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Business On Wheels: Top 3 Mobile Business Ideas

Today one of the fastest growing segments of the business world is the mobile business. They have an excellent history of filling the needs of consumers. There are mobile businesses that do everything from sell ice cream, fast food, provide veterinary care, library books and more. It’s important that when people aren’t able to come to a business, there is a business that will come to them. The need for new mobile businesses is increasing everyday. Here we will discuss in detail the top three mobile businesses.

Starting a Mobile Window Tinting

Today putting tint on windows is something that people have done to their home, office as well as vehicles. It is done to reduce glare and battle the negative effects of direct sunlight. Most people who use a mobile tinting service are willing to pay extra and appreciate a business traveling to them. Once the window tinting products have been purchased and workers are proficient in performing tinting, it’s then important to get customers. Many mobile tinting businesses serve local businesses like car dealerships, repair shops as well as auto detailing businesses and more. It’s important to be listed in business directories and regularly attend trade shows. Maintaining a website with all current contact information and more is also essential.

Starting a Mobile Locksmith Business

A mobile locksmith business provides a person with the opportunity to have a very lucrative income. Because of the nature of being a locksmith, traveling to customers has been part of the locksmith profession for a long time. A mobile locksmith business is designed to enable people to continue with their everyday routines, as their security issues are handled by a qualified professional. A locksmith is able to help people repair lock problems, install and repair keying, manage key control systems and more. They are also able to install simple as well as complicated locking mechanisms. Door locks can be repaired or replaced; electronic security systems can be repaired or installed and more.

One of the most important things for a locksmith is to have all of the proper qualifications. Training and experience are essential when it comes to being a locksmith. Depending on the location, there are a variety of legal requirements a locksmith must meet before being able to do business.

Starting Mobile Car Detailing Business

An auto detailer is an experienced professional who is skilled in cleaning a wide range of makes and models of vehicles. They provide thorough and detailed cleaning at a level most people won’t do themselves. An auto detailer will provide professional cleaning on a vehicle’s interior and exterior. They will provide detailed vacuuming, washing as well as shampooing on the inside. After cleaning the outside it will be waxed, polished and then carefully buffed. They know how to clean various fabrics and other materials. They know the best cleaning products to be used on specific materials for the best results. They can advise their customers on proper cleaning maintenance. There are a few training programs for auto detailers, but most agree it’s best to learn proper techniques from a trained professional.

One of the main things all mobile businesses have in common is the need for a well-maintained vehicle. Regular checks and vehicle maintenance are important aspect of any successful mobile business. As with any company, a mobile business must be registered with all necessary governmental taxing authorities. It’s important for any business to be properly registered and able to collect sales tax before serving customers.

About the Author: Thomas Jay is an avid writer and successful entrepreneur. In his spair time he enjoys working on cars and always recommends GlassClinic.netfor the best prices on mobile auto glass repair and windshield replacement in Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and the surrounding areas.

Why Your Internet Business Needs a Human Voice On the Line

The Internet has brought about many changes to the way a company can conduct business. One of the most significant changes is the change from brick and mortar to laptop offices. A business no longer needs to have a physical presence to conduct business. They can purchase from suppliers, contact remote employees, interact with their customers and ship their products all from their virtual location.

“This seems like the ultimate way to conduct a business!”

In most ways, this statement is true. You have reduced operating expenses, you can work from anywhere and you can produce a product or service with little effort.

However, consumers are starting to grow tired of computer generated customer service. They want to “connect” with a real person when they have a question or an issue. They want to know that the company they are dealing with is “real.” They are becoming disenchanted with live chat options and want to talk to a human being.

Is This The End For Internet Based Businesses?

Of course not, internet businesses are here to stay, they only need to adapt to their consumers. Any business that wishes to meet the needs of their clients will prosper, and Internet based companies can meet this need by investing in a virtual office.

An online solution like a virtual office from ring central(dot)com provides that personal touch that laptop businesses often lack. They have “real” receptionists to take your calls and interact with your clients. The receptionist will be assigned to your company and you can interact with them as you would an answering service.

This one feature alone can set you apart from other online businesses that only provide online contact. It will also give your company live support for any time of the day, meeting the needs of your clients in different time zones.

Can You Still Keep Operating Expenses Low?

The additional benefits of using a virtual office are that you do not have to rent office space, pay for electricity, or pay employee related expenses. You will not be obligated to pay payroll tax, carry workers compensation insurance, or worry about someone calling off from work. Your virtual office will always be there and operating, increasing your business and profit margin.

The Internet has become a large part of everyday life. More people turn to the Internet now for information, advice, and shopping than ever before. It has become a tool that helps people find what they want, regardless of distance, and make connections with people all over the world.

As much as this technology has helped advance the world, the desire to communicate with a real human still remains. People want to place a voice behind their transaction to make sure that it is real. They want to hear sympathy when they are upset with a product or service, and they want to hear a calm voice when they are angry. By providing a point-of-contact for your clients by using a virtual office, you are providing them with that voice they desire to hear. This will increase your business while still giving you the freedom to operate your Internet based business on your own terms.

A small business operator, Ann Bailey presents these tips for new ways to save and succeed in the office. Having a virtual office from ringcentral.com is an easy way to provide all of the old fashioned charm of a typical store front office while only paying for the sleek, new streamlined business model of internet enterprises.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mwichary/2398196800/

Virtual Offices – Providing Support For Home Businesses

Many people that work from home find it difficult to manage all aspects of their business by themselves. Unfortunately many business owners simply do not have the capital to be able employ or accommodate an administration team to provide them with support. Virtual offices offer affordable support solutions for people that run home based businesses. Work can be outsourced to virtual assistants who have the skills and knowledge to handle both administration and customer service tasks.

Virtual office services

Virtual offices usually offer a telephone answering service, where a business’s calls will be directed to a virtual receptionist, rather than to the business owner. This enables business owners to get on with other more productive tasks. Using a virtual receptionist will also make your business look bigger and more professional.

They will answer your calls using your personalised business greeting and learn information about your business so they can answer your customers’ queries. If you are not available to speak to a customer, the virtual receptionist will take a message which will be sent to you via email or text message.

Giving out a home address to clients can often look a little unprofessional, giving them the wrong impression about your business. Combat this issue by using a virtual office’s mail forwarding service. You will be able to use the virtual office’s address as your own, which looks far more professional to customers, especially if the office is based in a prestigious area. The mail forwarding service will also help to increase efficiency, as you will no longer feel like you have to wait around at home to sign for important letters and packages.

Virtual offices also carry out other general administration work for businesses such as invoicing, scheduling and faxing. Some companies even offer extensive services such as social media and project management.

Benefits of using a virtual office

Virtual offices provide an affordable solution for home business owners that require additional support. Rather than having to hire an employee who would require a wage and other benefits like sick and holiday pay, you can pay a monthly fee to receive the services of a virtual office. Not only is this more cost efficient for small businesses, but it is also less of a commitment. Virtual offices usually offer small contracts or provide services on a month to month basis, preventing you from having to tie yourself into long contracts.

Working with a virtual office will also help to increase productivity. You will have much more time to spend on sourcing products, marketing your business and planning expansion as you will not be sat at home taking your customers’ phone calls all day.

How to choose a virtual office

When it comes to choosing a virtual office it is important to find one that will take the time to get to know you and your business. It is important that the virtual receptionists and assistants are able to represent your business in a way that you are happy with, as they will be the people speaking directly to your customers. Do a little online research and you are sure to find a company that is capable of representing your company to a high standard.

Outsourcing work to a virtual office will mean you have more time to work on the parts of your business that you enjoy! — License: Creative Commons image source

Conclusion

Virtual offices enable home businesses owners to grow and develop their company with a supportive team behind them at just a fraction of the cost of hiring an in-house admin team. Everyone needs a little extra support sometimes and this is something that virtual offices are there to provide. Not only will a virtual office benefit a home based business in terms of support, but it can also make them look more professional, creating the right impression on customers.

About the Author: Written by Megan Hunt who likes having home business support

Home Business for New Parents: How a Play Crib Can Help You Organize

In order to spend more time with their babies and to cut child care costs, parents are opting to do business from home instead of at the office. Working from home with a baby can be challenging, and it requires structure, organization and the right tools.

The Right Crib

An all-in-one playpen and crib, or playard, can provide the most comfortable and safe setting for your child to nap and play. With a set of built-in toys, your baby can be entertained while you work from home. Toys with noises and melodies, bright colors and plush materials can be soothing and fun. As your child begins to grow, you’ll want to make sure the crib remains a safe environment, and they’re unable to get into dangerous situations by climbing out unnoticed.

A Routine to Enjoy

It may be rough at the beginning to get into a routine as you try to balance work and a new baby. However, as the weeks go on, you’ll be able to establish a more realistic plan for how to spend the day. You’re going to have to practice flexibility, and you may be required to get more work done when your baby naps and after bedtime. If your child is on the floor, you can take the laptop down next to them while they play. It may be fun reading your work out loud to your baby. They won’t understand what you’re saying, but the inflection in your soothing voice with be helpful with their language development.

Portable Baby Carrier

Another way to keep your baby close is with a baby carrier or portable bassinet. Infants are especially comforted when they’re close to a parent during the early stages after birth. A carrier allows you the freedom to work on the computer with your child attached close to your chair.

