Once Upon a Porch Swing

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Home Inspector

2012-02-02T05:16:00.000-08:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: A home inspector inspects homes for potential buyers and reports on the home’s condition, including exterior and interior, and writes reports for her clients.

Education: Courses in home inspection are helpful, as well as certification through one of the home inspection associations. Some states require home inspectors to be licensed.

Skills: The ability to understand construction and the various technical aspects of a home. Being people-oriented and organized are keys to success in this field.

Job outlook: According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, 77 percent of U.S. and Canadian homes sold today are inspected prior to purchase. “The market is still underserved and the remaining growth potential is considerable. This trend leaves room for many to become home inspectors, build a career, even establish a home inspection company,” the society says on its website.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that “the routine practice of obtaining home inspections is a relatively recent development, causing employment of home inspectors to increase rapidly.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.

Possible employers: Check out the American Society of Home Inspectors for leads. Consider starting your own consulting business or joining with another home inspector in your area.

Preparation: Join the American Society of Home Inspectors. Take home inspecting course through the society, Allied Schools or Kaplan Professional Schools.

Get your foot in the door: Ask a home inspector 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. Talk to local real estate brokers on working with them on home inspections.

Until next time,

Sarah

Boredom Busters

2012-01-31T05:34:00.000-08:00

Need some creative ideas to stave off boredom in your children so that you can get some work done? Check out my ebook Boredom Busters, available for Kindle, Nook and as a PDF through Smashwords.

I detail dozens of ways that your elementary-school age children can entertain themselves. Win a free copy by leaving a comment on this blog post by Feb. 7.

With a little effort and lots of patience, your children will soon be occupied and out of your hair.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: App Creator

2012-01-26T08:23:00.000-08:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: An app creator develops applications for mobile phones, like Android and iPhone.

Education: None necessary.

Skills: The ability to create and market apps.

Job outlook: If you have the skills, this can be a good fit for at-home employment. However, the marketplace is getting crowded with apps, so you’ll likely have to develop many apps in order to make a decent living.

Possible employers: Apple’s App Store and Android’s App Store provide information for app developers.

Preparation: Think beyond Apple and Android for apps to expand your audience potential. Apple and Android require an approval process before apps are posted to their stores. Have a marketing plan developed for your app while waiting for approval.

Get your foot in the door: Start with one or two apps and have a timetable to add more apps to your library.

Until next time,

Sarah

Missed Opportunities

2012-01-24T05:13:00.000-08:00

We recently canceled our gym membership, which we'd had for at least five or six years. When talking on the phone with the finance person about canceling, I kept waiting for him to ask me why we were leaving. He was very nice and polite, but didn't even inquire as to our reason for canceling. (It was because we were only using the treadmill and didn't want to pay for fitness and swim, only fitness. And we have a treadmill in downstairs, so it seemed like not a wise use of our finances.)

That was a missed opportunity to hear from a previously satisified customer who no longer found the gym to be meeting her needs.

How often do we miss opportunities to promote our businesses? Do you carry business cards with you to give to those who express interest in your product or service? Do you talk about your business--not annoyingly, but as others talk about their jobs in social settings?

Remembering to mention our businesses in casual conversation and in encounters with family, friends, other parents, etc., can help us grow our business. We don't have to be pushy, but don't let those opportunities pass by saying nothing at all.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Virtual Assistant

2012-01-19T08:20:00.000-08:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: A virtual assistant provides administrative work for small businesses from a remote location.

Education: None necessary, but a bachelor’s degree is probably helpful.

Skills: The ability to juggle many tasks during a day, such as bookkeeping, travel arrangements, administrative duties, transcription, correspondence, and other services that can be performed remotely via e-mail and telephone.

Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finds that “employment of secretaries and administrative assistants is expected to increase by 11 percent, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations, between 2008 and 2018. … Job opportunities should be best for applicants with extensive knowledge of computer software applications, with experience as a secretary or administrative assistant, or with advanced communication and computer skills. Applicants with a bachelor's degree will be in great demand to act more as managerial assistants and to perform more complex tasks.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.

Possible employers: Check out virtualassistantjobs.com, virtualassistant.org and teamdoubleclick.com.

Preparation: Join the International Virtual Assistants Association for certification opportunities and continuing education courses.

Get your foot in the door: Most companies let you set your own work schedule, so start with a few hours a week and work your way up as you adjust to the job.

Until next time,

Sarah

Transitioning From Office To Home

2012-01-17T08:13:00.000-08:00

Do you currently work in an office and wonder if you could transfer that work to a home office? Then check out January's At Home News for tips on how to put together a plan to make the transition from office work to work from home.

Signing up for the newsletter is free--just click on the newsletter tab for the form.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Car Advertisement Driver

2012-01-12T08:16:00.000-08:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: An advertisement driver is someone who receives payment for renting out space on a car to companies, which place an advertisement there.

Education: None necessary.

Skills: The ability to drive a vehicle.

Job outlook: This job has potential to earn up to $800 monthly or even a free car, depending on how much space you rent to advertisers and how many miles you drive per month.

Possible employers: Check out FreeCar Media and CarAds.us. Also look for local car wrap companies in your metro area.

Preparation: Make sure you have a clean driving record and up-to-date auto insurance. Read “Companies pay motorists to wrap their cars in ads,” from the New York Times for more information.

Get your foot in the door: Be prepared to fill out a detailed questionnaire about your driving habits and how many miles you typically log each month. You’ll have to wait up to 90 days for your first ad, but if you spend a lot of time in your car, it could be worth it.

Until next time,

Sarah

How an Ebook Might Be Good Marketing For Your Business

2012-01-10T05:23:00.000-08:00

Should you write an ebook to market your at-home business? Here are some things to think about relating to using ebooks as a marketing tool.

First, understand that ebooks are different than e-publishing. Ebooks are created as PDFs for easy download and as such retain graphics, formatting, etc., better than e-published books created for e-readers, such as Kindles and Nooks.

Second, businesses should use ebooks as a freebie to lure in new clients and reward current customers.

Third, hire a professional writer or copyeditor/proofreader to polish your ebook. As with any marketing tool, your finished product should be free from grammatical mistakes and mispellings. It's worth the extra money.

Fourth, hire a professional graphic designer for the layout so that your ebook can make the most of this marketing opportunity.

Fifth, don't forget to let your customers and potential clients know about your ebook. Promote it in social media (Facebook, Twitter), on your website and in other marketing materials.

Writing an ebook can be a lot of work but it also can be a great way to promote your business. For more tips, check out "eBooks: The New Darling of Small-Business Branding" article posted on Huffington Post.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Wedding Planner

2012-01-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: A wedding planner or bridal consultant helps couples plan and execute their nuptials from start to finish.

Education: None required, although a bachelor’s degree is helpful.

Skills: The ability to plan, execute, and run a wedding.

Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finds that “employment of meeting and convention planners [under which wedding planers fall] is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Opportunities will be best for individuals with a bachelor’s degree and some meeting planning experience. … Employment of meeting and convention planners is expected to grow 16 percent over the 2008-18 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details

Possible employers: Scour engagement announcements in your local paper and send newly engaged couples a brochure advertising your services. Ask around at singles groups or organizations to see who’s getting married.

Preparation: Consider becoming certified through the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants or the Association of Bridal Consultants. Both associations offer training, conferences, and other resources.

Get your foot in the door: Consider giving the first two or three brides a discount on your services as you build your business. Offer referral bonuses to those who refer brides that sign with you.

Until next time,

Sarah

Time for a Business Checkup

2012-01-02T06:46:00.000-08:00

With the start of 2012, you should schedule some time to do a business checkup. Just as we need to see a doctor for a physical on an annual basis, we should also take a few minutes to think about how our business is doing. Here are a few things to put on your checkup list.

Goals for 2012. If you haven't written out what you hope to accomplish in 2012, then you should jot down at least your top two or three goals for the year.

Financial inventory. Knowing where you've come from and where you want to be by the end of 2012 financially can be a good way to keep your business on track.

Promoting agenda. How will you market your business this year? Write down at least three new or expanded ways you will promote your business in 2012.

Your dreams. What are your dreams for the business? This could be different from your goals, which should be more concrete. This is more along the lines of letting your imagination take flight in relation to your business.

These are just a few ways to check up on how your business is doing and to focus your attention on the things that need to be accomplished in this new year. Now go out there and get started!

Until next time,
Sarah

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2011-12-20T07:26:00.000-08:00

The week before Christmas and the week between Christmas and New Year's has been called the lost weeks because so many workers take days off to be with family and friends. I'm no exception, and will take a brief hiatus from now until January 3.

Enjoy the holidays and I look forward to the new year with its clean slate and endless possibilities.

Until next year,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Video/DVD Editor

2011-12-15T10:37:00.000-08:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: A video/DVD editor transfers older media (VHS tapes, 8 mm film, photographs, etc.) to DVDs. An editor might also create DVDs from a variety of materials, such as video footage, still photography, music, etc.

Education: None required.

Skills: The ability to create DVDs or other media from materials supplied by clients.

Job outlook: Video/DVD editors fall under “Motion Picture and Video Industries.” The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finds that “wage and salary employment in the motion picture and video industries is projected to grow 14 percent between 2008 and 2018, compared with 11 percent growth projected for wage and salary employment in all industries combined. … Opportunities will be better in some occupations than in others. Computer specialists, multimedia artists and animators, film and video editors, and others skilled in digital filming, editing, and computer-generated imaging should have the best job prospects.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details

Possible employers: Family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, organizations, companies, etc., all have different needs when it comes to video/DVD editing. For example, family or friends might need a tribute DVD for a significant birthday or graduation. Companies and organizations could need a DVD to celebrate a milestone or anniversary.

Preparation: Make sure you have the equipment to transfer older media onto DVDs if that will be part of your business. Also ensure that your equipment is up-to-date enough to handle requests from clients.

Get your foot in the door: Start out by offering a discount on your services to a select group of companies or friends. Troll for corporate clients by reading up on the histories of local companies and seeing which might be having an important anniversary coming up.

Testimony: “Working at home was a better fit than trying to operate out of an office or with an organization,” says Tiffany, who works out of her Reston, Va., home. She and a partner create video or DVD tributes for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions using photographs and film materials. They also convert reel, 8mm, and VHS tapes to create digital archives for their clients. She states that she “wouldn’t have gone looking for a job like this outside of the home, but the fact that I can do it from home makes it all possible.”

Until next time,

Sarah

At Home News on Setting Boundaries

2011-12-13T07:24:00.000-08:00

When you work at home, it's tough to shut out the distractions of home, whether it's chores like laundry or that movie you've been dying to watch. The December issue of At Home News has tips on how to set boundaries while working from home.

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Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Scientific Consultant

2011-12-08T10:40:00.000-08:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: A scientific consultant gives businesses technical expertise, information, contacts, and tools that clients cannot provide themselves. The scientific consultant also works with clients to provide a service or solve a problem.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in related field required.

Skills: Expertise in a specific field, such as manufacturing, marketing, process, physical distribution, logistics, occupational safety, security, and technical.

Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that “wage and salary employment in the management, scientific, and technical consulting services industry is expected to grow by 83 percent between 2008 and 2018. All areas of consulting should experience strong growth. Projected job growth can be attributed primarily to economic growth and to the continuing complexity of business.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details

Possible employers: Almost any business uses consultants, but start with companies in your field of expertise.

Preparation: Make sure that any credentials you have are up-to-date. Take a refresher course in your field if you’ve been out of the workforce a while.

Get your foot in the door: Start by offering your services at a discount or gratis to a nonprofit organization in your field to gain a recent reference.

Testimony: Lori segued from her job as senior scientist for a Washington, D.C.-area research organization into an at-home position when she moved out of the area to Upper Darby, Penn. She conducts job analysis, creating multiple-choice and performance-based tests, data analysis, educational research and quality assurance, and training development. “I’m able to use my training and skills to perform my work well, and I feel a sense of satisfaction in doing good work, earning some income, and maintaining relationships with colleagues,” she says.

Until next time,

Sarah

More Ways to Tame the Email Monster

2011-12-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

Recently, I went out of town for a Friday and Saturday, and didn't have time to check email while away. That Sunday was really busy, so I went three whole days without reading my email. That Monday, I downloaded 222 messages, which might not seem like a lot until you realize it was the weekend and most of those were not related to my freelance writing business.

Weeding through emails, no matter how many, can be tedious, especially given the time it takes to respond to them. Here are some tips on how to tame the email monster.

First, go through and delete without reading the unneceesary or unwanted messages. For example, on the days I don't write a news file for a trade association, I trash unread all the daily news digests and e-newsletters related to that job. Ditto on all the come-ons from companies I've done business with but have no need to order again at this time.

Second, triage the remaining email by tending to the ones in which you are the expert. These would be the ones that focus on your at-home business, for instance.

Third, tackle the rest of the email by either placing in folders for response later (and be sure to have a follow-up plan to do this) or write the response then.

Fourth, set a time limit on how long you will work on email. Then turn off or close the program and focus on other tasks.

Keeping the email monster tamed can seem daunting, but by developing a system that works for you can be a life-saver.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Recruiter

2011-12-01T05:40:00.000-08:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: A recruiter works in the employment services industry, which helps connect workers with employers. Recruiters can specialize in an industry, such as healthcare, or help companies staff for specific times, such as holiday, summer or temporary.

Education: A bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Skills: Experience in human resources and connections within the chosen industry are vital for this job.

Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that “the employment services industry [under which recruiters fall] provided 3.1 million wage and salary jobs in 2008. Wage and salary employment in the employment services industry is expected to grow 19 percent over the 2008 to 2018 projection period. … Temporary help agencies, the largest sector within employment services, should continue to generate many new jobs. This growth will be spurred by businesses in need of workers to manage seasonal and other temporary increases in their workloads, demand for specialized workers, and those businesses seeking to expand without incurring the additional costs associated with permanent employees.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details

Possible employers: Retail establishments that hire seasonal workers, such as those located in tourist destinations, and both big and small companies and businesses who may need temporary help. If specializing, any company in the specific industry with which you’ll be working.

Preparation: Start contacting former co-workers to see if they know of any staffing needs within that company or other businesses.

Get your foot in the door: Offer a discounted fee for the first few candidates you place within other companies. Give referral hiring bonuses to placed candidates who let you know about other openings that could work for your clients.

Testimony: Tina works from home as a missionary recruiter for the missionary arm of a Protestant denomination as a missionary recruiter, spending thirty hours a week talking with people interested in long-term and two-year mission service. “I talk regularly with hundreds of people. I develop relationships with them, talk through qualifications, help narrow down opportunities/fields, and coach them through the application process—or encourage them if they choose to pursue another line of service,” says Tina, who lives in Atlanta.

Until next time,

Sarah

More Americans Working At Home

2011-11-29T05:20:00.000-08:00

It should come as no surprise that more people are working from and at home. What's more shocking is that "40 percent of multiple jobholders do some of their work from home, and more than one in three workers with a bachelor's degree and higher have been taking home work for the last decade." That's from "Why More Americans are Bringing Work Home" in The Altantic.
As someone who primarily works from home, it's encouraging to see that more people are viewing at-home work as legitimate work. But what's discouraging is that those with full-time jobs outside of the home are finding it necessary to bring that work home after hours, which can cut into family and personal time.

Until next time,

Sarah

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T07:15:00.000-08:00

Developing a thankful heart is an important way to be grateful for the small and large things in our lives, from family to at-home jobs. However you choose to celebrate Thanksgiving, I pray you will enjoy time with friends and family this week.

As such, I will not be publishing a blog on Thursday in honor of Thanksgiving. My regular blogging schedule will resume next week.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Piano Teacher

2011-11-17T05:36:00.000-08:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: A piano teacher teaches students of all ages and abilities the fundamentals of playing the instrument.

Education: A bachelor’s degree or music certification is preferred.

Skills: Enthusiasm and knowledge of piano.

Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finds that “employment of self-enrichment education teachers is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, and job prospects should be favorable. … Employment of self-enrichment education teachers [of which piano teachers are] is expected to increase over the 2008–18 period by 32 percent, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. … Job prospects should be generally favorable in the coming decade, as increasing demand and high turnover create many opportunities.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.

Possible employers: Neighbors and friends are a good place to start. Local private and public schools might need supplemental piano teachers, too.

Preparation: Update your music credentials, if applicable. Ensure that your home is conducive to in-home instruction or find a neutral place, such as music school or church that you could hold lessons.

Get your foot in the door: To get the word out, put up a simple website, advertise your services via flyers in schools, retail locations and other neighborhood venues. Consider offering lessons at a local charity or school auction.

Testimony: Andrea in Helena, Mont., spends six hours a week teaching piano. “I love being my own boss, setting my own schedule and rate of pay,” she says. “My schedule works well for my kids’ nap times and students’ availability. … But sometimes, it is awkward when I have to remind student’s parents to pay their monthly tuition,” she further admits.

Until next time,

Sarah

At Home News Profiles Online Guide Editor

2011-11-15T07:10:00.000-08:00

A love of angels and miracles led Whitney Hopler to become an online guide editor for About.com. Learn how Whitney segued her background as a writer into the online guide editor for the Angels and Miracles Channel for About.com in the November issue of At Home News.
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

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Pet Sitter

2011-11-10T05:34:00.000-08:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: A pet sitter looks after animals while the owner is away at the owner’s home. Most pet sitters feed, play and walk the animal.

Education: None required.

Skills: A love of animals and experience in caring for them.

Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) relates that “employment of animal care and service workers is expected to grow 21 percent over the 2008–18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. … Due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupation, job opportunities for most positions should be excellent. The need to replace pet sitters, dog walkers, kennel attendants, and animal control and shelter workers leaving the field will create the overwhelming majority of job openings.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details

Possible employers: Neighbors and friends are good places to start advertising your pet sitting business. Begin in your surrounding neighborhoods and expand out as your business grows.

Preparation: Consider receiving certification through the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, which has two-stage, home-study certification program for pet care professionals.

Get your foot in the door: Contact local veterinarians offices to see about placing flyers advertising your business on bulletin boards. Volunteer at the local animal shelter to connect with other animal lovers and potential clients.

Until next time,

Sarah

The Year of the Freelancer

2011-11-08T05:25:00.000-08:00

A new revolution is sweeping America and it's fueled by freelancers. As "The Freelance Surge is the Industrial Revolution of Our Time" from The Atlantic puts it: "Today, careers consist of piecing together various types of work, juggling multiple clients, learning to be marketing and accounting experts, and creating offices in bedrooms/coffee shops/coworking spaces. Independent workers abound. We call them freelancers, contractors, sole proprietors, consultants, temps, and the self-employed. And, perhaps most surprisingly, many of them love it."

As a freelancer who has no intention of ever going back to the office, I am not surprised at all. Freelancers are mixing family and home life in with their own careers to arrive at a more satisfactory way than traditional, 9 to 5 employment. With our society increasingly mobile, freelancing offers more opportunities than working in an office, allowing mothers and fathers to stay at home with their children while contributing to the family income either part-time or full-time.

As the article states, the number of freelancers is growing by leaps and bounds: "As of 2005, one-third of our workforce participated in this 'freelance economy.' Data show that number has only increased over the past six years. Entrepreneurial activity in 2009 was at its highest level in 14 years, online freelance job postings skyrocketed in 2010, and companies are increasingly outsourcing work."

That translates into good news for freelancers of all professions.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Office Manager

2011-11-03T04:17:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: An office manager handles the accounting, marketing, emailing, phone calling, copying, organizing, etc.

Education: An associate’s or bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Skills: The ability to juggle multiple tasks and projects.

Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that “employment of office and administrative support supervisors and managers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2018. … Keen competition is expected for jobs as the number of applicants greatly exceeds the number of job openings.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.

Possible employers: Current or previous employers might be interested in retaining or rehiring you in a work-from-home situation. Associations, organizations and businesses all need office managers, and could be open to a work-at-home employee.

Preparation: Carefully prepare how you would work from home as an office manager, addressing each concern a potential or current supervisor might have. Make sure you have the proper equipment, such as phones, fax/copier, computer and high-speed Internet connection to do the job from home.

Get your foot in the door: Ask for a three-month trial period to work from home to see how it works.

Testimony: “I was able to figure out how I could do almost everything from home,” says Lisa, an office manager who approached her boss about working from her Raleigh, N.C., home. “My company hired someone to be in the office a few hours in the morning to answer phones. I still do everything else, but from home instead of going into the office,” she says. Although she does go into the office on a weekly basis, from home, she does all of the accounting, marketing, e-mailing, phone calling, organizing, and more.

Until next time,

Sarah

Be Careful of Burnout

2011-11-01T05:33:00.000-07:00

Working from home can sometimes lead to burnout. After all, our office is just steps away from our kitchen and bedroom, so we can get sucked back into work even "after hours." And with the flexibliity of scheduling our own work time, our work hours can extend well beyond a normal workday and spill into family life easily.

BNET recently ran an article listing 7 signs of burnout. Here's a few of the signs.

* You use weekends and vacation for rest and relaxation, not for having fun. If all you want to do is veg out every weekend from work, then you might have a burnout problem.

* You stop work thinking you can't handle another thing. If work is overwhelming you each and every day, you might be burned out.

* You dread going to work. While there will be days when you don't want to work, if you feel that way every day, you might be burned out.

To overcome burn out, focus on fun things in your off time. Don't mope around the house--get out and do something active or with your family and friends. During the day, have mini-breaks that you fill with non-work stress breakers, like brisk walks around the block, sitting in the sunshine for 15 minutes letting your mind wander (it's amazing how that can lift your spirits) or reading a book during lunch.

Hopefully, your burnout won't last long and you can get back on track.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Novelist

2011-10-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: A novelist writes fiction books.

Education: None required, although a background in communications or creative writing is probably a plus.

Skills: The ability to tell a story in a compelling way.

Job outlook: As with online writers, “employment of authors, writers, and editors is expected to grow 8 percent … from 2008 to 2018,” according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.
Possible employers: Some websites or blogs are interested in publishing short works of fiction. Also, compilation books like the Chicken Soup for the Soul series also publish short nonfiction and fiction stories.

Preparation: Join a local, regional or national writers group to talk to other writers and see what’s selling in your genre. Also get involved in an in-person or online critique group to gain feedback on your work from other writers. Consider taking an online or in-person creative writing class if you need a refresher course.

Get your foot in the door: Start by working on a short story or two. Also try the National Novel Writing Month, in which you attempt to write a 50,000 word novel from scratch during November. That can be a great way to jump-start your creativity.

Testimony: Melanie, an award-winning novelist from Portland, Ore., loves writing from home. “No commute. Few meetings. Flexible schedule. Always available if my family needs me. And I can pursue the talents and dreams that God gave me. Some women are called to be caregivers around the clock. If I don’t have goals or accomplishments outside of caregiving (which is a never ending job), I feel like I’m going crazy,” she says.

Now available on Kindle and Smashwords: HomeWork, which gives details on 50 at-home jobs or businesses.

Until next time,

Sarah

Holiday Celebrations

2011-10-25T05:37:00.000-07:00

Now is the time to start seriously thinking about your end-of-the-year celebration or client gifts. With pre-planning, you can be ready for the holiday season without losing your mind.

If you host an annual open house in December, pick a date and theme, if applicable. Plan the menu and decide on whether you'll prepare the food yourself or hire a caterer. Divide the number of weeks left before the event and assign tasks each week to avoid being overwhelmed the week or two before the party.

If you send out annual Christmas cards to clients, consider buying them now and start addressing them. If you write a certain number per week, you won't have to stay up late in December madly scribbling personal messages on the cards. Starting early means you can write more meaningful notes. Play Christmas music while you write to get you in the holiday mood. Put the completed cards in a stack and then mail them in early December.

If you put together small gifts for clients, pick what you'll give or make now to avoid the pressure of the holidays, which can make us overspend our budgets. For example, I give baskets of homemade goodies to neighbors and friends at Christmastime, and spend the summer gathering baskets and jars at yard sales. In September, I sit down with my recipe books and pick which cookies or candies I'll make for the baskets. Then I schedule my baking to avoid having to make six different treats on one day.

Whatever your holiday plans, don't forget to advertise your business. By thinking of the holidays before December rolls around, you'll be better perpared to actually enjoy them.

Until next time,
Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Math Tutor

2011-10-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: A math tutor helps students of all ages comprehend and excel in mathematics.

Education: A bachelor’s degree in mathematics is required, although post-graduate work or degrees is preferred.

Skills: The ability to help students navigate mathematics, such as geometry, algebra, and calculus.

Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says the teaching profession in general is poised for growth, and therefore the prospects for tutors, especially ones that specialize in math, is bright. However, some of that growth is dependent on your area and if other math tutors are already entrenched. For example, an larger city could support numerous math tutors, but a rural community, probably not as many because the student pool would be smaller.

Possible employers: Private and public schools might have tutor referral programs for all ages. Community colleges and local universities would be good places to inquire about finding clients. Homeschool groups use tutors to teach group classes or one-on-one instruction as well.

Preparation: Make sure your teaching credentials are up to date, even if you’re not interested in a teaching position. If it’s been a while since you taught or tutored, consider taking a refresher teaching or math specialty class (algebra, calculus, geometry, etc.).

Get your foot in the door: Contact your local homeschool groups to see if there’s interest in a free talk on teaching math or some other general math-related topic. Attend a local or state homeschool convention to find out more about connecting with this group. Ask your local public and private schools about getting your information available to parents, such as offering an hour or two worth of tutoring at a silent auction.

Testimony: Tami in Herndon, Virginia, tapped her background as a public school math teacher to find a work from home job as a math tutor and mentor to other math tutors. For the past five years, she has spent between ten to thirty hours a week at her job. “Luckily my job has a good amount of freedom in the schedule, so I’m able to fit my work time around my other activities,” she says.

Now available on Kindle and Smashwords: HomeWork, which gives details on 50 at-home jobs or businesses.

Until next time,

Sarah

Microfinance

2011-10-18T05:33:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not talking about finance for kids! Microfinance is lending in small amounts to higher risk individuals, such as home-based entrepreneurs. In the October issue of At Home News, I talk about microfinance and how you can tap that resources for a cash infusion.

To sign up for the free, monthly e-newsletter, click on the Newsletter tab and use the form to sign up.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Jewelry Maker

2011-10-13T07:57:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: A jewelry maker creates earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc., by hand from a variety of materials. The pieces can be one-of-a-kind or similar.

Education: None required.

Skills: Creativity and the ability to fashion jewelry using a variety of materials.

Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that “employment of jewelers and precious stone and metal workers is expected to grow by 5 percent between 2008 and 2018, more slowly than the average for all occupations. Most jewelry is currently imported, and continued growth in imports will limit demand, particularly for lower-skilled workers. However, demand … will grow as consumers seek more customized jewelry.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.
Possible employers: Jewelry stores, watch stores and independent clothing boutiques might be interested in carrying your pieces on consignment. Also consignment stores might have space for original pieces.

Preparation: Make sure you have a variety of product available before starting to sell, as consumers enjoy browsing to find the right jewelry for them or as gifts. Many community colleges or technical schools offer classes in jewelry making that might be beneficial to see what the new trends are.

Get your foot in the door: Try out your designs at a local arts-and-craft festival by buying a space or sharing a booth with a similar but non-competing business, like clothing, purses, hair ornaments, etc.

Testimony: Debbie in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, works in a local art gallery designing jewelry on Saturdays, while the rest of the week, she works out of her home. “I just figured that was what I would do, and making jewelry is something that’s relatively easy to do from home,” she says.

Now available on Kindle and Smashwords: HomeWork, which gives details on 50 at-home jobs or businesses.

Until next time,

Sarah

Flexibility Tops Pay

2011-10-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

It's no surprise for those of us who work from home that flexibility is high on the list of reasons why we choose not to go into an office, but 42 percent of working adults would willingly give up 6 percent of their salary for more workplace flexibility, according to a recent survey.

For me, being able to put aside my work and tend to a boo-boo or read a story with my children is priceless. Scheduling my writing around my family's schedule means I'm there when I'm needed.

I'm thankful that my husband's office has a certain amount of flexibility, too, which means we can have a home life that suits our family.

So embrace the flexibility of your at-home work and enjoy knowing you can have it without taking a pay cut.

Until next time,
Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Interpreter/Translator

2011-10-06T07:53:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: Interpreters interpret the spoke word for a non-native speaker while translators translate documents into another language for companies, governments and organizations.

Education: A bachelor’s degree usually required; post-graduate work relating to the language a plus.

Skills: Spoken and written fluency in a specific language.

Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finds that “employment of interpreters and translators is projected to increase 22 percent over the 2008–18 decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Higher demand for interpreters and translators results directly from the broadening of international ties and the large increases in the number of non-English speaking people in the United States. Both of these trends are expected to continue throughout the projections period, contributing to relatively rapid growth in the number of jobs for interpreters and translators across all industries in the economy.” Languages in demand include Portuguese, French, Italian, German, and Spanish, while demand is growing for Arabic and other Middle Eastern languages, and for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. American Sign Language is also expected to grow. Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.

Possible employers: The BLS says that “urban areas, especially Washington, D.C., New York, and cities in California, provide the largest numbers of employment possibilities.” Governments, companies, organizations, public and private schools (preschool, elementary, secondary and university levels), and associations all need translators and interpreters.

Preparation: Make sure your interpretation and translating skills are up-to-date. Take a refresher course or receive certification in your preferred language.

Get your foot in the door: Offer to translate a short document for free or at a greatly reduced rate, or do a free consultation in interpreting.

Now available on Kindle and Smashwords: HomeWork, which gives details on 50 at-home jobs or businesses.

Until next time,

Sarah

Freelancers Union Wants Better Classification

2011-10-04T05:24:00.000-07:00

Freelancers, or contingent workers, are a growing and vital part of the American workforce, but how to classify those who are not employed full time has been the subject of some debate. The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics hasn’t measured this group since 2005 because of lack of funds. The BLS has asked for the money to start counting again, but the Freelancers Union, an advocacy group, has asked the BLS to change the way these employees are labeled, according to a recent article in Bloomberg Business Week.

The government is “ignoring a crucial, and growing, segment of the economy that is transforming the U.S. workforce,” the union said. Contingent workers were defined by the BLS as workers who see their jobs as temporary.

Sara Horowitz, who founded the Freelancers Union, pointed out that the BLS numbers don’t portray workers who aren’t employed permanently full time. She said the agency needed to include independent workers, such as how the Government Accountability Office classifies this group. That would include self-employed, temps, contract workers, day laborers, on-call employees and part-time employees.

“What I find so profoundly unsettling is that the number one issue that human beings are having in America right now is the lack of work,” said Horowitz. “And to not have a clue about how people are really working, and that this isn’t a huge focus — why isn’t the Department of Labor making this front and center?”

Part of the debate is about the fact that contingent workers do not have much legal protection in the way of minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance and anti-discrimination regulations.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Telemarketer

2011-09-29T07:50:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: A telemarketer place calls for companies and organizations to get contacts to book appointments, get donations, or purchase a product or service.

Education: None required beyond a high school diploma or equivalent.

Skills: A pleasant phone manner and ability to remain unruffled when talking to upset customers. Cold-calling and customer-service experience a plus.

Job outlook: While the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t see a bright future overall for telemarketing, for those who wish to work from home in this field, there will be more opportunities as more companies and organizations are outsourcing their cold calls to third parties. These third party companies hire full-time and temporary employees, many of whom work from home.

Possible employers: Companies that hire at-home telemarketers include Intrep.com, Telemarketingfromhome.com and West.com. Also search online job boards for home-based telemarketing positions but do not pay for leads.

Preparation: Invest in a hands-free headset that connects to your phone. Make sure you have a high-speed Internet connection and working computer.

Get your foot in the door: See if some of the above companies will offer a two- or three-week trial period to see if telemarketing is a good fit for you.

Now available on Kindle and Smashwords: HomeWork, which gives details on 50 at-home jobs or businesses.

Until next time,

Sarah

Minimizing Workplace Distractions

2011-09-27T05:46:00.000-07:00

Working from home can have its distractions. Here are a few ways to minimize your distractions at home while you're working.

Turn off or set to voice mail all phones.

Close out of email programs and de-activate any email notifications.

Exit all web pages, unless you need to access specific ones for work.

Keep outside noise to a minimum by having the children play in another room, etc.

Prioritize your to-do list and tackle the most pressing things first.

These might seem like simplistic ways, but by following these simple ideas, you can keep focused on the work at hand.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: House Cleaner

2011-09-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: A house cleaner cleans the homes of clients to the client’s specifications.

Education: None required.

Skills: The ability to clean and manage the interpersonal relationships with clients.

Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that “the number of building cleaning workers [which includes house cleaners] is expected to grow by 5 percent from 2008 to 2018, more slowly than average for all occupation.” However, most urban areas, especially larger cities, that have dual-income families will likely see more opportunities for house cleaners. Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.

Possible employers: Ask family and friends for recommendations. Contact home healthcare companies to see if they recommend house cleaners to their clients. Try churches or other nonprofits that work with the elderly or dual-income families.

Preparation: Make sure you have working cleaning equipment. If you want advertise yourself as a “green cleaner,” make sure all your products are all natural, nontoxic or organic. Sign up for insurance, as this is a must for house cleaners. Also consider getting a background check and police record, so you can show potential clients your clean background. Draw up sample work orders that include what you will clean in each room and also “special” cleanings, such as deep cleanings or spring cleanings.

Get your foot in the door: Donate a house-cleaning to a local charity or school auction in your area. Put an ad in your local newspaper offering half-price cleanings to the first 10 respondents.

Now available on Kindle and Smashwords: HomeWork, which gives details on 50 at-home jobs or businesses.

Until next time,

Sarah

Winners of HomeWork Announced

2011-09-20T08:38:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to announce the two winners of my ebook, HomeWork: Laura F. in Fort Worth, Texas, and T. Smith in Decatur, Ga. Thanks to all who subscribed to At Home News, my free, monthly e-newsletter, over the past few weeks, and congratulations to Laura and T!

Until next time,
Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Herb Seller

2011-09-15T05:52:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: A herb seller grows, cuts and sells herb plants and cuttings to consumers, businesses and restaurants.

Education: None required.

Skills: The ability to grow healthy, vibrant herb plants.

Job outlook: Opportunities abound for those with a green thumb in herb growing. More people and businesses, such as restaurants, caterers and bakers, want fresh and freshly dried herbs. Demand varies depending on local need and population density.

Possible employers: Try area restaurants, which are looking more and more to locally sourced ingredients. Also, local businesses that might be interested in fresh herbs include caterers, bakers, meal-preparation facilities, and cafeterias (company, schools and government).

Preparation: Bone up on the best herbs to grow in your area’s climate. Read books like Growing & Selling Fresh-Cut Herbs by Sandie Shores for specific details on becoming a seller of herbs.

Get your foot in the door: When contacting area restaurants or other companies, bring in small samples of herbs to leave with them. Be sure to leave business cards tucked into the bunches.

Now available on Kindle and Smashwords: HomeWork, which gives details on 50 at-home jobs or businesses.

Until next time,

Sarah

Time Management

2011-09-13T07:02:00.000-07:00

My September At Home News e-newsletter focuses on tips on managing your time, which is especially important when working from home. Distractions from housework, friends and children can derail our at-home work.

New subscribers to At Home News can be entered in a contest to win one of two free copies of my new ebook, HomeWork, which gives information about 50 real at-home jobs and businesses. The contest ends September 15, so sign up today at the newsletter tab.

Until next time,
Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Graphic Designer

2011-09-08T05:50:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: Graphic designers work with a variety of media to develop visual communications, such as brochures, flyers, presentations, books, newsletters, magazines, publications, etc.

Education: A bachelor’s degree in graphic design is essential.

Skills: Experience in a variety of desktop graphic design software is a must.

Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that “employment of graphic designers is expected to grow 13 percent, as fast as the average for all occupations from 2008 to 2018, as demand for graphic design continues to increase from advertisers and computer design firms.” However, competition for these jobs is growing fiercer. Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.

Possible employers: Associations, organizations, and state and local governments are likely candidates for needing graphic designers.

Preparation: Make sure your computer software is up-to-date and that you’re well-versed in using it. Take a refresher design course at the local college or university if you’ve been out of the business for a while.

Get your foot in the door: Let former co-workers, friends, and family know you’re available for work. If your portfolio needs updating, volunteer to design a brochure or presentation for a local nonprofit for free or a greatly reduced rate.

Testimony: Before starting out as a freelance graphic designer, Martha from Springfield, Va., talked over the basics with her husband. “We needed to determine the purchase price of computer and office equipment and to designate a work space for me within our house. We also considered taxes and what my fee structure should be based on the market rate for someone at my skill level,” she says. “God has enabled me to enjoy this type of work and has provided clients who support me as a mother and designer.”

Now available on Kindle and Smashwords: HomeWork, which gives details on 50 at-home jobs or businesses.

Until next time,

Sarah

Win a free copy of HomeWork, ebook edition!

2011-09-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

Want leads and testimonies of 50 real at-home jobs or businesses? Then check out HomeWork, my new ebook available in Kindle and Smashwords (Nook, and other e-readers) format.

From now until Sept. 16, I'm running a contest and will giveaway two free copies of HomeWork in either Kindle, Smashwords or PDF format to new subscribers to my free, monthly e-newsletter, At Home News. The newsletter covers different aspects of working from home and occasionally features interviews with women who work from home.

Sign up with a legitimate email address under the Newsletter tab, and your email address will be entered into the drawing. Two email addresses will be chosen randomly and winners will be announced the week of Sept. 19 on this blog and by email.

I never share email addresses and only use the addresses to send my monthly e-newsletter.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Garage Sale Organizer

2011-09-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: A garage sale organizer works with homeowners and estates to hold yard/garage and estate sales. A yard or garage sale is generally held by the current homeowners and is limited in scope, while an estate sale is usually done by an executor or heirs and pertains to the entire household contents.

Education: None required.

Skills: Experience in advertising, sales, and marketing helpful.

Job outlook: More people are looking to earn extra cash by holding yard/garage sales, and with the aging population, more are also turning to experts for help in estate sales.

Possible employers: Your neighbors and those living in the surrounding area. Also consider teaming up with estate attorneys to offer your services.

Preparation: If you don’t normally go to yard sales, start heading out Saturday mornings to get a feel for what people are selling and for how much. Research used furniture prices by checking Craig’s List and any retail resale shops. Get a list of experts together that you can call on for appraisals in specific areas, such as jewelry, furniture, artwork, etc., especially if you focus on estate sales when then goods are likely to be worth more. Set up a website advertising your services and print business cards to hand out to friends, neighbors, etc.

Get your foot in the door: Offer to run a neighbor or friend’s garage sale at a discount rate to get started. Make sure you have flyers or business cards on hand to give to customers at the sale to advertise your business.

Now available on Kindle and Smashwords: HomeWork, which gives details on 50 at-home jobs or businesses.

Until next time,

Sarah

Conference Etiquette

2011-08-30T00:42:00.000-07:00

Attending a conference has its own set of etiquette. Since most conferences cost money, “Conference Etiquette” has some great tips that can help you have a successful event.

Come prepared. Bring lots of business cards and/or brochures.

Wear your name badge but still introduce yourself to those you don’t know.

Ask other attendees questions to get the conversation started. Where they’re from, what they do, have they ever attended the conference before, are good places to start.

Approach small groups of people if you arrive at an event alone. It’s easier to break into a small group of twos or threes than a larger one.

At a meal event, don’t reach across the table to shake hands. Wait until everyone is served before picking up your fork.

Don’t talk while the speaker is talking. Bring a pen and notebook to take notes.

After the conference, write prompt follow-up notes to those who were helpful or who you need to thank for their assistance.

Following these simple tips can turn your next conference or convention into a great event.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Engineer

2011-08-25T00:43:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: Engineers use math and science principles to create economical solutions to technical problems. Engineers generally specialize in a field, such as the environment, electrical, health and safety, civil, mechanical or work environment engineering.

Education: A bachelor’s degree in the specialty field, plus graduate-level work or degrees are required.

Skills: The ability to link scientific discoveries and commercial applications to meet the needs of society and consumers.

Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finds that “overall engineering employment is expected to grow by 11 percent over the 2008–18 decade, about as fast as the average for all occupations. … Overall job opportunities in engineering are expected to be good, and, indeed, prospects will be excellent in certain specialties. In addition to openings from job growth, many openings will be created by the need to replace current engineers who retire; transfer to management, sales, or other occupations; or leave engineering for other reasons.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.

Possible employers: Companies, organizations and associations in your chosen field. Also, inquire about opportunities with local, state and federal governments, including agencies and departments.

Preparation: Make sure your certifications and licenses are up-to-date by checking with the appropriate federal or state agency or licensing board. Brush up on any new advances in your field by reading the applicable journals or attending conferences.

Get your foot in the door: If you previously worked in this field, reconnect with former colleagues and supervisors to see if any at-home work is available. Join the appropriate societies or associations and use the meetings and gatherings for networking.

Testimony: Sharon views her life as a an at-home mother and environmental engineer who consults from home as “having my cake and eating it, too.” From The Woodlands, Texas, she works between 10 and 20 hours weekly providing services to industrial and manufacturing clients to assist with air quality regulation compliance.

Until next time,

Sarah

Basic Manners

2011-08-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

Some people might think the time for manners is past in our fast-paced and increasingly mobile society, but as a businessperson, brushing up on your manners might just set you apart from the competition. Here are some manner basics.

“Please,” “thank you” and “you’re welcome” never go out of style.

Remember not to interrupt when someone else is talking.

Arrive at appointments on time or even a few minutes early.

Turn off cell phones and mobile devices during meetings, lunches, etc.

Hold the door for the person behind you regardless of gender.

Keep to the right on sidewalks and escalators.

Make eye contact when meeting or talking to someone and offer a warm smile.

Follow up promptly on promised materials, emails, information, etc.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Data Entry Worker

2011-08-18T00:28:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: A data entry or information processing worker keys in data into a computer, usually into a specific software or database program. Other names for this type of work include word processors, typists, data entry keyers, electronic data processors, keypunch technicians and transcribers (see Medical Transcriptionist and Transcriptionist for details on these jobs).

Education: None usually required.

Skills: The ability to spell, punctuate and know basic grammar, as well as familiarity with office equipment and procedures necessary. The ability to key in information accurately and quickly a requirement.

Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says “the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave this large occupation for other reasons will produce numerous job openings each year. Job prospects will be most favorable for those with the best technical skills and be willing to upgrade their skills continuously in order to remain marketable.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.

Possible employers: Hospitals, nonprofit organizations and associations, and companies of all sizes use data-entry workers.

Preparation: Brush up on your skills by enrolling in data entry, word processing, spreadsheet and database management classes at community colleges, temporary employment agencies and business schools. Self-teaching aids, such as books, CD-ROMs and online tutorials are also available in this field.

Get your foot in the door: When asking about data-entry work, offer to do a small project at reduced rate.

Testimony: “I used contacts from my previous employment to get my at-home job,” says Melissa, who does data entry for a school system in Dacula, Ga. “I do what I used to do, I just do it from a different angle and at home.”

Until next time,

Sarah

August At Home News

2011-08-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

A love of fabrics led Lisa Hawkes to start her own online fabrics store, Pink Hollybrush Designs, which specializes in classic children’s fabrics. Learn how Lisa started her home-based business in the August issue of At Home News.

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

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Coach (Life, Parenting, Sports, etc.)

2011-08-11T06:37:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: Coaches guide clients to achieve a particular personal or professional result. The coaching method is usually a facilitating style in that the coach generally asks questions that challenge the client. Coaching can be preformed individually or in groups and either in person, over the phone or online through live chats or email discussions. Different coaching specialties include life, sports, parenting, ADD (Attention Deficient Disorder), business, executive, career, financial, health, sports, conflict, dating and marriage, among others.

Education: While there are no state or governmental requirements, having certification through one of the specialty or general coaching associations will help you stand out among the competition.

Skills: The ability to work with people in your chosen specialty that helps them achieve their goals.

Job outlook: More people are seeking coaches to help them advance in their careers, juggle work and home life or excel at a particular skill. Especially in metropolitan areas, these types of coaches will likely find a large pool of potential clients.

Possible employers: Schools, businesses, churches, organizations and associations are beginning to see the benefits to hiring coaches to help their employees meet their full potential. Set up your own coaching business after determining which niche would best be filled by your particular skills and location.

Preparation: Check out the resources at the International Association of Coaching. Get certified through one of the many specific coaching associations, such as the Parenting Coaching Institute, iPEC’s Accredited Coach Training Program and Marriage Builders.

Get your foot in the door: Seek other coaches in the area you want to specialize in and talk to them about their experiences a coach. Contact the association or organization that offers certification and take a course or two to see if coaching is a good fit for you.

Until next time,

Sarah

Email Etiquette

2011-08-09T00:37:00.000-07:00

Email has become the go-to form of communication in the business world, but not following some basic email etiquette can be potentially harmful, especially for the freelancer or home-based businessperson.

Here are some tips on business email.

Take time for grammar. Misspellings, missing punctuation and abbreviations or emoticons do not have a place in business email. Exceptions could be made for close clients, but even then, erring on the side of formality is probably better than choosing to be informal.

Keep it short and to the point. No one likes to read rambling emails, which can smack of unprofessionalism. State your purpose for emailing up front.

Make questions precise to avoid emailing again for clarification. You don’t want to start a long back-and-forth exchange if a properly worded question could have resulted in one or two responses.

Read it over before hitting the send button. Make sure you have the right recipient(s) in the To line. Did you cover all the points you needed to? Did you ask for a response within a certain time frame? Taking the time to give your message the once-over can save you lots of embarrassment later on.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Circulation Manager

2011-08-04T04:59:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: A circulation manager handles the subscription and customer service duties of a publication, such as magazine and newspaper.

Education: None required, but a bachelor’s degree will probably be preferred.

Skills: The ability to manage and update databases. Also, some marketing skills will likely be a plus because some circulation managers are tasked with growing the subscriber base.

Job outlook: As more companies seek to outsource data entry-type jobs, circulation management jobs from home will probably become more likely. However, some analysts believe that magazines and other publications will not growing or expanding as in years’ past. But the good news is that webzines and other web publications will have a need for online circulation management as more news sites and others move to fee-based content.

Possible employers: Magazines, publications and newsletters, both print and online, need circulation managers. Associations, churches, and nonprofit organizations would be good places to start because they will probably be interested in off-site, contract workers.

Preparation: Brush up on your subscription marketing skills. Also be sure you’re familiar with the latest in subscriber database software. Knowing how online publications manage content would be a plus.

Get your foot in the door: Make a list of the publications that interest you and send emails or letters asking about work-from-home opportunities in circulation. Also ask about temping for a while if the company wants a trial.

Testimony: “I had always thought that my ideal job would be flexible and allow me to use my English degree as I worked from home on a part-time basis,” says Valerie of her subscription and customer service job for a Protestant denominational magazine.

Until next time,

Sarah

Phone Etiquette

2011-08-02T00:38:00.000-07:00

Talking on the phone might seem very natural, but today’s world of mobile phones and conversations happening all over the place, following some simple phone etiquette rules can help you present a polished and professional manner on the phone.

Here are some tips from “20 Business Telephone Etiquette Tips for Customer Service.” Whether you’re in customer service per se, some of these tips apply to home-based businesses and at-home workers.

Always answer the phone in a pleasant manner. Don’t bark “hello” into the receiver. Don’t answer while chewing anything—gum, food, ice, etc. Do identify yourself and your company. Make sure you have a quiet place to talk in your house, whether it’s your office or bedroom, to mute the sounds of home when you’re talking to a client. I usually head to my bedroom and close the door whenever a source or client calls unexpectedly. When I do scheduled interviews, I make sure the children are otherwise occupied away from the office.

Set up your answering machine or voice mail in a professional way, even if you use your home phone number for business. For example, I use my home phone for my freelance business and my message reflects that: “You’ve reached the Hamakers and the home office of Sarah Hamaker, freelance writer and editor. Please leave a message after the tone and we’ll return your call as soon as possible.”

Return messages promptly. Make it a practice to return calls within 24 hours. There’s nothing more annoying than leaving messages and never receiving a call back.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Website Designer/Developer

2011-07-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

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

Making Mistakes

2011-07-26T00:35:00.000-07:00

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

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Private Tutor

2011-07-21T05:10:00.000-07:00

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

Network Opportunities

2011-07-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

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

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Online Survey Taker

2011-07-14T05:05:00.000-07:00

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

When You Over-Commit

2011-07-12T00:33:00.000-07:00

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

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Internet Bookseller

2011-07-07T05:59:00.000-07:00

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

Independence

2011-07-05T00:15:00.000-07:00

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

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Email Marketer

2011-06-30T05:49:00.000-07:00

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

Six-Month Check-up

2011-06-28T00:10:00.000-07:00

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

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Educational Placement Manager

2011-06-23T05:40:00.000-07:00

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

School Ends--Now What?

2011-06-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

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

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: eBay Seller

2011-06-16T05:37:00.000-07:00

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

Surveying Customers

2011-06-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

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

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Color Consultant

2011-06-09T05:33:00.000-07:00

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

Don't Forget to Take Time Off

2011-06-07T05:21:00.000-07:00

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

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Professional Organizer

2011-06-02T05:28:00.000-07:00

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

Marketing Your Home-Based Business: Open House

2011-05-31T12:04:00.000-07:00

If you sell a product, either made by you or others, holding open houses can be a cost-effective and profitable way to market your business. Here are a few tips for holding a successful open house.

Decide on a date. Pick your dates carefully, as you don't want to schedule your open house when most of your customers will be out of town or attending other events. Avoid scheduling the same time as major festivals or street fairs, or holiday weekends. Check your city or county website for local events that might impact traffic flow to the open house.

Pick a location. If your home is large enough to accomadate the expected crowds, then have it at your house. If the season is one that makes an outdoor event viable, consider having it on your front yard or lawn. Be sure to check with your local city or county zoning or permit department to ensure you'll have the proper paperwork filed for having such an event at your home. If your home is not an acceptable location, consider asking a local business if you could hold an open house at their location in exchange for cross-promoting their services or products.

Choose your merchandise. If you're holding the open house around Christmas, you might want to have a holiday theme or at least have products that could be used for Christmas gifts or decorations. Make sure you have a wide variety of products and price points for all shopping budgets and tastes.

Figure out payment methods. Decide if you want to accept cash, checks and/or credit cards. Some companies like Square offer an easy way to process credit card payments for a low fee without the costly transcation equipment. Make sure you factor in sales tax collection, if applicable to your state.

Schedule help. You'll need someone to assist you in running or setting up your open house, so enlist the help of friends and family. Be sure to have a thank-you gift for those who help with their time if you're not paying them outright.

Advertise your open house. Don't forget to let people know about your open house through email marketing, mailed postcards and signage along busy roads and at your house. Make sure you comply with any zoning requirements for signs.

With a little planning, an open house can be just the ticket to marketing your business.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Direct Seller

2011-05-26T05:05:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Position: Direct Seller

Education: None necessary.

Skills: The ability to sell products to a variety of people, in-person and online. Organizational skills a plus.

Job outlook: More than 14 million people do direct sales as independent contractors. With the economy still recovering, this could be a viable at-home job for many more.

Possible employers: As a direct-sales independent contractor, you can sell anything including kitchenwares (Pampered Chef), toys (Discovery Toys), healthy products (TiensNA), wine (The Traveling Vineyard) and jewelry (Silpada Designs). Check out this extensive list for more options.

Preparation: Carefully look over the product line and company information for whichever products interest you. Make sure you have a passion for that product—it helps if you already use some of the products. Ask for references to talk with other contractors to see what are the pros and cons of working with the company.

Get your foot in the door: If you know someone who does direct sales, ask if you can help with a party or see what’s involved with putting on a show. The more information you can gather before signing up with a company, the better your chances of success.

Until next time,

Sarah

Marketing Your Home-Based Business: 7 Ways to Boost Business, part 2

2011-05-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

In "Small Marketing Changes With a Big Impact" on Entrepreneur.com, the authors outline seven simple--and low-cost--ways to increase business. Last week, we discussed four of those ways; this week, we'll tackle the remaining three.

5. Get lists from sites with similar demographics. If your client base overlaps with another website or business that's not a direct competitor, ask about swapping mailing lists. Be careful you're not violating your own rules if you've indicated that you wouldn't share your list with others, but if you've made no such promise, exchanging lists with other businesses could enlarge your customer base considerably.

6. Consider getting a vanity phone number. Companies like Ring Ring offer businesses vanity numbers that will make remembering your phone number easy. The cost can be small compared with the return on investment.

7. Measure your success. Whether it's through online sources like Google Antalytics or from customer surveys, finding out information about your clients can help you tailor your marketing.

Use these tips to make your marketing successful.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Sales Call Verifier

2011-05-19T05:15:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Position: Sales Call Verifier

Education: None necessary, but a bachelor’s degree is probably helpful.

Skills: The ability to listen and work with a variety of people. Good grasp of the English language a definite plus.

Job outlook: While I don’t have hard numbers on this, my personal opinion is that this could be a growing segment of at-home work.

Possible employers: Third-party sites like VoiceLog.com and Call Center Tech hire freelance contractors to handle call verification work.

Preparation: Each time you call a service-based company, such as a phone or telecommunications business, you could be asked to hold for a verification specialist, which are used to combat fraud. Verifiers also listen to recorded calls for quality assurance and compliance. Read the FAQs on the sites to make sure you understand the policies and application process. Be prepared for training sessions and other preparation before getting your first job.

Get your foot in the door: Apply to several companies at once to determine which one better suits you.

Until next time,

Sarah

Marketing Your Home-Based Business: 7 Ways to Boost Business

2011-05-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

In "Small Marketing Changes With a Big Impact" on Entrepreneur.com, the authors outline seven simple--and low-cost--ways to increase business.

1. Put a Twitter, Facebook or website link in your email signature. That's an easy way to spread the word about your business.

2. Use your business card's reverse side to promote your business. Don't let the white space on the back of your business card go to waste. Put a photo of yourself or your product. Turn it into a coupon by adding "10 percent off services or order" on the back. List what your company can do for a client.

3. Redesign your website. If it's been a few years since your website debuted, consider doing a facelift. Changing colors and fonts, and rearranging material can freshen up your site. Make sure your site is readable and that browsers can easily find information about your services or product.

4. Push your expertise through blogging and tweeting. As a small-businessperson, you are an expert about your services or product. Let people know that.

Next Tuesday, I'll review the final three ways this article suggests to boost your business.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Transcriptionist

2011-05-12T05:05:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Position: Transcriptionist

Education: A bachelor’s degree in English or communications could be helpful, but might not be necessary.

Skills: The ability to transcribe audio to text without mistakes as high as 75 words per minute. Good grasp of the English language a definite plus.

Job outlook: Transcribing court proceedings has a rosier outlook than general transcribing.

Possible employers: Court reporters, colleges, companies that sponsor lectures, radio and TV programs, and journalists could be in need of transcribers. Check out productiontranscripts.com, alicedarling.com and tigerfish.com as possible sources for freelance assignments.

Preparation: Refresh your typing skills by practicing transcription work before contacting potential clients. Most clients will require a test to gauge the accuracy and speed of your transcribing.

Get your foot in the door: If you prefer to strike out on your own to find clients, offer to do a short transcription for free to show off your skills.

Until next time,

Sarah

Marketing Your Home-Based Business: Developing a Marketing Plan

2011-05-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

To be successful at marketing your business, you need a marketing plan. "How to Create a Marketing Plan" on Entrepreneur.com takes you through the steps to developing a personalized plan for your business. Here are a few of the tips covered in the article.

Plan for 12-months at a time. "For small companies, this is often the best way to think about marketing. Things change, people leave, markets evolve, customers come and go," the article states.

Give enough time to write the plan. Expect to spend several months on developing your plan, even if it's only a few pages.

Get input from others, either your co-workers, employees or friends. Have a few people look over your plan and offer suggestions or improvements.

Make your marketing plan mesh with your business plan. While these two things are completely separate, your marketing plan should adhere to the basic tenets of your overall business plan.

A marketing plan can be as simple or as complex as you need. But taking the time to create one can make a big difference in promoting your business.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Product Line Creator

2011-05-05T05:19:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Position: Product Line Creator

Education: Not applicable.

Skills: The ability to design original ideas and art to submit online.

Job outlook: Could be good, depending on how much self-promotion you do and the variety of your designs.

Possible employers: Websites such as zazzle.com and cafepress.com, among others, offer freelance designers the opportunity to submit artwork for mugs, t-shirts, children’s accessories, posters, stickers and housewares, to name just a few options. Also check with local t-shirt or other printers to see if they offer similar opportunities for freelancers.

Preparation: Refresh the artist inside by taking an art course or workshop to see what new techniques are out there. Ask family and friends for feedback on your designs to see what could be a potential hot seller.

Get your foot in the door: Start with a few designs and see what sells and what doesn’t before expanding to a larger product line.

Until next time,

Sarah

Marketing Your Home-Based Business: Postcards

2011-05-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

In this age of electronic communications, using something as old-fashioned as a postcard to promote your business might seem like a throwback to the Dark Ages. But postcards can become a great way to capture the attention of current and potential clients.

Here are some tips to develop a smashingly successfuly postcard campaign.

Start with one idea per postcard. Don't overload your postcard with multiple ideas. Simplify your text to one idea or promotion per postcard. If you want to highlight several different things in an integarted campaign, consider doing a series of postcards instead of piling everything up on one postcard.

Write your copy with an eye for clarity, not cleverness. No one wants to get a postcard that cloaks its message behind overly cute word play or coyness. You don't have to be boring with your word choices, but don't go too far in the opposite direction and have copy that the reader doesn't get.

Use artwork sparingly. Don't have your copy overwhelmed by the postcard's design. Go with streamlined instead of cluttered when it comes to graphics. Many printers--both online and traditional--have templates you can customize.

Shop around for the best price. Online printers such as Vistaprint.com offer good prices on good quality print jobs. But don't forget to call your local printer, such as FedEx Office, to talk about pricing because you might be surprised how affordable local printers can be.

Postcards can be an effective marketing tool that any business should consider adding to their advertising program.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Online Guide Writer

2011-04-28T05:47:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Position: Online Guide Writer

Education: None required.

Skills: Writing skills and an expertise in a specific subject area.

Job outlook: With more people turning to the Internet for advice and information, there are more opportunities for writers to make money via online guide sites and advice sites.

Possible employers: Sites such as eHow.com and About.com offer opportunities for writers to specialize in certain subjects. Chacha.com and other live help sites let users type in questions and receive answers from its stable of writers.

Preparation: Hone your writing skills. Both eHow.com and About.com have an application process that involves writing samples and testing.

Get your foot in the door: Develop your own area of expertise and then search for ways to use your particular knowledge on these and other online sites.

Until next time,

Sarah

The Importance of Shut-Eye

2011-04-26T05:21:00.000-07:00

Let’s face it: We could all use more sleep. The bad news is that we’re more likely to forgo sleep than food, especially when recent studies have found that we need sleep more than food to function properly, according to the Harvard Business Review.

Sleep deprivation can lead to memory problems and muddled minds. Most experts peg how much sleep we need as adults as between seven and eight hours each night.

Sufficient sleep improves our functionality during the day, which can boost our productivity and overall life enjoyment. Ways to improve your sleep include going to bed earlier and at the same time each evening; begin a wind down routine 45 minutes before bedtime; and jot down your thoughts before bed. Also, turning off electronic devices—including cell phones, computers, e-readers and TVs—during your pre-bed rituals can help prepare your mind and body for bed.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Blogger

2011-04-21T05:32:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Position: Blogger

Education: None required.

Skills: Writing skills and the ability to navigate the Internet by posting your blog.

Job outlook: With more and more people turning to the Internet for information, blogging has a robust future.

Possible employers: Professional bloggers make money by attracting viewers to their blogs and having those visitors click on ads. Use Blogger.com's AdSense feature to get advertisements on your blog page. Eefoof.com also allows postings of videos and photographs, sharing a percentage of the site’s revenue with its posters.

Preparation: Brush up on your writing skills. Make sure your blog is unique and written in a style that draws people in.

Get your foot in the door: Getting starting with blogging is as easy as registering with a free blog site like Blogger.com and posting your first blog.

Until next time,

Sarah

Marketing Your Home-Based Business: Affiliate Programs

2011-04-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

The tenth way you can market your home-based business is through affiliate programs. An online affiliate program can market your products or services to a wider range of customers.

A business in an affiliate programs rewards other affiliated businesses for each visitor or customer brought into the affiliate via its own marketing. Examples of affiliate programs include rewards sites. You also can grab a percentage of the sales generated via affiliations with online retailers like Amazon.com.

You can work with a variety of affiliate programs to optimize your business and cross-promote those relationships on your website and other promotional materials. Check out affiliate program clearinghouses like http://www.affiliateonline.net/ for ideas, but be sure to vet the programs through the Better Business Bureau and read all the fine print very carefully before signing any contracts.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Computer Support Specialist

2011-04-14T05:16:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Position: Computer Support Specialist

Education: Computer support specialist jobs require a bachelor’s degree, or an associate degree or certification.

Skills: Relevant skills beyond a degree or certification include problem-solving and good customer service.

Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says job opportunities for computer support specialists is rosy. “Employment of computer support specialists is expected to increase by 14 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for these workers will result as organizations and individuals continue to adopt the newest forms of technology,” according to the BLS. Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Possible employers: Both large and small businesses and local companies probably offer the best opportunities for at-home employment. Several online companies hire contract computer support specialist, too. Try ComputerAssistant.com, SupportFreaks.com, PlumChoice.com, GeeksOnTime.com and Apple.com.

Preparation: Make sure your certifications are up-to-date. Brush up your resume, highlighting any recent computer technical classes or certificates. Gather references from previous or current employers or clients in this field.

Get your foot in the door: Contact a local computer repair shop or electronics store to see if you could place flyers or get on their recommended tech support list.

Until next time,

Sarah

Marketing Your Home-Based Business: Expertise

2011-04-12T05:35:00.000-07:00

The ninth way you can market your home-based business is with expertise. If you’re running a home-based business, chances are you’ve become an expert on that topic. Use your knowledge and expertise to leverage speaking opportunities around your community.

Offer to speak to groups for free about your topic, such as giving horticulture tips on household plants if you’re a landscaper, or simple holiday crafts for children if you’re an art teacher. Find the right groups by visiting city or county Web sites and looking in newspaper calendar event listings.

Think beyond your business for more general subjects on which you can speak knowledgeably. For example, in addition to starting a home-based business topics, I list time management as one of my speaking subjects because as someone who works from home, I’ve become an expert on managing my time.

Another way to promote your expertise is through articles. Write free articles relating to your business, such as ways to keep a shaggy dog cool in the summer if you have a pet grooming service, for local newspapers, newsletters, magazines, and online city, county, or state Web sites. These news outlets are usually hungry for good quality articles that have broad appeal.

Develop a good relationship with the editors of these periodicals, positioning yourself as an expert on your particular business. When their reporters need a source on your particular topic, you will be the one they call—and reap free publicity for your business. Register with online sites like ProfNet that journalists use as a source resource.

Using your status as an expert about your home-based business can be a win-win marketing solution.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Online Juror

2011-04-07T05:19:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Position: Online Juror

Education: None required. However, you must be 18 years of age or older, not a lawyer or in the insurance business, have no felony convictions, be a U.S. citizen.

Skills: The ability to fill out forms online and respond to mock trial information.

Job outlook: More attorneys are turning to online mock jury companies to conduct pre-trial research. The job possibilities in this field are growing. Mock jurors can make between $10 and $100 per case, depending on the length of the mock trial.

Possible employers: There are a host of online companies that employ fake jurors, including JuryTest.net, eJury.com, OnlineVerdict.com and TrialJuries.com.

Preparation: Register with as many of these online sites as possible.

Get your foot in the door: Be ready to be available when contacted for a mock trial. Until next time,

Sarah

Marketing Your Home-Based Business: Referrals

2011-04-05T05:23:00.000-07:00

The eighth way you can market your home-based business is with referrals. Referrals are the lifeblood of any business, home-based or not. Referrals from current customers to their family and friends can boost your business and reputation.

Some ways to ensure you will get stellar referrals from your clients include offering the best possible customer service as possible and providing the best product or service as possible. Also having a system in place to promptly deal with any problems or concerns can help spread positive news about your business.

Even if your business isn’t one that traditionally has lots of interactions with customers, referrals can be an important way to grow your client list. As a freelance writer and editor, I’ve gotten several projects as the result of referrals from current or previous clients.

Consider offering your clients incentives for referrals. For example, my website designer offers free website update time for new business referred by a past or current client. Our local swimming pool gives current members $50 for each new stockholding membership sold via member referral.

Referrals can be an easy, cost-effective marketing way to increase your business.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Concierge

2011-03-31T14:01:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Position: Concierge

Education: No formal education required.

Skills: The ability to handle phone, email and online customer inquiries on a variety of topics and services.

Job outlook: Varies, but companies are once again hiring concierges as an employee perk, and with employees having to work longer hours, using a concierge to help with personal errands could be on the upswing.

Possible employers: VIPdesk and Potomac Concierge are two online businesses that employ virtual concierges. Try large area businesses, such as medical offices, to see if they are interested in offering your services as an employee benefit.

Preparation: Brush up on your online research skills. Make sure you have a reliable high-speed Internet service, a computer and cell phone or landline.

Get your foot in the door: Apply to one of the above mentioned companies. Contact companies with tiered packages geared to all levels of income. Even if the company doesn’t hire you, ask if you can leave flyers or brochures in the company lounge or lunchroom.

Until next time,

Sarah

Marketing Your Home-Based Business: Case Studies

2011-03-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

The seventh way you can market your home-based business is with case studies, which can expand beyond scientific applications. You can find out a lot about your products or services and how customers use them.

Team up with your local college or university’s marketing department to conduct the case studies. Many times, the departments are looking for ways to give their students real-world experience and your case study could be beneficial to both parties.

Write a list of things you want the case study to discover, such as how your product is used, what are the positive and negatives of the product, and what improvements the product needs. Be thorough and explicit in order to develop the best case study possible.

Work closely with whomever is conducting the case study to gleam information as it goes on. Be willing to hear the good and the bad, keeping in mind that all of the data will help you with your product development.

Case studies aren’t for every business, but it could help yours reach new heights.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: On-Call Nurses

2011-03-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Position: On-Call Nurses

Education: A RN degree, plus up-to-date certification is required.

Skills: The ability to dispense information on medical conditions, medication reactions, disease management and health care options.

Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says job opportunities for registered nurses is “expected to grow by 22 percent from 2008 to 2018.” The home health care services for RNs is projected to increase 33 percent, according to the BLS. Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.

Possible employers: Companies like Fonemed.com and McKesson.com hire nurses to take phone calls. Also check with insurance companies, as some of those have special services, like maternity care hot lines, that need RNs.

Preparation: Make sure your nursing credentials are up-to-date. You’ll likely need reliable high-speed Internet connection, a computer and a landline. Being reachable is key to this business.

Get your foot in the door: Apply online at the above companies. Send your resume to local insurance companies or area hospitals asking about phone-based employment.

Until next time,

Sarah

Marketing Your Home-Based Business: Press Releases

2011-03-22T12:21:00.000-07:00

The sixth way you can market your home-based business is with press releases. Sending a press release to a news organization can generate positive coverage of your business, event or product.

Make sure you have news that will interest readers. For example, appropriate press release topics include the launch of your new business, or your involvement with a local charity or an event that’s open to the public.

A press release should answer the questions who, what, where, when, why, and sometimes how. The headline should tell what’s in the release, and the first sentence should give more details. Don’t make the reader guess what day your event will be held or the name of your business.

Press releases do not need to be clever but they should be grammatically correct. Read your press release over carefully before sending it out, enlisting the help of family or friends to make sure it’s as accurate as you can make it.

Check the masthead (the listing of the editors and writers of a print publication) or online staff listing to see who should receive your release. When in doubt, call or e-mail the editor or managing editor to ask to who should receive the release. Getting your release into the right hands can help ensure your release is read and not ignored.

Find out the publication’s deadline. Most provide general guidelines for calendar or event listings, as well as due dates for copy to be considered for those sections. Follow the guidelines, as sending the information exactly as requested will be much appreciated by the editor or writer.

If you don’t have anything newsworthy to write up in a press release, offer your services as an expert. Send the appropriate editors a brief bio and a list of topics on which you could provide quotes or background information.

Many newspapers—both large and small, print and online editions—are cutting back on staff reporters and are looking for authoritative outside sources. Submit articles for free that relate to your business. For example, if you have a pet-sitting service, write an article about how to teach a dog to heel properly. If you have a catering service, write an article about how to prepare a simple but elegant Valentine’s Day dinner for two. I recommend not even mentioning your business in the body of the article at all; just put it in your author bio.

The most important thing to remember when working with the media is to stay on topic, keep focused and provide newsworthy content. Let your expertise speak for itself.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Culinary Consultant

2011-03-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday, I highlight a work-from-home job or business.

Position: Culinary consultant

Education: While not required, a degree from a culinary school would be helpful.

Skills: The ability to cook and bake well, especially with an emphasis on a particular cuisine, such as French or Asian.

Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says “the enjoyment of eating out and a preference for ready-made meals from a growing population will cause employment of cooks and food preparation workers to increase, but slower than the average rate for all occupations over the 2008–18 decade. Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.

Possible employers: A few companies like Chefsline.com employ home-based consultants, but also try gyms, diet centers, supermarkets and gourmet food shops.

Preparation: Consider taking some refresher cooking classes, especially if you want to specialize in a particular cuisine. Practice a few recipes to wow potential clients and create menus so that you can be ready to go.

Get your foot in the door: Visit the above site to see what specific requirements are needed. Visit businesses listed above to see if you could do a cooking demo on trial. Drop off sample menus at those businesses or volunteer to cater their next office party, asking them to pay only for the cost of the food to get started.

Until next time,

Sarah

Marketing Your Home-Based Business: Brochures

2011-03-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

The fifth way you can market your home-based business is with brochures, which can an inexpensive yet attractive way to promote your business.

Brochures have more flexibility than other direct-mail pieces because you can hand out brochures at conferences, meetings, at a vendor booth, in person, at affiliate businesses, etc. Designed correctly, you can even mail brochures to your direct-mail addresses, too.

Most brochures are designed in as tri-folds, so plan your copy accordingly. Resist the urge to put too much copy on the brochure. A clean, crisp design with minimal words will capture the eye more than a cluttered, densely worded brochure. Work with a copywriter to develop the wording can be beneficial if that’s not your forte.

Again, have it professionally designed—it’s worth the extra money. One way to save on the design costs is to write copy that is timeless, so you can use the brochure design for several years.

For example, a brochure promoting our community pool’s open house tells readers about the annual the open house held Memorial Day weekend with the times listed but no specific dates plugged in, since the open house is held the same time every year. We also avoided dating the brochures by not listing specific membership prices, rather directing the recipients to our website. We’ve used that brochure for five seasons, reprinting as needed from PDF files provided by the designer.

Also, draw up a list of distribution places. Include businesses that could provide cross-promotion, such as flowers and bakeries.

Brochures can be a classy way to present your service or products to new and current clients. Give them a try and you might be pleasantly surprised by the return-on-investment.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Virtual Publicist

2011-03-10T12:47:00.000-08:00

Each Thursday, I highlight a work-from-home job or business.

Position: Virtual Publicist

Education: While not required, a degree in communications, marketing or public relations will probably make you stand out.

Skills: The ability to promote, plan events, write press releases, pitch stories to the media, manage media contacts, conduct crisis communications and develop strategic plans.

Job outlook: Varies, depending on your skill set. Technology has opened the doors for virtual PR firms to exist across the country.

Possible employers: Companies like Perkett PR, Bisbee and Company, PartnerCentric, Orca Communications and Wasabi Publicity employ virtual publicists.

Preparation: You will need reliable high-speed Internet access, a landline, and a working computer. Consider taking some classes in PR to brush up on your skills, especially if you’ve been out of the workforce for a while.

Get your foot in the door: Visit the above sites to see what specific requirements are needed. Ask about a trial period to see if this job is a good fit.

Until next time,

Sarah

Marketing Your Home-Based Business: Direct Mail

2011-03-08T12:18:00.000-08:00

The fourth way you can market your home-based business is with direct mail, which can be a cost-effective way to reach customers. Direct mail works best if you have a targeted area that you want to reach. For example, my community swimming pool uses direct mail to advertise its memberships each spring to specific area locations.

Map out which areas you want to target. Many times, you can do the direct mailing yourself by contacting your city or county zoning or residential offices for mailing addresses. Some online companies offer this service for a fee, while some localities do not charge residents for providing an emailed list of addresses.

Invest in a mailing label program. Depending on how frequently you want to do direct mailings, you might want to consider investing in a program that will allow you to update addresses and manipulate data. While word-processing programs like Microsoft Office have a mailing label component, that software might not be robust enough for your purposes.

Develop a direct-mail plan. You might start off with a postcard mailing, followed up with a brochure or sample newsletter. Figure out what you want to accomplish with the mailings and plan accordingly.

Consider hiring a professional designer or copywriter to work on the presentation of the pieces. You might be able to barter for the work. Most local printers have on-site designers or a list of recommended freelancers.

Check out on-demand online printing. If money is tight, go to online printing companies, such as VistaPrint.com, which have attractive design templates for postcards, brochures, newsletters, etc. Pick the design best suited to your business, insert your copy and contact information, and presto! You’ve got a professional-looking direct-mail piece delivered right to your door for a low cost.

Don’t forget to drop by your local post office if you have any questions about how to mail your pieces. If you want to mail them anyway but using first class postage, you might need a special permit.

Direct mail can be an effective and attractive way to reach potential customers. Look into how you can use direct mail today.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Mystery Shopper

2011-03-03T12:44:00.000-08:00

Each Thursday, I highlight a different work-from-home job or business.

Position: Mystery Shopper

Education: No formal education required.

Skills: The ability to stealthily report on the service level and products on a variety of businesses, including restaurants, retail, banking, etc.

Job outlook: Varies, depending on your location (bigger cities tend to have more mystery shops available). Most restaurant shops reimburse a specific amount for food purchases, while other shops pay a flat rate. Assignments can be sporadic.

Possible employers: Companies like Bare International, A Closer Look, Secret Shopper and Volition Mystery Shopping gives listings of shops for members (you can join these sites for free). One note of caution: Do not pay to become an “official” mystery shopper. Legitimate sites do not ask for upfront payment.

Preparation: You will need access to a computer to apply for shops and to fill out the reports. Being able to take notes unobtrusively and to observe details is very important to a good mystery shopper.

Get your foot in the door: Become a certified silver or gold member of the MSPA (Mystery Shopper Providers Association). It’s worth the small fee, as some mystery shopping sites require a silver or gold certification. To receive the certification, you go through a short online tutorial and then take an online test.
Until next time,

Sarah

Marketing Your Home-Based Business: Newsletters

2011-03-01T12:17:00.000-08:00

The third way you can market your home-based business is by sending out a newsletter, which provides a way to communicate with your customers or clients on a frequent basis.

Think about how frequently you want to send out the newsletter. It’s wise to start out slowly and build up to more frequency as interest grows. Having a quarterly or monthly newsletter is probably a good place to start.

Decide how to send the newsletter, such as via USPS or email. How your newsletter is sent depends on somewhat on what data you have from your clients. If you can easily gather email addresses via your website or other forms, then e-newsletters might be the best way to go. If you have mailing addresses for most of your clients, you might consider snail mail.

Pick a catchy—but not too clever—title for your newsletter. Make sure your name says what the newsletter is about in a memorable way, but be careful that it doesn’t obscure your business. You want your title to draw people into to your business, not confuse them.

Develop an editorial calendar for your newsletter, which is a fancy way of saying plan out what you will put in each issue. This will help ensure you deliver valuable content to your readers in a way that will subtly promote your business. Whichever way you send it, make sure it’s designed in an attractive-yet-easy-to-read format.

Solicit content from customers and affiliate businesses. For example, I’ve profiled the jobs of a few readers in my free, monthly e-newsletter At Home News.

Have an opt-in and opt-out program. Make joining—and leaving—your mailing list easy for readers. And don’t forget to update the mailing list prior to sending out each issue.

Having a newsletter can be a fun and in expensive way to keep in touch with your customers. Consider starting one today.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Medical Transcriptionist

2011-02-24T12:23:00.000-08:00

Each Thursday, I highlight a work-from-home job opportunity.

Position: Medical Transcriptionist

Education: Proper training in medical coding and transcriptions required, usually through an approved American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT) school. Visit the AAMT website for a list.

Skills: The ability to master the complex coding and transcriptions of the medical field.

Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that job opportunities for this field will be good for those certified in medical transcriptions. “Employment of medical transcriptionists is projected to grow by 11 percent from 2008 to 2018, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand for medical transcription services will continue to be spurred by a growing and aging population,” according to the BLS. Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.

Possible employers: The BLS found that around 36 percent of medical transcriptionists worked in hospitals and that 23 percent worked in doctor’s offices. “Others worked for business support services; medical and diagnostic laboratories; outpatient care centers; offices of physical, occupational, and speech therapists; and offices of audiologists,” according to the BLS.

Preparation: You will need to brush up on your medical transcription skills if you have been out of the workplace for a while. Take a refresher course. Become a Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) or a Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT).

Get your foot in the door: Check out local physician offices and hospitals to see about work-from-home opportunities. Offer to do an hour’s work for free.

Until next time,

Sarah

Marketing Your Home-Based Business: Voice Mail

2011-02-22T12:41:00.000-08:00

The second way you can market your home-based business is your voice mail message. The outgoing message of your answering machine and/or voice mail system can promote your business when you're not able to answer the phone.

If you're like me and your home number and business number are one and the same, combine the two with a short message. For example, my answering machine and voice mail messages say, "You've reached the Hamakers and the home office of Sarah Hamaker, freelance writer and editor. We're not able to come to the phone right now, so please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible."

Provide additional information about your product or services if applicable, such as if you're accepting new clients or have a special running currently.

Also train your children to answer the phone in a professional manner, such as, "Hello, this is the Hamakers. How may I help you?" Then to also ask, politely, "Who is calling, please?"

Teach your children what information is needed when taking messages, such as name, time and date of call, phone number to return the call, and reason for calling.

Voice mail messages and phone etiquette can help promote your home-based business for free.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Virtual Customer Service Agent

2011-02-17T11:51:00.000-08:00

Each Thursday, I will highlight a work-from-home opportunity.

Position: Virtual Customer Service Agent

Education: No formal education required, although some companies offer preferences to candidates holding bachelor's degrees.

Skills: The ability to process inbound customer calls for companies and expertise in customer service.

Job outlook: Varies, depending on location and skill set. Posted hourly rates range from between $8 and $15, which is tied to your experience, accounts handled and call volume. Most companies require a minimum of 20 hours a week.

Possible employers: Companies like Custom Loyalty Concepts, Alpine Access, LiveOps, Arise, Working Solutions, Accolade Support, West at Home, ACD Direct and HirePoint.

Preparation: You will reliable high-speed Internet access, a landline, and a working computer. Practice talking in a pleasant voice, such as smiling when saying your greeting. Also make sure your office is in a quiet location, as you need to be able to work without distractions. Consider taking an online course in customer service if you have no direct experience, i.e., a job in retail or one that required interaction with customers.

Get your foot in the door: Visit the above sites to see what specific requirements are needed. Ask about a trial period to see if this job is a good fit.

Until next time,

Sarah

February At Home News

2011-02-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

This month's At Home News takes a close look at tutoring as a work-from-home job. Darcy Acquavella has been a private tutor for more than 10 years, working 10 to 15 hours per week helping students of all ages excel in schoolwork.

Click on the newsletter tab for more info on how to sign up to receive my free, monthly e-newsletter to learn more about working from home.

Until next time,

Sarah

Marketing Your Home-Based Business: Website

2011-02-15T12:25:00.000-08:00

Figuring out a marketing plan for your home-based business can be difficult. Over the 10 Tuesdays, I will tackle one marketing tool for promoting at-home businesses.

The first marketing tool is developing a website for your business. No matter what product or service you are selling or making, you need a website. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it does have to be accessible. Having a site hidden away under an obscure name will not help promote your business.

Buy as close a domain name as possible to your business name. If you conduct business under your name, use that. If it's a combination of your name and a business name, buy that. But make the domain name as simple as possible in order to capitalize on search engines searches. GoDaddy.com and Network Solutions are popular website that register domain names.

There are many sites that allow you to build your website at reasonable costs. If your budget allows, hire a professional to design your site.

On your website, clearly state who you are in terms of your business. What do you sell? Where can visitors find your products or services? How can they contact you? Ensure that information is easily accessible on your website.

Get your website URL out there. Use it in the signature of your email and put it on your business cards. Make sure every purchase has something with your website URL on it, like a receipt.

Having a website can be an easy way to promote your business.

Until next time,

Sarah

Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Baby Blanket Knitter

2011-02-10T05:30:00.000-08:00

Each Thursday, I highlight a work-from-home job or business.

Position: Baby blanket knitter or quilter

Education: No formal education required.

Skills: The ability to knit and/or sew.

Job outlook: Depends on how much time you can dedicate to your craft.

Possible employers: Places that you can sell your finished product includes craft and fabric stores, baby gear stores, baby clothing stores, arts and craft festivals, online craft stores like etsy.com and Craig’s List, and friends and family. I knit baby blankets that I’ve sold to family members for gifts and at craft festivals.

Preparation: You will need to become skilled at knitting, quilting or sewing. You must be able to make a quality product or no one will want to buy it. Start by selecting patterns and trying a few different styles out. Record how long it takes for you to complete a blanket to work your time into the blanket’s cost. Look at similar blankets in stores and online to gauge pricing options.

Get your foot in the door: Visit independent baby gear stores and ask if you can leave a couple of blankets on consignment for a few weeks. Post your blankets on Craig’s List. Put up flyers at your place of work or your husband’s office, if appropriate, advertising your business.

Until next time,

Sarah