Anyone involved in internet marketing may think speeches and presentations are not important skills for them, but that is not true.  The web pages that grab attention now use audio and video streaming, the face behind the site is going to be exposed sooner or later.  In webinars and conference calls, presentation skills are crucial You may have chosen a home based business because you prefer lone working: most people find making a speech more scary than dying!  And because they dread it so much, they convince themselves it will be awful.  As we all know, these predictions become self-fulfilling. 

With a little preparation you can be a killer presenter rather than a dead one - make your presentations memorable, fulfilling your purpose and meeting the needs of your chosen audience.  Challenge yourself to take a radical approach to the whole business of presenting with some simple techniques that you can adapt to suit.  If you deliver a speech in your style you will enjoy it more, and so will your public.  Everyone needs to make good speeches or presentations – if you get involved in network marketing your presentations are key to earning your living.     We all see a lot of presentations and some are memorable for all the right reasons – stimulating and interesting, leaving the audience wanting more.  Others could at best be used as cures for insomnia, or can make the audience resent the waste of their time.  The best presenters deliver a clear message with conviction and work hard to engage the audience, with impressive results.  The converse is also true: no amount of technical expertise will help if there is no message in the talk, or if the speaker clearly has no faith in it.

Never overload your listeners with excessive detail: few, if any, talks are purely for information exchange despite what many people think.  They are for building credibility, respect, understanding, trust or relationships - but for pure information download they are inappropriate.  Of course information is exchanged but not as much as the average speaker hopes or expects.  Use visual aids if they serve a purpose, but not as a hiding place.  They should support the message in the way that best meets the needs of the audience.  Never read verbatim from notes, or simply repeat the bullet points on your slides, because it’s a waste of everyone’s time.  If you have nothing to add, then you don’t need to be there!

Thorough preparation
‘It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.’ 
Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)
‘Public speaking is very easy’  Dan Quayle, US Vice-president to George Bush 1989- 1993

Always know the outcome you want from a presentation.  It may be to tell people about your business, secure their co-operation, or sell them something.  Ask the right questions from the outset to clarify the purpose and appropriate style.  First, why are you speaking?  Who are your audience and what will you want them to do as a result of listening to you?  How can you influence the outcome?  It is pointless giving any talk if you don’t know why you’re there.  You will check that your message is clear: can you explain the key ideas in two sentences?  How can you support that message in a memorable way? 
 
Now prepare your speech outline: like any good story a presentation needs a beginning, middle and an end.
Beginning
· Who you are and why you are making this presentation
· What your presentation is about and why it is being given
· Why it will be of interest to them
· How long it will take
· When and if they can ask questions
· Whether there will be handouts
· What you hope to achieve by the end of the presentation
Middle
· Essential facts relevant to the group you are presenting to.  What is the key thing you want the audience to understand?
· What logical order will you follow?
· ‘Nice to know’ points to be added if time permits
End
· Bring together and summarise the main points of your discussion
· Thank the audience and invite questions

Emotional State
It is good for your emotional state to feel prepared, and a courtesy to your audience Stage fright is less apparent to the audience than to the speaker.  Most accomplished speakers still experience it, but they manage their emotional state to overcome it.  It does not matter how you get into a good emotional state; the results are the same.  Always arrive early for presentations and while you relax for a few minutes, mentally rehearse how you want it to go.  The difference between enjoying your presentation and dreading it is the way you use the nervous reaction.  By taking control and using the adrenalin rush positively you can perform well and come away satisfied that you have achieved what you aimed for in your presentation.

You can improve your physical state, to support your emotional state.  Keep your voice well-lubricated, but not with tea/coffee/alcohol – these dry out your vocal chords.  Drink water and if necessary have a cup with you (placed safely out of the way) during your presentation.

Be conscious of how you breathe.  When you breathe in, aim to feel as if you take air in as low down in your body as possible without your shoulders having to rise.  Take a relaxed, deep breath before you start to speak.  It will make you feel calmer and more confident.

Don’t do all the talking if you don’t want to – get others to participate by challenging your listeners, asking them questions and stimulating discussion.

