The Business Opportunities Blog

Australian Securities & Investments Commission Amends Policy ...

2007-02-08T02:09:00.000-08:00

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) today released a number of revisions to Policy Statement 160 Time-sharing schemes [PS 160]. [PS 160] outlines ASICs policy on how it will regulate time-sharing schemes including the factors ASIC will take into account in considering applications for relief. This policy statement has been revised to reflect amendments to the law made by the Financial Services Reform Amendment Act 2003 and our regulatory experience since the policy was first issued over six years ago, ASICs Director of Applications and Licensing, Mr John Price said. In making changes ASIC has also had regard to materials that formed part of a Parliamentary Joint Committees recent consideration of the timeshare industry. The key policy amendments in [PS 160] focus on: allowing certain time-sharing operators with ASIC relief to have internal dispute resolution arrangements that meet s912A(2)(a) of the Corporations Act (the Act) rather than external dispute resolution arrangements; ensuring the cooling-off period for purchases of time-sharing interests is consistent with the 14 day period set out in the Act; granting licensing relief for certain time-sharing schemes for the resale of time-sharing interests; and removing the concept of an industry supervisory body from our policy.

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USC Students Creates Unique Home Business Shopping Portal, Extrabux

2007-02-06T02:11:00.000-08:00

February 4, 2007 ( PowerHomeBiz ) San Diego, CA --- Extrabux is a completely free online shopping portal with links to nearly five hundred different websites. Almost any product or service can be found at one of our partner sites. Any time a user clicks our link to one of these websites, we earn sales commission from that website on anything the user purchases. (article continued below ...) Rather than keep this commission, we give it back to the user. You can essentially earn money back on all your online purchases. The users account balance will continue to grow the more they shop online and at the users request, we will send the user (or the charity of the users choice) a check for the amount earned. Or, the user can opt to receive payments via PayPal and we will deposit the earnings into their PayPal account.

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New Broker Referral Program Creates Business Opportunities

2007-02-04T02:09:00.000-08:00

FSI Holding Corps new Network of Brokers program offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to earn $200 for every debt-burdened client who enrolls with one of its strategic partners, consumer credit or IRS tax debt relief program. FSI Holding Corp has strategically aligned with affiliates Debt Shield, Inc. and FSI Tax Corp today to launch their FSI Network of Brokers Program. This program offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to earn a minimum of $200 for each client they help enroll into Debt Shields debt settlement or FSI Tax Corps tax resolution program. Registered brokers who have relationships with consumers in need simply pre-qualify and transfer the debt-burdened clients through the FSI Network to a consultant who takes over the process from there. Examples of clients who brokers may not be able to help include homeowners who cannot qualify for a home equity loan due to bad credit or tax debt.

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Small Business Owners Backing Affordable Health Care Bill

2007-02-02T02:11:00.000-08:00

The climbing costs of health care threaten the bottom line for many small Utah businesses. Business owners are backing a bill that would develop long term solutions. Most small business owners struggle to provide health care coverage for their employees. And most of our businesses are small businesses. Health care advocates argue affordable coverage is critical to our growing economy. Keith Trickett employs 15 people at his Closet Factory franchise. His workers build and install cabinets for closets. Trickett has run small businesses in nine countries and says his success depends upon the longevity of his workers, so he pays their health care. But, he cannot cover their families, and his costs rose 12-percent this year. Keith Trickett, Small Business Owner: "The problem here is one of administrative costs." He joined other small business owners at the Capitol to push for an affordable system to cover their workers.

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Wcp Diversified Investments Ltd ASX: WCP - December 2006 Quarterly ...

2007-01-31T02:09:00.000-08:00

Sydney, Jan 31, 2007 (ACN Newswire) - Wcp Diversified Investments Ltd (ASX: WCP) - December 2006 Quarterly Update - Mr Levi Mochkin, Executive Director; Boardroomradio is pleased to announce that Wcp Diversified Investments Ltd (ASX: WCP) has published an audio file. The following presentation "" is now available as an instant audio download to your computer. You may also transfer this information to your listening device as an IPod podcast.The BRR service is based on streaming audio sent in compressed form over the internet and displayed as it arrives. You do not have to wait for the whole file to be downloaded before you can hear it, instead the media is sent in a continuous stream and is played immediately as it reaches your computer. Please note that during live broadcasts there can be a delay of approximately 1-2 minutes, depending on traffic through your Internet Service Provider.Broadcaster: Wcp Diversified Investments Ltd (ASX: WCP)Broadcast Title: No TitleBroadcast Type: Audio streamView the Audio stream for Wcp Diversified Investments Ltd (ASX: WCP) below.Users other then Internet Explorer: Please click the link below.

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FSU men have to take care of business at home

2007-01-29T02:09:00.000-08:00

With only four league road victories since Leonard Hamilton took over in 2002-03, Florida State knows all too well how difficult it is to win away from home in the ACC. It's as important as ever for the Seminoles to protect their home floor. They will try to do it again Tuesday against Maryland. .

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Silver Plated Engravable Business Card Case-Golf

2007-01-23T02:16:00.000-08:00

Get sporty with this business card holder accented with a Golf motif on plain surface which can be engraved with your initials. It would make a perfect corporate gift or a proud personal possession. If you wish to get this item engraved, please email us to make arrangements. Engraving prices start at $10 for 3 letters.

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Examine Business Opportunities within the World’s US $40 Billion ...

2007-01-23T02:12:00.000-08:00

Organic is the fastest growing sector of the food industry with global sales approaching US $40 billion in 2006. High market growth rates are leading to supply shortages in sectors like fresh produce, meat, dairy and ingredients. Undersupply is most evident in the North American region where empty retailer shelves have become the norm for some product categories. Several European countries are also experiencing supply shortages as consumer demand for organic foods has escalated. The organic meat & dairy sectors are the most adversely affected with imports coming into both regions from Latin America and Australasia. Fresh produce is the leading organic product category. Fruit & vegetables like apples, oranges, carrots and potatoes are typical entry points for consumers buying organic products.

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Small business grants available for District 4

2007-01-21T02:11:00.000-08:00

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally A. Heyman has announced the beginning of the 2007 Mom & Pop Small Business Grant program in her district, which includes much of Northeast Miami-Dade including the Beaches. The applications will be available from Jan. 29 through Feb. 28. The program will award up to $5,000 to District 4 businesses totaling $150,000. The Mom & Pop Small Business Grant Program was created to provide financial and technical assistance to qualified small businesses that are approved for funding. Any business that is awarded a grant must attend mandatory educational workshops that will explain the program's requirements and offer helpful advice. Business owners interested in applying for the 2007 District 4 Mom & Pop Grant Program must meet the following criteria: existed for at least two years; business owner has not received a grant in the past; employs no more than seven employees; not in default or noncompliance with any county loan or grant program; is not affiliated with a national chain; does not own more than two businesses; and does not engage in illegal activity.

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Investments needed in infrastructure, Irish Aid official says

2007-01-19T02:11:00.000-08:00

Viet Nam needs to pour major investment in infrastructure including ports, energy and a road network to attract more foreign investment, says an official from the Irish Aid. "While Viet Nam has certain attractions in terms of low wage rates compared to many countries, there are many major constraints in terms of infrastructure including ports, energy and road network, Sean Hoy, Chief Representative of the Irish Aid in Viet Nam told a VNA reporter on Jan. 17. "Major investments are required in these areas to ensure that the strong economic performance of the past ten years can continue," he stressed. He gave a comment on Viet Nam 's economic performance last year, saying that Viet Nam continued success in terms of foreign direct investment, exports and industrial production.

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New Website Helps You Jump Start Your Home-Based Business

2007-01-17T02:13:00.000-08:00

Al Tanguay from Flashnetbiz.com reveals his secrets to a successful home-based business that will unleash your true potential. Montreal, CA (PRWEB) January 17, 2007 -- Flashnetbiz.com creator, Al Tanguay reveals his secrets to launch your home-based business. For the last few months, Al Tanguay has been scouring and searching the internet for home business opportunities. This former executive has left no stone unturned and has acquired a vast experience for lauching a successful home-based business. With the help of the internet anybody can start a home-based business. But scams abound and flashnetbiz.com can help you avoid the pitfalls that can slow down the growth of your business. Al Tanguay's proven techniques will show you how to: - Acquire clients through direct marketing - Take advantage of automated systems - Unleash your full potential by following your passions - Search for business opportunities that will be extremely profitable - Organize your office and time efficiently Online commerce has boomed over the last few years.

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Top Government Agencies for Diversity Business Opportunities Announced

2007-01-15T02:14:00.000-08:00

Southport, CT, January 9, 2007/ DiversityBusiness.com --United States Postal Service were today declared as the Top Government Agency for Multicultural Business Opportunities of 2006. Over 500,000 diversity business owners had the opportunity to participate in an online election to determine the Top agencies. The honor extends to another nineteen agencys and is collectively called the Div50. The 7th annual list was produced by DiversityBusiness.com, the nation's leading multicultural B2B online website. The voting business owners based their decisions on such factors as the volume, consistency and quality of business opportunities granted to women and minority-owned companies. Other agencies at the top of the list are Small Business Administration, General Services Administration and the Minority Business Development Agency.

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New small business loan now available

2007-01-13T02:11:00.000-08:00

A new loan source for potential small business owners is available through the Ohio Small Business Development Center in Marietta. Pam Lankford, director of the development center, said she is pleased to have the extra source of money to offer and she is happy that Frank Christy, president of Christy and Associates in Marietta, initiated the idea. Any additional source of funding would be great, Lankford said. Its really another source to get a business started, particularly for someone who is looking for a small amount. The source is called a microloan and is offered through ACCION USA a division of ACCION International. The loans can range from $500 to $25,000. It is designed for borrowers who may not already have a lot of established credit. Lankford said some examples of the types of businesses that could benefit from such a loan include lawn services, cleaning services, child care or other types of independent contractors.

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Stockwell Capital Investments plans AIM float

2007-01-11T02:11:00.000-08:00

LONDON (Reuters) - U.S.-based Stockwell Capital Investments said it planned to float on the Alternative Investment Market and raise 100 million pounds through a placing. Chicago-based Stockwell Capital Investments, a closed-end investment company, said on Thursday it would invest in private equity in North America and Europe. Stockwell, which is targeting a float on February 21, would use around 68 million pounds of the money raised to acquire Edgemere Capital, a private equity fund with a portfolio of around 600 investments, according to a source familiar with the situation. The price it will pay for Edgemere, which generated net cash flow in 2006 of $26.8 million (13.9 million pounds), will be determined by its net asset value on December 31. Stockwell generated an annual net internal rate of return of over 50 percent between launching in 2002 and the end of 2005, it said in a statement.

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PSA HealthCare Completes Acquisition of Americare At Home’s ...

2007-01-09T02:14:00.000-08:00

NORCROSS, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pediatric Services of America, Inc., d/b/a PSA Healthcare (Nasdaq: PSAI) announced today that it has completed its acquisition of certain of the pediatric assets of Americare At Home, Inc. a Massachusetts corporation ("Americare"). The acquisition included certain of Americare's pediatric nursing locations in the Shrewsbury and Newton, Massachusetts markets. The purchase price was approximately $1.4 million in cash with Americare retaining its accounts receivable. Americare's annualized net pediatric revenue, all of which is being acquired by PSA, totals approximately $2.7 million. PSA provides comprehensive pediatric home health care services through a network of 54 branch offices in 18 states, including satellite offices and branch office start-ups.

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Pension business 'could present further opportunities for IFAs'

2007-01-07T02:15:00.000-08:00

The individual financial adviser (IFA) sector has been presented with a "massive opportunity" following the development of a better retirement income proposition, an expert has claimed.Paul Shallis, chief operating officer of financial services organisation MetLife Europe, suggests that many people are starting to consider alternative incomes for when they reach pensionable age, IFA Online reports.His comments come following MetLife Europe research which shows 47 per cent of IFAs predict one of their top business priorities in 2007 will come from people making the most of A-Day opportunities.The survey also indicates that 33 per cent of advisers believe that the most pressing concern of clients will involve Self Invested Personal Pension business."Falling annuity rates and concerns over drawdown are compounding the need to look at retirement income alternatives," said Mr Shallis."MetLife globally has considerable experience in this territory and we have ambitious plans to launch an innovative solution to satisfy IFA demand."In November, research from unbiased.co.uk, the website promoting the benefits of independent financial advice, showed that almost two-thirds of IFAs now have an online presence.© Adfero Ltd...

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SBA offers small business workshops

2007-01-05T02:13:00.000-08:00

Small businesses that participate in the U.S. Small Business Administration's 8(a) Business Development program and certain other disadvantaged companies may be eligible to receive free training, titled "Basic CEO/Executive Development" and "Cost and Pricing," as part of a nine-month series of workshops that begin this month. The training, offered around the country under the SBA's Management and Technical Assistance program, features 80 workshops in 40 different cities and will be conducted by Unlimited Services Systems Management and Consultants, a small business based in Largo, Md. "The SBA is committed to helping small business owners manage and grow their businesses, gain access to federal contracting opportunities, and remain competitive in the federal marketplace," said SBA Administrator Steven C.

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BTC Digitalizes All District Centers, Investments Total BGN 108 ...

2007-01-03T02:15:00.000-08:00

Sofia. About BGN 108 million is the cost of the upgrading of the fixed network of the Bulgarian Telecommunications Company (BTC) for the past year, says the Monitor daily. As a result of that the company achieved 100% digitalization in the 27 district cities and towns in the country. The main advantage of the network upgrade is the fact that by a terminal device BTC can offer the full range of its communications services. The so-called duplexes have been abolished in all the 27 district cities and towns now. From February 1 the Bulgarian Telecommunications Company (BTC) will have a new tariff policy that was approved not long ago by the Communications Regulation Commission (CRC). The four BTC call zones will now become two for local and long-distance calling. Local calls will be all calls within a 30-km distance.

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Home Business Cents to Target Moms and Dads

2007-01-01T02:12:00.000-08:00

Home Business Cents promotion will target moms and dads who want extra part-time money making business for their spouse and family. Montevallo, AL, USA, December 27, 2006 (XTVWorld.Com) -- The formula for a Work-at-Home business is having a product everyone wants and working hard to get the word out that you can supply this product to them. The birth of the internet has led to the profitable home based business, with many opportunities, which has led to an exponential growth in mom and dad working from home. Daily evidence by the recent company layoffs and shutting down of plants announced on news and press everyday, HomeBusinessCents.com aims to jump in the forefront of the home-based business Industry with a powerful online promotional campaign of its stable medical discount program, enabling other would be entrepreneurs to start and run legitimate work from home based business.

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Federal Trade Commission Announces Initiative Against Business ...

2006-12-30T02:12:00.000-08:00

The Federal Trade Commission announced Project False Hopes a federal and state law enforcement sweep targeting bogus business opportunities and work-at-home scams. The crackdown includes more than 100 law enforcement actions by the FTC, the Department of Justice, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and law enforcement agencies in 11 states. In four of the new FTC cases alone, consumers have lost more than $30 million. "Bogus business opportunities trample on Americans' dreams of financial independence," said FTC Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras, in a prepared statement. "If a business opportunity promises no risk, little effort, and big profits, it almost certainly is a scam. These scams offer only a money pit, where no matter how much time and money is invested, consumers never achieve the riches and financial freedom promised." "When the states and the federal government, civil and criminal enforcers, all work together -- sharing information, partnering resources, and coordinating our efforts -- we can make very significant progress against these unlawful businesses," said Peter D.

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Small Business Owners Discover Big Rewards by Selling Millions of ...

2006-12-28T02:13:00.000-08:00

(PRLEAP.COM) Sydney, Australia - Paulette Ensign of San Diego heads Downunder to teach Aussies how to create and sell info products - on a shoestring. More speakers, consultants, life coaches, writers, and small business owners are seeking creative ways to become authors and to reap bigger financial rewards than the average person will ever enjoy from online or brick and mortar bookstore sales. Selling single copies of books, booklets, CDs, DVDs, and other information products to the end user is a slow and tedious way to make any real money, much less have a ton of fun doing it. Yet many go that exact route every day from their web site, speaking engagements, consulting practice, and trade show booths. They are thrilled with one less carton of hard copy product in their office or garage.

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Homeowners eye stock funds as sweet investments

2006-12-26T02:13:00.000-08:00

"I went to a financial services seminar recently where they were advising people to stop paying down the balance of their mortgage by refinancing into an interest-only loan and then invest the cash flow savings in an indexed stock fund yielding 9 percent purchased through them. What do you think of this?" I like it a little better than the usual prescription of investing the cash flow savings in annuities. However, some borrowers can't do it profitably because their cost of funds is too high, and others shouldn't do it because the risks are too great. The Best Case Let's assume you have a house worth $400,000, a 6 percent mortgage for $320,000, and your investment strategy is to pay off the mortgage. The monthly payment on your fully amortizing mortgage includes a principal component that reduces the balance every month.

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Locate Your Home Business: Recommends Jaguar Marketing System as ...

2006-12-17T02:11:00.000-08:00

Robert Bishop states that, The Jaguar Marketing System is an 'Advanced Fully Automated Internet Marketing and Wealth Income Generation System that is the best Home Based Business option for people wanting to produce a serious passive income-. The Jaguar Marketing system that I found on www.locateyourhomebusiness.com provides a solid traffic and lead generation system that is simple .

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Business opportunities abound at Food Expo 2006

2006-12-15T02:11:00.000-08:00

Attractive business opportunities await all traders, importers, wholesalers and retailers who visit Food Expo 2006, which is on its last day December 5, at the Oman International Exhibition Centre in Muscat. The timings of the exhibition are from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and then from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Food Expo 2006 is an international exhibition that showcases the latest catering and kitchen equipment, food and beverage, packaging products, hotel and restaurant supplies as well as food and beverage. This year's edition of the event features over 55 exhibitors including 25 companies from other parts of the world."Local and international companies are participating in the exhibition to proudly present their high-quality products to potential clients, distributors and business partners in Oman," said C.J.

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TEB Media Announces Small Business Netcast

2006-12-13T02:13:00.000-08:00

Green Bay, WI -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/12/2006 -- TEB Media LLC, operators of SBWire, a leading provider of public relations and marketing services for small to mid-sized organizations, has announced Small Business Netcast, a weekly online show dedicated to the discussion of topics important to small businesses. Small Business Netcast will premier on December 12, 2006 online at http://www.smallbusinessnetcast.com. "We believe that the most valued resource for today's small business is the collective knowledge of the online community" said Daniel Jones, President and CEO of TEB Media LLC. "We have assembled a panel of industry experts who have unique knowledge and experiences that they will share weekly." Each week listeners to Small Business Netcast will hear a discussion of current industry topics, the sharing of business tips, as well as interviews of interest.

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Peza investments at P70b

2006-12-09T02:12:00.000-08:00

Investments approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority jumped 41 percent to P70.175 billion in the first 11 months of the year from P49.87 billion a year ago. Peza director general Lilia de Lima said the sustained growth in approved investments showed the continued confidence of investors in the Philippines as an investment location, particularly in Peza’s economic zones. The approved investments from January to November will be channeled to 411 projects from 355 projects a year ago. About 106 projects are in the information technology sector with estimated investments of P8.727 billion. These IT projects are expected to generate 35,557 additional jobs. Elaine Ruzul S. Ramos .

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Jaguar, now tested for awhile, is becoming the home business of ...

2006-12-07T02:12:00.000-08:00

Al Turnquist, President and Owner of Jaguar Marketing System, not only listened to his people, he took a big step to make two complete sites with close to the same content. Some people did not like the name Predator Marketing System, so Al took the "bull by the horns," and build another site called "Jaguar," says Tami Lake, CEO of .

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Singapore must seize business opportunities in Middle East: MM Lee

2006-12-05T02:14:00.000-08:00

Singapore must seize opportunities in the Middle East within the next five to seven years, says Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. Wrapping up his official visit to Kuwait and Abu Dhabi, he says though the Republic may lack the human resources to go into those markets, it has to find ways to supplement the shortage, otherwise the window of opportunity in the Middle East will close. MM Lee describes the wealth in Kuwait as "old money", because the country started extracting oil in the late 1940s, unlike the "new money" in Abu Dhabi. These are the two different ways in which these countries have accumulated their wealth through oil. But one thing is common: the investment opportunities are still abundant in both countries. It is estimated Kuwait will spend US$1 trillion in projects planned over the next five to six years.

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Burgeoning industry can help a small business project a big ...

2006-12-03T02:13:00.000-08:00

You have a product that is perfect for a prime market niche. You even have the knowledge, energy and enough capital to launch your new business. All you lack is the respect so often tied to the trappings of success. Enter Davinci International Inc. and other such businesses, which make sure your clients will never know that you are your only employee, or that you work off a phone, laptop and secondhand desk from a garage office. Starting at $59 a month and ranging higher depending on features chosen, the newest entrepreneur in Utah can get all or portions of a "virtual office" package - a local or toll-free phone and fax numbers, professional receptionist services, appointment scheduling, order processing and even an upscale mailing address in a neighborhood or city of your choosing.

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Canadian companies not maximizing IT investments: survey

2006-12-01T02:10:00.000-08:00

Almost three-fourths of Canadian companies feel they aren't getting the most out of their IT investments because they aren't making full use of best practices, according to a new survey. The survey by IT-management software company CA Canada and The Strategic Counsel showed that only 18 per cent of the 150 senior IT executives surveyed said their technology were providing "excellent" value to their businesses. In comparison, 71 per cent of respondents said their companies are getting good value from their IT investments but could still do better in maximizing their resources. Six per cent said that IT definitely needs to do better or is completely unaligned with their business. "Many IT executives say they aren't seeing full value for their business from their technology project investments," said Warren Shiau, The Strategic Counsel's lead IT research analyst.

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How To Make More With Your Home Business

2006-11-27T02:14:00.000-08:00

One of the things you need most from your home business is money. A home business that is satisfying but costs more than it brings in or is only minimally profitable probably will not last. A little extra effort in the right areas is likely to have a very positive impact on your bottom line. One area that is easy to ignore is studying your customers. No how much you might wish it were otherwise, your ideal customer is not “everyone" or even “all mothers." What would you like to know about them? Just about anything you can. Where they shop. What they read. What they need from your business. This is information you'll be using to help target your ads. The more directly you can appeal to your potential customers, the better chance you have to sell to them. If you lack this information you are more likely to be wasting your advertising dollars.

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Explore Business Opportunities In Indonesia, Says Ng

2006-11-25T02:13:00.000-08:00

JAKARTA, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- Infrastructure, telecommunications and insurance are three potential sectors where Malaysian businesses should be further encouraged to explore in Indonesia, a huge market of 230 million people. Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Ng Lip Yong, in making the call, said Indonesia being politically stable, fast developing and experiencing good economic growth should be attractive to Malaysian ventures. "We will encourage Malaysian businesses to look for possible opportunities here, after all we are neighbours and together in Asean," he told Malaysian reporters after an hour-long dialogue session with Malaysian businessmen organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) office here Wednesday. Citing the Indonesian telecommunications sector as an example, Ng said the penetration so far was only about 20 percent of the population and thus a presenting a good opportunity for Malaysian companies with experience and expertise in the field.

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Director of small-business group gets ready to lobby

2006-11-23T02:10:00.000-08:00

Suzanne Schaefer, director of the Idaho chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business, says small business owners are the same nationwide: They don't like taxes, regulations or government mandates. As the 2007 Idaho legislative season approaches, Schaefer is gearing up for another session advocating for the sector of the economy that generates most of the new jobs in the state.What is NFIB's mission?Our mission is fundamental to small business' bottom line. NFIB tends to focus, and we're unique in this, I think, exclusively on issues that 60 percent of the members can support. Unlike a lot of organizations where they're into lots of different issues and have a wide spectrum of interest, NFIB is not like that. NFIB only takes positions on issues where they have a significant majority.

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Legend acquires IES investments

2006-11-21T02:11:00.000-08:00

Memory vendor Legend has acquired IES Investments and its wholly owned subsidiary Integrated Electronic Solutions.The acquisition, for an initial $23 million in cash and shares with a deferred cash payment, will provide Legend additional electronics engineering and design capabilities.Legend CEO Bradley Dowe said the deal would also bring the group " key intellectual property" that would allow Legend to exploit growth in the Chinese domestic market.IES was established in 1997 as the result of a management buyout of the Philips microelectronics operation by the current IES management. It has its base in Adelaide. .

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Direct Mailing List Tips Home Based and Small Business Owners Must ...

2006-11-19T02:11:00.000-08:00

Now comes a new free report designed to help them get educated. "Direct Mailing List Tips Home Based and Small Business Owners Must Know" by Helen Hecker helps entrepreneurs and business owners learn the inside secrets of the mailing list industry. Included are tips on: where to get mailing lists like libraries, hospitals, schools, newspapers, radio stations, etc., what to look for when renting mailing lists, what to look out for, what to ask, explaining formats such as adhesive labels, Cheshire labels and types of disks, minimum orders, when to order and use labels, how long it takes to get mailing lists, how to mail to ensure getting address corrections from the post office, how to handle mailing list returns and much more. Hecker says, "Direct mailings usually go third class or in some cases first class.

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Invest NI business opportunities for women

2006-11-17T02:11:00.000-08:00

As part of National Enterprise Week, Invest Northern Ireland has launched a new programme of support called Pathways to Female Entrepreneurship at a special conference held at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast. As part of Invest NIs Investing in Women initiative, the programme has three distinct elements, path-finding, path-breaking and path-clearing, which are all designed to improve access to business support for women and increase the level of female entrepreneurship across Northern Ireland. Speaking at the event Tracy Meharg, Managing Director of Innovation and Capability Development at Invest NI, said: We have designed this new programme to help target those women in harder to reach sectors to encourage them to consider starting a business. The programme also aims to encourage innovation and creativity in female entrepreneurship and to increase the number of women involved in sectors that are not seen as traditionally female.

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Investments hit P219.88b in 10 months

2006-11-13T02:22:00.000-08:00

Combined investments registered with the Board of Investments and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority reached P219.88 billion in the first 10 months of the year, up 32 percent from P165.67 billion a year ago. BoI-registered projects grew to P153.42 billion, 29 percent higher than the P119 billion posted last year, while Peza-registered projects went up 42 percent to P66.46 billion from only P46.67 billion. “We are still upbeat. There is continued confidence. Government’s fiscal measures are paying off because these have increased investor confidence,” said Trade and Industry Undersecretary and officer-in-charge Elmer Hernandez. The two agencies have expected combined investments to hit over P250 billion at year-end. Elaine Ruzul S. Ramos .

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Cost to Start Online Home Business Opportunity Paid for ...

2006-11-11T02:20:00.000-08:00

A successful Internet entrepreneur is willing to pay the cost for someone else who wants to start a work-at-home business opportunity. This businesswoman will be a mentor, pay the cost, and do all the work. [ClickPress, Tue Nov 07 2006] Charlotte Luko found success in business on the Internet, and now she is a mentor to others who want to start a work-at-home business opportunity, and even pays their costs to get started. "So many people dream of one day having a business on the Internet, but the cost and the time it takes to get started prevent many from doing that. I decided I would help others get into business by taking care of those two things for them," explained Luko, an Internet entrepreneur and business mentor. There are many risks associated with starting an online business that can be run from home.

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Workshop for minority, small business owners

2006-11-09T02:23:00.000-08:00

Local minority and small business owners can learn about the latest software tools to help grow their business at a workshop Thursday at Columbus State University. The program titled "Moving Your Business Forward" -- sponsored by Aflac, the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Columbus State University and the Atlanta Tribune -- will feature the following speakers: Calvin Smyre of Synovus Financial; Rodney Clark of Microsoft; Eve Wright of the Ladies Professional Golf Association; and Theresa Spralling of Lucent Technologies. The conference and workshops will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Columbus State University's Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center at 4225 University Ave. Registration is $25 on site. There will be give-a-ways and prizes for participants.

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Home business growth spurt

2006-11-05T02:11:00.000-08:00

"I started my first home business in 2001," says the Newport resident. "I was pregnant with my third child and I got very ill during my pregnancy and I lost my full-time job."Mrs. Lemon had been working in customer service for a freight-forwarding firm, juggling the job with the demands of being a wife and mother of two youngsters."I knew I wasn't going to be looking for another job. I was using before- and after-school daycare for my two older children and so I was seeking out any which way that I could try to make some income at home," she recalls.She started selling items on eBay, the Internet auction site, then became a distributor for Mia Bella's natural candles. Her home-based business, Naturally Delightful, has grown from there, offering various other products.Growing, too, is the number of home-based business owners, spurred by a quest for independence or the need to find alternative income amid Michigan's dismal economy.Indeed, 49 percent of the nation's businesses now are operated from home, and more than six in 10 owners used their own money to start the business, according to new U.S.

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GES opens up business opportunities

2006-11-03T02:18:00.000-08:00

VietNamNet Bridge - The 29 pavilions of Vietnamese enterprises were crowded with foreign business people on the first day of Global Entrepolis @ Singapore 2006 (GES). Although the Vietnamese pavilions were not ornate or even as big as those of other countries, they certainly drew in the numbers. Pham Minh Thang, business director of Dien Quang Lamp Co., said a representative of the Singapore British Business Council had promised to help the company contact Britain's leading distributors of electrical products so that Dien Quang could get its products into the global market. Tran Thi Hoang Lan, director of Y Lan Co., said many foreign companies, especially European, seemed very interested in her company's sand paintings and had even placed some orders.

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Investments in India's hotel sector attractive | INRnews

2006-10-30T02:15:00.000-08:00

INRnews reports that the booming hospitality sector in India is seeing increased interest from domestic and foreign players keen to invest in hotel, resorts and serviced apartment development. The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) estimates that as compared to the present 97,000 hotel rooms in the country, India will need 30,000 additional rooms in various categories over the next three years. The current growth of hotel rooms is less than 2,000 rooms a year, and with high occupancy rates of 77%, hoteliers have doubled tariffs in the last two years. With demand far exceeding supply, Indian majors are on an expansion binge. Foreign banks like Citigroup, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs are also investing in the Indian hospitality sector attracted by the 20%-25% return on investment that can be achieved.

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Major Conference in US to Highlight Business Opportunities in ...

2006-10-26T03:10:00.000-07:00

As part of its objective to facilitate business and investment between the United States and Afghanistan, the Afghan-American Chamber of Commerce (AACC), in conjunction with the Afghanistan International Chamber of Commerce (AICC), is holding its annual U.S.-Afghan Business Matchmaking Conference 2006 on Oct. 29-31, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C. AACC's president, chairman and staff will represent AACC and provide information. The president of AICC and chairman of the Afghan Business Council in Dubai will participate, along with member companies who are interested in exploring partnerships and joint ventures with U.S. companies. Representatives of major U.S. corporations, development organizations and government agencies will attend and have shown great interest in developing linkages with Afghan companies.

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VMD Wins First Small Business Administration 8(a) Contract

2006-10-24T03:10:00.000-07:00

Woman-owned VMD Systems Integrators, Inc. of Tysons Corner, Va. today announced it has received its first 8(a) Business Development program contract with the Federal Aviation Administration, less than one month after entering into the 8(a) program. For Immediate Release FAIRFAX, Va./EWORLDWIRE/Oct. 23, 2006 --- VMD Systems Integrators, Inc. of Tysons Corner, Va. today announced it has received its first federal government contract award under the U.S. Small Business Administration's 8(a) Business Development program, less than one month after entering into the program. Under this contract, VMD will assist the Federal Aviation Administration in the procurement of a new commercial information system, and the development and implementation of new business processes and organizational alignments to address the issues of optimizing air traffic controller scheduling and workforce planning.

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China: Fuxi Investments Firm Announces Arrest of Chairman

2006-10-22T03:10:00.000-07:00

Shanghai, 21 October: Shanghai tycoon Zhang Rongkun has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the city's social security fund scandal, according to a company statement. Zhang, chairman of the Fuxi Investment Holding Co., Ltd., is the first one arrested in the scandal, said the company in the one sentence statement on Saturday. The statement did not describe charges against him. The company said earlier in August that Zhang was assisting the investigations. Zhang, 33, was ranked 16th richest man in China by Forbes magazine last year with a fortune of 605m US dollars. Earlier on Monday, Zhang was dismissed from his post as member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

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Small business websites on way out?

2006-10-16T03:08:00.000-07:00

Mom-and-pop type of small business websites that fail to catch up with latest internet technology would be extinct by the end of 2007, blogging expert Gobala Krishnan predicts. "It just doesn't make sense to be creating static HTML sites with Frontpage or Dreamweaver any more," said Krishnan, author of e-book Wordpress Adsense System. "The small business market, especially those interested with Google Adsense and selling information products, is maturing and attracting bigger corporations with the manpower and capital to churn out superior websites," he added. The Malaysia-based internet publishing expert offers free coaching and $1 access to "tons of tips, tricks and strategies" at www.OneDollarCoaching.com. With easy access to web technology like RSS syndication, data feeds, autopilot publishing and community-driven systems, the small business owner now has to adapt quickly or be driven out of competition by larger corporations, Krishnan said in a press statement.

