Votre Vu

Votre Vu offers a great business opportunity! Are you looking for something different? Votre Vu offers French-made cosmetics and skin care products that have, until now, only been available in European salons. And now you can become a consultant for Votre Vu, and offer these wonderful products to your customers!

I recently interviewed Arlene Lizarraga, a mom who runs her own business as a Votre Vu Consultant. She loves her job, has a lot of fun, and makes great money doing it!

• Is there a start-up cost involved?


• $99 gives you the Start Up Pak, which consists of 5 full sized products and business supplies, such as catalogs, order forms, postcards, brochures, etc. The website is optional at $79 a year with the first month free. Being active allows you to benefit from team cycle bonuses. This 50BV (each product has a BV amount) ships every 4 weeks.


• How much time should be invested by a mom to be successful in this business venture?


• I am very successful with this company and I have only had one soiree, which was my launch party. The rest has been outside orders, done on-line by the customer. Since the product ships directly to one's doorstep, little time is necessary, although if you do more parties, you earn more. I have won several challenges and incentives, giving me $1800 in free product and supplies! Again, this is from outside orders! People love these French beauty treats. Most of the time I spend is looking at orders coming in!


• What type of work is involved (i.e. promotion, selling, etc)?


• You can have a soiree at your home, hostess' home, a wine bar, cafe, restaurant, etc. I simply share my website to everyone I know and that has given me tremendous business.


• As a Mom, what appeals to you the most about this business?


• I love how flexible it is to be with Votre Vu. I get to be with my kids all day and love to see the email confirmations that orders have been placed on my website.


• What is a realistic view of income a mom can expect?


• You certainly can replace a full time job with Votre Vu as some people have. I do this so I can work part-time. One day I know this will allow me to stay home full time. I love how my profit has purchased a flight to Chicago (I'm from California) and a stay at the Westin, a $200 bootcamp workout, and I still have about 1K to spend! Again, this is all from one party and all outside orders on my website. Look out for the Vu Bar, the company's air streamer going coast to coast at major events! Also, Votre Vu has appeared on several television and news shows!


• What would you most want another mom to know about this business?


• Skincare from Paris, France is fabulous! These naturally and botanically based products are spa quality, sold in French salons, spas, and boutiques and now available to your doorstep. Votre Vu launched in January of this year and I am excited to see this company grow. I'm thrilled thinking about what this means for me and my family.

Still have questions about the business opportunity with Votre Vu? Contact Arlene through her website. She will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!

Related Posts:

• Party Plans


• A Must Have Resource for Home Party Businesses!

Make Money Blogging with Advertising

In another post, I discussed how you can make money blogging. I explained how you could use advertising to earn money through your blog. In this article, I will discuss some popular advertising media for blogs.

Types of Advertising

There are three main categories of advertising that you can use to make money on your blog: Pay Per Click campaigns, affiliate programs, and direct ad placement.

• Pay Per Click Campaigns


• Make money on your blog by adding ads provided by a third party. When visitors click on the ads on your blog, you get paid; it's that easy!


• Affiliate Programs


• Affiliate programs allow you to place someone else's products on your blog. When your blog visitors purchase something through your link, you get a percentage of the sale.


• Direct Ad Sales


• If you have room on your site for banners or buttons, you can offer advertising to your blog visitors, and charge them either by impressions (the number of times their banner or button is shown on your blog) or by a set length of time.

Pay Per Click Advertising

Google Adsense

The most popular pay per click advertising is Google Adsense. It's simple and free to sign up for Google Adsense; simply go to Google and create a free account. Be sure to read their terms and conditions before signing up.

Chitika

Chitika ads only appear on your blog to your search traffic. This means that if you have a blog on gardening, and I do a search for "caring for roses", when I show up on your gardening blog I will see ads related to the care of roses. Chitika is very effective, and boasts a high click thru rate.

Bidvertiser

Another great source of income for your blog is Bidvertiser. Just like Google Adsense, ads are placed on your site, and you get paid for valid clicks on those ads.

Affiliate Programs

Amazon

Amazon.com offers a large variety of items for sale. You make money by signing up for an associate account and providing links to merchandise from your website or blog. It's that easy! When your visitors click on the links and purchase that item, you get paid a percentage of the sale.

For a great list of affiliate programs, visit Affiliate Scout. They have many different affiliate programs, split up into categories so you can find something perfect for your blog or website.

Direct Sales Advertising

Last, but not least, you can sell ad space on your blog or website to others. If you have room at the top of your page for a banner, consider selling the space for a set fee per month, or per year.

Related Posts:

• Blogging for Money

Party Plans

If you run (or are thinking about running) a party business, such as Tupperware, Pampered Chef, At Home America, etc..., then I have a GREAT resource for you! Many people are always searching for help with figuring out what to do at parties, how to book more parties, and how to boost sales at parties.

Party Plan Divas

Party Plan Divas offers training to help with organization of your home party business, helping you achieve a balance between family and work, and keeping you focused to ensure your success!

Party Plan Divas offers a "Diva Success System Manual" that will help you run your home party plan business successfully.

Diva Success System Manual

What is the Diva Success System Manual? It's over 100 pages of training specific to the home party business. In the manual, you will learn how to:

• Build Your Business Without Feeling Like You Are "Always Working"


• Stay in Control Of Your Business


• Work These Tools Into An Already Busy Business And Lifestyle


• Manage Your Time And Energy More Efficiently To Get More Done In Less Time


• Train And Recognize Your Team For Their Success


• Build A Solid Client Base With Excellent Customer Service That Keeps Them Coming Back


• Finally Get Organized And Feel The Freedom You Are Looking For That Comes With Running A Successful Party Plan Business

Party Plan Divas Membership Options

There are many different membership options offered on Party Plan Divas. Here is the summary of each, and the cost as of the time of this posting:

• Party Plan Diva - $49/year


• For the party plan consultant looking to take your business to the next level


• Party Plan Leader - $69/year


• For the party plan business leader looking to build your team, and effectively train and reward your team.


• Party Plan Business Owner - $99/year


• If you are looking to train new consultants in your party plan business.


• Vendor - $99/year


• For those who sell products to help enhance the party plan business.


• Success Coach - $99/year


• For writers, trainers, bloggers or coaches who wish to contribute to Party Plan Divas.

Diva Success Sisters

In addition to all the training and mentoring available on Party Plan Divas, Diva Success Sisters offers local networking groups. Visit this site to see if there's a local chapter in your area, or you can become a chapter founder!

For more information, visit:

• Party Plan Divas


• Diva Success Sisters

It Works! Home Business Opportunity

How old does this man look? ...Keep reading and I'll let you know...I didn't get it right, and I don't think you will either!

If you're looking for a business opportunity that offers products to help you stay healthy, and look healthier, It Works may be a great choice for you! They offer body slimming products, skin care, supplements, value packages and FIT Works. If you check out the website, you'll find their product listings, as well as some customer testimonials.

The It Works! Business

The It Works! business is network marketing, and commission is paid based on referrals, and product sales you make. You get 15% commission on your first level, and a $100 bonus for distributors you sign up who sell to 2 customers in their first 30 days.

It Works! Start Up Packages

It Works! has several start up packages available for those who want to start their own home business. The best value is $199; the following items are included in this package:

• 8 Ultimate Applicators;


• Free E-Office;


• 1 free month of the website ($10 a month after free month);


• Free training academy, available 24/7;


• Padfolio containing business tools such as:
  
  • DVD loop
  
  
  • Applications
  
  
  • Flyers

From an It Works Distributor

I spoke to Tara Todd, an It Works! Distributor. She loves what she does! She told me about her favorite product:

"...[It Works!'] signature product is the ultimate body applicator.... it is a natural botanical non woven cloth.. it simply looks like an oversized maxi pad with wings.. simple to use and works awesome!! i have lost 11 inches and 2 pant sizes, reduced my stretch marks and scars on my belly from the product..."

As far as the business side of It Works!, Tara had this to say:

"the company is really awesome.. very intouch.. we have team calls, my team is the top team in the company, i do my own weekly team calls where we give out ideas, tips and just share success stories....
I started march 2nd, i now have 96 people enrolled all online.. very little work... all fun and its truly been my life saver..."

If this sounds like an opportunity you would like to try, click here to visit the It Works! website and read more about their work at home business opportunity.

P.S. The man in the photo at the beginning of this post is almost 53 years old!!! Surprised? So was I!

Send Out Cards Opportunity

If you're looking for a great and creative business opportunity, then SendOutCards may be a perfect option. I recently spoke to another mom who is a distributor for SendOutCards, and she loves it!

I'm sure you're asking yourself, "what is SendOutCards?". SendOutCards offers a service allowing you to send personal cards to your friends and family, complete with your personalized message. SendOutCards then prints out your personalized card and mails it to the recipient. It's easy, and takes less than 60 seconds! Even better, it costs less than $1!

Below is the interview I had with the entrepreneurial Mom, Erinn Hannon. At then end of the interview, I have included the links for you to get more information on this wonderful business opportunity.

SendOutCards Home Business Opportunity

1.) Is there a start-up cost involved? If so, what is it?

There are varing levels of start up costs.

2.) How much time should be invested by a mom to be successful in this business venture?

This is different for everyone and based on what your efforts and time alotments allow. Individual results will vary.

3.) What type of work is involved (i.e. promotion, selling, etc)?

Our business model is just fantastic. It is very simple and duplicatable. We focus on reaching out to people with a greeting card and introducing them to our system with a Gift Account Walkthrough. This is a 10 minute process where we walk them through sending out a card. I choose to be involved in some Networking groups and online social networking groups as well. This is a "belly to belly" business. I love that it is a fantastic personal service that everyone needs and also an incredible business tool for small to medium sized businesses. My options are limitless in promoting and talking about my business with people.

4.) As a Mom, what appeals to you the most about this business?

I do not have to do home parties. I like home parties, don't get me wrong. They are fun! But SOC is something that I can literally do from my phone and computer. I did a gift account walkthrough and signed up a new customer the other day while I was waiting for my daughter to get out of swim practice! My business is portable. As long as I have my laptop and/or cell phone....I can do my business anywhere anytime! The other thing that spoke to me was the fact that I did not have to RELY on my warm market (family and friends) to START this business. Who do your reach out to first when starting a traditional Avon, Arbonne, Pampered Chef business....your friends and family. You need that exposure to build on to have more parties. Of course my friends and family know what I am doing, and some of them are my customers, but I have the freedom to branch away from them from the start.

5.) What is a realistic view of income a mom can expect? (I don't need your specifics, just a basic overview...can you replace a full time job? A part time job? etc)

If a mom wants to make a few extra hundred bucks a month or build a business that creates unlimited residual income that helps them achieve financial freedom, the choice and opportunity is there for everyone. So to answer your question: Can you replace a part time or full time job.....YES! Does that take work and time, YES. The Direct Sales industry is a BRILLIANT way to work and build a business, but it is NOT a get rich quick scheme....just as with any legitimate business, it takes time and effort. But you have the power of time leveraging and duplication!

6.) What would you most want another mom to know about this business?

It feels amazing that SOC is based around such a feel good concept! That is what drew me to it. There is NO other company out there that is offering the service that SendOutCards is. There is no real competition. I LOVE that I can do this at home and everytime I send a heartfelt card to someone, it brightens their day. It is all about "Givers Gain" and celebrating the person receiving the card and not promoting the person sending it. Again, personal use or business use...it is priceless. Especially in today's economy, businesses need to embrace relationship marketing even more to hang onto the clients they have by showing their appreciation and personalizing their service so they stand out.

For more information, please contact Erinn Hannon at erinn.hannon@yahoo.com.

Blogging for Money

Blogging for money can be a great option for stay at home moms to make money. It's inexpensive, and can be free if you use blogger or other free blog sites.

Many people start blogging thinking that they will make an instant income. It's not that easy; getting your blog set up to actually get good traffic and make good money takes time, and a lot of work. But it is a job that will eventually pay off if you do your homework, and can make you some extra money. How much money depends on your topic, how well your blog is set up, what advertising methods you implement, how much work you put into it, and the type of advertising you use.

Starting to Blog for Money

The first step to making money with a blog is to pick a topic. You want to choose a topic that you are passionate about, so it will be enjoyable to write several entries a week.

There are different theories on how much to write per week; some people will tell you to write several small entries each week (8-10 entries about 400 words each) and some will tell you to write a couple long entries each week (3-4 entries of at least 1000 words each).

I personally believe that at first, when you are first starting your blog, it is important to fill your blog with content quickly. In other words, write a lot in the first month, then you can find a schedule to fit your needs. Just keep in mind that search engines like content that is updated on a regular basis!

Choosing a Blogging Platform

There are many websites that offer free blogs. If you're just starting out and don't want to spend a lot of money, this is your best option. Two really common ones are Wordpress and Blogger. Do a google search for free blogs, and find the best one to work for you!

Advertising Your Blog

To make money, you have to have visitors to your blog; to get visitors to your blog, you have to advertise. So what is the best way to advertise? There are several ways to advertise, some are free, some are not. Google Adwords is one way, commenting on other blogs on the same topic is one way (this will also improve your search rankings by giving you links to your blog), putting your blog entries in blog carnivals, and using social networking sites such as Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, and Nimbio.

So How Do I Get Paid for Blogging?

OK, so you've chosen your topic, selected your blogging platform and written some entries. So how do you make your money?

You use advertising and affiliate programs. Google Adsense and Chitika are just two common sites that offer pay per click advertising revenue. Both offer optimization tips to help make you successful. Amazon is perhaps the most popular site that offers affiliate sales. They offer many modules that allow you to place items related to your topic on your blog, and when people purchase them from a link on your blog, you get paid a percentage.

Blogging for Money is Hard Work!

The biggest thing to remember is that blogging for money is not a get rich quick scheme; you CAN make money, you just have to remember that it does take time and hard work to see results!

• Related Posts:


• Using Advertising on Your Blog

PROFITSTUDIOLEARNING.COM IS A SCAM!!!!

I'm sure all of you have seen the new advertisements to "make $750 in the next 7 days with Google!", right? It's a scam! Let me tell you my experience with them!

I got the email one day, clicked on the link to Profit Studio Learning, and read the information. The information offered by Profit Studio Learning is very scarce...all it says is you can make so much money with Google, and to fill in a little form to see if you're eligible for a "free start-up kit". Because, don't you know, there are only a few available!! *rolls eyes*

So...I put in my zip code, and clicked 'Submit'. Lo and behold, I WAS eligible for one of the "only 15" free starter kits in my area. There was no small print on the Profit Studio Learning site for me to read, and the page stated that all I had to pay was $1.95 for "shipping and handling".

Well...STUPID me! I didn't Google Profit Studio Learning first...I thought, it's only $2, so if it's a scam, so what, right? I'm out $2! Whoopey-do!

Here's where Profit Studio Learning dot com gets you: As soon as you pay that $1.95 for this supposed shipping and handling charges (which is bogus too, because they never mail anything to you), you find out that the $1.95 is only for the next 7 days. In 7 days, you are going to be charged $69.90...MONTHLY!!!

Understandably, I was angry...Profit Studio Learning never mentions this fact until AFTER they get your credit card number. Then, they tell you the only way to cancel your account is to mail a letter to them...which you can only hope will reach Profit Studio Learning before they charge your card.

Back to the topic at hand...I send the required letter to cancel my account to Profit Learning Studios the very next day. 7 days later, there was a charge on my card for $69.90, but my access to the Profit Studio Learning website had been revoked. They didn't list their phone number unless you logged in.

Finally, I did what I should have done in the first place: I googled Profit Studio Learning, and found out that people everywhere have been scammed by Profit Studio Learning just as I was. Therefore, I found their phone number, and gave them a call...

Four days LATER...

I finally got someone on the phone at Profit Studio Learning, told them that I wanted my money back IMMEDIATELY. They assured me that the money would be returned to my card within 72 hours. 4 days later, the money was finally returned to my account.

Profit Studio Learning is scamming people by offering information on Google Adsense for $70 a month. If you go to Google, you can get all of this information for FREE!! What kind of company tells you that the starter kit is only $1.95, then AFTER they have your credit card number, say "Oh yeah, and BTW, we're also going to charge you $69.90 every month"?

Stay FAR away from Profit Studio Learning. Just remember the universal rules:

1. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is (especially in the "work at home" arena).

2. Always do an Internet search on a company before you give them ANY money, whether it's a dollar or a hundred dollars.