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How To Manage Time Off for the Holidays when you are Self-Employed

'Tis the season to be jolly…and busy! Here are six tips to help you enjoy the holidays. 

work at home

The holiday season is here — and hopefully, amid the big dinners, shopping, decorating and parties, is, somewhere in there, a break. But taking some time off is a bit different when you are self-employed. For one, there's often no one to pick up the slack when you take a vacation, and you probably have to plan ahead so there's no slack in the budget either.

Keep Family in the Loop

Before you plan your time off for the holidays, chat with your family. What days will your spouse have off from work? Does little Johnny's Christmas play fall during the hours you would normally be working? Will you go on any special family outings, perhaps to pick out the Christmas tree or visit Santa? Knowing all your families activities ahead of time will help you plan how much time you'll need off, and when.

Stay Organized

Organization is an essential quality for a work-at-home-mom, and it certainly comes in handy when you are preparing for time off. Create task lists that outline what you need to accomplish both before and after your break. Block out time on a calendar so you know what you need to be working on and when. Find a system that works best for you — just remember to stay organized.

Notify Consistent Clients

You probably don't need to notify clients when you are taking a national holiday off — but if you plan on taking the whole week off or a few extra days, be sure to let your consistent clients know ahead of time so you can make sure you'll both be prepared.

Set Up an Automated Email and Phone Message Response

Whenever you take a vacation, it's a good idea to set up an away message in your email so no one gets upset when you don't respond right away. And if you use a phone for business calls, change your voicemail as well if you don't plan on picking up for business calls during your time off.

Arrange Extra Work Time Before and After

Depending on the type of work you do, you may need to make up for the time you take off. Plan extra slots of time both before and after the holidays. Schedule when you'll take care of the extra work, so you're not stressing about when everything will be done. Ask for help with the kids and housework if you need.

Embrace Technology

Thanks to technology, there are a few ways to be present without actually being present. Schedule social media posts during your time off — try a social media management system such as Hootsuite if you haven't already. The scheduling feature makes it easy to ensure there isn't a big lapse in posts while you're away. If you use a blog to promote your business, most platforms will allow you to schedule entire posts as well.

Holidays should be spent enjoying time with family — not worrying about work. With some organization and planning ahead, you can take some time off without a drastic impact on your business. Chances are, you started working from home so you could spend more time with your family — don't let your work interfere with enjoying the season with your loved ones.

If you believe that my message is worth spreading, please use the share buttons if they are visible on this page.

Stephen Hodgkiss
Chief Engineer at MarketHive
markethive.com

Al Zibluk

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Using The Markethive Plugin ( version 1.7 Update}

News:

Hello to all my subscribers.

WordPress released ver.4.4 recently and It is mobile friendly. Please updagrade the Markethive Plugin to Version 1.7 when using WordPress 4.4 otherwise the postings will stop both manually and automatically

This pdf can help with using the Markethive plugin with your Domain.

http://brian-walters-online.com/flyers/WP-and-Blogging.pdf

 

Here is a timely post about the importance of creating your own Blog for your Business.

Blogging could be the fastest way to build one way permanent backlinks for better rankings and massive traffic! Listed below are some reasons why your business is important.

Anyway about the business you are in. The very first question that you must ask yourself before anything else. You got to demand yourself to an answer to this. Why the heck on earth would anybody pay for what you're selling?

1. Why should there be anyone would do business with you?
This could be the very first question that you must ask yourself before anything else. You got to demand yourself to an answer to this. Why the heck on earth would anybody pay for this "Junk" you're selling? Yup, "Junk", as I phrased it. It doesn't matter how good your product is to be, to the eye of others, it's just another piece of product in a sea pool of other similar products. So, still be very proud of your product or service? Truly you're 100% proud of it? You truthfully and deeply believe people would be dumb by NOT buying from you?

Well…you passed the first barrier! You're ready to start go to next stage.

2. The basic business needs 3 things:
Lawyer, CPA, and Creative or crazy fellow, which could very well be you.
Almost every business gets themselves for the first two. It's understandably so. Good creative people are really hard to find, hard to manage, and you'll never sure of what you're paying for.

Every established and sizeable business knows the creative side plays a heavier weight than the lawyer and CPA. CPA's and lawyers can help you when you are up there. But at the early stage when your business is still an infant, your business live or die depending on it's business branding activities in areas like business identities, logos, marketing campaign, advertising copy and business slogans.

Have people been calling you NUTS?  Now, are you NUTS enough?
If so, you are ready for the next stage! Do give yourself a "Cheer"!

3. Singing for Your Own? You Got To Promote Yourself In Every Possible Way.
Do all of them. Yes, do whatever possible to get your business name to be up there! Get your Business Brand being noticed by others. There more the merrier!

Businesses can just come and goes so fast before anybody could hears of them. People are busy, what do they care? They don't care about you and your business. Why should they care? Get serious. Do everything you can possibly and reasonably afford to do. But beware; you must not mislead others because it'll backfire quickly enough to wipe your business off.
Do you "Sing for your own self"? Then you've passed! Move on to next stage.

4. Big Decision: Could You Win The Competition.
It's very likely that you're entering a crowded business market when you first started. Take a hard and closer look at what other fellows are doing; what your competitors are doing right now could affect your business greatly.
At this stage, you got to decide: Are you going for "Head to Head" fight? Competing on better quality? Crazier pricing strategy? Extra Mile Service Level? Better Marketing Campaign? or what else? Or you would avoid all that, and create your own niche, where you are the leader?

If you decided to be offering the same or very much similar product at the same price, but your marketing materials doesn't look half as good as your competitors…hey, you're in deep trouble! If you're charging half compare to others, then it's still alright to "Look" cheap, simply because you are the "Cheaper" alternative where people are looking for.

5. Do Love Your Business, just like you love yourself.
Without visitors to your website acquiring Leads is nearly impossible. Here I am talking about Internet Leads and not the people you used to get leads by cold calling on the phone. Increasing traffic brings extra visitors to your website which in turn creates leads.

The Importance Of Visitors
Without visitors to your website acquiring Leads is nearly impossible. Here I am talking about Internet Leads and not the people you used to get leads by cold calling on the phone. Increasing traffic brings extra visitors to your website which in turn creates leads.

So without website traffic the business you do on the Internet will be zero. Sure you may get people buying from your website because you handed out a few hundred business cards at a Home Show or a Convention but huge volumes of traffic; well you need to make other arrangements. Anyone can sell just about anything with enough traffic. Although one thousand hits maybe sound like a good number but in advertising as in life you have to maintain the interest of the visitor. Some campaigns require many thousands of ongoing hits to achieve reasonable results. Remember once the leads have arrived, the information must be captured. This can only happen if the form is filled out and unless there is a benefit in this activity (a tangible gift of some description) why would a person type in personal information on the form to you.

It is essential when creating your Online presence that both the online and offline advertising activities you design are supported when the visitor arrives at your website. The numbers game here also plays a critical part in retaining visitors and getting new ones. The more your different forms of advertising are seen the greater potential for results. And if you are building an Internet business, ongoing daily traffic is essential.

After all a potential customer is the person who originally responded to your web site lead generation page, flyer, mailing, newspaper advertisement or some other means you employed to capture this original information. The important thing here is, has enough interest has been sparked in the lead to respond back to you.

In other words, did the information you supplied in your ads bring the appropriate response from the client, was it relevant to your business or are you getting leads from people who misunderstood your message.

The average Internet user that enters your keyword may see your advertisement multiple times in different places before landing on your Website. This branding and consistency in advertising is important as the information being supplied is a consistent message both in the ad and is again supported when they arrive at your Website. Only at this time are they ready to get more info, signup, and/or make a purchase.
 

Enjoy

Article by:
Brian Walters SEO

Skype: tuneup_bj

Brian Walters MarketHive
http://brian-walters-online.com/

http://briansmarketing.net/

Al Zibluk

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MarketHive December Special

MarketHive the social meeting place for entrepreneurs invites you to attend a free webinar this week to discover more about how the system can help you build your business, together with an insight into its affiliate program which launches in January.

The new single level BeTheAlpha affiliate program will enable those who upgrade from the free system to earn money from introducing fellow members and helping them develop as entrepeneurs

, there are seven achievment ranks leading up to Alpha founder.

A special offer has recently been launched and runs to the end of the year allowing members to purchase an existing Alpha Founder Legacy position for a substantial discount which provides both advertising and also a share in revenue from MarketHive prior to the launch of BeTheAlpha.

Thus being the coming Alpha Affiliate Program in 2016

The new Alpha Founder position @ $5000.00 in the new affiliate program will offer the following:

  1. One time deposit of $10,000 in ad credits

  2. $200 per month ad credits for life

  3. 50% commissions on all financial transactions by your children

  4. 1 share of 5% of the company’s revenue pool shared with unlimited Founder members.

The current 2015 Alpha Founder, now referred as Alpha Legacy @ $1200.00 offers the following:

  1. One time deposit of $3000 in ad credits

  2. $200 per month ad credits for life

  3. 50% commissions on all financial transactions by your children

  4. 1 share of 5% of the company’s pool (limited to 250 shares; members)

  5. Share of new children (customers) from corporate marketing and advertising campaigns
     

Alpha Legacy Year End 50% off sale. There are a limited number left and we are selling the contracts for $600 each. You can use these contracts to apply the terms to any number of Markethive Accounts, yours or someone you transfer the contract to or sell it to.

 

Al Zibluk

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Dew Drop Inn in Derby, Connecticut Restaurant Review


I am happy that MarketHive is now in Alpha Promotion Mode. I know this blog post will be shared so I need to get back to writing. If you are interested in learning more please check out my website at http://www.markethive.com/alzibluk. You need to sign up with one of your social media accounts.

One of my favorite places to go is the Dew Drop Inn in Derby, Connecticut. Their address is 25 North Avenue, Derby, CT 06418. Telephone is (203) 735-7757. Below is a picture of the outside of the Dew Drop Inn as well as my first lunch there on Saturday April 19, 2014. It was the Rodeo Burger which is described as “Cheddar Cheese, Onion Rings, Bacon and BBQ Sauce.

Besides giving a review, I want to give my readers a chance to learn more. It is always good to have more than one opinion when you want to dine out.

Dew Drop Inn
Yelp Reviews
Trip Advisor Reviews

On my second visit I had the Blue Goat which is described as “Goat Cheese, Cucumbers, Mixed Greens and creamy blueberry dressing”. My third visit I brought my girlfriend from Ireland with me. We both shared the Fried Mozzarella Sticks and Jalapeno Poppers. Both were good and we both enjoyed them. Sorry no pictures for these. I told different people about my three visits and the one thing I constantly heard from different people was “you haven’t tried their wings yet”.

Since then I have had five different wings. I am listing them below in order of which ones I liked the most. My two favorites are the Cajun BBB and JD BBQ.

My third and fourth favorites were the Jim Bean Bourbon BBQ and General Tsao’s.

The last one I tried was the Spicy Ranch & Bacon ones. These were a little to rich for me. These would have been perfect to share with someone.

The staff at Dew Drop Inn are excellent. I like the customers. Some of the customers can be loud when they come in but will also say excuse me if they accidently bump into me on the way to the bathroom. One time there was this nice couple who brought in bread and was insistent that I had a piece.

I was born in Derby, Connecticut and I have loyalty to it. It is the smallest city in the State of Connecticut. I have found two hidden gems in this small city. One is Roseland Apizza and the other is the Dew Drop Inn.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Feel free to share (or like) anything I have done on Pinterest with others and feel free to follow me.

Follow Me on Pinterest

All the best,

Alan
Alan Zibluk
http://www.alzibluk.com
e-mail: alan@internetguy.ws


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Just What Is A Social Network?

Social networking is the grouping of individuals into specific groups, like small rural communities or a neighbourhood subdivision, if you will.  Even though social networking is possible in person, especially in the workplace, universities, and high schools, it is most popular online. 
 
This is because unlike most high schools, colleges, or workplaces, the internet is filled with hundreds of thousands of individuals who are looking to meet other people, to gather and share first-hand information and experiences about cooking, golfing, gardening, developing friendships professional alliances, finding employment, business-to-business marketing and even groups sharing with us information about baking cookies to the Thrive Movement.  The topics and interests are as varied and rich as the story of our universe. 
 
When it comes to online social networking, websites are commonly used. These websites are known as social sites. Social networking websites function like an online community of internet users. Depending on the website in question, many of these online community members share common interests in hobbies, religion, politics and alternative lifestyles. Once you are granted access to a social networking website you can begin to socialize. This socialization may include reading the profile pages of other members and possibly even contacting them. 
 
The friends that you can make are just one of the many  benefits to social networking online. Another one of those benefits includes diversity because the internet gives individuals from all around the world access to social networking sites. This means that although you are in the United States, you could develop an online friendship with someone in Denmark or India. Not only will you make new friends, but you just might learn a thing or two about new cultures or new languages and learning is always a good thing. 
 
As mentioned, social networking often  involves grouping specific individuals or entities together. While there are a number of social networking websites that focus on particular interests, there are others that do not. The websites without a main focus are often referred to as “traditional” social networking websites and usually have open memberships. This means that anyone can become a member, no matter what their hobbies, beliefs, or views are. However, once you are inside this online community, you can begin to create your own network of friends and eliminate members that do not share common interests or goals. 
 
As I’m sure you’re aware, there are dangers associated with social networking including data theft and viruses, which are on the rise. The most prevalent danger though often involves online predators or individuals who claim to be someone that they are not. Although danger does exist with networking online, it also exists in the real world, too. Just like you’re advised when meeting strangers at clubs and bars, school, or work — you are also advised to proceed with caution online. 
 
By being aware of your cyber-surroundings and who you are chatting to, you should be able to safely enjoy social networking online. It will take many phone conversations to get to know someone, but you really won’t be able to make a clear judgment until you can meet each other in person.  Just use common sense and listen to your inner voice; it will tell you when something doesn’t feel right about the online conversations taking place. 
 
If you’ve updated your Facebook status, posted photos of last night’s party to Flickr for your friends to see or made a business contact through LinkedIn, then you’ve used a social networking site. But what exactly is a social networking site? What are the key attributes that set it apart from other Web sites? How do they allow people to form online communities and share social networking information? 
 
Some of the earliest sites that we would recognize as being similar to today’s social networking sites appeared in the mid 1990s, when the Internet started growing in appeal. These early sites focused on letting users hook up with people they had known in the past, or finding out how they were connected to other site users. 
 
Friendster appeared in 2002 and followed a similar model, but it offered additional features like photo sharing and it quickly became the first of the “big” social networking sites. Since then, however, Friendster has declined in popularity and is no longer one of the top 20 social networking sites in the United States [source: Hitwise]. After Friendster came MySpace and Facebook, along with sites like Bebo, Hi5, Orkut and Yahoo! 360. In addition, dozens of sites catering to very specific regions or tastes have sprung up. Whether you’re interested in books, video games, music or meeting people from Denmark, there’s probably a social networking site for you. 
 
The idea of an online community goes back much farther than the 1990s, however. Very early forms of the Internet were used to foster social networks. The earliest online communities were dial-up bulletin-board systems (BBSes) such as The Well and numerous other regional systems. While these early communities did not have the features users have come to expect of modern social networking sites, they shared the core idea of connecting people with common interests. 
 
Once you are well informed and comfortable with your findings, you can begin your search from hundreds of networking communities to join. This can easily be done by performing a standard internet search. Your search will likely return a number of results, including MySpace, FriendWise, #MarketHive, FriendFinder, Yahoo! 360, Facebook, Orkut, and Classmates.
 
For free Inbound Marketing Tools see my main page at Market Hive
 

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Defiance



Daniel Craig stars as Tuvia Bielski, one of four Jewish brothers who escape from Poland into the forests of Belarus during World War II to lead a band of resistance fighters and create a safe haven for Jewish refugees. The real-life sanctuary established by the Bielski brothers saved more than 1,000 Jews from persecution and death. Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell and George MacKay also star in this moving historical drama based on actual events.

I remember seeing Daniel Craig promoting this movie on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.” In this interview Daniel Craig confessed he was nervous about being on the show and around Jon Stewart. A very happy Jon Stewart responded “oh my God, I make James Bond nervous. That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me!” Daniel Craig was very proud of this movie.

I am giving this one 4 stars. The movie itself is 3.6 but with the extras on the DVD I am giving it 4 stars. The extra on the Bielski brothers’ families were very moving and inspiring.

The Bielski brothers were real people and this movie is based on actual events. I do question some things like how the brothers keep finding each other after they get separated. I also question some of the discussions at the camp.

I have read other reviews of this movie. Either people really liked it or they really disliked it. There does not seem to be any middle. I am in the “really liked it” camp.

The Bielski brothers had different ideas on how to handle a situation and each one of them was right. There are no easy answers in life. That is what I am taking from this movie.

Click here for the Netflix link in case you would like to add it to your queue.

All the best,

Alan
Alan Zibluk
The Internet Guy
Cell: (203) 500-3834
E-mail: al@alzibluk.com

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The Town



Career bank robber Doug (Ben Affleck) and his volatile partner, Jim (Jeremy Renner), hit a roadblock when Doug falls for bank manager Claire (Rebecca Hall), whom he kidnapped during their last heist. Worse, an FBI agent (Jon Hamm) is now trailing the thieves around their Charlestown, Mass., territory. Affleck directs and co-writes this smart, intricate actioner that co-stars Blake Lively as Krista, Jim’s sister and Doug’s troubled former flame.

The only problem with this movie is the title. I am a fan of “Entourage” and when I think of “The Town” I can’t help but think of Johnny “Drama” Chase television show “Five Towns” where he plays the Irish older brother. The character of Johnny Drama is trying to make a big comeback just like Ben Affleck. I can’t help but laugh at the similarity.

Having said what I just said I loved this movie. This movie is what “Heat” starring Al Pacino and Robert Deniro should have been. The one scene with Ben Affleck and John Hamm had together reminded me a lot of this and they both did a much better job. Kudos you guys! I am willing to buy all of you a pitcher of Guinness.

I know society is still mad at Ben Afflect for the whole “Bennifer” thing but after seeing this movie I say let’s forgive him. I loved how this movie played out. I understood all the characters’ motivations and this movie worked on so many levels. The only reason I can’t give this movie a solid 4.0 stars is I think escaping a police road chase to be impossible. There are helicopters and cameras everywhere. I have to give this one 3.8 stars. It is a really good movie and I recommend it.

Click here for the Netflix link in case you would like to add it to your queue.

All the best,

Alan
Alan Zibluk
The Internet Guy
Cell: (203) 500-3834
E-mail: al@alzibluk.com

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The Expendables



Barney (Sylvester Stallone) leads a ragtag band of hired guns charged with overthrowing a South American despot, a job no official military unit is willing to touch. But once on the ground, the team learns there’s more to the mission than they were told. Their next move determines whether they survive — or are, indeed, expendable. Jason Statham, Mickey Rourke, Dolph Lundgren and Jet Li round out a stellar cast.

This movie is a throwback to classic 1980’s action movies. This movie is about fists, kicks, explosions and one-liners. That’s it! There is nothing more to it. Do not expect any character development. I liked this film as it doesn’t pretend to be anything else.

Dolph Lundgren and Jet Li are just horrible in delivering their lines. Please note I am not complaining as it was fun to watch. My favorite scene is in the beginning with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis in the Church going over the mission.

The only two people missing here are Steven Seagal and Jean-Claude Van Damme. I am actually glad of this because I never thought they had much of a sense of humor. Sylvester Stallone definitely has one as he did star in “Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot.”

I say suspend belief in this and enjoy the film. I am giving it 3.5 stars as I have seen a lot of different action movies over the years and it was fun to watch them work together.

Click here for the Netflix link in case you would like to add it to your queue.

All the best,

Alan
Alan Zibluk
The Internet Guy
Cell: (203) 500-3834
E-mail: al@alzibluk.com

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The Kids Are All Right



Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and Laser (Josh Hutcherson), the children of same-sex parents Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore), become curious about the identity of their sperm-donor dad (Mark Ruffalo) and set out to make him part of their family unit, often with hilarious results. But his arrival complicates the household dynamics, and nobody is sure how he fits in — if at all — in this Oscar-nominated, Golden Globe-winning comedy.

This movie is about strained relationships. I did like it but wouldn’t consider this a “feel good comedy.” About halfway into this movie Julianne Moore’s character has an affair with the sperm donor dad. The last half of this movie deals with the fallout. Annette Bening does a fantastic and convincing job as a person who has been betrayed. I admit I would not be friends with her bossy character in real life but I did feel sorry for her and was mad at the other two characters for causing this kind of pain. There is nothing cool about betraying another person’s trust.

I have mentioned before I do have a little crush on Julianne Moore. She was Amber Waves in Boogie Nights and she does have some steamy love scenes here. She is good in the drama department but feel she is lacking in the comedy. I still like her but she is no Zach Galifianakis.

I found this film to be thought provoking. One scene has Annette Bening putting down Mark Ruffalo’s character as he is into organic gardening and leads an alternate health lifestyle. Mark Ruffalo’s character on the other hand makes fun of the Mexican gardener. It always seems we have to put someone down to make us look better in front of others. It is something I have noticed in human nature and something I really don’t care for. I guess people do this when they are insecure.

I am giving this movie 3.2 stars. It is not the best movie ever but it goes by quick. In the end is really is about the kids being alright. They are tougher than they look and deal with things like everyone else, one day at a time.

Click here for the Netflix link in case you would like to add it to your queue.

All the best,

Alan
Alan Zibluk
The Internet Guy
Cell: (203) 500-3834
E-mail: al@alzibluk.com