Entrepreneurship   

Learn how to create your very own blog and podcast using the tools that you already have available on your computer.

Blogging and Podcasting for Beginners will teach you how to plan and create you very own blog and podcast. Through hands-on exercises, you will discover the benefits of using free web tools like Blogger, WordPress, Audacity, and YouTube. You will find that creating a blog and podcast is much easier than you ever imagined.

First, you will learn how to develop a plan for the content, setup, maintenance, and how to use free blogging software like Blogger and WordPress to put that plan into action. After that, learn how to record a professional-sounding audio podcast with a very simple recording tool you already have. You will edit the file with another free software program, add music to it, and then post it online for others to enjoy. Finally, you will find out how to record a video podcast. You will edit it, add special effects, drop in a podcasting-safe music file, and then publish it online.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
• Mac users should expect to make adjustments based on their operating system differences especially during the podcast portion of the course. In addition, Mac users will download different versions of audio editing software and video editing software that will differ from the directions presented in the course.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• You should expect to download free online programs including an audio editing program during the class in order to create a blog and podcast.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Learn how to create your very own blog and podcast using the tools that you already have available on your computer.

Learn How to Blog, Produce Audio and Video Podcasts

Welcome to the beginning of your blogging adventure! By course completion, you will know how to blog, produce your own audio and video podcasts, and how to market and promote your blog. In this first lesson, you will get acquainted with blogging terms, the parts of a blog, and the important differences between a blog and a website.

Blog Content, Setup, and Long-term Maintenance

It makes sense to give something a try before doing it yourself, right? This lesson will teach you how to participate in the blogosphere by commenting on a blog of your choosing. This lesson walks you through a series of questions to help you develop a sustainable plan for your blog's content, setup, and long-term maintenance.

Blogging Software and Hosting

This lesson explores your options for blogging software and hosting. You will learn about free online blog software options and work with two free blogging services, Blogger and WordPress. By the end of this lesson, your blog will be ready to go.

Create Custom Blogs

Why settle for a cookie-cutter blog when you can create a custom blog look? In this lesson, you will pick the perfect image for your background and spice up your blog's header on your Blogger and WordPress blogs.

Learn How to Set up Blog Privacy Levels and Comment Fields

In this lesson, you will get to decide who can read your blog. You will learn how to set your blog's privacy levels and comment field, in case you want to limit who can read or comment on your blog. Finally, this lesson teaches you how to add a few gadgets that help readers easily navigate your blog.

Formatting Tools

This lesson covers changing the font, color, and size of your text, and adding lists and links to enhance content and interactivity. You will also practice working with formatting tools to make your first post look great online.

Adding Photos to Your Blog

You've mastered the process of formatting the text of your blog post, so now it's time to add some photos. After learning how to locate and incorporate appropriate images into your draft, create labels to categorize the content of your post. Next, learn the seven steps of promoting your blog, including how to utilize Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest as promotion tools.

Learn the PREP Method of Podcasting

It's time to explore the podcast. You will learn the podcasting terms needed to feel comfortable with this technology. This lesson introduces the PREP method of podcasting: planning your own podcast using our effective formula for developing content, setup, and maintenance.

Learn How to Record Your First Podcast

In this lesson explores the minimum equipment needed to record your first audio podcast—as well as other equipment you may find of interest if you become a serious podcaster. And, after that, you will continue to follow the PREP method of podcasting by recording your first podcast using Audacity, a free audio recording program.

Editing and Publishing

This lesson focuses on the last two steps of the PREP method of podcasting: editing and publishing. You will learn how to cut out dead air and an unexpected sneeze, adjust the volume, and add effects so the sound fades in and out. Then, it will be time to publish your work.

Video Podcasting

Now that you know how to prepare, record, edit, and publish an audio podcast, doing the same for a video podcast is going to be a lot easier. In this lesson, you will learn the equipment you can use for video podcasting.

Learn How to Add Transitions and Video Effects

It's time to fine-tune your video podcasting skills as well as your video podcast. In this final lesson, you will learn how to add transitions and video effects to your video file, trim unwanted portions out, and make audio enhancements.

Self-Study

Learn how to create your very own blog and podcast using the tools that you already have available on your computer.

Blogging and Podcasting for Beginners will teach you how to plan and create you very own blog and podcast. Through hands-on exercises, you will discover the benefits of using free web tools like Blogger, WordPress, Audacity, and YouTube. You will find that creating a blog and podcast is much easier than you ever imagined.

First, you will learn how to develop a plan for the content, setup, maintenance, and how to use free blogging software like Blogger and WordPress to put that plan into action. After that, learn how to record a professional-sounding audio podcast with a very simple recording tool you already have. You will edit the file with another free software program, add music to it, and then post it online for others to enjoy. Finally, you will find out how to record a video podcast. You will edit it, add special effects, drop in a podcasting-safe music file, and then publish it online.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
• Mac users should expect to make adjustments based on their operating system differences especially during the podcast portion of the course. In addition, Mac users will download different versions of audio editing software and video editing software that will differ from the directions presented in the course.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• You should expect to download free online programs including an audio editing program during the class in order to create a blog and podcast.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Learn how to create your very own blog and podcast using the tools that you already have available on your computer.

Learn How to Blog, Produce Audio and Video Podcasts

Welcome to the beginning of your blogging adventure! By course completion, you will know how to blog, produce your own audio and video podcasts, and how to market and promote your blog. In this first lesson, you will get acquainted with blogging terms, the parts of a blog, and the important differences between a blog and a website.

Blog Content, Setup, and Long-term Maintenance

It makes sense to give something a try before doing it yourself, right? This lesson will teach you how to participate in the blogosphere by commenting on a blog of your choosing. This lesson walks you through a series of questions to help you develop a sustainable plan for your blog's content, setup, and long-term maintenance.

Blogging Software and Hosting

This lesson explores your options for blogging software and hosting. You will learn about free online blog software options and work with two free blogging services, Blogger and WordPress. By the end of this lesson, your blog will be ready to go.

Create Custom Blogs

Why settle for a cookie-cutter blog when you can create a custom blog look? In this lesson, you will pick the perfect image for your background and spice up your blog's header on your Blogger and WordPress blogs.

Learn How to Set up Blog Privacy Levels and Comment Fields

In this lesson, you will get to decide who can read your blog. You will learn how to set your blog's privacy levels and comment field, in case you want to limit who can read or comment on your blog. Finally, this lesson teaches you how to add a few gadgets that help readers easily navigate your blog.

Formatting Tools

This lesson covers changing the font, color, and size of your text, and adding lists and links to enhance content and interactivity. You will also practice working with formatting tools to make your first post look great online.

Adding Photos to Your Blog

You've mastered the process of formatting the text of your blog post, so now it's time to add some photos. After learning how to locate and incorporate appropriate images into your draft, create labels to categorize the content of your post. Next, learn the seven steps of promoting your blog, including how to utilize Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest as promotion tools.

Learn the PREP Method of Podcasting

It's time to explore the podcast. You will learn the podcasting terms needed to feel comfortable with this technology. This lesson introduces the PREP method of podcasting: planning your own podcast using our effective formula for developing content, setup, and maintenance.

Learn How to Record Your First Podcast

In this lesson explores the minimum equipment needed to record your first audio podcast—as well as other equipment you may find of interest if you become a serious podcaster. And, after that, you will continue to follow the PREP method of podcasting by recording your first podcast using Audacity, a free audio recording program.

Editing and Publishing

This lesson focuses on the last two steps of the PREP method of podcasting: editing and publishing. You will learn how to cut out dead air and an unexpected sneeze, adjust the volume, and add effects so the sound fades in and out. Then, it will be time to publish your work.

Video Podcasting

Now that you know how to prepare, record, edit, and publish an audio podcast, doing the same for a video podcast is going to be a lot easier. In this lesson, you will learn the equipment you can use for video podcasting.

Learn How to Add Transitions and Video Effects

It's time to fine-tune your video podcasting skills as well as your video podcast. In this final lesson, you will learn how to add transitions and video effects to your video file, trim unwanted portions out, and make audio enhancements.

Self-Study

This course will introduce different strategies employed during the budgeting process, the techniques and tools commonly used to make budgeting forecasts, the components of a basic operating budget, and how businesses make certain decisions that may impact their budgeted amounts.

If the idea of creating a budget for your business, department, or project seems overwhelming, this course will alleviate all of those fears. Taught in an approachable and relatable format, this course walks you through the budgeting process so you can go from numbers averse to budgeting super-hero. The downloadable templates included in the course allow you to easily and quickly take what you learn and apply it to your job. The storytelling used throughout the course makes the topic more approachable and engaging so you can obtain the soft skills that will help you be successful implementing and tracking a budget in the real world. And finally, the course challenge is something that will pique your curiosity at the beginning of the course and provide motivation to complete the course and continue learning the material.

A company's budgeting process involves a lot more than just rows and columns of numbers on a spreadsheet. The reality is that budgeting is a sometimes organic and sometimes organized process. Most often, it's an equal mix of both in an attempt to add some level of certainty to an uncertain future. These processes are what we are going to explore in this course. You will be introduced to different strategies employed during the budgeting process, the techniques and tools that are commonly used to make budgeting forecasts, the components of a basic operating budget, and how businesses make certain decisions that may impact their budgeted amounts.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

In this comprehensive, beginner-friendly course, you will learn the elementary skills needed to be successful in the budgeting process and work gradually work your way up to creating a budget. You will also discover how to best evaluate the results of your budget and make decisions to help your business maximize its profits.

Predicting the Future

In this lesson, you'll explore how budgeting at its core is a process of looking forward. It's about making informed predictions about the future. Next, you'll see how a company's vision can lead to setting goals for the company. These visions are often aspirational and state the path for where the company plans to go in the future. Then, we'll also start the conversation about the human side of budgeting.

Budget Strategies

In this lesson, you'll begin to look at various budgeting strategies, including strategic, capital, and operations budgeting techniques. This lesson will include some real-life examples of planning activities, but to further bring these concepts to life, we'll also highlight a fictional company, Curly's Pool Service and Supplies. You'll finish the lesson by helping Curly formulate some plans and budgets!

It's All About Sales!

This lesson will focus all on sales, specifically the role that sales play in the budgeting process. We'll examine the best practices for compiling a sales forecast and how to increase the chances that the sales forecast will actually mimic real life. We'll also discover how to create an inventory needs budget to determine just how much inventory to purchase based on a sales forecast. Finally, we'll discuss how to formulate a labor requirements budget to accurately project just how much labor you may need to employ to meet the needs of the company, again based on the sales forecast.

Cost Behavior – Part 1

In this lesson, you are going to detour a bit from the actual preparation of a budget and dive into how certain types of costs behave. Understanding how costs increase or decrease relative to an activity is an essential part of learning how to accurately budget for costs in a business. So, in the upcoming chapters, you're going to discover how to distinguish between variable, fixed, and mixed costs. We will use these cost types to calculate the contribution margin for the business. Then, we will show you how to use contribution margin to make certain predictions and decisions in a business. Most notably, you'll see how to use contribution margin to calculate the all-important break-even point and margin of safety for a business.

Cost Behavior – Part 2

This lesson will be a continuation of our discussion about cost behavior. In this lesson, you're going to explore how to evaluate a company's sales mix and how to calculate operating leverage using tools given throughout the course. Operating leverage is just another key component of cost analysis that will allow you to, once again, easily make projections about the future. We'll end the lesson with a discussion about how companies set prices for the products and services they offer. You can probably guess that this process is a bit more involved than just selecting a price out of thin air. It's actually an essential part of a company's overall budgeting process and should not be taken lightly.

Expense and Manufacturing Production Budgets

In this lesson, we'll examine the steps needed to build both a direct materials budget and a direct labor budget. We'll also examine how a manufacturing company budgets for manufacturing overhead. All of these components are key to developing an overall production budget for a business that manufactures a product. Finally, we will end this lesson by describing the components of a production budget.

Cash Is King!

In this lesson, you'll learn how to prepare a complete cash budget for a business. You'll get the chance to take an even closer look at how a company might forecast cash collections from credit sales and cash payments on credit purchases for big-ticket items like inventory or other expensive capital projects. We'll even take a look at how some companies mitigate the risk of running out of cash by utilizing lines of credit and other sources of cash instead of just relying on cash generated from sales.

Capital Budgeting

In this lesson, you'll learn some of the basic methodologies that can be applied in many different capital budgeting scenarios. We'll begin with an explanation of a technique that does not include an evaluation of how time impacts the valuation of money. Then, you'll learn how the passage of time and its impact on the value of a dollar is incorporated into capital budgeting decisions. Since capital projects often span years, or even decades in some cases, the time value of money is key to improving accuracy in budgeting for capital projects. The lesson will finish up with a thorough review of, perhaps, the most common technique that is used in capital budgeting decisions: net present value.

Business Decision-Making – Part 1

In this lesson and the one that follows, we're going to explore how businesses use budgeted data in combination with a formalized decision-making process to improve their chances of making better decisions. For a business, a better decision is one that maximizes profit and aligns with the company's goals and values. We'll start with an examination of what types of budgeted information are relevant to making a decision and what types of information you can ignore. You'll see the differences between quantitative and qualitative information and how each can be used to improve decision-making. Then we'll finish up with an example including some specific steps you can use as a model for making better decisions.

Business Decision-Making – Part 2

In this lesson, you'll continue to practice with these same techniques by applying them to a few other common business decisions. You'll start by examining how a business uses budgeted information to make the choice to replace an existing asset with a new asset, such as replacing an old piece of manufacturing equipment with a brand-new one. Next, you'll explore how a business might use budgeted information when deciding whether to eliminate a product or service that it offers. We'll finish up the lesson by examining one of the most critical business decisions you'll ever need to make: how to allocate your most scarce resource to maximize profit in your business.

Bringing It All Together

In this lesson and the one that follows, we will focus on how best to evaluate the financial stability and performance of the business using budgeted information. We'll start by taking a close look at using the components of a company's operating budget to compile the pro forma balance sheet. Next, we'll examine the steps needed to prepare the pro forma income statement, again by using the information found in many of the other operating budget components. To finish up the lesson, we'll dive into some straightforward techniques that are useful to evaluate the balances found on the pro forma balance sheet and income statements.

Evaluation, Control, and Methods

In this lesson, you'll spend more time on the budget evaluation process by examining how companies use variance analysis to evaluate differences between actual results and the budget. To keep things manageable, we'll stick to the basics here so that you're equipped with some tools to take with you when applying these techniques in a real company. As part of this process, we'll take a look at how budget variances are defined and interpreted. Then, we'll discuss some techniques like flexible budgeting to evaluate and isolate certain budget fluctuations in a way that provides clarity to a business owner or manager. We'll finish up the lesson with a brief discussion of the budgetary control process and the soft skills needed for this process.

Self-Study

This course will introduce different strategies employed during the budgeting process, the techniques and tools commonly used to make budgeting forecasts, the components of a basic operating budget, and how businesses make certain decisions that may impact their budgeted amounts.

If the idea of creating a budget for your business, department, or project seems overwhelming, this course will alleviate all of those fears. Taught in an approachable and relatable format, this course walks you through the budgeting process so you can go from numbers averse to budgeting super-hero. The downloadable templates included in the course allow you to easily and quickly take what you learn and apply it to your job. The storytelling used throughout the course makes the topic more approachable and engaging so you can obtain the soft skills that will help you be successful implementing and tracking a budget in the real world. And finally, the course challenge is something that will pique your curiosity at the beginning of the course and provide motivation to complete the course and continue learning the material.

A company's budgeting process involves a lot more than just rows and columns of numbers on a spreadsheet. The reality is that budgeting is a sometimes organic and sometimes organized process. Most often, it's an equal mix of both in an attempt to add some level of certainty to an uncertain future. These processes are what we are going to explore in this course. You will be introduced to different strategies employed during the budgeting process, the techniques and tools that are commonly used to make budgeting forecasts, the components of a basic operating budget, and how businesses make certain decisions that may impact their budgeted amounts.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

In this comprehensive, beginner-friendly course, you will learn the elementary skills needed to be successful in the budgeting process and work gradually work your way up to creating a budget. You will also discover how to best evaluate the results of your budget and make decisions to help your business maximize its profits.

Predicting the Future

In this lesson, you'll explore how budgeting at its core is a process of looking forward. It's about making informed predictions about the future. Next, you'll see how a company's vision can lead to setting goals for the company. These visions are often aspirational and state the path for where the company plans to go in the future. Then, we'll also start the conversation about the human side of budgeting.

Budget Strategies

In this lesson, you'll begin to look at various budgeting strategies, including strategic, capital, and operations budgeting techniques. This lesson will include some real-life examples of planning activities, but to further bring these concepts to life, we'll also highlight a fictional company, Curly's Pool Service and Supplies. You'll finish the lesson by helping Curly formulate some plans and budgets!

It's All About Sales!

This lesson will focus all on sales, specifically the role that sales play in the budgeting process. We'll examine the best practices for compiling a sales forecast and how to increase the chances that the sales forecast will actually mimic real life. We'll also discover how to create an inventory needs budget to determine just how much inventory to purchase based on a sales forecast. Finally, we'll discuss how to formulate a labor requirements budget to accurately project just how much labor you may need to employ to meet the needs of the company, again based on the sales forecast.

Cost Behavior – Part 1

In this lesson, you are going to detour a bit from the actual preparation of a budget and dive into how certain types of costs behave. Understanding how costs increase or decrease relative to an activity is an essential part of learning how to accurately budget for costs in a business. So, in the upcoming chapters, you're going to discover how to distinguish between variable, fixed, and mixed costs. We will use these cost types to calculate the contribution margin for the business. Then, we will show you how to use contribution margin to make certain predictions and decisions in a business. Most notably, you'll see how to use contribution margin to calculate the all-important break-even point and margin of safety for a business.

Cost Behavior – Part 2

This lesson will be a continuation of our discussion about cost behavior. In this lesson, you're going to explore how to evaluate a company's sales mix and how to calculate operating leverage using tools given throughout the course. Operating leverage is just another key component of cost analysis that will allow you to, once again, easily make projections about the future. We'll end the lesson with a discussion about how companies set prices for the products and services they offer. You can probably guess that this process is a bit more involved than just selecting a price out of thin air. It's actually an essential part of a company's overall budgeting process and should not be taken lightly.

Expense and Manufacturing Production Budgets

In this lesson, we'll examine the steps needed to build both a direct materials budget and a direct labor budget. We'll also examine how a manufacturing company budgets for manufacturing overhead. All of these components are key to developing an overall production budget for a business that manufactures a product. Finally, we will end this lesson by describing the components of a production budget.

Cash Is King!

