Sunday, May 29, 2016

Considering Starting a Healthcare Business? Take a Tip from Health Wildcatters CEO Hubert Zajicek

Copyright: megaflopp / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: megaflopp / 123RF Stock Photo

It's no secret that many Americans consider themselves entrepreneurs. In fact, there are approximately 27 million working-age Americans currently starting or running new businesses, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM).


Many of those entrepreneurs are in the healthcare industry, with emphasis on digital health, wearables and telemedicine. While it can be more difficult to get started in this marketplace, the hurdles that can hinder entrepreneurs, once overcome, become barriers to entry for your competition.


This is where Hubert Zajicek comes in. As CEO of Health Wildcatters, a nationally-ranked, mentor-driven, 12-week seed accelerator program for health-focused startups, he understands the challenges healthcare entrepreneurs face but encourages his startups that with a little persistence and patience, they can break through and become successful in reshaping the industry.


HBM: Please share your inspiration for starting Health Wildcatters and the mission of the program.


Zajicek: “I have been in the healthcare startup business for several years, but when my future business partners talked about starting a healthcare accelerator, I was immediately game. Through my observations in academic and non-profit incubators, I was able to apply the best practices I've learned to shape Health Wildcatters in a way that would maximize the benefit for our startups. Our mission is to help healthcare startups become commercially successful by providing financial backing and access to our program, mentors and investor networks.”


HBM: Do you have advice for entrepreneurs looking to break into this marketplace?


Zajicek: “Remember that every healthcare professional follows the moto of Primum non nocere, or “first, do no harm.” They typically do not like to take any action until there is a clear purpose behind it and established that this is the best course of action. Therefore, entrepreneurs, especially those developing a new medical device or something the physicians will use directly, must have a value proposition that simply cannot be ignored that will greatly benefit their work or the patients.


Additionally, a deep understanding and knowledge of the industry is essential. While it is not necessary to have an educational background in healthcare, it does not hurt. The more you can prove you understand your customers' challenges and needs, and have developed a solution that meets these, the better.”


HBM: What are the perks of going through a seed accelerator program?


Zajicek: “Access to a network of mentors has to be the No. 1 perk. In Health Wildcatters, our startups have access to over 130 mentors, many of which are also investors in the fund. These people are successful healthcare entrepreneurs who have been through this and are willing to help younger entrepreneurs get started. The program, growing alumni network, resources at their disposal and the startup community in the area are huge benefits as well.”


HBM: What are some tips on getting started for first-time entrepreneurs?


Zajicek: “Starting a business is hard work! Try to surround yourself with as many experts in the areas where you are not an expert in as possible. Also, ask as many questions as possible, of your team or others. Additionally, research is essential. Find out as much as you can about your field because you have to be THE expert when it comes to your product, and all your competitors.


Business accelerators, in your region or more importantly targeted to your specialty, can be an important shortcut to success. Accelerator graduates have vastly improved odds of survival and success.


Lastly, remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint. You'll have a lot of disappointments, and a few bright spots. If you are not in physical and mental shape to make it through the nerve-wrecking roller-coaster, then you should take this into consideration as well. It could be the right idea but the wrong time for you.”


HBM: What are the trends in the healthcare start-up industry?


Zajicek: “We take all kinds of healthcare innovation, but the majority are in the digital health space or the medical device sector. I personally see approximately 1,000 startups or ideas every year, and one trend that is undeniable is that the healthcare consumer is not as patient as the “patient.” Many startups are catering towards the healthcare consumer or enabling technologies that are in demand by this “new” empowered consumer. We see a lot of attention being paid to the consumer, which is a positive. Another driver are bundled payments and accountable care organizations that lead to a more value-based outcome expectation. Finally, we are also noticing a large amount of innovation around wearables and sensors, genetic testing and even virtual reality in medicine.”


HBM: Touch on the challenges healthcare start-ups face and how to combat them.


