Social Media is quickly growing into one of the most-used marketing tools for work-at-home moms. One of the largest social media websites, Twitter.com, can be an effective way to spread the word about your business and learn from other top representatives in your business niche. However, it can take a lot of time to determine the best ways to use Twitter effectively for business. Below are ten tips to help shorten that learning curve.

1. Choose a Meaningful User Name
If possible, grab your business name as well as your own name for use on Twitter. Having an easy-to-find and easy-to-remember username is essential.

2. Brand Your Twitter Page
Don’t leave your Twitter page boring and plain – spice it up. Make sure you add your logo, contact information and any other information that will be helpful for customers and visitors to your page. You can use a website such as TwitBacks.com to create a free or very low-cost background to bring life to your page.

3. Learn the Lingo
Twitter can be very useful, but it can also be very frustrating … especially if you have no idea what all those little symbols mean that fly across the screen. Take the time to research the meanings of the tags most often used on Twitter. One great place to do so is right on Twitter itself: http://help.twitter.com/portal

4. Follow Industry Leaders
Veteran entrepreneur Diana Ennen shares this tip: “I love to follow industry experts on Twitter and gain all their business insight.  It’s almost like being right there in their office and getting in on their trade secrets.  Not only do they post tips and how to information, they often share their business successes and mistakes and that allows me to learn from them.  It’s so worth it!“

5. Interact
Don’t be shy! Take a few minutes each day to comment on what others are discussing or to throw out a question or idea. You never know when a topic is going to spark a response and help you build relationships with customers and your fellow Twitter users.

6. Don’t Make It All Business News – Be YOU
It’s great to share about the things going on in your business and you certainly will want to share specials, discounts and other items of interest to your customers. However, as a small business owner you have the unique ability to put a personal face on your business. Let your customers and readers get to know a little about you as well as your business.

7. Run Contests
Twitter is a great fast-paced way to a run a contest. By having a great prize, you can create a viral network of “tweets” about your company and the giveaway you’re holding. Sit down beforehand and plan out some great 140-character tweets that you can use throughout the giveaway time – whether that be minutes, hours or even days.

8. Share
Make your Twitter feed a worthwhile read for your customers. Share tips that apply to your target market, links to articles and other informational tidbits. Create a #hashtag for your business or topic (see #3 above) so that you can track re-tweets and mentions of your posts.

9. Be Thankful
A great way to make friends and build contacts is to thank others who re-tweet (RT) your posts. Send a shout-out saying thanks or feature them at special times like FriendFriday (#FF). They’ll know that you’re grateful and you’ll build a community that supports you – and each other.

10. Promote Others
Contrary to popular belief it IS in your best interest to work together with other entrepreneurs and to help spread the word about great things that they may be doing. Not only will people be drawn to your Twitter feed for great information, but they will see that you’re willing to share about more than your own interests. Another great benefit is that those you help promote will one day be there to help promote you, as well.

Twitter is a great marketing tool for work-at-home moms. It can help drive traffic to your website, as well as aid you in building relationships with your target market. Use the tips above to help guide you in how to best use social media to benefit your business and your customers.

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Jill Hart’s entrepreneurial career began in her teens when she spent a summer working with her father who ran his own business. When he put her in charge of a Coke machine and allowed her to keep the profits, she saw the benefits of being her own boss. She is the founder of the popular Christian work-at-home website CWAHM.com and mentors business owners at http://SuccessfulChristianWomen.com. Jill is also the co-author of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom (Beacon Hill Press, 2009).

You can find her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/cwahm

My first step into the work-at-home world was as a data extractor for a company in my local area. Believe it or not, I found that job in the Classified Ads section of the newspaper. That, however, was ten years ago. A lot has changed in the last ten years – the internet alone has grown by leaps and bounds. So, what are some of the best ways for people in today’s market to find a telecommuting opportunity?

Classified Ads
One good thing about the technology available to us today is that most Classified Ads are now not only listed in print newspapers, but online as well. Take a look through these to see if there are businesses in your area looking for local at-home workers.

Online Job Sites
Most online job websites now offer telecommuting listings. Use the search term “telecommute” to help give you the best results. There are even websites that cater to the work-at-home crowd such as HireMyMom.com. Remember – always be sure to read the fine print, and research each company/opportunity that interests you.

Freelance
More and more at-home workers are freelancing on a contract basis. Writers, web designers, graphic artists, and more are finding this a viable option to allow them to work from home. There are websites, such as elance.com, that cater specifically to the freelance community and make it easy for freelancers to connect with companies and individuals looking to hire them.

Start A Business
Other trend among telecommuters is heading out on their own. Taking the data entry and executive assistant skills that they’ve gained over the years, these at-home workers are now launching their own Virtual Assistant (VA) services, Copy-writing services and other such businesses.

There are an amazing amount of resources for telecommuters today. These positions are in high demand, so be sure to polish your resume and tailor it to fit the type of work that you’re searching for. Be persistent – it may take a while to locate the right opportunity, but it will be well worth the wait.

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Jill Hart’s entrepreneurial career began in her teens when she spent a summer working with her father who ran his own business. When he put her in charge of a Coke machine and allowed her to keep the profits, she saw the benefits of being her own boss. She is the founder of the popular Christian work-at-home website CWAHM.com and mentors business owners at http://SuccessfulChristianWomen.com. Jill is also the co-author of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom (Beacon Hill Press, 2009).

by Jill Hart and Diana Ennen

Over the last several years blogging has become the foundation for social media campaigns of businesses big and small. Where Facebook and Twitter help keep companies in the limelight, spreading the word about special events, discounts and newsworthy items, blogs are the place where companies build their reputation and make sales.

As popular as blogging has become, I often hear from home-based business owners who are trying to figure out exactly what a blog consists of and how they can use one to benefit their business. Below are three tips that can help maximize the impact of your business blog.

1. It’s All In The Name

Be sure to choose a name for your blog that is both descriptive and easy to remember. Try to stick to either your business name or the name of your star product/service. If none of these are available consider using your name or business tagline.  Also, consider possibly adding in your keywords … such as Publicity Virtual Assistant.
2. Use Keywords Effectively

When you write posts for your business blog be conscious of the words that you choose. Pepper your posts with keywords relating to your business, products, services and brand. These keywords will trigger Search Engine results and help you reach the top of the results for your keywords. Be careful not to overuse keywords, though, because readers will get frustrated  and the Search Engines consider that against the rules.

Also, consider keyword phrases – often called long tail keyword phrases (why, I’m not sure!).  Long tail keywords are simply a sting of words that make up a phrase that represent your keywords. Think, what would people type in Google to find me.  Examples, “how to start a business.”  Think … how can I define my blog more (or this particular post). I wrote this blog post on … (fill in the blank), now what keywords do I need to put in so others can find me?

3. Quality Information (No Fluff!) & Fresh, Regular Content
Another thing to consider when writing business blog posts is to keep your posts informational. The more quality content you offer to readers, the more often they will visit your blog. Also, by posting regularly your readers will get to know the schedule and tend to visit your blog on a regular basis because of it.

You know your audience best.  What do they want to hear?  Need to hear? Solve that problem that you’ve been having and you know others are having too.  Consider adding in reviews, recommendations, etc.  Your blog can be so much more than you talking about your business.  What fun thing can you add?  Contest, giveaways, etc.

There are many ways to use a blog for business use. If used correctly, a blog can be a terrific tool to inform potential customers of your business. Be sure to update your blog regularly so that the content remains fresh and people coming back for more great information.

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Tips from Jill Hart of Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com and Diana Ennen of VirtualWordPublishing.com. For more tips visit http://SoYouWantToBeaWAHM.com or check out the book So You Want to Be a Work-at-Home Mom. These tips can be used if you include this short bio.

This week: Made For a Special Purpose (Yes, YOU!)

“In a large house there are not only things made of gold and silver, but also things made of wood and clay. Some things are used for special purposes, and others are made for ordinary jobs. All who make themselves clean from evil will be used for special purposes. They will be made holy, useful to the Master, ready to do any good work.“

2 Timothy 2:20-21 (NCV)

Thinking Through It All

Today we talked about being obedient to God so that He can use us for special purposes. I’d love to discuss the following in the comments section below:

* How are you striving to live an obedient life, a life pleasing to God?

* How is God using your obedience for special purposes?

* How can we be praying for you?
(You can post prayer requests below or send your request in here)

Comment Below!

A few years ago I had one of those “lightning bolt” moments. Each year I sit down to write out goals and dreams for my business. This particular year, as I sat and thought through what I hoped to accomplish in the upcoming year, how I hoped to help people, it hit me. Where does God fit in to all of this? Does He fit comfortably in the “Spiritual” categories or is He a part of everything that CWAHM is and does?

Whoa. Talk about a challenging question.

As I wrestled with this I came to realization that God wants to invade our lives – and that means our businesses, too. In the gospels we see Jesus meeting people right where they were. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and taught the seeking. He met their physical needs as well as their spiritual needs.

He wanted to be a part of their everyday lives, not just the days they went to the temple (the Old Testament equivalent of church). He wasn’t afraid to hang out with the sick, the hurting, the “sinners.”

He wants to be a part of our everyday life, too. He wants to invade our families, our marriages, our businesses. He wants to show us that there is a different way of doing things. A better way. A way that points to the divine even in the midst of most basic business task.

He wants to be in:

* The decision to be kind to the difficult customer.

* The decision to give a sale price when we could charge full price to someone who isn’t aware of the sale.

* The decision to give a product away to someone we know is struggling or hurting.

It’s our choice.  We can choose to do business with Jesus. Or we can choose to do things our own way…usually the way we’ve been taught by people who seem to know how to “do” business, how to make money. And yet, in the end … is really about making money?

“So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work…” Ecclesiastes 3:22, NCV

Where does God fit in your business?

About The Author

Jill Hart’s entrepreneurial career began in her teens when she spent a summer working with her father who ran his own business. When he put her in charge of a Coke machine and allowed her to keep the profits, she saw the benefits of being her own boss. She is the founder of the popular Christian work-at-home website, CWAHM.com. Jill has articles published in In Touch Magazine and P31 Woman magazine, as well as across the web on sites like DrLaura.com. She is the author of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom and speaks to audiences around the country about faith, business and leadership topics.

This week: No More Excuses

The words of Amos, one of the shepherds of Tekoa—the vision he saw concerning Israel two years before the earthquake, when Uzziah was king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash[a] was king of Israel.

Amos 1:1 (NCV)

Thinking Through It All

Today we talked about being “just a _____.” I’d love to discuss the following in the comments section below:

* Have you ever answered “Oh, I’m just a ___________” (you fill in the blank)…

* How does God see you?

* How can we be praying for you?
(You can post prayer requests below or send your request in here)

Comment Below!

Order Today from CWAHM and get FREE SHIPPING!

Want to read the first chapter of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom?
CLICK HERE!

Or buy the book at Amazon.com!

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If you would like to learn more about how to help people in the Christian tradition, check out online christian counseling programs

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Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Galatians 5:15-26

Not long ago I was feeling defeated and disheartened. Things in my life were actually going well at the time – CWAHM was growing, business was picking up and my book had just released. But there was unrest stirring within me, but I couldn’t put my finger on exactly what it was that was bothering me.

Until, that is, I was talking about it with a friend one day.

“I’m so frustrated,” I said to her.

“I don’t see why,” she replied. “You’re doing thing many people only dream of doing. Lots of people wish they could write a book or work from home.”

“I know. But I wish my business could be more like…”

And that’s when it struck me. Instead of being content, or even more than that, rejoicing in what God was doing in my life I was stuck in the dangerous trap of comparing myself to others. Or, in essence, envy.

Envy is a slippery slope that can trip you up when you least expect it. Simple thoughts like “I wish my kids were as talented as her kids,” or “If only my business included travel like her business.”

And envy can take root in any area of your life and in the most innocent forms. A friend tells you about something special their husband did for them and you wish your husband would do something thoughtful for you. Your child tells you about the new car a family you know just purchased and you consider what it would be like to upgrade your mommy-wagon for a sleek, new design. You see an interesting idea that someone is implementing in their business and wish you’d thought of it.

None of these thoughts are bad or sinful in passing. It’s when we allow ourselves to dwell on what we don’t have or worse yet, what someone has, that it becomes a problem.

Proverbs 4:23 (NCV), tells us, “Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.”

We’re shown in the very first pages of the Bible how powerful the emotion of envy can be – and what it can cause. In Genesis chapter four, we see the first murder in human history. At the root of the issue is Cain’s envy of his brother, Abel.

The question that remains is how do we combat envy? How do we keep from comparing ourselves to others – and always coming up short?

