Have You Lost Your Spark?

Sometimes, you might wonder where along the way the sizzle with which you started out as a home – based professional began to fizzle. It is only natural for our passion and energy for our work to ebb and flow right along with other things that are happening in our lives. However, in order to have a successful home – based business, it is important that we keep our passion and energy as high as we can as much of the time as we can so that we consistently generate top quality work. That is a tall order, especially since … Continue reading

How Do You View Your Competitors?

No matter what your home – based business is, it is likely that there are other businesses, whether run by home – based professionals or not, that are competing with you. Your clients or customers have options when it comes to where they will purchase their products and services. You are probably aware that there is competition, but what you may not realize is that you have a choice about how to view competition. It is easy to get caught up in trying to keep up with your competitors, and in feeling anxious about whether your product or service is … Continue reading

How to Be Prepared for a Job Interview

Job interviews can be intimidating and stressful, even for veterans who have a number of job interviews under their belts. One way to reduce the nervousness is to be prepared ahead of time. Good preparation can not only give you confidence, but it can also lead to a successful interview. Research the Company and Industry The first thing that you should do is to understand the company you are interviewing with. Do your research. Find out where they are and where they want to be. Figure out, if you can, what they need. Study the industry as well. What are … Continue reading

Interview with “The Sing-off” Contestants, Vocal Point, Part One

Are you watching this season’s competition on “The Sing-Off?” If you’re not, you’re missing a treat. Sixteen talented a capella groups were featured on the premiere, with two groups voted off to start. Tonight, the battle continues, and one of the remaining competitors has my heart—and the heart of my family—all the way. Named Vocal Point, this group of nine young men from nearby Brigham Young University has the chops—and the lungs—to make it all the way. I was honored to interview three of these guys this last week, and I appreciate them for taking time out of taping and … Continue reading

Fitness Week in Review for August 10-16, 2008

The 2008 Summer Olympic Games are in full swing in Beijing, China and the displays of physical endurance illustrated by the super athletes has been utterly awe-inspiring. From the gymnasts to the swimmers, the divers and the rowers, the ability to push one’s body to the ultimate limit is nothing short of miraculous. This week the Fitness blog has dedicated a number of posts to the amazing athletes participating in the Games of the 29th Olympiad. If you missed any now is your chance to catch up. August 10th—–A Hamm-less Olympics: A Lesson in Humility. In the world of gymnastics … Continue reading

Photography Week in Review for January 13, 2007-January 20, 2008

If you have you ever wondered why some manufacturers design almost identical cameras and sell them at different price points or whether you should purchase a camera with more bells and whistles than you are accustomed to, or if you are better off investing in a pocket camera that packs a ton of power? Then you’ve come to the right place. Those questions and more were answered in this week’s Photography Blog. Take a look: January 14th—–A Powerful Pocket Camera. If you have the means to drop 450 bucks on a pocket-sized camera then you might consider getting the Canon … Continue reading

Why You Shouldn’t Slack—On The Job—Around The Holidays

If you are looking to advance your career you shouldn’t let the lure of dancing sugarplums and gingerbread men distract you this holiday season. According to career counselors, the holidays are no time to be slacking in your efforts if you are trying to move up the career ladder. On the contrary, experts say this is a time of real opportunity because a lot of your competitors are taking time off to decorate their homes, spend time with their families, and purchase gifts to stick under the tree. In addition, studies show the beginning of a new year is often … Continue reading

Business Idea – Pet Grooming

If you have a passion for pets and you are interested in starting a home – based business, a pet grooming business may be a good option to think about. Dogs look their best when they are groomed on a regular basis, and sometimes cats need baths too. Not all pet owners have the desire to bathe and groom their own dogs or cats, and they are happy to pay someone else to groom them. There are even two options for a home – based pet grooming business, at your home or on the go with a mobile grooming van. … Continue reading

“Jon and Kate Plus 8”: Misery Loves Company

Does it ever… If you tuned into watch the Gosselin’s martial meltdown of TLC’s “Jon and Kate Plus 8” on Monday night you weren’t alone. According to reports, the season premiere of “Jon and Kate Plus 8” was watched by a record breaking 9.8 million people. To put that number into perspective consider that the premiere of ABC’s “Lost” attracted just over 7 million viewers. The number is also on par with the finale of “Sex and the City,” which aired five years ago. The ratings for Monday’s “Jon and Kate” were the highest in TLC’s history. Not only did … Continue reading

Working on Being Nonjudgmental in Business

Have you ever tried to go an entire day without passing judgment? It is nearly impossible! Unless, of course, you are the Dali Lama or some sort of saint. As we operate our home businesses, however, it can be incredibly challenging not to pass judgment on customers, clients, prospects, vendors and even our competitors. Our first instinct may be to call them stupid or make generalizations about their “type.” Unfortunately, this judgmentalism can come back to haunt us and keep us from giving good service, making strong contacts and encouraging loyal customers. Not to mention, it can affect how we … Continue reading