What’s that have to do with growing your business?  Well quite a bit after you hear my little story.

I was in need of an extra key for our house, so I went to the local hardware in my little town.  Now let me paint you a picture, I live in a “mayberry” town without Floyd the Barber.    It’s just a small little place, but we love it here and most folks are either related or go to church with you.  So it’s one big family.  But back to the story…

I walked into the hardware and spoke to the sales person at the counter whom I have chatted with many times.  I said, “I need a key made.”  She told me that the owner was the only person that could make keys and he wouldn’t be in until the afternoon, but to try down at the drug store.

So I got back into my car and drove less than a quarter of a mile to the drug store, where I was greeted by a cute little blond girl and I said to her, “I would like to get a key made please.”  She smiled sweetly and said, “The lady that makes the keys is on vacation for the summer.”  The Summer!!!

So I just started laughing and got back in my car and went to the local Wal-mart to have the key made.

This is a very funny story, but not so funny if it is happening to your business.  When you are away, who is making the keys?  Do you have an assistant that can take care of “anything” that comes along?  Or are you the type of business owner that must do everything themselves?  Do you realize how much business you are loosing when you are away and nobody else is trained to make the keys?

Whether you are a brick and mortar business or an online business owner, you must build a team of trusted and trained individuals that will be there when you can’t be to keep the company going.  You can use a virtual assistant, an online business manager or a social media manager to help run your business.  Or you can use part-time interns from the local college to make sure all the keys are made in your shop and not at the nearest big giant shopping center.

Isn’t it time to evaluate your business and focus on its growth instead of keeping all the trade secrets to yourself?  But without a trained key-maker, you will be just another stop on the way to getting a key made.

How many times do we ask ourselves that question?  What is it that I’m supposed to do on this earth?  What’s my purpose?  How can I make a difference?

Lately, I have really been pondering that question.  I have been struggling with what I’m truly supposed to be doing on this earth and for mankind. As I begin to find the answers to my questions, it is obvious to me that I am here to serve God and God’s people.  He has given me so many gifts, abilities and talents to share with others.  And what I have to offer are things that so many other people need.  I’m sure you are the same way.  We each have unique gifts and I think it’s our purpose to share those gifts with others.

This video is a great reminder of what we are here to do.  Take a look.

Maybe you are thinking about building an online business, but don’t know what kind of business it would be.  Think about what it is that drives you.  What’s your passion?  What would you do, even if you didn’t get paid for it?  You can build a business based on that.  There’s always people looking for what you have.  What is your unique gift that you could share with the world?

Don’t you just love free stuff?  I sure do, so I thought I would start sharing the free tools I find with you every Friday.  Is that Ok with you?

Today is the last day to take advantage of my friend and fellow-blogger, Michelle Schaeffer’s free offer to get any one of her free online business reports just for completing a very short survey.  I just completed the survey and it took me less than 5 minutes! Then I got to select one of Michelle’s products for free and I got a report that is showing me more ways to drive traffic to my website.

Here’s the link for the survey – http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TKQGPMF

Basically, you will be helping Michelle develop new programs and products that will help all of us in our business and for taking the time to complete the survey, she is giving you one of her valuable reports.  So get over there today, because tomorrow will be too late!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TKQGPMF

It’s much less expensive to start an online business than a brick and mortar one. There are several business models that really don’t require much more than $11 a year for a domain name and $10 a month for hosting. But for some people, the technical aspect of putting up a website can become quite daunting. What can you do if you want to set up a business website but can’t afford to pay someone to do it for you?  Let’s reveal the secrets to building a successful WordPress website!

WordPress is becoming one of the most preferred choices for new beginners and established marketers alike. While primarily a blog platform, WordPress has so many different themes/templates, and plugins to work with that you can create a static website or a blogging based site that has new content added every day, quickly and easily.

When you purchase your hosting account, you will see that you can quickly add WordPress to build your site through your hosting control panel. All you do follow the instructions and click install. All of the techie hard stuff with databases and is done for you. When the installation is completed, log in to your admin panel in WordPress and begin adding Plugins, adjusting the Settings and creating the look and feel you want.

But what if you don’t know the best plugins to use, what they can do for you and how you can start getting the most from your efforts? Don’t fret! Kim Doyal who is better known as “The WordPress Chick” has come together with us to create an audio recording in which she shares her secrets.

One of the most important aspects to think about when designing your blog and getting it ready for the big wide web is your visibility. Did you know that there are thousands of blogs started each and every day? This makes the competition a little tough if you do not optimize your site the best way possible so people can find you first. Kim will show you the best way to increase your visibility, tricks for making your blog SEO (Search Engine Optimization) friendly, and how to encourage people to post comments on your blog. Comments will encourage other readers to participate and this in turn helps spread the word.

Kim also shares with you other tools and resources that she has found, tried and tested that will help you maximize your efforts while minimizing your time being spent. Who has all day to spend tweaking and playing around with their blog when business has to be done? These tools will help you increase your traffic and aid in the stickiness of your site.

There is no reason why a new beginner should be afraid to start their own website/blog today when there is excellent and affordable help from experts like Kim Doyal who are willing to spill the beans and help you start making as much money as you can. Check out the “Hanging with the WordPress Chick” audio recording. It’s only $17! Get on your way to a successful website and a ton of fun with WordPress.

PS. Here’s a handy little guide that I just developed that will help you get started building your online business.  You can have it for free, just because I think it will really help you!  Get Your Business Online in Less than 2 Hours and for Under $100!

There is so much to learn when you decide to build an online business.  Like, how do I build a website on a shoestring, where will I find clients, what should I charge, where is my target audience hanging out?  Today, I have been working all day on a Joint Venture (JV) project that I hope will raise a lot of money for some very sick kids and also help me build my list as well!  And the good news is, if you are needing to build joint venture partnerships, you can join me!

What is a joint venture? My definition is where you form a partnership with another person or company to help drive traffic and sales, build awareness, and fill your marketing funnel.  Most of the joint ventures I have been involved in require you to offer a free gift in exchange for email addresses of the recipients.  So I threw together a little free guide on getting your business online in less than 2 hours and for under $100.  I think people will be interested in receiving that for free, don’t you?

But anyway, back to how you can get involved in the joint venture with me.  If you’ve been online for any time at all as an information marketer or student of online marketing, you’ve probably heard of Dr. Mani or purchased some of his products. He’s one of the most successful and respected information marketers, coaches and sought-after instructors working today. But did you know that he is a practicing pediatric surgeon in Chennai, India?

And did you know that he has raised more than $137,200 from donors and portions of his profits to sponsor heart operations for more than 70 children with congenital heart defects?

And did you know that the Niche Affiliate Marketing Workshop (the fastest growing internet marketing workshop in the U.S. today) has adopted Dr. Mani’s foundation as the focus of a listbuilding and joint venture workshop during the week of NAMS4.

From Aug. 20 to Aug. 27, 2010, we plan to raise at least $10,000 that will go to the foundation to directly fund open heart surgery on at least 7 children?  You can help drive traffic to this monster giveaway to encourage folks to donate to the Dr. Mani Children Heart Foundation with just a couple of emails.

Here’s what super-fundraiser Beth Kanter says about Dr. Mani:

“Dr. Mani is simply amazing in his passion and dedication to his cause. His knowledge and ideas about personal fund raising have also helped and inspired many other people – like me.”

We’re expecting more than a million emails to go out that week to promote this event. You can step in front of that stream of traffic by joining us today. Contribute a product to the event to drive traffic to your website and build your list.

Don’t have an expertise in internet marketing? No  problem? We’ll have software, reports and books from all walks of life, especially in self help, education, self improvement and building business online.

I was invited to be part of this great JV and now, I’m inviting you too. We’re shooting for 1000 contributors and 100,000 members during that week.

To get the “by Invite Only” private JV details, just go here.

http://nams4kids.com/go/219/jv

See ya around…partner!

PS and here is the link to pick up that free guide I mentioned above.   Get Your Business Online in Less than 2 Hours and for Under $100!

If you enjoyed, “Need To Build Joint Venture Partnerships? ” please consider sharing it with your online friends by clicking the social media links below.

I am always looking for places to promote my business or to get backlinks to my site.  Listing your business on social media sites is a great (free) way to promote your business and build a loyal following.  And there are many online directories and resources to find just about anything you want.

But my friend and wonderful VA (virtual assistant) Cyndi Papia of Office To-Go Virtual Assistance has developed an online business directory where you can promote your business and make a difference for a charitable organization!  Cyndi has just launched Business Directory Listings (http://businessdirectorylistings.net/) for any business to purchase ad space while making a difference for a nonprofit organization.

I asked Cyndi what prompted her to set up this site, and here’s what she said,

“I honestly want to help small biz in any way I can because that’s the only way this economy will get better and it truly is my way of helping.  I figure they get to take a tax-deduction for advertising expenses, I donate the money to charity because I have “enough.”  I’m not rich but I also know donations go down when money is tight, so it gets put to good use.  The 10% covers website hosting and a tiny bit of my maintenance time having to check out and approve each listing.  I put my name out there on the site to be transparent as a lot of directories are “anonymous” business people.   I’m going to post the cancelled checks as proof of the donations so people know it’s legitimate.”

Cyndi already has several businesses that have jumped on board with her.  How about you?  Want to make a difference for a nonprofit organization and get your business listed in this new directory?  Hop on over to Business Directory Listings and get signed up today!

Please share this blog post, “New Online Business Directory” with your online friends, so they can take advantage of the new directory for their business!

That was a major topic of conversation yesterday as I traveled to Atlanta with some dear friends to attend Fabienne Fredrickson’s Millionaire Mindset seminar.  The question was asked, ” Do you consider yourself an expert?”  Which developed into a great discussion about the definition of an expert and why some people don’t think of themselves as an expert.

According to Wikipedia, (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expert) an expert is someone widely recognized as a reliable source of technique or skill whose faculty for judging or deciding rightly, justly, or wisely is accorded authority and status by their peers or the public in a specific well-distinguished domain. An expert, more generally, is a person with extensive knowledge or ability based on research, experience, or occupation and in a particular area of study.

Whew, that’s a big definition!  My definition is, an expert is someone who has experience and knowledge about a particular topic and is willing to share it.  This is my favorite thing to do.  I love sharing things with others!  It doesn’t matter if it’s knowledge, new ways to build your business online or the best place, in my opinion, to get Red Velvet Cake!  So I guess I am an expert of many things.  My client’s seem to think so too, here are a couple of their comments:

Many Thanks for the wonderful time, energy and creative skills you put into my fabulous Fan Page ~ Mega R. Mease, Advanced Energy Therapeautics.com

Terri, you’ve done it again! You’ve made something that I tend to make complex and put it in a bite sized piece for me! Thank you. Each time I read your blog, I get just a little bit more of what I need to know and feel a little more confident about the use of social media. This is no small feat for a luddite like me! ~ Melanie McGhee, L.C.S.W ~ Peacefruit.com

Thanks, Terri! Your information is always so timely and helpful. I’m going to save this article and read it over and over until I’ve done all of your tips. Great job! ~ Linda Pucci, Ph.D. ~ Inner Resource Center.com

And just this morning, I was pleasantly surprised to be recognized when I went to the mailbox!  Yep, that’s right. I had received a beautiful coffee mug and leather coaster from EzineArticles CEO, Christopher Knight, acknowledging me as an EzineArticles Expert Author!  Loved it!

So are you an expert in your field?  Please share with us so we can take advantage of your expertise!

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Is your response to this is …ahhhh….that sounds so great! It’s a powerful concept and one that tugs at your heart.  You want to use your talents and skills to earn a living.  You know people that have already done that.

Why not you?

Why not now?

What would an ad for your ideal job read as? What’s your hot button?  What kind of an ad would you respond to quickly, as soon as you saw it?  Write one out for yourself right now…dream big.

Click the Image to Order Your Copy

If you think that that‘s just a dream, then you’re right.  That’s exactly what it is. Understand this first, the future has been and always will be designed by dreams.  All successful people use them, believe in them and stake their future on them.  Your future is waiting for your dream to be designed.  First, in your mind, then on paper; make it real by writing it down.  And lastly  – Make it Happen!

There’s a sense of satisfaction, personal pride and accomplishment that comes with being able to showcase your strengths and abilities.  And where you’re at now may best be described in the book, The Dream Giver, by Bruce Wilkinson, when one of the characters states, “This isn’t what I was made to do…I just know it!”  Does that speak to you?  Good. Then you’re ready.

There are a few things you’ll need to bring to the table, such as passion, the right attitude and tenacity, to name a few.  Passion gives your dream oxygen.  It keeps it burning.  It keeps it alive.   Attitude, well attitude can make or break your dream.  Tenacity makes you keep at it.

With this in mind, are you ready to make a commitment?  Say, “Yes that’s what I really, really want!” But do you know how to get there?  Do you know what to do next?   Do you want some practical guidance, some strategy, some help?

Lorin Beller Blake

Where do I go to get the next step? ……. I’m glad you asked.  I’m hosting the queen of doing what you love and getting paid for it, Lorin Beller Blake, Founder of Big Fish Nation on April 22^nd in my Social Media “T” Room.  You’ll want to be on this call so you can take yourself to that next step.  For more information and to register visit Social Media “T” Room.

Ahhh. …what a delightfully refreshing concept, to get paid for doing something you really want to do!

If you enjoyed “Want to Get Paid Doing What You Love?”

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Whether you have an Internet-based or a brick and mortar business, we all want more traffic or customers coming through our doors, right?   There is an online tool that can make a major impact on your marketing effort to bring those customers in.  It’s called Google Local Business.  It’s quick, easy and best of all – Free!

Here is a short video that explains everything about Google Local Business.

Isn’t that great?  Get your business set up on Google Local Business now and get ahead of your competitors!

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How do you run your business?  Do you have a business plan?  What about a budget?  Do you rely on a board of directors to help you with big decisions?  I rely on God for my business.  Because without Him I wouldn’t have a business at all.

My friend, Laurie Neumann with Christian Home Business Connections, has just released her new book, Run Your Business God’s Way (affiliate link) and I wanted to share the link for those who are interested in getting a copy.

She’s offering it for a limited time for only $9.95.  This eBook is filled with Scripture verses and insight so that you can get busy running your business God’s way. 

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