My last day at Home Biz Notes
There come times in our lives when we must close one door and open another.  That time has come for me at Home Biz Notes.  This has been an enjoyable two years, but family illness and commitments have caused me to take a look at where I must place my time.  (My husband and I also operate a home business that needs more of my input.)
I want to thank my readers for your visits, your comments, your suggestions and your support.  It’s been very rewarding blogging here, and I hope I’ve been able to provide …read more

HomeBizNotes.com
Gaining traffic, whether online or off, increases the success of your home business.  Using prizes to gain traffic has become very popular at web sites and blogs, especially those connected with businesses.  Also, many businesses donate prizes for the giveaways.
How do you use prizes and giveaways to increase traffic? 
Here are just 5 ways:

Use a business card drawing.  I’ve seen these at restaurants (free meal), airport park & ride (free car wash or week’s parking), office supplies ($s in office supplies), dry cleaners (suit or dress cleaned), etc.
Fill out a coupon and drop it in a container for a drawing.  These are often utilized …read more

HomeBizNotes.com
Tuesday, October 14, is the last day for the first Quilting & Patchwork Blogtober Fest giveaway.  If you haven’t left a comment, you’ll want to do so.
You have until Friday, October 17 to leave comments at the second Quilting & Patchwork Blogtober giveaway.
The time runs out on my other Lifestyles blog, One Book Two Book, Blogtober giveaway on October 17. 
There will be a second Blogtober Fest post at One Book Two Book on October 15.
Have I made this confusing?  I hope not!  Enter the Blogtober Fest giveaways.
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

HomeBizNotes.com
The b5media Lifestyles Channel holds its second annual Blogtober Fest, Oct. 6-17, with all the blogs participating and offering prizes/giveaways throughout this period.  My Lifestyles blogs, Quilting and Patchwork and One Book Two Book on various days.
We’ll have normal posts on our blogs, but at the end of each will be information about Blogtober Fest.  Check out today’s post, Mary Emma’s Quilt Memories – Finding Nanny’s Quilt to view details and leave a comment.  You’ll also find links to the other participating blogs for today.
On October 10, I shall have another Blogtober Fest post at Quilting and Patchwork.
These posts will appear on OneBookTwoBook on October …read more

HomeBizNotes.com

If you or your family entertain thoughts of writing…to write about your home business, to relate stories, or for pure fun, you might enjoy the series I’ve begun at One Book Two Book, Mary Emma’s Writing Tips. 
Although the weekly tips, prompts and activities are slated for young writers, they will work for anyone.  If you home school your children while working from home, you may find them of interest.
These activities will appear at One Book Two Book each Sunday. I also will suggest books and web sites where you can find help and inspiration, too.
I’ve written many articles and stories about …read more

HomeBizNotes.com

BLOGTOBER FEST, a time to celebrate autumn and enjoy great prizes comes to the Lifestyles Channel, as well as Quilting and Patchwork and One Book Two Book for two weeks, from October 6-17. 
There will be celebrating and prizes from b5media Lifestyles bloggers and outside participants.
Read all about it and see if you’d like to participate and receive recognition for your business. Information here. 
(Amazon image)
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

HomeBizNotes.com
WORD OF THE WEEK
Over at One Book Two Book, my co-blogger, Marcie, posts a word of the week and a quote of the week.  Since business terms sometimes aren’t understood by everyone, I thought I’d begin this practice here.
Today our word or term is net profits (net income).  This refers to the amount of money left after you’ve deducted all your expenses, at least your operating expenses.  The fact that you take in a specific amount of money doesn’t mean you have that amount to live on or are even making a profit in your business.
Does anyone have any explanation to add to this?
(c)2008 …read more

HomeBizNotes.com
If any of you participated in the two-weeks of giveaways at my One Book Two Book blog, you’ll find the winners posted.  My co-blogger, Marcie Pickelsimer, put together a number of fantastic giveaways.
We’re planning some more giveaways in the future.  So stop by to see what’s going on and learn about books for young readers through teens.

HomeBizNotes.com
Over at One Book Two Book, where I co-blog with Marcie Pickelsimer,  we have four more days of daily giveaways going on.  Marcie has lined up a fabulous array of prizes…books, backpacks, lunch kits and more.
Stop by, check out the instructions and leave your comment. 

HomeBizNotes.com
As the Fourth of July approaches, many communities will hold parades and fireworks. However, you also may want quieter activities for youngsters at home…to keep them busy over the long weekend, especially if your business is open.
Why not check out some of those at One Book Two Book, where I’m a co-blogger.

Fourth of July Craft Ideas
10 Best Fourth of July Picture Books
All American Week
Fourth of July Books for Teens

What ideas do you have to celebrate Fourth of July?
(Amazon image;click on flag for details)
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen