How to Monetize Your Website or Blog

If you have a website, blog, ezine, or newsletter, I'm sure you consider your content valuable to your readers and potential customers. So, why not get paid for it in the meantime? If you're new to this idea, then this article will help you. There are several ways to go about monetizing your website or blog:

Google Adsense
This is one of the most popular and best ways to monetize your website or blog. Google Adsense will put advertisements on your site that has to do with your content. So, how do you get paid? You get paid when someone clicks on the advertisement. Here are some resource sites that will help you better understand Google Adsense and help you sign up.

Google Adsense Sign Up
More information on Google Adsense


Clickbank
This is a program that offers several different types of products you can promote on your website and get as much as 75% commission on them. You can choose any product and as many products as you would like to promote or advertise. This is another lucrative way to make money from your website or blog.


Clickbank.com

Text Link Ads
Text-link-ads.com brings targeted traffic to your website or blog. Similar to Clickbank.com, you make money from potential clients clicking on text-based ads inserted on your site. You receive 50% commissions on everything and they also have an affiliate program which gives you $25 for every person you refer to their company. Read more here:

Text-link-ads.com

Here are some additional sources for making money on your website or blog:

JuiceBoxJungle.com

Blog Traffic Cash


Remember, just because you create a website, doesn't mean people want to see it or work with you. Give them a reason to , by enriching your website or blog. Make some extra money!

How do you make money on your website or blog? Share ideas with us.



Tamara Garrison-Thomas
www.garrisonprosperitysolutions.com
follow me on twitter: www.twitter.com/tamarargarrison
follow me on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/People-Who-Prosper/125968110792129

Side Hustle

I know, I know. Sounds like something illegal, but I'm not talking about anything like that. Whether you have a 9 to 5 job, own a business, or are a domestic diva, I believe everyone should have a source of additional income or as I like to say -side hustle-. Below, I have listed a few -side hustle- ideas that have made people a good amount of extra income. Hope you find something you like:


Affiliate Marketing
This is probably one of the best ways to make extra money online. Affiliate Marketing allows you to sell certain products from your website on commission usually via advertisement or referral. It's an excellent way to make extra money, even in your sleep! Some great affiliate programs are right in from of you, you just have to look. Here are some of my suggestions:
BBWO: Black Business Women Online
TheCEOMamma Marketing Blog
Magnetic Sponsoring
HostGator
Vistaprint.com

Read Emails
Now, you won't make thousands of dollars doing this, but it is a good option to make an extra few hundred dollars a month. Here is a company you can sign up with:
Read emails

Social Networks
Yes! You can get paid to socialize with people. I know we have facebook, twitter, and myspace but these social networks actually pay you for visiting the site, getting friends, and even clicking on advertisements. Of course you want to choose the best one. From my research here are two that I thought were the best:
Crazygood.com
Swom.com

These are all great ways to create additional income for yourself. If you need help deciding which one would be the best, or need more information, contact me. BUT you should do something. If you would like to work with me and my team as your -side hustle- contact us today! garrisonprosperitysolutions@gmail.com .

If you already have a -side hustle-, please comment to this post and share it with us! You never know who could be interested.



Tamara Garrison-Thomas
Updated 6/4/11
http://www.garrisonprosperitysolutions.com/
garrisonprosperitysolutions@gmail.com 
follow me on twitter: www.twitter.com/tamarargarrison
follow us on facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/People-Who-Prosper/125968110792129

How to Not Get Overwhelmed in Business

Yeah I said it. OVERWHELMED! Let's face it, we all deal with this at some point in our lives. Being overwhelmed or feeling overwhelmed. There are so many factors of building a business that can be overwhelming or seem like too much to handle. Here are 3 ways to keep yourself from being overwhelmed or get out of your overwhelm-ing-ness
Step 1- FOCUS
Step 2- FOCUS
Step 3- did I say, FOCUS?

Last week, my husband decided to purchase a new couch for our living room. We are moving into a new house soon but I didn't expect him to start buying furniture anytime soon! Anyhow, he starts sending me pictures of all of these couches and living room sets that he liked and thought I'd like and I almost threw my phone across the room! I appreciate him trying to take initiative, use his time off wisely, and make a purchase for our family, but the thought and process of choosing a couch set via text message pictures made me really overwhelmed and I couldn't handle it! There were so many pictures coming in, I had students in front of me (I'm a teacher by hobby :)), and I just couldn't FOCUS on what he was asking me. Eventually, I just asked him to find out what the return policy was, what their weekend hours were, and asked him to choose one he liked (If I don't like it, I can return it later).

Compare this to your business. If you are always looking at what others are doing, have so many business ideas that you start and stop on, then you are not FOCUSed. There's no way you could be successful with so many OTHER things going on. You need to chose. In my book, The Motivator (coming this summer!), I share that you should write down the actual hours you are going to work your business during the week and stick to them! Having a set amount of daily working hours will help you to not get so overwhelmed.

