Profit consistently at Online Poker by: Kerry Mann

I have been playing poker professionally for nearly 5 years now. I have found a system that consistently profits. To find out more visit my website www.pokersuperjob.com NOTES NOTES NOTES...The first and most important step is to take notes. Use a spreadsheet. Write down everything. Write down your time, bankroll and end result for each table played at. Why you won, or why you lost. Also note the casino site if you play at several. Never stop taking notes. I have notes going back for several years. I have found that playing at lower stakes tables is more profitable (which is obvious, as the players are usually less experienced. Less obvious information I found is that certain sites are more profitable for me. Some sites promote more and have new players, which is great for you. I talk about this more on my website. So always take notes and always learn from them The second step to remaining profitable is to stay consistent. If you win a few big games and are up DO NOT jump to a higher stakes table and throw your entire bankroll into a larger game. I gradually step my game up to higher stakes tables over years. There is more money at these tables to make but the players are much better. You can use your notes to find the most profitable table for you. If you play at a higher stakes table you will make more money but it will take longer so you will make less over the long run. The key is to find the perfect table to suit you. As you become better and more experienced gradually move to higher tables and note the changes. So be professional, keep notes and stay consistent. It will pay off in the long run. About the author: Kerry Mann is a professional online poker player. His website http://www.pokerliving.nettells more about him and how he makes a living at online poker, and his proven system.

A Home Based Business That Works by: Chris Rohrer

Everyone seems to be trying to work from home today. With the success most people are having from running a home base business everyone wants to get in on it. I myself have started up a home based business, but I keep my full time job. I have the time and freedom to do what I want to my business when I want. Starting a home business is not that easy though. You have to be willing to work hard to get it up and running to the point where it almost makes you money with out you doing anything. Once you have reached that part of your business that is when most people will start another home business. That is how they make even more money by running more then just one home business. It took me a good two months before my home business got off the ground and into gear. I have the found the perfect work from home business that anyone can do. With my hard work I put into my home business I started to see results a few months after I started. What is this business? It’s working with the e-currency exchange program. It is simple to start but hard at first because there is a learning curve. I bought a simple guide that showed me step by step how to start off in this amazing business. Once I was done I invested $400 and applied the steps that I learned, and watched my money grow to $4,000 in under Two months. The more you put in the more you will make. My little brother (21 years old) didn’t think it worked but gave it a shot and only invested $100 into it. Before he knew it his money turned into $700 in under 32 days. You can see just that little more put in will make a big difference. The great thing about the e-currency exchange program is that your money grows everyday by 1.5% - 4.0%. There is nothing better then watching my money grow day after day. This is the easiest home business that I found that really does work. About the author: Learn how I invested $400 and made it $4,000 in under 2 months time. Please visite E-currency Online for more information.