In this lesson, you'll learn how to prepare a complete cash budget for a business. You'll get the chance to take an even closer look at how a company might forecast cash collections from credit sales and cash payments on credit purchases for big-ticket items like inventory or other expensive capital projects. We'll even take a look at how some companies mitigate the risk of running out of cash by utilizing lines of credit and other sources of cash instead of just relying on cash generated from sales.

Capital Budgeting

In this lesson, you'll learn some of the basic methodologies that can be applied in many different capital budgeting scenarios. We'll begin with an explanation of a technique that does not include an evaluation of how time impacts the valuation of money. Then, you'll learn how the passage of time and its impact on the value of a dollar is incorporated into capital budgeting decisions. Since capital projects often span years, or even decades in some cases, the time value of money is key to improving accuracy in budgeting for capital projects. The lesson will finish up with a thorough review of, perhaps, the most common technique that is used in capital budgeting decisions: net present value.

Business Decision-Making – Part 1

In this lesson and the one that follows, we're going to explore how businesses use budgeted data in combination with a formalized decision-making process to improve their chances of making better decisions. For a business, a better decision is one that maximizes profit and aligns with the company's goals and values. We'll start with an examination of what types of budgeted information are relevant to making a decision and what types of information you can ignore. You'll see the differences between quantitative and qualitative information and how each can be used to improve decision-making. Then we'll finish up with an example including some specific steps you can use as a model for making better decisions.

Business Decision-Making – Part 2

In this lesson, you'll continue to practice with these same techniques by applying them to a few other common business decisions. You'll start by examining how a business uses budgeted information to make the choice to replace an existing asset with a new asset, such as replacing an old piece of manufacturing equipment with a brand-new one. Next, you'll explore how a business might use budgeted information when deciding whether to eliminate a product or service that it offers. We'll finish up the lesson by examining one of the most critical business decisions you'll ever need to make: how to allocate your most scarce resource to maximize profit in your business.

Bringing It All Together

In this lesson and the one that follows, we will focus on how best to evaluate the financial stability and performance of the business using budgeted information. We'll start by taking a close look at using the components of a company's operating budget to compile the pro forma balance sheet. Next, we'll examine the steps needed to prepare the pro forma income statement, again by using the information found in many of the other operating budget components. To finish up the lesson, we'll dive into some straightforward techniques that are useful to evaluate the balances found on the pro forma balance sheet and income statements.

Evaluation, Control, and Methods

In this lesson, you'll spend more time on the budget evaluation process by examining how companies use variance analysis to evaluate differences between actual results and the budget. To keep things manageable, we'll stick to the basics here so that you're equipped with some tools to take with you when applying these techniques in a real company. As part of this process, we'll take a look at how budget variances are defined and interpreted. Then, we'll discuss some techniques like flexible budgeting to evaluate and isolate certain budget fluctuations in a way that provides clarity to a business owner or manager. We'll finish up the lesson with a brief discussion of the budgetary control process and the soft skills needed for this process.

Self-Study

Gain key skills needed to navigate business entity formation in a corporate environment.

This course will teach you how to form, maintain and dissolve various business entities. You will have the chance to prepare various documents related to entity formation and maintenance. You will also learn many of the subtle differences between the various types of entities, which is ideal for paralegals working in the corporate law field.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Gain key skills needed to navigate business entity formation in a corporate environment.

1. Choice of entity
   1. Sole proprietorship
   2. Partnership
   3. Corporation
   4. Limited Liability Company
2. Sole proprietorship is an entity that is owned by one person
   1. Requires no formal filing with the State
   2. Administrative requirements when starting a sole proprietorship
   3. Advantages and disadvantages to operating as a sole proprietorship
3. A partnership requires two or individuals operating the partnership
   1. General partnership
   2. Limited partnership
   3. Important to have a partnership agreement
   4. Tax issues associated with partnerships
4. A corporation comes into existence through the filing of Articles of Incorporation
   1. Prepare and file Articles of Incorporation
   2. Prepare Bylaws
   3. Prepare organizational minutes for the first meeting
5. Limited Liability Company is a type of entity that is a cross between a corporation and a partnership

What you will learn

• Various types of business entities
• Benefits and requirements to form various types of business entities
• Tax issues related various types of business entities

How you will benefit

• You will build an understanding on how various entities are formed
• Gain applicable knowledge needed to start a business entity

Self-Study

Gain key skills needed to navigate business entity formation in a corporate environment.

This course will teach you how to form, maintain and dissolve various business entities. You will have the chance to prepare various documents related to entity formation and maintenance. You will also learn many of the subtle differences between the various types of entities, which is ideal for paralegals working in the corporate law field.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Gain key skills needed to navigate business entity formation in a corporate environment.

1. Choice of entity
   1. Sole proprietorship
   2. Partnership
   3. Corporation
   4. Limited Liability Company
2. Sole proprietorship is an entity that is owned by one person
   1. Requires no formal filing with the State
   2. Administrative requirements when starting a sole proprietorship
   3. Advantages and disadvantages to operating as a sole proprietorship
3. A partnership requires two or individuals operating the partnership
   1. General partnership
   2. Limited partnership
   3. Important to have a partnership agreement
   4. Tax issues associated with partnerships
4. A corporation comes into existence through the filing of Articles of Incorporation
   1. Prepare and file Articles of Incorporation
   2. Prepare Bylaws
   3. Prepare organizational minutes for the first meeting
5. Limited Liability Company is a type of entity that is a cross between a corporation and a partnership

What you will learn

• Various types of business entities
• Benefits and requirements to form various types of business entities
• Tax issues related various types of business entities

How you will benefit

• You will build an understanding on how various entities are formed
• Gain applicable knowledge needed to start a business entity

Self-Study

Learn all about contract law, including considerations related to the creation and enforcement of contracts.

The course will teach you how to work with contract law as a paralegal. Key topics include contract case law examples, uniform commercial code and more.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Learn all about contract law, including considerations related to the creation and enforcement of contracts.

1. Case Law and FIRAC
2. Contracts
   1. Offers
   2. Intent
   3. Uniform Commercial Code
3. Contract Acceptance
   1. Express Contracts and Implied Contracts
   2. Performance
   3. Fact Patterns
   4. The Mailbox Rule
4. Consideration
   1. Legal Benefit and Legal Detriment
   2. Promissory Estoppel
5. Enforcement
6. Contractual Capacity
7. Defenses
8. Third-Party Beneficiaries
   1. Breach

What you will learn

• Fundamental elements of a contract: offer, acceptance and consideration.
• Contractual relationships, defenses to a contract and the main legal rules of law school cases.

How you will benefit

• Gain a clear understanding of contract law prior to starting law school.

Self-Study

Learn all about contract law, including considerations related to the creation and enforcement of contracts.

The course will teach you how to work with contract law as a paralegal. Key topics include contract case law examples, uniform commercial code and more.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Learn all about contract law, including considerations related to the creation and enforcement of contracts.

1. Case Law and FIRAC
2. Contracts
   1. Offers
   2. Intent
   3. Uniform Commercial Code
3. Contract Acceptance
   1. Express Contracts and Implied Contracts
   2. Performance
   3. Fact Patterns
   4. The Mailbox Rule
4. Consideration
   1. Legal Benefit and Legal Detriment
   2. Promissory Estoppel
5. Enforcement
6. Contractual Capacity
7. Defenses
8. Third-Party Beneficiaries
   1. Breach

What you will learn

• Fundamental elements of a contract: offer, acceptance and consideration.
• Contractual relationships, defenses to a contract and the main legal rules of law school cases.

How you will benefit

• Gain a clear understanding of contract law prior to starting law school.

Self-Study

Learn the basics of employment law so you can legally hire, evaluate, and manage employees.

Learn the basics of employment law so you can legally hire, evaluate and manage employees as a manager, supervisor, small business owner, human resource specialist, or corporate executive. This course will explain the difference between an employee and independent contractor: the basic types of employee benefits; effective hiring; evaluation, and termination procedures; methods to resolve employment disputes in and out of court; discrimination and union laws; and workplace safety rules.

You will gain an inside view of the law with court examples, real situations, and prevention strategies that prepare you to effectively resolve workplace issues. You will learn effective communication techniques, negotiation strategies, and what to expect if you do go to court. This course is a must for anyone who is (or aspires to be) a supervisor, manager, or human resources professional.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
• This course is based on U.S. Employment Laws and is not suitable for other areas.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Learn the basics of employment law so you can legally hire, evaluate, and manage employees.

1. Employee or Independent Contractor?
2. Employment Benefits
3. Hiring Practices
4. Evaluating Employees
5. Employment Disputes
6. Employment Disputes in Court
7. Discrimination and Title VII
8. More Discrimination Laws
9. Labor Unions
10. Labor Negotiations
11. Workplace Safety
12. Legal Compliance

Self-Study

Learn the basics of employment law so you can legally hire, evaluate, and manage employees.

Learn the basics of employment law so you can legally hire, evaluate and manage employees as a manager, supervisor, small business owner, human resource specialist, or corporate executive. This course will explain the difference between an employee and independent contractor: the basic types of employee benefits; effective hiring; evaluation, and termination procedures; methods to resolve employment disputes in and out of court; discrimination and union laws; and workplace safety rules.

You will gain an inside view of the law with court examples, real situations, and prevention strategies that prepare you to effectively resolve workplace issues. You will learn effective communication techniques, negotiation strategies, and what to expect if you do go to court. This course is a must for anyone who is (or aspires to be) a supervisor, manager, or human resources professional.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
• This course is based on U.S. Employment Laws and is not suitable for other areas.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Learn the basics of employment law so you can legally hire, evaluate, and manage employees.

1. Employee or Independent Contractor?
2. Employment Benefits
3. Hiring Practices
4. Evaluating Employees
5. Employment Disputes
6. Employment Disputes in Court
7. Discrimination and Title VII
8. More Discrimination Laws
9. Labor Unions
10. Labor Negotiations
11. Workplace Safety
12. Legal Compliance

Self-Study

You really can make money with your writing. Whether you want to create your own business, add to your income, supplement your retirement, or boost what you're earning as a writer, you'll find the how-to's here.

You really can make money with your writing. Whether you want to create your own business, add to your income, supplement your retirement, or boost what you're earning as a writer, you'll find the how-to's here. You'll learn secrets, methods, and tips to help you generate income with your writing. This class includes all the practical information that so rarely gets taught in writing classes.

In most courses and social groups it's taboo to discuss money, but not here. This course embraces it! Making money is the focus of the lessons. You'll explore a dozen genres that can help you establish a sometime, part-time, or full-time career as a writer. Along the way, you'll learn methods to work faster, suffer less rejection, and bring home more bacon. Fulfilling (and lucrative) writing work is waiting for you!

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Learn the secrets, methods, and tips to help you generate money with your writing. Whether you want to create your own business, add to your income, supplement your retirement, or boost what you're earning as a writer, this class includes practical information that rarely gets taught in writing classes.

Getting in Gear to Write

Where do great ideas come from? How do best-selling authors get to be that way? What makes writing so very scary, intimidating, delicious, and wickedly wonderful? How are words pulled from nothingness and zapped to the screen or printed page? What makes writing nearly addictive to one group of humanity and yet an overwhelming task for others? Are there born writers? Can anyone learn to write? Why do some people get published and others fail? In this lesson, you'll start learning the answers to those questions and begin the journey to becoming a better writer.

The Writing Life

Have you ever heard that to be a writer, you only need a pen and paper? That's true. Yet, too many writers throw in other requirements—from a year of unfettered time, to a trust fund that will keep them in caviar until the royalties come flooding in. This lesson will delve more deeply into the writing life as it exposes some myths about writing.

Self-Editing and Researching

This lesson will discuss self-editing and researching. Self-editing and researching are both skills you'll want to learn so that you can sell your work. It's highly unlikely that you'll ever sell a first draft, and it's equally as unlikely that you'll sell something you didn't research. This lesson will teach you some simple tricks to make your work shine!

Writing for Magazines

This lesson could be called Magazine Writing 101. If you've written for magazines before, then this lesson will be a refresher or a nudge. If you haven't written for magazines and would like to, then you'll find out indispensable information that will get you going. With this info, you could find your niche and begin making money as a freelancer, possibly while you're working on your novel.

Writing and Selling Other Short Works

The previous lesson focused on writing nonfiction articles for popular magazines. But you won't find every magazine that uses freelance work in your grocery store or big super bookstore. There are magazines, publications, and periodicals with an otherwise large distribution that never even get to these places. Those magazines are always looking for new short works such as short stories, columns, essays, and poetry. This lesson will talk about how you can sell your short works to magazines and newspapers.

Writing Novels

Some writers just love to write long fiction and have a story that is burning to get out. If you fit into this group, or just wonder how one goes about writing a novel, then this lesson should speak to you. You'll find out why some people need to get that book out and what it takes to do so. By the end of this lesson, you'll have a working knowledge of the genre possibilities and what it takes to write a novel. You'll learn how stories are found, how some famous novelists were discovered, how to stay motivated, and what has stopped a few hopeful writers from writing.

Writing Nonfiction Books

Now it's time to give the nonfiction genres a turn. Adults are infatuated with nonfiction and it sells better than any other type of book. There are scads of different genres in nonfiction books. In this lesson, you'll focus on the types of nonfiction writing and how to get a project started, written, and noticed by publishers and agents. Nonfiction books concern real people, places, events, information, or situations. Whether you're addicted to reading nonfiction, or just want to learn all you can about writing, this lesson will give you valuable information that will help you better understand the world of publishing.

Ghostwriting

What does it mean to be a ghost in the literary world? This lesson will give you the scoop on this lucrative business. If you have a talent for emulating peoples' voices, and if you're fast, efficient, and good with people, this might be the field for you. This lesson will talk about how to advertise and find clients, how to select appropriate clients, and how to maintain a good working relationship so that you can produce the best book possible.

The Roles of Editors and Agents

This lesson will talk about the roles of editors and agents. Specifically, you'll find out what each of their jobs includes and why you need to know this information. If you're currently writing a novel or a nonfiction book, gathering a collection of poetry or short stories, or maybe just dabbling in the idea, you'll want to read this lesson carefully. Find out how agents interact with editors at publishing houses and how you can interact with agents and editors.

Self-Publishing and E-Publishing

Attend any writing conference or sit with a group of published writers, and you're bound to hear words like: self-publishing, POD, copublishing and e-publishing. This lesson will discuss the options that are often called alternative publishing. If you're serious about joining the world as a writer, you should be aware of these options. They're not for everyone, but the information you'll receive will help you make sound career and financial decisions.

The Business Side of Writing

This lesson is all about the legal side of writing. You'll learn about sample agreements and contracts that will help keep you in good stead as you become the writer of your dreams. The lesson will also talk about royalties, advances, and the scoop on that lovely green stuff that pays the bills.

Time Management and Marketing for All Writers

Saturday comes, finally. The house looks like a disaster hit. The kids need shoes, the dog has a vet's appointment, and you swear that the health department might condemn the car. Unlike Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, you can't seem to click your heels hard enough to make it all disappear. You've got a yearning, a deep burning to write, but the clutter, the mess, the hours spent doing things for others (okay, and procrastination) are eating at your heart. What does all of this have to do with creativity? Check the clock, because it's all about time management, and that's what you'll learn in this vital lesson.

What you will learn

• Find out what it takes to be a paid writer
• Understand what a writer's life is really like, and learn how to deal with rejection
• Learn tips for self-editing and productive researching
• Find out how to submit queries and land feature writing assignments for magazines and e-zines
• Develop a working knowledge of writing novels and nonfiction books, what the publishers are looking for, and how to submit writing
• Understand what it means to be a ghostwriter, how to find clients, and how to develop and maintain a strong working relationship with your clients
• Gain knowledge of the business side of writing as it pertains to advances, royalties, letters of commitment and intent, invoices, and releases

How you will benefit

• Become more efficient in your writing time management and learn how to market your products like a pro
• Understand the ins and outs of writing for money and become more confident in your ability to succeed
• Develop a new career path as you successfully learn to make money from your writing

Eva Shaw, Ph.D. is a full-time working writer. She has authored thousands of articles, essays, and short stories and more than 70 books including "Writing the Nonfiction Book" and "Insider's Guide to San Diego." Her work has been featured in USA Today, San Diego Union Tribune, Publisher's Weekly, and others. She has won several awards, including the Book of the Year Award from the American Journal of Nursing, the Benjamin Franklin Award, and the Woman of Merit Award.

You really can make money with your writing. Whether you want to create your own business, add to your income, supplement your retirement, or boost what you're earning as a writer, you'll find the how-to's here.

You really can make money with your writing. Whether you want to create your own business, add to your income, supplement your retirement, or boost what you're earning as a writer, you'll find the how-to's here. You'll learn secrets, methods, and tips to help you generate income with your writing. This class includes all the practical information that so rarely gets taught in writing classes.

In most courses and social groups it's taboo to discuss money, but not here. This course embraces it! Making money is the focus of the lessons. You'll explore a dozen genres that can help you establish a sometime, part-time, or full-time career as a writer. Along the way, you'll learn methods to work faster, suffer less rejection, and bring home more bacon. Fulfilling (and lucrative) writing work is waiting for you!

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Learn the secrets, methods, and tips to help you generate money with your writing. Whether you want to create your own business, add to your income, supplement your retirement, or boost what you're earning as a writer, this class includes practical information that rarely gets taught in writing classes.

Getting in Gear to Write

Where do great ideas come from? How do best-selling authors get to be that way? What makes writing so very scary, intimidating, delicious, and wickedly wonderful? How are words pulled from nothingness and zapped to the screen or printed page? What makes writing nearly addictive to one group of humanity and yet an overwhelming task for others? Are there born writers? Can anyone learn to write? Why do some people get published and others fail? In this lesson, you'll start learning the answers to those questions and begin the journey to becoming a better writer.

The Writing Life

Have you ever heard that to be a writer, you only need a pen and paper? That's true. Yet, too many writers throw in other requirements—from a year of unfettered time, to a trust fund that will keep them in caviar until the royalties come flooding in. This lesson will delve more deeply into the writing life as it exposes some myths about writing.

Self-Editing and Researching

This lesson will discuss self-editing and researching. Self-editing and researching are both skills you'll want to learn so that you can sell your work. It's highly unlikely that you'll ever sell a first draft, and it's equally as unlikely that you'll sell something you didn't research. This lesson will teach you some simple tricks to make your work shine!

Writing for Magazines

This lesson could be called Magazine Writing 101. If you've written for magazines before, then this lesson will be a refresher or a nudge. If you haven't written for magazines and would like to, then you'll find out indispensable information that will get you going. With this info, you could find your niche and begin making money as a freelancer, possibly while you're working on your novel.

