You Can Start Without A Product

Last time we talked about Thomas Edison, and his unrelenting drive towards creating. In Edison’s case, not only was he an entrepreneur, he was also an inventor.

Not everyone is trying to invent something new.

You may be considering offering a service, or a new twist on an existing product, and building a business around that.

But perhaps that’s what’s holding you back.

Too often, entrepreneurs will spend so much time trying to perfect a product that they never actually launch the business! Delays in development not only consume those precious few resources and finances, but can dangerously suck the spirit out of you.

Instead, consider The Lean Startup method which is about beginning your business with market research. Identify your niche, brainstorm keywords and data, and put up a website that you can use to test your ideas.

Without actually building a product you can sell, is it possible to find out if anyone’s willing to pay for it?

Absolutely.

In fact, that initial research can tell you a lot, like whether or not anyone’s actually searching for the kind of product or solution you plan to offer. Back when Edison was getting started, there was no Google or Internet, of course, so early entrepreneurs had to trust their instincts… and they were often wrong. If you recall, we mentioned before that Edison launched 14 businesses!

Fortunately, you have a lot more tools at your disposal. You can start with some basic searches on Google and see what comes up. And with an SBI! membership, you can use our ground breaking Brainstorm It! Tool to hone your research and define your target market.

And with our easy website builder, you can quickly create beautiful webpages that attract and educate visitors and test your assumptions.

If you haven’t already, give SBI! a try, and get started on perfecting that vision. (Or, if you prefer WordPress, you can check out a free trial of SBI! for WP)

An Opportunity to own and drive an SBI website for business

"See things in the present, even if they are in the future." —Larry Ellison, Oracle co-founder

Our next email will talk a little more about Thomas Edison, but also to introduce you our next serial entrepreneur. In the meantime, if you have questions about becoming an entrepreneur or want to dig into this topic a bit more, you can reply to this email any time. We’d love to hear from you.

How Two Grad Students Turned Their Hobby Into A Business

“Since we started our site we’ve moved country once, moved house three times, changed jobs, quit those jobs, and had two kids! The great thing about having a web business is that it’s flexible enough to fit around all these kind of changes.” – Stephanie and Tobias Locsei

For this first day of Christmas, we’re visiting with Stephanie and Tobias Locsei of homemade-gifts-made-easy.com, back in 2008 when this happy couple were still in grad school, and looking forward to their careers. They were both university research scientists, and preparing hard for their final months in college.

They got an email out of the blue that led them to SiteSell, and they were immediately impressed with the process for building an online business that SBI! offered. They said to themselves, “This is it. We can totally do this! It’s just following a system, and that’s something we know we can do.”

They went ahead and ordered SBI!, but then, nothing happened. Months went by, while Stephanie and Tobias worked to finish their degrees, and their website was left untouched, upstarted.

But they never stopped thinking about that idea, that dream of owning their own web business, one where they’d be able to have fun traveling and working together.

Nine months passed, and with school behind them, they finally had the time to get started, and the motivation to make it happen!

And this is where SBI! made all the difference.

Stephanie and Tobias explain:

As we went through the SBI! process we considered all sorts of ideas for sites. We narrowed it down to our top three ideas: homemade gifts, strength-training, or science for kids. Using the SBI! process we evaluated the business potential of all three ideas and homemade gifts emerged as the clear winner.

It was hard to say no to the other ideas but looking back we’re glad we did, because building a site about homemade gifts has been lots of fun and really profitable. We both love making homemade things and it’s been fantastic to turn that hobby into a business.

It started with the rock-solid process that SBI! outlined. It guided them through building a business when, without it, they might have spent years struggling to find a path. And at a critical point, they were able to rely on SBI! to help them winnow their business choices and, ultimately, decide on a profitable direction.

Stephanie and Tobias are now enjoying their full time, successful online business thanks to SBI!, and you can too!

As we’re whisked away by the Ghost of Christmas Past, back to present-day, overlooking the streets crowded with busy people hustling through the Christmas Season, we’re reminded of how important things like Family really are.

Just like Ebenezer Scrooge, even we sometimes need to be confronted by such stories in order to truly recognize what’s important to us, and what we need to do to change.

Do not let another Christmas pass by while your dreams of owning a business fester in your belly like a bit of undigested cheese. Throw open the curtains and renew your lease on life! It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, now is the time to get started. With SiteSell’s Holiday Special in full swing, there’s never been a better time.

Start a Business and Spend MORE Time at Home? Here's How They Did it.

We work on our own terms and have not had to answer to anyone. We have both been available for our families and can vacation whenever we choose. None of which could have been possible for two women with ZERO knowledge of the Internet or having an online business.-Laura Gawne and Susan Bain

Welcome to A Christmas Carol – Sitesell-style! Each day we’re going to re-introduce one of our successful SBI and their amazing stories. Like the Ghost of Christmas Past, we’ll revisit these tales of old and see what lessons we can glean.

For this fourth day of Christmas, we’re visiting with Laura Gawne and Susan Bain, of Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com, sisters who were looking to change the direction of their lives and income.

Laura was working a job she hated, for a phone company, and having to put in so much time she couldn’t be with her family. She hated the fact that she had no choice but to put her son in daycare.

Her sister, Susan, was feeling the same thing, and really wanted to be able to spend more time at home with her teenage boys.

The two of them put their heads together and came up with the idea of starting their own business, and even had their mother, Roxie, express a willingness to be involved.

But they had no idea what they would do. And no idea where to begin.

As they looked back at the things they’d done in the past that they enjoyed, the one thing that stood out was weddings. They’d both planned their own weddings and loved it. And they’d been good at it too! One of the catering restaurants tried to hire them, after being blown away by the planning and gorgeous decor.

So that was the idea, but still they needed a real plan for turning that idea into an income.

After searching online, they discovered SiteSell and the SBI! process for building up entrepreneurs, and they knew they’d found their way.

Laura said that, “With the help of SBI’s guidance, we came up with our website concept combining all of our strengths and experience in planning our own weddings, working in business, catering, and organizing events and parties.”

It took patience and hard work to get going, but by the time Laura’s son was in pre-K, she had quit her job and was working from home full time.

Laura Gawne and Susan Bain recognized what was most important to them, family, and changed their lives with a successful online business thanks to SBI!, and you can too!

As we’re whisked away by the Ghost of Christmas Past, back to present-day, overlooking the streets crowded with busy people hustling through the Christmas Season, we’re reminded of how important things like Family really are.

Just like Ebenezer Scrooge, even we sometimes need to be confronted by such stories in order to truly recognize what’s important to us, and what we need to do to change.

Do not let another Christmas pass by while your dreams of owning a business fester in your belly like a bit of undigested cheese. Throw open the curtains and renew your lease on life! It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, now is the time to get started. With SiteSell’s Holiday Special in full swing, there’s never been a better time.

START MY SBI! SUBSCRIPTION TODAY AT 33% OFF!

P.S. When the clock strikes noon on the 29th of December, this sale, too, will be a Ghost of Christmas Past, so don’t wait too long. Your new business awaits.

MyUS Ships Worldwide in 2-4 days!

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Holiday shopping is in full swing and MyUS has the perfect solution for your international audience. MyUS is excited to offer huge cash commissions for new members! With average affiliates producing $500 - $2,000/month, MyUS will produce great results for you.

New members will receive a unique MyUS address to use as their shipping address when shopping at their favorite US retailers (ex: Amazon, viglink.com/?vgref=1826230). We will inform them when their items arrive to our facility and consolidate all of their packages into one shipment saving them up to 80% on shipping costs. Not to mention, their package will arrive to their door in 2-4 days worldwide!

Here are the benefits of partnering with MyUS:

- Coupons and Special Offers
- $14 commission for Premium Members
- $7 commission for Standard Members
- New members receive 15% off their first shipment 
- Reach an audience in 220+ countries

Join our program today and start earning huge checks. We look forward to your partnership : http://goo.gl/2eXx7d

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns at affiliates@myus.com.

This end of year, give your family the gift that keeps on giving. Create long lasting income!

l have just discovered a Money making platform that will bring and create a long lasting income for you and your family, it has been tested and proved that you must make money. 

The first of its kind all packaged in ONE, you can not miss this opportunity.
Its called SBI.

Since 1999, SiteSell has helped hundreds of thousands of "everyday folks" become entrepreneurs through the use of SBI!, a complete online business building system.

SBI! takes you from the niche discovery stage via keyword brainstorming and research, through building and monetizing a website. SBI! for WP is SBI!'s sister offering for those who prefer the WordPress blog building platform.

Our Affiliate Program complements affiliate sites and blogs that reach people in a wide variety of demographics, niche audiences and online experience levels. Click Here : 
http://affiliatemarketing.sitesell.com/Affiliatechampions.html

Some of the most popular reasons (great keywords too) folks use SBI! and SBI! for WP to build successful businesses are the desire for more flexibility, freedom, independence and mobility.

Thomas Edison once said, "The value of an idea lies in the using of it." And that perfectly explains why we at SiteSell are so passionate about helping you get started in your new business. We know you have an idea - it’s time to use it and get value from it!

So with the next few emails, we’re going to start by looking to the past, and getting inspiration from some pretty famous and successful entrepreneurs. People like Edison, a man who was actually just like you and me.

Maybe you have a product that changes lives or inspires others or just helps make life a little easier. Whatever that is, whatever your idea is, there’s value in it.

 In so long as you use that idea, that is. http://tools.sitesell.com/Affiliatechampions.html

And that’s where these emails can help you. Over the next few days, we’re going to share some stories of entrepreneurs and successful business people just like Thomas Edison, in the hope that by looking to the past and learning about these iconic figures, we can learn more about ourselves and see our ideas truly come to light.
http://webhosting.sitesell.com/Affiliatechampions.html

Food-related items are the perfect present for friends and family members who seem to have everything.

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday behind us, we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief, right? Well, it depends on how you look at it: One of the craziest weekends of the season is over, but there's only three weekends left to finish your holiday shopping here and here

For some, this represents plenty of time to wrap things up, yet we often save the hardest gifts for last. Everyone has at least one person in their family or network of friends who seems to have everything.When they want something, they buy it, making it impossible to surprise them with something they'd enjoy.

What do you give these lucky people who seem to have it all? Food. Everyone loves food, especially delicious, indulgent gourmet food that comes beautifully packaged in a festive basket or holiday tin. Unlike other gifts, you can be sure tasty treats will be consumed, making it the ideal gift for people who'd rather not accumulate more stuff.

For more guidance on what yummy gifts to give this holiday season, check out the following recommendations and savings tips. Keep in mind that many gourmet food providers offer gifts for specific dietary needs including paleo, vegan, diabetic, kosher or gluten-free.

Sweets: Even the healthiest people splurge a little during the holidays, especially when it comes to sweets. While a gift from Godiva, Ghirardelli or See's Candies is always a hit, you can also think outside the box of chocolates with such gifts as macarons, almond toffee, baked goods and even honey or fruit preserves. Favorites for under $50 include a trio of preserves (you choose the flavors) from Sarabeth's for $35; a Gluten Free Christmas Tree Treats gift from Tate's Bake Shop; and a one-pound box of Enstrom's Almond Toffee for $24.99. To save even more on these treats, sign up for the stores' e-newsletter to receive a new-subscriber discount of 10 to 20-percent off.

Savories: For loved ones who lack a sweet tooth, opt for something savory instead. Gouermt cheeses and charcuterie were made famous by Hickory Farms, but some products are more processed than piquant. For salt lovers who also eat meat, look no further than the Bacon Sampler from The Loveless Cafe. This hefty gift features four one-pound packages of the famous Nashville cafe's signature flavors for $50. Take a bite out of this price with the restaurant's coupon code for 20-percent off. For the recipient who's a bit less carnivorous, consider the Garrett Mix of sweet-and-savory popcorn from Garrett's Popcorn Shops in Chicago. For $33, your loved one receives a festive tin of finger-lickin' goodness from The Windy City.

Teas and Coffee: There are few things more calming than curling up with a hot cup of coffee or tea on a blustery winter day. If food is too much of a challenge, a gift set featuring your loved one's favorite dark roast or tea blend will hit the spot. This gift can often be accompanied by festive accessories including mugs, treat mixes and more. For example, Peet's Coffee & Tea has a Holiday Blend & Peppermint Bark gift set for less than $15, featuring a half-pound of their bold holiday roast paired with sweet peppermint bark. Another fun option is to create custom tea blends and packaging for your loved ones through Adagio Teas, an online provider of loose teas and gifts. With custom blends starting at $10 for a 3-ounce pouch, the site offers recommendations for teas that complement the ones you've selected and also provides the option of uploading custom images for packaging.

Gift baskets. If you're unsure of your recipient's specific tastes, a gift basket containing both sweet and savory options is a good choice. To save money, buy a large gift basket from places like Costco or Sam's Club, then break it apart into several gifts. For example, Costco is currently offering $20 off select gift baskets through Dec. 6, including a Little Drummer Boy Holiday Gift Tower which can easily be divided into six separate gifts. If you're ordering these gifts online, it's best to wait until closer to the holiday to ensure freshness. During Free Shipping Day on Dec. 18, gourmet food basket providers like Harry & David, Omaha Steaks, Fannie May and Cheryl's will waive delivery costs, representing savings of up to $20 in some cases.

DIY. Prepackaged food gifts, tins and baskets are easy and fast, but sometimes creating one yourself provides more personalization for both the recipient and your budget. A classic holiday gift that won't set you back is a layered cocoa, brownie or cookie mix in a jar. Simply add dry ingredients layer by layer and affix with instructions highlighting the wet ingredients the recipient needs to add, as well as additional cooking instructions. By purchasing jars from the dollar store and printing recipe cards from the Internet for free, these gifts can easily cost you less than a few dollars to create.

As this list of ideas illustrates, options for food gifts are limitless, ranging from elaborate gift towers to diet-specific treats to homemade platters of holiday goodies. Versatile, affordable and universally loved, food gifts should be your go-to present for the hard-to-shop-for this season.

Kendal Perez is a spokeswoman for CouponSherpa.com, a popular source for online, in-store and mobile coupons. She also blogs at Hassle-Free Savings and enjoys yoga, decluttering, craft brew and obsessing over her dogs.

The Best Things to Buy in December

December is clearly a popular holiday for shopping given the holiday season, but what about the other money-smart purchases you could make this month? Step away from your holiday shopping list and think about a few opportunities for deep discounts in December. The list below might even give you some new ideas to help flesh out your gift-giving plans.

Gift cards:

Okay, so this one still falls solidly in the gifting category, or does it? Gift cards can often be found at a discount this month, especially when you buy them in bulk online. Restaurants and service providers will add incentives to get bonus gift cards when you order a certain amount, and retailers will add gift cards to holiday purchases as an added perk. You might want to pick up a few for easy gift ideas, or you can take advantage of the deal and buy gift cards to use yourself all year long and save money in the long run.

Thanksgiving leftovers:

After you've eaten the delicious leftovers after Thanksgiving, keep in mind the leftovers that will on sale, too. Thanksgiving decorations, paper goods and themed items will all drop low in price to clear the shelves and make way for more holiday merchandise. Stock up now and put away for next year and you'll thank yourself later.

Cookware and kitchen goods:

During the month of December, retailers will compete for the lowest prices on cookware and kitchen items, given the busy entertaining season and many shoppers buying new supplies. Stock up now to save money, or take advantage of the prices for gift ideas. If you're going to be hosting dinners and parties this season, then these items could really help you out.

Christmas decorations:

Yes, Christmas decorations, wrapping paper and paper goods will all go on sale in December, but not until the last week after Christmas is over. If you can bear the thought of shopping after the holiday, the discounts will pay off in a big way. Plus, you can just put away your purchases with this year's crop of decorations. If you don't want to hit the stores, log online and check out the sales there instead.

Tools:

Winter's arrival means its home improvement's off-season, and that means that tools will go on sale. Not only will prices drop, you can also try combining store sales with manufacturer coupons for double savings. Keep this in mind for any supplies you need to winterize your home or make indoor repairs over the winter. You can also find good buys for the tool lover on your holiday shopping list.

Toys:

Hopefully you waited until now to buy any toys on your list, because the weeks right before Christmas are notorious for the lowest prices and best toy sales. Of course, there are exceptions to waiting until late in the holiday shopping season – if you want a popular item, you should look for it much earlier to ensure you get it before supplies run out.

Seasonal produce:

Take advantage of in-season fruits and vegetables this month, such as citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, tangerines and clementines as well as hearty greens like kale and chard, which are great in soups. Root vegetables will be in-season all winter long as well. Not only is this produce fresh and delicious, it's less expensive, too. All that nutrition can also help stave off winter illnesses.

Free shipping day:

On December 18, many businesses large and small will waive your shipping cost for Free Shipping Day. This encourages holiday shoppers to get orders in with enough time for shipping by Christmas. Plan your December online shopping around the holiday, especially if you have something heavy or large to buy. Just check the terms and conditions, or if a retailer has a minimum purchases in order to qualify for free shipping. You could save $5, $10 or even more!

With these tips in mind, see if your monthly budget can handle a few more purchases that will save you money for next year. Looks like your New Year's resolution is already off to a great start!

Jon Lal is the founder and CEO of coupons and cash back website BeFrugal.com, which saves shoppers an average of $27 per order thanks to coupons plus an average of 7 percent cash back at more than 4,000 stores.