Zajicek: “You have to understand that healthcare is drastically behind other industries. For example, until recent years, the majority of healthcare organizations were still heavily relying on physical patient records in folders, as opposed to utilizing online or cloud resources to store the data. Especially when it comes to digital ideas, the healthcare industry are laggards in adopting technology, unless it is a medical device they can use in the operating room or during procedures. Therefore, convincing customers that this is something that will drastically improve patient care or their practice will be a hurdle.


Beyond slow adoption rates, the industry is built around being compliant with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) standards, FDA rules and ISO standards, among others. These can dictate heavily what organizations are willing to do or not do. Additionally, most healthcare providers are very cautious of trying new technologies because of cybersecurity challenges that have plagued the industry in recent years. Keep their skepticism and wariness in mind when pitching your ideas, but show them how this technology can help them overcome the challenges they face in their work.” HBM


 


About Dr. Hubert Zajicek


Hubert Zajicek headshot 2015 by Ben GarrettDr. Hubert Zajicek is the CEO and co-founder of Health Wildcatters, a Dallas-based mentor-driven, health care accelerator program founded in 2013. Health Wildcatters is a 12-week program that offers health-focused startups in the early stages of funding an initial seed investment, as well as access to mentors, advisors, office space and strategic resources required to help the startups grow.


The post Considering Starting a Healthcare Business? Take a Tip from Health Wildcatters CEO Hubert Zajicek appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Top Tips to Jump on the Business Ladder

Copyright: bowie15 / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: bowie15 / 123RF Stock Photo

There are few ways to be effective in business without the necessary qualifications, especially nowadays. Only a few decades ago, the idea of a self-starter was a mainstay in the field of entrepreneurialism, with the likes of Alan Sugar moving from the rank of wheeler and dealer to high-flying CEO thanks to a few fantastic business decisions.


Now he's on television and situated in the CEO equivalent of an ivory tower, unaware that success stories like himself are few and far between in today's climate.


The millennial generation (also known as Generation Y) are in dire straits financially, with a large number of graduates failing to attain graduate-level positions. More people are still living in their childhood bedrooms, unable to afford rent prices in larger cities, and many more are languishing in a cycle of unpaid internships and zero hour contracts.


Read any news outlets, and you'll see a picture of calumny and misery for the latest generation to enter the workplace. The Conservative government, aware that they've mainly gained traction thanks to the older voter, have placed the majority of financial cuts and austerity measures on the young, considering extreme measures like suspending any benefit support or working tax credits for those under the age of 25.


But it's not all doom and gloom. There are plenty of ways to prove your worth in the jobs market and head for a larger pay packet.


So, whether you're working for a small business or a vast corporation, these options could help you pull yourself from the millennial slump.


Top up your degree


You've spent a long time at university with the hope of gaining a top job at the end of it. But things haven't quite worked out that way. The proliferation of new graduates in the market has meant competition is fierce – and your degree isn't worth as much as it used to be.


One of the few solutions to this problem is to diversify your skillset with a new degree. Online business management degrees are available to top up your current degree and make you a major player in the business world.


These degrees can be completed on a part-time basis and, thanks to them being online, you can study from the comfort of your own home. And unlike that MA in English, most online degrees are tailored to the business sector, so you'll be able to apply your skills to situations instantly.


What's more, your boss will be instantly impressed with the effort you're making balancing work and study. That promotion will be in the bag.


Get networking


Sometimes it's not what you know, but who you know. You've heard that cliché a million times, and still you're struggling to network your way to success.


But it's not as difficult as it sounds. For a start, networking sites like LinkedIn have made connecting with prestigious business leaders a simple task. All you need is a presentable profile that will emphasise your best features.


But if you prefer meeting people face to face, simply search for a networking event in your local area. That way, you'll be in your element schmoozing with people and becoming personable.


Got any more tips on how to crowbar your way into the business world? Then let us know!


The post Top Tips to Jump on the Business Ladder appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Friday, May 27, 2016

6 Key Elements in Google Analytics for eCommerce Sites

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Analytic data can be key to understanding customers and how people use your eCommerce site. While this information is gathered for you from tools such as Google Analytics, interpreting the numbers can be confusing at times. However, it's in your best interest to know how visitors are interacting with the online store. It can be vital when discovering problem areas. Fixing these issues has potential to increase your monthly net income.


Bounce Rate


The bounce rate is an important aspect to consider. It shows when consumers arrive onto your site and immediately leave. You want this percentage to be as low as you can make it. Everything from product descriptions to internal links can help improve this percentage and keep the potential buyer engaged.


Pages Per Session


The number of pages per session demonstrates whether visitors are exploring the site or not. The longer a potential customer remains on the site, the more likely he or she will buy something. Lower numbers could signify that the visitor isn't properly encouraged to continue browsing. This can be fixed by showing other relevant items on the product page.


Social Acquisition


Social media can play a major role in the success of the business. Studies show that consumers are more likely to trust a company that is active on these sites. Acquisition data can also help you determine whether your social campaigns on specific sites are working or not. If you see higher numbers in one platform than another, it could mean that your social campaigns may need to be adjusted on those low-performing sites.


Mobile Overview


A responsive design means nothing if customers are getting lost on your site. The mobile overview section shows how often people visit from these devices and the average duration of the visit. A short average may mean that your site isn't optimized enough to keep the attention of mobile customers.


Behavior


The data contained within Behavior will show you the most popular pages on your site, average duration and other key factors. This information is important when determining if ad campaigns for specific products are being productive or if certain pages need to be changed. For instance, pages with high bounce rates and short time averages may need to be examined closer for content or linking. There may be something missing on those pages that can be easily added.


Benchmarking


Benchmarking allows you to see how your site compares with others within your industry. This is based off of other websites that share the information in order to create an accurate portrayal of performance. Using a percentage, you can see what aspects of your site are more effective against various competitors. For example, you can see how your social campaigns are stacking up against others within your industry.


An eCommerce website builder with Google Analytic integration can be a powerful arrangement for creating strategies. Once you discover how people are seeing your pages, it could be as simple as changing how something is worded or moving a button to just the right place to encourage sales. Keep your thumb on the pulse of your website through analytical tools. It will contribute in everything from marketing strategies to product sales and inventory.


The post 6 Key Elements in Google Analytics for eCommerce Sites appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Advocates for Individuals with Disabilities Fight Against Disability Discrimination

AID Logo FINAL


Organization Provides Immediate Charitable Assistance to Those in Need


Discrimination by organizations against individuals with disabilities is all too common in the U.S.  It is important for people with disabilities to seek support in standing up against businesses that create barriers preventing or violating their civil rights. It is also all too common that many Americans with disabilities go without items that they need, which thereby prevents them from living their lives freely and actively. As Civil Rights Champions, Advocates for Individuals with Disabilities (AID.org) was formed in order to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing opportunities and removing discriminatory barriers, as well as offering charitable gift donations to those in need.


By spearheading a rapid and widespread wave of compliance through educational and affirmative enforcement actions, AID.org brings non-complaint public accommodations into ADA compliance. They also act as a self-funding catalyst for the charitable foundation. AID.org helps fill the insurance gap for individuals with disabilities that are in need of medical equipment in addition to providing assistance to not only improve their quality of life, but also to empower individuals and prevent embarrassment. This inspiration comes from direct, first hand personal knowledge and frustration with the outright discrimination and abuse that people living with disabilities face. The possibility of arriving to a public location and not being able to enter because of an obstructing curb, a nonexistent ramp, or no space to remove a wheelchair from a car affects individuals with disabilities on a daily basis.


AID.org has found approximately 95% of public accommodations that do not have ADA compliant parking lots, therefore not accepting patronage from each and every person, regardless of their individual personal limitations. Although many public organizations may be unaware of their own violations, they cannot simply claim ignorance for breaking the law, with ADA laws being in full force and effect for over 25 years.


AID.org's foundation is a growing resource for any individual with a disability looking to receive help with various issues relating to their disability or compelling needs, whether the assistance includes wheelchair access, medical equipment, or much more. AID.org aims to help improve the lives of three to four individuals with disabilities per day.


The nationwide mission of AID.org is to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities of all types as well as advance equal rights and opportunities by removing barriers. The foundation strives every day to achieve their goals and be a shining example of civil rights leaders in this day and age. Their dedication is resulting in improving the lives of those with disabilities, and the elimination of discrimination of tens of thousands of these people. With their rapidly spreading, multi-state presence representing people with disabilities whose civil rights have been violated, AID.org is quickly causing a wave of compliance and equal access across the nation. Their determination to get the word out about their services and benefits makes them a strikingly devoted source and advocate for individuals with disabilities looking to receive equal accommodations within commercial locations, as well as assistance with day to day struggles.


Being fully managed by volunteers, everyone working for Advocates for Individuals with Disabilities has a passion for the work that the foundation does.  No job is small or insignificant.  Each and every person shares a relentless effort to advance the time that all businesses will become accessible to each and every individual.  Workers send internal emails, share post ideas on Facebook at the AID Foundation or have on the fly meetings to publically share the stories that are making a difference in the lives of the people we serve.


AID.org believes that discriminating against individuals with disabilities by refusing service or creating barriers that prevent and violate the rights of them is no different than doing so to a person of different gender, different race, anyone of minority, or any other protected class. The foundation strongly and aggressively fights this type of discrimination and is inspired to do so each and every day. AID.org changes lives, giving people with disabilities independence, mobility, pride, and a quality of life through their continuous charitable efforts and mission.


About AID.org


Advocates for Individuals with Disabilities and their Charitable Foundation (AID.org), formed January 2016, serve to advance equal rights and opportunity as well as remove barriers for people with disabilities of all types.  By taking affirmative action towards commercial and business locations that are not ADA compliant they are quickly bringing about a wave of compliance. The AID Foundation is also a growing resource for any individual with a disability looking to receive help with various issues relating to their disability or compelling needs.


The post Advocates for Individuals with Disabilities Fight Against Disability Discrimination appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Wholesaling Real Estate: The Key to Financial Freedom

Crizzle - Real Estate Cover (1)For many persons, a major goal they hope to attain is to become financially successful. However, with a tough economy, this continues to prove difficult, and individuals are now scrambling to find different ways to make ends meet, by venturing into businesses that require minimal capital and are low-risk. Eric Barnes, owner at www.Crizzleinc.com, is one individual who has experienced several frustrating and low-paying jobs, and has now turned to wholesaling real estate as his pathway to financial freedom – an opportunity he shares with readers in his new e-book “How To Make Money With Real Estate With Little or No Money”.


Investing in real estate is a process often overlooked by persons who believe that it requires large sums of money and expert knowledge to get started.  Wholesaling real estate is a viable real estate investment activity that provides new investors with the opportunity to get involved with limited funds and experience. Additionally, with the state of the current economy, many people are no longer able to afford their home due to various situations including job loss, divorce, and even relocation. This creates an excellent opportunity for wholesaling.


“Wholesaling is a great way to start investing in real estate because you don't need a big investment, and you can operate right out of your home,” explains Barnes. “It does require you to have good marketing and negotiation skills, as well as knowledge of property valuation, but all of this can be easily learned. Otherwise, it is relatively simple, and offers a lucrative career to anyone who is serious about it, since they'll be operating in an industry that will always have a market” he reveals.


A successful real estate wholesaler for 3 years, Barnes has opted to share his knowledge through his e-book, “How To Make Money With Real Estate With Little or No Money”, to assist others who are finding themselves stuck in a financial rut, just like he did in previous years.


“I published the book for persons who have found themselves in a dead end job, and feel they need a better way to make money,” says Barnes. “I was determined to find a better way for myself, and now that I have accomplished that, I want to help others to find a better way also,” he shares.


“In my book I will teach you all you need to know about wholesaling real estate –  how to start your company, find properties, get them under contract, assign the contract to a cash buyer, and how to market yourself. None of this requires a big bank account or a loan from the bank. You can simply learn to earn,” Barnes added.


Undoubtedly, real estate wholesaling is a good way to steadily earn a decent income as long as you are “prepared to do some work', and “roll up your sleeves”, according to Barnes. A low risk method of real estate investing, wholesaling real estate provides individuals with the opportunity to gain entry into the industry with very little to no capital, in an effort to improve their financial situation.


If you are interested in wholesaling real estate, you might also be interested in the e-book “How To Make Money With Real Estate With Little or No Money”  by Eric Barnes, available at www.crizzleinc.com. For a limited time only, you will receive Barnes' buyers list with the purchase of the book at only $47.99.


The post Wholesaling Real Estate: The Key to Financial Freedom appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Monday, May 16, 2016

Home Business Breakdown: How to Start an Online Store

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Operating an online store presents an excellent opportunity for a source of passive income, but many people don't know where to start. Just a few easy steps can get you off the ground and turning a profit. Read on to find out just how to break into online sales and gain financial freedom.


1. Choose an Awesome Product


There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding what to sell. Personal interest plays a small role - it's more fun to sell things you are passionate about - but it's also important to consider the quality of a product, the profit margin, the demand for a product and how many other sellers provide the product. If you have a lot of competition or a low demand, it will make selling a greater challenge.


You can obtain this information from software like the SaleHoo Market Research Lab, which allows you to compare products by sale price, competition, number of listings and bids.


2. Brand Your Business with a Name


If you're just starting a company, it's unlikely you'll achieve the name recognition of big brands, such as Apple or Target, so a descriptive company name helps potential customers more quickly understand your purpose. Second, try to choose a company name that is easy to pronounce. Word-of-mouth recommendations are incredibly effective, but your customers will have a harder time singing your praises if they aren't sure how to pronounce your company name. Third, pick a company name that is easy to spell. Your company name, or at least part of it, will likely serve as your domain name. If your domain name is difficult to spell, potential customers are less likely to visit your website and even more unlikely to make a purchase.


3. Consider the Logistics (Sales Tax)


If your state requires sales tax, you'll need to get a sales tax ID. Identify your tax percentage so you can include this when calculating the price of your product. Visit your state's website for this information.


4. Find Trusted Suppliers


You have a few options for suppliers.


Dropshippers are suppliers that ship purchases to the customer on your behalf. The major benefit of dropshippers is that you don't have to deal with shipping or inventory. This allows you to offer a lot of different products, but you pay a little more for this luxury - generally around $3 or $4 per item.


Wholesalers allow you to purchase a large quantity of products for a lower price. The larger your purchase, the larger the discount. This allows you to save money, but also requires you to have storage space for your inventory.


Liquidators are suppliers that are trying to make money fast, so they sell products for less than their value. This isn't a reliable source for the long-term but can be a great way to cut costs. Be careful, because some liquidators won't let you see the items before purchase, meaning some of them might be faulty or damaged.


Manufacturers present the opportunity for you to purchase directly from the producer. They offer great prices but require massive minimum orders, meaning you have to pay a lot up front. This is a great option for more established sellers who have resources to work with, but can be a challenge for a brand new store.


Once you have narrowed it down to a type of supplier, you need to find a trustworthy partner to work with. Again, there are many factors to consider: profit margins, recommended selling prices, pricing structure, fees, warranties, shipping policies, and customer service, just to name a few.


Directories like SaleHoo exist to make this easier. They allow you to compare these qualities to determine which suppliers are legitimate and offer the best deal.


5. Order those awesome products


Once you have chosen a supplier, order a sample product. If you are pleased with the quality of the product, identify the highest price you can pay in order to still make a profit reselling the item. Take this number into negotiations with your supplier and don't pay a cent more!


Stay secure: Suppliers that only accept unsecured payments such as wire transfers are probably illegitimate. Always pay with a secure method, including PayPal or a credit card. This way, if your shipment never arrives, you can get your money back.


Be thorough: Immediately after your shipment arrives, do a careful examination of each product. This is tedious but important. If you find any defects, the sooner you can contact your salesperson to have the issue corrected, the better.


Monitor: It's important to keep detailed records of your inventory so that you have a good supply at all times. If you aren't keeping your inventory yourself (as with dropshipping), stay in touch with your supplier regularly to check levels of stock.


6. Select the best platform


You have several choices when deciding where to sell you products. The right choice depends on your individual needs.


Amazon: Amazon provides you access to a wide selection of customers but has some limitations as far as describing your product and pricing. The marketplace also collects a percentage of each sale.


eBay: eBay gives you more flexibility with marketing your product and how you price it, but it has a smaller customer base. It will also take a cut of your sales.


A personal, online store: This option gives you the most control over how your product is priced and marketed. A tool like SaleHoo Stores or Shopify will help you build an online store without any background in web development.


7. Set up shop


Create thorough, detailed descriptions of every item


Your product description is a spectacular marketing opportunity. Use incredible detail, incorporate keywords that you think customers might use to search for the item, and edit for perfect spelling and grammar.


Add high-quality images


Great images are just as vital to sales as a solid product description. You might even want to outsource a professional photographer to take photos of your items, or see whether your supplier has photos that you can use. If not, be sure that you have a clean black or white background, excellent lighting, and a good camera to get a high-resolution shot of your product.


Understand the competition


Regardless of whether you choose Amazon as your selling platform, this is where most of your store's competition will be. This means it's important that you understand how Amazon works and what it provides to the customer. Amazon's prices, customer service, and shipping times, among other factors, will be the baseline expectation that you need to exceed in order to be successful.


Establish a Return Policy & Customer Service


Create a clear return policy and post it in an obvious spot. Make a commitment to respond to customer service inquiries and stick to that commitment. Never take more than 48 hours to respond to an inquiry, or you could find yourself losing customers left and right.


Pricing


A highly competitive price is key to becoming a popular store. Sum up your costs - the price of the item, shipping, storage, listing fees, etc. – and decide what you can sell the item for in order to still make a profit. Remember to include the cost of any software or equipment you use, as well as other business supplies.


8. Market, market, market


The only way to turn a profit in your store is to make sure people know about it!


Return customers


Return customers present an excellent opportunity for business. You have already proven yourself in terms of reliability and quality, so encourage your existing customers to return. Collect their information at checkout and send emails about discounts, related products, and accessories.


Social Media


Everyone is on social media these days, which means your store should be, too. Social media platforms can be high-maintenance, as you have to remain active on your profiles, but the effort is worth it. Post diversified content - images, video, and articles - that may not relate directly to promoting your business, but still appeals to your customers.


Forums


The comment section of blogs and forums within your industry are excellent places to find customers. Be careful with this strategy and don't be spammy, but if you see a question that relates directly to your products, answer it and post a link to your store.


9. Get it shipped


Once you have made a sale, make sure that you're sending the item out no more than 24 hours after the sale. It's also important to insure your shipment (some providers include insurance and tracking automatically). Remember that you can add tracking and insurance as shipping upgrade options that consumers pay for. And finally, adding your business logo to the shipping materials makes a nice finishing touch.


10. Don't forget the post-sale wrap-up


Say thanks


Send a thank you email to your customer (you can automate this) or include a hard-copy thank you note with the customer's shipment.


Ask for feedback


Some platforms, like eBay, offer an opportunity for the seller to leave feedback for the customer. Doing this will encourage the customer to leave feedback for you, and good feedback scores are essential to success, as they improve your reputation.


11. Know the importance of testing


Tweak various elements of your online sales process to see if they improve performance. Try different platforms, different items, and even different prices, as well as a variety of listing strategies and keywords. There is always a way to improve. These steps are just a baseline for opening a store. Continue to experiment and expand your presence to ensure you're getting the most out of your online sales.


The post Home Business Breakdown: How to Start an Online Store appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Car Website Built by Passionate Female Entrepreneur to Help Women Better Steer Car Buying Experience

Men, time to move over! Women are taking over the driver's seat - 80 percent of car buying decisions today are up to females. With that buying power, it's important for women to stop being taken for rides in the car-shopping experience. That's why Ruby Davis founded, and self-funded ChickDriven.com dubbed America's #1 car website for women.


After her own intimidating experiences by pushy car salesmen, Ruby committed to creating a helpful resource with a trustworthy voice that would empower women navigating the car market. Self-funding the business, ChickDriven.com is dedicated to helping women searching for their next vehicle to navigate efficiently the tricky and often intimidating car-buying process. The site offers honest, informative car reviews, advice about auto financing and insurance, and other helpful tools for women to choose the right car and make well-informed decisions.


Since Ruby was very young, she always loved cars, often attending car shows, car events and driving courses. She found herself consistently disappointed at the lack of females in the car industry, and understood it to essentially be a boys' club. Ruby created ChickDriven to break down those barriers. “There are so many women who enjoy cars and I want to end the boys club environment, and make it welcoming for everyone,” says Davis.


Ruby Davis, Founder of ChickDriven.com

Davis' experience as a first-time car buyer left her feeling like she was taken for a ride. “I purchased a car with all the glitz and glamour and thought I had an amazing deal but was delivered the basic package at a premium price. I think car salesmen see a woman and assume it'll be easy to take advantage of her,” says Davis.


“ChickDriven empowers women like me to make informed decisions about what car to buy and how much they should pay for it. It's important to maintain an authentically female point of view that understands and acknowledges that women have different priorities, objectives, and challenges than men when it comes to buying a car,” she adds.


ChickDriven.com offers content, reviews and partnership opportunities; the site is also an effective way for automotive manufacturers to capture the attention of the all-important female market. ChickDriven's advertising solutions include customized content creation to ensure that marketers' messages are relevant and resonant with its audience.


Ruby is currently focused on producing a lot of video content. Her video content is fun and incorporates fashion and cars so both male and females can enjoy it. She takes out all the jargon and just makes it lighthearted, fun and refreshing. “Cars are treated as such serious objects, but to me, they are accessories,” Davis says. “You choose the color, the trim and everything else so why not have fun with it?” HBM

The post Car Website Built by Passionate Female Entrepreneur to Help Women Better Steer Car Buying Experience appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

How I Got 8 Million Views on Google Plus Without Spending a Penny

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Mid-summer of 2015, wondering what next after finishing my novel, I got a sudden epiphany: “The world is full of sorrow-inspire people.”


“But how?” I protested, being just one very insignificant atom in a giant universe.


“Post your original, unpublished, motivational/inspirational quotations on Google Plus,” the relentless voice whispered.


I thought I was losing my mind.  The amount of time and work involved, not to mention giving away prized intellectual property for free? How could this be?


Reason, thankfully, did not prevail. I began posting quotes on Google Plus, and to my surprise, they were an instant success! People all around the world began sharing them, and within one month, I had over 1 million views.


Encouraged by the early success, I persevered, and since then I have had over 8 million views and my quotations have been featured in various newspapers, blogs, and magazines around the world, including Inc. Magazine, garnering thousands-and-thousands of dollars' worth of free publicity. I have also been endorsed by 17 bestselling authors, Grammy Award winning artists, renowned scholars and C.E.O's of large corporations.  Doors have been opening like never before since; a testament to the timeless wisdom of helping yourself by helping others.


Below are 20 quotes of mine that I hope will inspire you on your entrepreneur journey.  Enjoy!



  1. Risk is the twin of reward.

  2. Taking the road less travelled is easier; there is less congestion.

  3. Believe in yourself because no one else will believe in you.

  4. Failure is disguised success.

  5. Adversity is the door to opportunity.

  6. Failing over and over again is how you learn to succeed over and over again.

  7. What you seek for others you find for yourself.

  8. Generosity is inverted prosperity.

  9. You are your greatest asset in the business of your life.

  10. A lifelong learner is a lifelong winner.

  11. An army is greater than a warrior.

  12. Your mind is more creative than any machine.

  13. The limits you set in your mind are the limits you set in your life.

  14. What you build in your dreams build in reality.

  15. Fear is a greater enemy than failure.

  16. Conquer your fears before they conquer you.

  17. Do not fixate on the odds against you but on victory ahead of you.

  18. Use the pebbles of failure to build yourself a bridge to success.

  19. Moving rocks today strengthens you for moving mountains tomorrow.

  20. Dream all you will, dare all you can, and do all you must.


The post How I Got 8 Million Views on Google Plus Without Spending a Penny appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Military Spouse Launches Expert Online Therapy for People Anywhere, Anytime


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Northern Virginia-Based startup E-Therapy Café™ announces the launch of E-Therapy Café™: Modern Online Therapy for Today's Busy World. Taking the counseling industry by storm, the E-Therapy Café™ is rooted in the simple philosophy that therapy should be portable, easily accessible, cost-effective, grounded in ethics and expertise. Anywhere. Anytime.


CEO and Founder Dr. Jude Black recalled, “It all began over 20 years ago on a military base in North Carolina. I still remember how I felt the first time I used video to connect during a tough season in my life. I was a young military spouse and my husband was deployed over-seas. My husband and I were able to talk using Virtual Tele-Conference (AKA ginormous dinosaur of a big screen) in the midst of a very public military conference room. Amazingly, for a brief moment, it didn't matter that I was in North Carolina or that he was in a foreign country, we were connected.”


Black stated, “After a series of disappointments in the field, I knew it was time to do what any good officer's wife would do- do it myself.” She created a diversified team of licensed and certified professionals focused on breaking down barriers and providing support professionally, ethically, and affordably. Anywhere. Anytime. The company's more-than-HIPPA-Secured virtual platform is friendly to the military and other transient lifestyles but accessible to all people looking for support.


“Life is busy! Many people want a real alternative to the barriers and challenges of traditional therapy visits,” said Dr. Jude Black, founder of E-Therapy Café. “With the hassle of traffic, travel, and even the stigma surrounding therapy, many people are not receiving the support to truly thrive, it's clear that people are struggling. We are here to help.


“For many, there can be incredible pressure just to get through a physical door. We remove the barriers many people face when seeking support by offering cost-effective, convenient, and secure therapy in the comfort of their own space,” says Black.


Amanda Rausch, E-Therapy Café's Director of Relationships and Clinical Enrichment, says, “Our expert team meets the needs of every client with accessible, affordable quality cafe. We come to clients who might not otherwise, be able to access the support they need.” The team tackles areas such as relationships, trauma, anxiety, “being stuck,” career, family conflicts, body issues, self-esteem and a myriad of other common concerns.


E-Therapy Café is dedicated to support, motivate, and encourage people all over the world. Headquartered in Northern Virginia, the team has a nationwide and global reach.


The company is passionate about giving back and mattering. For E-Session conducted, the team give $1 to the foundation to be donated to charity affiliates.


Our mission is simple. Professional, convenient, affordable online therapy for all. Anytime. Anywhere. We want to make therapy portable, easily accessible, cost-effective, grounded in ethics and expertise. We want the barriers to engaging in expert therapy, removed.


Learn more about E-Therapy Café™ at: www.e-therapycafe.com.



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