Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Job Description: A website designer or developer works with clients to create a website or to redesign an existing website.
Education: None necessary, but a background in graphic design would be a plus.
Skills: The ability to navigate web-based applications (such as html) and web-design software, as well as the creativity to design eye-catching website is a must in this job.
Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics says that demand for website designers will be growing as interactive media increases.
Possible employers: Check your local area for website design companies or consider starting your own business.
Preparation: Refresh your website design skills by taking a class from your local university or through your county’s adult education courses. Make sure your computer equipment is robust enough to handle the design work and upgrade your equipment or software if necessary.
Get your foot in the door: Offer to do the first few website designs at a reduced rate. Don’t forget to advertise on the client site your company as the designer.
Testimony: Tiffany, a website designer from Colorado Springs, Colo., recommends that anyone interested in starting a website design business develop a marketing and publicity plan from the get-go. “Otherwise, you might spend years spreading the word before your business truly takes off,” says Tiffany. “Save up to invest in marketing right off the bat, and have a key core of clients who are willing to promote you and toot your horn for you. The effects are twice as big as you promoting yourself.”
Until next time,
Sarah
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Making Mistakes
The first time you realize you’ve made a mistake in our business or work-from-home job can be traumatizing. Maybe you over-promised on a deadline and now have to inform the client that the project will be late. Maybe it’s a craft that turned out not the way you wanted. Maybe you took on too many clients too quickly and realize that you won’t be sleeping for weeks to get the work done.
Admit your mistake. That might sound simplistic, but just saying the words aloud “I made a mistake” can be freeing. Now you can concentrate on fixing the problem.
Outline the steps needed to remedy the situation. For example, a few times, I’ve had to inform my editors that a story will be late, usually because a source or two did not get back to me in time. I send a short email requesting an extension until a specific date. Then I try my hardest to beat that deadline.
Do not shift the blame. Whether it’s entirely your fault, you should take full responsibility for the mistake. Succinctly tell the client that you’re sorry for the mistake and inform him of the steps taken to fix the problem.
Don’t wallow in the mistake. Once you’ve identified the mistake and moved to repair the problem, don’t spend a lot of time going over and over the mistake. Do figure out how the mistake happened. Were you over-committed? Were you careless or distracted? Take appropriate actions to ensure you will not make that mistake again.
Remember, we’re all human and mistakes happen. But making a mistake doesn’t have to derail our business unless we let it.
Until next time,
Sarah
Admit your mistake. That might sound simplistic, but just saying the words aloud “I made a mistake” can be freeing. Now you can concentrate on fixing the problem.
Outline the steps needed to remedy the situation. For example, a few times, I’ve had to inform my editors that a story will be late, usually because a source or two did not get back to me in time. I send a short email requesting an extension until a specific date. Then I try my hardest to beat that deadline.
Do not shift the blame. Whether it’s entirely your fault, you should take full responsibility for the mistake. Succinctly tell the client that you’re sorry for the mistake and inform him of the steps taken to fix the problem.
Don’t wallow in the mistake. Once you’ve identified the mistake and moved to repair the problem, don’t spend a lot of time going over and over the mistake. Do figure out how the mistake happened. Were you over-committed? Were you careless or distracted? Take appropriate actions to ensure you will not make that mistake again.
Remember, we’re all human and mistakes happen. But making a mistake doesn’t have to derail our business unless we let it.
Until next time,
Sarah
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Private Tutor
Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Job Description: A private tutor works with children or adults on a one-on-one basis.
Education: A bachelor’s degree in the appropriate subject matter (mathematics, chemistry, English, etc.). Master's degree or Ph.D. can be helpful. A teaching certificate or classes a plus.
Skills: The ability to guide and encourage students on navigating the subject matter.
Job outlook: The teaching profession has its ups and downs, but the job outlook is rosier for private tutors, depending on the availability of potential clients. Many parents want their children to have extra assistance in schoolwork for a variety of reasons, and this area should experience healthy growth during the coming years.
Possible employers: Sylvan Learning Centers is a national company that hires contract tutors. Check for others in your area by Googling “Private Tutor, City/State.” You could start your own business, too, but contacting classmates of your children, volunteering to talk with parent groups or local homeschool groups, etc.
Preparation: Make sure your teaching certification is up-to-date. Refresh your resume by taking a teaching class if it’s been a while since your university or teaching days.
Get your foot in the door: You might start out by offering a steep discount on the first one or two sessions with a new client. Work on building rapport with the student and don’t over-promise your results.
Testimony: “I love working with children and their families in the comfort of their own home where they feel safe and secure,” says Darcy, a tutor from Northern Virginia. For others interested in becoming a tutor, she advises sticking to their area of strength and not to attempt to branch out without proper training. “People appreciate when you tell them what your strengths are,” she explains.
Until next time,
Sarah
Job Description: A private tutor works with children or adults on a one-on-one basis.
Education: A bachelor’s degree in the appropriate subject matter (mathematics, chemistry, English, etc.). Master's degree or Ph.D. can be helpful. A teaching certificate or classes a plus.