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reviving small-scale business

2006-10-08T03:10:00.000-07:00

Small-scale business in Russia is still a challenge for risk takers, though the government and regional administrations take great pains to improve working conditions for entrepreneurs. Nevertheless, there is more talk than action and many significant changes lie ahead. Small-scale business makes up quarter of employment in Russia. About 16.7 million people work for this field; it is 25% of all workers all over the country. Small business has demonstrated enviable expansion rate in production recently. Labor capacity sevenfold outran growth of labor compensation within the last five years. Although there is much to be done in small-scale business, Russian government has worked out the criteria defining the size of an enterprise. According to them, business organizations were divided into three groups: companies making busy at most 15 employees are referred to micro enterprises, small enterprises provide from 16 to 100 workers with job, and finally, from 101 to 250 people work for medium-size companies.

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Home business proposal returns

2006-10-04T03:10:00.000-07:00

The St. Charles Parish Council on Monday will consider for a third time a proposal to make it easier to start a home-based business in the parish. The council has twice put off a decision on how to modify the procedure, which currently requires some applicants to attend at least two public hearings. The process can take six weeks or more. The Albert Laque administration wanted to give the parish planning department the final word on permitting home occupations that require state licenses, such as construction or hair styling. But some Parish Council members, led by April Black, say they want the final word on such licenses because improperly run home businesses can disrupt neighborhoods. Under current law, the Planning Department can approve licenses for jobs such as home-based sales offices and snowball stands without council approval.

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Romania sees more business opportunities after its entry into EU

2006-10-02T03:07:00.000-07:00

Its entry into the European Union (EU) would create more business opportunities for Romania to exchange with other East European countries through the European neighbourhood policy, Romanian Minister Delegate for Trade Iuliu Winkler said on Tuesday. At the meeting with representatives of the Business Advisory Council (BAC) for Southeastern Europe, Winkler emphasized that the decentralization process would contribute to developing and balancing Romanian economies. "In the EU's framework, each local community in the region will have the opportunity to promote priorities and projects, as well as their own values," Winkler said. He encouraged BAC members to invest in Romania not only in the area of production, but also in research and development.

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Uninformed Stereotypes Are Blinding Americans to Russian Business ...

2006-09-24T03:13:00.000-07:00

SEATTLE, Sept. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- "Are Americans being misled about Russia? Yes," says Yuri Mamchur, Senior Foreign Policy Fellow at Discovery Institute. "All too often American media reporting on Russia is misguided by common stereotypes. The result is an inadequate understanding of the true economic, social and political situation in Russia." The Real Russia Project of Discovery Institute sets the record straight with the release today of its special report, "10 Western Media Stereotypes About Russia: How Truthful Are They?" Former Ambassador to the United Nations Organization in Vienna and current Discovery Institute President Bruce Chapman agrees with Mamchur: "Relying on old Cold War stereotypes ignores centuries of Russia's history and shows a lack of curiosity about its future.

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Council pledges to be small business friendly

2006-09-22T03:09:00.000-07:00

A new small business friendly concordat, aimed at encouraging small local businesses to work with the council has been developed by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. The move follows the success of free training held in March which aimed to help small businesses learn how to win council contracts. The concordat explains the council's principles on actively working with small and medium sized companies. These are: To have a clear, corporate procurement strategy To give clear guidance on how to access contract opportunities To have fair tender processes To give feedback to suppliers who tender for contracts To provide fair and open contract management. Leader of the council Cllr John Leek said: “The council has long recognised the contribution of small businesses to our thriving local economy and we are committed to working with them and helping them grow.

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Kingdom Hotel Investments launches a $115 million investment ...

2006-09-21T10:51:00.001-07:00

One of the leading Saudi Arabian hotel and resort investment companies, Kingdom Hotel Investments (KHI), recently signed an agreement to acquire developmental land on which it proposes to develop a $115 million resort and residential development project in Thailand. The proposed 'Raffles Phang Nga Resort and Residences' is set to begin operations in 2009, according to Gulf News. The complex will be comprised of 150 rooms and 25 luxury residential villas located on 240,000 square meters of prime freehold land. It is anticipated that standard rooms will contain a gross area in excess of 100 square meters per unit, while the built up areas of each villa will be approximately 500 square meters. The move marks KHI's second acquisition in Thailand in 2006, made through a joint venture company, which is 80 per cent owned by KHI and 20 per cent by European Hotels Corp Ltd, KHI's joint venture partner in the Four Seasons Hotel in Marrakech.

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Open doors to at-home business

2006-09-21T10:51:00.000-07:00

In 2002, I left as chief of staff for the city of Rochester to pursue my entrepreneurial interests full time. Many colleagues did not understand my decision, particularly when they learned I left to start a home-based business, and predicted an unfortunate end to my endeavor. However, while the past four years have been full of the "ups and downs" of business ownership, I wouldn't change a thing. I am dismayed that as our community considers its economic survival, almost all the debate focuses on job creation. While important, this disregards those who aren't as interested in jobs as they are in opportunities to have, be and do what they want, without having to answer to, or depend on, an employer to realize their goals. In a 2004 report, the Small Business Administration says 53 percent of all small businesses are home-based.

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Iranian Businessmen Look For Business Opportunities In Karabakh

2006-09-21T10:50:00.002-07:00

Stepanakert, September 19, Armenpress: A delegation of 35 Iranian businessmen, mostly from the neighboring province of Atrpatakan, was lately in Nagorno Karabakh to look for cooperation possibilities. The Iranian delegation's visit was organized by the Karabakh territorial management ministry, Karabakh Development Agency and the Union of Iranian Merchants and Industrialists in Armenia. The Iranians and local businessmen met during a conference attended by Karabakh Prime Minister Anushavan Danielian, who spoke extensively about doing business in Karabakh. An agreement was reached to organize an exhibition of Iranian goods in Karabakh. Danielian pledged the government's support to any initiative of Iranian businessmen aimed to start a business in NKR. The Iranians also visited a range of local enterprises, several historical sites, including the town of Shushi and laid flowers to the monument symbolizing the eternal existence of Karabakh.

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Russian govt. highlights small business growth, pledges support

2006-09-21T10:50:00.001-07:00

MOSCOW, September 20 (RIA Novosti) - Small business has experienced dramatic growth in Russia, senior government officials said Wednesday, also promising further state support for the sector. Speaking at a meeting of the Opora small and medium business association, Russian Economic Development and Trade Minister German Gref said: "Small business is the main provider of jobs. Today, 16.7 million people, or 25% of the overall employed population in the country, work in this sphere." Gref said 1.03 million small enterprises and 2.6 million individual entrepreneurs were registered in Russia as of April 1, 2006. He said small business has demonstrated considerable growth, adding that productivity in the sector has outpaced salary growth sevenfold in the last five years. Gref also said that in the first half of 2006, small business outpaced other sectors of the economy on all indicators.

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Kingdom Hotel Investments plans large scale investments in Thai ...

2006-09-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Kingdom Hotel Investments (KHI), the leading Dubai-headquartered hotel & resort investment group, chaired by HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, has signed an agreement to acquire developmental land in Thailand on which it proposes to develop a first class Resort and Residences at an estimated project cost of $115 million. HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, Chairman of KHI, said: We announced our first investment in the country ( Thailand) earlier this year and are pleased to add the proposed Raffles Phang Nga Resort and Residences to our portfolio. The acquisition is KHIs second acquisition in Thailand this year and was made through a joint venture company, which is 80% owned by KHI and 20% by European Hotels Corporation Ltd (EHC), KHIs joint venture partner in the Four Seasons Hotel in Marrakech.

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Clothier offers selection of custom styles from home business

2006-09-21T10:49:00.002-07:00

Holly Snyder's professional sewing career began at age 11 -- putting together stuffed animals she sold from a wagon. "I've been sewing everything in sight ever since," she said. These days, her time is filled with wedding dressings, bridesmaid gowns and dozens of other projects. As a customer clothier for women, Snyder has been transforming people's ideas into clothes since starting her business, Holly Snyder Custom Clothing, at her Park Forest home in spring 2005. "It's a lost art. People just don't do it anymore," she said. What started with christening dresses has quickly grown, keeping her three sewing machines busy, she said. "I didn't even know the demand was out there," she said. Snyder can help people who have a hard time finding clothes or are looking for something specific, she said.

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Morocco offers many business opportunities, says ambassador

2006-09-21T10:49:00.001-07:00

Farida Jadi, who is heading the Moroccan embassy in Brazilian capital Braslia, wants to promote greater contact between businessmen from both nations. Apart from civil construction, which is undergoing significant expansion, she mentioned another eight sectors of the Moroccan economy that are under development. 'Brazil may act in all of them,' she said to ANBA. .

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Small Business Owners' Outlook Declines

2006-09-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

The malaise about the economy continues. Small business owners' optimism is the lowest it's been since March 2003, says a recent survey by the National Federation of Independent Business. This rise in pessimism nearly mirrors the rising negativity CFOs feel about the U.S. economy, a pessimism that's at a five-year high, according to the most recent Duke University/CFO Business Outlook Survey. Both groups say higher wages play a top role in their concerns. The NFIB rates the optimism of small business owners in a monthly index, which fell by two points in August. The change arose out of weaker sales gains, fewer price hikes, and rising labor costs, which is becoming a big concern for companies. Business owners blame the lack of qualified workers as their top business problem. Still, they are willing to pay for skilled workers: The percent of small business owners reporting higher worker compensation increased to 25 percent, according to the NFIB survey.

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Marsh may sell Putnam Investments

2006-09-21T10:48:00.001-07:00

The Marsh & McLennan Companies, the world's largest insurance brokerage, will solicit bids for its Putnam Investments mutual fund unit after managed assets at Putnam dropped to their lowest level in more than nine years. "Over the past few months, there have been repeated inquiries from parties interested in either acquiring or partnering with Putnam," Marsh & McLennan's (NYSE: MMC) chief executive officer, Michael G. Cherkasky, said in a statement Tuesday. "I decided it was in the interest of our shareholders to do a market check to determine the value others would put on Putnam." .

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Review : Prowealth Solutions - Next Generation of Home-business ...

2006-09-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

For the uninitiated, Prowealth Solutions is being touted as the latest and greatest paying home-business or online MLM. While this is true to the extent that Prowealth Solutions might be one of the best home businesses or MLMs to be a part of, it is important that you actually understand the math behind this system that pays out an incredible amount to its members. If you made the emotional decision to join Prowealth based on the hype, you will find that once the initial hype-based emotional frenzy is gone, you won’t know what to expect or do! This is how it works: Each member pays $35 every month to be a part of Prowealth Solutions and make use of the excellent products and resources that they provide. It’s important that for any home business or MLM, you always look at the product and think hard as to whether the product is worth the investment the company is demanding.

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