How to Make Money on Squidoo

Squidoo is one on the most Popular Websites nowadays, not only for writing creative lenses but also for making money online. Most people think about Squidoo like a source of fascinating information as well as fail to consider it as a wonderful income generating opportunity. Squidoo is a great way to make money online even though you do not have any weblogs or website to run your own. Squidoo offers opportunities that you should sell affiliate products and programs, start Pay per click campaigns etc. Many bloggers even utilize Squidoo like a website to generate traffic to their own blogs/ website. In this article I will explain some ways that you can make cash from Squidoo. 

To begin making money out of this opportunity, here's how to get started: 


1. Do your homework first.

Before you sign up for an account, you want to browse around the Squidoo site and be familiar with it. See what others are creating lenses regarding. Explore the top 100 contacts to see exactly what topics you might be interested in, as well as what a lens looks like. This will help you decide things to add to your lens to make it earn money, as well rank high in the search engines and make you money.


2. Do your own keyword research.

Subsequent, choose one or two subjects you are interested in. Do your keyword research. Start by searching for a general key phrase on your subject (this is generally a one or even two term keyword phrase). Look for keywords with lots of searches. Search for keywords that are three or even more words lengthy. The lengthier the keyword phrase, the more specific it is. This is a keyword that is more likely to convert and make you a sale. Make a list from the keywords you need to use. You might expand this particular list later on, but this will bring you started.


3. Sign up for the account.

When you first sign up for your account, the system will ask you to build a lens. Don't be unnerved. It's really easy. Stick to the steps as well as add the info that Blogger asks you for. When it requires you for the URL of your website, use your very first keyword. (Make certain your zoom lens is on this keyword.) If the lens is actually taken, then use dashes between the words, or even the underscore. Don't be concerned if your zoom lens isn't exactly perfect at this point. While you tweak as well as add information to your lens, your zoom lens will get better and carry out better. If you are planning to build contacts on more than one topic, after that sign up with regard to multiple company accounts. This way you build trustworthiness as an professional on your subject.


4. Complete your profile.

In addition to having a general user profile for your acccount, every lens will have a profile. Produce a general profile for your accounts and create a profile for each lens. This will permit you to give more details about yourself as well as your topic. Eventually, you will better connect with visitors.


5. Develop more lenses.

The more contacts you build, the more money you make. Probably the most important things to remember here though is to keep your lenses on the same related subject. The reason is that eventually you are branding yourself being an expert on whatever subject you are writing regarding. Keeping your own lenses related will give you credibility and increase your chances of making the sale.

So how do you make money with Squidoo?

Become a Lensmaster

Lensmaster is a lot like webmaster. Essentially, you are the individual responsible for all the content on your lens. The Squidoo web page is called a Zoom lens and the person writing onto it is called the actual Lensmaster. Whenever, you create a lens - you are entitled to royalties produced from the advertisements on your lens. Squidoo follows a revenue sharing program where you get a reduce earned in the pay-per-click ads. That's whenever a reader clicks on the actual ad, you also earn the share of revenue from Squidoo.


Sell/Promote Your product or service

If you have an Ebay shop or have an affiliate product related to a distinct segment - you'll be able to use the Blogger lens to advertise it. You are able to create a zoom lens that is in line with the niche of the affiliate products and encourage buyers. Apart from this Squidoo allows you to make use of the in-built purpose of adding eBay or Cafepress affiliate products and programs. So it becomes easy for you, submit it on your lens as well as promote it. Actually search engines may turn up with your lens for the keyword.

There are two ways in which you can earn money from the affiliate products using Squidoo lens. The first is as mentioned above, by promoting products with the in-built function that Squidoo purports to its website owners. Squidoo provides a ton of selections for you to use because affiliate resources. There are many well-known manufacturers such as Amazon . com, CafePress, iTunes, auction web sites and NetFlix.

However, you'll have to share the cut from the revenue earned from affiliate sales along with Squidoo in case you make use of their in-built affiliate resources. The second way is by linking to your personal affiliate links using the zoom lens. This method is much more preferable because you get to keep hundred percent from the revenue you make from your affiliate product sales. The only advantage of while using Squidoo’s in-built affiliate item functionality may be the ease of setup.


Driving Traffic for your Blog/Website

Squidoo may also be used to drive targeted traffic to your blog or website. When your zoom lens is focused on a specific topic or niche, you can use it to drive traffic to your blog or in fact the squeeze page. That way the people to your website/blog via can become your readers or customers. If your customer is getting on a Squeeze page you can even achieve success at selling a great deal of affiliate products. Apart from that, you can include your website link to an anchor text. So when the Google spider crawls it - you get a back link. This can do a great deal within improving your Page Rank.


Become a part of the actual Squidoo Affiliate Program

When you indication up for Blogger, you also get the opportunity to earn affiliate income when you make other join Squidoo. Whenever, someone signs up through your own Squidoo affiliate link and makes the very first $15 then both affiliate and also the person who signed up get credited with $5 to their account. This is a case where both the events are beneficiaries unlike usual affiliate programs exactly where only the affiliate marketer seller gets their wage. For example, a person sign up utilizing my Squidoo referral link then when you reach the $15 mark in earnings for the first time then I as well as you will earn $5.

Essentially, the advantage of the actual Squidoo affiliate marketer is that it is simpler to promote because the person putting your signature on up also has apparent advantages. The main advantage of Squidoo is that it is super-simple and fun method to share your interests. Along with the fun, it is also a powerful way to make money online.

The actual registration is totally free and easy to get started. Numerous lensmasters are making more than $1,000 a year from Blogger. Some even make $10,000, while others are happy with $40 or $4. The benefit of Squidoo is that it is super-simple and fun method to share your interests. Along with the fun, it's also a powerful way to make money online. The registration is totally free and easy to get started. Numerous lensmasters are making more than $1,000 a year from Blogger. Some even help to make $10,000, while others are happy with $40 or $4.

Recommended Books:

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Posted in: List of Ways to Make Money Online,Make Money,Make Money Online,Making Money Online

Small Business Idea No. 4: Answering Service Business

Photo from aexllc.com

With the current economy and job market, many qualified individuals are presently devoid of a job, trying to decide upon their next action. At-home enterprises are on the rise, offering advantages of being a business proprietor and working from a home office. One such option is a home-based answering service business. Countless studies have been performed specific to this option revealing that of all in-home businesses, a telephone answering service is among the most profitable and easiest to start. Business to business services have become extensively well known, and provide a nice income. Here are a few suggestions and guidelines for setting up and operating your own home answering service.

What is an Answering Service? 

When operating a home based answering service, business owners obtain contracts from other professionals and agree to obtain all of their incoming calls. Often times, professional people are too busy to answer their own telephone calls and sort through junk calls. This is where an answering service comes into action. As people call a specific business, all calls are automatically forwarded to the answering service. The answering service will act as the receptionist, answering basic questions and taking phone messages.

Start-up Cost

The start-up cost for a home based answering service will vary depending on how many clients you choose to service. If seeking to make the operation small and cheap, consider having all calls forwarded to your home telephone number. However, if the goal is to build a profitable business, invest in additional telephone lines, switchboard, computer, billing software, and fax machine.

The greater part of the start-up cost will be spent in advertising. With an answering service business build up within the home, people can earn as much as $150,000 in annual revenue. This type of business can be conducted by one individual and with incredible success. On the other end of the spectrum, smaller businesses requiring remote customer service appreciate the many benefits associated with someone who offers live phone answering services.

Which Clients to Target?

While there are many incredible probabilities for the individual who wants to start an in-home answering service business, the groupof business owners that profitthe most would be anyone on-call 24 hours a day. This is why, people starting a business such as this should promotethe services toward doctor's offices, tow services, heating and cooling repair people, apartment complexes, plumbers, and electricians.

All types of business professionals are probable clients. This would include physicians or lawyers who operate small practices. Moreover, independent companiesand sales persons will greatly benefitfrom using an answering service. Other professionals who run businesses out of their homes may relyon their spouse or home answering machine to take messages when they are away. By using a professional answering service, their clients are able to speak to a live, knowledgeable person.

People as a whole are tired of making phone calls after hours only to be met with a voice recording advising that multiple buttons have to be pressed and directions followed before a message can be documented. Once the message has been left, the caller has no guarantee when a return call will come. With answering services, callers are greeted with a friendly and professional live person that can answer questions, provide information, make suggestions, or take messages to be passed on immediately. Just before meeting with possible clients, design several monthly packages.

There are several ways to charge clients. Some answering services charge clients on a per call basis, whereas others producea set price for a specific number of calls. Calls that go overthe monthly limit are assessed additional charges. Typical rates include $80 - $100 per every 100 calls.

Gaining Answering Service Experience 

Before managing an answering service business, it helps to have preceding telephone answering service experience. When meeting with potential clients, inform them of any previous associatedwork experience. This might include working as a receptionist, inbound call operator, telemarketer, or other answering help.

Tips for Marketing Answering Service Business  

Record a business ad in local telephone directory.  Place a classified ad in the local newspaper. Take benefitof direct mailings. Post ads in online business forums. Pass out business cards and information packages to local businesses

What are the Demanding situations? 

The problemfor most small business owners is that they fork out the majority of their time handling sales, accounting, and dealing with on-site issues. For these people, the added cost to have someone in the office full-time, whether during the day or after hours is beyond the budget. An answering service business established as an in-home office is more cost effective while still being the lifeblood of the company by ensuring customers are taken care of in a professional manner.

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How to Publicize an Answering Service Business? 

An preliminaryannouncement of your service in the paper is a necessity, and then a small contract ad (one you pay for by the month) under "Business Services" should do the trick. For this amount of business, the paper will probably run a little freebie feature about your new business. If they don't have a reporter ready, furnish them with some newsy copy that just happens to make your company look as if it is the answer to everyone's dreams, possibly even with a picture (make sure it advertise your business -- not your ego).

If you really want to do it right, have some single page advertisements (flyers) printed and send one to every small business in your area, especially one-person service businesses. Then, whenever business lags, or when you are ready for more, beef up your advertising for a while. Join the Chamber of Commerce, where many potentialcustomersare, and be visible in community affairs. Appear as a volunteer booth attendant with your company T-shirt or hat. Another low-costadvertising gimmick is to donate a prize of, say a month's free answering service for the community charity auction or drawing.

The telephone company will helpyou arrangeto be listed in the yellow pages, and help if you wish to place an ad there (they are effective and EXPENSIVE) -- don't let them sell you more than you need and can give. For example, if you are going to show upfirst in the listing (Answering Service) anyway, a large ad would not be as critical to receive notice. If there are alternativelocal phone listings, check on them, too. They are probably cheaperand less effective than the yellow pages but usually every bit as good an investment.

In your spare time work out a sales pitch and call prospective businesses to inform them your services. Note that unlessyou are especially adeptat this, it is very bestto placean outline in front of you at these times -- to make sure you cover all the important points and that you have the answers to their questions handy. Your pleasant voice and professionalism will demonstrate how your service can serve their needs and help improve their business image. Have a brochure or rate sheet and an preliminaryagreement ready to mail to them if they seem interested (strike while "the iron is hot"). Potential problems in this business center around getting or giving the wrong information, or forgetting to notify someone at the tight time.

How do I setup my Answering Service Facility? 

In setting up your own facilities, keep your cost in line with a realistic view of your first year's expectedincome. It shouldn't be too hardto find low-cost rental space in an older building not far from the telephone company's exchange building - the telephone company is usually just as stubbornto pay high rent as you are... Locating in an older, less than "beautiful" building should not detract from your business because few of your customerswill ever actually see your offices.

Most will sign up for your services either through your in-person sales calls on them, or your telephone requestingefforts, and send their payment in by mail. You'll need 125 square feet of space for each switchboard you plan to subsequentlyinstall. Also preparefor a small reception area which can also double as a rest area for your operators and general office area for bookkeeping, billing and other administrative functions.

Be sure there are convenient rest room facilities as well. Before installation of your first switchboard, the phone company will requirean inspection of your office, mainly to verifyif the floor is strongenough to support the weight of the switchboard. Save yourself a lot of disappointmentby explaining this to the real estate agents or building managers before they start showing you what's available. The best thing is to ask for certified copies of the original building blueprints or previous inspection reports, and have these in hand when you contact the phone company.

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Posted in: Small Business,Small Business Ideas

Simple Ways to Promote Your Products on the Web

Supposing you now have signed up with advertisers, you are now confronted with a difficult task. Promoting those products! For a newbie, this will be the hard part, and for other internet marketers as well. But there are several ways of promoting affiliate products. I will enumerate a few.

1. Create a blog.

You can create a blog about the product you are promoting. Blogger.com is the way to go when it comes to free blogging. Aside from being free, it is owned by Google, and Google loves its own blogs, it is easily crawled and ranks well if you have unique content. But don't create spam blogs, by simply copying and pasting the whole advertiser description about the product.