Age Appropriate Toys

The age appropriate toys in an activity center are designed to keep your baby entertained. The average attention span of an child is figured as three to five minutes per year of the child’s age. Changing activities can be easy when you have the right tools. A bouncy chair mimics a parent’s gentle bounce and comes with a host of activities to keep your baby entertained. Baby mats and activity gyms are just as fun for your child, especially when you add plush toy animals and rattles. Baby swings and playards are also popular with stay at home parents. Make sure to position the equipment so that it not only faces you, but it is close to you and your work station. In addition to making them fun and entertaining for your child, choosing the right toy should also be important to their development and coordination.

The All Important Break

You don’t want your home business environment to be all work and chaos. The advantage to working at home is that you get to spend time with your baby, so you need to make sure you take a few breaks. Taking time out to play or read a story can promote bonding and relieve stress from a busy day.

Making money is important when you set up your business at home. However, it’s just as important to spend quality time and make special memories together too.

A work at home parent, Ann Bailey posts these reminders for new parents in a home-based business. Kids II, an innovative child equipment company, offers the Bright Starts playard activity and safety crib for all parents’ peace of mind about their infant’s health, comfort, inspiration and safety.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dharrels/3095646139/

Should I Work from Home? Pros and Cons

If you’re growing tired of the rat race and yearn to set up your own business, doing something you love and making money from it, you’re far from alone. And in this time of recession, with people still being made redundant left, right and centre, more and more people are choosing to set up shop themselves.

If you’re thinking of doing the same, one question you will probably ask yourself at some point is: should I work from home?

work from home
Image by Jelle Vandebeeck

It’s true that working from home can be enormously beneficial in terms of satisfaction, productivity and time spent with the family, but it is not without its pitfalls. So you need to think long and hard before deciding whether you want to turn a little corner of your house into a home office or workspace and shelling out for office furniture or equipment.

The pros of working from home

No boss

If you’re working from home, you’re either your own boss, or you have permission from your boss to work away from the office. Either way, you don’t have the feeling of someone over your shoulder all the time.

Make your own working hours

Some people are far more productive outside the general office hours of 9-5. If you do your best work early in the morning, or later in the evening, or even in the middle of the night, you have the freedom to set your own hours and work when you’re at your most productive.

Save the environment (and some money!)

If you’re not using you car ever day on that daily commute, you’re helping to cut down on fuel emissions, and reducing your carbon footprint. You’ll also be able to save money, without the cost of petrol or train fares to worry about, or the cost of renting an office.

Spend more time with your family

If you’ve not got a horrendously long commute to worry about every day, it gives you more time to spend with your family. You’ll be able to get the kids ready for school, maybe even walk them to school, and have breakfast as a family in the mornings. And in the evenings, you’ll be there to listen to their stories about their day, and have dinner as a family too.

Work in your pyjamas

If you find you’re much more comfortable in your pyjamas, or tracksuit trousers and a slouchy jumper than you are in tailored work suits, then you’re probably not alone! And if it makes you more productive, there’s no reason why you can’t wear whatever you’re most comfy in when you work from home.

The cons of working from home

Distractions

When you’ve got no boss to worry about and you’re working at your own speed, it’s easy to get distracted. The TV, the cat, making a cup of tea, surfing the Internet…. all of these things can command your attention, making it hard to focus on your projects.

Procrastination

When you make your own hours, it can be very easy to think, “I’ll start in an hour or so”. Then that can quite easily turn into a couple of hours, and before you know it, it’s lunchtime!

Lack of designated work space

Not everyone who works from home is lucky enough to have a home office or workspace. Many people simply don’t have the room. This can make it hard to focus, especially if you have to move, for example if you’re using the family dining table, or if there are other people around during the day.

You can’t get away from it

Unless you are lucky enough to have a designated study, studio or other workspace that you can just shut the door on at the end of the working day, you’ll find it hard to escape your work. And you might also feel that you have to work all hours of the day or night to please clients, particularly if you’re a new business. When you work at home, this is all too easy to do.

Trust signals

Even in today’s age of ecommerce and doing business online, many people still like to see a bricks and mortar shop/office. So not having one of these could be detrimental.

In many cases, working from home can be hugely rewarding, whether you have the option to do so from time to time, or you run your own business. However you do need to be careful to strike the right work-life balance, not let your work impinge on your family life and vice versa, and make sure you maintain a sense of structure. You might need to be strict with yourself in terms of procrastination and the hours you keep too, especially if you’re easily distracted!

Author Bio: If you’re thinking of working from home, it’s a good idea to have a home office, which should be tidy and organised, and allow for maximum productivity. ForMyOffice are a leading supplier of office and home office furniture, as well as lighting and desk accessories for all your office needs.