This is the process that I used:

1. Find your passion.

I loved the way the bath bombs made my skin feel. I loved the pampering, relaxing, and good for the soul type feeling I got when I experienced my luxury bath.

2. Read everything you can.

I went to a lot of bookstores and bought many books on the subject. I visited the library and borrowed books. I read eBooks, browsed websites, looked at online databases, and anything else pertaining to my subject that I could find from authoritative resources.

3. Use the Internet and online databases that are available to you.

I used the Internet not only to learn how to make bath bombs but also studied many companies. I especially learned from soap supply and fragrance oil sites. Many sites list their recipes online for you. I visited other bath bombs sites to see how they operated. I reviewed the credentials of some of the people and realized there are plenty of online folks willing to help.

4. Get yourself a mentor and track your successes.

I was lucky, my niece taught me many things about oils, properties of ingredients, labeling, packaging, reputable companies, and marketing ideas. Many sites have FAQ or a contact us section that you could use if you don’t have a mentor. Keep notes and track your successes so you remember what works for you.

5. Refine your skill and test your product.

My family and friends agreed to use my product. I wanted feedback to know that

I was making a quality product and that no one had any trouble with the ingredients irritating their skin. I tried and adapted many recipes until I perfected a process that worked for me. I used many bath uglies before I finally learned but thank goodness they still worked the same as the pretty ones. I practiced shipping and packaging to distant relatives and friends and made sure that a quality product survived the shipping process.

Even with some breakage, the quality was still there.

6. Local county and State assistance.

I went to the local Chamber of Commerce and had a class there. I studied information

and decided to apply for a Doing Business As (D.B.A.) at our local courthouse. I applied as a Domestic Limited Liability Company through Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth and for a Sales Tax License through the Michigan Department of Treasury.

7. Store and organize your websites.

Backflip is the site that I use to store and organize my websites. I set up categories for companies, ingredients, colorants, mentor tips, practice ideas, recipes, and wiki.

8. Use friends, family, and templates to set up your business keeping records.

Free templates were used to create invoices. I adjusted mine to collect for Michigan taxes and add the shipping costs. My friend helped me set up some spreadsheets for orders, expenses, and charts. I created folders as documents for lists, line fragrances, retired fragrances, fragrances to be considered, labels, etc. My daughter designed packing slips for me and helped me select fragrances and names for the bath bombs. I keep these documents in a 3 ring binder with plastic pocket protectors for collecting invoices and receipts. I printed my own business cards with Avery stock and my computer.

9. Register for a domain name, build a website, and consider a wiki.

I used Yahoo to register for a domain name and make a starter webpage. I used geocities and my email provider to create more elaborate websites. All sites have my email as the way to contact me for orders or inquiries. The template provided for the website worked fine for me. It listed my mission, information, product, news, and related links. Customers order through email, I email them an invoice, they pay with a check (no charge cards), the check clears, and the bath bomb order is shipped using flat rate USPS boxes. I recently created a wiki and am learning how to use that.

10. Enjoy.

I have enjoyed creating BBE. I am still learning but thought I would share the process this far in case someone could benefit with turning their own hobby into a passion. I learned from so many people and wanted to pass it on to others.

Eve Gray is a School Library Media Specialist that resides and works in Michigan. She created Bath Bombs by Eve LLC as a home-based business for homemade bath bombs.

bodybuilding diet

If you can take the time before or after your cruise travel, spend some extra time in San Diego. The city of San Diego is blessed with year round warm weather and seventy miles of Pacific Coastline. There are many activities to enjoy while in the city. They have a first class, world famous zoo in Balboa Park. At Old Town State Historic Park learn about the History of California. Near the downtown area there are 15 excellent museums and gorgeous gardens.

A little further up north is Long Beach just 20 miles south of Los Angeles. Here is where the Queen Mary retired to in 1967 and is permanently docked serving as a Hotel. With more 12,000 sea creatures the aquarium is a delightful spot to spend a couple of hours.

If you plan to take your cruise vacation out of Los Angeles there are plenty of sights to see. A pre or post cruise package from the cruise lines will allow you to see the many cultural centers or drive by the star studded neighborhoods of Malibu, Bel Air and Hollywood. Be sure to see Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Chinatown and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Visit funky Venice Beach and dine in the many excellent restaurants. And don’t forget to at least window shop on Rodeo Drive.

The dazzling Golden Gate Bridge will be what you sail under on you cruise vacation from San Francisco. Many cruise reviews have mentioned this city as one of the favorites from which to start a cruise. You may opt to take a side trip to the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma Valleys for a day. While in San Francisco check out Fisherman’s Wharf, or take a cable car ride through the city. In this city there are numerous excellent restaurants. There is a ferry that will take you over to Alcatraz Island for a glimpse into the life of the prisoners.

Perhaps you have chosen Seattle, Washington as your embarkation port. The lovely Puget Sound area is rich with history of the maritime industries. The Olympic Mountains will leave you feeling awed when viewed from the Space Needle that is 607 feet high. For fun don’t miss the Pike Street Market for fresh seafood and produce. There are many fleets of sport fishing boats for fishing or for whale watching.

Even further up the coast you are now in Alaskan territory. Fairbanks, which was once a booming mining town, is the entrance to Alaska’s interior. If you stay here for a day or two try a really Alaskan adventure and go dog sledding. Maybe you would like to pan for gold, another part of Alaska’s history. If you want to see the Northern Lights plan your cruise vacation for late August or early September.

Choosing a cruise vacation out of Whitter, Alaska will allow you to go whale watching, and look for sea lions and bald eagles. This is a small quaint town that really lets you feel what Alaska is all about.

You will fly into Anchorage for departure from Seward, Alaska. Try to stay a few days to explore the riches Anchorage has to offer. There is the beautiful Denali National Park, where Mt. McKinney offers spectacular scenery. In Seward you can take a cruise to the Kenai Fjords as a day trip.

Any of these cruise ports will make a great start for your cruise vacation. So when planning any cruise travel pick a port that’s close to home and leave some time for exploring the town of embarkation.

Happy Cruising

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com

Online dating essentially allows you to meet someone online from the comfort of your own computer. Not only can it be an excellent resource for those who work at lot, it is also a great tool for those who are shy or afraid of rejection. There are both free and paid dating services online, and there is a dating company that covers every region in the world. All you have to do is sign up and begin looking at the various profiles of the other members. Make a list of the members who have your interests and desirable characteristics. Once you’ve compiled this list, send them all a message. The more messages you send, the higher probability you have of getting a favorable response.

Once you have met someone you’re interested in, you can get to know them online before meeting them in person. Another useful strategy for those who work long hours is to meet someone at your job or college. However, it should be noted that some companies have policies regarding dating among co-workers, so it is important to make sure you are not violating the guidelines of your company before preceeding. If you are a college student, there can be no doubt that there are plenty of people in your classes that you’re interested in. If you are a man, it is likely that you’ve spotted a woman in your college class that you’d be interested in dating. If you are a woman, the same can be said for you.

It may be possible for the two of you to get together for a session of studying, or incorporate it into your date. Not only will you be having fun, but you will also be studying for an important quiz or research paper. My advice to you is to not allow your schedule to interfere with your ability to date. While hard work and education is important, you should also be able to enjoy yourself and have a good time.

Ron Zvagelsky has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2006. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of http://www.planjam.com/date.php — a new interactive planning website.

Cflwaves

Today the cry is from the lawyers… and it goes like this… “send clients, time and money.

Maybe the legal industry should consider asking Warren to re-write his song especially for them. A song that will help lawyers obtain new quality clients who can pay their bills while giving lawyers more time.

The ultra-ultra competitive legal industry is awash in all kind of headaches which make the day-to-day life of practicing law not much fun.

Finding new quality clients is almost a full-time job. There are so many legal specialties flooded with other lawyers offering the same specialty that the public is taking the Wal-Mart approach and buying from the lowest-cost provider.

Unfortunately this pattern just makes things worse, as lawyers feel the pressure to compete on price…so they lower their fees, which causes their competitors to do the same.

Ultimately this produces a downward spiral for legal fees which benefits the public (maybe) but hurts law practices.

Today’s legal client has the same problems as yesterday’s legal client had but… they want more-for- less and they don’t even want to pay for it.

These new clients are well informed, they’re internet savvy, they ask for discounts and they shop for lawyers like they shop for a new TV.

When they finally make a decision to retain a lawyer…they start acting like they are the only client the lawyer has. They expect their new lawyer to take their endless phone calls, get their case filed or settled overnight, balk at retainers and slow pay or no pay on future invoices.

But wait there is more…because many lawyers feel forced into taking these new clients at low fees, they often find themselves working on cases which won’t make them any money.

Once a lawyer gets to this point…it’s not good for the client or the lawyer. The lawyer realizes that they can’t put anymore time into a case, as the client is not going to pay more…so they want to end the case as soon as possible and get it off their desk.

The client is still thinking (hoping) for the best possible outcome (typically very unreasonable) and the lawyer simply wants the case over. The lawyer feels bad about the case as it’s become a financial train wreck and they realize they should have charged the client a much higher fee.

The bottom line is most Lawyers are working harder today and making less than they were 10 years ago. The hourly rates they quote are often not realized and if they are it’s because of a huge amount of personal effort being expended each hour. Something most lawyers can’t keep up for long.

If you’re sick and tired of cash flow issues, trying to find clients while collecting your billings…then you need The Most Magical Skill That Turns Almost Any Struggling Law Practice Into A Stress-Free, “No-Work” Profit Making Machine…”!

Jack McDonough is a speaker, author and consultant to attorneys who desire to make more money while working less hours. Jack is President of US Tax Marketing Corp. http://www.ustax.com

Surfing Pictures

Today, often an older guy will display his younger partner openly, publicly and with pride. Let’s look at the top ten reasons why sugar daddy dating is becoming more and more popular within the online dating arena. The comparisons are based on age difference between two people seeking a long term relationship.

1. A good proportion of young women feel safer in the company of a more mature man, especially on first meeting. He is more inclined to suggest coffee or dinner in a crowded venue as a first meeting place, or be quite happy for her to suggest a locale where she would feel comfortable. Her ease-of-mind, during that first date in particular, will be high on his agenda.

2. Although there are exceptions to every rule, women dating the older man notice the higher level of respect shown to them during such relationships. The emphasis on romance overshadowing his desire to get her into bed is often more apparent. He is less likely to be interested in a superficial encounter.

3. The prospects of a long term relationship are usually very real, his playing around days are obliterated in the past. His mature mindset now focused on the many other aspects and indeed the benefits of being in an adoring long term union.

4. The older man/younger woman relationship often focuses on a man’s need to protect and show support towards his younger partner. Many misconstrue this notion as a ’sex for favors’ arrangement. Men who seek this type of relationship do not do so purely as a sexual outlet and would be offended if a woman offered sex for kindness and not because she was attracted to him physically.

5. Fidelity is less of a risk in this relationship because the man is older and has sewn most of his wild oats years earlier. He is seeking a relationship where he can be loved, nurtured and appreciated, while he has an opportunity to love, protect and honor his partner.

6. Baggage can often be a problem in any new relationship. Anyone over 35 has baggage but an older man is usually able to disassociate himself from past issues that could derail his new relationship. He is also able to allow his new partner to deal with her own issues - family, children, etc. with an air of understanding.