I mentioned earlier, "looking at what others are doing": If you were privileged enough to experience the twitter party this weekend, you saw or read information about so many different business people. Which was so cool to see. (Hat's off to LaShanda Henry of Black Business Women Online...mybbwo.com) However, if you are not FOCUSed in your business, still trying to figure out what services you're going to offer, then that might have been a little overwhelming for you. You were probably the one looking at everyone's website, getting ideas of what you want to do, then seeing someone else's website and seeing something ELSE you want to do, and eventually having too many ideas to choose from (don't get me wrong, it is always nice to check out other peoples websites to support them and refer people to them, but stay focused on what you are trying to do)!

Here are some things you need to do, in order to find your niche in business: First, you need to take the B.A.T. (Business Aptitude Test: determines what type of business would best for your personality type). This test will help you decide what you would most enjoy doing, if you could FIRE YOUR BOSS tomorrow! Second, you need to find a business coach ( I know a great one offering a FREE introductory consultation that can help, ME!). A business coach can help you create a business plan and hold you accountable for sticking to the plans. Once you have these two steps done, you will be on your way to success.

Remember the old saying, "time is money". So you are losing out when you are wasting time and distracted by other peoples websites and services You are losing out when you are wasting time and doing things in your free time OTHER than working your business. You are losing out when you are not FOCUSED on your goals for building a successful business. Remember, "when you are not focused, you fail".

See you at the top!

Tamara Garrison-Thomas
http://www.garrisonprosperitysolutions.com/
garrisonprosperitysolutions@gmail.com
www.crazygood.com/refer/whywait

This Job's For Anybody

A few months ago, I went to a business meeting and it was very interesting. The featured presenter was there answering questions from prospects and he was taking 7-8 minutes to answer each of them! He would even get off track and lose focus of the question he was answering. And as I sat there, a bit annoyed by his tangents, I realized that ANYBODY can build a business! This guy literally makes MILLIONS of DOLLARS a year and all he does is just talk to people. He goes off on random bits of information, and gets so excited it seems he can't even breath but yet HE'S SO SUCCESSFUL! So, the key is to be yourself. Yes, we should study our business and know the "ins and outs", etc. But just being yourself and allowing people to relate with you is a huge factor in building a successful business.

That's a big part of Internet Marketing as well. Although you're not meeting people face to face, they need to and want to like you before they decide to do business with you.  That's why it is important that you understand the concept of "branding" yourself. In a nutshell, you want people to be attracted to you. You should include photos on your website and offer training videos taped in your house so they can see you in your regular habitat. Give them ways to gain easy access to you. This makes people feel more comfortable with you and want to do business with you. Let's face it, we only have the friends we have today because something about them attracted us to them. Whether it was their personality or something they had to offer, that's the bottom line. Therefore, you have to do the same on your website to make people like you and want to do business with you! Market yourself on social network sites and leave your business cards with people you meet. Those simple things (to start) will help you get exposure to people that need your services.

Tamara Garrison-Thomas
http://www.garrisonproperitysolutions.com/
www.crazygood.com/refer/whywait

Revised 5/12/11

How Health Brings Wealth

Have you ever thought of this concept? That maybe by having a healthy lifestyle you can actually make a substantial living? You could experience freedom and create your own retirement plan? You could be at home with your kids more and make decisions on whether you want to work or not? If you said "yes" to anything above, then there is a way to help you.

I have discovered a company that has not only laid the foundation for an opportunity

that would span the spectrum of wellness but actually has a great line of products. These products contain antioxident properties good for streghthening the immune system, supporting cartilage and joint function, promoting a healthy respitory system, and make you look good too!

But it’s not just this product that can benefit your health and life but it can also benefit your income. Offering a lucrative compensation plan, this company is second to none in helping others build a successful business. Whether it is part time or full time. The bottom line is your not selling a product; you’re building an empire.

I work with a team of dynamic individuals who have the passion, proof, and resources to build a team of successful business owners. All you have to do is, get started. Stop questioning yourself and procrastinating. Research shows that the main reason why most people do not start a business(or do things to better themselves) is due to fear of failure. Well , let me tell you now, there are going to be times in your life when you fail. It's inevitable, because we're human. The difference between you and others that fail SHOULD be that you get back up and try again. That’s evidence of a true and successful “go-getter”. If you don't believe me, read the biographies of "go getters" like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Robert Kiyosaki, and Carlos Slim Helu. So, if you’re ready to change your life-story then let us help you!

Click here for more information => I’m Ready For Change


Tamara Garrison-Thomas
http://www.garrisonprosperitysolutions.com/
http://www.businessadvice2011.blogspot.com/
Market your business and get paid! www.crazygood.com/refer/whywait

Don't Let Your Business Fizzle, Make It SIZZLE

So, today I'm going to briefly discuss the difference between business and sizzle cards. First, what are business cards? Usually business cards are bits of information with your name, business information, phone numbers to reach you and email address. EVERYONE should have a business card. EVEN IF you don't necessarily own a business. It's just an easier, classier, neater way to pass on your information when you meet someone.

The difference SIZZLE cards, although sometimes the same size as business cards, have an advertisement as opposed to just your information. They are often seen with dollar bill numbers and faces. For example: As you're walking down the street, you see a $100 bill and pick it up. You think you’ve hit the jackpot but instead it’s a card that reads: Tired of Living Paycheck to Paycheck? Earn $2000-$3000 Part Time! Call now for more information. 555-555-5555

See? There’s a hot, SIZZLING message that allows your prospects to make the choice to call or not and create their own jackpot. Now of course the point is to pass out or drop as many of these cards as you can because the odds of someone getting in touch with you then are much better then giving 5 o 10 out a day. Do your research. There are plenty of great Sizzle Card companies, that have good messages and quality cards to offer. So, today I’m going to create my own electronic SIZZLE card. These are great to post on different sites as well. Here's my ELECTRONiC sizzle card:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WOULD AN EXTRA $600 A MONTH HELP YOU OUT?
Tired of being short a few dollars a month? Want to replace your existing income quickly? We can help.
Check us out and see how it literally pays to have friends.
www.crazygood.com/refer/whywait
Check out how my partner made $600 in 4 months
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G26qHI4C5fY&feature=youtube_gdata_player
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What would your sizzle card say? Comment below.


Tamara Garrison-Thomas
www.garrisonprosperitysolutions.com
www.businessadvice2011.blogspot.com

Updated April 27,2011

The Difference Between a Franchise and Network Marketing

What is the difference between a franchise and network marketing business model? I meet a lot of people who are not sure of the differences, but if you plan on becoming a business owner you should be knowledgeable of different business models.

Franchise

A franchise is the right or license granted by a company to an individual or group to market it's products or services in a specific territory (dictionary.com) In other words, you (franchisee) would be a third party owner of an already established company (franchiser). You would be given access to the trademarked goods, advertising and marketing methods, and services of a company. You would be given certain territories and continuous training to maintain the franchise. Some franchises need actual buildings or locations and products like a Starbucks or Subway. Others might just provide the material to get started like an interior design franchise that would give you all of your swatches. In exchange for these perks, you would pay a percentage of your gross income and fees to the company. The start up fees of a franchise can range from $8,000 to millions of dollars.

The advantages of owning a franchise is that the company will provide you with all the materials you need to get started. Including logo use, uniforms, and interior furniture and design. You also have support from the company to make your business successful.

The disadvantages of owning a franchise are that you have to be in a location or territory chosen by the franchiser. Therefore, you will work long hours concentrating on the success of your business. If you don't work, you do not make money. But for those who are passionate, it is worth it. You also have restrictions on how your business is operated and have to take inventory on all of the products brought into the store. There is training available, but you have to adhere closely to the policies. Another disadvantage is that you have to pay the franchiser a percentage of the stores sales. You do not get to keep all of the money you make.

Network Marketing

Also known as Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) is a business model in which an independent contractor is compensated for their personal sales and the sales of others they ask to join their team, creating a residual income (residual means continuous). A legit network marketing business is established to help advertise or MARKET a product. Instead of spending millions of dollars on advertising for television, radio, or through ads, a company offers the product to independent distributors or contractors that do the advertising for them. Therefore the millions of dollars that would have gone into the advertising would go directly to the sales force. As an independent contractor, you also get paid for building teams of people that are doing the same thing you are. Because you are marketing a product you usually have to purchase product monthly to have it on hand for your use and as samples. Start-up fees are very minimal ranging from free to $500.

The advantages of a network marketing business are that anyone can do it. Because the start-up fees are so minimal, anyone can learn to operate the business. You also receive everything you need to start including training. The training can help develop business knowledge and for some build self-confidence. As an independent contractor the only money or fees you are paying to the company is the product you order monthly. Otherwise you get to keep all of your earning income. Another advantage is that you do not have to have a location or territory. You can run your business from anywhere. You also have total control of your working hours. Most people start out running their business part-time, but once they see the fruits-of-their-labor, decide to go full time.

One disadvantage of owning a network marketing business is the turn-around time on seeing an income. Robert Kyosaki said "The reason most people do not reach the top is simply because they quit too soon". A lot of people assume they can start making money overnight but do not realize it takes time to build an empire. Another disadvantage of network marketing is the negative perception that the business model is a "pyramid scheme". A "pyramid scheme" is when someone invests in a company and sees no results: No product, no income, no training, and no owner. If you have found interest in a company that does not have easy access to the creators or has no clear policy on how you build a business or a cancellation policy but want you to pay, then yes, it's a pyramid scheme. All the money is going to someone at the top (hence the "pyramid"), and they are laughing all the way to the bank. A legit network marketing business would have all of these things and more accessible to anyone interested in hearing about their products.  

So as you can see there are pros and cons to both business models, you just need to decide which one is best for you. I decided network marketing was the best option for me. My team prides themselves on helping people and educating them on how health can build wealth. What type of business model is best for you? It's never to late to find one. We can help you find the one that's best for you. Contact us today!

Tamara Garrison-Thomas

www.garrisonprosperitysolutions.com

http://www.businessadvice2011.blogspot.com/