Unemployment Rate Up By 7.5 Per Cent
"The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) is reporting a 7.5 per cent increase in the number of unemployed persons in January 2015 compared to January 2014."...
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20150430/unemployment-rate-75-cent
Careers (Information on Left Side)
http://www.about.com/careers/
Basic Business Legal Structures
http://retail.about.com/od/insurancetaxeslegal/tp/Choose-A-Business-Legal-Structure.htm
Top 5 Types of Retail Ownership
http://retail.about.com/od/startingaretailbusiness/tp/retail_types.htm
Retail
http://retail.about.com/
The Difference between Bookkeeping and Accounting for Small Business
http://bizfinance.about.com/od/bookkeepingessentials/qt/Bookkeeping_vs_Accounting.htm
Basic Accounting and Bookkeeping Practices
http://bizfinance.about.com/od/accountingandcash/
Business Accounting
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias=stripbooks&field-keywords=business+accounting&rh=n:283155,k:business+accounting
Bookkeeping
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=stripbooks&field-keywords=bookkeeping&rh=n:283155,k:bookkeeping
Small Business Information
http://sbinformation.about.com/
The Business App 50: The Best Apps To Help You Do Your Job
http://www.businessinsider.com/50-best-business-apps-2013-8?op=1
Top Ten Dollar-Store Deals (The actual cost is 99 cents but just round it off to 1 U.S Dollar)
http://couponing.about.com/od/bargainshoppingtips/a/dollarstores.htm
Flea Market Definition
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/flea-market.html
Profitable Selling at Flea Markets and Yard Sales
http://fleamarket.about.com/od/sellingbasics/
Vintage v. Thrift v. Consignment
http://vintageclothing.about.com/od/vintagebasics/qt/retailtypes.htm
Liquidation and Factory Closeouts
http://wholesalers.about.com/od/liquidationcloseouts/
Personal Finance
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=stripbooks&field-keywords=personal+finance
Personal Finance
http://financialplan.about.com/od/personalfinance/
The 5 Types of Customers
http://sbinfocanada.about.com/od/customerservice/a/customertypesmh.htm
Good Customer Service Made Simple
http://sbinfocanada.about.com/od/customerservice/ss/8-Rules-for-Good-Customer-Service.htm#step1
5 Real Ways to Actually Make Money Online
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/money/5-real-ways-actually-make-money-online.html
Ice cream and Gelato Recipes For Inspiration
http://www.marthastewart.com/904869...-gelato-recipes/@center/276964/60-days-summer
Gelato Recipes
http://www.foodnetwork.com/topics/gelato-recipes.html
Gelato Recipe Books
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=stripbooks&field-keywords=gelato+recipes
50 Smoothies
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/articles/50-smoothies.html
MOST-PINNED SMOOTHIES
http://www.marthastewart.com/968757...d-smoothie-recipes/@center/997029/most-pinned
Smoothie Recipe Books
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_16?url=search-alias=stripbooks&field-keywords=smoothie+recipes&sprefix=smoothie+recipes,stripbooks,506&rh=n:283155,k:smoothie+recipes
When conducting business online
***You can use a debit card or a credit card. In my opinion a debit card is better because some people get carried away with a credit card. Scotia Bank for example has a debit card. Then after you get your card, you can link your card to Paypal, so you don't have to give out your debit card or credit card number too much when shopping online.
Overview of Debit Cards
http://banking.about.com/od/checkingaccounts/g/debitcard.htm
What Is A Credit Card
http://credit.about.com/od/creditcardbasics/qt/What-Is-A-Credit-Card.htm
***When you want to shop online from Jamaica, it is best to link with a reputable business (such as Mailpac) that will provide a U.S shipping address (preferrably in Miami), so you can ship your items to this address, and then you can pick up the item you bought in Jamaica. Businesses such as Mailpac takes care of the custom part of your business, so all you have to do is pick up your package in Jamaica and pay any necessary fees.
