How To Know It’s A Scam
January 21, 2008
Copyright © Christopher Baxter
http://www.Stunning-Options.com
Hi there,
There are so many opportunities on the internet offering to set people up in their own home based internet business that it can be difficult to separate the real, legitimate opportunities from the ones that only want your money. Knowing what to look for hidden within the offers can mean the difference between finding a legitimate business to operate and ending up helping someone else make money while losing your own.
With most fraudulent offers in internet business there are four red flags that need to be thoroughly investigated before signing up to work for the website. Understand that not all of the companies that make these claims are out to take your money, but these are four things that many… less than honest… companies have in common:
1. Large upfront investment
2. The chance to make big money with little work
3. Do not clearly state what you will be selling
4. Lack of available contact information
While it is not uncommon for businesses to want a fee to become a representative for their business, you have to consider the amount demanded from you before you can start selling their product or service. You should also have a clear picture of what you will get in return for your investment. It is common for the term ‘training’ to be listed, but many times the training consists of links to other sites where you are expected to learn about the company’s business model.
The training may also focus on how to recruit others into the business, offering to pay a “bounty” for bringing in new people. A company that focuses on bringing in more people instead of selling the product may be on the border of being illegal.
Anyone who has ever been involved in a business knows it takes work. One of the most common pitches is the promise of a big payday without having to work more than an hour or two a day… or even a week. There is no such thing as a free lunch and those who try to convince you otherwise are not being totally honest. That disclaimer about income may not be representative of the potential earnings, should beg the question about why even bother to list it. Just remember that an ‘earnings disclaimer’ mentioning that one may, or may not make money using the system and that the system is dependent on the amount of work put into the business is different and may still be a legitimate business.
If you have been reading an online based business opportunity for several minutes and have no idea about the product or service you are being asked to sell, it could be an indication of a scam. Many keep it a secret until you have spent your money and find out there is no way you can sell this to others with a clear conscience. Know what the product is, and how much it will cost, before considering the offer any further.
Look for contact information. If the only means of contacting the company is through an email address, it could be they don’t plan to be around long enough to answer any questions or complaints. Money back guarantees are also only about as good as the contact information. Email addresses and post office boxes are not good contacts. Although, many legitimate companies or businesses only use email, easiest test would be to email and ask a question, if you are met with no response then chances are it is a scam.
Up ‘n Up
Christopher Baxter
To learn more about the ideas expressed above, get your free eBook HERE
About the Author:
Christopher Baxter is a 28 year young Entrepreneur with a number of online and offline businesses, some failures and some success stories. Christopher enjoys sharing his knowledge with others all of the time and is always willing to help when and where he can.
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To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://www.Stunning-Options.com
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Etiquette for Online Business Communication
January 1, 2008
Copyright © Christopher Baxter
http://www.Stunning-Options.com
Hi there,
Living in South Africa, one gets exposed to some seriously questionable work ethics and the worst service on the planet. Ok, well, I’d immagine so, if it can get any worse, then I’d be amazed, but here is how I think business should be run and how I run my business.
Etiquette for online business is virtually the same it is for offline business:
* Always be polite
* Always show respect
* Always listen/read intently
* Always go out of your way to satisfy any and all customers’ needs
* Always be willing to negotiate
* Never fabricate information to mislead or suit one’s own business interests
These are no-brainers although; unfortunately many of those involved in business (both those who run businesses and the general public) do not always follow them. This is either because they do not know, misinterpret or simply do not care. In the end however, despite desperation or personal gain, using appropriate behaviour will always ensure better service and reception.
Of the most important and critical forms of business etiquette is that of communication. How, when, where, for what reasons and the identity of those with whom one interacts all play a significant part in which practices one uses through communication.
Of course, one should always be polite. This rule is universal and absolute (probably one of the few ‘absolutes’ there is in the business or any other type of social interaction). Being polite means that you care about servicing, not to mention looking professional, to the other person involved in the transaction. Politeness is the true sign of a civilized mind. This makes others feel comfortable and even draws their interest into the venture and maintains it throughout the duration of the said transaction. It also reflects respect for that other person. Without a doubt, politeness and respect are indeed most important and non-disputable. These are both virtual laws to be obeyed by everyone at all times!
Another aspect of good etiquette involved in online communication is promptness. Constant and forthright recognition and response shows a respect for the other person’s time .Yes, busy schedules sometimes make it difficult to get back to others right away. This is why proper pacing is essential in public relations of all kinds, whether involving shoppers, potential clients who would provide sponsorship, colleagues, executive personnel or those in the legal field. All of these deserve timely responses. A term of three business days is the acceptable amount of time in which to reply to anyone.
Up ‘n Up
Christopher Baxter
To learn more about the ideas expressed above, get your free ebook HERE
About the Author:
Christopher Baxter is a 28 year young Entrepreneur with a number of online and offline businesses, some failures and some success stories. Christopher enjoys sharing his knowledge with others all of the time and is always willing to help when and where he can.
—————————————————————–
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://www.Stunning-Options.com
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