Skills: The ability to guide and encourage students on navigating the subject matter.
Job outlook: The teaching profession has its ups and downs, but the job outlook is rosier for private tutors, depending on the availability of potential clients. Many parents want their children to have extra assistance in schoolwork for a variety of reasons, and this area should experience healthy growth during the coming years.
Possible employers: Sylvan Learning Centers is a national company that hires contract tutors. Check for others in your area by Googling “Private Tutor, City/State.” You could start your own business, too, but contacting classmates of your children, volunteering to talk with parent groups or local homeschool groups, etc.
Preparation: Make sure your teaching certification is up-to-date. Refresh your resume by taking a teaching class if it’s been a while since your university or teaching days.
Get your foot in the door: You might start out by offering a steep discount on the first one or two sessions with a new client. Work on building rapport with the student and don’t over-promise your results.
Testimony: “I love working with children and their families in the comfort of their own home where they feel safe and secure,” says Darcy, a tutor from Northern Virginia. For others interested in becoming a tutor, she advises sticking to their area of strength and not to attempt to branch out without proper training. “People appreciate when you tell them what your strengths are,” she explains.
Until next time,
Sarah
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Network Opportunities
Figuring out how to meet potential clients, current customers and new contacts can seem daunting, but knowing how to effectively network can take away some of the fear. My July At Home News e-newsletter gives you steps and suggestions to take your networking to the next level.
Not receiving the free, monthly e-newsletter? Signing up is easy. Just click on the newsletter tab and type in your email address in the box provided.
Until next time,
Sarah
Not receiving the free, monthly e-newsletter? Signing up is easy. Just click on the newsletter tab and type in your email address in the box provided.
Until next time,
Sarah
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Online Survey Taker
Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Job Description: An online survey taker fills out surveys from a variety of companies.
Education: None necessary.
Skills: The ability to fill out surveys online and to clearly state your opinions.
Job outlook: Compensation for taking surveys can include free products, gift cards and cash. This is more a hobby than a business, but if you are looking for a small time commitment, this could be the answer.
Possible employers: There are many survey sites out there, but remember you should never pay to take a survey. Some good survey sites include ZoomPanel, PineCone Research, Greenfield Online, Ipsos North America and Viewpoint Forum.
Preparation: Carefully read all the fine print before signing up to take a survey. Never give your Social Security number or other personal banking information on a survey.
Get your foot in the door: Start out with just a few surveys a month to get a feel for whether this would work for you.
Testimony: Andrea in Mesa, Arizona, enjoys sharing her opinion in online surveys. “I get a variety of things for filling out the surveys, such as cash, gift cards, and points redeemable for merchandise, such as hummingbird feeders,” she says. “Through filing out these surveys, I have received hundreds of dollars in gift cards.”
Until next time,
Sarah
Job Description: An online survey taker fills out surveys from a variety of companies.
Education: None necessary.
Skills: The ability to fill out surveys online and to clearly state your opinions.
Job outlook: Compensation for taking surveys can include free products, gift cards and cash. This is more a hobby than a business, but if you are looking for a small time commitment, this could be the answer.
Possible employers: There are many survey sites out there, but remember you should never pay to take a survey. Some good survey sites include ZoomPanel, PineCone Research, Greenfield Online, Ipsos North America and Viewpoint Forum.
Preparation: Carefully read all the fine print before signing up to take a survey. Never give your Social Security number or other personal banking information on a survey.
Get your foot in the door: Start out with just a few surveys a month to get a feel for whether this would work for you.
Testimony: Andrea in Mesa, Arizona, enjoys sharing her opinion in online surveys. “I get a variety of things for filling out the surveys, such as cash, gift cards, and points redeemable for merchandise, such as hummingbird feeders,” she says. “Through filing out these surveys, I have received hundreds of dollars in gift cards.”
Until next time,
Sarah
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
When You Over-Commit
Sometimes, we simply say “yes” to too many things. Whether it’s volunteering at your child’s school, as snack mom for the soccer team, or that extra work project or house project, we find ourselves with too many tasks and not enough time, even if we cut back on sleep.
Here are some tips on what to do when you find yourself over-committed.
Learning to say “no.” This can be hard for women especially, as we tend to have hearts willing to help those who ask for it. But to keep a healthy balance between work, home, children, husband, church, volunteer opportunities, family and friends, w need to say “no” to things.
Part of saying “no” is remembering that “no” doesn’t mean you don’t care about the person asking or the task to be done. We have to say “no” in order to say “yes” at another time.
Scaling back. Weeding things out of your schedule can be a difficult but necessary part of your life. Start by making a list of all your commitments for work, family and children. Print off a monthly calendar from Google Calendar or something similar and fill in each task for one month. See what overlaps and what tasks involve too much time.
Drop things one at a time. Pick the one thing that seems to the biggest stresser and step out of your commitment. Wait a week or two to see if your schedule eases enough that you can keep the other tasks. If not, drop another one and wait another week or so. Instead of dropping everything at once, slowly disentangling yourself from commitments will help you see what you can comfortable carry.
Add things back one at a time. If you need to go cold turkey for a season, get back into the swing of things one commitment at a time. If you know you tend to over-commit, start by adding one task or involvement each semester (like fall, spring and summer) and wait a full semester to see how you handle the additional task.
By keeping a closer eye on your time and commitments, by carefully managing our yeses, we can keep the delicate balance between work, home and family from reaching the tipping point.
Until next time,
Sarah
Here are some tips on what to do when you find yourself over-committed.
Learning to say “no.” This can be hard for women especially, as we tend to have hearts willing to help those who ask for it. But to keep a healthy balance between work, home, children, husband, church, volunteer opportunities, family and friends, w need to say “no” to things.
Part of saying “no” is remembering that “no” doesn’t mean you don’t care about the person asking or the task to be done. We have to say “no” in order to say “yes” at another time.
Scaling back. Weeding things out of your schedule can be a difficult but necessary part of your life. Start by making a list of all your commitments for work, family and children. Print off a monthly calendar from Google Calendar or something similar and fill in each task for one month. See what overlaps and what tasks involve too much time.
Drop things one at a time. Pick the one thing that seems to the biggest stresser and step out of your commitment. Wait a week or two to see if your schedule eases enough that you can keep the other tasks. If not, drop another one and wait another week or so. Instead of dropping everything at once, slowly disentangling yourself from commitments will help you see what you can comfortable carry.
Add things back one at a time. If you need to go cold turkey for a season, get back into the swing of things one commitment at a time. If you know you tend to over-commit, start by adding one task or involvement each semester (like fall, spring and summer) and wait a full semester to see how you handle the additional task.
By keeping a closer eye on your time and commitments, by carefully managing our yeses, we can keep the delicate balance between work, home and family from reaching the tipping point.
Until next time,
Sarah
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Internet Bookseller
Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Job Description: An Internet bookseller sells new and used books online through sites like eBay and Amazon.com.
Education: None necessary.
Skills: The ability to organize, list, photograph covers and post books for sale online.
Job outlook: Selling books online will likely not be really lucrative unless you find the right niche.
Possible employers: Places to post your books include Amazon.com, eBay, AbeBooks.com and Powell’s.
Preparation: Browse online bookstores to get a feel for what’s selling and what’s not. Carefully select your inventory and inspect each book to ensure its quality. Read books or reputable websites relating to rare or costly books if you will be handling that type of merchandise. If possible, talk with a few people who sell books regularly online to see what are the pitfalls of this business.
Get your foot in the door: Start out small to ensure you won’t be stuck with too much inventory that takes too long to move.
Testimony: “Sometimes it is a temptation to sell a high-priced book that is very contrary to our beliefs,” says Jennifer, who has been selling children’s, Christian and scholarly books online from Xenia, Ohio, for more than a decade. “This doesn’t mean I don’t sell books counter to my beliefs, but I try to make sure they would be useful for scholarship.” She enjoys the flexible schedule of having her own business, but finds it hard to keep her house clean with books “always gathering in pile where they shouldn’t.”
Until next time,
Sarah
Job Description: An Internet bookseller sells new and used books online through sites like eBay and Amazon.com.
Education: None necessary.
Skills: The ability to organize, list, photograph covers and post books for sale online.
Job outlook: Selling books online will likely not be really lucrative unless you find the right niche.
Possible employers: Places to post your books include Amazon.com, eBay, AbeBooks.com and Powell’s.
Preparation: Browse online bookstores to get a feel for what’s selling and what’s not. Carefully select your inventory and inspect each book to ensure its quality. Read books or reputable websites relating to rare or costly books if you will be handling that type of merchandise. If possible, talk with a few people who sell books regularly online to see what are the pitfalls of this business.
Get your foot in the door: Start out small to ensure you won’t be stuck with too much inventory that takes too long to move.
Testimony: “Sometimes it is a temptation to sell a high-priced book that is very contrary to our beliefs,” says Jennifer, who has been selling children’s, Christian and scholarly books online from Xenia, Ohio, for more than a decade. “This doesn’t mean I don’t sell books counter to my beliefs, but I try to make sure they would be useful for scholarship.” She enjoys the flexible schedule of having her own business, but finds it hard to keep her house clean with books “always gathering in pile where they shouldn’t.”
Until next time,
Sarah
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Independence
Another Independence Day has come and gone, and with it the celebrations, parades and fireworks for another year. We love our city's Fourth of July parade with its bands, veterans and clowns. Waving flags and cheering for our nation's independence is part of our family's tradition.
Independence has another meaning for those of us who work from home. We treasure our independence from commuting, from lunches out, from extensive work wardrobes and from overbearing or overinvolved bosses. We celebrate combining work and home and children.
So enjoy your independence, and remember that you may work by yourself, but you're not alone.
Until next time,
Sarah
Independence has another meaning for those of us who work from home. We treasure our independence from commuting, from lunches out, from extensive work wardrobes and from overbearing or overinvolved bosses. We celebrate combining work and home and children.
So enjoy your independence, and remember that you may work by yourself, but you're not alone.
Until next time,
Sarah
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