Shar Writes

With love, From the Black Hills of South Dakota ($.99)

My second ebook is now completed, everyone! :-) This short story is an inspiring, heartfelt long, love letter written by a free-spirited dreamer who has a serious case wanderlust, to her lost love whom she let slip away out of fear. So many parts of this story resonates with me deeply.
With love, From the Black Hills of South Dakota
(A short story)

by Shar Martinez
Only $.99 !

Order my Short Story today for only $.99 and you'll receive your ebook in your email inbox within 12 hours of payment, but more than likely you will receive it much sooner than that!

Order My Ebook Today! ($3.99)

The Beginner's Guide to Freelance Writing,

by Shar Martinez
Only $3.99 !

This 13-chapter e-book has everything that you need to know to become a successful freelance writer!

How to Successfully Sell Products Online

Selling products or services online can be a very profitable career, if you accurately go about the task. When most people think of starting a new business or making extra income, they envision nothing but success. Sadly, many people don't get the chance to experience such thought for the fact that they don't know how to properly carry out their vision. It's easy to sell things online, but doing it successfully is in a different ball park. The following tips will elaborate on how to do so.

1. Sign-up for a PayPal account if you don't already have one. Customers will feel more confident in purchasing from you if you have a PayPal account for the fact that the service is trusted and it is also a fast way to make transactions.

2. Sign-up for a standalone website. By having a website for your business, you are giving off a very professional impression, rather than only posting your product or service on a site such as eBay or Amazon.

3. Photograph your items and write proper informative descriptions. If you sell tangible items such as jewelry or clothes, properly photograph them so that your customers will know exactly what they are getting. More than likely, if you don't have photographs for the items that you are selling, your items will not sell. By writing descriptions, your customers will have a clearer view on the item that they are considering to purchase which will make them feel more comfortable in making an actual purchase.

4. Market your website everywhere possible: newspaper ads, free online ad listing services, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, t-shirts, business cards and flyers. You may even post your products and services on Craigslist with links that lead to your website. There is so much more that you can do to market and advertise your business. How can you expect your business to be successful if no one knows anything about it.

The success of your intended business depends solely on your efforts to make your dream a reality. By properly following the above tips you should be able to earn profits from your business.

The Importance of Saving ALL of Your Writing Online

I woke up this morning to an email from PayPal with the subject line: We're investigating a payment reversal (Case ID # PP-XXX-XXX-XXX-XXX)

Buyer's name: DLHW - Business Development
Buyer's email: paypal@dlhw.com

But first just let me say:

WRITERS BEWARE: DLHW Business Development also known as CBDBD Business Development!

At first I just thought it was from an unauthorized account (aka a fake PayPal). However, I logged into my PayPal account and I did in fact have a claim! So because of that, I have a "hold" on my PayPal account, hence my e-book is not available for pre-order at the moment.

(click on the screenshots to make them larger)

I called PayPal right away!
(And let's just say that some of my southern sass came out on this phone call!)

Apparently, my former client alleged that he didn't authorize sending me payment for the articles I wrote for him/his business. He wanted $89.37 from me.

But I clearly have the emails stating that he sent the payment to me.
(see the two screenshots below)
As well as the original transaction PayPal statement.

Seriously, I hope he isn't trying to insinuate that I somehow accessed his account! It's plain nonsense.

If you're a freelance writer, it's adamant to save every email! You never know when you may need it. I did business with this guy in January of this year... it's now August, almost September! I'm guessing that he may be low on money now? Or that his business went belly-up? Seriously, it's been almost 8 months.

The customer service at PayPal was great! Everyone that I spoke to was very helpful! I explained the situation to them and told them I had evidence of EVERYTHING. I was told to send screenshots, and I did.

What's so upsetting besides Charles lying, is that I actually trusted him as a client. We had even spoke on the phone to discuss writing. Which is a bit of a rarity in the freelance world (but becoming more common) for the fact that just about everything is done through email.

Screenshot of everything I sent to PayPal this morning. 2 email screenshots with the client discussing the payment, before and after, as well as all of the articles I wrote for him.

