Relationship Marketing | Build Your Online Business

I was recently asked what methods  I used to keep myself motivated in my business.  It should have been an easy answer because even while working in the corporate world, I had a successful skin care business while working with a number of women to build their own business.  Later I had a Customer Service home-based business for two years where I had to schedule my own hours, and have now been working in my online business for over one year.  The answer did not come very easy though, because there were times I did not feel motivated and there were times when I wanted to give in and give up.

After thinking about it a while I realized that there has been a common thread through all my experiences: support from like-minded people.  When I did not feel like making those three customer calls per day, or leaving my home to do a Beauty Show or call my team members, all of which were important aspects of my direct sales business, I would call a peer who was managing her business successfully or my Sales Director, or even listen to a motivational tape or CD.  Those conversations served to energize me and help me get my thinking back on track.

Moving forward to my online business, there were times when it felt like I was moving further away from my goals rather than moving towards them especially since no one in my direct circle was involved in an online business.  However, relationships that were built during online classes allowed me to stay in contact with some Mentors and classmates as we have communicated with each other through Skype, e-mail and the telephone.

Interestingly, over the past month through the first 30-day challenge I've met and am coming to know some incredibly supportive  people, and this has continued through to the current 30-day June challenge and is expanding.

My recommendation as one way to keep yourself motivated is to find and connect with like-minded people.  These will sometimes be networking groups in your community, or if yours is an online business, in online groups as well.  People want to be able to relate to others and have a natural sense of wanting to be part of ‘something.'  When you find people that you share common interests and goals with, this can go a far way to help you keep yourself motivated in whatever you do.

How do you keep yourself motivated in your online business?

Making $100 does not seem like such a big deal in the offline world, but making your first $100 online seems to be a much greater achievement.  Do you remember the first $100 you made online?  Or, have you made your first $100 online?  You may be new to the internet or just recently started your business.  On the other hand you may have been online for sometime, but it just has not happened.  Do no despair; it can and will happen.  It's easy to feel that you are a failure because others seem to be achieving success at a faster pace.  There is nothing wrong with you as a person; you may not have been shown how to do so.

I remember when I got my first affiliate sale how excited I was, then my second and it seemed to stop for a while.  It was challenging for me to continue because I was used to seeing growth quickly in my business in the offline world.  But I persevered and I am so glad I did.  As I continue to learn the various ‘how to's' correctly, I have the opportunity to share this information with others.

One of the persons I've learned from is Kathleen Gage and was most recently in her VIP Program.  Kathleen has produced some amazing reports and her “Discover How to Make Your First $100 online” is chock-full of information that when applied will propel you forward.  Kathleen has been charging $17 for this report, but on June 1st the price goes up to $27.00.  I would recommend that you get a copy of this report before the price goes up.  She will also be including an MP3 for a limited time.  This report, along with others by Kathleen like, 5 Simple Steps to Money-Making visibility for Your Blog have been of tremendous benefit.

Order Kathleen's “Discover How to Make Your First $100 Online” before the price goes up on June 1st!

This is a guest post by Lisa Robbin Young.  Lisa Robbin Young is a certified direct sales marketing coach, teaching direct sellers to grow their business like a real business instead of an expensive hobby. Sign up for her free weekly ezine at http://www.homepartysolution.com/

5 Tips to Save on Your Taxes

By Lisa Robbin Young

As a business owner, at least here in the United States, Ben Franklin reminds us that there is at least one certainty in life: taxes. As a direct seller, you may have opted to build a small “side gig” to earn a little extra operating funds for trips, to give your family a little “more” or just to fund your shoe shopping habit.

Ultimately, though, if you're producing revenue, you've got a business, and Uncle Sam wants his due. Even if you're not profiting from your direct sales business, there may be some taxable situations that will effect you.

Mind you, I'm not a tax professional, but my friend, Scott Lovingood is, and he shared some great tips on his call  for the Small Biz Super Summit this Spring. While the deadline for filing your taxes for 2010 may have passed, now is a great time to consider ways to get your finances in tip top shape this year. (more…)