Making money in a tight economy

If you turn on the news you hear crazy things like: "we're in a recession", or "now is the time for cutting back" or even "everyone should think about having a smaller simpler christmas".

To all those I say BAH HUM BUG! Christmas is about celebrating winners, making the most of your year end excess you've accumulated and doing something nice for yourself and your family. In a tight economy I have some great tips for making ends meet:

1. Stop giving to charitable organizations - from the bell ringers to the beggars, they all should have planned better. If you dont' bail them out this year they'll be better off next year! Plus you'll have more jingle in your pockets!
2. Capitalize on desparation- find the hot toys on the market and buy up as many as you possibly can. Wait until people are truly desparate and get top dollar for them! If they really want their kids to have a good christmas they'll pay through the nose and you'll be ready to take their money!
3. Keep your receipts and DEMAND that others buying you gifts attach a receipt. This will allow you to see just how much they spent on you and more importantly get a full refund! Cash is king my friends!
4. Regift regift regift! it's inexpensive, just be careful you don't regift in the same social circles.
5. Don't host parties, attend them! This save you time and expenses. Let the people hosting it pickup the check for once.

Keep a cool head and follow my advice and you'll come out of the Christmas holidays a winner!

Be careful what toys you buy for your kids!

It's Christmas time and everyone is searching for that perfect gift. As a rule, weapons are usually not a great choice. Being a parent of 4 wonderful, well adapted, grown children I'd like to add my 2 cents on this.

Weapons (if chosen correctly) allow the child to develop gross motor skills. They also stimulate "creative play" and build a sense of "control" and "order" to the child's skill set.

So as you're doing some last minute shopping (mine is already done..I got a new car!) try finding some good ol'fashioned weapons!

Are your Internet marketing skills up to snuff?

Recently I've starting doing some non-profit work with small business owners. I consider myself to be an internet marketing expert, and decided it would be shame if I didn't pass along my knowledge and help others! It's really a combination of my photography skills AND email proficiency.

Here are a few tips that can make your marketing much more successful:
1. Make sure the ad is free of speling and gramatical mistakes. This makes you appear ignorant.
2. The picture should be crisp and clean, not dingy and dirty like you're a piggy!
3. Use fanciful language, it adds a touch of whimsy and will draw in your prospect.
4. Try and review proper email etiquette when responding
5. Don't post a sale that is pending, it's either sold or it's not. remember, ABC...Always Be Closing!

I hope these tips will help you along the way. There are a few other "so called" experts out there, be mindful and careful who you trust with your business!