Writing and Selling Other Short Works

The previous lesson focused on writing nonfiction articles for popular magazines. But you won't find every magazine that uses freelance work in your grocery store or big super bookstore. There are magazines, publications, and periodicals with an otherwise large distribution that never even get to these places. Those magazines are always looking for new short works such as short stories, columns, essays, and poetry. This lesson will talk about how you can sell your short works to magazines and newspapers.

Writing Novels

Some writers just love to write long fiction and have a story that is burning to get out. If you fit into this group, or just wonder how one goes about writing a novel, then this lesson should speak to you. You'll find out why some people need to get that book out and what it takes to do so. By the end of this lesson, you'll have a working knowledge of the genre possibilities and what it takes to write a novel. You'll learn how stories are found, how some famous novelists were discovered, how to stay motivated, and what has stopped a few hopeful writers from writing.

Writing Nonfiction Books

Now it's time to give the nonfiction genres a turn. Adults are infatuated with nonfiction and it sells better than any other type of book. There are scads of different genres in nonfiction books. In this lesson, you'll focus on the types of nonfiction writing and how to get a project started, written, and noticed by publishers and agents. Nonfiction books concern real people, places, events, information, or situations. Whether you're addicted to reading nonfiction, or just want to learn all you can about writing, this lesson will give you valuable information that will help you better understand the world of publishing.

Ghostwriting

What does it mean to be a ghost in the literary world? This lesson will give you the scoop on this lucrative business. If you have a talent for emulating peoples' voices, and if you're fast, efficient, and good with people, this might be the field for you. This lesson will talk about how to advertise and find clients, how to select appropriate clients, and how to maintain a good working relationship so that you can produce the best book possible.

The Roles of Editors and Agents

This lesson will talk about the roles of editors and agents. Specifically, you'll find out what each of their jobs includes and why you need to know this information. If you're currently writing a novel or a nonfiction book, gathering a collection of poetry or short stories, or maybe just dabbling in the idea, you'll want to read this lesson carefully. Find out how agents interact with editors at publishing houses and how you can interact with agents and editors.

Self-Publishing and E-Publishing

Attend any writing conference or sit with a group of published writers, and you're bound to hear words like: self-publishing, POD, copublishing and e-publishing. This lesson will discuss the options that are often called alternative publishing. If you're serious about joining the world as a writer, you should be aware of these options. They're not for everyone, but the information you'll receive will help you make sound career and financial decisions.

The Business Side of Writing

This lesson is all about the legal side of writing. You'll learn about sample agreements and contracts that will help keep you in good stead as you become the writer of your dreams. The lesson will also talk about royalties, advances, and the scoop on that lovely green stuff that pays the bills.

Time Management and Marketing for All Writers

Saturday comes, finally. The house looks like a disaster hit. The kids need shoes, the dog has a vet's appointment, and you swear that the health department might condemn the car. Unlike Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, you can't seem to click your heels hard enough to make it all disappear. You've got a yearning, a deep burning to write, but the clutter, the mess, the hours spent doing things for others (okay, and procrastination) are eating at your heart. What does all of this have to do with creativity? Check the clock, because it's all about time management, and that's what you'll learn in this vital lesson.

What you will learn

• Find out what it takes to be a paid writer
• Understand what a writer's life is really like, and learn how to deal with rejection
• Learn tips for self-editing and productive researching
• Find out how to submit queries and land feature writing assignments for magazines and e-zines
• Develop a working knowledge of writing novels and nonfiction books, what the publishers are looking for, and how to submit writing
• Understand what it means to be a ghostwriter, how to find clients, and how to develop and maintain a strong working relationship with your clients
• Gain knowledge of the business side of writing as it pertains to advances, royalties, letters of commitment and intent, invoices, and releases

How you will benefit

• Become more efficient in your writing time management and learn how to market your products like a pro
• Understand the ins and outs of writing for money and become more confident in your ability to succeed
• Develop a new career path as you successfully learn to make money from your writing

Eva Shaw, Ph.D. is a full-time working writer. She has authored thousands of articles, essays, and short stories and more than 70 books including "Writing the Nonfiction Book" and "Insider's Guide to San Diego." Her work has been featured in USA Today, San Diego Union Tribune, Publisher's Weekly, and others. She has won several awards, including the Book of the Year Award from the American Journal of Nursing, the Benjamin Franklin Award, and the Woman of Merit Award.

You really can make money with your writing. Whether you want to create your own business, add to your income, supplement your retirement, or boost what you're earning as a writer, you'll find the how-to's here.

You really can make money with your writing. Whether you want to create your own business, add to your income, supplement your retirement, or boost what you're earning as a writer, you'll find the how-to's here. You'll learn secrets, methods, and tips to help you generate income with your writing. This class includes all the practical information that so rarely gets taught in writing classes.

In most courses and social groups it's taboo to discuss money, but not here. This course embraces it! Making money is the focus of the lessons. You'll explore a dozen genres that can help you establish a sometime, part-time, or full-time career as a writer. Along the way, you'll learn methods to work faster, suffer less rejection, and bring home more bacon. Fulfilling (and lucrative) writing work is waiting for you!

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Learn the secrets, methods, and tips to help you generate money with your writing. Whether you want to create your own business, add to your income, supplement your retirement, or boost what you're earning as a writer, this class includes practical information that rarely gets taught in writing classes.

Getting in Gear to Write

Where do great ideas come from? How do best-selling authors get to be that way? What makes writing so very scary, intimidating, delicious, and wickedly wonderful? How are words pulled from nothingness and zapped to the screen or printed page? What makes writing nearly addictive to one group of humanity and yet an overwhelming task for others? Are there born writers? Can anyone learn to write? Why do some people get published and others fail? In this lesson, you'll start learning the answers to those questions and begin the journey to becoming a better writer.

The Writing Life

Have you ever heard that to be a writer, you only need a pen and paper? That's true. Yet, too many writers throw in other requirements—from a year of unfettered time, to a trust fund that will keep them in caviar until the royalties come flooding in. This lesson will delve more deeply into the writing life as it exposes some myths about writing.

Self-Editing and Researching

This lesson will discuss self-editing and researching. Self-editing and researching are both skills you'll want to learn so that you can sell your work. It's highly unlikely that you'll ever sell a first draft, and it's equally as unlikely that you'll sell something you didn't research. This lesson will teach you some simple tricks to make your work shine!

Writing for Magazines

This lesson could be called Magazine Writing 101. If you've written for magazines before, then this lesson will be a refresher or a nudge. If you haven't written for magazines and would like to, then you'll find out indispensable information that will get you going. With this info, you could find your niche and begin making money as a freelancer, possibly while you're working on your novel.

Writing and Selling Other Short Works

The previous lesson focused on writing nonfiction articles for popular magazines. But you won't find every magazine that uses freelance work in your grocery store or big super bookstore. There are magazines, publications, and periodicals with an otherwise large distribution that never even get to these places. Those magazines are always looking for new short works such as short stories, columns, essays, and poetry. This lesson will talk about how you can sell your short works to magazines and newspapers.

Writing Novels

Some writers just love to write long fiction and have a story that is burning to get out. If you fit into this group, or just wonder how one goes about writing a novel, then this lesson should speak to you. You'll find out why some people need to get that book out and what it takes to do so. By the end of this lesson, you'll have a working knowledge of the genre possibilities and what it takes to write a novel. You'll learn how stories are found, how some famous novelists were discovered, how to stay motivated, and what has stopped a few hopeful writers from writing.

Writing Nonfiction Books

Now it's time to give the nonfiction genres a turn. Adults are infatuated with nonfiction and it sells better than any other type of book. There are scads of different genres in nonfiction books. In this lesson, you'll focus on the types of nonfiction writing and how to get a project started, written, and noticed by publishers and agents. Nonfiction books concern real people, places, events, information, or situations. Whether you're addicted to reading nonfiction, or just want to learn all you can about writing, this lesson will give you valuable information that will help you better understand the world of publishing.

Ghostwriting

What does it mean to be a ghost in the literary world? This lesson will give you the scoop on this lucrative business. If you have a talent for emulating peoples' voices, and if you're fast, efficient, and good with people, this might be the field for you. This lesson will talk about how to advertise and find clients, how to select appropriate clients, and how to maintain a good working relationship so that you can produce the best book possible.

The Roles of Editors and Agents

This lesson will talk about the roles of editors and agents. Specifically, you'll find out what each of their jobs includes and why you need to know this information. If you're currently writing a novel or a nonfiction book, gathering a collection of poetry or short stories, or maybe just dabbling in the idea, you'll want to read this lesson carefully. Find out how agents interact with editors at publishing houses and how you can interact with agents and editors.

Self-Publishing and E-Publishing

Attend any writing conference or sit with a group of published writers, and you're bound to hear words like: self-publishing, POD, copublishing and e-publishing. This lesson will discuss the options that are often called alternative publishing. If you're serious about joining the world as a writer, you should be aware of these options. They're not for everyone, but the information you'll receive will help you make sound career and financial decisions.

The Business Side of Writing

This lesson is all about the legal side of writing. You'll learn about sample agreements and contracts that will help keep you in good stead as you become the writer of your dreams. The lesson will also talk about royalties, advances, and the scoop on that lovely green stuff that pays the bills.

Time Management and Marketing for All Writers

Saturday comes, finally. The house looks like a disaster hit. The kids need shoes, the dog has a vet's appointment, and you swear that the health department might condemn the car. Unlike Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, you can't seem to click your heels hard enough to make it all disappear. You've got a yearning, a deep burning to write, but the clutter, the mess, the hours spent doing things for others (okay, and procrastination) are eating at your heart. What does all of this have to do with creativity? Check the clock, because it's all about time management, and that's what you'll learn in this vital lesson.

What you will learn

• Find out what it takes to be a paid writer
• Understand what a writer's life is really like, and learn how to deal with rejection
• Learn tips for self-editing and productive researching
• Find out how to submit queries and land feature writing assignments for magazines and e-zines
• Develop a working knowledge of writing novels and nonfiction books, what the publishers are looking for, and how to submit writing
• Understand what it means to be a ghostwriter, how to find clients, and how to develop and maintain a strong working relationship with your clients
• Gain knowledge of the business side of writing as it pertains to advances, royalties, letters of commitment and intent, invoices, and releases

How you will benefit

• Become more efficient in your writing time management and learn how to market your products like a pro
• Understand the ins and outs of writing for money and become more confident in your ability to succeed
• Develop a new career path as you successfully learn to make money from your writing

Eva Shaw, Ph.D. is a full-time working writer. She has authored thousands of articles, essays, and short stories and more than 70 books including "Writing the Nonfiction Book" and "Insider's Guide to San Diego." Her work has been featured in USA Today, San Diego Union Tribune, Publisher's Weekly, and others. She has won several awards, including the Book of the Year Award from the American Journal of Nursing, the Benjamin Franklin Award, and the Woman of Merit Award.

You really can make money with your writing. Whether you want to create your own business, add to your income, supplement your retirement, or boost what you're earning as a writer, you'll find the how-to's here.

You really can make money with your writing. Whether you want to create your own business, add to your income, supplement your retirement, or boost what you're earning as a writer, you'll find the how-to's here. You'll learn secrets, methods, and tips to help you generate income with your writing. This class includes all the practical information that so rarely gets taught in writing classes.

In most courses and social groups it's taboo to discuss money, but not here. This course embraces it! Making money is the focus of the lessons. You'll explore a dozen genres that can help you establish a sometime, part-time, or full-time career as a writer. Along the way, you'll learn methods to work faster, suffer less rejection, and bring home more bacon. Fulfilling (and lucrative) writing work is waiting for you!

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Learn the secrets, methods, and tips to help you generate money with your writing. Whether you want to create your own business, add to your income, supplement your retirement, or boost what you're earning as a writer, this class includes practical information that rarely gets taught in writing classes.

Getting in Gear to Write

Where do great ideas come from? How do best-selling authors get to be that way? What makes writing so very scary, intimidating, delicious, and wickedly wonderful? How are words pulled from nothingness and zapped to the screen or printed page? What makes writing nearly addictive to one group of humanity and yet an overwhelming task for others? Are there born writers? Can anyone learn to write? Why do some people get published and others fail? In this lesson, you'll start learning the answers to those questions and begin the journey to becoming a better writer.

The Writing Life

Have you ever heard that to be a writer, you only need a pen and paper? That's true. Yet, too many writers throw in other requirements—from a year of unfettered time, to a trust fund that will keep them in caviar until the royalties come flooding in. This lesson will delve more deeply into the writing life as it exposes some myths about writing.

Self-Editing and Researching

This lesson will discuss self-editing and researching. Self-editing and researching are both skills you'll want to learn so that you can sell your work. It's highly unlikely that you'll ever sell a first draft, and it's equally as unlikely that you'll sell something you didn't research. This lesson will teach you some simple tricks to make your work shine!

Writing for Magazines

This lesson could be called Magazine Writing 101. If you've written for magazines before, then this lesson will be a refresher or a nudge. If you haven't written for magazines and would like to, then you'll find out indispensable information that will get you going. With this info, you could find your niche and begin making money as a freelancer, possibly while you're working on your novel.

Writing and Selling Other Short Works

The previous lesson focused on writing nonfiction articles for popular magazines. But you won't find every magazine that uses freelance work in your grocery store or big super bookstore. There are magazines, publications, and periodicals with an otherwise large distribution that never even get to these places. Those magazines are always looking for new short works such as short stories, columns, essays, and poetry. This lesson will talk about how you can sell your short works to magazines and newspapers.

Writing Novels

Some writers just love to write long fiction and have a story that is burning to get out. If you fit into this group, or just wonder how one goes about writing a novel, then this lesson should speak to you. You'll find out why some people need to get that book out and what it takes to do so. By the end of this lesson, you'll have a working knowledge of the genre possibilities and what it takes to write a novel. You'll learn how stories are found, how some famous novelists were discovered, how to stay motivated, and what has stopped a few hopeful writers from writing.

Writing Nonfiction Books

Now it's time to give the nonfiction genres a turn. Adults are infatuated with nonfiction and it sells better than any other type of book. There are scads of different genres in nonfiction books. In this lesson, you'll focus on the types of nonfiction writing and how to get a project started, written, and noticed by publishers and agents. Nonfiction books concern real people, places, events, information, or situations. Whether you're addicted to reading nonfiction, or just want to learn all you can about writing, this lesson will give you valuable information that will help you better understand the world of publishing.

Ghostwriting

What does it mean to be a ghost in the literary world? This lesson will give you the scoop on this lucrative business. If you have a talent for emulating peoples' voices, and if you're fast, efficient, and good with people, this might be the field for you. This lesson will talk about how to advertise and find clients, how to select appropriate clients, and how to maintain a good working relationship so that you can produce the best book possible.

The Roles of Editors and Agents

This lesson will talk about the roles of editors and agents. Specifically, you'll find out what each of their jobs includes and why you need to know this information. If you're currently writing a novel or a nonfiction book, gathering a collection of poetry or short stories, or maybe just dabbling in the idea, you'll want to read this lesson carefully. Find out how agents interact with editors at publishing houses and how you can interact with agents and editors.

Self-Publishing and E-Publishing

Attend any writing conference or sit with a group of published writers, and you're bound to hear words like: self-publishing, POD, copublishing and e-publishing. This lesson will discuss the options that are often called alternative publishing. If you're serious about joining the world as a writer, you should be aware of these options. They're not for everyone, but the information you'll receive will help you make sound career and financial decisions.

The Business Side of Writing

This lesson is all about the legal side of writing. You'll learn about sample agreements and contracts that will help keep you in good stead as you become the writer of your dreams. The lesson will also talk about royalties, advances, and the scoop on that lovely green stuff that pays the bills.

Time Management and Marketing for All Writers

Saturday comes, finally. The house looks like a disaster hit. The kids need shoes, the dog has a vet's appointment, and you swear that the health department might condemn the car. Unlike Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, you can't seem to click your heels hard enough to make it all disappear. You've got a yearning, a deep burning to write, but the clutter, the mess, the hours spent doing things for others (okay, and procrastination) are eating at your heart. What does all of this have to do with creativity? Check the clock, because it's all about time management, and that's what you'll learn in this vital lesson.

What you will learn

• Find out what it takes to be a paid writer
• Understand what a writer's life is really like, and learn how to deal with rejection
• Learn tips for self-editing and productive researching
• Find out how to submit queries and land feature writing assignments for magazines and e-zines
• Develop a working knowledge of writing novels and nonfiction books, what the publishers are looking for, and how to submit writing
• Understand what it means to be a ghostwriter, how to find clients, and how to develop and maintain a strong working relationship with your clients
• Gain knowledge of the business side of writing as it pertains to advances, royalties, letters of commitment and intent, invoices, and releases

How you will benefit

• Become more efficient in your writing time management and learn how to market your products like a pro
• Understand the ins and outs of writing for money and become more confident in your ability to succeed
• Develop a new career path as you successfully learn to make money from your writing

Eva Shaw, Ph.D. is a full-time working writer. She has authored thousands of articles, essays, and short stories and more than 70 books including "Writing the Nonfiction Book" and "Insider's Guide to San Diego." Her work has been featured in USA Today, San Diego Union Tribune, Publisher's Weekly, and others. She has won several awards, including the Book of the Year Award from the American Journal of Nursing, the Benjamin Franklin Award, and the Woman of Merit Award.

Discover how to translate your love of animals into a fun and profitable career.

If you're an animal lover, find out how you can start your own pet sitting business to translate your passion into a profitable career! In this course, you will master the essentials of running a cat and dog sitting business. You'll begin with pet care, including nutrition, exercise, first aid, and the identification of common diseases. You will learn the basics of first aid and find out how to administer pills, liquid medications, and injections to an uncooperative cat or dog. You will discover how to handle home visits and impress your potential clients. You'll also explore sticky situations that can arise, such as lost pets, pets that die unexpectedly, and pets that need immediate veterinary care.

In addition, you will delve into finances and explore start-up costs, accounting, fee setting, business plans, and low-cost marketing. You will discover how to obtain required insurance, hire employees as your business expands, and entice financial institutions to loan you money. Then, you will look at opportunities for expanding your pet sitting services. Is a dog-walking service right for you? Can you train puppies? Do you want to look after other animals, including horses? By the end of this course, you will have all the knowledge you need to become a professional pet sitter. In addition, you will discover how your pet sitting business can grow to continually challenge and satisfy you.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Discover how you can turn your love of animals into a profitable pet-sitting career. This course covers everything you need to know about caring for pets from nutrition, exercise and first aid and everything that goes into starting a successful business.

Welcome to the World of Pet Sitting

Are you a bona fide animal fan? Do you love nothing more than a long walk with a furry friend? If so, then a career in pet sitting may be just right for you. In this first lesson, you'll discover what pet sitters do, what the many benefits are, and how to determine if there's a strong market for this business in your area. The good news is, you don't need lots of money to get started—your love for animals, your strong sense of responsibility, and the knowledge and skills you'll learn in this course will take you far!

Caring for Dogs

In this lesson, you'll find out how to care for dogs. You'll see that feeding is more than just putting food in a bowl as you discover how to determine food and water quantities for the dogs you care for. You'll also learn about some of the ways to help Spot get the exercise he needs without overdoing. You'll examine a dog's vital signs and learn how to accurately assess the overall health of your canine clients. Finally, you'll consider two emergency situations that can mean the difference between life and death for a dog and outline what to do if they arise.

Caring for Cats

In this lesson, you'll gain an understanding of all the ways that cats are not just little dogs. You'll see that feline nutritional requirements are unique, and you'll explore the latest guidelines for ensuring that cats get the nutrition they need. From hair balls and abscesses to more serious conditions, such as thromboembolism and urinary blockages, you'll examine the particular health concerns you'll need to be aware of as you care for cats. You'll learn how to identify these diseases as well as others and evaluate a cat's vital signs so that you can be alert to emergency situations.

Canine and Feline Behavior

Can you tell a timid dog that's smiling from an aggressive one that's baring his teeth? What would cause a cat to use your sofa for a litter box? In this lesson, you'll gain insights into how dogs and cats think. You'll gather quick tips on how to protect yourself when working with aggressive cats and dogs and also learn strategies for dealing with common feline and canine behavioral issues you'll encounter as you care for them.

Pet First Aid and Emergencies

In this lesson, you'll learn how to recognize and deal with emergencies that can arise in your role as a pet sitter. You'll find out what to do if one of the pets in your care is bleeding, has an allergic reaction, or experiences shock. You'll find out what to do with conditions such as vomiting and diarrhea, foreign bodies, and eye problems, and what to do during the birthing process. You'll then learn about poisoning and examine common toxins that pets may encounter. Finally, you'll learn what to include in a first aid kit and how to respond to emergencies.

The First Meeting, Finances, and Organizing Yourself

Have you ever gone into an interview totally unprepared for what happened? Did you make a poor impression? This will never happen to you in pet sitting! In this lesson, you'll find out how to make the best impression to a new client—what to say and how to act. You'll also consider how to assess the impression prospective clients are making on you—and how to refuse a client. Next, you'll gain an appreciation of how much you can earn and how many calls you can do in a day. Lastly, you'll look at how to get organized so that you can get the most out of your new business.

Servicing Clients and Home Visits

In this lesson, you get right into the thick of your new career by finding out what to do during the home visit. You'll learn about what kind of information to get from your clients in advance and how to assess their needs based on the kind of services they request. Next, you'll explore all the elements of a home visit, from managing keys and alarm systems to feeding, exercise, and everything you need to do to keep the pets healthy and happy. Finally, you'll get a first look at some of the little extra things you can do to offer the kind of service that keeps your clients coming back for more.

Sticky Situations and Medicating Pets

What happens when a pet you're caring for gets lost? What if the animal needs expensive veterinary care? Will you be stuck with the bill? In this lesson, you'll learn to cope with some of those sticky situations that pet sitters occasionally run into on the job. This includes losing a pet, the sudden death of a pet, as well as handling medical emergencies. You'll also learn how to handle some literally sticky situations—such as how to administer injections, eye and ear drops, and other kinds of medication.

How to Market Your Pet Sitting Business

There are countless ways to get clients to call you and book your services. In this lesson, you'll discover the different tools and techniques you can use to build your clientele. You'll start with basic marketing materials and see how to exude a professional image through business cards and brochures. Then, you'll delve into advertising and consider whether paid advertisements are worth the money. The lesson will also discuss how to use things like press releases and social media to get free publicity and whether joining professional organizations can boost your business. Finally, you'll explore ways to establish and deepen your relationship with clients once you've caught their attention—from how to handle that first phone call to special things you can do to keep clients happy and loyal.

How to Set up a Business

At this point, you've developed the skills and knowledge to be a successful pet sitter. But how do you set up shop? In this lesson, you'll see how to establish your business, including both your actual office and the legal structures you have to have in place to keep your venture stable. You'll learn about the licenses you'll need and get a good sense of why contracts with customers are so important. You'll appreciate the different types of insurance, both for the business and you personally. Finally, you'll learn the ins and outs of employees—when to hire them and what they cost.

Accounting, Money Management, and the Business Plan

Time to hit the books—the financial books, that is. In this lesson, you'll delve into the world of accounting so that you can see where your business is heading financially. You'll find out how to determine start-up costs as well as the ongoing costs of running a pet sitting business. You'll also come face to face with the necessity of getting your bills paid, and get some suggestions to ensure your clients pay in a timely fashion. Finally, you'll explore the importance of writing a business plan to set a road map for success and help you convince lenders that your new business is a solid investment.

Expanding the Business for Fun and Profit

You'll discover that pet sitting doesn't have to be just feeding and watering the cat or dog. As a pet sitter, you are perfectly positioned to add other services. This can include grooming the animals, cutting their nails, and brushing their teeth. There are also services like dog walking, training, puppy care, pet taxi, home sitting, and even poop scooping. You'll then take a look at other kinds of animals, each of which requires their own expertise.

What you will learn

• Learn what pet sitters do
• Gain an understanding of how dogs and cats are different and require different care
• Learn about feeding, watering, and exercising pets
• Discover different emergency situations you may encounter and how to handle them
• Learn what to do when a cat or dog becomes aggressive and some strategies for dealing with behavioral issues
• Learn how to make a good impression when talking to prospective clients
• Learn the types of questions to ask and the information you need from your clients when making your initial home visit
• Learn what to do when a pet gets lost or needs expensive veterinary care
• Discover tools and techniques for building your clientele
• Learn what you will need to establish your business, including licenses, contracts, and insurance
• Learn to create a business plan to determine start-up costs as well as the ongoing costs of running a pet business
• Discover other services you can offer such as grooming, nail clipping, dog walking, puppy training, etc.

How you will benefit

• If you are an animal lover, turn your passion into a profitable career
• Master the essentials of running a cat and dog sitting business
• Discover how a pet sitting business can grow to continually challenge and satisfy you

Jeff Grognet has been a companion animal veterinarian for 25 years. He was a pioneer in the field of veterinary assistant teaching, developing his first course more than 18 years ago. Due to the success of his veterinary receptionist/assistant courses, he expanded his teaching into other high-demand areas including pet first aid and alternative medical therapies for companion animals. He practices at a veterinary hospital and contributes regularly to several magazines.

Discover how to translate your love of animals into a fun and profitable career.

If you're an animal lover, find out how you can start your own pet sitting business to translate your passion into a profitable career! In this course, you will master the essentials of running a cat and dog sitting business. You'll begin with pet care, including nutrition, exercise, first aid, and the identification of common diseases. You will learn the basics of first aid and find out how to administer pills, liquid medications, and injections to an uncooperative cat or dog. You will discover how to handle home visits and impress your potential clients. You'll also explore sticky situations that can arise, such as lost pets, pets that die unexpectedly, and pets that need immediate veterinary care.

In addition, you will delve into finances and explore start-up costs, accounting, fee setting, business plans, and low-cost marketing. You will discover how to obtain required insurance, hire employees as your business expands, and entice financial institutions to loan you money. Then, you will look at opportunities for expanding your pet sitting services. Is a dog-walking service right for you? Can you train puppies? Do you want to look after other animals, including horses? By the end of this course, you will have all the knowledge you need to become a professional pet sitter. In addition, you will discover how your pet sitting business can grow to continually challenge and satisfy you.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Discover how you can turn your love of animals into a profitable pet-sitting career. This course covers everything you need to know about caring for pets from nutrition, exercise and first aid and everything that goes into starting a successful business.

Welcome to the World of Pet Sitting

Are you a bona fide animal fan? Do you love nothing more than a long walk with a furry friend? If so, then a career in pet sitting may be just right for you. In this first lesson, you'll discover what pet sitters do, what the many benefits are, and how to determine if there's a strong market for this business in your area. The good news is, you don't need lots of money to get started—your love for animals, your strong sense of responsibility, and the knowledge and skills you'll learn in this course will take you far!

Caring for Dogs

In this lesson, you'll find out how to care for dogs. You'll see that feeding is more than just putting food in a bowl as you discover how to determine food and water quantities for the dogs you care for. You'll also learn about some of the ways to help Spot get the exercise he needs without overdoing. You'll examine a dog's vital signs and learn how to accurately assess the overall health of your canine clients. Finally, you'll consider two emergency situations that can mean the difference between life and death for a dog and outline what to do if they arise.

Caring for Cats

In this lesson, you'll gain an understanding of all the ways that cats are not just little dogs. You'll see that feline nutritional requirements are unique, and you'll explore the latest guidelines for ensuring that cats get the nutrition they need. From hair balls and abscesses to more serious conditions, such as thromboembolism and urinary blockages, you'll examine the particular health concerns you'll need to be aware of as you care for cats. You'll learn how to identify these diseases as well as others and evaluate a cat's vital signs so that you can be alert to emergency situations.

Canine and Feline Behavior

Can you tell a timid dog that's smiling from an aggressive one that's baring his teeth? What would cause a cat to use your sofa for a litter box? In this lesson, you'll gain insights into how dogs and cats think. You'll gather quick tips on how to protect yourself when working with aggressive cats and dogs and also learn strategies for dealing with common feline and canine behavioral issues you'll encounter as you care for them.

Pet First Aid and Emergencies

In this lesson, you'll learn how to recognize and deal with emergencies that can arise in your role as a pet sitter. You'll find out what to do if one of the pets in your care is bleeding, has an allergic reaction, or experiences shock. You'll find out what to do with conditions such as vomiting and diarrhea, foreign bodies, and eye problems, and what to do during the birthing process. You'll then learn about poisoning and examine common toxins that pets may encounter. Finally, you'll learn what to include in a first aid kit and how to respond to emergencies.

The First Meeting, Finances, and Organizing Yourself

Have you ever gone into an interview totally unprepared for what happened? Did you make a poor impression? This will never happen to you in pet sitting! In this lesson, you'll find out how to make the best impression to a new client—what to say and how to act. You'll also consider how to assess the impression prospective clients are making on you—and how to refuse a client. Next, you'll gain an appreciation of how much you can earn and how many calls you can do in a day. Lastly, you'll look at how to get organized so that you can get the most out of your new business.

Servicing Clients and Home Visits

In this lesson, you get right into the thick of your new career by finding out what to do during the home visit. You'll learn about what kind of information to get from your clients in advance and how to assess their needs based on the kind of services they request. Next, you'll explore all the elements of a home visit, from managing keys and alarm systems to feeding, exercise, and everything you need to do to keep the pets healthy and happy. Finally, you'll get a first look at some of the little extra things you can do to offer the kind of service that keeps your clients coming back for more.

Sticky Situations and Medicating Pets

What happens when a pet you're caring for gets lost? What if the animal needs expensive veterinary care? Will you be stuck with the bill? In this lesson, you'll learn to cope with some of those sticky situations that pet sitters occasionally run into on the job. This includes losing a pet, the sudden death of a pet, as well as handling medical emergencies. You'll also learn how to handle some literally sticky situations—such as how to administer injections, eye and ear drops, and other kinds of medication.

How to Market Your Pet Sitting Business

There are countless ways to get clients to call you and book your services. In this lesson, you'll discover the different tools and techniques you can use to build your clientele. You'll start with basic marketing materials and see how to exude a professional image through business cards and brochures. Then, you'll delve into advertising and consider whether paid advertisements are worth the money. The lesson will also discuss how to use things like press releases and social media to get free publicity and whether joining professional organizations can boost your business. Finally, you'll explore ways to establish and deepen your relationship with clients once you've caught their attention—from how to handle that first phone call to special things you can do to keep clients happy and loyal.

How to Set up a Business

At this point, you've developed the skills and knowledge to be a successful pet sitter. But how do you set up shop? In this lesson, you'll see how to establish your business, including both your actual office and the legal structures you have to have in place to keep your venture stable. You'll learn about the licenses you'll need and get a good sense of why contracts with customers are so important. You'll appreciate the different types of insurance, both for the business and you personally. Finally, you'll learn the ins and outs of employees—when to hire them and what they cost.

Accounting, Money Management, and the Business Plan

Time to hit the books—the financial books, that is. In this lesson, you'll delve into the world of accounting so that you can see where your business is heading financially. You'll find out how to determine start-up costs as well as the ongoing costs of running a pet sitting business. You'll also come face to face with the necessity of getting your bills paid, and get some suggestions to ensure your clients pay in a timely fashion. Finally, you'll explore the importance of writing a business plan to set a road map for success and help you convince lenders that your new business is a solid investment.

Expanding the Business for Fun and Profit

You'll discover that pet sitting doesn't have to be just feeding and watering the cat or dog. As a pet sitter, you are perfectly positioned to add other services. This can include grooming the animals, cutting their nails, and brushing their teeth. There are also services like dog walking, training, puppy care, pet taxi, home sitting, and even poop scooping. You'll then take a look at other kinds of animals, each of which requires their own expertise.

What you will learn

• Learn what pet sitters do
• Gain an understanding of how dogs and cats are different and require different care
• Learn about feeding, watering, and exercising pets
• Discover different emergency situations you may encounter and how to handle them
• Learn what to do when a cat or dog becomes aggressive and some strategies for dealing with behavioral issues
• Learn how to make a good impression when talking to prospective clients
• Learn the types of questions to ask and the information you need from your clients when making your initial home visit
• Learn what to do when a pet gets lost or needs expensive veterinary care
• Discover tools and techniques for building your clientele
• Learn what you will need to establish your business, including licenses, contracts, and insurance
• Learn to create a business plan to determine start-up costs as well as the ongoing costs of running a pet business
• Discover other services you can offer such as grooming, nail clipping, dog walking, puppy training, etc.

How you will benefit

• If you are an animal lover, turn your passion into a profitable career
• Master the essentials of running a cat and dog sitting business
• Discover how a pet sitting business can grow to continually challenge and satisfy you

Jeff Grognet has been a companion animal veterinarian for 25 years. He was a pioneer in the field of veterinary assistant teaching, developing his first course more than 18 years ago. Due to the success of his veterinary receptionist/assistant courses, he expanded his teaching into other high-demand areas including pet first aid and alternative medical therapies for companion animals. He practices at a veterinary hospital and contributes regularly to several magazines.

Discover how to translate your love of animals into a fun and profitable career.

If you're an animal lover, find out how you can start your own pet sitting business to translate your passion into a profitable career! In this course, you will master the essentials of running a cat and dog sitting business. You'll begin with pet care, including nutrition, exercise, first aid, and the identification of common diseases. You will learn the basics of first aid and find out how to administer pills, liquid medications, and injections to an uncooperative cat or dog. You will discover how to handle home visits and impress your potential clients. You'll also explore sticky situations that can arise, such as lost pets, pets that die unexpectedly, and pets that need immediate veterinary care.

In addition, you will delve into finances and explore start-up costs, accounting, fee setting, business plans, and low-cost marketing. You will discover how to obtain required insurance, hire employees as your business expands, and entice financial institutions to loan you money. Then, you will look at opportunities for expanding your pet sitting services. Is a dog-walking service right for you? Can you train puppies? Do you want to look after other animals, including horses? By the end of this course, you will have all the knowledge you need to become a professional pet sitter. In addition, you will discover how your pet sitting business can grow to continually challenge and satisfy you.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Discover how you can turn your love of animals into a profitable pet-sitting career. This course covers everything you need to know about caring for pets from nutrition, exercise and first aid and everything that goes into starting a successful business.

Welcome to the World of Pet Sitting

Are you a bona fide animal fan? Do you love nothing more than a long walk with a furry friend? If so, then a career in pet sitting may be just right for you. In this first lesson, you'll discover what pet sitters do, what the many benefits are, and how to determine if there's a strong market for this business in your area. The good news is, you don't need lots of money to get started—your love for animals, your strong sense of responsibility, and the knowledge and skills you'll learn in this course will take you far!

Caring for Dogs

In this lesson, you'll find out how to care for dogs. You'll see that feeding is more than just putting food in a bowl as you discover how to determine food and water quantities for the dogs you care for. You'll also learn about some of the ways to help Spot get the exercise he needs without overdoing. You'll examine a dog's vital signs and learn how to accurately assess the overall health of your canine clients. Finally, you'll consider two emergency situations that can mean the difference between life and death for a dog and outline what to do if they arise.

Caring for Cats

In this lesson, you'll gain an understanding of all the ways that cats are not just little dogs. You'll see that feline nutritional requirements are unique, and you'll explore the latest guidelines for ensuring that cats get the nutrition they need. From hair balls and abscesses to more serious conditions, such as thromboembolism and urinary blockages, you'll examine the particular health concerns you'll need to be aware of as you care for cats. You'll learn how to identify these diseases as well as others and evaluate a cat's vital signs so that you can be alert to emergency situations.

Canine and Feline Behavior

Can you tell a timid dog that's smiling from an aggressive one that's baring his teeth? What would cause a cat to use your sofa for a litter box? In this lesson, you'll gain insights into how dogs and cats think. You'll gather quick tips on how to protect yourself when working with aggressive cats and dogs and also learn strategies for dealing with common feline and canine behavioral issues you'll encounter as you care for them.

Pet First Aid and Emergencies

In this lesson, you'll learn how to recognize and deal with emergencies that can arise in your role as a pet sitter. You'll find out what to do if one of the pets in your care is bleeding, has an allergic reaction, or experiences shock. You'll find out what to do with conditions such as vomiting and diarrhea, foreign bodies, and eye problems, and what to do during the birthing process. You'll then learn about poisoning and examine common toxins that pets may encounter. Finally, you'll learn what to include in a first aid kit and how to respond to emergencies.

The First Meeting, Finances, and Organizing Yourself

Have you ever gone into an interview totally unprepared for what happened? Did you make a poor impression? This will never happen to you in pet sitting! In this lesson, you'll find out how to make the best impression to a new client—what to say and how to act. You'll also consider how to assess the impression prospective clients are making on you—and how to refuse a client. Next, you'll gain an appreciation of how much you can earn and how many calls you can do in a day. Lastly, you'll look at how to get organized so that you can get the most out of your new business.

Servicing Clients and Home Visits

In this lesson, you get right into the thick of your new career by finding out what to do during the home visit. You'll learn about what kind of information to get from your clients in advance and how to assess their needs based on the kind of services they request. Next, you'll explore all the elements of a home visit, from managing keys and alarm systems to feeding, exercise, and everything you need to do to keep the pets healthy and happy. Finally, you'll get a first look at some of the little extra things you can do to offer the kind of service that keeps your clients coming back for more.

Sticky Situations and Medicating Pets

What happens when a pet you're caring for gets lost? What if the animal needs expensive veterinary care? Will you be stuck with the bill? In this lesson, you'll learn to cope with some of those sticky situations that pet sitters occasionally run into on the job. This includes losing a pet, the sudden death of a pet, as well as handling medical emergencies. You'll also learn how to handle some literally sticky situations—such as how to administer injections, eye and ear drops, and other kinds of medication.

How to Market Your Pet Sitting Business

There are countless ways to get clients to call you and book your services. In this lesson, you'll discover the different tools and techniques you can use to build your clientele. You'll start with basic marketing materials and see how to exude a professional image through business cards and brochures. Then, you'll delve into advertising and consider whether paid advertisements are worth the money. The lesson will also discuss how to use things like press releases and social media to get free publicity and whether joining professional organizations can boost your business. Finally, you'll explore ways to establish and deepen your relationship with clients once you've caught their attention—from how to handle that first phone call to special things you can do to keep clients happy and loyal.

How to Set up a Business

At this point, you've developed the skills and knowledge to be a successful pet sitter. But how do you set up shop? In this lesson, you'll see how to establish your business, including both your actual office and the legal structures you have to have in place to keep your venture stable. You'll learn about the licenses you'll need and get a good sense of why contracts with customers are so important. You'll appreciate the different types of insurance, both for the business and you personally. Finally, you'll learn the ins and outs of employees—when to hire them and what they cost.

Accounting, Money Management, and the Business Plan

Time to hit the books—the financial books, that is. In this lesson, you'll delve into the world of accounting so that you can see where your business is heading financially. You'll find out how to determine start-up costs as well as the ongoing costs of running a pet sitting business. You'll also come face to face with the necessity of getting your bills paid, and get some suggestions to ensure your clients pay in a timely fashion. Finally, you'll explore the importance of writing a business plan to set a road map for success and help you convince lenders that your new business is a solid investment.

Expanding the Business for Fun and Profit

You'll discover that pet sitting doesn't have to be just feeding and watering the cat or dog. As a pet sitter, you are perfectly positioned to add other services. This can include grooming the animals, cutting their nails, and brushing their teeth. There are also services like dog walking, training, puppy care, pet taxi, home sitting, and even poop scooping. You'll then take a look at other kinds of animals, each of which requires their own expertise.

What you will learn

• Learn what pet sitters do
• Gain an understanding of how dogs and cats are different and require different care
• Learn about feeding, watering, and exercising pets
• Discover different emergency situations you may encounter and how to handle them
• Learn what to do when a cat or dog becomes aggressive and some strategies for dealing with behavioral issues
• Learn how to make a good impression when talking to prospective clients
• Learn the types of questions to ask and the information you need from your clients when making your initial home visit
• Learn what to do when a pet gets lost or needs expensive veterinary care
• Discover tools and techniques for building your clientele
• Learn what you will need to establish your business, including licenses, contracts, and insurance
• Learn to create a business plan to determine start-up costs as well as the ongoing costs of running a pet business
• Discover other services you can offer such as grooming, nail clipping, dog walking, puppy training, etc.

How you will benefit

• If you are an animal lover, turn your passion into a profitable career
• Master the essentials of running a cat and dog sitting business
• Discover how a pet sitting business can grow to continually challenge and satisfy you

Jeff Grognet has been a companion animal veterinarian for 25 years. He was a pioneer in the field of veterinary assistant teaching, developing his first course more than 18 years ago. Due to the success of his veterinary receptionist/assistant courses, he expanded his teaching into other high-demand areas including pet first aid and alternative medical therapies for companion animals. He practices at a veterinary hospital and contributes regularly to several magazines.

Discover how to translate your love of animals into a fun and profitable career.

If you're an animal lover, find out how you can start your own pet sitting business to translate your passion into a profitable career! In this course, you will master the essentials of running a cat and dog sitting business. You'll begin with pet care, including nutrition, exercise, first aid, and the identification of common diseases. You will learn the basics of first aid and find out how to administer pills, liquid medications, and injections to an uncooperative cat or dog. You will discover how to handle home visits and impress your potential clients. You'll also explore sticky situations that can arise, such as lost pets, pets that die unexpectedly, and pets that need immediate veterinary care.

In addition, you will delve into finances and explore start-up costs, accounting, fee setting, business plans, and low-cost marketing. You will discover how to obtain required insurance, hire employees as your business expands, and entice financial institutions to loan you money. Then, you will look at opportunities for expanding your pet sitting services. Is a dog-walking service right for you? Can you train puppies? Do you want to look after other animals, including horses? By the end of this course, you will have all the knowledge you need to become a professional pet sitter. In addition, you will discover how your pet sitting business can grow to continually challenge and satisfy you.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Discover how you can turn your love of animals into a profitable pet-sitting career. This course covers everything you need to know about caring for pets from nutrition, exercise and first aid and everything that goes into starting a successful business.

Welcome to the World of Pet Sitting

Are you a bona fide animal fan? Do you love nothing more than a long walk with a furry friend? If so, then a career in pet sitting may be just right for you. In this first lesson, you'll discover what pet sitters do, what the many benefits are, and how to determine if there's a strong market for this business in your area. The good news is, you don't need lots of money to get started—your love for animals, your strong sense of responsibility, and the knowledge and skills you'll learn in this course will take you far!

Caring for Dogs

In this lesson, you'll find out how to care for dogs. You'll see that feeding is more than just putting food in a bowl as you discover how to determine food and water quantities for the dogs you care for. You'll also learn about some of the ways to help Spot get the exercise he needs without overdoing. You'll examine a dog's vital signs and learn how to accurately assess the overall health of your canine clients. Finally, you'll consider two emergency situations that can mean the difference between life and death for a dog and outline what to do if they arise.

Caring for Cats

In this lesson, you'll gain an understanding of all the ways that cats are not just little dogs. You'll see that feline nutritional requirements are unique, and you'll explore the latest guidelines for ensuring that cats get the nutrition they need. From hair balls and abscesses to more serious conditions, such as thromboembolism and urinary blockages, you'll examine the particular health concerns you'll need to be aware of as you care for cats. You'll learn how to identify these diseases as well as others and evaluate a cat's vital signs so that you can be alert to emergency situations.

Canine and Feline Behavior

Can you tell a timid dog that's smiling from an aggressive one that's baring his teeth? What would cause a cat to use your sofa for a litter box? In this lesson, you'll gain insights into how dogs and cats think. You'll gather quick tips on how to protect yourself when working with aggressive cats and dogs and also learn strategies for dealing with common feline and canine behavioral issues you'll encounter as you care for them.

Pet First Aid and Emergencies

In this lesson, you'll learn how to recognize and deal with emergencies that can arise in your role as a pet sitter. You'll find out what to do if one of the pets in your care is bleeding, has an allergic reaction, or experiences shock. You'll find out what to do with conditions such as vomiting and diarrhea, foreign bodies, and eye problems, and what to do during the birthing process. You'll then learn about poisoning and examine common toxins that pets may encounter. Finally, you'll learn what to include in a first aid kit and how to respond to emergencies.

The First Meeting, Finances, and Organizing Yourself

Have you ever gone into an interview totally unprepared for what happened? Did you make a poor impression? This will never happen to you in pet sitting! In this lesson, you'll find out how to make the best impression to a new client—what to say and how to act. You'll also consider how to assess the impression prospective clients are making on you—and how to refuse a client. Next, you'll gain an appreciation of how much you can earn and how many calls you can do in a day. Lastly, you'll look at how to get organized so that you can get the most out of your new business.

Servicing Clients and Home Visits

In this lesson, you get right into the thick of your new career by finding out what to do during the home visit. You'll learn about what kind of information to get from your clients in advance and how to assess their needs based on the kind of services they request. Next, you'll explore all the elements of a home visit, from managing keys and alarm systems to feeding, exercise, and everything you need to do to keep the pets healthy and happy. Finally, you'll get a first look at some of the little extra things you can do to offer the kind of service that keeps your clients coming back for more.

Sticky Situations and Medicating Pets

What happens when a pet you're caring for gets lost? What if the animal needs expensive veterinary care? Will you be stuck with the bill? In this lesson, you'll learn to cope with some of those sticky situations that pet sitters occasionally run into on the job. This includes losing a pet, the sudden death of a pet, as well as handling medical emergencies. You'll also learn how to handle some literally sticky situations—such as how to administer injections, eye and ear drops, and other kinds of medication.

How to Market Your Pet Sitting Business

There are countless ways to get clients to call you and book your services. In this lesson, you'll discover the different tools and techniques you can use to build your clientele. You'll start with basic marketing materials and see how to exude a professional image through business cards and brochures. Then, you'll delve into advertising and consider whether paid advertisements are worth the money. The lesson will also discuss how to use things like press releases and social media to get free publicity and whether joining professional organizations can boost your business. Finally, you'll explore ways to establish and deepen your relationship with clients once you've caught their attention—from how to handle that first phone call to special things you can do to keep clients happy and loyal.

How to Set up a Business

At this point, you've developed the skills and knowledge to be a successful pet sitter. But how do you set up shop? In this lesson, you'll see how to establish your business, including both your actual office and the legal structures you have to have in place to keep your venture stable. You'll learn about the licenses you'll need and get a good sense of why contracts with customers are so important. You'll appreciate the different types of insurance, both for the business and you personally. Finally, you'll learn the ins and outs of employees—when to hire them and what they cost.

Accounting, Money Management, and the Business Plan

Time to hit the books—the financial books, that is. In this lesson, you'll delve into the world of accounting so that you can see where your business is heading financially. You'll find out how to determine start-up costs as well as the ongoing costs of running a pet sitting business. You'll also come face to face with the necessity of getting your bills paid, and get some suggestions to ensure your clients pay in a timely fashion. Finally, you'll explore the importance of writing a business plan to set a road map for success and help you convince lenders that your new business is a solid investment.

Expanding the Business for Fun and Profit

You'll discover that pet sitting doesn't have to be just feeding and watering the cat or dog. As a pet sitter, you are perfectly positioned to add other services. This can include grooming the animals, cutting their nails, and brushing their teeth. There are also services like dog walking, training, puppy care, pet taxi, home sitting, and even poop scooping. You'll then take a look at other kinds of animals, each of which requires their own expertise.

What you will learn

• Learn what pet sitters do
• Gain an understanding of how dogs and cats are different and require different care
• Learn about feeding, watering, and exercising pets
• Discover different emergency situations you may encounter and how to handle them
• Learn what to do when a cat or dog becomes aggressive and some strategies for dealing with behavioral issues
• Learn how to make a good impression when talking to prospective clients
• Learn the types of questions to ask and the information you need from your clients when making your initial home visit
• Learn what to do when a pet gets lost or needs expensive veterinary care
• Discover tools and techniques for building your clientele
• Learn what you will need to establish your business, including licenses, contracts, and insurance
• Learn to create a business plan to determine start-up costs as well as the ongoing costs of running a pet business
• Discover other services you can offer such as grooming, nail clipping, dog walking, puppy training, etc.

How you will benefit

• If you are an animal lover, turn your passion into a profitable career
• Master the essentials of running a cat and dog sitting business
• Discover how a pet sitting business can grow to continually challenge and satisfy you

Jeff Grognet has been a companion animal veterinarian for 25 years. He was a pioneer in the field of veterinary assistant teaching, developing his first course more than 18 years ago. Due to the success of his veterinary receptionist/assistant courses, he expanded his teaching into other high-demand areas including pet first aid and alternative medical therapies for companion animals. He practices at a veterinary hospital and contributes regularly to several magazines.

This course will teach you how to develop the motivation, discipline, and creativity to quit your job and be your own boss.

Starting a home-based business is the hottest trend in today's challenging business environment! Learn how to be your own boss and eliminate the stress of having a job. The benefits of working from home are endless!

Earn what you deserve, be independent, have tax deductions, do away with traffic, office politics and more! Learn how to develop the entrepreneurial qualities - motivation, discipline, creativity - that you will need to succeed! This class is a great way to start your own business or enhance the one you already have.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

This course will teach you how to develop the motivation, discipline, and creativity to quit your job and be your own boss.

Introduction to Home-Based Businesses

This lesson will introduce you to the variety of reasons why most people want to operate their own home-based business. You'll take an honest look at the benefits as well as the challenges of working at home. Then, you'll see what it takes to be an entrepreneur—and if this lifestyle will work for you.

Selecting a Business

What kind of home-based business should I start? Have you asked yourself this question? Hopefully so, because this is one of the most important issues you need to consider. By thoughtfully exploring your options, you'll spare yourself costly mistakes that come with sinking your time, money, and energy into the wrong business. In this lesson, you'll focus on your talents and abilities so that your home-based business will be a great fit!

Names, Logos, and Legal Protections

Having the right name and look for your home-based business is essential. In this lesson, you'll find out how to create the image that will draw customers to you and bring them back time and again. You'll get creative with names and logos, and then you'll learn how to protect your work with fictitious name statements, trademarks, copyrights, and patents.

Zoning, Licenses, Permits, and Insurance

Did you know that not all businesses are allowed to operate from a private residence? It's vital that you are familiar with the rules and regulations for the area you live in—before you start! For that reason, you'll explore zoning laws, licenses, permits, and insurance issues in this lesson.

The Business Plan

If you want your business to succeed, then you'll need to write an effective business plan. Your home-based venture is like a road trip; to get where you want to go, you need a map that shows you where you're starting from, where your destination is, and which route you want to take. In this lesson, you will learn how to put together a step-by-step action plan. This requires thorough research into each area of your business, so plan to roll up your sleeves and get to work!

Creating a Marketing Plan

To make your business thrive, you need to market it like a professional. So in this lesson, you'll learn how to create a marketing plan. Simply providing terrific products and services is not enough—you need to know who make up your marketplace, what your objectives are, and what your competition is up to. Remember, a home-based business doesn't have a convenient storefront. You've got to be creative about letting people know what you do.

Sales Techniques

In this lesson, you'll learn a lot about the fine art of selling your product or service. It's so important to be real, to listen, and to know how to bargain and close the sale. Sound scary? Many people get cold feet when it comes to sales. Don't worry though, because this lesson will give you the key to effective selling: Developing relationships based on trust and credibility.

Banking, Record Keeping, and Taxes

Are you just dying to learn about banking, record keeping, and taxes, right? No? Well, they're not the most exciting topics, admittedly, but they are crucial to your business. In this lesson, you'll learn about expenses and deductions, maintaining the appropriate records for all your revenue, categorizing your expenses, and keeping track of sales tax. Grab a cup of coffee, and keep your eyes open for this lesson!

Setting Up Your Home Office

Do you know how to set up your office for maximum efficiency? If not, then you've come to the right place. Conducting your business from the kitchen table is really not the ideal situation. So join me and see how to find just the right area in your home that will allow you to work in a sane and productive fashion. Learn how to set boundaries for your office, figure out what size office and setup you need, and make sure your office is ergonomically and aesthetically pleasing. Taking the time to set up your home office today is an investment in your future.

Organize Your Business for Success

In this lesson, you'll delve into getting organized. To some people, the word organize sounds constricting and limiting—everything has a place and must be in it at all times. It's time to toss that idea right out the window! The goal in organizing your business is to give yourself freedom. Whether you're dealing with paperwork or time management, your system of organization should not restrict or confine you in any way. Come and see how organizing will work for you and never against you.

Your Professional Image

One thing entrepreneurs often overlook is their professional image—how their business looks to the outside world. When your 5-year-old answers the phone and starts playing guessing games with potential customers, or when your computer equipment is still running Windows XP, you've got an image problem! The impression you make through your image can bring customers to you or drive them to your competition. So, in this lesson, you'll look at what not to do and what to do regarding your personal appearance, attitude, and printed materials.

Balancing Business and Family

In all your hard work of building a business, you don't want to forget the most important people: not your customers, but your family. You'll need to clarify expectations, reach compromises that work for everybody, and especially set boundaries. In this last lesson, you'll learn how to protect your work and your relationships and have fun with both. It's all a matter of balance.

What you will learn

• Learn how to protect your work with statements, trademarks, copyrights, and patents
• Understand zoning laws, licenses, permits, and insurance issues
• Learn how to put together business and marketing plans
• Gain key effective selling techniques
• Learn about banking, record keeping, and taxes
• Understand how your professional image can affect your business

How you will benefit

• Gain confidence in your ability to run a home-based business
• Learn how to be your own boss and eliminate the stress of having a job
• Understand how to protect your work and your family relationships to succeed with both

Helene K. Liatsos is business advisor and QuickBooks Certified Advisor with more than 25 years of experience. She consults for a range of companies, from travel agencies to startups. Her company Home Office Management Experts was awarded the 2004 Home-Based Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Helene holds a Bachelor of Arts from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

This course will teach you how to develop the motivation, discipline, and creativity to quit your job and be your own boss.

Starting a home-based business is the hottest trend in today's challenging business environment! Learn how to be your own boss and eliminate the stress of having a job. The benefits of working from home are endless!

Earn what you deserve, be independent, have tax deductions, do away with traffic, office politics and more! Learn how to develop the entrepreneurial qualities - motivation, discipline, creativity - that you will need to succeed! This class is a great way to start your own business or enhance the one you already have.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

This course will teach you how to develop the motivation, discipline, and creativity to quit your job and be your own boss.

Introduction to Home-Based Businesses

This lesson will introduce you to the variety of reasons why most people want to operate their own home-based business. You'll take an honest look at the benefits as well as the challenges of working at home. Then, you'll see what it takes to be an entrepreneur—and if this lifestyle will work for you.

Selecting a Business

What kind of home-based business should I start? Have you asked yourself this question? Hopefully so, because this is one of the most important issues you need to consider. By thoughtfully exploring your options, you'll spare yourself costly mistakes that come with sinking your time, money, and energy into the wrong business. In this lesson, you'll focus on your talents and abilities so that your home-based business will be a great fit!

Names, Logos, and Legal Protections

Having the right name and look for your home-based business is essential. In this lesson, you'll find out how to create the image that will draw customers to you and bring them back time and again. You'll get creative with names and logos, and then you'll learn how to protect your work with fictitious name statements, trademarks, copyrights, and patents.

Zoning, Licenses, Permits, and Insurance

Did you know that not all businesses are allowed to operate from a private residence? It's vital that you are familiar with the rules and regulations for the area you live in—before you start! For that reason, you'll explore zoning laws, licenses, permits, and insurance issues in this lesson.

The Business Plan

If you want your business to succeed, then you'll need to write an effective business plan. Your home-based venture is like a road trip; to get where you want to go, you need a map that shows you where you're starting from, where your destination is, and which route you want to take. In this lesson, you will learn how to put together a step-by-step action plan. This requires thorough research into each area of your business, so plan to roll up your sleeves and get to work!