Tips for Saving Money on Car Insurance by: Ray Shelton

Car insurance is required by all licensed drivers but many of them don’t know how to find the best rates available. Being complacent and purchasing car insurance without carefully investigating your options or maintaining the same car insurance for the remainder of your life could mean that you are paying too much for your car insurance. Comparison shopping, ensuring that you are receiving all the discounts you qualify for and maintaining a clean driving record are just a few of the money saving tips that can save you a fortune on car insurance. Comparison shopping for car insurance, even after you are already insured, cannot be underestimated. It is critical that you investigate all of your options before choosing an insurance provider to ensure that you are getting the best possible rate on your car insurance. There are so many factors considered in car insurance policies such as where you live, your driving record, your age and the type of car you drive just to name a few. With all of these factors to consider, it is very possible that you will find that there is a car insurance provider who will offer you a considerably lower rate than other providers. Even after you have secured insurance for your car, it is wise to periodically check the rates that other providers will offer you. Car insurance as well as your circumstances are perpetually changing and you may find that the provider who is willing to offer you the best car insurance rate varies periodically. Many car insurance providers offer a host of discounts to their clients who qualify for these discounts. These discounts can relate to your driving record, safety features of your car, your age or other factors. These discounts can result in a tremendous cost savings on your car insurance policy but while many insurance providers offer these discounts, they don’t always advertise them. This means that you may have to do research to determine what type of discounts you may qualify to receive. Carefully, review your car insurance policy to determine which discounts you are already receiving and then contact your car insurance provider to inquire about other discounts that may be available. For example if your driving record is devoid of accidents or tickets, you may qualify for a good driver discount. Also, if your car has certain safety features such as daytime running lights, you may also qualify for car insurance discounts. Your age can also qualify you for certain car insurance discounts. Some insurance providers also offer discounts to those who insure their house with the same company as they insure their car. Taking advantage of this type of discount can save you money on both your car and home insurance. Being aware of the discounts that are available and ensuring that you are receiving these discounts, can save you a great deal of money on your car insurance. Finally, maintaining a clean driving record is very important to receiving the best available car insurance rate. While it is true that each car insurance provider is unique in the factors that contribute to lower rates, the one factor that is consistent among all providers of car insurance is that a clean driving record is critical to your rate. Although accidents are sometimes unavoidable, it is imperative that you adhere to all traffic regulations and that you drive safely at all times. This will reduce the number of traffic violations that you incur as well as the number of accidents that you cause. Following these tips will help you to maintain a clean driving record that will keep the cost of your car insurance low. Many drivers lament paying their monthly car insurance bill because they feel as though the insurance isn’t necessary. Although car insurance is a financial burden that seems superfluous, it does pay off if you are ever in a serious car accident that has significant financial ramifications. For this reason, you should never consider allowing your car insurance to lapse and it is recommended that you search diligently to find the best available rate on your car insurance. About the author: Get all the information you need about car insurance at: http://www.1-in-insurance.com

STARTING A BUSINESS? WHAT NEW (AND EXISTING) BUSINESS OWNERS SHOULD KNOW by: Dianne Goodman, CPA

Starting a business can be overwhelming enough trying to get up and running but when you think about all the tax requirements, your cup may runneth over. Here is what you must know in order to start your own business on the right foot and avoid paying penalties and interest which can cost more than paying an accountant to do things right the first time. WHAT FORM OF BUSINESS SHOULD YOU SET UP WHEN STARTING YOUR BUSINESS? There are several different options including a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, S corporation or limited liability company. In general a sole proprietorship works fine if you are very small, not too profitable and aren’t concerned about legal liability issues. A partnership is like being married to the other partners. If you aren’t that cozy with them, you may want to set up another type of entity. Corporations are best suited for business owners who want personal legal protection and have profit available beyond what they will need for their personal use. See http://www.dgoodmancpa.com/smallbusinessretirementplan.htm for an example of what you can do with that available profit tax deferred until retirement. S Corporations are best when you are operating at a loss and want business owner legal protection. Limited liability companies will protect the business owner from personal legal liability and, if structured properly, can be a partnership, corporation or owner for federal income tax purposes. DO YOU NEED AN EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (EIN) WHEN YOU START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? You need an employer identification number if you have employees, have a qualified retirement plan, operate as a corporation or a partnership, or need to file employment or excise tax returns. You do not need an employer identification number if you are a sole proprietor and don’t meet any of the requirements above. WHAT METHOD CAN YOU USE TO ACCOUNT FOR YOUR INCOME AND EXPENSES WHEN YOU START YOUR SMALL BUSINESS? The two most common methods are cash and accrual. The cash method in general allows you to report income and expenses in the tax year you receive it. The accrual method in general allows you to report income and expenses in the tax year you earn or incur it even if you haven’t received payment or paid it yet. WHAT KINDS OF FEDERAL TAXES WILL YOU OWE WHEN STARTING A BUSINESS? All businesses must file a return. The form used depends on what form of business you set up when starting your business. The federal income tax is a pay-as-you-go tax. In general you must pay the tax as you earn or receive income during the year to avoid penalties and interest if your tax liability for the year exceeds $1,000 including self employment tax for sole proprietors, partners and S corporation shareholders. Corporations should make estimated quarterly payments if they expect to owe $500 for the year. Estimated tax payments are due quarterly. Penalties and interest can be hefty so you should make sure you comply in order to avoid wasting money on IRS penalties. WHAT TAXES ARE DUE IF YOU HAVE EMPLOYEES IN YOUR SMALL BUSINESS? Your small business must pay social security and Medicare taxes, federal income tax withholding, federal unemployment tax along with your state and local income taxes. The associated tax returns for reporting these taxes are in general filed quarterly. Your business is entrusted to pay these taxes on behalf of your employees and not only do you have penalties and interest that you will pay for not filing them timely but can also be committing a crime due to the fiduciary responsibility. You need to be sure you know what you are doing here as the consequences could be costly. WHAT RECORDS SHOULD YOU KEEP WHEN YOU START YOUR BUSINESS? Except in a few cases, the law does not require any specific kinds of records. The most important thing to ask yourself is can you go back to all of the original receipts from the number on your return. If you were to be asked by an IRS agent to provide all the details of a certain number on your return, and you can not do that, you will be at his whim on whether he will allow that deduction. An efficient accounting system with a solid audit trail which has been reconciled is the safest way to be sure you have done this. These are just some questions you may have regarding starting your new business. If you have more, e-mail me at dianne@dgoodmancpa.com and I will help you muddle through the tax and business issues you may have. After all, those of us that have our own business know it’s the only way to go but getting up and running can be a bit of a challenge. This article was intended to provide general information about starting a business. It does not contain all the rules and exceptions that may apply to your situation. If you have further questions regarding starting a small business, I can be reached at www.dgoodmancpa.com. Coming Soon - Year End Tax Planning and Preparation CONTACT INFORMATION: Dianne Goodman, CPA Comprehensive Small Business Solutions, PC 505 323-2307 1 866-531-3035 toll free http://www.dgoodmancpa.com You have permission to reprint what you just read. Use it in your ezine, at your website or in your newsletter. The only requirement is to include the following footer... Starting a Business? What New (and existing) Business Owners Should Know by Dianne Goodman, visit http://www.dgoodmancpa.com for more content like this. About the author: About the Author Dianne Goodman, CPA –Specializes in servicing Small Businesses and Individuals. Visitwww.dgoodmancpa.comfor relevant and current information on a variety of financial and tax issues focusing on small businesses and individuals or call at 1-866-531-3035.

Portrait of a Portfolio Career: An Answer to the “Perfect Job”? by: Nina Ham

Do you cringe when you look at your resume through the eyes of a prospective employer, afraid the wide range of jobs listed will disqualify you? Or have you put together a single-track career record but secretly long for more variety, more outlets for your varied interests and abilities?

If so, perhaps you’re the perfect candidate to welcome a new identity: a portfolio careerist.

While describing her new business over lunch the other day, Christine included some details of the career journey that brought her to it. Starting out doing debt consolidation for friends while tending her young children, she was catapulted into full-time work in Human Resources following a divorce. Moving from one corporate HR division to another, she specialized in employee benefits and severance packages. In recent years, tired of long hours and wanting more independence, she has moved into financial planning as an affiliate of a large financial network. While she is thriving in this new challenge, she did admit, with a smile somewhere between embarrassed and shy, that she had a “side business” as a personal color consultant. “I have too many interests to expect one job to make me happy. I’ve always had something going on the side!”

Her allusion to non-monogamy was telling, probably accounting for the moment of slight embarrassment. Many of us are still laboring under the outmoded belief that we should make a career choice early in life and follow it faithfully in a more or less straight line. 

In fact, there are many persuasive arguments for portfolio careers becoming a wave of the future. The realities of the current employment environment, suggest that identifying yourself as the CEO of your career gives you a head start for pro-actively designing it. The entrepreneurial mindset is valued among companies looking to shift responsibility for career management onto you, and prepares you to make foresighted adjustments to changes in in-house and market conditions.

Research studies indicate there’s a high level of satisfaction among people who voluntarily leave employment and become independent. As high as 65% of executives surveyed in a British study are “very satisfied” with the increased freedom, control and variety they’re able to create in their composite careers.

Portfolio careers may be a model particularly well-suited to women’s lives. Women have always been good at doing more than one thing at a time. As companies’ family-friendly policies are diminishing, putting together a multi-strand career may provide the needed flexibility to tend to a family’s changing needs or a spouse’s job requirements. Designing a personal career portfolio gives women a way of working that fits our lives, rather than requiring our lives to adapt to our work.

An initial reaction to the idea of abandoning the search for a “single strand” career and focusing instead on creating multiple strands may be to worry about the lack of security: no single paycheck to rely on, no predictable schedule or set of expectations, no one to report to for direction. The tough truth is that this security is becoming more and more of a myth in the contemporary workplace, as hiring is done project by project rather than for the long haul. Here are several options for addressing the issue of security:

*Develop a skill set that’s in demand or suited to a growing industry. An example might be technical writing in biotech. 
*Actively nurture your network: keeping in touch with your contacts about new developments in your skills or interests, as well as finding opportunities to be of assistance to them. (Remember that being of service is very likely to activate a desire to reciprocate!)
*Add to the numbers of people who know about you and your expertise by developing some speaking or writing topics.

What does a portfolio career actually look like? It has several parts, bound together by a common thread (you), that’s adaptable to many different circumstances. It can be a combination of traditional employment, contract work, and self employment (e.g. a home-based business). The format can be to work simultaneously on various projects or simultaneously with several clients or with single clients in succession. Sometimes the strands of your portfolio even rotate seasonally: a garden design business in the summer, and technical writing in the winter. The possibilities are infinite, open to you to craft for yourself.

In addition to offering variety and flexibility, the portfolio career model can place value on those endeavors that don’t (or don’t yet) generate income - service or pro bono work, for instance, or creative projects. Most importantly, the term “portfolio career” gives legitimacy to those enterprising folks who have diverse interests and talents and insist on expressing them, in spite of having to buck reputations as “jack of all trades, master of none”. People have embraced the “portfolio career” label with emotional relief, finding in it a term for the unifying and meaningful guiding force behind all their activities.

So how do you go about creating a portfolio career? Here are some guidelines.
• look at your work history: What is the common thread (or threads) connecting the work you’ve enjoyed most and done well at? Perhaps it’s money: making it, managing it, building healthy attitudes about it. 
• deconstruct the work you’ve done into tasks and list all the skills involved in those tasks. Don’t overlook the “people skills” like listening, motivating, team building, etc. Think of new settings where those skills are of value and/or get compensated.
• What are the hobbies or side interests that are or could become income generators?
• Plan a brainstorming session with a friend to come up with a number of revenue streams, and then mindmap them. (For mindmapping guidance: www.thinksmart.com/mission/workout/mindmapping_intro.html)
• What are the natural rhythms of your life that might suggest some directions? (E.g. a client of mine got an ESL teaching certificate so she could spend cold mid-Western winters in a tropical Latin climate.)
• If you’re considering multiple concurrent projects, make at least one of them a “no brainer”, something easy or very familiar.

And, like any good idea, there are some cautions. Portfolio careers probably aren’t for everyone. How do you know if it might work for you? Here are some questions to think about.
• Do I have a personality suited to a portfolio career (adaptable, risk tolerant, self-starting, enjoy variety/complexity)?
• Am I good at improvising when I’m not fully prepared?
• How do I handle financial insecurity?
• Am I willing to adjust my standard of living if necessary?
• How will I provide for health coverage and vacations?
• How well do I structure and manage my time?

Like the man who looks under the lamppost for his keys, rather than looking where he dropped them, maybe the perfect job has eluded you because you haven’t known where to look. Try on the idea of a portfolio career and see if it frees you to consider new possibilities, a new approach to creating work that fits you and fits your life. 


About the author:
Nina Ham is a certified business and career coach and a licensed psychotherapist. Her company, Success from the Inside Out, helps midlife women redirect their careers or transition from salaried to solo. Visit her website and subscribe to her free monthly ezine,http://www.successfromtheinsideout.com/library.html

Improve Your eBay Auction Selling Technique by: Jason James

There just is no doubt that auction selling is a great way to boost your income. The potential is certainly there for you to use Ebay auctions to save for retirement or even as your primary source of income. Like most things, however, there are some subtle techniques that can be used to transform an average Ebay auctioneer into a superstar that is courted by others to sell their wares as well. Without question, the biggest challenge of auction selling is to get the people to come to your posting and make a bid. The traffic is definitely out there and people are scouring the Ebay business website every minute of the day looking for that next great deal. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind that will help you get the buyers to come to your postings time and time again. Know Your Product Any great salesperson is an absolute expert on the products or services that they are selling. They are never caught off guard by a question that they do not know the answer to and customers respect this. A solid auction selling reputation is built upon a sound knowledge of the products or services being sold. So before you post anything, do your homework! Standard and Simple Sales Policy People hate to feel stupid so don't have a confusing sales policy with awkward shipping requirements. You don't want someone to think something costs $20 and be surprised by an extra $8 in unnecessary shipping costs. Give the customer some options such as insurance and expedited shipping, but keep your standard shipping procedures as cheap as possible and easy to understand. Auction selling is a somewhat risky endeavor for buyers, so you may want to consider a refund policy to help build trust and confidence. Customer Service Guru If you want to be a serious player in the auction selling game, you are going to need repeat customers or at least a great reputation so that word of you and your great deals spreads throughout the Ebay business site. So, if you get a question via e-mail, immediately respond and try offering something a little extra like some history on the product or manufacturer(see, this is where knowing your product will really pay off!). Make people feel special and they cannot help but like you and they will come back time and time again. Timing Critical to Ebay Auctions Before you post any listing, do some research. Auction selling is far more profitable if you are not competing against 10 other people offering the same products or services. So, should you learn that the competition in your particular area is intense, wait a little while until they have sold their wares before listing yours. Just a few short days can add up to a lot more money so patience and doing your homework are rewarded on the Ebay business website. Auction selling is really like any business in that you need to keep the customers coming in if you want to be successful and make any real money. The ideas listed above are certainly not earth shattering secrets nor will they guarantee your Ebay auctions to be a resounding success. But, if you don't take them to heart and apply them to your online auction business, then you will find it almost impossible to be the next great Ebay business success! About the author: Jason James is an eBay PowerSeller and his website "Auction Resource Network" reveals his inside secrets, tips, and sources that help him earn $10,000+ a month on eBay. Claim your FREE e-Course Here: http://www.auctionresourcenetwork.com

Home Based Franchising by: Shawn Price

Is Home Based Franchising for you?

Do you desire Home Business Ownership but cringe at the thought of starting from scratch?

Possibly a Home based Franchise is your answer.

A Franchise is a business in which "... the franchisor, the owner and developer of the franchise system licenses [you] franchisees to use trademarks, service marks, logos, or advertising owned or developed by the franchisor." (International Franchising Association, Franchising basics).

With some franchise programs, the business operates using the Franchisor's brand name only.

Other programs are less restrictive and allow for the usage of both a trade name in addition to the franchisor's brand name.

Common to all franchise programs, the franchisee[ you] is responsible to pay the franchisor, advertising fees, initial fees, service fees, and or royalty fees.

You are responsible for payment whether your business is profitable or not.

Additionally, many franchisor's provide educational programs to franchisees before the inception of the business.

Often times, they've done demographic studies and other studies to ensure that you have greater odds of returning a profit.





Major Franchise Types



• Unit Franchising

Is the most simple type of franchise in which the Franchisor grants the franchisee the right to operate a single operation at a specified location or within a particular territory.