Good posture is very important if you want to get the best out of your voice.  Remember to stand up straight.

Warm up your voice!  Chew an imaginary toffee!  Hum gently up and down!  A properly warmed-up voice will sound alive and free.  Massage your face to warm and relax the muscles

If you find your mouth getting dry during the presentation – gently bite the tip of your tongue.  This releases saliva back into your mouth

Stretch, tense and relax your whole body.  Shake your fingers and wrists, roll right and left shoulders individually and then together.

Presentation skills
Your presentation skills give your words life.  It is not a good idea to give a ‘canned’ presentation. Rehearse.  Prepare and practice by all means – but let the material take second place to your energy and individuality.  You want a certain outcome.  If you fix your presentation too rigidly it becomes an end in itself rather than a means to an end.

Any effective talk must communicate your arguments and ideas, persuade your audience that they are true, and be interesting and entertaining.  Business speakers sometimes forget about the third item, thinking (mistakenly) that work is serious and entertainment plays no part in formal presentations.  Some think it follows automatically from the first two (it doesn’t).   Others believe that if a talk is entertaining, it can’t at the same time contain a serious message.  Not true: you can communicate and persuade effectively and entertain at the same time.  Keeping your audience interested and involved is essential because you need their full attention to get the message across.

Listening is hard work, especially at conferences.  When audiences attend talks over a period of several hours, they need the speaker’s help to maintain their focus, or one conference speech merges with another. This is the true meaning of “entertainment.”  With serious topics entertainment doesn’t mean making your audience laugh out loud.  Instead, it’s about helping them stay focused on and interested in what you have to say.

Begin by reminding them how long your speech will be, and whether you are taking questions during the presentation, afterwards – or even not at all! During the presentation look around – make eye contact with as many people as possible. Move around if you feel more comfortable, use your hands to express yourself – but avoid distracting mannerisms.  Remember to smile! (some of the audience may be as nervous as you).  Focus on the people who are nodding and showing the most interest.  This will help bring the rest on board. 

Winding up
Finish your speech with a positive summary of the key points and point the way ahead – question time, follow-up contact: whatever you are offering.  THANK THEM for listening.  Stay professional even with a hostile audience

It is a myth that experienced presenters don’t need to prepare thoroughly.  After all, they are coming along to hear what you say – people may even be paying to hear you.  If you are properly prepared you will be remembered for all the right reasons.

Making money online in the comforts of your own home is a dream come true for anyone with the desire to get out of the everyday 9-5 routine.

Advantages
You can learn what real freedom is; you will have more time to take care of your family, be your own boss in your own home business, work when, and where you want, have flexible hours and no dress code.  You will have the opportunity to earn income in over from all over the world.  It is much less expensive to start your business online, then through the conventional ways.  Your family can even help you in your online business.

Proven Success
Many business people are making a good living by having their business on the Internet.  And this is just the beginning!  Each day more and more people are getting away from the traditional lifestyles that working for other people provide.  They are able to have more free time with less stress.

Training
There are many ways to build a highly lucrative business on the Internet.  With the vast number of people who are willing to provide you with all the latest tips, ideas, and insider how-to information to create multiple income streams, you cannot lose.
Where else can you can learn in as few as 3-5 hours a week, how to earn a full-time income without interfering with your current job, profession, or career.  How to use Internet technology to be in 50 places at one time or get all your advertising for free

Low Cost Way to Earn Income Online.
Because of the Internet, your business expenses are minimal.  You have easier access to customers that traditional business does not offer.  Instant communication — All free!  Remember that you have access to people all over the world with an online business.

Turning Dreams into Reality.
Anyone, regardless of financial situation, education, what country you are from, or background has the opportunity to reap the rewards of success with Internet business opportunities.  This is because your income can come from the productivity of people in dozens of countries.  You can live in a very small country without a lot of economical growth and make the kind of money that people in the richest countries are making.

Global Income means a Secure Income.
The economy of one nation can affect the financial situation of all other countries; this is because we are becoming a global nation.  Your income is steadier by coming from different nations.

Check out every listing you review. Find out if there’s a salary or if you’re paid on commission. Ask how often are you paid and how you are paid. Ask what equipment (hardware/software) you need to provide.

Avoid listings that guarantee you wealth, financial success or that will help you get rich fast from home. Stay clear of listings that offer you high income for part-time hours. They will do none of the above.

Ask for references - request a list of other employees or contractors to find out how this has worked for them. Then contact the references to ask how this is working out.

If the company isn’t willing to provide references (names, email addresses and phone numbers) do not consider the opportunity.

If it sounds too good to be true, you can be sure it is!

The Work at Home Jobs You Don’t Want

Data Entry Jobs - You’ll see lots of listings for data entry jobs. They are usually either positions posting ads or a sales pitch for a kit that will get you started.

Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) which involves recruiting new people, and more new people, to sell the product. If all you are doing is trying to find more people to do what you’re doing, keep in mind that there are probably thousands of other people attempting to do the same thing. None of them are getting rich.

Online Businesses - Do you want to start your own online business and get rich? Be very wary of these type of ads too. What ‘ll you do is end up paying for a guide to working at home which duplicates information you can find free.

Posting Ads - There are lots of ads saying workers are needed to post ads on online bulletin boards and forums. You don’t get paid to post, rather you may get paid if other people sign-up.

Processing Claims - In order to get “hired” you’ll need to buy equipment, software and pay for training.

Stuffing Envelopes - Believe it, or not, there are still people saying that you can earn $3 or $4 per envelope to stuff them. You can’t. All major companies have postage machines which stuff, sort and meter mail.

The winner in the scam contest are the sites that offer to sell provide you with information on only legitimate work at home jobs - for a nominal fee, of course. Don’t do it!

How to Find Out

How do you find out if the posting you are responding to is legitimate or a scam? Check our Work at Home Scam information to research companies before you apply.

Are you so serious about working at home that you would pay money to prove it? If you answer yes to that question, you are a prime target for scammers because this is one tactic they love to use. They may word it differently on various websites and advertisements, but the main point they want to get across is that by sending them your money, you will be “proving” how serious you are about working for them.

Nothing could be more ridiculous. Have you ever seen a legitimate company do something like this? Imagine applying for a job at any established company, and as you are handing your application to the receptionist, she says, “Thank you, Mr. Smith. In order to prove you are really serious about working for us, we will need to charge you a $19.95 application processing fee. Will that be cash or credit card?” Ridiculous, right?

Yet, that same intelligent, hard-working Mr. Smith would think nothing of sending his money to an obscure Paypal account if the owner claims to have work at home jobs available. It’s just one more example of how scammers prey on your desperation to work at home. They know you are eagerly searching for a way to earn an income from home, and they know that you’ll do anything to make that happen.

The good news is that this tactic makes the scammers incredibly transparent and easy to avoid. By asking for your money, they are “proving” that they do not have anything to offer you, because legitimate companies will not charge you any money to work for them.

So, how do you prove you’re serious about working for a company that does offer legitimate work at home? It’s a little more complex than whipping out the credit card. Here are three ways to make telecommuting employers sit up and take notice:

1) Make sure your resume and cover letter are in top form. If you’re not confident about your ability to write your own resume and cover letter, definitely pay a professional to do them for you. A good cover letter can be all it takes to grab the attention of a hiring manager, while a targeted resume can accurately portray your skills and experience, which will result in getting that coveted interview.

2) Apply for jobs you are truly qualified for. While it may be tempting to apply for any home-based job you come across, your application will carry more weight if you focus on jobs that complement your experience and qualifications. Avoid applying for jobs that you are grossly overqualified or underqualified for, or jobs that have nothing to do with the experience you have. If an advertisement specifies that no experience is necessary, you can certainly apply, but be sure to mention in your cover letter why you feel you would be the best one for the job. Highlight any experience you do have that would help you to excel in this job.