*** When selling on Ebay the shipping companies that are most popular are USPS, UPS and Fedex. It is better to associate with a shipping company that has a branch in Jamaica, or in the country you live in, in case of any issues you may have. Before shipping any item to your customer, call the customer service numbers of USPS, Fedex and UPS to see how easily you are able to get help. In my experience it can be very difficult to get through to a customer service rep because of automated machines. This will definitely cause problems in the long run. Also try and chat with customer service reps online, so you can see if you will get help quickly if needed. To save on your phone bill, you can buy a home phone that can connect directly to the U.S
Three Shipping Options...
http://pages.ebay.com/sellerinformation/ship-smart/ebay-shipping-partners/Index.html
*** When running a business it is best to store your own items and ship them yourself, so you can remain in full control of your business. So for example you could pick, pack and ship your own items in Jamaica, and then use Fedex in Jamaica to ship your items overseas. I have had situations where a reputable company (overseas) have lost my items, which can affect your business badly. I know that shipping from Jamaica to another country can be expensive, that is why I suggested first buying within America and using Amazon's Multi Channel Fulfillment service to fulfill the orders from Ebay, or your own online web store. When you earn money from that then pump it into your personal business in Jamaica, shipping items you have created in Jamaica to overseas. Please be aware of the risks involved when your items are being picked, packed and shipped in another country such as the U.S. You have no direct control if anything happens to those packages, which can harm your business greatly.
***Other than Amazon's Multi Fulfillment Services other reputable stores in America offers the same service such as Sears. This did not work for me personally (the signing up part).
Target, Wal-Mart Race to Construct Fulfillment Centers for E-Commerce Business
http://blogs.wsj.com/cio/2015/05/07...-fulfillment-centers-for-e-commerce-business/
Overstock.com Launches Supplier Oasis Fulfillment Services, a Multi-Channel Logistics Solution
http://investors.overstock.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=131091&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1925886
Internet Order Fulfillment
http://www.dmoz.org/Business/Transp...tics/Distribution/Internet_Order_Fulfillment/
*** There are persons that sell online on multiple platforms such as Amazon, Ebay, other marketplaces, your own store or stores. There are several services that can help you to coordinate all your activities in one place such as StitchLabs.
http://www.stitchlabs.com/
***There are many websites available that can assist you in your business online. You can go on websites on Etsy or Shopify apps for example and find them.
https://www.etsy.com/apps/
https://apps.shopify.com/
*** Please keep in mind that Jamaicans, and persons in other countries can use coupons online when purchasing, unless otherwise stated. Also there are a lot of job postings, so if you want to find out if you can earn money on a particular website online, search for your country in the sign up/join us area. If there is an option when signing up is called 'international', this could also show that you can work at that online job.
***Ensure when looking for jobs online, don't just search in the international part of a website, there may be many ways you can earn money by researching earning opportunities on the main site itself.
*** I wanted to also add that it is best to work and use some of that income to start an online, or even offline business, rather than borrowing money from institutions where possible.
Other helpful books, articles and videos
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Business Letters and Memos, 2nd Edition
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Business-Letters/dp/1592574246/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1438915285&sr=8-2&keywords=the+complete+idiot's+guide+memo's+and+business+letters
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Journalism
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Journalism-ebook/dp/B00AR182I4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438915222&sr=8-1&keywords=the+complete+idiot's+guide+to+journalism
The real reasons Trader Joe's wine is so cheap
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/real-reasons-trader-joes-wine-142700517.html
...99 Inexpensive DIY Gifts to Start Making Now
http://www.thepennyhoarder.com/inexpensive-diy-gifts-to-start-making-now/
*** (Remember that quality products are much more important than cheapness)
Health
http://www.about.com/health/
Bear Grylls Worst Case Scenario
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bear+grylls+worst+case+scenario
I shouldn't Be Alive Videos Discovery Channel
https://www.youtube.com/results?q=I+Shouldn't+Be+Alive
First Aid Videos
http://www.videojug.com/tag/first-aid
Security Videos
http://www.videojug.com/tag/protect-your-home
Google Basics
http://google.about.com/od/googlebasics/
Free Google Online Courses
https://alison.com/learn/google
Housekeeping Videos
http://www.videojug.com/sitemap/housekeeping
Survival
http://survival.about.com/
Autos
http://www.about.com/autos/
Sports
http://www.about.com/sports/
Hair Videos
http://www.videojug.com/sitemap/hair
Black Hair
http://blackhair.about.com/
Nails
http://beauty.about.com/od/perfectnails/
Make-up Videos
http://www.videojug.com/sitemap/make-up
Make-up
http://makeup.about.com/
Acting
http://acting.about.com/
Movies and Filmmaking Videos
http://www.videojug.com/sitemap/movies-and-filmmaking
Graphic Design
http://graphicdesign.about.com/
How To Design a Website
http://graphicdesign.about.com/od/websitedesign/ss/website.htm
Basics of Traditional & Computer Animation
http://animation.about.com/od/otherusefultutorials/u/animationbasics.htm
Music Education
http://musiced.about.com/
How to Sing
http://singing.about.com/od/Singing101/
Dance
http://dance.about.com/
Computers Videos
http://www.videojug.com/sitemap/computers
Internet Videos
http://www.videojug.com/tag/internet
Internet Basics
http://netforbeginners.about.com/
PC Support
http://pcsupport.about.com/
Tech
http://www.about.com/compute/
Home and Garden (Remember the left side has a lot of information
- DIY/Crafts, Hobbies etc)
http://www.about.com/homegarden/
Top 10 Green Cleaning Tools
http://greencleaning.about.com/od/GreenCleaningProducts/tp/Top-10-Green-Cleaning-Tools.htm
Lowe's Home Improvement
https://www.youtube.com/user/Lowes/search?query=home+101
https://www.youtube.com/user/Lowes/search?query=fix
https://www.youtube.com/user/Lowes/search?query=repair
Home Repair
http://homerepair.about.com/
How To Fix...
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=how+to+fix
Personal Organizing
http://personalorganizing.about.com/
Organizing...
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=stripbooks&field-keywords=organizing&rh=n:283155,k
Mathematics
http://math.about.com/od/1/u/SubjectsAndTopics.htm
Grammar and Composition
http://grammar.about.com/
Distance Learning
http://distancelearn.about.com/
Free Online Classes
http://distancelearn.about.com/od/onlinecourses/a/FreeClasses.htm
Categories and Sub Categories on Amazon and Ebay (This will help In finding niches based on a category)
Amazon Directory
https://www.amazon.com/gp/site-directory
Ebay Categories
http://www.ebay.com/sch/allcategories/all-categories
Useful Skills
Sewing
http://sewing.about.com/
Knitting
http://knitting.about.com/
Jewelry Making
http://jewelrymaking.about.com/
Candle and Soapmaking
http://candleandsoap.about.com/
Family Crafts
http://familycrafts.about.com/
Digital Photography Videos
http://www.videojug.com/sitemap/digital-photography
Photography
http://photography.about.com/
Drawing/Sketching
http://drawsketch.about.com/
Painting
http://painting.about.com/
What Is Recycling?
http://recycling.about.com/od/Glossary/a/What-Is-Recycling.htm
How To Recycle Anything
http://greenliving.about.com/od/recyclingwaste/tp/how-to-recycle.htm
Organic Business
http://organic.about.com/
Small Farm
http://smallfarm.about.com/
Food
http://www.about.com/food/
Gardening
http://gardening.about.com/
...Homesteading & Sustainable Living
http://www.amazon.com/b/?node=10080..._r=0CHS2Y2EKC7RA60Q1PSP&pf_rd_i=raising+goats
"The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) is reporting a 7.5 per cent increase in the number of unemployed persons in January 2015 compared to January 2014."...
