Developing a blog to accompany your business may be time consuming, especially if you’re not a good typist.  (My husband finds it takes him so long because he has to hunt and peck when typing.)
You might want to consider looking into voice recognition programs that enable you to write your blogs, letters, manuscripts and other work by using your voice.  These programs apparently have become better than the first versions developed so are handy and save you time.
I haven’t tried any yet, but at ProBlogger, Darren Rowse features a guest article with video, Speech Recognition for Bloggers – the Ultimate Guide, by …read more

I recently saw a blog headline that business owners should spend time reading other business blogs to keep on top of what’s going on.  This brings up questions:

How much time should you spend reading?
What blogs should you read?
Will it truly benefit you from reading other blogs?

Much of this will depend on what type of home business you operate and the knowledge and information you need to gain.

Writers often need to collect information about their topic and find out what others are thinking.
Product producers need to be knowledgeable about market trends.
Business start-ups should find out what the competition is and whether …read more

I’m expanding my blogging here at b5media and shall be blogging at My Organized Biz and Small Business Boomers, as well as here at Home Biz Notes.  I also blog at Blisstree’s Parenting and Arts/Crafts sections.
These business blogs are somewhat interrelated in that they all concern businesses which obviously need organization and can all involve boomers.  They may or may not be operated out of the home.  So some of the posts at any of these blogs may apply to a wider audience. 
I’ll try to point this out when applicable, so you can take advantage of additional information that may help you with your …read more

HomeBizNotes.com
During the heat of summer (in the Northern Hemisphere), it’s often difficult to keep going with our writing and other businesses. We hit what’s called the “summer slump.” So we have to force ourselves to meet goals, to get our work done, to reach the heights of our abilities.
The bloggers of the Business Channel, including Home Biz Notes , have come up with ideas for solutions in their particular areas of expertise. If you’re experiencing a slump, you may find helpful reading and advice here, The Summer Slump: It’s Not In Your Head.
(Amazon image)
(c)2008 Mary …read more

HomeBizNotes.com
 Here at the b5media Business Channel, we’re having a Fun Friday post consisting of a listing of where various products used in our home and business come from. 
On some business and financial blogs, there has been chatter implying the US economy would be better off if residents purchased products made in this country. 
So….bloggers here are checking around their homes and businesses to determine where the items they use/eat/buy come from.
Food – Most fresh produce somes from the US.  However, often some fruits (especially exotic ones) and vegetables come from foreign countries.  It’s amazing that they can keep so well when shipped so …read more

HomeBizNotes.com
 (Oops!  Somehow this title got posted instead of saved.  So I’d better finish  and let you know what I was thinking. So if you saw only the title, here’s “the rest of the story.” )
Generally we regard blogging as a method to help promote a business by informing customers, providing added information resources, bringing a more personal side to one’s business and reaching customers/clients whether you have an online or walk-in business.  So, in general a blog connected with a business adds value.
However, can blogging by disgruntled customers (someone who thinks their feelings have been slighted, a person who doesn’t like your product but doesn’t give …read more

2007…..2007…..BEST AT THE BUSINESS CHANNEL….2007…..2007
Bloggers at b5media’s Business Channel compiled their top business stories for 2007, coming up with a great round-up at Taxgirl, 123+ Top Business Stories of 2007.
Among them was our selection of posts by Yvonne Russell and Mary Emma Allen:
Home Biz Notes rounds out the year with five popular posts including Mary Emma’s winning country grocer entry and mistakes for the home business owner to avoid.
Check out these b5media Business Channel stories and the others at the above Taxgirl link for great reading, information, and encouragment in your business world!
(c)2007 Mary Emma Allen