3) Portray yourself as a true professional in every way. From the moment you begin composing your application, it is imperative to demonstrate why you would be an asset to the company. Give special attention to your application and review it several times to be sure there are no errors. Learn as much as you can about the proper way to apply for jobs, interview strategies, and professional etiquette. It may seem like a lot of effort, but it is time well-spent! The attention you put into the process will reveal a lot about you, and make you stand out from the other applicants who may be more careless.

See how easy that is? Okay, maybe it’s not as easy as shelling out $19.95, but this way you’ll actually EARN money, instead of losing it! It may take time and determination to get a legitimate work at home job, but if you do all you can to prepare yourself and approach it in the right way, you will be successful. And the next time someone asks you if you’re serious about working at home, you can honestly answer yes — and you won’t have to touch your wallet to prove it.

In a culture obsessed with high tech gadgetry, cellphones, credit cards, fast cars, large houses, and job titles — it should be no surprise that most people experience stress and anxiety.  The strain of striving after material advantage and the dictates of the Almighty Dollar have made many people virtual slaves in their offices.

Even after working more than 50 hours a week… even after getting every material need and luxury that money can buy… many people still live unhappily.  The corporate success, instead of bringing fulfillment, has left many executives and employees with a feeling emptiness and disillusionment.

The over-concentration on fame and fortune have made many professionals weary and depressed. The incentives, awards, and accolades somehow could not help them get rid of stress and anxiety.

But there is still hope for the tired executive and the downtrodden worker.  Stress and anxiety need not ruin lives and careers.  To get back on track, it may be helpful to consider the following advice on how to be an achiever who lives a balanced life:
Writing It Down

What we really are lacking is balance.  A good start would be to have a career and life plan that balances your time and effort between the office and the home. If we plan carefully, we will most likely make the right action or choices. Life shouldn’t be a big enigma. Life can be made simple and enjoyable. A career or life plan must start with having a stated purpose.  Knowing what you really want helps you get rid of unnecessary fatigue brought about by things which are not really important to you.  Knowing your priorities also help you get rid of unnecessary worries and prevents you from wasting energy. Writing it down — putting your plan on paper — is the first step on having a balanced life. Your first agenda would be knowing what you want.  Do you prefer to have  a fun personal or family life, vibrant health more than having financial success or a well-respected position?  Maybe you can have both without making any sacrifice in terms of time or quality of life? When you write it down, the process of marking your priorities would be much easier.

There is a lot on the internet about starting your own medical transcription business and that is a wonderful idea!  But did you know you can work from home as an employee?

Many people do not want to have to contact doctors and hospitals to obtain their own clients.  This is why being an employee is so attractive.  It is sometimes difficult to get your own clients if you live in smaller cities or rural areas.  There usually isn’t much employment at all in rural and smaller areas without commuting a good distance to find work.   

If you are an experienced transcriptionist and generally have around two years experience, you could be hired by the many companies in the United States that will provide the work for you.  Many of these companies have health insurance, 401K, life insurance and other benefits. 

Another advantage is if you move anywhere you can take your job with you and that truly is a luxury.  Although the pay is somewhat less than it would be if you had your own business, you can make a good living from transcription at home with a company providing you the transcription work and avoid all the headaches of self employment taxes, paying for your own benefits, etc., that come with starting your own transcription business. 

Working from home as an employee is a very good option, when starting your own business is not feasible because of your location and when the extra work of running a business comes into play.

If you would like more information, visit my website at: http://www.medical-transcription-home.com

Diana Owen, MT

Many people have never heard of affiliate marketing or simply may not know what it means. It is also referred to as getting paid to type ads. Firstly, I will say affiliate marketing is one of the best opportunities to make money on the internet and just about anyone who makes A LOT of money online will tell you so. But first, let’s talk about what affiliate marketing really means.

What is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is simply when individuals like you and me promote other people’s products and earn a commission for every sale made as a result of your promotion. The promoters are better known as affiliates and the owner’s of the products are usually referred to as vendors or sellers. Affiliates are provided with a unique link containing their own tracking code which links to the vendor’s website. When people click or visit this link and make a purchase at the website, a portion of the sale will go to the affiliate. The amount depends on what the vendor has previously stated. This amount is usually stated as a percentage but may sometimes be a dollar amount. Affiliates may generally promote their link as they like, either online or offline. Affiliate marketing is a win-win situation for both vendor and affiliate. Vendors do not have to worry about advertising costs as affiliates can do all the promotion for them. Affiliates can either promote companies for free or pay for advertisements at various outlets.

The majority of online sellers now have some kind of affiliate program setup for their website. More and more companies and individuals are seeing the huge benefits of having thousands of people promoting their product. This is good news for you, as this provides more opportunities for you to make money. You can find an affiliate program for just about whatever your interests are. Some of the most money making affiliate programs are in the gambling, financial, web hosting and work at home industries. Information products also usually pay very high commissions. Many web hosts pay their affiliates from $60-$100 per sign up. That can easily give you an idea of the money making potential. More average payouts, however, are in the range of $25-$40 per sale. There are networks which also provide a large listing of various affiliate programs. Some of the more popular ones are Commission Junction, Be Free, Linkshare and Clickank. If you’re looking to make a good income from home, we definitely recommend taking a look at affiliate marketing.

Many people may be intimated by the idea of typing ads and promoting companies. Actually, it’s quite easy! Thousands of people around the world are affiliate marketers as more and more people are seeing the income potential. The best part is, anyone can do it and your income is only limited by how much you put in.

What is the growth prospect of Virtual Assistant profession worldwide?

The virtual assistant industry is growing by leaps and bounds. Initially there were only few Virtual assistants, but, now there are at least one million people situated globally. Virtual assistants both collectively and individually are spreading this concept and many are joining them daily. Many administrative assistants, office managers and experienced professionals have recognized Virtual assisting as an achievable and viable option for them.

Why people choose to become Virtual Assistants?

The reasons are many. Many people think that it is a lucrative option to earn extra income, while others consider it as an option to have a control over their destiny and some take up because they can spend more time with their family, while some take due to illness and health problems. The internet revolution has enabled people to work from home. Many people become virtual assistants due to their aspiration to earn more, due to their experience and knowledge and also due to the potential of the Virtual Assistant industry.

Does any one need a business license to become a virtual assistant?

It depends on where he lives. In States like Georgia, every independent contractor or Virtual assistant needs to possess a business license while other States does not require. It is better to check with the local county and state to be sure of all the legal protocols before setting up a Virtual assistant business.

Is training necessary to become a Virtual assistant?

It all depends on the person. Some would have got all the experience from the previous jobs, while some require to undergo training to gain confidence and knowledge to handle certain issues and tasks. As the virtual assistant industry is growing day by day, the competition and the business require to undergo a training to stay successful.

How can the Virtual Assistant business marketed effectively?

Virtual assistant business can either be marketed via Internet or offline. When opting the offline method, brochures, flyers, business cards, press releases, postcards, advertisements in yellow page and writing articles are very effective. Through internet, websites and online ads can be used to advertise effectively.

Mystery and Shopping all began in the early 1900’s. This method of market research was used to test or check the honesty of employers. No ordeal at all. The pay and assignments were no problem for the secret shoppers.

The pay for secret shoppers depends on the shop and the money for mystery and shopping ranges any where from $15.00 to $175.00 and plus more. This will depend on the company or business and the type of secret or mystery shopper’s job/s assignment/s, – ‘ANYWHERE!’

And ‘Free’ goods, merchandise, bonuses, coupons, and gift certificates go along with the shop. You are also reimbursed as well, with some mystery and shopping jobs.

What are some of the advantages? No boss, the number of companies are increasing, set your own hours, no certification required, accept as many shop jobs as you like, work when you want, use your Laptop or PC from home, home office, mobile as you are traveling, and you can submit the report from anywhere. The shop assignment reports, ASAP it after finishing from your vehicle must meet the deadline.

The Mystery and Shopping assignments are with different types and kinds of businesses such as - amusement parks, merchandiser, supermarkets, hair salons, quick lube an oil shop, retail shops and stores, restaurants - many, banks, hotels, automobile dealerships, focus groups - for specifics, theaters, and even assignments to evaluate movie trailers and the latest movies or videos.

There are varies names for Mystery Shoppers – Secret Shoppers such as: Performance Audits, Spotters, Merchandiser, Telephone Checks, Employee Evaluations, Virtual Customers, Mystery Customer, and Secret Shopper.

Important key factor! Look your best as a Secret Shopper when on assignment.
The mystery and shopping work is done in person, even though the information concerning the shop can be submitted via your computer. The quickest way for businesses to receive your ‘True’ feedback and to meet their deadline.

The equipment! To be very successful as a secret shopper is very minimal. To name some and this will vary as the business you are secretly shopping for will let you know in advance.

So, to name several tools: Telephone and/or cell phone would be excellent choice. And with a telephone - one that has an answer machine or say, voice mail for messages. Computer, tape recorder, camera and a video camera.

The logic behind the shopper tools or equipment is to be able to keep a record of the mystery shopper’s honest results or experience. The businesses may need the recording/s. In addition, recall will not need to be done. All is recorded or taped so you have when you fill in the report for the assignment/s. Is this easy?

So, you as the secret shopper for mystery and shopping job/s assignment/s can log it as the company or businesses request it per their factual and honest feedback and/or opinion/s from you as a shopper. You have to in others words, be able to recall the information that they need - companies or businesses you secret shop for.

Here is a very important question that we are asked. Do I have to keep the mystery and shopping or shop a secret and when I perform the shop?

Yes, as a ‘secret shopper’ you ‘NEVER’ reveal it during the shop; to tell or telegraph at all. Also, very very important the shop is to be KEEP ‘CONFIDENTIAL’ and (Information) as well, a second biggie.

This incredible information can have you working and receiving offers to “work” as a mystery shopper in less then 24 hours. If you are a stay at home mother, college student, retired, looking for extra income, 2nd job, part time, or full time job, or ‘ANYONE’ who can’t, or doesn’t want to, fit a “real job” into their schedule, I urge you to check it out right now.

About Us: A101Shoppers.com is certified professional & verified site dedicated to ‘Mystery Secret Shopping’ throughout The USA, Canada, Internationally, & Locally.
With offers to ‘WORK’, Working in ‘LESS’ than 24 Hrs, Latest Updates, Information, Links, and SO Much MORE. Please VISIT> a101shoppers.com
.
Printing is ‘FREE’ with link to our site.

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Virtual Jobs. The future is here. With more companies downsizing, the need for a virtual employee or contractor, is increasing daily. Have you ever called a company and the customer service agent was in another country? That’s because big corporations, like major toy stores, may get 100,000 incoming calls or more a day! To staff enough people taking those calls, would require a bigger call center building, agents, electricity, phones, computers, more fuel used for travel to and from the job site.
Therefore, the need is apparent. But where do you find a good job, working at home? Search the internet for “work at home” and over 1.8 billion results are returned. Wow! That’s a lot to sift through. That’s exactly what I did. Day after day, searching for “work at home virtual jobs”. I searched for months, till I found them. I applied, my son applied, and then my girlfriend applied. Took a bit more time than a regular out in the world application. But we were all hired. Great companies that hired work at home agents. We take inbound customer service calls for really big companies. Paid by the minute, we average $8-$18 per hour, depending on peak call times.
Working at home is very rewarding from my side of the fence. I make my own schedule. I take off when I need, and I don’t have to ask anybody. I will say, it does take a lot of discipline. So easy to take too much time off, you really have to treat it like any other job. Except for the drive to work. We have to be on time for the schedule we make. But the pro’s far out weigh the con’s.
By now you are asking where do “I” find a job like that?
I will give it away. After all of the research, I found about 33 companies, more as I check them out, that hire work at home agents. The list is totally free for anybody that wants it at http://thegadgitech.com on the work from home tab.
I sincerely hope this information gets out to a lot of people in search of working at home. A lot of the 1.8 billion sites out there, charge for this kind of information. I give it away to help others help themselves.