I am so thankful for Google Drive! I've been saving all of my writing up there for a while now, not only to access it from anywhere, but for "just in case" matters. You can imagine how relieved I was when I knew that I could simply go to my Google Drive (formerly, Google Docs) and pull up all of my articles!

I'm actually using my Hubby's laptop and I have no writing information saved on here whatsoever. Fortunately, Google Drive has a feature that allows you to download your documents, which is exactly what I did.

Always save your writing online because you never know what may happen, and NEVER delete emails between you and clients. I have a folder just for 'writing' and everything that deals with it goes there.

On a lighter note: I've worked with many clients who are VERY truthful in all business transactions and because of that, I would like to give a BIG THANK YOU to all of the clients/businesses that are honest.

I hope that this post was helpful to you all!

- Shar

*Yes, I know that his name or business isn't blocked out in the screenshots; I'm doing this to warn others.

Deciding on Health Insurance Plans

When starting up new organizations, self-funded insurance plans containing a health insurance plan cross the minds of many employers. Choosing between a self-fund and fully funded insurance plan is a major decision and before making a final selection, an extensive amount of research should be done. Self-funding may not be right for every organization and could cost the business a lot more money in the long run if the proper topics, pertaining to health insurance plans, aren't looked over carefully.

Many people consider self-funding for the fact that it may reduce costs and improve services. The majority of U.S. employers have already switched to self-funding. The big reason for this is cost savings. Many employers save cash very quickly by taking away premium state taxes in addition to other overhead fees that were normally paid to their former insurers.

A disadvantage of self-funding is the need for very strong administrative skills. Self-funded employers must have a strong oversight of all insurance arrangements, whereas with fully funded insurance programs most things are taken care of without the employer having to see every aspect. Self-funding can also make budgeting difficult because healthcare expenses will change throughout the years.

Businesses that have a health insurance plan are very appealing to potential employees of the said business, for the fact that everyone needs health insurance. After a considerable amount of research about self-funded insurance plans, for a health insurance plan, as well as fully-funded insurance plans, one should be confident in whatever choice that they may choose to go along with. Both plans have their pros and cons; but ultimately it's up to the person within the business who oversees insurance policies and other matters alike, to decide which one is more beneficial for the organization. Although, they must keep in mind the need of the other associates within the organization.

Pop Up Domination Overview

Finding an opt-in program that actually works and that is cost-effective is nearly impossible. Have you heard of Popup Domination?

Popup Domination is a great way to increase your web subscribers which in turn will increase both your site traffic and revenue. Popup Domination is an email opt-in WordPress plugin that will allow you to take your email promotions to a much higher level. When visiting your site, your visitors are immediately welcomed with a beautiful light box popup containing profitable information pertaining to your site that will aide you in building a huge mailing list. These popups can contain anything from ordering your latest e-book to signing up for a trial offer, ultimately building your list and earnings. Popup Domination’s light boxes are simple, clean cut designs that will give your site the professional look that you desire. Thousands of individuals and industries are using Popup Domination to earn more revenue. Popup domination is also used by many well-known bloggers to increase their opt-in conversion. There is no other available web tool that can increase your subscribers as immensely as the Popup Domination software will. Many people have the perception that building a list to market to be challenging but with this opt-in program it’s anything but challenging, it’s fairly easy.

Popup Domination has many amazing things to offer you. They have several features that are geared toward helping you obtain more subscribers. You get a WordPress Plugin and stand-alone version, so even if WordPress isn’t your web platform, Popup Domination will work with your site. It has seven themes that have been beautifully designed along with fifteen color selections to choose from; allowing you to match your light box to the style of your website. All of the themes are fully customizable. This brilliant program works with all mailing list providers, even custom systems so that you'll always be able to build up your list. It works with all caching software as well. Popup Domination has an exit Popup functionality which is very significant. It comes with complete statistical data and so much more. If you really want to increase your subscribers and earn more profits then this package is absolutely perfect for you.

At the moment, Popup Domination is actually discounting their package by 80 percent so that you only have to pay a total of forty-seven dollars for this extremely profitable software. This is a great deal and it will not last long so you should make full use of this offer and act upon now. By getting Popup Domination, not only will you get a discount, many amazing features, earn more subscribers and revenue but you’ll also get an email domination system bonus and the Photoshop PSD files for all of the high converting themes designed for ultimate flexibility upon purchase and download. Popup Domination offers a 60 day 100 percent money back guarantee. If by some highly unlikely chance that you don’t like this program or benefit from it, they will give you all of your money back without any difficulties. Popup domination also has an affiliate program that allows you to earn commissions by simply promoting their software.

The Popup Domination software is easy and quick to set up. It’s just like any other WordPress plugin when it comes to installation, so you don’t have to be an expert when it comes to design and coding by any means. However, along with all of those great features that you’ll get upon purchase, they even give you a video that shows you how to both install and use the software. The video is given to you for free and includes a step-by-step guide that shows you how to maximize your profits. The team behind Popup Domination actually cares about you and your success. They have a support system which is available through their site to answer any questions that you may have. This isn't one of those programs where the company just 'takes your money and runs'-- if it was Popup Domination would not offer discounts or give you a 100 percent money back guarantee, let alone provide customer support! But there’s even better news, Popup Domination is currently offering a 7 day money back guarantee if you use their program for 7 consecutive days and don’t see a double in your subscribers at the end of the seventh day; they will refund all your money right then and allow you to keep the helpful video which is worth two-hundred dollars.

Overall, Popup Domination is an exceedingly effective program that is reasonably priced, with many amazing features that will help you earn more profits the day that you install it. This product is definitely worth over a thousand dollars when it comes to terms of value, so whether you think that forty-seven dollars is reasonable or not, by purchasing Popup Domination you are actually investing thousands of dollars into your business. If you are a true Internet marketer, you should know that this will pay off greatly. It doesn’t matter what the content of your website contains, if you are trying to market something then this brilliant software will benefit you immensely. There are no other popup plugins that are as cost effective and have as many features to offer as Popup Domination does. This program has been proven to be effective numerous times.

Your web visitors will not feel like they are getting Internet spam when they see your popup. Popup Domination works really well and gives your website a professional polished look. It’s fully customizable so that it will fit the needs of your website and it’s very simple to use. Popup Domination is a significant essential when it comes to Internet marketing. Your subscriber list is guaranteed to dramatically increase with Popup Domination. Keep in mind that there is a money back guarantee so you have everything to gain and nothing to lose! There is no risk of any kind involved. Boost your subscribers and sales, purchase Popup Domination now!

Tips and Advice for Becoming Self-Employed

Almost everyone dreams of working for themselves and being their own boss. This dream is achievable and is very much a reality for many people. Surely, you've wondered about being self-employed at sometime or another. Many people have. The problem that many people face is where to start. Sadly, many never get past that “starting” barrier and give up so very easily. Self-employment is hard work, yet it is very fulfilling.

-Do an immense amount of research. This factor is very important and should be the first thing that you do. As you do more and more research many details of your intended business venture will become clear to you and make you think: do I really want to do this? Of course, there's the “fun” stuff, but really pay attention to the aspects of things that may be a bit difficult, such as: taxes as well as local and state laws.

-You will hold quite a few titles, so learn all of the proper roles. You'll be working for yourself, therefore you'll be the owner, manager, customer service representative, HTML programmer, director of public relations, sales associate, and the list goes on. To successfully run your business, you will know how to properly execute each role.

-Have a well thought-out business plan. Include everything: your vision/mission, marketing and advertising tactics, customer service information, hiring and personnel information, start-up costs, pricing strategies, expected first-year cash flow analysis, ownership and legal structure, leasing agreements and so on. Depending upon the type of business that you decide to open, your business plan factors will vary. Be as detailed as possible when planning, don't overlook anything.

-Stay true to yourself, always. As you begin to tell more people about your business intentions, everyone will try to give their input. They may tell you that you're not doing something right or how to do something or they may even try to change your vision altogether. Although it's OK to take advice, remember that this is your business. Which is why having a great vision and doing research are so important, so that you will know what is best for your business.

Being self-employed takes an ample amount of dedication, you may even encounter tough times and confusion when planning things out, but don't lose sight of your dream. By doing the proper amount of work, you can turn your dream of being self-employed into a reality.

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