7. Sexually, although not quite the opportunist he used to be, his need to delight and satisfy will oftentimes be stronger than seeking his own satisfaction. He will take time to seduce her mind, his idea of foreplay has evolved way beyond ‘fumble on the couch’ status. The aftermath of those intimate encounters too will be loving and warm, with pillow talk becoming a tender part of the process.

8. Romance is an important aspect of any dating relationship, but a sugar daddy will pay much more attention to the romantic suggestion. This is not simply manifested with flowers, gifts and material things, but the hand holding, public shows of affection or little notes left discreetly for her to find. He has also learned to listen to a woman and learn what is important to her.

9. Many young women are very mature and know what they want at a much earlier age than many men. A younger woman can have a lot in common with an older man. She can hold his attention for long periods and can be very good friends as well as lovers.

10. A genuine sugar daddy will enjoy spoiling and pampering his young lover and take every opportunity available to make her feel like a princess. Not necessarily by way of showering her with material things, but generally taking care of her needs. Making her feel that she is important to him, loved.. cherished.. protected.

The 1920’s version of the sugar daddy would typically shower his young lover with gifts and often cash, as a ‘reward’ for her company or sexual favors. These days the arrangement is centered around a relationship, a solid bond between two willing partners. The spoiling, pampering and protection satisfying both his need to give, and her need to receive. This new age sugar daddy sugar baby arrangement can often develop into a powerful union of mind body and soul, leaving the conventional relationship in the dust.

Maureen Shaw is the author of the book how to win the dating game, “Do you know how to get lucky online?” She does. She didn’t always know. It took her several years of watching how other people got lucky and now you can learn it for yourself.

Cflwaves

WHEW ! Even though the above examples were financial considerations, I’m sure you agree that each subject will carry with it some form of emotional difficulty.

Today I want to focus on a separate angle of emotional consideration before the divorce is made (if possible). This affects whether or not you need and want to still divorce. It also influences your future relationships regardless with whom you connect. The subject that truly must be addressed is: Emotional Healing.

Hey ! Everybody wants a great relationship - right? Well, the more we have stored up in the way of unfinished or unspoken emotions and business - the more we are unavailable and incapable to truly connect, find satisfaction, and experience fulfillment within our connections with other people.

As you know most divorces are built on walls of negative emotions such as (years of) pain, frustration, anger, resentment, jealousy, guilt, and misunderstandings. Living with unresolved emotions like these is like knowing you have toxic waste inside your body and knowing you can clear it out — so DO IT ! There are several options for accomplishing your emotional healing: a few follow.

Therapy can be fantastic for many people. The talking and sharing bring about new understandings over a period of time. This approach has worked for years. Check your local listings, ask questions, find the style and technique that will work for you. Coaching is a newer option that some choose. In coaching, individuals are given assignments which will uncover what is truly at the core, help them get honest, and make decisions from an authentic place. Spiritual counseling is another avenue that can help reframe the issues within a couple’s own context of who they are at a deeper level and by the principles through which they have committed to align their lives. Finally, there are also seminars, retreats and at-home retreat packages that raise issues, guide you to a clearer understanding of yourself, help you take ownership, allow you to move forward with more integrity and in emotional freedom.

Which ever path suits you best, I encourage you to investigate that option and engage yourself within it before cutting ties and believing that once the papers are done and signed life will just pick up afresh and anew. Give yourself the best gift of all: a clean heart and a freedom you may not have experienced in years. This way, whether you divorce or not you will be truly able to again feel satisfied and connected when relating to the one you love.

Until next time— all the best,
Kate

Kate Hufstetler is a life coach and curriculum designer. Her clients come from both the United States and overseas. She offers coaching services via email and phone consultations. Her new product and service line is a unique offer of at-home retreat packages. The retreats can be done as a seminar or group retreat, but they are designed specifically for those who can’t get away. http://www.comedreamwithme.com.

Border Collies were originally bred in the borderlands between Scotland and England as herding dogs. They were selected to be able to work long days on rugged terrain, have excellent herding skills, instincts and intelligence. Over time, this led to the Border Collie’s astounding energy, trainability and ability to reason. Border Collies are still used universally as herders.

Poodle

Though they are known more for their appearance, Poodles are actually some of the world’s smartest dogs. The air of dignity and elegance with which Poodle’s carry themselves accords with their highly above-average intelligence and trainability. Though Poodles are usually show dogs in the United States, they have served as police dogs in other countries.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are noted for their versatility, stability, energy, strength and intelligence. Shepherds are known not only for their intrinsic smarts and trainability, but for the multitude of roles they can fill, such as family pet, police dog, herding dog and TV and movie actor.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers were originally bred by an upper-class Englishman who wanted a hunting dog that made a great companion. A mixture of the Irish Setter and several types of Spaniel, the Golden Retriever was bred to find and retrieve downed birds and be a good companion. Today’s Golden Retrievers are just that -attentive, loving dogs that will chase down anything you throw them.

Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher originated as a police dog in 19th Century Germany. These dogs are top-notch watchdogs, guardians and protectors, as well as guide dogs and military dogs. Doberman’s were bred for their loyalty and intelligence, and the modern version of the breed continues to show both those traits. Dobermans are working dogs and do best with a lot of structured exercise.

Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog, or “Sheltie” was bred on the Shetland Islands of Scotland to herd sheep. These small, agile dogs resemble collies and are widely regarded as highly intelligent. Shelties are also renowned for their trainability, even temperament and loyalty. They are very active and do best with lots of exercise.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers come from unknown origins but are now the most popular dog breed in the United States. The Labrador Retriever’s are an active, affectionate and highly trainable dog and very intelligent. Many Labrador owners comment about their dogs’ seeming “humanity.” Labrador Retrievers make great family pets, drug-sniffing dogs, hunting dogs and seeing-eye dogs.

Papillon

The Papillon a small, long-haired dog breed considered by most to be a lap-dog or show dog. Despite this reputation, Papillons are athletic, active and very intelligent. They’re known to be people-centered and enjoy social situations with lots of humans in attendance. Recently Papillons have emerged as agility champions.

Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog or “Blue Heeler” is another intelligent, active herding dog. These medium sized dogs are noted for their spotted orange or bluish coats. Australian Cattle Dogs thrive when given a complicated task such as an obstacle course, tricks or other dog sports. Australian Cattle Dogs have excellent fine motor skills and will meticulously shred their toys.

Bark Busters offers in-home dog and puppy training solutions across Canada for all dog breeds and ages. Comes with a written lifetime guarantee. http://www.barkbusters.ca/

There were no real lions in China. However, the Lion of Buddha was a sacred symbol from about the first century A.D. The artist of those days portrayed Buddhist’s symbols remarkably like the emperor’s palace dogs. The Pekingese were probably the artists’ models. Until 1860 the Pekingese was kept only by the imperial family. The Imperial family designated three types:

? Lion Dogs for their manes and large forequarters;
? Sun Dogs because of their golden red coats;
? And Sleeve Dogs because they were often carried inside the rather large sleeves of the royal families.

According to historians when the British raided the Chinese Imperial Palace in 1860, they carried off five of these little dogs. One of these little dogs was presented to Queen Victoria and named “Looty.” The remaining four were given to Admiral John Hay. In John Hay’s Greenwood Castle these four Pekingese became the foundation stock for today’s Western Pekingese.

Very little is known or available of the ancestors of the Pekingese. We do know Oriental breeding was common to produce small type pug-faced dogs with flowing coats.

The Pekingese is probably better suited to adult families or those with older children who understand the need of careful handling of small dogs. The Pekingese is sociable and loves to romp with its family. He can be somewhat stubborn, never loses courage or dignity. He is even-tempered, intelligent and affectionate. The Pekingese is a loyal companion. He is best trained with gentleness, consistency and with great patience. Reward every appropriate action with a kind word and a special treat. The Pekingese is usually not known as an alarm dog. He usually resents strangers, is bold, brave and may develop into a watchdog if encouraged.

The Pekingese have not changed a lot since they were residents of the royal palace of China. They are still small and compatible little dogs. They were bred to please their royal owners. Following the fall of the Chinese palace in 1860 they were seen in Great Britain. The AKC registered the Pekingese in 1906 and the breed has grown in popularity since that time.

Pekingese do not require a lot of exercise, long walks with its owner and backyard playtime is plenty for the Peke.

Grooming

You guessed it…..the Pekingese does require quite a bit of grooming. Its coat is abundant, long, straight, flat and flowing. Most Pekingese have a black mask that extends to the ears and are seen in many different colors. Grooming should begin very early in the life of a Pekingese puppy. The fine coat tangles easy. Care must be taken to straighten or clip out mats as they form. The top coat is coarse with a thick undercoat. There is a profuse mane extending beyond its shoulders which forms a cape around the neck.

You will need a slicker or pin brush and a wide-toothed comb. Brushing regularly is essential. Pet Pekingese are more comfortable having their stomach, chest and genital area clipped very short. Show dog Pekingese, however, are not clipped in this manner.

Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com and sign up for our newsletters. About Toy Dogs is a guide to information about the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog books, dog toys and supplies, and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full page ad with up to 3 pictures, 12 picture video and advertising in our newsletters for one year at the rate of $25 per year.

Well, after spending 2? weeks with my toddler grandchildren several years ago, an insight bolted into my consciousness: if you make it fun and interesting — concentrating on what THEY want, then you pretty much get compliance. I realized, as I thought about what it took to get cooperative action from our little darling 1 and 2-year-old grandchildren that the same logic certainly applied to MLM.

Some elements of our business are very challenging to people, and we have a hard time getting our new recruits into action. One of those elements is prospecting. But, what if you had a reward program to “pay” your recruits weekly if they got the job done? I can tell you from experience that once I established a monopoly type paper “pay” system in my weekly Boot Camp call, participants would do practically anything to make sure they got “paid.”

When I started “paying” everyone to prospect 3-5 people a week and “paying” people to sponsor, they accomplished these activities a lot more successfully. In addition, when I started “paying” my distributors for exercising, instead of just nagging them to get more fit, I got incredibly better results.

One of my participants broke her toe, but she only missed one week’s money, soon finding a way to take up stationary bicycle riding to comply with the activities, so she could once again win all her weekly money, plus the weekly bonus for completing all 12 assignments successfully.

A major key here is that it is about what THEY want. Much of the training in our industry is a cookie cutter process designed to create exact duplication with everyone. Therein lies a problem. Many people cannot SEE themselves doing certain things, like saying exactly what is in the script, or wearing a button. If, however, you could design a way to personalize your trainings, making them more interactive and perhaps even involving role-playing, then chances are you would retain a lot more people.

I have found that I can accomplish this in a group process over the phone. I structure my Boot Camp calls to allow for a significant amount of interaction every week. People are both acknowledged and rewarded. It’s not about me, it’s about them.

My first real conscious implementation of this “fun” and “interesting” behavior modification actually occurred many years ago, when I was a teacher in that small town high school in Escalon, California. I taught English and Home Economics. In my Home Ec classes, due to the nature of the activities, I had to assign monitor duties (I thought) each week. Some students were required to unplug and turn off the irons, some folded dishtowels, some cleaned off tables and put away pattern books, etc. I assigned such jobs alphabetically and wrote the “workers” names on a monitor list that I taped to my desktop. The kids complained incessantly that surely it wasn’t their turn again, etc. and —quite frankly — after 3 years of struggle, I decided that life was short, and I was tired of all the whining.

I came up with a revolutionary new “system.” I would accept only volunteers. No one would ever “have to” do a chore again. When I first announced the new program in each of my six classes, a snicker broke out when I said I was only accepting volunteers. After waiting an appropriate length of silence for the snickering to subside, I then continued on to say that my “frequent” volunteers would be rewarded at the end of the semester with a 4X6 colored glossy photo of my celebrity pet parakeet “Little Michael,” which she would personally autograph, and a choice feather collection would be taped on the back of each collector’s item photo.

A stampede ensued in each class as students darted up to write their names in every week’s slots. My biggest “new” problem was that I didn’t have enough jobs for all the eager beavers. I thought to myself, “Let me see if I understand this. For 3 years, I have been struggling to get any cooperation in monitor duties. Now, I offer a 50 cent photo of a parakeet, and I get an enthusiastic effort all semester long — and I even have substitute monitors lined up in case of absences!”

I continued to use the parakeet photo system for the remaining 11 years that I taught at Escalon High School, and my only problem with it ever was that I couldn’t create as many monitor jobs as I had volunteers, so I had to give credit to my long list of substitutes just to maintain fairness. Fun and interesting . . . that’s the key. I hope you will take some time to consider applications of these insights for your MLM organization. Remember what Einstein aptly observed:

“The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them.”

Copyright (c) 2006 Dr. Eileen Silva

Eileen Silva, Ph.D., N.D. is a metabolic health balancing expert, talk show guest, and lecturer. Dr. Silva is also an individual, group, and corporate weight management consultant. Contact Dr. Silva at http://www.dreileensilva.com.

Annecdote #1: About 3 months ago, I got an email from a very anger person stating that my website was nothing but a fraud due to the fact that they got my link from an adult website (why they were on this site in the first place is left to be seen!). I did some research on why my link was found on a certain website and I found that one of my content ads from Google had the line “Get Off Your Fanny…” I later learned that this rather tame word “fanny” has different meanings in other countries (we are talking about a global economy here!). This triggered an Adsense ad on an adult website. So my first point here is that you do not have control at times where your ad may appear in the world wide web! Secondly, do I care? In this case, I do to some degree. I do not really care that it came from an adult website. Traffic is traffic (even if someone may be upset with this). What I do care about is that I PAID for this click.

This is when good traffic goes bad! I did some careful research on the statistics of those who visited my website from this adult website. Sure enough, I received about 30 clicks at $0.10 a piece (a total of $3). Out of that $3, I received zero sales and additionally, 29 of those people “bounced” (meaning they stayed on my website for less than 5 seconds). This is not a good investment and I made sure that this site would no longer post my ad (and I did change the wording to remove “fanny” from the equation!).

Annecote #2: One common and highly publicized way of attracting traffic to one’s website is through free classified ads. The first time I did this, I was kind of shocked what I saw. My visitors to my website jumped to an additional 150 unique visitors per day (after the initial postings.) WOW! I then went and checked my sales: Zero additional sales. I went and researched my classified ad statistics and sure enough, about 145 of those visitors bounced. Does this make classified ads “bad traffic”.

It can, but not really! Remember this: these ads are free. And out of the 5 visitors that did stay on my website, I got two of them to sign-up for my opt-in letter. Ultimately, that means I paid zero dollars for each lead. That is definitely worth something. The biggest question here is time. How much is your time worth? To post classified ads requires time and (if you are strapped in time like I am), time is money. Further, this additional traffic hurts my visitors per sales statistics, but who cares! It is ROI (return on investment) that truly matters. The investment in this case is time, not money.

Traffic is currently king on the internet when it come to making sales. In my opinion, though, traffic only goes bad when you pay for it and it does not produce sales. All free traffic is good (no matter where it comes from). But beware, free traffic sometimes come at the cost of time. Is an hour of posting classified ads worth more than a new blog entry or a review of another product? That is a decision that you, the online marketer, must make yourself!

Matthew Bredel is a 32 year old online entrepreneur and engineer currently living in San Diego, CA.