Archive for November, 2005

Myths and Misconceptions About Starting an Online Business

Wednesday, November 30th, 2005

Are you trying to start an online business? Are you overwhelmed with the many online business programs available or concerned that you’ll lose money by investing in them? While many offers sound too good to be true, there are some very good ones available - but how can you be sure? Learning to read ‘between the lines’ will better prepare you for what’s really involved.

Here are some common phrases used to promote online businesses and what they really mean:

#1 - Simple & Easy

Simple and easy depends on who’s speaking. A doctor may tell you it’s only a ’simple procedure’ but that doesn’t mean that you should attempt it yourself.

Many online businesses ARE simple to operate. If you understand how it works you will be amazed at the simplicity - but getting to that point will require time and experience. You may just need to try a few to get a ‘feel’ for the business before deciding which one is easiest for you.

Those who have learned from experience can look back and see how simple it COULD have been if they’d known what to do all along. Finding a trustworthy guide can be a great assistance to your business efforts.

#2 - Anyone Can Do This

Sorry - starting a business of any kind is stressful and requires a learning curve. If you are attempting an online business out of desperation or the belief you will make easy money you will face enormous obstacles. On the other hand, if you are truly seeking a business you can learn, work at and make a living from, you will find something online that fits your needs.

Studies of successful business people concur that those who make it have common qualities of persistence, patience and desire. These qualities are essential when trying to start an online business - do you have them?

#3 - Turnkey

The term ‘turnkey’ use to mean that a business was set up and ready to go. You will find the term in business classifieds where the new owner can just step in and start running the business. Unfortunately some marketers use the term to suggest a business is fully automated - that there is no work involved.

There is always work involved. If the business really is turnkey than you will begin work right away because it has already been set to go. If you want an automated business you will have to do the work to make it automated. Either way, nobody is going to give you an automated, turnkey business that makes money - they had to do the work, so why would they share it?

#4 - It Won’t Cost Anything

You absolutely CAN set up an online business with no money, but be prepared that a combination of no money and lack of experience will stifle your efforts immensely.

Most individuals who start or run a business with no money have learned how to make use of the best free techniques through experience. They have paid their dues by trying businesses that cost money. They have spent time in and around their industry or market and they’ve been able to see where they can cut costs.

If you are prepared to spend a LOT of time researching before starting your business you may be one of the few who does it right the first time. For most people though, expect to pay something towards your online business education before seeing results - you just can’t buy experience.

Online business obviously has its share of work involved, but finding the right one has enormous payoffs many people are willing to sacrifice time and money to achieve. Running your own business is satisfying and can give you more time to do what you really want to do in life.

Creating a successful online business is within the grasp of nearly everyone who is prepared to stick to it. Face the task of starting your business with realistic expectations while continuing to dream big and you may just surprise yourself!

Practicle Aspects of Herb Gardening

Wednesday, November 30th, 2005

Herbs have been around since time immemorial and served different kinds of purposes. They have been used to treat illness and flavour cooking; they were even believed to have magical powers. Do you want to have your own herb garden? Here are a few ideas on how to establish an herb garden.

Plan your garden.

Consider the herbs you want to plant. Think about their types. Would you like annuals, biennials or perennials?

How much space will they occupy in your garden? If you want, you can purchase a book that can give you the right information on what specific plants you are planning to grow.

List or draw your garden on paper first. Separate the annuals from the perennials so when the time comes that you have to pull out the annuals, you won’t be disturbing the perennials. Perennials can be planted on the edge of your garden so when it is time to till your garden they won’t be in danger of getting dug up.

Another thing to remember is that you have to place the tall plants at the back and the shorter ones in front. Also, provide your plants with enough space to grow. Proper position will help you in this area.

If you would rather keep herbs out of your garden (and some are quite invasive) you could have herb pots. These are large containers with three or more outlets for the herbs. Fill the pot up to the first outlet and plant it before continuing on with the filling and planting process. Usually, the herb that requires the most water is planted in the bottom hole, while the variety that requires the least, goes in the highest hole.

Some Design Ideas

You can consider having a square herb bed. You can have your square bed divided into four by two paths crossing at mid point measuring 3 feet. You can border it with stone or brick. A wooden ladder may also do the trick. You can lay it down on your garden and plant your herbs between its rungs. You can also choose to have a wagon wheel bed. Planting here is like planting with the wooden ladders. Plant your herbs in between the wagon wheel’s wedges.

Get Your Plants Growing

Of course, different plants have different needs, but many of them require alkaline soil. This is the reason why you have to determine the herbs you want to plant in the planning stage. This can more or less help you find out how you should care for your plants. If you germinate your herbs from seeds, remember to follow the directions on the packet for soil, watering and temperature.

Herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow. You just have to provide them with an effective drainage, sunlight, enough humidity or moisture and fertile soil. Even with just minimally meeting these requirements they will be bound produce a good harvest.

The Bird Garden - Creating a Bird Friendly Habitat

Wednesday, November 30th, 2005

Are you delighted by the natural show of birds? Flocks of sparrows descending to the ground for a feast, or a lone blue jay making his noisy calls against a winter backdrop - birds offer the observer and listener both pleasure and entertainment.

If you want to enjoy the company of birds in your yard you can do so by creating a garden suited to their needs. Planting a variety of trees, shrubs and natural grasses can make your yard a desirable destination. There are four needs that you can provide for that will encourage birds to your yard: safety, shelter, food and home.

SAFETY

Birds have many predators. Thick trees, grasses and shrubs hide them from enemies and protect their young. Evergreens like pine, fir or hollies provide dense cover throughout the year while deciduous trees are welcome protection in the warmer months.

SHELTER

The trees and shrubs that offer protection from predators can also protect them from the elements. Even tall ornamental grass can be used as a refuge from inclement weather. Planting bushes close together will provide better protection for your birds.

FOOD

Since most birds are not taught to find food from bird feeders you will attract more varieties of wild birds if you offer natural food sources. Berries, insects, nectar and nuts are preferred to seeds by some birds and will be abundant in supply if you choose these trees and shrubs to plant in your garden.

Plan your garden to offer food throughout the year, for example; blueberry and blackberry bushes in the summer, dogwoods in the fall and hollies in the winter. Oaks, pines and walnut trees will provide seeds and nuts during the year.

Shrubs and flowers can be planted to encourage visits from nectar-seeking birds like the hummingbird. Crabapple trees and azaleas provide nectar equally well as flowers. Shrubs and trees with winter berries will attract non-migrating wild birds throughout the colder months. By offering a varied selection of natural food sources you can enjoy the splendor of all your local birds.

HOME

You may create homes for your birds, or notice them being built in your eves, but providing trees will encourage even the most timid birds to your yard for nesting and rearing their young.

Different birds prefer different nesting sites. Some will nest high in a tree, some will prefer nesting in lower bushes, and others will nest on the ground amongst the tall grasses. The variety of planting you do will encourage more birds to nest in your yard.

Since some birds will only nest in your area for the summer, deciduous trees can provide equally well for their nesting needs as coniferous trees. They can also be a desirable home if they provide an easy source of food to feed their young.

A beautiful garden is well complemented by the company of birds. Provide for their needs and they will surely provide the gift of beauty, melody and entertainment to your garden.