Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Job Description: An email marketer helps clients use email as a marketing and promotion tool.
Education: None necessary, but a background in public relations or communications is a plus.
Skills: The ability to write and design marketing copy for emails and e-newsletters is needed for this job. Knowledge of how to send out bulk emails and how to manage email address lists is a plus.
Job outlook: More companies are turning to email marketing as an effective—and inexpensive—tool to promote their products and services.
Possible employers: Associations, businesses and companies all need email marketing assistance. If you don’t want to set up your own email marketing company, check out some of the companies listed on www.topseos.com/rankings-of-best-email-marketing-service and www.email-marketing-options.com/email-marketing-companies.
Preparation: Take a class or two from your local college or from your county’s adult education courses on email marketing techniques. Make sure you’re familiar with the software needed to design and send out bulk emails.
Get your foot in the door: Work up a presentation on how email marketing can benefit companies and see if you can give a free seminar to local associations or groups. Offer discounts to attendees for your services.
Until next time,
Sarah
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Six-Month Check-up
June is nearly over and if you haven't done so, now might be a good time to give your business its six-month check-up. Are you meeting your 2011 goals? Is your revenue on track? Have you implemented your marketing plan?
By taking some time to answer these and other questions, you will be able to make any corrections before the year slips away. For example, I've had to adjust my quarterly taxes because of changes in my revenue, thus saving me money now and still keeping me current with my taxes.
Don't let June end without scheduling your business's semi-annual check-up.
Until next time,
Sarah
By taking some time to answer these and other questions, you will be able to make any corrections before the year slips away. For example, I've had to adjust my quarterly taxes because of changes in my revenue, thus saving me money now and still keeping me current with my taxes.
Don't let June end without scheduling your business's semi-annual check-up.
Until next time,
Sarah
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Educational Placement Manager
Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Job Description: An educational placement manager works with college and private high schools to contract with international students for the school programs.
Education: Bachelor’s degree pertaining to education a plus. English as a second language training also important.
Skills: The ability to work with students online and by phone to ensure a good fit between student and school.
Job outlook: With more schools seeking international students, this is a promising field.
Possible employers: Kaplan is one educational company that hires at-home employees. Other resources include collegeboard.com, guardian.com, privateboardingschool.com and privateschool.com.
Preparation: Brush up your resume and check out the above-mentioned resources for possible employers.
Get your foot in the door: Contact a company and see if you could shadow a work-from-home employee to see if you’ll be a good fit for this type of position.
Testimony: “I love working with schools on the student’s behalf to negotiate rates and terms, etc. I also enjoy working for Kaplan as they have allowed me to work from home and around my schedule,” says Rebekah, a mother of three from Tujunga, Calif., who has worked for the company at home for four years. “I’ve been to the office twice in the past four years.”
Until next time,
Sarah
Job Description: An educational placement manager works with college and private high schools to contract with international students for the school programs.
Education: Bachelor’s degree pertaining to education a plus. English as a second language training also important.
Skills: The ability to work with students online and by phone to ensure a good fit between student and school.
Job outlook: With more schools seeking international students, this is a promising field.
Possible employers: Kaplan is one educational company that hires at-home employees. Other resources include collegeboard.com, guardian.com, privateboardingschool.com and privateschool.com.
Preparation: Brush up your resume and check out the above-mentioned resources for possible employers.
Get your foot in the door: Contact a company and see if you could shadow a work-from-home employee to see if you’ll be a good fit for this type of position.
Testimony: “I love working with schools on the student’s behalf to negotiate rates and terms, etc. I also enjoy working for Kaplan as they have allowed me to work from home and around my schedule,” says Rebekah, a mother of three from Tujunga, Calif., who has worked for the company at home for four years. “I’ve been to the office twice in the past four years.”
Until next time,
Sarah
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
School Ends--Now What?
If you're like me and don't usually have childcare, summer vacation for your school-age children can seem daunting. Here are a few tips on keeping your kids out of trouble and out of your hair.
1. Schedule some fun activities throughout the summer. Make up a calendar with the events clearly marked. If they know something different is coming up, they will likely be more willing to let you work in peace, especially if they know misbehavior will result in canceling the outing.
2. Create a list of things to do when they utter the words "I'm bored." Get creative and you can probably come up with a fairly long list. Give each child an age-appropriate list and tell them that whenver they feel bored, they should do something on the list. Email me if you want to see the list for my kids.
3. Make a jobs jar for when they start whining about having nothing to do. Make them pick a slip of paper from the jar that has a chore on it they don't normally do, like dust the baseboards or sort their sock drawer. Remind them that the job has to be done to your satisfaction or it must be done again.
4. Be spontaneous. Surprise the kids every once in a while with a trip to the ice cream place or a water ballon fight in the backyard. Bring out a new DVD (new to them, that is) and pop popcorn for an afternoon matinee.
Summertime doesn't have to give you the blues when it comes to juggling your children and your at-home work. Try these ideas and I hope your summer is smooth sailing.
Until next time,
Sarah
1. Schedule some fun activities throughout the summer. Make up a calendar with the events clearly marked. If they know something different is coming up, they will likely be more willing to let you work in peace, especially if they know misbehavior will result in canceling the outing.
2. Create a list of things to do when they utter the words "I'm bored." Get creative and you can probably come up with a fairly long list. Give each child an age-appropriate list and tell them that whenver they feel bored, they should do something on the list. Email me if you want to see the list for my kids.
3. Make a jobs jar for when they start whining about having nothing to do. Make them pick a slip of paper from the jar that has a chore on it they don't normally do, like dust the baseboards or sort their sock drawer. Remind them that the job has to be done to your satisfaction or it must be done again.
4. Be spontaneous. Surprise the kids every once in a while with a trip to the ice cream place or a water ballon fight in the backyard. Bring out a new DVD (new to them, that is) and pop popcorn for an afternoon matinee.
Summertime doesn't have to give you the blues when it comes to juggling your children and your at-home work. Try these ideas and I hope your summer is smooth sailing.
Until next time,
Sarah
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: eBay Seller
Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Job Description: An eBay seller sells products, either new or used, on eBay.
Education: None necessary.
Skills: The ability to take digital photographs and write descriptions of products.
Job outlook: Many people have successful eBay stores, and if you can find the right niche, this could be a profitable venture.
Possible employers: Ebay has a variety of subcategories, so check out which one would be right for your products.
Preparation: Carefully consider which product type to focus on, such as collectibles or vintage toys. Research the category and watch the auctions of similar products to get a feel for how the products could sell.
Get your foot in the door: Start out small to avoid having too much unsold inventory. Keep an eye on your eBay costs, too.
Until next time,
Sarah
Job Description: An eBay seller sells products, either new or used, on eBay.
Education: None necessary.
Skills: The ability to take digital photographs and write descriptions of products.
Job outlook: Many people have successful eBay stores, and if you can find the right niche, this could be a profitable venture.
Possible employers: Ebay has a variety of subcategories, so check out which one would be right for your products.
Preparation: Carefully consider which product type to focus on, such as collectibles or vintage toys. Research the category and watch the auctions of similar products to get a feel for how the products could sell.
Get your foot in the door: Start out small to avoid having too much unsold inventory. Keep an eye on your eBay costs, too.
Until next time,
Sarah
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Surveying Customers
Ever wonder how or if you even should survey your customers? Check out my June At Home News e-newsletter for tips and ideas of surveying.
Not receiving the free, monthly e-newsletter? Signing up is easy! Just click on the newsletter tab and fill in your email 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 fill in your email in the box provided.
Until next time,
Sarah
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Color Consultant
Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Job Description: A color consultant assists clients in selecting the right colors for their homes, including paints and fabrics for curtains, wall hangings and upholstery.
Education: None necessary, but a background in art and art history is helpful.
Skills: The ability to work with clients in their homes and to choose colors that compliment the homeowner and the space.
Job outlook: People are turning to professionals more and more for help in creating a warm and inviting home. I see this as a growing home-based business, especially in more urban and populated areas.
Possible employers: Many color consultants work out of local paint stores, such as Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams.
Preparation: Brush up on what’s new in home décor and color theory by taking a class at a local college or paint store. Read recent articles from home décor magazines on the topic. Invest in color swatches.
Get your foot in the door: Visit your local paint shop and talk to the owner about consulting for the store. Offer an initial discount to the first few clients and build your customer base from there.
Testimony: “I think color is a way that I can actually help people create homes, not just houses. It’s so important to create a welcoming, warm and personal feel to a home—in order to really embrace our calling to hospitality,” says Rebecca, a mother of three who has worked as a color consultant for three years from Fairfax, Va. Her favorite part of the job is helping clients discover the perfect color for their homes. “I love to see their eyes light up when we find the right color, and I love to help them feel more at home with their house,” she says.
Until next time,
Sarah
Job Description: A color consultant assists clients in selecting the right colors for their homes, including paints and fabrics for curtains, wall hangings and upholstery.
Education: None necessary, but a background in art and art history is helpful.
Skills: The ability to work with clients in their homes and to choose colors that compliment the homeowner and the space.
Job outlook: People are turning to professionals more and more for help in creating a warm and inviting home. I see this as a growing home-based business, especially in more urban and populated areas.
Possible employers: Many color consultants work out of local paint stores, such as Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams.
Preparation: Brush up on what’s new in home décor and color theory by taking a class at a local college or paint store. Read recent articles from home décor magazines on the topic. Invest in color swatches.
Get your foot in the door: Visit your local paint shop and talk to the owner about consulting for the store. Offer an initial discount to the first few clients and build your customer base from there.
Testimony: “I think color is a way that I can actually help people create homes, not just houses. It’s so important to create a welcoming, warm and personal feel to a home—in order to really embrace our calling to hospitality,” says Rebecca, a mother of three who has worked as a color consultant for three years from Fairfax, Va. Her favorite part of the job is helping clients discover the perfect color for their homes. “I love to see their eyes light up when we find the right color, and I love to help them feel more at home with their house,” she says.
Until next time,
Sarah
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Don't Forget to Take Time Off
With summer right around the corner, it's a good time to remind ourselves that even if we work from home, we still need to build in some rest and relaxation time in our schedules. Whether it's a leave-home-for-another-place vacation or a stayaction, whether it's for a week or a few days, making sure we have time to rejuvenate is very important.
Americans are pitful when it comes to actually taking a vacation. Most Europeans have 6 paid weeks off--and they take those weeks. By contrast, working Americans generally have 2 to 3 paid weeks off--and don't even take those.
Throw in being self-employed or having a home-based business, and you can see how taking a vacation would seem insurmountable given the work load, etc.
However, I would greatly encourage you to plan that vacation, even if you never leave your house. If taking an entire week off simply would not work, try taking a day off each week. Turn off your cell phone, keep your computer off and find things to do around the neighborhood or area. Most localities have wonderful free or close-to-free things to do for adults and children alike.
Make sure you pencil in your vacation plans early and stick with them. You'll find yourself refreshed and ready to work even harder if you can unplug and unwind.
Until next time,
Sarah
Americans are pitful when it comes to actually taking a vacation. Most Europeans have 6 paid weeks off--and they take those weeks. By contrast, working Americans generally have 2 to 3 paid weeks off--and don't even take those.
Throw in being self-employed or having a home-based business, and you can see how taking a vacation would seem insurmountable given the work load, etc.
However, I would greatly encourage you to plan that vacation, even if you never leave your house. If taking an entire week off simply would not work, try taking a day off each week. Turn off your cell phone, keep your computer off and find things to do around the neighborhood or area. Most localities have wonderful free or close-to-free things to do for adults and children alike.
Make sure you pencil in your vacation plans early and stick with them. You'll find yourself refreshed and ready to work even harder if you can unplug and unwind.
Until next time,
Sarah
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Professional Organizer
Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Job Description: A professional organizer helps people organize their homes and home offices.
Education: None necessary.
Skills: The ability to motivate clients to organize their homes and offices.
Job outlook: By accounts from professional associations, organizing is a growing business, although no hard numbers are available.
Possible employers: Check out the National Association of Professional Organizers, OnlineOrganizing.com and Organizer U for leads. Consider starting your own consulting business or joining with another professional organizer in your area.
Preparation: Join the National Association of Professional Organizers. Take organizer courses from the above-mentioned organizations.
Get your foot in the door: Ask a professional organizer in your area or a nearby area if you could shadow her on a client visit to make sure this is a good fit for you.
Testimony: “I love to organize things, and for years, I’ve helped friends and family get organized,” confesses Valerie of Edgewater, Fla. Her advice for others seeking to launch a professional organizing business is to read books about the industry first to see if it’s a good fit and use the time when you are starting your business—and there are fewer clients to fill your schedule—to concentrate on training and additional research about the business. “Most of all, find other beginners and a mentor for support,” she recommends.
Until next time,
Sarah
Job Description: A professional organizer helps people organize their homes and home offices.
Education: None necessary.
Skills: The ability to motivate clients to organize their homes and offices.
Job outlook: By accounts from professional associations, organizing is a growing business, although no hard numbers are available.
Possible employers: Check out the National Association of Professional Organizers, OnlineOrganizing.com and Organizer U for leads. Consider starting your own consulting business or joining with another professional organizer in your area.
Preparation: Join the National Association of Professional Organizers. Take organizer courses from the above-mentioned organizations.
Get your foot in the door: Ask a professional organizer in your area or a nearby area if you could shadow her on a client visit to make sure this is a good fit for you.
Testimony: “I love to organize things, and for years, I’ve helped friends and family get organized,” confesses Valerie of Edgewater, Fla. Her advice for others seeking to launch a professional organizing business is to read books about the industry first to see if it’s a good fit and use the time when you are starting your business—and there are fewer clients to fill your schedule—to concentrate on training and additional research about the business. “Most of all, find other beginners and a mentor for support,” she recommends.
Until next time,
Sarah
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