The answer is simpler than you might think. We must learn to practice contentment with what God has given us and where He’s placed us in life.

One of the greatest examples of learning to be content comes from the Bible. The apostle Paul went through many, many trials after he became a follower of Christ. And yet in Philippians 4:11-13, he explains:

“…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

We can’t be content in our own power. Human nature is such that we are constantly wanting more – to achieve more, make more, spend more, and so on. And yet, Paul shares with us the “secret” to being content in “any and every situation.” Do you see it? The secret is asking God for help in this area.

When Paul says, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” he is referring back to the prior sentence – “I have learned the secret of being content…” The secret is relying on God, not trying to force contentment on ourselves. Only God can provide true peace and contentment. Only God can provide true freedom from comparison-making and envy.

Jill Hart is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com. She is also co-author of the book So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom (Beacon Hill Press).

If you are interested in earning a degree in business, check out businessdegreeonline.net

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Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” -Matthew 22:21

I don’t know about you, but every year I dread – and I mean DREAD – tax time. As the appointment with my accountant draws near I lie awake at night worrying about whether or not I’ve messed anything up and what might possibly be coming my way.

I wasn’t always afraid of my accountant, but several years ago, when I was transitioning CWAHM from “hobby” status to “business” status, I got caught offguard when tax time came. I had made quite a bit more income than the previous year, but it had never dawned on me during the year to send more in to the IRS along the way. I sent in to the IRS what the accountant told me to each month and assumed that would take care of it.

That year I left the accountant’s office in tears, nearly hyperventilating, promising myself it would never happen again. We owed several thousand dollars in taxes and I had no idea where it was going to come from.

God provided for us, but it was an incredibly difficult time. And now each year at tax-time I’m reminded of my previous mistakes and I begin terrifying myself about what I may have done wrong this year.

I learned a few tips along the way – maybe they will help you, too:

• If possible, use an accountant. I would have missed a lot of deductions these last few years if it weren’t for mine.
• Keep all business receipts. I have a folder in my filing cabinets specifically for business receipts so that I can simply plop them in there in case they are ever needed.
• Ask your accountant or tax professional exactly what you need to be tracking throughout the year (mileage, utility costs or other things depending on your business) and make sure that you understand how to calculate any monthly or quarterly payments that need to be made to the IRS.

This year was still stressful for me. My appointment with Mr. Accountant was on a Friday and I spent that week alternating between worrying and peace. It felt like every time I gave my worries to the Lord they showed right back up an hour later.

The difference this year is that God had people in place to call me on my attitude. My husband repeatedly reminded me to stop worrying and lay it at God’s feet. Several friends also realized that I was struggling and encouraged me to look not at my mistakes, but at God’s provision over the years.  He has never failed me. Even in the messes I create for myself, God is there and He is faithful.

The day of the tax appointment has come and gone and (praise God!) all was pretty much fine this year.  Going forward, I am committed to focusing on God’s faithfulness instead of my mistakes.

If you struggle with worry – about taxes or anything else – here are some things I’ve learned the hard way over the years. Maybe they will save you from some of the struggle:

Tell someone you’re struggling and ask them to pray with you

• Be honest with your spouse or significant other about what’s bothering you
• Be careful not to take the stress and frustration out on your kids

Jill Hart is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com and the co-author of So You Want To Be a Work-At-Home Mom (Beacon Hill Press, 2009). She graduated from Grace University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development/Family Studies and Bible. Jill has worked from home since 2000 and started her own home-based business to assist other Christians who desire to work from home while maintaining a godly life. Jill is the host of the podcast, Christian Work at Home Moment and co-host of the LIVE internet radio show, The CWAHM Network.

This week: Sometimes You Gotta Go For It

“Those who wait for perfect weather
will never plant seeds;
those who look at every cloud
will never harvest crops.”

Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NCV)

Thinking Through It All

Today we talked about “going for it.” I’d love to discuss the following in the comments section below:

* What do you need to step up in faith and go for?

* How do you know when it’s time to go for it?
(Have you prayed about it?  Searched the Word? Sought godly counsel?)

* How can we be praying for you?
(You can post prayer requests below or send your request in here)

Comment Below!

Order Today from CWAHM and get FREE SHIPPING!

Want to read the first chapter of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom?
CLICK HERE!

Or buy the book at Amazon.com!

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A marketing plan outlines the basics for how you want to market your business. Your marketing plan helps you establish, direct and coordinate your marketing efforts. It’s your roadmap for success.  Your marketing plan allows you to understand your customer base, better determine exactly how products or services will benefit those clients, and create a plan to market to those clients. Below are ten tips to get you started creating a marketing plan that will help you grow your business effectively:

1. Outline your marketing goals. Make sure to include any research or information that supports your marketing plan.  For example, keep a notebook that has all applicable keywords, research for new sites to connect with, and business contacts.

2. Outline a specific time-frame for completion of your goals. If you layout a timeline for your goals, you will be much more likely to reach them.

3. Make a list of all of your marketing plans. Each time a new idea comes to you, add it to your list.

4. Plan out your budget. Know how much you have available so that you can be sure to spend it wisely.   Be clear here on where you will spend your advertising dollars. Don’t just tell yourself, “I have some money for marketing.”  Instead, be specific. “I have $100 for paid press releases.” or “I have $40 for a Google Adwords campaign.”

5. Think through how you will handle the clients/customers who respond to your marketing attempts. Too many make this mistake.  They market and ask questions later.  A client calls and wants additional information on their services and they are like ‘now what do I do.”  We want to have you so that when that potential client calls, it runs like clockwork!

6. Make a list of any/all the marketing you’ve done in the past. Note next to each item on the list whether or not the marketing attempt was a success or failure and why.

By taking each of these steps you will find yourself well on the path to an effective marketing plan.

Jill Hart, Founder of Christian Work-at-Home Moms and Diana Ennen, President of Virtual Word Publishing, have teamed up to write So You Want to Be a Work at Home Mom: A Christian’s Guide to Starting a Home-Based Business.  Start or expand your business today with their help.

This week: Serving God Not People

“Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I didn’t obey the Lord’s commands and your words.
I was afraid of the people, and I did what they said.“
1 Samuel 15:24 (NCV)

Thinking Through It All

Today we talked about serving God and not worrying about what people think or say. I’d love to discuss the following in the comments section below:

* Have you found yourself worried about the way people think you should do things?”

* What steps can you take toward doing what God asks you today?

* How can we be praying for you?
(You can post prayer requests below or send your request in here)

Comment Below!

Order Today from CWAHM and get FREE SHIPPING!

Want to read the first chapter of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom?
CLICK HERE!

Or buy the book at Amazon.com!

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This week: Your Response Counts

“Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.“

2 Samuel 12:13 (NCV)

Thinking Through It All

Today we talked about how our response counts. I’d love to discuss the following in the comments section below:

* When in your life have you seen the truth that “your response counts?”

* What steps can you take toward “taking every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5) and choosing a godly response today?

* How can we be praying for you?
(You can post prayer requests below or send your request in here)

Comment Below!

Order Today from CWAHM and get FREE SHIPPING!

Want to read the first chapter of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom?
CLICK HERE!

Or buy the book at Amazon.com!

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This week: Don’t Hold Back – Fulfill Your Calling

“He gave himself fully to his work for God. So he had success.“

2 Chron 31:21 (NCV)

Thinking Through It All

Today we talked about how we find success once we give ourselves fully to our work for God. I’d love to discuss the following in the comments section below:

* What is your work for God?

* Do you feel that you’ve committed yourself fully to your work for God? Why or why not?

* What have the results been? Share what God is doing in your life!

* How can we be praying for you?
(You can post prayer requests below or send your request in here)

Comment Below!

Order Today from CWAHM and get FREE SHIPPING!

Want to read the first chapter of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom?
CLICK HERE!

Or buy the book at Amazon.com!

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This week: I’ll Handle This

“…Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God,
the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand.”

2 Chron 16:7(NIV)

Thinking Through It All

Today we talked about handling things ourselves instead of going to God. I’d love to discuss the following in the comments section below:

* When was the last time you decided to “handle things” on your own rather than asking God for wisdom and direction?

* What changes can you make to help you remember to put God first – even when you think you have things under control?

* How can we be praying for you?
(You can post prayer requests below or send your request in here)

Comment Below!

Order Today from CWAHM and get FREE SHIPPING!

Want to read the first chapter of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom?
CLICK HERE!

Or buy the book at Amazon.com!

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This week: Don’t Hide From Your Calling.

They asked the Lord, “Has Saul come here yet?”
The Lord said, “Yes. He’s hiding behind the baggage.”

1 Samuel 10:22 (NCV)

Thinking Through It All

Today we talked about hiding from God’s calling in your life. I’d love to discuss the following in the comments section below:

* Is there a calling  in your life – something God has asked you to do – that you may be hiding from?

* How can you make time to learn His promises and trust them?

* How can we be praying for you?
(You can post prayer requests below or send your request in here)

Comment Below!

Order Today from CWAHM and get FREE SHIPPING!

Want to read the first chapter of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom?
CLICK HERE!

Or buy the book at Amazon.com!

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It’s official. Social media is here to stay. It’s not a fad like so many initially thought and it isn’t going anywhere soon. Businesses have realized that not only is it a great way to connect with current clients, but a great way to land potential clients as well. And that’s only the beginning. Social media also allows you to promote all your upcoming events and products, and even gives you front row access to editors and reporters who might write on your area of expertise. The possibilities are truly endless. But the big question now is, how can entrepreneurs best use the current social media opportunities to help increase business?

Ten tips to incorporate social media into your marketing plan:1. Determine What Social Media Sites Are Best For You. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are the top three, but that’s only the beginning. Determine who your target market is and then meet them where they are. It’s okay to ask by taking a survery by email or on your website asking which social media avenue your clients prefer. Once you determine that, be consistent and realize that you can’t be everywhere all the time. Pick the ones that are best for your business and really engage.

2. Team Up With Other Entrepreneurs. By teaming up, you allow easy access to retweets, Facebook posts, etc. Plus, it’s a great way to provide your audience with more valuable information on topics that would interest them by sharing information that is provided by the business(es) you team up with. Just make sure that your choose teammates with information that is a good fit for your audience.

3. Don’t Just Advertise, Build Relationships. We’ve all seen them. The tweets and Facebook postings that we know are scheduled and we know are only trying to sell us something. We aren’t saying that you can’t promote your services or products. In fact, we encourage you to do that. But do it right. Don’t just be about landing the deal. Truly connect with your audience and show them why they would want to work with you. We know you’ve heard it a million times already, but it speaks for itself and bears repeating: Social media is meant to be “social.”

4. Make It a Two-Way Street. You post and you post and you post on Facebook. You’ve tweeted away on Twitter & you’ve updated your status on Linkedin. Finally you’re done. Social marketing is ready to be checked off the list. Not so fast! Realize that just like you are posting there are others out there posting and building relationships as well. Get out there and respond to others, too. When you think about it, how do you feel when someone posts on your Facebook posting or blog entry? It feels good, doesn’t it? When you see a Facebook posting that you like leave a comment – always making sure you add value and are not just promoting your business.

5. Make It Exciting. We see this often: business owners on Twitter who get on for 20-minute increments and during that time we are inundated with retweets. They will throw in an occasional tip or two, but basically it’s just 20 minutes of nonsense. Now we love a good retweet, but we don’t enjoy this at all. When you are marketing your business via social media, make sure that you engage with others and make it exciting. Give some good information and tips – don’t just retweet to be seen. Provide great value and your followers will not only enjoy your messages, but when they are looking to refer someone who needs your services, you will be on the top of the list.

6. Learn From Others. One of the best things about being in business these days is that you have the opportunity to follow the pros and see what they are doing right. They eagerly give out tips, videos, etc. Make it a point to follow those who you respect and can learn from. Sit back and take notes. But more importantly, take the action steps necessary to make these points work. It’s more than learning from them, you need to actually do what they recommend as well.

7. Contribute to Other Networks. Another great aspect of social media is getting your message out to more than just your audience. Offer to guest post for other networks in your area of expertise. You never know who may see your posts and become a client.

8. Create An Expert Status. Why do people follow you? Many times it is because they see you as the best at what you do and they want to learn from you. Therefore it’s important to always give solid tips and advice to really show your expertise. Create high quality blog postings, tips lists and posts to share with your audience. It may take extra time to create high quality work, but the effort will be well worth it in the end.

9. Spruce Up Your Page. Social media has come a long way in a short time. No more are you limited to a tiny avatar of your logo. Most of the social networking sites today allow you to fully customize your page with images, backgrounds and more. Spend the time to create a page that will draw in your audience and make them want to come back daily.

10. Be respectful. One of the things that most business owners value most is time. It’s important when you are on Facebook, Twitter and the other networks, that you be respectful of others’ time. A few ways you can do that:

• Don’t Expect An Instant Response. Sending an Instant Message (IM) to a colleague or respected leader is fine, but recognize that they may not be able to chat with you immediately. Often times that person has allocated a certain amount of time to be on the site. If they are constantly on an IM, they can’t get what they need done. We’re not saying you can’t IM, but be respectful when you do.
• Don’t Take Advantage. Social media is a relationship builder and gives us instant access to industry leaders. However, be careful not to take advantage of someone’s goodwill by asking a zillion questions. Most business owners enjoy helping others, however, to provide personalized coaching is a different story. Always respect the person you are communicating with and we bet you’ll find you get way more back than you ever imagined.

See how easy social media is. When done right it can bring amazing results for your business. Not only will you establish yourself as an expert, but you will be promoting your products and services regularly. Make it a commitment to master social media marketing and we promise you next year at this time, you’ll be so glad you did.

About the Authors:
Jill Hart of Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com and Diana Ennen of VirtualWordPublishing.com are the co-authors of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom.

This week we’re talking about Starting Fresh In The New Year.

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

Thinking Through It All

Today we talked about starting each new year – and each new day – remembering that God’s mercies to us are new each morning. I’d love to discuss the following in the comments section below:

* How can you remind yourself daily that God’s mercies are new each morning? What verse has He given you? (If you don’t have a verse that helps remind you of this, pray and ask Him for one!)

* How can you make time to learn His promises and then stand firm in them?

* How can we be praying for you?
(You can post prayer requests below or send your request in here)

Comment Below!

Order Today from CWAHM and get FREE SHIPPING!

Want to read the first chapter of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom?
CLICK HERE!

Or buy the book at Amazon.com!

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Taken from the CWAHM Christmas Devotional – get yours HERE!

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When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
Matthew 1:24

I’ve always admired Joseph for the step of faith that he took following his visit from the angel in his dream. Matthew chapter one, beginning at verse 18, give us a glimpse at how Joseph was struggling with how to handle his engagement to Mary, who had recently revealed that she was pregnant.

However, before Joseph can take action to break things off with Mary, he receives a visit from an angel in the form of a dream. Joseph doesn’t hesitate to obey. Verse 24 says simply, “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him…”

He didn’t sit around and question what he’d been told. He didn’t second-guess whether or not he was worthy of the task or fall back on the excuse of “it was just a dream.”

No, Joseph woke up and did what God told him to do.

Now, you may not receive visits from angels, but when you do feel God calling you to do something, how do you respond? Do you get up and go? Or do you wait, second-guess or try to avoid the task?

There is, of course, a time and place for waiting on the Lord. But, there is also a time for action – when we must step out in faith, like Joseph, to do what God has asked us to do. What steps do you need to take this week to fulfill God’s calling in your life? Seek Him, asking for His guidance and direction.

Lord, please forgive me for the times that I’ve second-guessed your calling. Please give me the faith and confidence in You that will help me take the steps of faith you ask me to.border=”0″

This week we’re talking about Taking Steps of Faith.

We have freedom now, because Christ made us free.
So stand strong. Do not change and go back into the slavery of the law.
Galatians 5:1

Thinking Through It All

Today we talked about how we take steps of faith as God leads us to our promised land. I’d love to discuss the following in the comments section below:

* What has God asked you to do that you’re afraid to step forward and do?

* How can you make time to learn His promises and then stand firm in them?

* How can we be praying for you?
(You can post prayer requests below or send your request in here)

Comment Below!

Order Today from CWAHM and get FREE SHIPPING!

Want to read the first chapter of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom?
CLICK HERE!

Or buy the book at Amazon.com!

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This week we’re talking about Business As Ministry.

Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Ps 37:4

Thinking Through It All

Today we talked about how we can have a ministry heart in our businesses. I’d love to discuss the following in the comments section below:

* What struggles do you face when combining business and ministry?

* How can we be praying for you?
(You can post prayer requests below or send your request in here)

Order Today from CWAHM and get FREE SHIPPING!

Want to read the first chapter of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom?
CLICK HERE!

Or buy the book at Amazon.com!

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