Create a good and unique content about a product, or an article where you can incorporate the product you are promoting. Other blogging platforms include weebly, yola, typepad, tumblr, livejournal, posterous and much more. Wordpress.org is the best way to promote about your products and I will discuss it later as we go on.

2. Submit to Article Directories

This is one of the free and easiest ways to promote a product. You can create an article about the product, basically a pre-selling article and submit those to articles directories such as ezinearticles, articlesdashboard, goarticles, articlesbase and many more. These article directories have high Google Page Ranks which provides greater chances for your article to be seen. You can create links to the products usually at the bottom of your articles.

3. Post on Forums

Your can sign up on forums to promote your products. Some forums allow users to post signature with links, you can use the links to promote the website where you promote your products or you can post the direct links to the product, although not all forums allow this method.

4. Create a Website:

an Affiliate Store One of the best ways to promote your advertiser's products is to create a website that showcases some or all of their products. You can achieve this by creating an Affiliate Store. This is in a form of an Online Store where there is no physical products, instead they are redirected to the website of the advertiser selling the real product.

Wordpress.org blogging platform is the best way to go when creating an affiliate store. It is because of its dynamic interface, which is very user and newbie friendly. They have a diverse collection of plugins which enhances your website capabilities. There are also a number of Wordpress Themes that can be used to promote your affiliate products. I will provide examples as we go on with our discussion in this page.

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Posted in: Affiliate Marketing,Make Money Blogging

Affiliate Store Wordpress Themes

Wordpress is a popular blogging software that a lot of people are using nowadays. But it is not only used for blog creation. With its easily customizable theme and interface you can crate any type of website you want including your own affiliate store.

The Following is a List of Websites where you can download themes for your Affiliate Store-Templatic.com - It showcases business themes which you can use for your affiliate store. I have tried using Wp Store and Store Front, these are good looking themes, although the downside is that you have to manually post the product pictures, I have tried uploading a datafeed but the product photos doesn't show. There are a number of good designs though. 

Elegantthemes.com - It has more than 60+ Templates to choose from. You can get all themes for a modest prices of 39$ per annum. Woothemes- They have great templates, especially magazine templates which you can use for showcasing your products in your affiliate store. 

Flexsqueeze.com - This is a very nice theme which you can download. You can customize this theme according to your liking, just be creative. 

Nattywp.com- They have both free and premium themes. 

Studiopress- They have the very popular Genesis Theme, which is also fully customizable. 

ThemesForest- They have Shop Themes that are nice to use for showcasing affiliate products. 

Pagelines- They have a drag and drop Wordpress framework that allows users to build websites in a matter of minutes even without coding knowledge. 

AffiliateTheme.net - A Perfect Theme for affiliate Marketers. 

Affiliatemarketingthemes.com - Offers cheap Salespages for your affiliate marketing conquest. 

Catalysttheme.com - Offer 800 + child theme designs. 

Flexithemes.com - They havehigh quality and professional WordPress themes that are easy to use, manage and customize. 

TheWPNinja.com - They have modern unique blog designs. 

Richwp-.com - They have an Affiliate Theme that is suitable for Affiliate Marketers. 

There are a lot of Wordpress Themes to choose from in the web. Choose the Theme that you think will fit best with the types of products you want to promote.

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Posted in: Make Money Blogging,Wordpress

Small Business Idea No. 5: Bed and Breakfast

Bed and Breakfast is an interesting innovative "down-home" kind of business springing up amidst homeowners around the country. If being domestic is your area, considering a bed and breakfast business could be in your favor. All it takes is a spare bedroom, an inherent ability for cooking, an sociable personality and a true enjoyment of tending to the comforts of others -- and you could be happy and successful with a bed and breakfast inn business.

What exactly is a bed and breakfast?

It's a kind of hybrid between a luxury hotel and a private home, embodying the best of both worlds. A B&B is generally a small establishment with four to 10 guest rooms instead of the 50 to 100 or more found at most hotels. The owners live on-site and interact with travelers as if they were invited guests rather than anonymous transient room numbers. And guests are dealt with to lost of little deluxe touches like chocolates on their pillows, turn-down service, and baskets of bath and beauty products set out on Jacuzzi tubs.

And, of course, there's the "breakfast" in bed and breakfast, a sumptuous home-cooked feast that is included with the price of the room and is served each morning in a social dining room or in the guest's own quarters. B&Bs also tend to feature frosty glasses of iced tea or lemonade on the porch on hot summer afternoons; cups of cocoa after sleigh rides on wintry afternoons; plates of cookies in the kitchen; and wine and cheese in the parlor on dusky evenings--all a part of the room rate.

What are the Different Types of Bed and Breakfast Business?

1. B&B Homestay: This is a private, owner-occupied residence in which the frequency and volume of B&B visitors are incidental to the main use of the building as a private residence. One to five guest rooms are made available to temporary visitors and provide extra income for hosts. Breakfast is the only meal served and is included in the charge for the room.

2. B&B Inn: This is a commercially licensed business operated in a building that basically provides short-term accommodations to the public even though the owner may live on the residence. Guest rooms for a B&B Inn range from a minimum of four to a maximum of 20, although some believe the range is more like 5 to 25 rooms. Breakfast is the only meal served and is included in the room charge.

3. Country Inn: This is a commercially licensed establishment primarily known for its cuisine that is removed from planned, commercial areas and usually accessible for patronage only by automobile. Overnight accommodations are available and a full service restaurant offers breakfast and dinner to overnight guests and/or the public. The number of guest rooms usually ranges from a minimum of four to a maximum of 20, although a number of Country Inns have more than 20 guest rooms.

4. Small or historic hotels: These are often thought of as establishments with twenty or more rooms that offer the service and privacy of a hotel in the setting of an inn with a few attention from a host. Historic hotels are not less than fifty years old and linked to events or persons of significance in contributing to the broad patterns of history. Many embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction in architecture. Most are located in historic districts and all have twenty-one or more rentable rooms.

What Does a Bed and Breakfast Business Do?

Bed and breakfast owners provide a private space in their own home for overnight visitors. Entrepreneurial owners should expect to wear multiple hats as marketers, concierges, cooks, chefs, maids, tour guides, bookkeepers and hostesses.

What are the Suggested Skills and Experience to Run a Bed and Breakfast?

Bed and breakfast business owners need to have noteworthy people skills as well as a drive to allow strangers into almost all aspects of their lives.

As well, innkeepers should:

1. Be willing to read, network and educate themselves about the bed and breakfast business constantly;
2. Have strong communication skills, including talking on the phone and answering emails;
3. Understand that hiring contractors is sometimes crucial, and have the skills to hire and/or fire landscapers, managers, cleaners and hostesses;
4. Know that sometimes running a B&B is very similar to running a household with children, such as cleaning up after people regularly, making certain every need and request is taken care of, and that people are warm, fed and content every step of their visit.

What are the perks?

The personal pay back for providing the ultimate bed and breakfast experience can be very gratifying. Bed and breakfast inn owners have the opportunity to live in a desirable location and spend the majority of their time in the home that they have worked so hard to decorate and keep. They can have their children at home; children can also become involved in the business. They have the chance meet all kinds of interesting people from around the United States and possibly the world. And the expenses of running a home become tax deductible, i.e., cleaning supplies, car expenses, insurance, eating out, magazines, travel.

What is the start-up cost?

The investment for a bed and breakfast inn will differ substantially depending on if you already own the home or not, and the renovating costs in the area in which you business is located. Expect to pay from as low as $10,000 per room to as high as $40,000 per room in refurbishment costs of your existing home. If you're buying a home to convert into a bed and breakfast inn, the costs may be as high as $70,000 per room, again depending on where in the country your business is located.

How Much Can a Bed and Breakfast Business Make?

Independent bed and breakfast businesses charge anywhere from $45 a night per person to $150 a night or more based on location, facilities and current, concurrent events. An easy way to determine going rates in the area of interest is perform a market analysis by looking at the local yellow pages and reviewing what other B&B businesses are charging, and what sort of facilities come along with the price. As an example:

If a B&B charges $80/night and has 2 rooms to rent, they can potentially make $1120 a week, or $58,240 a year.

Most B&B owners take at least two weeks off a year ($56,000) and only have a 50% occupancy rate at any given time ($28,000).

Consequently a B&B owner with two rooms available at all times, taking two weeks off a year for vacation time, can expect to earn $28,000 a year. This doesn't include expenses at the same time, which are better calculated by crunching the numbers in a basic business plan financial worksheet.

What are the Typical Markets or customers?

There's a lot more to transforming your dream of a B&B into reality than just selecting designer towels for the bathrooms. First comes changing fantasy with the hardcore strategy planning stage, and that includes exploring the type of guests you can attract and planning how you'll woo them.

Take a look at the subsequent typical target markets. If you can pull in two, or several, that's great. But you'll need to draw at least one--or get innovative and come up with something else that will bring ample visitors. Typical customers are:

• Tourists.
• Business travelers.
• Romance.
• College or university.
• Locals.

What should you Charge your clients with?

Your room rates must take into consideration several factors:

1. The services you offer. You can provide luxury features like whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, king-size beds or private balconies, or more common features like a swimming pool.

2. Your location. A bed and breakfast tucked off the beaten track where tourists or business people don't often go won't be able to charge as much as one in a popular tourist and/or business destination. Your location within your community can make a difference as well. In a beach town, for instance, a beachfront B&B can demand higher rates than one that's a mile, or even two blocks, off the sea. An inn right on a popular historic district can demand higher rates than one on the highway leading into town.

3. The going rates in your region. Regardless of how upscale your amenities or how desirable your location, your rates will have to be in line with other B&Bs and lodgings in your area. If you charge significantly more, you'll lose business and--perhaps surprisingly--if you charge significantly less, you'll also lose. (People will think there's something wrong with your inn and won't try you out.)

HOW?

How do you market the business?

If becoming a bed and breakfast inn owner is for you, start by obtaining your business listed in as many travel and guidebooks as possible.  Make contact with local travel and reservation agents and become a member of their regular referrals.  For their services, they will expect between a 10 and 35 percent commission off your room rate.

Advertising your bed and breakfast business will include:

• Local telephone listings
• Newspaper Advertisments
• Travel agency listings
• Local business Directories
• Listing your services with a broker
• Travel Magazine advertisements
• Press Release
• Word of Mouth Advertising

What are the essential Keys to Success?

Two things are key to a successful bed and breakfast inn -- location and number of rooms. Profitability is directly associated with occupancy rate, and so the more desirable the area is for vacationers, or the closer it is to an urban area which pulls steady business travelers, the greater the possibilities for making money.  In any case, a bed and breakfast with four or fewer guest rooms will have a more difficult time being profitable, a according to the Professional Association of Innkeepers.

Given a good location and adequate number of rooms, your ability to offer the ultimate in hospitality will be a robust marketing factor in your bed and breakfast business.  Being friendly to all types of guests at all times and responding to their needs - even arduous ones - is essential.  Also, cooking home-cooked meals, and keeping things neat, fresh, and orderly are prerequisites for repeat customers.

White Space

Running a Bed & Breakfast For Dummies

• ISBN13: 9780470426821
• Condition: New
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All the tools you need to start and run a profitable B&B Do you dream of owning a B&B? This friendly, practical guide shows you how to make your dream a reality, with expert advice on everything from writing a business plan and finding the right location to handling situations you will encounter as an innkeeper. You'll make your guests feel at home, keep your inn in tip-top shape, and ensure your long-term success! Understand B&B basics — get an overview of the business and see

List Price: $ 21.99 Price: [wpramaprice asin="0470426829"]

Resources:

Powerhomebiz

Suite101

web.aces.uiuc.edu

Smallbizbooks

Entrepreneur

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Posted in: Small Business,Small Business Ideas

Freelance Job No. 5: Massage Therapist

The world can be a stressful place. Most of us feel like we're living at the speed of light, running here, there, and everywhere. And to top it off, because of life's pace, a lot of us have chronic pain. Tight shoulders, aching necks, tired lower backs. And we seem to get sick more than we used to. 


As a Massage Therapist, you can help others overcome chronic pain, recover from injuries and illness, reduce stress, and just plain help them feel better. Now is an exciting time in the field of massage therapy, which is expanding like never before. 


The public's use of massage as a healthcare modality has tripled in the last decade, which in turn has caused a tremendous increase in the demand for therapists. Massage therapists can be seen working almost everywhere, and spas, healthclubs, cruise ships, physician's offices even the local mall are just a sample of the places where a therapist can work. 


Here are 10 steps you can take toward your dream career as a massage therapist, based on the FabJob Guide to Become a Massage Therapist. 


1. Is a Career in Massage Therapy for You? 


Before deciding on a career as a massage therapist, you should first ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I like working with people?
• Do I enjoy caring for and helping others?
• Can I work quietly, without much conversation, for much of the day?
• Can I empathize with someone, without taking on their “stuff”?
• Can I work independently, without much supervision?
• Do I have strong communication skills?

If your answer was yes to the above questions, a career in massage therapy may well be for you. 


2. Discover the World of Massage Therapy 


As a massage therapist, you will be trained in the fundamentals. Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, and Trigger Point Therapy are usually taught by most massage therapy programs. However, there are many other forms of bodywork out there, ranging from Myofascial Release to Reiki (a form of energy work.) Not only are there many different modalities of massage to choose from, there are many areas of specialization as well, including Pregnancy Massage, Medical Massage, and even Animal Massage. Do some investigating to find out what types of massage might appeal to you as a practitioner. Contact local therapists or schools and ask questions about the different types of massage, or do a search online using the terms massage therapy, bodywork, or therapeutic massage to find out more. 


3. Know the Requirements for Practice in Your Area 


Before choosing a training program, one of the first things you should investigate are the requirements for becoming a massage therapist in the area you wish to practice in. Each state and/or city or town has different requirements for massage therapists. If you are unsure where to gain information about practice requirements, contact the school/training program you are considering, or contact a local massage therapist. Either should be able to point you in the right direction. 


4. Training for Your Career as a Massage Therapist 


There are many different types of schools and training programs available to someone who wants to become a massage therapist. To find a program that suits your needs, check your local yellow pages under Schools or Massage Therapy. You could also do a search online using the phrase massage therapy schools  or massage therapy training, or contact some local massage therapists to find out what schools/programs they attended. Once you have found some training programs and/or schools, make sure to check out several. Each school or training program will more than likely have a different curriculum and philosophy, and you will want to choose one that will match your needs and personality. Especially important is that the school or training program meet the educational requirements for practicing in your area. 


5. Volunteer Your Services 


Once you have begun your training to become a massage therapist a great way to get more hands on experience is to volunteer your services to others. You can volunteer to work on friends and family, or offer your services to community organizations in your area. This is also a great way  to start building a clientele even before your training is finished. 


6. Finding a Job 


Once you've finished your training, it's time to start working as a massage therapist! If you've decided owning your own business is not for you, you need to find a job. One way to find employment as a massage therapist is to check with the school or training program you attended. More than likely, they will have a list of employers who need to hire massage therapists. Otherwise, you can check your local paper, check online employment sites, or even create your own job. Numerous types of employers need massage therapists including medical clinics, health clubs, spas, and corporations. 


7. Start Your Own Business 


If you've dreamt of being your own boss, a career in massage therapy can be the perfect way to go. However, keep in mind that being your own boss means just that you decide on everything from how many hours you work, how many clients you see, and how to set up your office. But you also have to make decisions on whether to incorporate your business or not, whether to do your own taxes or hire an accountant, and what fees to charge. The Small Business Administration has many resources for new business owners, and the best part is, they're all free! 


8. Get and Keep Clients 


If you have already been volunteering your services, chances are you already have some clients. Once you have a few clients, you should be generating some word-of-mouth advertising, which means your clients will be telling others about you. If you are still in need of more clients, you could establish an alliance with other healthcare professionals in your area. This would entail contacting someone (say, a chiropractor or physician) by mail and enquiring whether they would be interested in establishing an alliance where you would refer clients to one another. To keep the clients you already have, make sure your practice is client-centered. Your clients are doing you a favor by utilizing your services. Make sure you return that favor by giving the best service you possibly can! 




9. Take Care of Yourself 


Massage therapy, by its' very nature, is a caring profession. But in the process of taking care of others, we can often neglect to take care of ourselves. Recognizing the signs of self-neglect can go a long way to prolonging your career as a massage therapist. If you feel like you just can't listen to one more client's problems, and you'd rather be on the massage table yourself, you may be on your way to burn-out. Try these steps to regain some balance in your life:

• Eat balanced, nutritious meals at least three per day.
• Get enough rest. Studies have shown we all need a half hours sleep for each waking hour of our day.
• Get exercise. Even though massage is a physical profession, you still need to get in about 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
• To stay flexible, limber and mentally centered try Tai Chi or Yoga.

10. Grow as a Professional 


As a massage therapist, your success will also center on your growth as a healthcare practitioner. Taking classes in new techniques, reading books about different types of bodywork, and getting massage from other practitioners can all aid you in your professional, as well as personal, growth. Massage Therapy is a rewarding and challenging field. Not only do you help others, massage therapy is a career that will enhance your own life over and over. Now that's a Fab Job!



This article is based on the FabJob Guide to Become a Massage Therapist by Sharon A. Alfonso, LMT.The complete guide gives detailed advice on how you can get hired as a massage therapist or start your own massage business. 


Visit www.FabJob.com/massage.asp for information.

The Magic Touch: How to make $100,000 per year as a Massage Therapist; simple and effective business, marketing, and ethics education for a successful career in Massage Therapy

[The Magic Touch] should be handed out to every student on the first day of Massage school. It is an incredible [resource]. Rob West www.massagealumni.com Run on over to amazon.com and get The Magic Touch: How to make $100,000 per year as a Massage Therapist and be a part of the next revolution of Massage Therapists who want something more than struggling to get by if this book doesn't get you to start thinking about how to break down any resistance [you may have about

List Price: $ 23.95

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Posted in: Freelance Jobs,Freelancing

Small Business Idea No.3: Photography Business

Are you intrigued by the idea of using photography to make time stand still, and creating keepsakes that will be treasured for generations? Maybe you love being part of the excitement that comes with important moments in human life: weddings, comings of age, and celebrations. You want to be there to record them forever. You can get paid to do what you love when you start a wedding photography business or a portrait photography business.

When you start a photography business you will be able to earn a living creating unique and creative images of people's cherished moments. Professional photography has been around for decades, yet it continues to be one of the most innovative and creative art forms in the world today. Being your own boss and determining your own schedule are just a few of the perks. 


The family and wedding photography industry is booming right now. The real emphasis placed on the importance of family has seen a surge in portrait photography, and couples in love are spending thousands of dollars on their wedding photography. Add in the fact that professionals of all types need headshots for business use, and there is no shortage of work for the aspiring professional photographer.

It's not difficult to start a photography business - all you really need are a good camera with the necessary lenses and equipment, and an eye for composition. But in order to attract clients and create a thriving photography business that you can call a true career, there are a few other things you'll want to do. 


Here's some advice from the FabJob Guide to Become a Professional Photographer that will help you achieve your goal of starting a wedding photography business or a portrait photography business.

1. Plan and prepare

Before setting up studio space, buying equipment, or looking for clients, you'll need to plan what type of photography business you'll be running. Will it be wedding photography, portrait photography, pictures of young children or high school graduates, or some combination of these? Think about the type of photography you're most passionate about, the services you'll offer and the type of image you want to present. To build your photo-taking skills, you can take photography classes at a local art school or community college, buy some good how-to books, and most importantly, practice by taking pictures of friends and family. Getting feedback on your work from other professionals will also go a long way to helping your build your skills to the professional level.

2. Get the right tools for the job

As mentioned, professional quality digital photography equipment is a must. This includes at least one digital camera with a few interchangeable lenses, and digital memory for file storage. Additional lighting and backdrops are a great addition if you plan to shoot portrait work inside. If you need to shoot onsite (at weddings, for example), a durable-but-lightweight camera bag will help you protect and transport photography equipment. Many photographers find it difficult to work without the help of a computer editing program, and a website to attract customers is important too. A good training book and some business planning will help you start a photography business knowing exactly what tools and equipment you'll need for the services you have in mind. 


3. Set up your studio or office

Starting a photography business requires a studio or an office where you will be able to greet prospective customers, review prints, fill out forms, and conduct other in-person business. When you set up your space to start a photography business, keep in mind the services you're planning on offering. The reception area of someone who plans to work primarily with weddings will be very different for someone doing headshots for aspiring models and actors, for example. When deciding whether or not to invest in things like studio space, consider the advice of Mike Copeland, an official photographer for the Salt Lake City Olympics: "If you have the space, it's great to run this kind of business from home. We have our living room set up to meet with wedding clients, and a workspace in the basement." If you don't have the funds to equip a studio, you can still shoot outside or on location.

4. Find customers


When you are ready to start your photography business, you'll want to let the public know you are available for their photography needs. You can pay to advertise your services, although display ads may be too expensive when you first start a photography business. Instead, consider press releases and other low-cost marketing strategies such as referrals. When your market your photography business, show how your work is unique, without moving too far away from the traditional expectations of your target market. Online directories and a website for your photography business will also help generate and increase sales.

 This article is based on the FabJob Guide to Become a Professional Photographerby Jennifer James. The complete guide offers detailed step-by-step information about how you can start a photography business and become a professional photographer. It is available online through www.FabJob.com/photographer.asp

The Digital Photography Book

• ISBN13: 9780321474049
• Condition: New
• Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Scott Kelby, the man who changed the "digital darkroom" forever with his groundbreaking, #1 bestselling, award-winning book The Photoshop Book for Digital Photographers, now tackles the most important side of digital photography--how to take pro-quality shots using the same tricks today's top digital pros use (and it's easier than you'd think). This entire book is written with a brilliant premise, and here’s how Scott describes it: "If you and I were out on a shoot, and you asked

List Price: $ 24.99

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Posted in: Small Business,Small Business Ideas

Freelance Job No.4: Become an Interior Designer

10 Steps to a Fab Job as an Interior Decorator

Imagine having a career that lets you use your creativity to make homes and businesses more beautiful and comfortable. Welcome to the world of interior decorating! There are few careers that offer so many benefits. As an interior decorator you will have the satisfaction of making your vision a reality. You will meet interesting people, and because many people who hire interior decorators are wealthy, you will likely spend time in many beautiful homes and businesses. 


If you start your own decorating business you can enjoy the freedom of being your own boss. And perhaps most importantly, your "work" will be fun, interesting, and rewarding. As long as you have the desire, you can become an interior decorator. No special education or experience is necessary to break into this career and succeed. (Unlike becoming a certified interior designer which has strict requirements including two to five years of post-secondary education in interior design.) You can become an interior decorator immediately. If interior decorating sounds like the career of your dreams, here are 10 steps to breaking into this fabulous job, based on the 


FabJob Guide to Become an Interior Decorator: 


 1. Train your eye Since you are interested in a career as a interior decorator, chances are you already have a "good eye" for design. In other words, when you look at a room you can see what looks good, and what could be improved. But no matter how naturally talented you are, you can continually "train your eye" by studying what people consider to be good design. Seek out beautifully decorated interiors to look at. You can find numerous examples of beautiful interiors in design magazines or in your own community by visiting show homes, open houses for sale in wealthy neighborhoods, furniture showrooms, historic homes, art galleries, and offices of professionals such as interior decorators and corporate lawyers. 


2.  Educate yourself Interior decorators are expected to know about the various elements involved in decorating such as: space planning (how to arrange furniture and other items within a particular space), use of color and light, furniture and decorating styles (for example, Colonial or Southwestern), floorings, wall coverings, window treatments, and use of accessories such as pillows and art.  You can learn decorating basics through courses, books, web sites, and even by speaking with retailers of products used in home decorating (paint, carpet, lighting, hardware stores, etc.) 


3.  Practice at home Most interior decorators get their first decorating experience working on their own homes. Even if you have just one small room to experiment with, you can get hands-on experience with a variety of decorating techniques. For example, you can make a dramatic change to any room, quickly and inexpensively, simply by rearranging the furniture or painting the walls a new color. Give it a try! Experiment with techniques you wouldn't ordinarily use. Consider this room your "research lab" where you can try things out before recommending them to a client. 


4. Volunteer your services Your friends and family members may already have asked for your advice about decorating, but if they haven't yet asked you to actually decorate their homes or businesses, why not offer? Some occasions your family or friends may want to redecorate are when they experiencing transitions in life, such as: marriage or co-habitation (help them merge two households into one), moving into a new home, childbirth (offer to decorate the baby's room), hosting a special event such as a wedding or dinner party, starting a home business (you could decorate their new office), and selling a home (explain how a well decorated home can attract buyers). 


5.  Prepare a portfolio A portfolio is a collection of samples of your work, plus any other documents that can help show why someone should hire you. The most important part of an interior decorator's portfolio is photographs of interiors you have decorated, so make sure you take before and after photos of every space you decorate.  Choose 15-20 photographs of work you are proud of, and arrange them in a photo album or portfolio case. Your portfolio can also include letters of recommendation and "design boards" (poster boards onto which you have pasted pictures and samples of materials such as fabrics, flooring, wallpaper, etc.) to show clients what you recommend to decorate a particular room. 


 6. Get a job Even if you plan to start your own interior decorating business, you can learn about the business and meet potential clients by starting with a job in the industry. Companies that hire people with decorating talent include home builders, manufacturers of furniture and housewares, hotel and restaurant chains, retailers (furniture stores, home improvement stores, antiques dealers, housewares stores, etc.), plus interior design and decorating firms. To get a job, you will need to prepare a resume that emphasizes your experience with decorating plus any other skills the employer is looking for, such as customer service or organizational ability.


7. Start your own business Many interior decorators dream of being their own boss. If that's your goal, you'll need to decide on business matters such as your company's name and whether to incorporate or not. Free basic business advice is available from organizations such as SCORE and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Many interior decorators choose to work from home when they start their businesses because it saves on the cost of an office and, unlike many other types of businesses, you won't be expecting clients to come to you,  you will usually be going to their homes or offices. 


8.  Establish relationships with suppliers Suppliers are companies that supply the products and services you need to decorate. They include manufacturers of furniture, wall coverings, flooring, fabrics, etc. as well as contractors who do painting, carpentry, installation, etc. When you go shopping as a professional interior decorator, you are entitled to designer discounts of up to 50% off  the regular retail price which you can pass on to clients. While some decorators charge an hourly rate or a flat fee, others charge "cost-plus." For example, if your cost for a product is 40% percent below the regular retail price, you could charge the client your cost plus 20%, thereby saving the client the other 20% they would pay to buy the same item at a retail store. This opportunity to save money on decorating may convince clients to hire you. 


9.  Get clients Your potential clients could include home builders, new home buyers, wealthy home owners, professional couples, advertising agencies, art galleries, bed and breakfasts, boutique stores, corporate head offices, hotels, law firms, restaurants, spas, and many other types of businesses. One way to market your services is by networking with professionals who can refer business to you, such as real estate agents, architects, antiques dealers, art dealers, home renovators, and owners of businesses that sell home furnishings. Other marketing techniques include putting up a web page with photos of interiors you have decorated and getting publicity in the homes section of your local newspaper. 


10. Grow as a professional Successful interior decorators continue to learn new decorating techniques. Once you have started a business you can continue to develop your skills by attending trade shows, reading decorating magazines and books, and joining professional associations. You can also impress clients and have an advantage over your competition by becoming certified as a professional interior decorator. 


This article is based on the FabJob Guide to Become an Interior Decorator by Tag Goulet and Catherine Goulet. The complete guide gives detailed advice on how you can get paid to decorate homes and businesses, be hired for a job in the decorating industry, or start your own interior decorating business. Visit www.FabJob.com/decorator.aspfor information.


The Color Scheme Bible: Inspirational Palettes for Designing Home Interiors

• ISBN13: 9781554070329
• Condition: New
• Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

A practical guide to using color successfully. The power of color is its ability to influence mood, create atmosphere, and enhance perception. As a result, one of the most effective ways to transform any room is by changing its color. Which colors to use is the challenge. The Color Scheme Bible is a practical, yet inspiring reference for those who want to take advantage of different colors without clashing. It contains 150 color scheme ideas for home decorators and interior designers.

List Price: $ 29.95

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Posted in: Freelance Jobs,Freelancing

Freelance Job No.3: Become an Event Planner

A village feast to welcome home hunters in the wilds of Borneo and a glittering fund-raiser soiree at a swanky New York hotel may not sound like they have much in common, but they do have at least one similarity. Someone, somewhere, got the ball rolling and using a little resourcefulness, creativity and sheer determination successfully pulled off a spectacular event.  (Well, someone had to figure out how much food and drink was required at the feast and where the chief would sit!)  That person is an event planner.

 If event planning sounds like it could be your dream career, here are 7 steps to become an event planner, based on the FabJob Guide to Become an Event Planner by Jan L. Riddell, Carol Palmatier and Peter J. Gallanis.

1.  Assess Your Skills Before you quit your day job to become an event planner, take the time to honestly assess your current skills to ensure you have what it takes to succeed as an event planner. Event planners must be creative and well organized, but they must also have excellent interpersonal skills. Events are about people, so successful event planners must be able to effectively listen to what clients want, develop relationships and negotiate with vendors (companies that supply products and services for events).

TIP: If you're creative and have great people skills, but could use some help getting organized, event planning software is available to help you keep track of event details.

2. Learn How to Plan Events Almost all events have common components such as some type of meal or refreshment, a form of entertainment or speaker, invitations or registrations, etc. The event planner is the person who pulls all of the components together. There are excellent resources available to help you learn how to plan events and assist with each stage of event planning including how to: choose a date, decide who to invite, budget, create timeline schedules, work with vendors, and market events. If you want a formal education, many colleges offer degrees or certificates in event planning. If you would rather break into event planning without a formal education, you can quickly learn how to plan events with books such as the FabJob Guide to Become an Event Planner.

3.  Get Hands-On Experience The easiest way to learn about the steps involved is through personal experience (i.e. planning events for family and friends). Non-profit groups are always looking for help with their fundraisers and galas, and you'll get the double benefit of helping a worthy cause while you hone your skills. This is also an excellent way to make contacts in the community to help you land a paying job when you are ready. You could also volunteer to organize events at your own workplace, if you have one. For example, if your company has a public relations department that is notoriously short-staffed, offer to help them out. The beauty of this plan is that you will be learning a new career while still being paid at your old job!

4. Create a Portfolio A portfolio is a collection of samples of your work, plus any other documents that can show people why they should hire you. A portfolio helps you stand out from other applicants, and prove that you have the skills to do the job. Your portfolio might include pictures, recommendation letters and anything else that shows prospective clients and/or employers what you have done or can do. Material for your portfolio can come from any event you have organized (such as a family reunion, birthday bash, etc.) or from ideas and themes you have for future events.  Show your best work and don't worry about giving away your great ideas.  People will believe you have many more brilliant ideas that you haven't yet divulged. 

5.  Get Hired as an Event Planner Getting hired as an event planner (even if you plan on opening your own event planning business) will give you invaluable contacts and referrals for the future. Meeting and convention planners are projected to have faster than average job growth in the coming years. This is good news for the industry and for you. Companies that hire event planners include hotels or resorts, non-profit organizations, convention centers, country clubs, and even fun destinations like theme parks! Some people work their way into a position as their company's event planner just by volunteering to organize internal events such as company picnics and meetings.

6.  Start Your Own Event Planning Business If the idea of being your own boss and earning up to $100,000 or more per year as an event planner sound appealing, it may be time to take the plunge and set up an event planning business.  Many event planners have home-based businesses, which makes this type of business inexpensive to start. With the wealth of information available on starting a business you should be able to get your own event planning business off the ground quite easily. When starting your own business, you should consider what types of events you want to plan. If you have a flair for the spectacular you may want to tackle proms, charity events and galas.  If you prefer planning corporate events, you may choose to plan meetings, conventions, and the like.

TIP: Unsure of what type of event you'd prefer to plan?  Consider interning or working for a number of companies whose specialties are quite different.

7.  Develop Relationships with Vendors You've probably heard the adage it's not what you know but who you know.  The most important relationships you will build as an event planner are with the vendors for your events. These are companies that supply products and services for events, such as caterers, florists, equipment rental companies, hotels, photographers, etc. Learn about each one's business by conducting informational interviews and ask about discounts they can offer you.  Be polite and courteous with the owners and their staff and always follow up afterwards with some sort of acknowledgement or thank you. You can also arrange to have vendors refer clients to your event planning business. 

Further Your Career 

You can continue to learn and grow after you have become an event planner. One of the best ways to succeed as an event planner is to look upon every social occasion or event you attend as an opportunity to learn.  Make a mental note of what worked well and what bombed.  Attend tradeshows, read everything you can related to event planning, and watch for what's hot.  Seek out the advice of trendsetters and don't be afraid to try something a little different.  You may start a trend yourself!

 This article is based on the FabJob Guide to Become an Event Planner. The complete guide gives detailed advice on how you can break into a career in event planning, get hired as an event planner, or start your own event planning business.

Visit www.FabJob.com/eventplanner.asp for information.

Event Planning: The Ultimate Guide To Successful Meetings, Corporate Events, Fundraising Galas, Conferences, Conventions, Incentives and Other Special Events

• ISBN13: 9780470155745
• Condition: New
• Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

For event planners, there's no such thing as a dress rehearsal! Any event you plan and stage is a reflection of your organization's image from the initial invitation to onsite operations. Whether you're planning a product launch, conference, sales meeting, an incentive event, or a gala fund-raiser, remember that the magic of a truly memorable event is in the details, but so is the devil.
List Price: $ 39.95

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Small Business Idea No. 2: Cake Decorating Business

Have a Creative Career as a Cake Decorator

If you love cake decorating, imagine getting paid to do what you love! You can when you start your own cake decorating business. Jennifer James, author of the FabJob Guide to Become a Cake Decorator, says there are many benefits when you become a professional cake decorator and start a cake decorating business (also known as a cake design business). "There's never been a better time to start up a cake decorating business," says Jennifer. "With the low-carb craze over with, there has been a return to the idea of eating for pleasure, thanks largely to the popular book French Women Don't Get Fat. Single servings and the personal touch are in - cupcakes are very popular right now, as are gourmet mini-cakes."

Cake decorators tap into the fact that people love to feel special, and are always looking for something new and unique. Clients who are tired of the supermarket's tired-old sheet cake with a cartoon character are looking for handmade, out-of-the ordinary cakes that truly reflect the theme of the celebration. and when they do, they'll come to you.

Cakes are getting more creative all the time, and the only limitation is your imagination. Three-dimensional designs are in vogue right now, resulting in cakes that look like pillows, animals, handbags, or whatever you can dream up.

Contemporary cake towers rising up many feet in the air and can lean every which way, stabilized by mysterious forces known only to the cake decorator (that is, you!) And it doesn't stop there. How about a cake + cupcake combo, with each cupcake sporting a unique design, or personalized for each guest? Floral toppers or edible pearls just might complete an elegant look perfectly.

The finishing materials (glazes and dusting powders) available on today's market let you give your cake and decorations a look that is so real, your clients will hardly believe they are made of sugar. Not only are people looking for custom, creative cakes, they are willing to pay for them too. The average amount spent on a wedding has nearly doubled in the last 20 years.

Prices of artisan cakes for special occasions range from $3 to $10 or even more per slice, depending on the design. If you're wondering if cake decorating is the right business for you, here are some more benefits of this career according to Jennifer:

Be Creative If you want to work with your hands and experience with all five senses, this is the career for you, from smelling the yummy baking, to tasting new flavors of icing or filling, to piping delicate beads or roses on your cakes. No wonder many cake decorators call themselves sugar artists! "I was involved in early childhood education, but I wanted to switch careers to something that would challenge my creative outlets. I learned that I had this talent and discovered a passion for the art of designing cakes.

Creative talent and passion are so important," says acclaimed cake decorator Yvonne Zensner. Be Your Own Boss No more taking orders from anyone else - other than your many customers, of course! When you run your own business, you make the decisions.

You can choose to specialize in anything from wedding cakes, to children's birthday cakes, to cupcakes, to cakes shaped like fantasy castles. whatever you most enjoy. As your own boss, you decide your policies, your prices, and when you're going to take those well-deserved days off. Let Them Eat Cake By "them" we mean you, your friends, and your family.

You'll be able to practice your new ideas by making cakes for your own family celebrations, or liven up a mid-week meal with some cake "leftovers" you cut off while shaping and creating. You can even save some cash when you give your cakes for wedding and birthday presents. It's great practice, and you'll land additional clients whenever your cakes are seen and admired.

You Can Start Right Now

A cake business can be started simply or part-time if you wish, in many cases right from your own home. If you already bake as a hobby, you may very well have much of the equipment on hand that you will need to get started. You don't need a certificate to call yourself a professional cake decorator, either - you're in business as soon as you are paid for your very first cake.

If you're ready to tap into this lucrative and burgeoning market, don't wait any longer. It's time to turn your pipe dreams into piping bags, trade in your overtime for oven mitts, and create your own sweet success story when you become a cake decorator and start a cake decorating business.

For more information about how to become a cake decorator and start a cake decorating business (also known as a cake design business, cupcake business, or cake business), download the FabJob Guide to Become a Cake Decorator at http://www.FabJob.com/cakedecorator.asp.

Wilton 2104-2546 53 Piece Supreme Cake Decorating Set

• Complete tool set for frosting and decorating cakes
• 53-piece set includes tips, icing bags, metal flower nail, and two tip couplers
• Storage tray and 8-inch angled spatula included
• 36-page instruction booklet illustrates icing techniques and designs for 15 cakes
• Clean metal tips with warm water and soap, dry with cloth

Wilton Supreme decorating set. Decorate many advanced wedding, floral and basketweave cakes as well as basic. Includes metal decorating tips #2,3,5,7,12,16,18,21,32,47,65,67,101, 103, 104, 129, 225 and 352. 24 disposable decorating bags, two tip couplers, 5 icing colors, 1 flower nail, 8" spatula, storage tray and 40 page book!If you've dreamed of becoming a cake decorator extraordinaire, this decorating set from Wilton has everything you need to get started. Learn how to make icing leaves, r

List Price: $ 32.99

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Posted in: Small Business,Small Business Ideas