Facebook's advertising feature allows you to place small display ads in the right sidebar of the social network's pages and profiles. The advertising platform works somewhat like Google AdWords. You simply bid for keywords based on Facebook users' profiles and compete to get your ads placed. You can target your ad using a range of variables, including keywords, location, age, gender, education, relationship status and interests. You can also choose between a cost-per-click (CPC) pricing model, where you pay only for clicks, and a cost-per-thousand (CPM) model, where you pay per 1,000 ad views. To start a Facebook ad campaign, you simply select the pricing model you prefer and then determine a bid per click and set a daily budget. You can choose whether you want people to be directed to your web page or to a page, aplication, group or event on Facebook. Facebook puts a "Like" or "RSVP to This Event" button right in the ad so people don't have to visit your page to take action, although you can track them better if they do. There's not much real estate on a Facebook ad. To be effective, the headline, which can be up to 25 characters, must grab attention immediately, and the body copy, which can be up to 135 characters, should describe and entice in succinct language. Select an image to accompany your ad for maximum impact. With some 500 million active users, Facebook is a key platform for marketing businesses, brands, services, products and events. Facebook ads offer a great oportunity to attract more visitors to your website and to increase sales, membership, subscriptions and inquiries.

Okay, so you have a business plan - but do you have a life balance plan? After all, making your business a success is a marathon, not a sprint. So it's important to pace yourself by recharging your internal batteries on a regular basis. This can really help your business thrive! Stay focused It's easy to lose sight of personal needs when you're caught up in the excitement of building your business. That's why you have to approach your personal life just as you do your business life. Decide what your priorities and values are. After all, spending time with your children or enjoying a vacation aren't just indulgences; they're activities that provide you with a fresh perspective on life. Be organized Sometimes it takes real organisation skills to find time for relaxation. So set up a schedule for your personal time if you have to - commit to a set number of personal hours every week, and be strict with yourself. You'll be more likely to stick to the schedule and once you've made personal time part of your weekly routine, you'll find the benefits will help you keep going. Don't cross the line If you're a home-based business, try to set a distinct line between work and home time. Leave work at the office, even when the office is only steps away. Commit to having dinner with the family every night, or not working on weekends.