especially if you

are just learning about the exciting possibilities of

blogging technology, but if you want your blog to

succeed you need to stay focused. Write up a plan for

how often you will update, how you will promote your

blog and retain readers, whether you will feature

photographs or video, and other aspects of your blog,

and then stick to it with the same kind of determination

that you used when you built your company.

Online Bookkeeping Benefits for Accounting Business Firms

For accounting firms that are responsible for

bookkeeping, it has been quite a monotonous job. It

will take long hours of tedious work just to maintain

the processing of accounts properly. Bookkeeping can

also hurt the pockets of companies-in-charge because a

job like this requires massive patience. Several

companies have already tried to train accountants on

being adept on their job. The downside is, the amount

of salary that is asked is way too high for the

company to continue their employment. In cases of

small businesses, hiring several efficient people that

will compose the competent staff fit for bookkeeping

is a very good option that can also fit the budget

perfectly.

Charging an incredible amount to the companies by the

employees of bookkeeping has forced outsourcing. These

companies have made a strategy to give out entirely or

a part of the work to the company that’s outsourcing.

And the benefits has become large. Time was evenly

given to different sections of their business and have

the opportunity to expand. Aside from this,

bookkeeping online can save a lot of a company’s or a

business owner’s valuable time which could have been

wasted if they were still stuck on the idea about

searching for professional firms responsible for

bookkeeping.

Online bookkeeping has numerous benefits that even

small businesses will agree on how they have been

saved from tons of paperwork and long hours of finding

the right documents when the IRS is on the loose to

nag them about their overdue. The benefits of online

bookkeeping are as follows:

Cost Efficient

Being able to practice online bookkeeping can help

accounting business firms to save a lot of dough and

cut the cost of training an entire staff of

bookkeepers. Hiring an accountant is already a pain

and hiring several can hurt big time – not only in the

training but also in financial matters. It would

really help the company if the budget would go with

less business capital expenditures. Money saved will

help to invest on more areas that are also vital for

business and will definitely boost business

opportunities.

Efficiency Improved

If the person on the company itself couldn’t cope up

during emergencies, probable reason would be work

overload. And when coping can no longer work, the

entire venture is bound to fail. That’s why accounting

firms would prefer to outsource it to other companies

that are willing to take part. Besides, it’s safer and

outsourcing firms lay emphasis on professionalism.

Numerous accounting firms have software that

specializes on managing transactions.

Maintenance Shifting

Small businesses don’t have to worry about their

bookkeeping problems. They’ve already invested so much

on a lot of things and bookkeeping must not burden

them anymore. Outsourced bookkeeping firms are like a

cool breeze on their faces. Imagine, putting massive

blocks of paperwork to other people can save you from

a lot of stress, time and will help business owners to

perform efficiently. Worries will be eliminated and

fundamental thinking is enhanced. Thus shifting

maintenance from several to just an effective one.

Save-a-lot

You can freely cut on training, maintenance and

stationary cost while forming a very advantageous

business with all the benefits, why in the world would

business ignore the opportunity? Only proves that

online bookkeeping is good for you business no matter

SECRETS TO SUCCESSFULLY STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS

The American Dream is, and always will be, to come up with an

idea, start a business and become rich from your own efforts.

Based upon this motivation, thousands of businesses fail each

year, due primarily to not being familiar with the basics

involved in running

a business.

This report will enlighten you, and give you a number of

suggestions you can use to better guarantee your chances for

success. This report is written with the warning that any and

every business venture contains certain inherent risks, and any

number of alternatives. We do not espouse that any one way is

the right way or that our suggestions are the only way. On the

contrary, we advise that before investing any money in a business

venture, you seek counselling and help from a qualified

accountant and/or attorney.

Just about the first thing you should consider before deciding to

start or purchase a business is the legal form you'll be

operating under. There are basically four choices: sole

proprietorship, partnership, limited partnership, and/or

corporation.

Each has a number of advantages and disadvantages. We'll try to

enumerate some of them for you.

As much as anything else, for many people starting a business is

a form of ego-gratification, and they form a corporation for some

sort of prestige gain - just to say, "I own a corporation."

With just a little bit of observation, you'll find that one of

the major causes of business failures is due to the founder

wasting start-up capital on frills, such as an impressive

store-front office, expensive furnishings, and corporate legal

costs.

One of the basic traits you must develop it you're going to be

successful in business, is a tight hold on your expenditures. In

fact, a good rule of thumb is that anything that does not make

money for yo or protect your investment, should not be purchased

at this time. Very definitely, this applies to the expense of

setting up your own corporation.

Unless you have a partnership and start your business as such,

the only real advantage to forming a corporation would appear to

be that a corporate structure will semi-protect the property you

personally own.

As an example, you own a home and car. You form a corporation to

protect these possessions from business losses. Yet, if you can

be found guilty of misusing corporate funds, your business

creditors can pierce the corporate shield and come after your

possessions.

Basically, if you invest everything you have in your business, as

most newcomers do, you don't usually need a corporation because

you have nothing to protect. Your household possessions,

personal belongings, generally your car, and even a portion of

the equity in your home is protected by the homestead provision

of the Federal Bankruptcy Act, and cannot be taken away from you.

As a sole proprietor or partner of a business you'll be paying

taxes on your overall earnings, much the same as if you were

holding down a salaried or hourly paid job. Whether you do or

don't take out money as a salary will have no bearing on the

earnings of your business and tax return.

The often advertised advantage of incorporating, that you can

manipulate your salary in order to save on tax dollars, is real

because of corporation laws. However, the IRS frowns on this

practice. When your business is successful and making a lot of

money, definitely check with your accountant on the advantages of

incorporating.

As a corporation, you'll be subject to a number of other

drawbacks as well: generally higher state taxes, stricter laws

concerning the operation of your business, more elaborate

accounting procedures, and legal papers that are required just

about every time you make a major move or sign almost any

contract. Thus, your legal and accounting fees will be much

higher as a corporation than will those required for a sole

proprietorship type of business.

As a sole proprietor or partnership, you'll find many areas

require the registration of your business name. The cost

however, is minimal, ranging from $5 to $100. About the best way

to find out what laws apply in your area, is to call your bank

and ask if they need a fictitious name registration card or

certificate in order for you to open a business account.

Selecting a name for your business is quite important to you and

particularly relative to advertising. Your business name should

describe the product or services you offer. Fancy names such as,

Linda's Clipping Service will lose potential "walk-in and

passing" customers to the beauty shop across the street that

calls itself, Patti's Beauty Salon or Jane's Hair Styling Shop.

The advantage of using your full name in the title of your

business, such as Johnny Jones' Meat Lockers, has the advantage

of making credit somewhat easier to come by - provided you pay

your bills on time - but it also includes the disadvantage of

confining your services to a local or at most, a regional area.

Should you buy, lease, or rent a space for your business? think

twice before you make any decision along these lines. Most

businesses tend to grow quickly or they never get off the ground.

There are a few exceptions, but only a very few, that tend to

grow at a modified rate.

So, buying a piece of property and setting up your business on or

within that property, obligates you to ownership regardless of

what happens to your business.

Leases are almost always very strong contracts written by

attorneys to the advantage of the property-owner. When you sign

an agreement to pay someone for the use of their space over any

length of time, you're "nailed in" to paying for that space

regardless of what happens to your business.

In the beginning, it's wise to either get the shortest-term lease

possible, or arrange to rent with an option to lease at a later

date. This does not apply to a retail business, unless your

particular business happens to be an untried one.

Definitely, you should open a business bank account. In

selecting a bank for your business, scout around and look for one

that can, and will help you. Determine what your banking needs

will be, and then via telephone, interview the managers of the

banks in your area. The important convenient bank to your

business location.

A point to remember: the closer you can make the relationship

between you and the bank manager, the better your chances are

going to be for approval on loans and/or special favors you may

need at a later date.

Try to become acquainted with as many of the bank employees as

possible. The better you know them, the more courtesies they'll

be extending especially to you in the course of your association.

Just as a doctor is a specialist in his field, and you go to him

for medical problems, your banker is a specialist in his field

and you should go to him for your money problems. In business,

you'll have to learn that everyone is an expert in his own line

of work, and in your associations with other business people,

refrain from acting like a "sharpie" and/or pretending that you

know exactly how everything works in someone else's specialty.

You'll find that very often, different banks specialize in

different types of businesses. As an example, you're sure to

find banks that specialize in real estate transactions,

export-import businesses, and even manufacturing operations only.

What I'm saying here is that if you're planning to sella fairly

expensive item, your customers will probably need and/or want

financing. It will behoove you to select a bank familiar with

your type of product that will afford your customers, through

you, contract financing.

Some of the questions you should ask of your banker include the

following:

Is it necessary to maintain a certain balance in your account

before the bank will approve a loan for you?

What qualifications must you have in order to obtain a line of

credit with the bank?

Does the bank limit the number of loans, or types of loans it

will approve for small businesses?

What is the bank's policy regarding the size of a check you might

deposit that requires holding for collection?

And what about checks less than that amount - will they be

immediately credited to your account?

In almost all types of businesses, it will be to your benefit to

set up with your bank, a method of handling VISA, Master Charge,

and regional credit cards. The important thing here is to

ultimately set up your account in the bank that will service all

of these credit transactions for you - one stop for all your

banking needs. In most instances, you'll find that having the

capability to fill orders/make sales via credit card

transactions, will increase your volume of sales appreciatively.

Once you've made the decision as to which bank is going to handle

your account, you'll need your Social Security Number or your

Federal Employer's Identification Number, your driver's license,

the fictitious name certificate, and if you're requesting a VISA

or Master Charge franchise, you'll also need a financial

statement.

For corporations, you'll also need a corporate resolution

approving of the opening of your business account.

There are different policies exercised in just about every state

regarding installation/hook-up charges by the telephone and

utility companies. Some require a deposit, and some don't.

You'll find that a great number of city business license

departments are there solely for the purpose of collecting

another tax. Depending on the type of business you're asking a

license for, the building and zoning people may inspect your

premises for soundness of structure and safety. Generally, you

won't encounter any difficulties - you simply pay your fee to

operate your business in that city, and the clerk types your name

onto a city license certificate.

Relative to sales tax permits and licenses, each state's rules

and regulations very widely. The best thing to do is call your

state offices and ask for information concerning registry and

collection procedures. Many states require an advance deposit or

bond, and you'll find that some wholesalers or manufacturers will

not sell to you at wholesale prices until you can show them your

sales tax permit or number.

Should your business entail selling your products or services

across state lines, in another state, you're not required to

collect taxes except in those where you have offices or stores.

You may find also that your particular business requires the

collection of Federal Excise Taxes. For information along these

lines, check in with your local office of the Internal Revenue

Service.

Some states also require certain businesses to hold state

licenses, such as those required in many states for TV Repairmen.

These are known as "occupational permits" and are most often

required of barbers, hair stylists, real estate people and a

number of other consumer oriented businesses. If you have any

doubts, check with your state offices for a list of those

occupations that require licensing.

Any business doing business in any type of interstate commerce is

subject to federal regulations, usually through the Federal Trade

Commission. This means that any business that shops, sells or

advertises in more than one state is subject to such regulation,

and this includes even the smallest of mail order operations.

Normally, very few business people ever have and contact with the

federal regulatory agencies. The only exceptions being when

there is a question of your operating your business unethically

or illegally.

Any business that sells or distributes food in any manner almost

always requires a county health department permit. If your

business falls into this category, simply call the county health

department and invite them out to your place of business for an

inspection. The fees generally range from about $25, depending

on the size of your business when they first inspect it for

permit approval.

There are also a number of businesses that require inspection by

a fire marshall, and fire department approval. Generally, these

are those that handle flammable materials or attract large

numbers of people, such as a theater. Overall, the local fire

department has to be allowed to inspect your premises whenever

they desire to do so.

You may also run into a requirement for an air and/or water

pollution control permit. These specifically apply to any

business that burns anything, discharges anything into the sewers

or waterways, or use any gas-producing product, such as a paint

sprayer.

Without a doubt, you'll need to check on local regulations

relating to advertising display signs. Each city or township

makes its own

rules and then enforces those rules according to its own thinking

-check before you contract to have a sign made for your business.

The design and placement of your sign is very important to your

business - specifically to retail establishments - but let me

remind you that your business sign is usually the first thing a

potential customer sees and as such, it should catch his eye and

leave an impression that lasts. It would be a good idea to ride

around your town and take a look at the signs that catch your

eye, and try to determine the impression of the business that

sign leaves on you. This is a basic learning formula for

determining the design, size and placement of your business sign.

Some of the other things to consider before opening for business

- If you intend to employ one or more employees, you'll be

required to deduct Federal Income Taxes, and Social Security

payments from their checks. This will involve your filing for a

Federal Tax Number and necessitates contact with your local IRS

Office.

Most states have "unemployment taxes" which will have to be

deducted from the paychecks of any employees you hire. And there

are a number of states that have income taxes - disability

insurance - and any number of other taxes. Again, the best thing

to do is check with your local office of the IRS. And above all

else, don't forget to ask for the rules of the minimum wage law,

and comply.

When your business grows to the point of needing additional help,

don't be afraid to look for and hire the help you need. when

you're ready to hire someone, simply run an ad in your local

paper and/or register your needs with the local office of your

state's employment service. Businesses either grow or die, and

those that grow eventually need more people in order to continue

growing.

When that time comes, hire the additional people you need, and

your business will continue growing. If you don't, for whatever

reason, you'll find yourself married to your business and your

business growth stymied.

Regardless of how small your business is when you begin, never

walk in with the thought in mind that it's something to keep you

busy. Anyone with an attitude of that kind is a fool. You begin

and make a business successful in order to realize financial

freedom. Establish your business. Put it on its feet, and then

hire other people to do the work for you. And those businesses

that require an operations manager, or someone to run a phase of

the business you're too busy to handle, hire the person needed or

the business will surely suffer.

To protect the investment of your business, you need business

insurance. If you've never had any experience with business

insurance, simply look under the heading of "business insurance"

in your phone directory. Ask for bids from several different

companies or agents...Primarily, you should have a policy that

gives you general liability, fire, workmen's compensation,

business interruption, and vehicle coverage. You amy also want

coverage against possible losses related to burglary, robbery,

Life & Accident, Key Man, and Fidelity Bonds.

As the sole proprietor of a business, you won't be paid as an

employee, so there will be no income tax deducted from whatever

you

withdraw from the company's earnings. What you'll have to do is

a gain check with the IRS Office for a Tax Guide For Small

Businesses Handbook, and probably end up filing an estimated tax

return on a quarterly basis.

The minute you open your doors for business, you'll have to spend

some time engaged in the work of bookkeeping. Exactly how, and

using what forms, you keep books, should be on the

recommendations of a good tax counselor...The same holds true for

your overall business and/or payroll accounting system. Look for

an experienced CPA that knows the accounting problems to your

particular kind of business, and solicit his advise/counseling.

If your business is going to involve the possible purchase or

lease of operating equipment, again seek the help of your tax

counselor for the most advantageous method of obtaining the

needed equipment.

Basically, arranging for your suppliers to give you materials on

credit will depend upon your honesty and personal financial

statement. The best way is usually a personal visit to the

person with the power to approve or disapprove of credit at the

company where you want to set up a credit account. Show him your

financial statement, and explain your prospects for success.

Then assure him that you've always honored all of your

obligations, and that if ever there's a question or problem,

you'd like for him to call you at home. And of course, give him

your home phone number.

We won't go into the exigencies of advertising your products,

services or business here, but there is something along these

lines you should always keep in mind. The best kind of

advertising your business can receive is that you don't really

pay for - publicity.

When something unusual happens to you, your business, or your

employees - that's news, so be sure to tell the news media in

your area about it.

In closing, let me say that the most important ingredient of your

eventual success will be the soundness of the planning you did

before you started your business. Any number of bad things can

really throw your business into a tailspin, but it you've done

your homework well - really set up a detailed business plan

before starting - your losses or setbacks will be minimal.

Success takes planning, and within this report, you've got a

basic checklist...The rest is up to you...Good luck, and may your

life overflow with success in all that you undertake from this

How to Find the Best Business Schools

You are in the workplace and you find that you are working hard for average pay, but you don’t feel that you’re advancing or learning new things; you feel that you are stagnating and are losing your touch on things, or that you are not as fast and as adept, or even as up-to-date on trends as you once were. You are in your final months as an undergraduate, and you have a fairly vague idea of where you want to be in the future: running a business or being part of one, and earning more money thanks to your knowledge and education. In either case, you may want to look for a business school to help you out and make you achieve your dreams – but what are the best business schools?

Despite all the lists and compiled school summaries that you will find both online and offline, the best business schools are really those that will help you succeed in the line of business that you want to get into. There are many different business schools out there with many different specialties, so if you are looking for the best business school to go to as you want to advance your career, or get into the workplace, you will need to know what exactly it is that you want first. Are you going to be doing accounting and auditing? Will you be running a business, managing people, hiring people, handing out salaries or wages, or overseeing processes?

Once you know what it is that you want to do, then you can pick out the best business school for you. True, there are the top tier business schools such as Wharton and Harvard, but consider other smaller business schools that might not be as well known, but are experienced in teaching the business aspects that you want to know more about. In particular, if you can find information on alumni of the school, see if their interests and credentials match yours. You might also want to check if the business school to which you are applying is accredited, as this can be an important benchmark of school and curriculum integrity.

You may also want to consider either a live classroom or distance education as the mode of instruction. If you opt for the live classroom, you will have the convenience of really going back to school and not having a headache over the computer programs and computer-based texts that distance education schools will employ. On the other hand, a distance education program will allow you to go to school even while you are based at home, or while you are still on the job, so that you do not have to go through the inconvenience of having to actually return to school. Look for schools that offer the mode of instruction that you need.

Moreover, look for schools that will offer you financial and job assistance. You can have scholarships or even fellowships to go to business schools, and often, the best business schools receive a lot of funding that will be shunted into their scholarship or fellowship program. Once you graduate, some schools will also offer you job hunting assistance, and others, as they are allied with companies, will actually give you placement.

These are only a few things to watch out for as you look for the best business schools. For more information, look for these schools online, and start planning your future in detail. Once you know what you want, you can find the best business school for you.

HOW TO MAKE PROFITS WITH A COMMISSION MAILING BUSINESS!

There are many mailorder publications that will list your name

under this directory... "Commission Circulars Wanted"...

List your name under this classification and dealers will mail

bundles of circulars to you with a blank space at the bottom of

the ad in which you stamp your name. You mail these out and the

ads "appear" to be your own. You receive money for whatever is

advertised on the circular. You keep 50% and the dealer who

sent you the circulars will fill the order for you for the other

half.

Never mail out a single circular by itself. Mail as many of the

different circulars as you can, in the same envelope. Stuff your

envelopes full. The more you mail to one customer, the more

likely you'll make a sale and the less will be the per unit

mailing cost. Mail order enthusiasts do read these circulars!

Next, run ads in different magazines saying that you mail

circulars for others. Charge whatever you determine is fair.

Use the standard rate charged by others in the business. You

can get this information easily by checking several dealers

offering this service in the various mailorder publications and

adsheets. Then determine a fair charge based on the variations

of your services from the normal operations.

Always mention in your ads that "WE MAIL COMMISSION CIRCULARS

FREE!" Whichever part of the ad the reader responds to, you can

make money. It is possible to run this business into a full

time job and make good money well worth the effort you put into

it.

The best plan to follow is to keep growing. Run an ad every

chance you get. Take on new commission circulars, test them,

keep the ones that pull, omit the ones that do not pull. Before

you realize it, you will graduate from a part-time mailer to a

full time money-maker!

Nine Steps That Put You in the Commission Mailing Business:

1. Order a good rubber stamp with your name and address on it.

2. Send for some free imprints (Commission Circulars). You pay

only the postage for these. They are available from prime

source mailorder firms.

3. Buy a supply of envelopes and stamps.

4. Address the envelopes to the names wanting big mail.

5. When you receive your circulars, stamp your name and address in

the blank space on the commission side of the imprint.

6. Put one of each type of circular in each envelope, filling to

the maximum weight for each level of postage rate.

7. Mail them.

8. When you receive orders, take out your commission.

9. Forward everything else to the source. (The firm or

individual) who sent you the circulars... and you are in

business!

If you are serious about commission mailing, you will take the

time to look over each offer in the Big Mails you receive. Most

everything one needs to follow the nine steps above is offered

in the various Big Mail Packets, most of it free.

There is money in mailing, but it is not as some advertise it

You won't make $50,000 a year by working one hour a week from

your kitchen table. NO! It doesn't work that way.

If you will follow instructions, be happy with from $100 to $400

a week, spending a few hours every night, five nights a week,

then you too can make money in mailing the various offers

available to you.

The nine steps listed above give you everything you need to get

started. It is now up to you. You invest only what you wish,

you grow as big as you want. Just one note of advice... When

you send your commission circulars, send more than one of a

kind... You will pay the same postage to mail one as you will to

mail several. The more you mail at one time, the better the

odds of receiving orders. It's also a good policy to never get

your circulars and your name lists to mail to from the same

dealer.

Yes! Using these nine steps can put you in the commission

mailing business!

Making Money With Your Own Adsheet!

When you are in a position to publish your own adsheet you will

be able to expand your basic commission mailing business for

additional profits.

Adsheets are usually started by the publisher cutting ads from

other magazines and making paste-ups with these "Freebies". The

publisher then mails his adsheets to these various dealers and

asks them to re-run their ads with him at $$ per column inch.

This is a risky beginning because many dealers are not in a

position to buy, or do not want to purchase additional ad space

for one reason or another.

There are a number of publishers who have a method for starting

adsheets that is almost 100% risk free. They send you partial

page, or full page ads, that pay from 50% to 100% commission and

you may run these ads over our name in your first edition of

your adsheet. As paid ads come in, you simply replace these

free ads with the paid ads.

Until you get paid ads for your publication, you have a chance

to make money whether you have paid advertisers or not.

Moreover some companies will give you substantial discounts on

their various mailorder programs if you run their 3x6 ad in the

first edition. Thus you can make money off of their ads and you

get professionally designed mailorder programs at very little

cost.

Also, there are a number of mailorder companies that have full

line printing plants and they will print your adsheet for you at

very competitive prices, in the event you don't have your own

printer.

As you dig deeper and deeper into the world of mailorder, you

will be able to locate and contact many firms and individuals

who will offer many and varied programs and services.

How to Get Your Circulars Mailed Free!

There is another way to get your circulars mailed free. As soon

as you can afford it, become a supplier of commission circulars.

The easiest way to do this is to take "all-profit" offers and

have circulars printed on two sides. On one side have your own

name and address printed. On the other side leave space for a

rubber stamp imprint.

Offer these circulars to circular mailers on a commission basis.

They keep a commission from 50% to 100% on the one side, and

you make your profit on the other. Use the same method for any

offers that you develop for yourself.

You can reach these mailers by advertising in, or subscribing to

several mailorder trade magazines and adsheets. Another way to

locate mailers for your literature is to notice the ads by

mailers; usually at the bottom of their ads they state

"Commission Circulars Mailed Free", which means they get one

side and you get the other, as above.

If you really want to get rolling using this method, take two

"all Profit" offers, one on each side, and give the mailer 100%

on one side. You still make yours on the other offer.

Also, if you are interested in obtaining additional commission

circulars for yourself, include "Commission Circulars Mailed

Free", in your own ads.

Still another way to get your literature mailed free is to

include this little note in all your advertising... at the end

of the copy... "Stamp appreciated". It only costs you two

words, but it could save you a great deal in postage. If you

are advertising in trade publications or adsheets use "SASE"

which means "Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope". The savings

from envelopes, addressing labor and postage can add up fast.

Many small dealers use this method exclusively, even in the

large circulation magazines. They have been using it for years

and it still works!

How to Make $100 mailing 100 Envelopes

By Using the Exchange Mailing Plan!

Regarding this plan they have been telling you to have 5,000 3x6

commission circulars printed, the circulars offering $1.00 items

and paying 50% commission on every order received. Then mail

100 each to 50 "Exchange Mailers" in 50 envelopes marked X-100SY

(which means Exchange 100-Send yours). When you receive 100

circulars from each of the exchange mailers, mail out one each

in 50 envelopes. This way 100 envelopes mails your 5,000

circulars. If you have a good circular offering a popular

seller, and the exchange mailers you sent yours to, are honest

and dependable, you should receive at least a 2% return. Then

they state that this plan will bring $50 profit.

This is the complete plan and they say it works. That it is

working every day for many mailers and that it will work for you!

I have no doubt that it works; however the $50 profit they

mention is Gross Profit before any expenses. Figure it up. By

the time you purchase the printing, the envelopes and the

stamps, your expenses will leave you little if any Net Profit.

Of course, if the exchange mailers send you top pulling

circulars for their "fast selling products" and you receive 50%

or more commission on orders from these, you can make a

substantial Net Profit, perhaps enough to pay for your time and

effort.

If you are serious about making money at home, commission

mailing is one way to do it, but you must have circulars that

offer top selling items. In this day and age of inflation and

high postage costs it is difficult to make a buck by mailing

circulars selling only $1.00 products. You should have a very

minimum selling price of from $5.00 to $8.00 in order to pay you

a reasonable amount!

For just the postage and handling, many mail order firms will

send you commission circulars and the names of other mail order

dealers who will send you all the names you want, FREE! There

are other dealers who are happy to send you their circulars

without the cost in order to defray their mailing expenses. All

you have to do is write and request their circulars or place a

small display ad in various mailorder advertisers and ad sheets

indicating that you mail good commission circulars free!

You can get the names of a number of printers in the mailorder

business who print commission circulars for a very reasonable

fee. I would suggest that you order 6,000 3x6 circulars rather

than 5,000 as suggested on the prior page for the simple reason

most printers like to keep their printing formats and price

schedules in round figures and 6,000 3x6's (approximately 2-3/4

x 5-1/2, not actually 3x6) will fit on 1,000 sheets of the

standard size 8-1/2x11 paper.

If you handle your commission programs on a conservative basis

until you have tested and proven the value of each program, you

can very well make $100+ by mailing 200 envelopes with an

exchange mailing plan!

Postage Saving Tips

As with all your mailorder programs, just like any other

business, you must operate efficiently and save dollars whenever

and wherever possible. In your commission mailing programs it

is especially important to get the most use out of every dollar

you spend on postage and mailing costs. Errors and lack of

planning when preparing mailing programs costs untold millions.

Incorrect scales and mistaken rate calculations account for many

more millions. The use of machines for folding and inserting,

etc., can save substantially when your mailings get large enough

to warrant their use.

Most letters mailed at one ounce rates weigh much less than one

ounce. Save money by stuffing your mailings with other

circulars and inserts unless your mailing involves a special

offer that is best promoted separately. Most people do not

realize that a #10 envelope plus five standard 8-1/2x11 sheets

will go at the ounce rate. It also is a saving idea to print on

both sides of your documents.

With a small battery operated mail opener that costs less than

$20, you can open most envelopes quickly and easily without

damage to the inserts.

To maintain your mailing list on a current basis it will pay to

specify "Forwarding and Return Postage Guaranteed", and "Address

Correction requested".

See your postmaster for third class bulk rate information. If

you are mailing over 200 pieces you can mail for approximate

1/2 the usual cost. It's a simple procedure to get set up for

Bulk mailing. After an initial charge you can renew for an

annual fee. You will get back the cost of the fees just in the

first few hundred mailings, and ride at the bulk rate for the

rest of the year. However, it can take from a week to two weeks

for delivery. Paste on color stickers are used to indicate the

destination, making it easy to sort and bundle by zip areas, etc.

Make sure everything is labelled properly and packaged well to

minimize loss or damage.