• Area Development Franchising

In accordance with a "development schedule", the franchisee agrees to establish a predetermined number of "unit franchises" within a particular territory.

• Subfranchising/Master franchizing

Is quite similar to Area Development Franchising with the major difference being that the franchisor grants the subfranchisor the option of opening the unit franchises herself or selling the the franchises to third parties. (Common with International franchising)

• Affiliate Franchising

This type of set up is typically used by an owner of an established business who decides to join/affiliate with a franchised chain.

This allows for the benefit of the franchises brand. This is common with many real estate.

• NonTraditional

This type of set up is customized between the franchisor and the franchisee.

Franchises are not the same as Dealerships and distributorships

A dealership or distributorship differs from a franchise in that there is no FEE involved. Dealers purchase products usually from the manufacturer at wholesale prices.

Note however, that a dealership can become a Franchise IF a FEE is paid to the franchisor AND the distributor is dependent upon the franchisor's pay structure.

Considerations when buying a franchise



• There's a benefit to purchasing a franchise that is well known

• Will the franchisor provide ongoing education and support?

• Were demographic studies performed?

• How many of the franchises have closed operation? Why?

• Have you STUDIED the franchiser's Comprehensive Disclosure Statement? It's required by Law that prospective Franchisee's are provided Comprehensive Disclosure, a copy of the franchisor's Standard Franchise Agreement, Audited statements, a list of the names of all of the Franchisees, as well as a copy of all documents that require the franchisees' signing.

By law, each of the above must be provided at least 2 weeks prior to purchase date.

• I've heard the saying, "if you buy a McDonald's, be prepared to eat burger's for breakfast lunch and dinner." In other words, your business requires commitment.

Additional Sources of information

•Success Magazine

•International Franchise Association www.franchise.org

•Franchise Sales Press *Get this magazine since it is known for its focus on franchise opportunities. Further, they perform regular interviews with both franchisees as well as with franchisors.

•SBA Small Business Association

•Brokerage firms and analysts Since stock information on A public company is useful.

•Franchise Lawyer •Federal Trade Commission Public Reference Branch

•UFOC "Uniform Franchise Offering circular -- the material that is provided by law, by the franchisor to the qualified franchisee. This is likely the most telling of all information gathered.

•Attorney General's Office

•BBB located in the city of the Franchisor's headquarters.

•Your Banker should have access to the Dunn and Bradstreet Report on the particular Franchisor.

•Contact the franchisor's franchisee's listed in UFOC. *** Prepare a list of relevant questions prior to calling.



Purchasing a franchise usually equates to a reduction in investment risks since the" system" and Franchise name is established, training and ongoing support is provided, market research has been conducted... Conversely…

franchise ownership can be costly. Consequently, it is critical that you investigate the franchise thoroughly prior to purchasing.

There is a continual rise in the number of franchises. Obviously, there's a HUGE market for this method of business ownership. When approached methodically and practically, Franchise ownership can be Very lucrative and much simpler than beginning a business from the ground up.

Be wise and ensure that you conduct sufficient research prior to committment.

If you’ll need financial backing, then you will need to create a business plan. There’s a handy Business Plan workbook available at our site.

Bridging the Gap between Opportunity and Success, OwnABizToday.com


About the author:
Due to her terminally ill, physically and mentally handicapped child, Shawn was FORCED out of the "job market" and FORCED into "self employment" ...After experiencing a multitude of financial difficulties. Because of her life's experiences, Shawn understands that it's impossible to predict future circumstances and thus it's terribly important that people...particularly parents, develop financial security. Consequently, leading others toward business ownership has become a passion for Shawn. Presently, Shawn is the Author of OwnABizToday's, Ezine, which presents New Home business Start up's and Small Business Resources each week. To receive our weekly Ezine, send a blank email to: subscribe@ownabiztoday.com RSS: http://www.ownabiztoday.com/ownabiztoday.xml Bridging the GAP between Opportunity and Success, OwnABizToday (http://www.ownabiztoday.com )