I came across a great article written by MaryEllen Tribby, published in NewsMax MaxLife, October 2013, that may help some who are under or unemployed be inspired with new hope.
She tells her story of being a mother of three children ages 10, 8 and 4, when she was faced with the news that she may have breast cancer. Besides the invasive and difficult medical tests she endured, she and her husband suffered the never ending and emotionally-draining, “what if” scenarios. After twenty days of hell as she described it, she was given the news that she did not have breast cancer.
She writes, “After my husband and I celebrated, my exuberance soon turned to sorrow. It was the most paradoxical moment of my life. I had just been given back my life, yet I was dismayed. Two years prior to my breast cancer threat, I had bought and registered the domain WorkingMomsOnly.com. I knew that someday I would start and run a business to help other working moms fulfill their dreams and live the life they deserved. And that was the reason for my dismay: I had said someday far too often.”
With her new lease on life she resigned from her treasured job as a CEO of a publishing company, because it clearly was not her passion and calling. Four years later, she stated, she has not ever looked back. With a concern for those who have also had a dream of starting their own business, perhaps out of necessity, or the horrors of downsizing, or simply a change in life situation, she shares her thoughts on how to best start a home-based business.
“I believe I’ve created a business model that works for almost any niche and marketplace,” Tribby declares. “It’s called an Inbox Magazine or “iMag.” All you need is passion, a desire to learn, and an unconditional belief in yourself.” With an iMag, according to Tribby, “you can have a functional business going within 30 days while spending less than $500.00.”
In the article she shares seven basic points, summarized below. But I suggest you also consider getting her book Reinventing the Entrepreneur: Turning Your Dream Business into a Reality, available at www.wiley.com
1. Brainstorm – During this process it’s important to determine your market, which are the people you will be serving and the topic, which is the content you will be sharing via your iMag.
2. Get a Website – Word Press is one site she recommends as a great platform for building a website at no cost. [But if you find that it’s a bit more over your head to build your own site, check with the good people at Trinity Web Works. Tell Trinity Web Works that you are inquiring from the recommendation of Pamela Christian to get special consideration.]
3. Prepare a “Lead Magnet” – What was once called a loss-leader in retail markets is called a lead magnet on the Internet. It’s simply something you offer for free as a bonus for people when they sign up to subscribe to your web site content.
4. Create a Landing Page – This is the page where people will actually sign up for your iMag. Optimized Press is Tribby’s software recommendation for building this page.
5. Build a List – As all online marketers know “the money is in the list.” Gather all your social network contacts, your email contacts, your friends and family and build the most comprehensive list you can, then ask them to opt-in to your new iMag. You will then regularly send product advertisements and compelling content to those who subscribe by email. Clickbank is one source Tribby suggests to find products that would be compatible with your niche. Clickbank will pay you 75% from the sales you generate through your iMag.
6. Design Your Inbox Magazine – Tribby suggests starting with an 800-1,400 word essay that includes items of interest such as links or quotes, or videos.
7. Start Writing – Let your passion on the subject drive you. Draw from your experience with your topic and take confidence in the fact that you are likely a real expert, able to provide meanigful content for the benefit of others who share your same interest.
Mary Ellen Tribby is the CEO and founder of MetEdge Media. Her iMags can be found at WorkingMomsOnly.com and The CEO’s Edge.
Author’s Note: Please keep in mind that you must conduct your own due diligence. I am not endorsing the companies or individuals mentioned in this post. I am merely sharing information for you to learn more about, if you choose. As with all my efforts, I desire to be a helpful advocate to people in areas employment and income with this blog site and in matters of faith with Pamela Christian Ministries.com
Your privacy is always respected and protected.