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20150430/unemployment-rate-75-cent
Careers (Information on Left Side)
http://www.about.com/careers/
Basic Business Legal Structures
http://retail.about.com/od/insurancetaxeslegal/tp/Choose-A-Business-Legal-Structure.htm
Top 5 Types of Retail Ownership
http://retail.about.com/od/startingaretailbusiness/tp/retail_types.htm
Retail
http://retail.about.com/
The Difference between Bookkeeping and Accounting for Small Business
http://bizfinance.about.com/od/bookkeepingessentials/qt/Bookkeeping_vs_Accounting.htm
Basic Accounting and Bookkeeping Practices
http://bizfinance.about.com/od/accountingandcash/
Business Accounting
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias=stripbooks&field-keywords=business+accounting&rh=n:283155,k:business+accounting
Bookkeeping
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=stripbooks&field-keywords=bookkeeping&rh=n:283155,k:bookkeeping
Small Business Information
http://sbinformation.about.com/
The Business App 50: The Best Apps To Help You Do Your Job
http://www.businessinsider.com/50-best-business-apps-2013-8?op=1
Top Ten Dollar-Store Deals (The actual cost is 99 cents but just round it off to 1 U.S Dollar)
http://couponing.about.com/od/bargainshoppingtips/a/dollarstores.htm
Flea Market Definition
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/flea-market.html
Profitable Selling at Flea Markets and Yard Sales
http://fleamarket.about.com/od/sellingbasics/
Vintage v. Thrift v. Consignment
http://vintageclothing.about.com/od/vintagebasics/qt/retailtypes.htm
Liquidation and Factory Closeouts
http://wholesalers.about.com/od/liquidationcloseouts/
Personal Finance
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=stripbooks&field-keywords=personal+finance
Personal Finance
http://financialplan.about.com/od/personalfinance/
The 5 Types of Customers
http://sbinfocanada.about.com/od/customerservice/a/customertypesmh.htm
Good Customer Service Made Simple
http://sbinfocanada.about.com/od/customerservice/ss/8-Rules-for-Good-Customer-Service.htm#step1
5 Real Ways to Actually Make Money Online
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/money/5-real-ways-actually-make-money-online.html
Ice cream and Gelato Recipes For Inspiration
http://www.marthastewart.com/904869...-gelato-recipes/@center/276964/60-days-summer
Gelato Recipes
http://www.foodnetwork.com/topics/gelato-recipes.html
Gelato Recipe Books
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=stripbooks&field-keywords=gelato+recipes
50 Smoothies
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/articles/50-smoothies.html
MOST-PINNED SMOOTHIES
http://www.marthastewart.com/968757...d-smoothie-recipes/@center/997029/most-pinned
Smoothie Recipe Books
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_16?url=search-alias=stripbooks&field-keywords=smoothie+recipes&sprefix=smoothie+recipes,stripbooks,506&rh=n:283155,k:smoothie+recipes
When conducting business online
***You can use a debit card or a credit card. In my opinion a debit card is better because some people get carried away with a credit card. Scotia Bank for example has a debit card. Then after you get your card, you can link your card to Paypal, so you don't have to give out your debit card or credit card number too much when shopping online.
Overview of Debit Cards
http://banking.about.com/od/checkingaccounts/g/debitcard.htm
What Is A Credit Card
http://credit.about.com/od/creditcardbasics/qt/What-Is-A-Credit-Card.htm
***When you want to shop online from Jamaica, it is best to link with a reputable business (such as Mailpac) that will provide a U.S shipping address (preferrably in Miami), so you can ship your items to this address, and then you can pick up the item you bought in Jamaica. Businesses such as Mailpac takes care of the custom part of your business, so all you have to do is pick up your package in Jamaica and pay any necessary fees.
*** When selling on Ebay the shipping companies that are most popular are USPS, UPS and Fedex. It is better to associate with a shipping company that has a branch in Jamaica, or in the country you live in, in case of any issues you may have. Before shipping any item to your customer, call the customer service numbers of USPS, Fedex and UPS to see how easily you are able to get help. In my experience it can be very difficult to get through to a customer service rep because of automated machines. This will definitely cause problems in the long run. Also try and chat with customer service reps online, so you can see if you will get help quickly if needed. To save on your phone bill, you can buy a home phone that can connect directly to the U.S
Three Shipping Options...
http://pages.ebay.com/sellerinformation/ship-smart/ebay-shipping-partners/Index.html
*** When running a business it is best to store your own items and ship them yourself, so you can remain in full control of your business. So for example you could pick, pack and ship your own items in Jamaica, and then use Fedex in Jamaica to ship your items overseas. I have had situations where a reputable company (overseas) have lost my items, which can affect your business badly. I know that shipping from Jamaica to another country can be expensive, that is why I suggested first buying within America and using Amazon's Multi Channel Fulfillment service to fulfill the orders from Ebay, or your own online web store. When you earn money from that then pump it into your personal business in Jamaica, shipping items you have created in Jamaica to overseas. Please be aware of the risks involved when your items are being picked, packed and shipped in another country such as the U.S. You have no direct control if anything happens to those packages, which can harm your business greatly.
***Other than Amazon's Multi Fulfillment Services other reputable stores in America offers the same service such as Sears. This did not work for me personally (the signing up part).
Target, Wal-Mart Race to Construct Fulfillment Centers for E-Commerce Business
http://blogs.wsj.com/cio/2015/05/07...-fulfillment-centers-for-e-commerce-business/
Overstock.com Launches Supplier Oasis Fulfillment Services, a Multi-Channel Logistics Solution
http://investors.overstock.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=131091&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1925886
Internet Order Fulfillment
http://www.dmoz.org/Business/Transp...tics/Distribution/Internet_Order_Fulfillment/
*** There are persons that sell online on multiple platforms such as Amazon, Ebay, other marketplaces, your own store or stores. There are several services that can help you to coordinate all your activities in one place such as StitchLabs.
http://www.stitchlabs.com/
***There are many websites available that can assist you in your business online. You can go on websites on Etsy or Shopify apps for example and find them.
https://www.etsy.com/apps/
https://apps.shopify.com/
*** Please keep in mind that Jamaicans, and persons in other countries can use coupons online when purchasing, unless otherwise stated. Also there are a lot of job postings, so if you want to find out if you can earn money on a particular website online, search for your country in the sign up/join us area. If there is an option when signing up is called 'international', this could also show that you can work at that online job.
***Ensure when looking for jobs online, don't just search in the international part of a website, there may be many ways you can earn money by researching earning opportunities on the main site itself.
*** I wanted to also add that it is best to work and use some of that income to start an online, or even offline business, rather than borrowing money from institutions where possible.
Other helpful books, articles and videos
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Business Letters and Memos, 2nd Edition
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Business-Letters/dp/1592574246/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1438915285&sr=8-2&keywords=the+complete+idiot's+guide+memo's+and+business+letters
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Journalism
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Journalism-ebook/dp/B00AR182I4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438915222&sr=8-1&keywords=the+complete+idiot's+guide+to+journalism
The real reasons Trader Joe's wine is so cheap
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/real-reasons-trader-joes-wine-142700517.html
...99 Inexpensive DIY Gifts to Start Making Now
http://www.thepennyhoarder.com/inexpensive-diy-gifts-to-start-making-now/
*** (Remember that quality products are much more important than cheapness)
Health
http://www.about.com/health/
Bear Grylls Worst Case Scenario
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bear+grylls+worst+case+scenario
I shouldn't Be Alive Videos Discovery Channel
https://www.youtube.com/results?q=I+Shouldn't+Be+Alive
First Aid Videos
http://www.videojug.com/tag/first-aid
Security Videos
http://www.videojug.com/tag/protect-your-home
Google Basics
http://google.about.com/od/googlebasics/
Free Google Online Courses
https://alison.com/learn/google
Housekeeping Videos
http://www.videojug.com/sitemap/housekeeping
Survival
http://survival.about.com/
Autos
http://www.about.com/autos/
Sports
http://www.about.com/sports/
Hair Videos
http://www.videojug.com/sitemap/hair
Black Hair
http://blackhair.about.com/
Nails
http://beauty.about.com/od/perfectnails/
Make-up Videos
http://www.videojug.com/sitemap/make-up
Make-up
http://makeup.about.com/
Acting
http://acting.about.com/
Movies and Filmmaking Videos
http://www.videojug.com/sitemap/movies-and-filmmaking
Graphic Design
http://graphicdesign.about.com/
How To Design a Website
http://graphicdesign.about.com/od/websitedesign/ss/website.htm
Basics of Traditional & Computer Animation
http://animation.about.com/od/otherusefultutorials/u/animationbasics.htm
Music Education
http://musiced.about.com/
How to Sing
http://singing.about.com/od/Singing101/
Dance
http://dance.about.com/
Computers Videos
http://www.videojug.com/sitemap/computers
Internet Videos
http://www.videojug.com/tag/internet
Internet Basics
http://netforbeginners.about.com/
PC Support
http://pcsupport.about.com/
Tech
http://www.about.com/compute/
Home and Garden (Remember the left side has a lot of information
- DIY/Crafts, Hobbies etc)
http://www.about.com/homegarden/
Top 10 Green Cleaning Tools
http://greencleaning.about.com/od/GreenCleaningProducts/tp/Top-10-Green-Cleaning-Tools.htm
Lowe's Home Improvement
https://www.youtube.com/user/Lowes/search?query=home+101
https://www.youtube.com/user/Lowes/search?query=fix
https://www.youtube.com/user/Lowes/search?query=repair
Home Repair
http://homerepair.about.com/
How To Fix...
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=how+to+fix
Personal Organizing
http://personalorganizing.about.com/
Organizing...
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=stripbooks&field-keywords=organizing&rh=n:283155,k
Mathematics
http://math.about.com/od/1/u/SubjectsAndTopics.htm
Grammar and Composition
http://grammar.about.com/
Distance Learning
http://distancelearn.about.com/
Free Online Classes
http://distancelearn.about.com/od/onlinecourses/a/FreeClasses.htm
Categories and Sub Categories on Amazon and Ebay (This will help In finding niches based on a category)
Amazon Directory
https://www.amazon.com/gp/site-directory
Ebay Categories
http://www.ebay.com/sch/allcategories/all-categories
Useful Skills
Sewing
http://sewing.about.com/
Knitting
http://knitting.about.com/
Jewelry Making
http://jewelrymaking.about.com/
Candle and Soapmaking
http://candleandsoap.about.com/
Family Crafts
http://familycrafts.about.com/
Digital Photography Videos
http://www.videojug.com/sitemap/digital-photography
Photography
http://photography.about.com/
Drawing/Sketching
http://drawsketch.about.com/
Painting
http://painting.about.com/
What Is Recycling?
http://recycling.about.com/od/Glossary/a/What-Is-Recycling.htm
How To Recycle Anything
http://greenliving.about.com/od/recyclingwaste/tp/how-to-recycle.htm
Organic Business
http://organic.about.com/
Small Farm
http://smallfarm.about.com/
Food
http://www.about.com/food/
Gardening
http://gardening.about.com/
...Homesteading & Sustainable Living
http://www.amazon.com/b/?node=10080..._r=0CHS2Y2EKC7RA60Q1PSP&pf_rd_i=raising+goats
Last edited: