Monday, December 22, 2008

End of the Year and Going on a Diet

So it's the end of the year and the parties are almost at an end. What are you planning for the New Year? Are you like many considering going on a diet? That's like the most famous New Year's Resolution that I think exists on the planet. I'm no expert, but it's what the media gears towards. You'll see! In the coming weeks, the dieting advertisements in magazines and commercials on t.v. are going to surge. Not only will they encourage you to buy exercise equipment, but pills, lots of pills, pills like Leptovox and Hoodia.

Of course, it goes without saying that you should consult your doctor before starting any new diet regimen, but lots of people don't do that! They just start a diet hoping for the best when it might actually make things worse. Either way, be safe about it, huh! I'd recommend that if you are thinking about taking diet pills you check into diet pill reviews. Speak to friends and neighbors and yes, even your doctor to ask for recommendations. It's the only way to fly!

I'd love to hear from you. Comment Below or Email Me Using the Sidebar Link. Thank You. :-)


Sunday, December 21, 2008

I Need a Big Break!

Aren't you ready for a bigggg break. This last quarter has been a bear. It's been fun! It's been busy! and It's been TIRING! I'm exhausted. Where would you go? I mean, I know that family takes precedence at this time of year, but let's say after the holidays, wouldn't you love to make las vegas hotel reservations? OK, well maybe if you don't like Las Vegas, what about New York. Ooooo! How about some place exotic? Of course, this is all in my dreams, LOL! One day I will take a big trip and won't have to worry about the money. So, yeah, what about you?

I'd love to hear from you. Comment Below or Email Me Using the Sidebar Link. Thank You. :-)


Thursday, December 18, 2008

Holiday Internet Sale Rush Coming to a Close.

Well, the time for the holiday rush is coming to a close and whatever sales you made this month can start to be counted. I was very surprised by the number of buyers who were unhindered by the economic downturn. Overall, I did read that those who had internet stores would do o.k. considering, but I had only hoped in my case since my stores are still in relatively beginning stages, babies really on the internet scene.

However, they did do enough for me so that I can probably pay myself a little bonus and I am happy about that. I even felt comfortable going to Red Lobster to celebrate. I hope I didn't do that too soon. There are still a few more shipping days left if buyers are willing to pay.

Remember that watch and purse I keep mentioning that I want to get for myself, but haven't dared to spend the money. I found a watch that I really like. It's called a Patek Philippe watch and it has an annual calendar with a brown leather bracelet. Oh Yeah! Maybe someone who knows me and is reading will get this for me. LOL!

So, I start where I began. Having internet stores has saved my family yet again. I hope you really consider building a store or two this coming year. I will never regret doing it myself.

I'd love to hear from you. Comment Below or Email Me Using the Sidebar Link. Thank You. :-)


Thursday, December 11, 2008

A Step in the Direction of Success

While you are busy with your business this last few good shipping days before Christmas, I'm busy too. In comparison to last year, I'm not as busy as I was. How about you? Do you notice a definite decline in sales or is it relatively comparable? I'm still in the relatively comparable stage, but am slowly leaning towards the definite decline. We'll see what the next few days brings.

In the meantime, one of the major 2009 issues that I'm in need of making a decision on is getting insurance quotes for my health insurance. I've been covered under my husband's health policy, but I believe my business might be able to handle that bill for me, so I can't believe I'm going to be able to do this, but it looks like I'm actually going to be the one controlling what health insurance I get under my own company.

That is a huge step for me. It means that I've been doing well consistently enough that I can start adding more expenses. It's scary and at the same time exciting. It's scary because I don't really know what the future is going to bring. Anyway, I jumped almost without looking when I started making money online and I have not looked back with regret. Shouldn't I continue to look ahead?

I'd love to hear from you. Comment Below or Email Me Using the Sidebar Link. Thank You. :-)


Sunday, December 07, 2008

Customer Service at Odd Times

I just received a call from a disgruntled customer who received a damaged product. I understood her plight and helped her as much as I could until tomorrow. Considering it is late Sunday night, my husband said she was fortunate that I answered the phone. I answered him by saying that I am going to answer the phone for the next two weeks at whatever time it is necessary to get the sale. Is this crazy?

For the most part, throughout the year, I usually answer the phone whenever I'm available. I don't mind this since throughout the day, the phone is nowhere near ringing off the hook. This is a home business. The flexibility is amazing, so I have to be flexible with my customers as well.

Whether you are selling door hardware to handymen or fancy diamonds to superstars, I believe that providing good customer service is key to making sure your customers come back or refer you to their friends. You should believe that too and act accordingly.

I'd love to hear from you. Comment Below or Email Me Using the Sidebar Link. Thank You. :-)


Two Good Weeks Left - Holiday Shopping.

Well, we have two good weeks of selling left to go before things start to either go haywire or slow all the way down. Are you ready. I remember feeling so stressed last year because as the only person handling all business coming in and going out, I had nothing left to give at the end of such a busy season. My husband helped a lot, but it still wasn't enough. I needed more people.

However, considering the way things have been going economically, I didn't expect this past week to be crazy even though I hoped. So, what did happen? It was awesome as much as it was busy. I might even be able to go out and buy myself some sexy lingerie to celebrate at the end of the year, LOL! I'm not going to count my chickens before they hatch as it were, but things are good so far.

Here's my tip. Offer something FREE to your customers. It doesn't have to be something expensive, but everyone loves a free gift. You'll be surprised at how this little change can boost your sales!

I'd love to hear from you. Comment Below or Email Me Using the Sidebar Link. Thank You. :-)


Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Are You Ready For The Next Big One?

The holidays are almost over and planning has already begun for the next big one, Valentines Day. I know, I'm sure there are other holidays in between, but Valentines Day brings in lots of sales. Are you preparing?

I wonder what having a new president will do to the economy over the next few months. Do you think there will be more weddings, more house buying and more babies? I guess those are things that happen no matter what, but whenever there is a big world event going on, some things seem to increase.

Anyway, men, get your engagement rings ready. Women, make sure you're taking in lots of Folic Acid and Couples, now's the time to buy a home. I wish I had waited four years. The house prices have gone so far down that I know I would've been able to buy one with a low low mortgage. Oh Well! Hind sight is always 20/20 as they say.

I'd love to hear from you. Comment Below or Email Me Using the Sidebar Link. Thank You. :-)


Saving Your Business In Sparse Times!

WOW! It feels like forever since being able to come on here and write to you. I've been so busy. I can't say that I wouldn't like to be busier. I have noticed a significant decrease in sales compared to last year. Even so, I am busy, so I have to thank God for that! I know money is tight and that's why I'm not surprised by the drop in my bottom line. I really expected Cyber Monday to bring in more money. We didn't do too bad over the weekend.

How have things been going with you?

One thing I believe I'd like to pass on to you who are thinking about e-commerce. You must build more than one website. In the sparse times, that is what has always saved me. When one product line isn't doing too hot, the others seem to kick in. The market is so fickle and so you have to be fickle too. When in Rome....

I'd love to hear from you. Comment Below or Email Me Using the Sidebar Link. Thank You. :-)