Online Business Resources

Question: What is your name?

Answer: Rhonda Giarraffa

Question: Can you tell us about your business? Please include the business name, and the website url. How long have you been in business?

Answer: Learning Link Direct and Affiliate Learning Links

Question: What made you decide to work from home? Was there a turning point in your life that made you seek being a business owner? Please share your story.

Answer:

I started out very young as a business owner. My first sole proprietorship was at the age of twenty. “The Cake Connection” was a full service bakery that I had dreamed about since the age of twelve. I had a passion for baking and cake decorating. After years of working in grocery chain bakeries, which I started doing at fifteen, I had scraped everything I had to fill a dream. The business did not last for long as I was overwhelmed with ironically too much business, not enough help and a lack of knowledge in running a business.

With no money to fund a formal education for myself, I went back to the grocery chains and dug deep into the business aspect of it all. I dropped my ego, shut my mouth, opened my ears and learned everything I could from listening and taking tons of mental notes. I made a point of keeping a close eye on what the leaders of the industry were doing and read about every business book I could get my hot little hands on. I knew without a doubt I would own a business again one day. That dream came to fruition ten years later when I had the right tools and knowledge to run a business with a solid foundation. I remember having a window of opportunity open that I could not let shut on me. It was a risk but one I was willing to take.

Question: What is the 1 hurdle that you have had to overcome or are trying to over come at this minute?

I did not have the funds to lease office space during the start up stages of “Milestone Marketing” but I did have an extra space at home, a phone and a computer. Working from a home office made sense to me. Every one else in the food brokerage industry had offices and a lot of overhead. My profitability was much higher than those that were paying high lease payments. I stayed pretty silent about it due to the fact that I had more working capital to invest back into my business. That fact paid off for me when the state of California went through a union strike and many food brokers lost more business than they had anticipated. I slipped through what could have been devastating and ended up gaining extra business due to other brokerage companies suffering and ultimately losing business from having too much overhead.

It would take another seven years before I would get hit hard with an economic crisis. After my decision to shut down my beloved company; I once again chose to run another business from home. This time as an educator and motivator to help others get through all of the stumbling blocks in business that I have gone through and learned from. I was drawn specifically to Affiliate Marketing simply because it is in many ways along the same line as being a broker. I am basically doing what I have done for years, promoting product lines and getting that product in front of buyers that are looking for it. The only difference is in this virtual world, I don’t have to get on a plane and travel across the country for a half hour meeting and a huge lunch bill. My window this time is always open. I have found that in internet marketing, there is absolutely no end to the possibilities if you are willing to both share and learn. This is what lead me to launching Affiliate Learning Links. I have a true passion to teach others how to do what I do and how to do it with integrity and moral fiber.

Any last thoughts or comments that you would like our readers to know?

Never give up your dreams but know that dreams are just that until you make a decision to map out a plan to turn those dreams into a reality.

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Question: What is your name?

Answer: Jennifer Thomas

Question: Can you tell us about your business? Please include the business name, and the website url. How long have you been in business?

Answer: BlueChip360 is a family owned business specializing in Jibbitz charms for Crocs shoes, Fluff fashion accessories and beautifully illustrated pieces from Wu & Wu’s Dumpling Dynasty Collection. I started BlueChip360 as an eBay business about 4 years ago. As sales grew, my techie husband created an online retail website for my business at www.BlueChip360.com.  Whether you are looking for a unique and memorable gift or simply shopping for yourself, you are sure to find something that will bring you joy at www.BlueChip360.com !  Visit us and browse our sassy totes, metal frame wallets, luggage tags, etc.  Be sure to check out Wu & Wu’s beautiful collector tins for kids and adults.  The tins are home to sewing kits, explorer kits, beauty kits, craft kits and more!

Question: What made you decide to work from home? Was there a turning point in your life that made you seek being a business owner? Please share your story.

Answer: I worked as a paralegal for over twenty years while my daughter was growing up and my son was young.  I loved my work but always felt I was missing out on a lot with my kids.  When we had an opportunity to relocate with my husband’s work, I really wanted to be a stay-at-home Mom with my then 8 year old son.  By that time, my daughter was grown and living on her own and I realized just how fast time passes and that before you can say, “you’re grounded!” for the millionth time, the babies have grown up and flown the coop!

Within a year of relocating, circumstances required me to supplement our income.  I looked for a way to do it without having to go back to the traditional grind (not to mention I was enjoying being there when my son came home from school, cooking meals, volunteering at school, not suffering from “day-care” guilt and generally just being a stay-at-home Mom for the first time in my life)!  My husband encouraged me to look into selling on eBay so I read Adam Ginsberg’s book on How To Buy And Sell on EBay.  His story was so motivational that I decided I could not only supplement our income, but run a lucrative eBay business, be my own boss and perhaps even turn it into a family operated business!  Looking back, I was aiming pretty high considering I’d never even logged onto eBay before (lucky for me, my husband had been buying on eBay since it first came into existence so he had a pretty good idea of what it was about).  From the very beginning the advice I had read in Adam’s book stuck with me…it was something like:  To be a successful eBay seller, you must set it up and treat it as business.  Do not treat it as a hobby!  I’m pretty sure this probably applies to any type of business, not just eBay!

Question: What is the 1 hurdle that you have had to overcome or are trying to over come at this minute?

#1 Hurdle:  Setting limits on time spent at work.

I could probably work more hours as a business owner working for myself than as a litigation paralegal working a 60 hour week at a busy law firm.  When you work from home, your work is always there and there’s always something that needs to be done.  You could literally work around the clock.  You really need an office where you can close the door, turn off the computer, and not be tempted to “just check on things” every time you pass by.  I eventually learned how to set boundaries by establishing working hours and having a work space where I can close the door to my office on Friday and not return until Monday morning, with few exceptions.

There is another huge obstacle I struggle with and that is the natural distractions and interruptions you run into throughout the day when you work from home.  But that can be another discussion on the topic of  work-at-home hurdles (hint, hint).

Any last thoughts or comments that you would like our readers to know?
My husband was laid off about 18 months ago and has been unable to find a job in his field.  Fortunately, he was able to join the BlueChip ranks and my little business has been able to sustain us so far.  As of this writing, we are in the process of totally revamping our store and hopefully growing it to its full potential of becoming our sole source of income and a true family business success story!  In these tough times, all prayers and wishes for success are appreciated!

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Question: What is your name?

Answer: Marya Miller

Question: Can you tell us about your business? Please include the business name, and the website url. How long have you been in business?

Answer: Sales Copy Writing is my main business site.

I am a copywriter who specializes in ghostwriting information products, as well as writing sales letters and squeeze pages. The clients who have given me feedback on my work tell me my conversion rates run from 6-9%.

I’ve been in the copywriting business since 2008 – and after a ridiculously low introductory offer, found myself with a full-time business – and competitive rates – almost immediately!

Question: What made you decide to work from home? Was there a turning point in your life that made you seek being a business owner? Please share your story.

Answer: My decision to work from home was forced on me. I’m now in a wheelchair, and don’t want to leave my little cottage in the northern Canadian woods. Transportation is difficult, expensive and rare, and most buildings in my area are not wheelchair-accessible.

So I created my own job, using my years of publishing, editing, writing and marketing experience.

Question: What is the 1 hurdle that you have had to overcome or are trying to over come at this minute?

Answer: My number one hurdle that I always struggle with is finding time to promote *myself*! I have a really full schedule, and tend to expend all my energy on my clients – that’s why one client called me “the best-kept copywriting secret on the net.”

Though I have to admit, I’m having fun with my personal Christmas blog this year, www.ChristmasNorth.com.  (My way of sharing the Christmas season with family and friends – and it’s actually working!)

Any last thoughts or comments that you would like our readers to know?

In closing, I’d just like to share a couple of my favorite mottos – “Just Do It” (which is how I overcame a really not very helpful tendency to go for perfectionism in getting my business started) and “Your success is my success” – what I tell each of my clients.

If a woman in a wheelchair diagnosed with actual borderline cognitive impairment in memory and processing… who often has to resort to text-to-speech aids, and vice versa, when writing… can totally find her zone, genuinely delight faithful, regular clients, and make a living on the internet – you can too!

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Do you have a story to share? I want to interview you and your business. Here is the Interview Information

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Need help starting your ohio home-based business?
Contact Stephanie at: buckeyeva (at) gmail (dot)com
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Question: What is your name?

Answer: Andrena Wallace

Question: Can you tell us about your business? Please include the business name, and the website url. How long have you been in business?

Answer: I am an independent consultant for Scentsy Wickless Candles.  Scentsy wickless candles are highly scented bars of wax called “Scentsy bars” that melt at a very low temperature over a 25 watt light bulb in exclusive electric warmers. Because they use no open flame like a standard scented candle, they pose no danger to children, pets or property when used properly. Scentsy candles are leadless, wickless, flameless and smokeless, and are available in over 80 exclusive scents. My website address is Without Wicks.
Scentsy has been in business for 5 years and just recently won the DSA Rising Star Award given to a new company with the most promise and best values.  I joined Scentsy in February ’09.

Question: What made you decide to work from home? Was there a turning point in your life that made you seek being a business owner? Please share your story.

Answer:Originally it was not my intent to have this as my main source of income.  I had a full time job that paid well and had great benefits.  As business picked up with Scentsy and a was growing more and more disenchanted with my full time job.  Two months ago I was let go from my full time job.  In today’s job market finding full time work that paid what I was being paid is not an east task.  So I’ve started doing more and more Scentsy and had a lot of Success with it.  I’ve had more time to spend with my kids, take them to all of their activities, not have to put the youngest in daycare etc… The family has really reaped the benefits.  We managed to make Lemonade out of lemons so to speak.

Question: What is the 1 hurdle that you have had to overcome or are trying to over come at this minute?

Answer: Getting myself to think in a “business owner’s” mindset rather than an “employee” mindset.

Any last thoughts or comments that you would like our readers to know?
Although cliche…”When a door shuts, a window opens.”  You can’t put a dollar value on your family’s happiness.

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Question: What is your name?

Answer: Kathy Caudill

Question: Can you tell us about your business? Please include the business name, and the website url. How long have you been in business?

Answer: My love of fiber crafting has turned a long-time hobby into a small side business.  KC Designs was born in 2007 after I discovered the website Etsy (www.etsy.com) where I can sell (and buy) all things handmade.  It was the perfect opportunity for me to indulge in my craft while experimenting with different designs and fibers.  My main products are cold-weather related: scarfs, slippers, etc.  I’ve recently started to bring in crocheted jewelry to my product line.  I have several necklaces, bracelets and rings that are just so fun!  You can view my online store at: www.etsy.com/shop/kcaudill

Question: What made you decide to work from home? Was there a turning point in your life that made you seek being a business owner? Please share your story.

Answer: Moving from Michigan to Tennessee in 2006, while pregnant with my second child, gave me perfect opportunity to set-up and start my own business.  I figured it might be difficult going on job interviews while 7 months pregnant – who wants to hire someone that will be going on leave 2 months after they start??  So, I did some soul searching and lots and lots of web searching until I finally found my niche.  I couldn’t be happier or more excited to create unique, fashionable items for the every-day person.

Question: What is the 1 hurdle that you have had to overcome or are trying to over come at this minute?

Answer:

It’s a continuing struggle to maintain balance between my family and my business.  Since the holidays are coming up, I want to put as many great items out there for people to see.  Nothing makes a better gift than something home made!  I also struggle with pricing my items.  The supplies and my time alone dictate that my items sell for much higher than they are listed at.  But, I know that this country is also in hard economic times right now, so I currently price my items much lower in order to make them more affordable for everyone.

Any last thoughts or comments that you would like our readers to know?

I love creating new and fun things and am so excited when I get great feedback on something I’ve made.  Several clients have requested custom items in specific sizes or colors.  Making these special requests is really exciting for me.  Of course, I couldn’t do any of this without the love and support of my amazing family!

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Do you have a story to share? I want to interview you and your business. Here is the Interview Information

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Need help starting your ohio home-based business?
Contact Stephanie at: buckeyeva (at) gmail (dot)com
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