Creating a Marketing Plan

To make your business thrive, you need to market it like a professional. So in this lesson, you'll learn how to create a marketing plan. Simply providing terrific products and services is not enough—you need to know who make up your marketplace, what your objectives are, and what your competition is up to. Remember, a home-based business doesn't have a convenient storefront. You've got to be creative about letting people know what you do.

Sales Techniques

In this lesson, you'll learn a lot about the fine art of selling your product or service. It's so important to be real, to listen, and to know how to bargain and close the sale. Sound scary? Many people get cold feet when it comes to sales. Don't worry though, because this lesson will give you the key to effective selling: Developing relationships based on trust and credibility.

Banking, Record Keeping, and Taxes

Are you just dying to learn about banking, record keeping, and taxes, right? No? Well, they're not the most exciting topics, admittedly, but they are crucial to your business. In this lesson, you'll learn about expenses and deductions, maintaining the appropriate records for all your revenue, categorizing your expenses, and keeping track of sales tax. Grab a cup of coffee, and keep your eyes open for this lesson!

Setting Up Your Home Office

Do you know how to set up your office for maximum efficiency? If not, then you've come to the right place. Conducting your business from the kitchen table is really not the ideal situation. So join me and see how to find just the right area in your home that will allow you to work in a sane and productive fashion. Learn how to set boundaries for your office, figure out what size office and setup you need, and make sure your office is ergonomically and aesthetically pleasing. Taking the time to set up your home office today is an investment in your future.

Organize Your Business for Success

In this lesson, you'll delve into getting organized. To some people, the word organize sounds constricting and limiting—everything has a place and must be in it at all times. It's time to toss that idea right out the window! The goal in organizing your business is to give yourself freedom. Whether you're dealing with paperwork or time management, your system of organization should not restrict or confine you in any way. Come and see how organizing will work for you and never against you.

Your Professional Image

One thing entrepreneurs often overlook is their professional image—how their business looks to the outside world. When your 5-year-old answers the phone and starts playing guessing games with potential customers, or when your computer equipment is still running Windows XP, you've got an image problem! The impression you make through your image can bring customers to you or drive them to your competition. So, in this lesson, you'll look at what not to do and what to do regarding your personal appearance, attitude, and printed materials.

Balancing Business and Family

In all your hard work of building a business, you don't want to forget the most important people: not your customers, but your family. You'll need to clarify expectations, reach compromises that work for everybody, and especially set boundaries. In this last lesson, you'll learn how to protect your work and your relationships and have fun with both. It's all a matter of balance.

What you will learn

• Learn how to protect your work with statements, trademarks, copyrights, and patents
• Understand zoning laws, licenses, permits, and insurance issues
• Learn how to put together business and marketing plans
• Gain key effective selling techniques
• Learn about banking, record keeping, and taxes
• Understand how your professional image can affect your business

How you will benefit

• Gain confidence in your ability to run a home-based business
• Learn how to be your own boss and eliminate the stress of having a job
• Understand how to protect your work and your family relationships to succeed with both

Helene K. Liatsos is business advisor and QuickBooks Certified Advisor with more than 25 years of experience. She consults for a range of companies, from travel agencies to startups. Her company Home Office Management Experts was awarded the 2004 Home-Based Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Helene holds a Bachelor of Arts from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

This course will teach you how to develop the motivation, discipline, and creativity to quit your job and be your own boss.

Starting a home-based business is the hottest trend in today's challenging business environment! Learn how to be your own boss and eliminate the stress of having a job. The benefits of working from home are endless!

Earn what you deserve, be independent, have tax deductions, do away with traffic, office politics and more! Learn how to develop the entrepreneurial qualities - motivation, discipline, creativity - that you will need to succeed! This class is a great way to start your own business or enhance the one you already have.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

This course will teach you how to develop the motivation, discipline, and creativity to quit your job and be your own boss.

Introduction to Home-Based Businesses

This lesson will introduce you to the variety of reasons why most people want to operate their own home-based business. You'll take an honest look at the benefits as well as the challenges of working at home. Then, you'll see what it takes to be an entrepreneur—and if this lifestyle will work for you.

Selecting a Business

What kind of home-based business should I start? Have you asked yourself this question? Hopefully so, because this is one of the most important issues you need to consider. By thoughtfully exploring your options, you'll spare yourself costly mistakes that come with sinking your time, money, and energy into the wrong business. In this lesson, you'll focus on your talents and abilities so that your home-based business will be a great fit!

Names, Logos, and Legal Protections

Having the right name and look for your home-based business is essential. In this lesson, you'll find out how to create the image that will draw customers to you and bring them back time and again. You'll get creative with names and logos, and then you'll learn how to protect your work with fictitious name statements, trademarks, copyrights, and patents.

Zoning, Licenses, Permits, and Insurance

Did you know that not all businesses are allowed to operate from a private residence? It's vital that you are familiar with the rules and regulations for the area you live in—before you start! For that reason, you'll explore zoning laws, licenses, permits, and insurance issues in this lesson.

The Business Plan

If you want your business to succeed, then you'll need to write an effective business plan. Your home-based venture is like a road trip; to get where you want to go, you need a map that shows you where you're starting from, where your destination is, and which route you want to take. In this lesson, you will learn how to put together a step-by-step action plan. This requires thorough research into each area of your business, so plan to roll up your sleeves and get to work!

Creating a Marketing Plan

To make your business thrive, you need to market it like a professional. So in this lesson, you'll learn how to create a marketing plan. Simply providing terrific products and services is not enough—you need to know who make up your marketplace, what your objectives are, and what your competition is up to. Remember, a home-based business doesn't have a convenient storefront. You've got to be creative about letting people know what you do.

Sales Techniques

In this lesson, you'll learn a lot about the fine art of selling your product or service. It's so important to be real, to listen, and to know how to bargain and close the sale. Sound scary? Many people get cold feet when it comes to sales. Don't worry though, because this lesson will give you the key to effective selling: Developing relationships based on trust and credibility.

Banking, Record Keeping, and Taxes

Are you just dying to learn about banking, record keeping, and taxes, right? No? Well, they're not the most exciting topics, admittedly, but they are crucial to your business. In this lesson, you'll learn about expenses and deductions, maintaining the appropriate records for all your revenue, categorizing your expenses, and keeping track of sales tax. Grab a cup of coffee, and keep your eyes open for this lesson!

Setting Up Your Home Office

Do you know how to set up your office for maximum efficiency? If not, then you've come to the right place. Conducting your business from the kitchen table is really not the ideal situation. So join me and see how to find just the right area in your home that will allow you to work in a sane and productive fashion. Learn how to set boundaries for your office, figure out what size office and setup you need, and make sure your office is ergonomically and aesthetically pleasing. Taking the time to set up your home office today is an investment in your future.

Organize Your Business for Success

In this lesson, you'll delve into getting organized. To some people, the word organize sounds constricting and limiting—everything has a place and must be in it at all times. It's time to toss that idea right out the window! The goal in organizing your business is to give yourself freedom. Whether you're dealing with paperwork or time management, your system of organization should not restrict or confine you in any way. Come and see how organizing will work for you and never against you.

Your Professional Image

One thing entrepreneurs often overlook is their professional image—how their business looks to the outside world. When your 5-year-old answers the phone and starts playing guessing games with potential customers, or when your computer equipment is still running Windows XP, you've got an image problem! The impression you make through your image can bring customers to you or drive them to your competition. So, in this lesson, you'll look at what not to do and what to do regarding your personal appearance, attitude, and printed materials.

Balancing Business and Family

In all your hard work of building a business, you don't want to forget the most important people: not your customers, but your family. You'll need to clarify expectations, reach compromises that work for everybody, and especially set boundaries. In this last lesson, you'll learn how to protect your work and your relationships and have fun with both. It's all a matter of balance.

What you will learn

• Learn how to protect your work with statements, trademarks, copyrights, and patents
• Understand zoning laws, licenses, permits, and insurance issues
• Learn how to put together business and marketing plans
• Gain key effective selling techniques
• Learn about banking, record keeping, and taxes
• Understand how your professional image can affect your business

How you will benefit

• Gain confidence in your ability to run a home-based business
• Learn how to be your own boss and eliminate the stress of having a job
• Understand how to protect your work and your family relationships to succeed with both

Helene K. Liatsos is business advisor and QuickBooks Certified Advisor with more than 25 years of experience. She consults for a range of companies, from travel agencies to startups. Her company Home Office Management Experts was awarded the 2004 Home-Based Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Helene holds a Bachelor of Arts from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

This course will teach you how to develop the motivation, discipline, and creativity to quit your job and be your own boss.

Starting a home-based business is the hottest trend in today's challenging business environment! Learn how to be your own boss and eliminate the stress of having a job. The benefits of working from home are endless!

Earn what you deserve, be independent, have tax deductions, do away with traffic, office politics and more! Learn how to develop the entrepreneurial qualities - motivation, discipline, creativity - that you will need to succeed! This class is a great way to start your own business or enhance the one you already have.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

This course will teach you how to develop the motivation, discipline, and creativity to quit your job and be your own boss.

Introduction to Home-Based Businesses

This lesson will introduce you to the variety of reasons why most people want to operate their own home-based business. You'll take an honest look at the benefits as well as the challenges of working at home. Then, you'll see what it takes to be an entrepreneur—and if this lifestyle will work for you.

Selecting a Business

What kind of home-based business should I start? Have you asked yourself this question? Hopefully so, because this is one of the most important issues you need to consider. By thoughtfully exploring your options, you'll spare yourself costly mistakes that come with sinking your time, money, and energy into the wrong business. In this lesson, you'll focus on your talents and abilities so that your home-based business will be a great fit!

Names, Logos, and Legal Protections

Having the right name and look for your home-based business is essential. In this lesson, you'll find out how to create the image that will draw customers to you and bring them back time and again. You'll get creative with names and logos, and then you'll learn how to protect your work with fictitious name statements, trademarks, copyrights, and patents.

Zoning, Licenses, Permits, and Insurance

Did you know that not all businesses are allowed to operate from a private residence? It's vital that you are familiar with the rules and regulations for the area you live in—before you start! For that reason, you'll explore zoning laws, licenses, permits, and insurance issues in this lesson.

The Business Plan

If you want your business to succeed, then you'll need to write an effective business plan. Your home-based venture is like a road trip; to get where you want to go, you need a map that shows you where you're starting from, where your destination is, and which route you want to take. In this lesson, you will learn how to put together a step-by-step action plan. This requires thorough research into each area of your business, so plan to roll up your sleeves and get to work!

Creating a Marketing Plan

To make your business thrive, you need to market it like a professional. So in this lesson, you'll learn how to create a marketing plan. Simply providing terrific products and services is not enough—you need to know who make up your marketplace, what your objectives are, and what your competition is up to. Remember, a home-based business doesn't have a convenient storefront. You've got to be creative about letting people know what you do.

Sales Techniques

In this lesson, you'll learn a lot about the fine art of selling your product or service. It's so important to be real, to listen, and to know how to bargain and close the sale. Sound scary? Many people get cold feet when it comes to sales. Don't worry though, because this lesson will give you the key to effective selling: Developing relationships based on trust and credibility.

Banking, Record Keeping, and Taxes

Are you just dying to learn about banking, record keeping, and taxes, right? No? Well, they're not the most exciting topics, admittedly, but they are crucial to your business. In this lesson, you'll learn about expenses and deductions, maintaining the appropriate records for all your revenue, categorizing your expenses, and keeping track of sales tax. Grab a cup of coffee, and keep your eyes open for this lesson!

Setting Up Your Home Office

Do you know how to set up your office for maximum efficiency? If not, then you've come to the right place. Conducting your business from the kitchen table is really not the ideal situation. So join me and see how to find just the right area in your home that will allow you to work in a sane and productive fashion. Learn how to set boundaries for your office, figure out what size office and setup you need, and make sure your office is ergonomically and aesthetically pleasing. Taking the time to set up your home office today is an investment in your future.

Organize Your Business for Success

In this lesson, you'll delve into getting organized. To some people, the word organize sounds constricting and limiting—everything has a place and must be in it at all times. It's time to toss that idea right out the window! The goal in organizing your business is to give yourself freedom. Whether you're dealing with paperwork or time management, your system of organization should not restrict or confine you in any way. Come and see how organizing will work for you and never against you.

Your Professional Image

One thing entrepreneurs often overlook is their professional image—how their business looks to the outside world. When your 5-year-old answers the phone and starts playing guessing games with potential customers, or when your computer equipment is still running Windows XP, you've got an image problem! The impression you make through your image can bring customers to you or drive them to your competition. So, in this lesson, you'll look at what not to do and what to do regarding your personal appearance, attitude, and printed materials.

Balancing Business and Family

In all your hard work of building a business, you don't want to forget the most important people: not your customers, but your family. You'll need to clarify expectations, reach compromises that work for everybody, and especially set boundaries. In this last lesson, you'll learn how to protect your work and your relationships and have fun with both. It's all a matter of balance.

What you will learn

• Learn how to protect your work with statements, trademarks, copyrights, and patents
• Understand zoning laws, licenses, permits, and insurance issues
• Learn how to put together business and marketing plans
• Gain key effective selling techniques
• Learn about banking, record keeping, and taxes
• Understand how your professional image can affect your business

How you will benefit

• Gain confidence in your ability to run a home-based business
• Learn how to be your own boss and eliminate the stress of having a job
• Understand how to protect your work and your family relationships to succeed with both

Helene K. Liatsos is business advisor and QuickBooks Certified Advisor with more than 25 years of experience. She consults for a range of companies, from travel agencies to startups. Her company Home Office Management Experts was awarded the 2004 Home-Based Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Helene holds a Bachelor of Arts from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Discover how to harness the power of the Internet to build and sustain a profitable business. You will also learn the step-by-step process of creating a product, building a website, engaging a customer base, and finding new leads online.

Today, the Internet has changed everything. It is now entirely possible to create, launch, and build a profitable business from the convenience of your home with little to no upfront investment. This course will give you a solid foundation for building and growing a successful digital business.

You will be given a step-by-step approach that is easy to follow—from building a simplified strategy to branding your business. You will learn to create a product and how to build and launch your own website. You will learn to engage prospective customers, and implement a process that will drive fresh leads to your business. You simply need to know what to do and how to do it. So whether you are looking to generate a nice side income or even to replace your current income and ditch your full-time job, this course is for you.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

The Internet has changed the way people communicate and how businesses operate. It's also made it easier to fulfill your dreams of creating and building a business from the convenience of your own home. In the Starting Your Own Online Business course, you will learn how to develop a digital or traditional product or service and build a website to sell and deliver that product online. This course outlines a step-by-step approach that's easy to follow—from building a simplified strategy to branding your business. From start to finish, you will gain an understanding of what it takes to create, build, and maintain a profitable online business!

Build a Foundation for Your Online Business

In this lesson, we will build the foundation you need to start and grow a successful online business. You will understand what an online business is, the key components that make it work, and the steps for building your own. You will also learn about the three most popular online business models. Finally, you will be introduced to the concept of a Visual Business Strategy (VBS) diagram, which you will use to summarize your Internet business plan.

Create a Digital-Ready Business Brand

Learn how to build a business brand that's ready to be launched online. First, you will discover some secrets about developing an influential and recognizable name for your business. Next, you will learn how you can quickly and easily stake a claim to that business name throughout the Internet. After that, we'll examine ways to get a logo to support your business branding. And finally, you will gain an understanding of the importance of keywords and learn how to craft an effective keyword strategy for your business.

Build and Optimize a Product

See how to create products and services that you can sell as part of your online business. First, we'll explore the various types of products and services and how to build them. Next, you will consider what makes a "good" product and zero in on the right product for you. Finally, we'll look at how to tackle building your product, from creating your product development plan to leveraging your past efforts to develop your product more quickly and efficiently.

Develop and Launch an Engaging Website

Tackle the task of creating and launching a business website. You will understand what type of website you should build and learn how to align it with your business strategy. Then you will see how to develop an outline for your website, wireframe individual pages, and create or find the content you will need to make your web pages come alive. After that, we'll explore ways to build and launch your website without having to know anything about website design or coding. Finally, you will learn what it means to "host" your website.

Set up Your Online Selling Process

Gain an understanding of the basics of selling products on the Internet and learn how to design and document a sales process that aligns with your business strategy. Next, you will learn how to implement your newly created sales process by selecting the right mix of third-party tools and accounts that work with your website to conduct business transactions online. And finally, we'll examine how you can monitor, track, and measure the effectiveness of your sales process and use that information to increase your sales over time.

Install a Digital Communication Network

Learn what a digital communication network is and why you need to develop one for your business. Next, you will gain an understanding of the different types of digital communication methods and how you can use each to engage and develop relationships with your followers. Finally, we'll examine some advanced strategies that you can use to optimize and automate your communication with your prospects and customers consistently.

Your Email Management System

First, learn about the importance of utilizing an email management system to communicate with your prospects and customers. Next, we'll examine how you can set up your system, write engaging content, and deliver emails in a timely and automated manner. Finally, we'll explore some advanced email marketing strategies that you can use to help grow your email list and increase engagement.

Socialize Your Online Business

Build a foundation for using social media to grow your business. You will understand the definition of social media and explore critical principles to make sure that you're using social media in the right way. Next, you will learn about a process you can follow to consistently and effectively engage with prospects and customers. Finally, you will learn about different ways to generate and publish content quickly and easily.

Build Multiple Online Lead Streams

Examine the importance of generating leads to maintain a healthy and vibrant online business. First, we'll explore the concept of a lead generation process and review the types that exist. Next, we will work together to outline a lead generation strategy that is customized for your business. And finally, we'll outline the steps necessary to implement and systematize the lead generation processes you have selected to drive targeted prospects to your website.

Using Video to Grow Your Online Business

Why should you consider using video as one of your main lead generation processes to grow your online business? In this lesson, you will find out why, and we'll walk through the steps you can take to create compelling videos without being a video expert. Next, we'll take a peek at basic and advanced methods to create and distribute videos to gain exposure for your online business. And finally, you will learn how to host, record, and automate the delivery of videos through webinars.

Create an Online Partnership Program

Gain an understanding of how you can build a partnership program to introduce more people to your online business. First, you will learn what a partner program is and how it can help grow your business. Next, you will explore the critical aspects of any partnership program and how to integrate it into your website. Finally, we'll examine some crucial strategies for introducing your partnership program to prospects as well as new and future customers to generate an ongoing stream of fresh leads.

Implement an Online Support Center

See how to implement an online support center for your business. First, you will learn about what types of expectations online customers have for customer service and support and examine the essential pieces of any online support center. Next, we'll explore both basic and advanced ways that you can provide customer service support over the Internet and investigate various support solutions that you can use. And finally, we'll examine some key strategies for engaging with new and legacy customers to maximize customer satisfaction and minimize refunds.

What you will learn

• Build a business brand that is ready to be launched online
• Create products and services that you can sell as part of your online business
• Create and launch a business website
• Set up an email management system, write engaging content, and deliver emails in a timely manner
• Generate leads to keep your business growing
• Implement an online support center for your business

How you will benefit

• Discover the techniques, tools, and strategies necessary to create a successful online business
• Create a healthy and vibrant online business by generating leads to continually grow your business
• Be able to supply your online customers with online support to increase customer satisfaction and minimize refunds

Brad Semp, Ph.D., is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at a global corporation, a life-long entrepreneur, and a former professor of Bachelors and Masters of Science courses in Internet Marketing. Dr. Brad is active on social media platforms to engage with prospects and customers, expand relationships, and to grow businesses. He routinely coaches other entrepreneurs and business owners and consults with Fortune 500 organizations on how to design and implement effective social media systems, strategies, and tactics.

Discover how to harness the power of the Internet to build and sustain a profitable business. You will also learn the step-by-step process of creating a product, building a website, engaging a customer base, and finding new leads online.

Today, the Internet has changed everything. It is now entirely possible to create, launch, and build a profitable business from the convenience of your home with little to no upfront investment. This course will give you a solid foundation for building and growing a successful digital business.

You will be given a step-by-step approach that is easy to follow—from building a simplified strategy to branding your business. You will learn to create a product and how to build and launch your own website. You will learn to engage prospective customers, and implement a process that will drive fresh leads to your business. You simply need to know what to do and how to do it. So whether you are looking to generate a nice side income or even to replace your current income and ditch your full-time job, this course is for you.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

The Internet has changed the way people communicate and how businesses operate. It's also made it easier to fulfill your dreams of creating and building a business from the convenience of your own home. In the Starting Your Own Online Business course, you will learn how to develop a digital or traditional product or service and build a website to sell and deliver that product online. This course outlines a step-by-step approach that's easy to follow—from building a simplified strategy to branding your business. From start to finish, you will gain an understanding of what it takes to create, build, and maintain a profitable online business!

Build a Foundation for Your Online Business

In this lesson, we will build the foundation you need to start and grow a successful online business. You will understand what an online business is, the key components that make it work, and the steps for building your own. You will also learn about the three most popular online business models. Finally, you will be introduced to the concept of a Visual Business Strategy (VBS) diagram, which you will use to summarize your Internet business plan.

Create a Digital-Ready Business Brand

Learn how to build a business brand that's ready to be launched online. First, you will discover some secrets about developing an influential and recognizable name for your business. Next, you will learn how you can quickly and easily stake a claim to that business name throughout the Internet. After that, we'll examine ways to get a logo to support your business branding. And finally, you will gain an understanding of the importance of keywords and learn how to craft an effective keyword strategy for your business.

Build and Optimize a Product

See how to create products and services that you can sell as part of your online business. First, we'll explore the various types of products and services and how to build them. Next, you will consider what makes a "good" product and zero in on the right product for you. Finally, we'll look at how to tackle building your product, from creating your product development plan to leveraging your past efforts to develop your product more quickly and efficiently.

Develop and Launch an Engaging Website

Tackle the task of creating and launching a business website. You will understand what type of website you should build and learn how to align it with your business strategy. Then you will see how to develop an outline for your website, wireframe individual pages, and create or find the content you will need to make your web pages come alive. After that, we'll explore ways to build and launch your website without having to know anything about website design or coding. Finally, you will learn what it means to "host" your website.

Set up Your Online Selling Process

Gain an understanding of the basics of selling products on the Internet and learn how to design and document a sales process that aligns with your business strategy. Next, you will learn how to implement your newly created sales process by selecting the right mix of third-party tools and accounts that work with your website to conduct business transactions online. And finally, we'll examine how you can monitor, track, and measure the effectiveness of your sales process and use that information to increase your sales over time.

Install a Digital Communication Network

Learn what a digital communication network is and why you need to develop one for your business. Next, you will gain an understanding of the different types of digital communication methods and how you can use each to engage and develop relationships with your followers. Finally, we'll examine some advanced strategies that you can use to optimize and automate your communication with your prospects and customers consistently.

Your Email Management System

First, learn about the importance of utilizing an email management system to communicate with your prospects and customers. Next, we'll examine how you can set up your system, write engaging content, and deliver emails in a timely and automated manner. Finally, we'll explore some advanced email marketing strategies that you can use to help grow your email list and increase engagement.

Socialize Your Online Business

Build a foundation for using social media to grow your business. You will understand the definition of social media and explore critical principles to make sure that you're using social media in the right way. Next, you will learn about a process you can follow to consistently and effectively engage with prospects and customers. Finally, you will learn about different ways to generate and publish content quickly and easily.

Build Multiple Online Lead Streams

Examine the importance of generating leads to maintain a healthy and vibrant online business. First, we'll explore the concept of a lead generation process and review the types that exist. Next, we will work together to outline a lead generation strategy that is customized for your business. And finally, we'll outline the steps necessary to implement and systematize the lead generation processes you have selected to drive targeted prospects to your website.

Using Video to Grow Your Online Business

Why should you consider using video as one of your main lead generation processes to grow your online business? In this lesson, you will find out why, and we'll walk through the steps you can take to create compelling videos without being a video expert. Next, we'll take a peek at basic and advanced methods to create and distribute videos to gain exposure for your online business. And finally, you will learn how to host, record, and automate the delivery of videos through webinars.

Create an Online Partnership Program

Gain an understanding of how you can build a partnership program to introduce more people to your online business. First, you will learn what a partner program is and how it can help grow your business. Next, you will explore the critical aspects of any partnership program and how to integrate it into your website. Finally, we'll examine some crucial strategies for introducing your partnership program to prospects as well as new and future customers to generate an ongoing stream of fresh leads.

Implement an Online Support Center

See how to implement an online support center for your business. First, you will learn about what types of expectations online customers have for customer service and support and examine the essential pieces of any online support center. Next, we'll explore both basic and advanced ways that you can provide customer service support over the Internet and investigate various support solutions that you can use. And finally, we'll examine some key strategies for engaging with new and legacy customers to maximize customer satisfaction and minimize refunds.

What you will learn

• Build a business brand that is ready to be launched online
• Create products and services that you can sell as part of your online business
• Create and launch a business website
• Set up an email management system, write engaging content, and deliver emails in a timely manner
• Generate leads to keep your business growing
• Implement an online support center for your business

How you will benefit

• Discover the techniques, tools, and strategies necessary to create a successful online business
• Create a healthy and vibrant online business by generating leads to continually grow your business
• Be able to supply your online customers with online support to increase customer satisfaction and minimize refunds

Brad Semp, Ph.D., is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at a global corporation, a life-long entrepreneur, and a former professor of Bachelors and Masters of Science courses in Internet Marketing. Dr. Brad is active on social media platforms to engage with prospects and customers, expand relationships, and to grow businesses. He routinely coaches other entrepreneurs and business owners and consults with Fortune 500 organizations on how to design and implement effective social media systems, strategies, and tactics.

Discover how to harness the power of the Internet to build and sustain a profitable business. You will also learn the step-by-step process of creating a product, building a website, engaging a customer base, and finding new leads online.

Today, the Internet has changed everything. It is now entirely possible to create, launch, and build a profitable business from the convenience of your home with little to no upfront investment. This course will give you a solid foundation for building and growing a successful digital business.

You will be given a step-by-step approach that is easy to follow—from building a simplified strategy to branding your business. You will learn to create a product and how to build and launch your own website. You will learn to engage prospective customers, and implement a process that will drive fresh leads to your business. You simply need to know what to do and how to do it. So whether you are looking to generate a nice side income or even to replace your current income and ditch your full-time job, this course is for you.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

The Internet has changed the way people communicate and how businesses operate. It's also made it easier to fulfill your dreams of creating and building a business from the convenience of your own home. In the Starting Your Own Online Business course, you will learn how to develop a digital or traditional product or service and build a website to sell and deliver that product online. This course outlines a step-by-step approach that's easy to follow—from building a simplified strategy to branding your business. From start to finish, you will gain an understanding of what it takes to create, build, and maintain a profitable online business!

Build a Foundation for Your Online Business

In this lesson, we will build the foundation you need to start and grow a successful online business. You will understand what an online business is, the key components that make it work, and the steps for building your own. You will also learn about the three most popular online business models. Finally, you will be introduced to the concept of a Visual Business Strategy (VBS) diagram, which you will use to summarize your Internet business plan.

Create a Digital-Ready Business Brand

Learn how to build a business brand that's ready to be launched online. First, you will discover some secrets about developing an influential and recognizable name for your business. Next, you will learn how you can quickly and easily stake a claim to that business name throughout the Internet. After that, we'll examine ways to get a logo to support your business branding. And finally, you will gain an understanding of the importance of keywords and learn how to craft an effective keyword strategy for your business.

Build and Optimize a Product

See how to create products and services that you can sell as part of your online business. First, we'll explore the various types of products and services and how to build them. Next, you will consider what makes a "good" product and zero in on the right product for you. Finally, we'll look at how to tackle building your product, from creating your product development plan to leveraging your past efforts to develop your product more quickly and efficiently.

Develop and Launch an Engaging Website

Tackle the task of creating and launching a business website. You will understand what type of website you should build and learn how to align it with your business strategy. Then you will see how to develop an outline for your website, wireframe individual pages, and create or find the content you will need to make your web pages come alive. After that, we'll explore ways to build and launch your website without having to know anything about website design or coding. Finally, you will learn what it means to "host" your website.

Set up Your Online Selling Process

Gain an understanding of the basics of selling products on the Internet and learn how to design and document a sales process that aligns with your business strategy. Next, you will learn how to implement your newly created sales process by selecting the right mix of third-party tools and accounts that work with your website to conduct business transactions online. And finally, we'll examine how you can monitor, track, and measure the effectiveness of your sales process and use that information to increase your sales over time.

Install a Digital Communication Network

Learn what a digital communication network is and why you need to develop one for your business. Next, you will gain an understanding of the different types of digital communication methods and how you can use each to engage and develop relationships with your followers. Finally, we'll examine some advanced strategies that you can use to optimize and automate your communication with your prospects and customers consistently.

Your Email Management System

First, learn about the importance of utilizing an email management system to communicate with your prospects and customers. Next, we'll examine how you can set up your system, write engaging content, and deliver emails in a timely and automated manner. Finally, we'll explore some advanced email marketing strategies that you can use to help grow your email list and increase engagement.

Socialize Your Online Business

Build a foundation for using social media to grow your business. You will understand the definition of social media and explore critical principles to make sure that you're using social media in the right way. Next, you will learn about a process you can follow to consistently and effectively engage with prospects and customers. Finally, you will learn about different ways to generate and publish content quickly and easily.

Build Multiple Online Lead Streams

Examine the importance of generating leads to maintain a healthy and vibrant online business. First, we'll explore the concept of a lead generation process and review the types that exist. Next, we will work together to outline a lead generation strategy that is customized for your business. And finally, we'll outline the steps necessary to implement and systematize the lead generation processes you have selected to drive targeted prospects to your website.

Using Video to Grow Your Online Business

Why should you consider using video as one of your main lead generation processes to grow your online business? In this lesson, you will find out why, and we'll walk through the steps you can take to create compelling videos without being a video expert. Next, we'll take a peek at basic and advanced methods to create and distribute videos to gain exposure for your online business. And finally, you will learn how to host, record, and automate the delivery of videos through webinars.

Create an Online Partnership Program

Gain an understanding of how you can build a partnership program to introduce more people to your online business. First, you will learn what a partner program is and how it can help grow your business. Next, you will explore the critical aspects of any partnership program and how to integrate it into your website. Finally, we'll examine some crucial strategies for introducing your partnership program to prospects as well as new and future customers to generate an ongoing stream of fresh leads.

Implement an Online Support Center

See how to implement an online support center for your business. First, you will learn about what types of expectations online customers have for customer service and support and examine the essential pieces of any online support center. Next, we'll explore both basic and advanced ways that you can provide customer service support over the Internet and investigate various support solutions that you can use. And finally, we'll examine some key strategies for engaging with new and legacy customers to maximize customer satisfaction and minimize refunds.

What you will learn

• Build a business brand that is ready to be launched online
• Create products and services that you can sell as part of your online business
• Create and launch a business website
• Set up an email management system, write engaging content, and deliver emails in a timely manner
• Generate leads to keep your business growing
• Implement an online support center for your business

How you will benefit

• Discover the techniques, tools, and strategies necessary to create a successful online business
• Create a healthy and vibrant online business by generating leads to continually grow your business
• Be able to supply your online customers with online support to increase customer satisfaction and minimize refunds

Brad Semp, Ph.D., is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at a global corporation, a life-long entrepreneur, and a former professor of Bachelors and Masters of Science courses in Internet Marketing. Dr. Brad is active on social media platforms to engage with prospects and customers, expand relationships, and to grow businesses. He routinely coaches other entrepreneurs and business owners and consults with Fortune 500 organizations on how to design and implement effective social media systems, strategies, and tactics.

Discover how to harness the power of the Internet to build and sustain a profitable business. You will also learn the step-by-step process of creating a product, building a website, engaging a customer base, and finding new leads online.

Today, the Internet has changed everything. It is now entirely possible to create, launch, and build a profitable business from the convenience of your home with little to no upfront investment. This course will give you a solid foundation for building and growing a successful digital business.

You will be given a step-by-step approach that is easy to follow—from building a simplified strategy to branding your business. You will learn to create a product and how to build and launch your own website. You will learn to engage prospective customers, and implement a process that will drive fresh leads to your business. You simply need to know what to do and how to do it. So whether you are looking to generate a nice side income or even to replace your current income and ditch your full-time job, this course is for you.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

The Internet has changed the way people communicate and how businesses operate. It's also made it easier to fulfill your dreams of creating and building a business from the convenience of your own home. In the Starting Your Own Online Business course, you will learn how to develop a digital or traditional product or service and build a website to sell and deliver that product online. This course outlines a step-by-step approach that's easy to follow—from building a simplified strategy to branding your business. From start to finish, you will gain an understanding of what it takes to create, build, and maintain a profitable online business!

Build a Foundation for Your Online Business

In this lesson, we will build the foundation you need to start and grow a successful online business. You will understand what an online business is, the key components that make it work, and the steps for building your own. You will also learn about the three most popular online business models. Finally, you will be introduced to the concept of a Visual Business Strategy (VBS) diagram, which you will use to summarize your Internet business plan.

Create a Digital-Ready Business Brand

Learn how to build a business brand that's ready to be launched online. First, you will discover some secrets about developing an influential and recognizable name for your business. Next, you will learn how you can quickly and easily stake a claim to that business name throughout the Internet. After that, we'll examine ways to get a logo to support your business branding. And finally, you will gain an understanding of the importance of keywords and learn how to craft an effective keyword strategy for your business.

Build and Optimize a Product

See how to create products and services that you can sell as part of your online business. First, we'll explore the various types of products and services and how to build them. Next, you will consider what makes a "good" product and zero in on the right product for you. Finally, we'll look at how to tackle building your product, from creating your product development plan to leveraging your past efforts to develop your product more quickly and efficiently.

Develop and Launch an Engaging Website

Tackle the task of creating and launching a business website. You will understand what type of website you should build and learn how to align it with your business strategy. Then you will see how to develop an outline for your website, wireframe individual pages, and create or find the content you will need to make your web pages come alive. After that, we'll explore ways to build and launch your website without having to know anything about website design or coding. Finally, you will learn what it means to "host" your website.

Set up Your Online Selling Process

Gain an understanding of the basics of selling products on the Internet and learn how to design and document a sales process that aligns with your business strategy. Next, you will learn how to implement your newly created sales process by selecting the right mix of third-party tools and accounts that work with your website to conduct business transactions online. And finally, we'll examine how you can monitor, track, and measure the effectiveness of your sales process and use that information to increase your sales over time.

Install a Digital Communication Network

Learn what a digital communication network is and why you need to develop one for your business. Next, you will gain an understanding of the different types of digital communication methods and how you can use each to engage and develop relationships with your followers. Finally, we'll examine some advanced strategies that you can use to optimize and automate your communication with your prospects and customers consistently.

Your Email Management System

First, learn about the importance of utilizing an email management system to communicate with your prospects and customers. Next, we'll examine how you can set up your system, write engaging content, and deliver emails in a timely and automated manner. Finally, we'll explore some advanced email marketing strategies that you can use to help grow your email list and increase engagement.

Socialize Your Online Business

Build a foundation for using social media to grow your business. You will understand the definition of social media and explore critical principles to make sure that you're using social media in the right way. Next, you will learn about a process you can follow to consistently and effectively engage with prospects and customers. Finally, you will learn about different ways to generate and publish content quickly and easily.

Build Multiple Online Lead Streams

Examine the importance of generating leads to maintain a healthy and vibrant online business. First, we'll explore the concept of a lead generation process and review the types that exist. Next, we will work together to outline a lead generation strategy that is customized for your business. And finally, we'll outline the steps necessary to implement and systematize the lead generation processes you have selected to drive targeted prospects to your website.

Using Video to Grow Your Online Business

Why should you consider using video as one of your main lead generation processes to grow your online business? In this lesson, you will find out why, and we'll walk through the steps you can take to create compelling videos without being a video expert. Next, we'll take a peek at basic and advanced methods to create and distribute videos to gain exposure for your online business. And finally, you will learn how to host, record, and automate the delivery of videos through webinars.

Create an Online Partnership Program

Gain an understanding of how you can build a partnership program to introduce more people to your online business. First, you will learn what a partner program is and how it can help grow your business. Next, you will explore the critical aspects of any partnership program and how to integrate it into your website. Finally, we'll examine some crucial strategies for introducing your partnership program to prospects as well as new and future customers to generate an ongoing stream of fresh leads.

Implement an Online Support Center

See how to implement an online support center for your business. First, you will learn about what types of expectations online customers have for customer service and support and examine the essential pieces of any online support center. Next, we'll explore both basic and advanced ways that you can provide customer service support over the Internet and investigate various support solutions that you can use. And finally, we'll examine some key strategies for engaging with new and legacy customers to maximize customer satisfaction and minimize refunds.

What you will learn

• Build a business brand that is ready to be launched online
• Create products and services that you can sell as part of your online business
• Create and launch a business website
• Set up an email management system, write engaging content, and deliver emails in a timely manner
• Generate leads to keep your business growing
• Implement an online support center for your business

How you will benefit

• Discover the techniques, tools, and strategies necessary to create a successful online business
• Create a healthy and vibrant online business by generating leads to continually grow your business
• Be able to supply your online customers with online support to increase customer satisfaction and minimize refunds

Brad Semp, Ph.D., is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at a global corporation, a life-long entrepreneur, and a former professor of Bachelors and Masters of Science courses in Internet Marketing. Dr. Brad is active on social media platforms to engage with prospects and customers, expand relationships, and to grow businesses. He routinely coaches other entrepreneurs and business owners and consults with Fortune 500 organizations on how to design and implement effective social media systems, strategies, and tactics.

Winning RFP Responses was written for businesses of all sizes that have either yet to delve into contract bidding or have bid but were unsuccessful. Individuals new to bid proposal writing and those with some experience will benefit from this training course, which teaches learners how to strategically win business contracts.

Winning RFP Responses was written by an entrepreneur that has owned and operated 15 small businesses over the decades. Bringing additional revenue into your business can increase its sustainability. Have you ever thought about all the other businesses, organizations, and government agencies that likely need your goods or services? Did you know that even the smallest business can submit an award-winning bid and benefit from steady revenues?

RFPs can be daunting when you are faced with page-after-page of legal language, questions, and forms to fill in. This course will guide you through each step of researching, reading, understanding, evaluating, writing, and submitting award-winning bid responses. By the end of the course, you might even find a new career track as an RFP bid specialist. The possibilities for your business and your career are endless.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Microsoft Word or equivalent, such as MS Word online.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

If you're an individual or business looking to increase revenue through contract opportunities, then this course is for you. Having the skills to bid on competitive contracts can increase your business's revenues as you carry it through declining economic times. Learn the ins and outs of finding, reading, and determining whether RFPs fit your business's services or goods. Then learn how to write the components of a winning RFP bid response for your business.

Introduction to Request for Proposals (RFPs)

In this lesson, you will be introduced to Requests for Proposals (RFPs). From RFP terminology to understanding the sections of an RFP, your research skills will be honed, and the term RFP will become clearer as you explore the lesson.

Reading and Marking Up RFPs

In this lesson, you will learn how to read and mark up RFPs to determine if a business interested in bidding on the goods or services can meet all of the procurement agency's expectations.

Federal RFPs

In this lesson, you will be introduced to federal RFPs and the government's procurement expectations of bidders.

Evaluating RFP Responses Internally

In this lesson, you will learn how to evaluate RFPs and use internal peer review rubrics to determine who and how each of your team members should be involved in the bid response development.

Creating RFP Boilerplate Language About Your Business

In this lesson, you will learn how to create a basic business history narrative. This boilerplate narrative can be reused in bid responses.

Writing the RFP Statement of Work

In this lesson, you will learn how to write the statement of work so that it is in compliance with the procurement agency's guidelines.

Preparing the RFP Cost Proposal

In this lesson, you will learn how to prepare the bid response's cost proposal.

Preparing RFP Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments

In this lesson, you'll learn how to prepare RFP documents, exhibits, and other attachments required in the bid proposal submittal package.

Packaging, Submitting RFP Bids, and Preparing for Future Bids

In this lesson, you'll learn how to put together a highly competitive bid proposal package. You'll also learn about the submittal process and how to prepare for future bidding opportunities.

RFP Evaluating Factors for Contract Awards

In this lesson, you'll learn about the RFP evaluation processes and the factors that are critical components for contract awards.

RFP Bidding Mistakes to Avoid

In this lesson, you'll learn about common RFP bidding mistakes and how to avoid them.

Career Tracks for RFP Writers

In this lesson, you'll learn about the career tracks for RFP writers. Where will your ability to write winning bid responses take you?

What you will learn

• Describe the components of a winning business proposal
• Organize and draft business proposal components to create a winning RFP response
• Evaluate RFP peer responses like procurement agency teams
• Improve RFP responses with award-winning enhancements
• Explain career opportunities for skilled RFP writers

How you will benefit

• Increased ability to research RFPs and determine if they are a go or no-go for bidding
• Improved evaluation skills for evaluating your bid proposal's content before its submission to a procurement agency
• Better understanding of what it takes to submit a successful bid proposal
• Heightened analysis for sizing up your bidding competition and determining if your business should be a sole bidder or a subcontractor for another business with a higher chance of winning a contract award
• Awareness of how to protest a procurement agency's decision to award the contract to another business

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a grant writing consultant and visionary who uses thought leadership to work with nonprofit organizations struggling with the woes of revenue stream imbalances. She has been researching grant funding, grantmaking trends, and board-related barriers to nonprofit capacity building for over 40 years. Together she and her team have helped her clients win over $750 million in grant awards.

Dr. Browning is the founder and director of the Grant Writing Training Foundation and Bev Browning, LLC. She is the author of 44 grant writing publications, including six editions of Grant Writing for Dummies and the 6th edition of Nonprofit Kit for Dummies (to be published in 2021).

Dr. Browning holds graduate and post-graduate degrees in organizational development, public administration, and business administration. She is also a Certified Strategic Planning Facilitator (CSPF), has a McNellis Compression Planning Institute Facilitation Training distinction, and is an Approved Trainer for the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), the Certified Fund Raising Executive International (CFRE, and the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI).

Winning RFP Responses was written for businesses of all sizes that have either yet to delve into contract bidding or have bid but were unsuccessful. Individuals new to bid proposal writing and those with some experience will benefit from this training course, which teaches learners how to strategically win business contracts.

Winning RFP Responses was written by an entrepreneur that has owned and operated 15 small businesses over the decades. Bringing additional revenue into your business can increase its sustainability. Have you ever thought about all the other businesses, organizations, and government agencies that likely need your goods or services? Did you know that even the smallest business can submit an award-winning bid and benefit from steady revenues?

RFPs can be daunting when you are faced with page-after-page of legal language, questions, and forms to fill in. This course will guide you through each step of researching, reading, understanding, evaluating, writing, and submitting award-winning bid responses. By the end of the course, you might even find a new career track as an RFP bid specialist. The possibilities for your business and your career are endless.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Microsoft Word or equivalent, such as MS Word online.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

If you're an individual or business looking to increase revenue through contract opportunities, then this course is for you. Having the skills to bid on competitive contracts can increase your business's revenues as you carry it through declining economic times. Learn the ins and outs of finding, reading, and determining whether RFPs fit your business's services or goods. Then learn how to write the components of a winning RFP bid response for your business.

Introduction to Request for Proposals (RFPs)

In this lesson, you will be introduced to Requests for Proposals (RFPs). From RFP terminology to understanding the sections of an RFP, your research skills will be honed, and the term RFP will become clearer as you explore the lesson.

Reading and Marking Up RFPs

In this lesson, you will learn how to read and mark up RFPs to determine if a business interested in bidding on the goods or services can meet all of the procurement agency's expectations.

Federal RFPs

In this lesson, you will be introduced to federal RFPs and the government's procurement expectations of bidders.

Evaluating RFP Responses Internally

In this lesson, you will learn how to evaluate RFPs and use internal peer review rubrics to determine who and how each of your team members should be involved in the bid response development.

Creating RFP Boilerplate Language About Your Business

In this lesson, you will learn how to create a basic business history narrative. This boilerplate narrative can be reused in bid responses.

Writing the RFP Statement of Work

In this lesson, you will learn how to write the statement of work so that it is in compliance with the procurement agency's guidelines.

Preparing the RFP Cost Proposal

In this lesson, you will learn how to prepare the bid response's cost proposal.

Preparing RFP Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments

In this lesson, you'll learn how to prepare RFP documents, exhibits, and other attachments required in the bid proposal submittal package.

Packaging, Submitting RFP Bids, and Preparing for Future Bids

In this lesson, you'll learn how to put together a highly competitive bid proposal package. You'll also learn about the submittal process and how to prepare for future bidding opportunities.

RFP Evaluating Factors for Contract Awards

In this lesson, you'll learn about the RFP evaluation processes and the factors that are critical components for contract awards.

RFP Bidding Mistakes to Avoid

In this lesson, you'll learn about common RFP bidding mistakes and how to avoid them.

Career Tracks for RFP Writers

In this lesson, you'll learn about the career tracks for RFP writers. Where will your ability to write winning bid responses take you?

What you will learn

• Describe the components of a winning business proposal
• Organize and draft business proposal components to create a winning RFP response
• Evaluate RFP peer responses like procurement agency teams
• Improve RFP responses with award-winning enhancements
• Explain career opportunities for skilled RFP writers

How you will benefit

• Increased ability to research RFPs and determine if they are a go or no-go for bidding
• Improved evaluation skills for evaluating your bid proposal's content before its submission to a procurement agency
• Better understanding of what it takes to submit a successful bid proposal
• Heightened analysis for sizing up your bidding competition and determining if your business should be a sole bidder or a subcontractor for another business with a higher chance of winning a contract award
• Awareness of how to protest a procurement agency's decision to award the contract to another business

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a grant writing consultant and visionary who uses thought leadership to work with nonprofit organizations struggling with the woes of revenue stream imbalances. She has been researching grant funding, grantmaking trends, and board-related barriers to nonprofit capacity building for over 40 years. Together she and her team have helped her clients win over $750 million in grant awards.

Dr. Browning is the founder and director of the Grant Writing Training Foundation and Bev Browning, LLC. She is the author of 44 grant writing publications, including six editions of Grant Writing for Dummies and the 6th edition of Nonprofit Kit for Dummies (to be published in 2021).

Dr. Browning holds graduate and post-graduate degrees in organizational development, public administration, and business administration. She is also a Certified Strategic Planning Facilitator (CSPF), has a McNellis Compression Planning Institute Facilitation Training distinction, and is an Approved Trainer for the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), the Certified Fund Raising Executive International (CFRE, and the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI).

Winning RFP Responses was written for businesses of all sizes that have either yet to delve into contract bidding or have bid but were unsuccessful. Individuals new to bid proposal writing and those with some experience will benefit from this training course, which teaches learners how to strategically win business contracts.

Winning RFP Responses was written by an entrepreneur that has owned and operated 15 small businesses over the decades. Bringing additional revenue into your business can increase its sustainability. Have you ever thought about all the other businesses, organizations, and government agencies that likely need your goods or services? Did you know that even the smallest business can submit an award-winning bid and benefit from steady revenues?

RFPs can be daunting when you are faced with page-after-page of legal language, questions, and forms to fill in. This course will guide you through each step of researching, reading, understanding, evaluating, writing, and submitting award-winning bid responses. By the end of the course, you might even find a new career track as an RFP bid specialist. The possibilities for your business and your career are endless.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Microsoft Word or equivalent, such as MS Word online.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

If you're an individual or business looking to increase revenue through contract opportunities, then this course is for you. Having the skills to bid on competitive contracts can increase your business's revenues as you carry it through declining economic times. Learn the ins and outs of finding, reading, and determining whether RFPs fit your business's services or goods. Then learn how to write the components of a winning RFP bid response for your business.

Introduction to Request for Proposals (RFPs)

In this lesson, you will be introduced to Requests for Proposals (RFPs). From RFP terminology to understanding the sections of an RFP, your research skills will be honed, and the term RFP will become clearer as you explore the lesson.

Reading and Marking Up RFPs

In this lesson, you will learn how to read and mark up RFPs to determine if a business interested in bidding on the goods or services can meet all of the procurement agency's expectations.

Federal RFPs

In this lesson, you will be introduced to federal RFPs and the government's procurement expectations of bidders.

Evaluating RFP Responses Internally

In this lesson, you will learn how to evaluate RFPs and use internal peer review rubrics to determine who and how each of your team members should be involved in the bid response development.

Creating RFP Boilerplate Language About Your Business

In this lesson, you will learn how to create a basic business history narrative. This boilerplate narrative can be reused in bid responses.

Writing the RFP Statement of Work

In this lesson, you will learn how to write the statement of work so that it is in compliance with the procurement agency's guidelines.

Preparing the RFP Cost Proposal

In this lesson, you will learn how to prepare the bid response's cost proposal.

Preparing RFP Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments

In this lesson, you'll learn how to prepare RFP documents, exhibits, and other attachments required in the bid proposal submittal package.

Packaging, Submitting RFP Bids, and Preparing for Future Bids

In this lesson, you'll learn how to put together a highly competitive bid proposal package. You'll also learn about the submittal process and how to prepare for future bidding opportunities.

RFP Evaluating Factors for Contract Awards

In this lesson, you'll learn about the RFP evaluation processes and the factors that are critical components for contract awards.

RFP Bidding Mistakes to Avoid

In this lesson, you'll learn about common RFP bidding mistakes and how to avoid them.

Career Tracks for RFP Writers

In this lesson, you'll learn about the career tracks for RFP writers. Where will your ability to write winning bid responses take you?

What you will learn

• Describe the components of a winning business proposal
• Organize and draft business proposal components to create a winning RFP response
• Evaluate RFP peer responses like procurement agency teams
• Improve RFP responses with award-winning enhancements
• Explain career opportunities for skilled RFP writers

How you will benefit

• Increased ability to research RFPs and determine if they are a go or no-go for bidding
• Improved evaluation skills for evaluating your bid proposal's content before its submission to a procurement agency
• Better understanding of what it takes to submit a successful bid proposal
• Heightened analysis for sizing up your bidding competition and determining if your business should be a sole bidder or a subcontractor for another business with a higher chance of winning a contract award
• Awareness of how to protest a procurement agency's decision to award the contract to another business

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a grant writing consultant and visionary who uses thought leadership to work with nonprofit organizations struggling with the woes of revenue stream imbalances. She has been researching grant funding, grantmaking trends, and board-related barriers to nonprofit capacity building for over 40 years. Together she and her team have helped her clients win over $750 million in grant awards.

Dr. Browning is the founder and director of the Grant Writing Training Foundation and Bev Browning, LLC. She is the author of 44 grant writing publications, including six editions of Grant Writing for Dummies and the 6th edition of Nonprofit Kit for Dummies (to be published in 2021).

Dr. Browning holds graduate and post-graduate degrees in organizational development, public administration, and business administration. She is also a Certified Strategic Planning Facilitator (CSPF), has a McNellis Compression Planning Institute Facilitation Training distinction, and is an Approved Trainer for the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), the Certified Fund Raising Executive International (CFRE, and the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI).

Winning RFP Responses was written for businesses of all sizes that have either yet to delve into contract bidding or have bid but were unsuccessful. Individuals new to bid proposal writing and those with some experience will benefit from this training course, which teaches learners how to strategically win business contracts.

Winning RFP Responses was written by an entrepreneur that has owned and operated 15 small businesses over the decades. Bringing additional revenue into your business can increase its sustainability. Have you ever thought about all the other businesses, organizations, and government agencies that likely need your goods or services? Did you know that even the smallest business can submit an award-winning bid and benefit from steady revenues?

RFPs can be daunting when you are faced with page-after-page of legal language, questions, and forms to fill in. This course will guide you through each step of researching, reading, understanding, evaluating, writing, and submitting award-winning bid responses. By the end of the course, you might even find a new career track as an RFP bid specialist. The possibilities for your business and your career are endless.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Microsoft Word or equivalent, such as MS Word online.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

If you're an individual or business looking to increase revenue through contract opportunities, then this course is for you. Having the skills to bid on competitive contracts can increase your business's revenues as you carry it through declining economic times. Learn the ins and outs of finding, reading, and determining whether RFPs fit your business's services or goods. Then learn how to write the components of a winning RFP bid response for your business.

Introduction to Request for Proposals (RFPs)

In this lesson, you will be introduced to Requests for Proposals (RFPs). From RFP terminology to understanding the sections of an RFP, your research skills will be honed, and the term RFP will become clearer as you explore the lesson.

Reading and Marking Up RFPs

In this lesson, you will learn how to read and mark up RFPs to determine if a business interested in bidding on the goods or services can meet all of the procurement agency's expectations.

Federal RFPs

In this lesson, you will be introduced to federal RFPs and the government's procurement expectations of bidders.

Evaluating RFP Responses Internally

In this lesson, you will learn how to evaluate RFPs and use internal peer review rubrics to determine who and how each of your team members should be involved in the bid response development.

Creating RFP Boilerplate Language About Your Business

In this lesson, you will learn how to create a basic business history narrative. This boilerplate narrative can be reused in bid responses.

Writing the RFP Statement of Work

In this lesson, you will learn how to write the statement of work so that it is in compliance with the procurement agency's guidelines.

Preparing the RFP Cost Proposal

In this lesson, you will learn how to prepare the bid response's cost proposal.

Preparing RFP Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments

In this lesson, you'll learn how to prepare RFP documents, exhibits, and other attachments required in the bid proposal submittal package.

Packaging, Submitting RFP Bids, and Preparing for Future Bids

In this lesson, you'll learn how to put together a highly competitive bid proposal package. You'll also learn about the submittal process and how to prepare for future bidding opportunities.

RFP Evaluating Factors for Contract Awards

In this lesson, you'll learn about the RFP evaluation processes and the factors that are critical components for contract awards.

RFP Bidding Mistakes to Avoid

In this lesson, you'll learn about common RFP bidding mistakes and how to avoid them.

Career Tracks for RFP Writers

In this lesson, you'll learn about the career tracks for RFP writers. Where will your ability to write winning bid responses take you?

What you will learn

• Describe the components of a winning business proposal
• Organize and draft business proposal components to create a winning RFP response
• Evaluate RFP peer responses like procurement agency teams
• Improve RFP responses with award-winning enhancements
• Explain career opportunities for skilled RFP writers

How you will benefit

• Increased ability to research RFPs and determine if they are a go or no-go for bidding
• Improved evaluation skills for evaluating your bid proposal's content before its submission to a procurement agency
• Better understanding of what it takes to submit a successful bid proposal
• Heightened analysis for sizing up your bidding competition and determining if your business should be a sole bidder or a subcontractor for another business with a higher chance of winning a contract award
• Awareness of how to protest a procurement agency's decision to award the contract to another business

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a grant writing consultant and visionary who uses thought leadership to work with nonprofit organizations struggling with the woes of revenue stream imbalances. She has been researching grant funding, grantmaking trends, and board-related barriers to nonprofit capacity building for over 40 years. Together she and her team have helped her clients win over $750 million in grant awards.

Dr. Browning is the founder and director of the Grant Writing Training Foundation and Bev Browning, LLC. She is the author of 44 grant writing publications, including six editions of Grant Writing for Dummies and the 6th edition of Nonprofit Kit for Dummies (to be published in 2021).

Dr. Browning holds graduate and post-graduate degrees in organizational development, public administration, and business administration. She is also a Certified Strategic Planning Facilitator (CSPF), has a McNellis Compression Planning Institute Facilitation Training distinction, and is an Approved Trainer for the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), the Certified Fund Raising Executive International (CFRE, and the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI).