If you’re new to blogging, or even an old hand at it – you’re probably aware of how much time and thought goes into writing a post.  It’s always nice to receive traffic, comments and feedback, along with new subscribers.

One of the ways to drive traffic to your blog posts is by having it Stumbled.

I belong to the website Stumble Upon.  I also have the Stumble Upon toolbar installed.  Whenever I see a post that I enjoy, I give it a “Thumbs Up” and write a short review.  I have a profile, and have “friends” on the network.  We suggest various sites that we enjoy, and if my friends like the sites, they’ll Stumble it, and give  it a thumbs up.

There’s also the ability to become an Advertiser using Stumble Upon.

You can see how much traffic you’re getting from Stumble Upon by checking your stats.

Here’s an informative article to let you know a bit more about Stumble Upon, and why it’s important to Stumble Posts that you enjoy.

What is Stumble Upon and How Does it Work?

By Simon Lissa

Are you sick of doing Google searches and constantly getting search results that just aren’t relevant to your needs?

If you know anything about how Google and other search engines work then you would already know that when you search for a particular item the result on the first page are usually the site with the most capital to invest in online marketing. In my opinion this is not a good way to find the thing you want to buy as the companies that have spent the most on online marketing are also going to need to charge top dollar for the products they sell to cover the costs of their marketing expenses.

Stumble Upon is a great tool that is installed on your web browser toolbar. The web user votes for the best sites in a particular niche so when someone looks for a website through stumble upon they only get results from the highest voted pages for that niche.

This is the new generation of site searching and it may even one day take out the need for search engines, it is definitely a more accurate way of giving the web searcher more relevant results for what they need and soon the search engine index will become obsolete.

This constantly growing website is shaping the future of how people will find the things they want on the net by only giving results of the most heavily voted for site on the particular subject you are looking into.

I highly recommend anyone start using stumble upon the get the websites they need and if you ever find a particular page that was helpful simply use your stumble upon toolbar to give it thumbs up!

Simon Lissa is an Online Home Based Business Entrepreneur and the owner of Online Surveys Australia.
Please feel free to visit: Best Paid Surveys

Article Source: Ezine Articles

Blog Tip: What is Stumble Upon and How Does it Work? is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. What is StumbleUpon and How Does It Benefit Bloggers – Tutorial
2. How To Start a Product Review Blog: Work At Home Ideas
3. Cross Blog Conversation With Christie – Work At Home Moms Talk Radio: Part 2

It seems everything in life comes full circle, at one point or another.

What’s old becomes new again, or what’s new becomes old.

High school yearbooks have changed over the years, but underneath my picture there used to be quotes, or sayings.  Some kids chose their own, other times the yearbook committee staff did the choosing.  I can’t remember where mine came from, but it was:

Chatter, Chatter As I Go

and I Go On Forever

As a teenager in high school, and again when I was in college – I didn’t belong to one particular group – my friends were very diverse.  I consider my best friend, one I share the most common ground with – is a gal I went to kindergarten with and still keep in touch with.  I was sort of the “social butterfly” – hanging out with whatever group or cause held my interest at the moment.  I made a lot of friends, but none that remained close.

I’ve always been a reader and writer.  Well, I’ve been blogging for almost 2 full years now, and I’ve done enough chattering on this blog, as well as 3 others that I’ve had at one point or another.

I’ve joined forums, nings, Twitter, Facebook, Yahoo Groups, you name it.

As a multi-generational blogger, I hang with many different folks, both my age, and those who are probably the same age as my daughters.  I hold many interests – remember, I’m the “reference librarian“ wannabe – and enjoy discussing different topics – food, crafts, fashion, kids, lifestyle, travel.  You know, ‘different strokes for different folks.’ That sort of thing.

I thought I had finally found a ‘home’ where I could be comfortable with, let my hair down.  Everything was going OK, and then the walls came tumbling down.

When the walls came tumbling down

When the walls came tumbling down

When the walls came tumbling down

everybody ran as they screamed at the sound

…. Def Leppard

This whole mommy blogger thing is just too much and getting on my nerves. Since I’m a Baby Boomer, I’m way too savvy for drama, and when is everybody going to realize who really gives a rats *ss about it?  In the end, does it really matter?  Although I like to make some income on my blog, in the end-all, it’s not my bread and butter.

• “She’s picking on me”

• “She’s calling me names”

• “She Drinks”

• “She Doesn’t Drink”
  

The conversations reminded me of when we had to get a mini-van for the kids and sit one in the back, and one in the way-back because “she’s looking out my window.”

waa waa waa…. who needs the drama?  I’m no drama queen and I have better ways to spend my time than listening to gossip, following like a lemming off a cliff or trying to make a constructive comment in a forum, and then being one-upped.  I don’t need one-upmanship.  Or one-upwomanship.

Although I did make several wonderful new friendships and will miss the daily bantering with those few, I know I will continue to visit their blogs and enjoy their tweets.

But see, I left on my own volition, before I got burned at the stake – it wouldn’t be the first time I would have gotten kicked out of a forum, even though it would have been through no fault of my own.  I’m keeping track with gum on the bedpost.

I’m so outta there.

So, my blog may lose traffic, I may lose followers, but you know what?

I don’t care.

I blog for me, not traffic, and not stats.  Umm um, no more. Been there done that.

If you like my writing, fine.  Visit, comment, or subscribe to my blog.

If you don’t….then move on. (It’s even stated in my About  Me disclaimer … trust me on that one)

I’ll write what I want to anyway.

For those who are sticking around – thanks.  Mwah :kissing:

photo credit: Jim, the Photographer

Blog Tip: What is Stumble Upon and How Does it Work? is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. What is StumbleUpon and How Does It Benefit Bloggers – Tutorial
2. How To Start a Product Review Blog: Work At Home Ideas
3. Cross Blog Conversation With Christie – Work At Home Moms Talk Radio: Part 2

Welcome to another edition of Friday Frustrations Meme!

This is where you’ll find my end-of-the-week Rants, always a favorite!

From the Never-Too-Old-To-Learn Department:

The continuing saga of merging my 3 blogs has me learning the ropes of CSS style sheets and all that.  I’ve been going back and forth trying to decide whether to add a Baby Boomer section, or just leave all my general stuff under Veranda Chit Chat.

Actually, I’m quite proud of the fact that I coded numbered comments into my style sheet all by myself.  @Mamikaze on Twitter made the suggestion! Thanks! I feel like a Baby Boomer Tech Genius now!

Contests and Giveaway Woes

I’ve been running a little behind in getting all my contests and giveaways up and running.

What’s perplexing is the fact that many of the people who are entering are Just.Not.Reading.THE RULES

You’ve heard of Cider House Rules?  Well, these here are Moomette’s Rules and I rule the roost.

So, if you don’t read The Rules, you are disqualified.  Sez so right In Bold.  I’m instituting a Zero Tolerance Policy, because I just don’t have the time to police comments.  :pissedoff:

I belong to many (OK, Lots) of ning sites and social networking forums, and it seems to be the general consensus that it’s happening to many bloggers who are offering Giveaways.  Seems to be the Sweepers who just enter and run.

I put out a Tweet about this, and Debbie @Birdonawire responded:

I think Debbie was right-on.

Moving On…

Sometimes I feel a little comment starved – don’t we all at times? So to remedy that feeling, I just joined this cool site called The Secret Is In The Sauce, (SITS) and hope to garner a little comment recognition and support.

I know it’s hard to manage your time and comment on all the blogs out there – between doing administrative work, writing posts, Twittering, guest posting and I could go on ad nauseum, but really, as I saw on a Tweet and I can’t give the person credit because I don’t remember who it was it passed so quickly in my tweet stream, but it was something like:

Comments are like tips, if you like the post, leave one!

Regarding Twitter:

I just can’t understand all the tweeps who are tweeting about “get more followers.” Must be some sort of affiliate thing, or you buy your followers, or whatever.  Not that I care, I vet all my followers and while I welcome (most) everyone, it’s hard to have social conversations with what, 10K people? Really.

Wrapping it all up…

Hard to believe that next weekend is the 4th of July.  Our camping trip is coming up soon and we actually use.a.tent – which means I’ll have to get on The Hubster’s case gently remind my husband that we need to air the thing out and find the air mattress that DD26 and charming-son-in-law gave me at Christmas so this princess won’t feel like I’m sleeping with rocks a pea under my sleeping bag.  Camping, moi- can you believe it?

So, any frustrations you’d like to air share with me?

Until next Friday …

Visit Conversations With Moms for more Friday Frustrations

Blog Tip: What is Stumble Upon and How Does it Work? is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. What is StumbleUpon and How Does It Benefit Bloggers – Tutorial
2. How To Start a Product Review Blog: Work At Home Ideas
3. Cross Blog Conversation With Christie – Work At Home Moms Talk Radio: Part 2

It’s amazing how time passes, and here I am, scrambling to get together yet another Random Tuesday Thoughts post!

For more Random Tuesday Thoughts, don’t forget to visit (and be Shocked!) Keely over at The Un-Mom.

Besides babysitting every night after I get out of the dreaded cubicle, I babysat Saturday night while the kids went out to socialize. They have a social life, moi, apparently, does not.

Monday threw me all off, because ‘Lil Moomette was under the weather with a tummy bug, and I again, babysat all day – and did loads of laundry, because DD26 didn’t bring any changes of clothes for the kidlet.  My daughter’s hoping the kid doesn’t have Swine Flu – good grief, methinks – it’s just a Daycare bug, and besides, Slugger had it last week. Yes, I took care of him too.  Granny Nurse Ratched.

So, now that the house is quiet, I’m scrambling to collect my thoughts.  You think this post is boring so far?  Stick around to the end, and it might be worth your while to get to the end.  Good things happen to those who wait.

I try to follow all the advice of the best blogging pros out there – keep a notepad in the car, in my purse – write my thoughts down whenever I can.  Actually, I have more pieces of paper with thoughts on them than I have time to upload posts.

Anyway, it’ll give my family something to wonder about if I ever kick the bucket on them, and they’ll find all the Random pieces of scribbled thoughts and think, man, she really was crazier than we thought!

Well, I took all those pieces of paper and organized them in the new INPlace System by Peter Walsh that I’m hosting a Giveaway that ends tonight – so don’t forget to check it out and enter.

I really made a lot of progress this week, and am busy posting all my favorite recipes from my co-workers and friends that I’ve collected over time.  Every time I make these dishes, not only are they delicious, but it reminds me of the friends who’ve come and gone through my life, and the good times we had together – Joanne’s Strawberry Cake, Debbie’s Quiche (not quite yet, but watch for it).  This way I get to share them with my readers, but the underlying fact is now I’ll know where to find them – ha!

It’s probably not a good time of year now that school is out and people are starting to go on vacation, but for those of you who are day-tripping and still hanging around to read my blog, I have some goodies in store for you!

I’m still celebrating the redesign and re-branding of merging my 3 blogs together.  Blog and Web Designs by Shauna did a terrific job.  All the Reviews and Giveaways are now listed here, in addition to my WAHM and blogging resources.  Of course, my infamous  Rants will now be found not only under my category heading, but also under the Friday Frustrations meme and Veranda Chit Chat category here.

Now, for the good part!  Many of my readers know I closed my eBay Store and now sell on Bonanzle.  Bonanzle didn’t turn out (for me at least) to be the Next Best Thing, so I’m liquidating some of my inventory.

Moomette’s Magnificents is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of:

NEW, WITH TAGS Retired VERA BRADLEY Small WINDSOR NAVY COSMETIC CASE TOTE .  This cosmetic case bag is one of VERA BRADLEY’S most popular patterns, and is now RETIRED and Hard-to-Find. ~Zip Closure ~Expandable base 9 Inches Wide 3.5 Inches Deep Purchased NWT from an Authorized Vera Bradley Dealer.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)

a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Go through my past archives which date back to 2007 when I first started blogging and find one of my posts and let me know the title, what it’s about, and WHY you chose it.

Now for extra entries (each task will get you 1 extra entry):

~One Extra Entry: Add my banner button to your sidebar or add me to your blogroll, and come back here and leave the link (I will be checking)

~One Extra Entry: Blog about the contest on your blog linking to my blog and the site

~ One Extra Entry: Follow Me on Google Friend Connect (right sidebar) and let me know your name in a separate comment.

~ One Extra Entry: Become a Fan of Moomettesgram on Facebook and let me know your name in a separate comment.

~One Extra Entry: Favorite Moomette’s Magnificents in Technorati and leave your name (I will be checking) in a separate comment

~ One Extra Entry: Follow Me on Twitter and let me know your Twitter name in a separate comment.

~One Extra Entry: Tweet about this contest (Retweet button at bottom of post), and come back to this post and leave the URL link to the Tweet so I can check. You may Retweet once per day until the end of the contest, but please leave a separate comment for each Retweet, along with the permalink

Make sure you comment separately for each task after the required entry task so you will get credit for each one ~ and leave your e-mail where you can be contacted.

This contest will run until June 29 at approximately 11:00 pm.

Winners are chosen by Random.Org, if you want all your chances counted, make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!

*Winner has 48 hours to contact me or another name will be chosen.

*Include your email if it’s not enabled.
*Open to USA and Canada Only
*Rules for each entry must be followed to be valid.

Blog Tip: What is Stumble Upon and How Does it Work? is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. What is StumbleUpon and How Does It Benefit Bloggers – Tutorial
2. How To Start a Product Review Blog: Work At Home Ideas
3. Cross Blog Conversation With Christie – Work At Home Moms Talk Radio: Part 2

All In A Twitter – Friday Frustrations Meme

Welcome to Friday Frustrations, a weekly blog carnival dedicated to getting things off our chests.

There’s something about Memes – either you love them or you can’t stand them.

Frankly, I’ve gotten to like them, because they’re a way for me to lighten up and share some of the fun, enjoyable aspects of my life with my readers, as well as show a lighter side of me.

However, memes are also a way for me to let out some of my … frustrations and rantings.  I used to have a “Rant” tab on my old theme that was at Moomettesgram’s Musings, but I took that down.  Don’t forget about my “Rant” disclaimer in my “About Me”  page where I warn readers ahead of time that you never know what to expect here. That being said, I’m a Mom Bloggers Club Ambassador, and I’ve found a new meme that was listed in the “List Your Meme” group there, so  you’ll probably see on here quite often from now on.

It’s called “Friday Frustrations” which you can also find at Conversations With Moms.

Today I’m ranting about my frustrations on Twitter.  The timing is appropriate, since, if you look at my Twitter Profile, you’ll see that today marks the 1-year Twitterversary of when I joined.

I’m, well, can you say, “addicted” to Twitter.  I could tweet all day long if I could.  I really enjoy it because I use it as not only a social networking site, but also as a reference site.  It’s like one big college classroom where I can find out info about blogging resources, entertainment, all things pertaining to “Mommy Bloggers”, fashion, breaking news – you name it!

So WTF is my beef?

Twitter is touted as a “social networking site.” Well, yes and no.  I’ve found there’s a definite difference between my daytime tweeps and evening tweeps.

Lately, most of the tweeps who tweet during the day seem to be less into conversation, and more into self-promotion.  I try to start general conversations, and my tweets go unanswered.  I get paranoid. I think I’m being ignored.

So then I try to crash politely interject myself into a conversation that seems friendly, hoping someone will answer me back pay attention to me.  Silence.

OK, so then I decide to join the fray and send out a few of my own self-promos.  Either you do or you don’t self promo.  The rule of thumb that I’ve read from such community and social media  gurus like Chris Brogan and sites such as TwiTip, (by Darren at ProBlogger) is for every 8 general, sociable, chat-them-up and work-the-crowd tweets, you can then send out one self-serving tweet.

Sure, I can play this game.

I have almost 3500 people following me, and why can’t I even get one answer or “back-at-ya”?  I don’t get it some days.

Sometimes I’ll rant and sign off in a huff. :razzmad:

Evening tweeple are more into conversation, and not really doing the promo bit.  At night is when you find the Twitter parties, charitable events and  site-warming parties going on.  Those are a lot of fun meeting new tweeps and following the #hashtags.

But again, Twitter can be full of cliques, just like in middle school and high school (OK, college, workplace – What-Eva)

Sometimes you think it’s hard to fit in, and sometime you just want to give up on the whole thing.

But, not being one to throw in the towel, I’ll just keep crashing joining conversations and pushing listing my new posts and affiliate links blogging resources, just like everybody else.

It’s all part of the game.  It’s fun, yet frustrating at times too.

Anybody else experience my frustrations?  Let me know!

Follow @Moomettes on Twitter and – Geezumcrow, say hello and TALK TO ME!

Blog Tip: What is Stumble Upon and How Does it Work? is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. What is StumbleUpon and How Does It Benefit Bloggers – Tutorial
2. How To Start a Product Review Blog: Work At Home Ideas
3. Cross Blog Conversation With Christie – Work At Home Moms Talk Radio: Part 2

Check Out the Mom Masterminds 5th Anniversary Opportunities:

Are you looking to kick-start or ramp up your work-at-home business or blogs ?Moomettesgram’s Musings, Jun 2009

You should read the whole article.

Blog Tip: What is Stumble Upon and How Does it Work? is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. What is StumbleUpon and How Does It Benefit Bloggers – Tutorial
2. How To Start a Product Review Blog: Work At Home Ideas
3. Cross Blog Conversation With Christie – Work At Home Moms Talk Radio: Part 2

Mom Masterminds is kicking off their 5th Anniversary with terrific opportunities!

I’ve been a member of Mom Masterminds, and won a Lifetime Membership when Moomettesgram’s Musings was honored with the Top 10 WAHM Blog Awards in 2008.

Are you looking to kick-start or ramp up your work-at-home business or blogs?

Here’s what Mom Masterminds can do for you:

Then and now, moms need a safe place where they can ask for advice and feedback and get it from other moms who were experiencing tangible success in their own businesses and who are willing to share how they’re doing it.

Grab a copy of the Free PDF ‘quick guide’ to the Mom Masterminds Learning Center – an enticing glimpse into all of the resources they have available to their members.  (No opt-in required).

What are you waiting for?  Find out what other mompreneurs have already known for five years and get the insider-knowledge yourself ~

You’ll have access to privilged information on:

• Free Morning Webinars

• Finding Your Niche:  Think Beyond The Obvious

• Preparing Your Website For Big Traffic Influx

To celebrate, Mom Masterminds is also hosting a Giveaway for a Free Lifetime Membership ($600 Value).

Don’t miss out on this one!

Blog Tip: What is Stumble Upon and How Does it Work? is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. What is StumbleUpon and How Does It Benefit Bloggers – Tutorial
2. How To Start a Product Review Blog: Work At Home Ideas
3. Cross Blog Conversation With Christie – Work At Home Moms Talk Radio: Part 2

photo credit: szlea

Recently I posted on Twitter that I was Here before Oprah.  According to my Twitter Profile I’ve posted over 10K tweets.  Not only is tweeting fun, Twitter can be used to gain more blog traffic, much like other social networking and Ning site media.

Millions of people are already on Twitter, as Oprah, Ashton and Suzanne Somers are just finding out.  It isn’t just for the 20-Something set or mommy bloggers!  Plenty of Baby Boomers, PR reps and companies such as Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks and Whole Foods Market are already on it!  Think of it as an untapped micro-universe of potential readers for your blog posts.  If there’s so many potential visitors, the question becomes, how are you going to stand out in the crowd and get them to notice you?

First and foremost, you have to become involved. Start by reading other people’s tweets and join the popular tweeters as a follower.  Many Twitter applications are available that will help you track the tweets of others.  Do keyword search for tweets and subjects that might interest you and are important to your brand and niche.  Get a feel for how it works and respond to current tweets.

What’s great about Twitter is that it works in real time from your PC or cell phone.  Use it as a huge search engine.  It’s almost a given that someone will have an answer to your questions.  If you’re looking  new recipes or for blog followers to your new recipe blog, post a tweet and you’ll be amazed at what responses you’ll receive!

Participate in Twitter communites such as Mom It Forward and  Momfluence.  Charity Events and  Sitewarming parties are a great way to get involved and get to know many new bloggers and companies.

Asking questions is one way to develop suitable traffic to your blog.  You’re looking for quality, unique visitors with staying power who are likely to come back and perhaps click and buy from your affiliate links.  Consider Twitter as a research tool that yields results immediately.

Important things to keep in mind when you Tweet:

Use keywords. Although you might consider 140 characters as limiting, soon you’ll start thinking in terms of 140 characters that anyone can enter into a Twitter search engine to find your tweets.

Thou Shalt Not Spam! You are there to connect, not to always include links.  Use Twitter to expand your knowledge base and find others with similar interests, get feedback, and different points of view.  Link to your blog with discretion.

Be wary of building an immediate Twitter following. Some people follow everyone back.  I don’t.  I vet each and every follower.  I check out their websites, and I see if they engage in social conversation.

Are you on Twitter yet?  Follow @Moomettesgram and say hello!

Leave me a comment here and let me know how and why you use Twitter!

Social networking is an art form. It’s important that you learn how to use it.

Don’t forget to check out the 10 Day May Madness Sale!

Blog Tip: What is Stumble Upon and How Does it Work? is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. What is StumbleUpon and How Does It Benefit Bloggers – Tutorial
2. How To Start a Product Review Blog: Work At Home Ideas
3. Cross Blog Conversation With Christie – Work At Home Moms Talk Radio: Part 2

Here’s a listing of the latest Contests & Giveaways from my friends around the blogosphere! Please visit their websites for details, rules and ending times.

Would you like to have your contest listed? Just add your Contest or Giveaway to the Mr. Linky listing!

Displaying my blog banner is always appreciated. If you are a frequent contributor, please display my blog banner to help promote my site and your Contests and Giveaways. You may also subscribe to my Newsletter for updates.

Entries Must be in the following format:

• Short Title

• Direct Link to Contest/Giveaway

• Ending Date

All entries will be deleted that don’t follow this format. Contests/Giveaways that have ended will be removed each Sunday evening.

I also am available for Product Reviews and offer affordable Advertising rates. Please contact me for info.

Listings are offered here as a courtesy, Family-Friendly only.

Blog Tip: What is Stumble Upon and How Does it Work? is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. What is StumbleUpon and How Does It Benefit Bloggers – Tutorial
2. How To Start a Product Review Blog: Work At Home Ideas
3. Cross Blog Conversation With Christie – Work At Home Moms Talk Radio: Part 2

Meet My Friend, Maricris

Awhile back on a WAHM forum that’s now gone by the wayside, I met Vicki, who wrote a blog, “Simply Vicki.” We became friends, but due to personal circumstances, Vicki terminated her blog, along with her Internet access.

Vicki had started a Meme called “Meet My Friend Mondays.” I was given the honor of being  featured in it, but the permalink no longer exists.  I really miss reading and commenting on Vicki’s blog, as well as daily banter on Twitter.  To honor our friendship, I’d like to steal borrow Vicki’s Meme, and use it to introduce Guest Posters here.  Hat Tip to Lady Java  Creations for creating the wonderful Meme banner!

I have been inviting bloggers and writers to share their ideas and experiences with my readers who are interested in Working from Home.

If you have a WAHM topic of interest that you’d like to share and be a Guest Blogger on Moomettesgram’s Musings, please contact me (see Contact tab above).

Today I’d like to introduce you to my friend Maricris, one of my Twitter friends/followers. Maricris is always there to give a cheery hello, answer questions, or offer support. Follow her on Twitter at @maricrisg

Recession-Proof your Small Biz

If you have a business especially if it’s small, and you’re grumbling, whining and reeling due to the effect of the unstable economy, Be still { wish I can do just that but,} you’re not alone! Like numerous small biz owners across the globe, like you and me, future seem rather hazy. To me, Bleak is an an overrated description because in spite of the dwindling economy, I still see hope… If you know where to look!

Golden Flower Creations was established middle of Last year with a notable hope of making a profit out my creations. I create unique pieces of Jewelry with contemporary and varying styles but more so, a fusion of Asian designs as part of my tribute to my Asian Heritage. I’m also considered the wreath lady. I was initially popular with my high-quality, unique wreaths which is competitively priced in comparison to Michael’s or Garden Ridge. People loved it! The demand was there. It was enough to fuel the reason to turn it into a profitable business. Though the profitable side is still a work in progress, it surely has brought some useful money in. Not even a year old yet, GFC has already proven it’s worth.

But just like a baby, it needs a lot of nurturing, a lot of caring and a lot of sacrifices {like losing sleep} and team work to make it a success! The downside of being small in this current economy proves daunting. There was a point wherein I was afraid of spending money to even stock up on my inventory. It was a battle between, saving the money for “rainy days” ahead or stocking up on materials for my online store which has no guarantee will sell. There was a time wherein the world seemed to have stood still. There was a long pause in sales. People were afraid to spend their money which in turn results in NO SALES. Items in my online store were either collecting dust or flies were just hovering around it like spoiled food. It was a dilemma!

Surely like life, owning a business is a gamble. You lose some, you win some. I chose to win some but with great caution on how I use my lucky cards especially nowadays. I only spend on items when I REALLY NEED THEM or is guarantee it will sell or will help my business.

Here are some of my Business Survival 101 that cost nothing to do but some legwork:

1- Blog : If you don’t have one, create one! Blogging is one of the best tools to get the word out about your work and what you do. It is so powerful, most big companies now, blogs!

2- Twitter: 140 Characters can go a long way in free adverstising. Come follow me @maricrisg
3- Facebook: Create a biz page and get more people to find your business.
4- Craft Shows: Small or big, they are the best money generating income for any products you sell. Face to Face marketing always works better than online.

5- Recession-price your items: Selling your creations below it’s material worth is not the key here but selling it affordable enough {without devaluing the worth of your time creating it, is the trick}. Entice buyers with the impulse-buy phenomena!

There is no instant solutions to success but with patience and diligence, we’ll reach our goals no matter how long it takes. And For as long as we put our minds into it. Best of luck to all small business owners like Cindi and me. Let’s all strive for success!

And if you’re ever in Charlotte NC by Providence, GFC is participating in Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Arts and Craft show on May 2nd from 10am-3pm. Come say HI and support the cause. Also, if you ever want customized jewelry or wreaths, let me know.

Bio: Maricris is a working mom and the voice behind Zen Ventures which chronicles her journey in life and the designer/owner of Golden Flower Creations, and who also shares her views as a Writer/Mom blogger for Working Mother Magazine as a working mom.

Disclaimer: Guest Post opinions are strictly those of the author.

Blog Tip: What is Stumble Upon and How Does it Work? is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. What is StumbleUpon and How Does It Benefit Bloggers – Tutorial
2. How To Start a Product Review Blog: Work At Home Ideas
3. Cross Blog Conversation With Christie – Work At Home Moms Talk Radio: Part 2