Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Job Description: A policy reviewer works with state or federal agencies in providing research and solutions related to that department or agency’s policies.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in related field a necessity, with a master’s degree a plus.
Skills: The ability to see all sides of the big picture in looking at various policies; the ability to work with different people on writing and implementing policies.
Job outlook: Anecdotal evidence seems to indicate freelance or contract work for policy reviewers might be on the rise slightly, given that some states are experiencing a surplus in funds. However, it’s trickier to say whether federal departments and agencies will be hiring contract policy reviewers.
Possible employers: Various state and federal agencies, as well as companies that contract with those departments.
Preparation: Brush up on your skills in your particular area of expertise by taking extended learning courses or attending seminars or conferences in your field.
Get your foot in the door: Contact former employers to see about freelance or contract work in your field. Attend conferences or seminars for networking opportunities.
Testimony: “So much of the work that I did was interacting with different sub-agencies within the department that were in completely different buildings, so even if I was in the office, I would not necessarily have face-to-face meetings with my colleagues,” says Christy of Fairfax, Va., who segued her government agency job into a work-from-home situation. “I have total flexibility to make my at-home job work best for the family and not the office.”
Until next time,
Sarah
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
When To Give It Away
For small businesses, knowing when offering something for free can be a good return on investment can be a tricky thing. CBS's Moneywatch recently listed several reasons when giving it away can be a good thing for small businesses.
As a thank-you gift. To show your appreciation to loyal or frequent customers, giving away something along with a note thanking them for their service, can go a long way to establishing continued patronage.
As a way to apologize. We all make mistakes, and, after fixing one caused by your error, offer the customer a little something extra to smooth over any still-ruffled feathers.
As a prize. People love to win things, so try running random-drawing contests for your customers a couple times a year. Make sure the prize is worthy of attention to make it extra special.
As a random act of kindness. Sometimes, bestowing a gift on a customer or client "just because" can reap rewards beyond the gift. Those random gifts can trigger much good will and positive word-of-mouth.
For more ideas, check out "Sell more stuff by giving it away."
Until next time,
Sarah
As a thank-you gift. To show your appreciation to loyal or frequent customers, giving away something along with a note thanking them for their service, can go a long way to establishing continued patronage.
As a way to apologize. We all make mistakes, and, after fixing one caused by your error, offer the customer a little something extra to smooth over any still-ruffled feathers.
As a prize. People love to win things, so try running random-drawing contests for your customers a couple times a year. Make sure the prize is worthy of attention to make it extra special.
As a random act of kindness. Sometimes, bestowing a gift on a customer or client "just because" can reap rewards beyond the gift. Those random gifts can trigger much good will and positive word-of-mouth.
For more ideas, check out "Sell more stuff by giving it away."
Until next time,
Sarah
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Potter
Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Job Description: A potter makes functional and one-of-a-kind stoneware, such as serving bowls, vases and dishes, among other things, from clay and other moldable substances.
Education: None necessary, although formal training will likely increase the artist’s skills.
Skills: The ability to work with clay and other moldable substances.
Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finds that “despite the competition, studios, galleries, and individual clients are always on the lookout for artists who display outstanding talent, creativity, and style. Among craft and fine artists, talented individuals who have developed a mastery of artistic techniques and skills will have the best job prospects.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details
Possible customers: Considering taking a booth at local craft fairs or hold your own show to build your own clientele.
Preparation: Join the American Art Pottery Association for networking, courses and marketing assistance.
Get your foot in the door: Showcasing your wares at local galleries can be a good way to garner new customers.
Testimony: “Creating pottery gives me purpose and an outlet for doing something I think is valuable and rewarding,” says Jennifer of Fairfax, Va. “To bring the beauty of the natural materials given to us in creation into homes is important.” She loves pottery and working with her hands in the quiet of her own studio, which is in the basement of her home. There, she works anywhere from 10 to 30 hours a week creating one-of-a-kind and functional stoneware.
Until next time,
Sarah
Job Description: A potter makes functional and one-of-a-kind stoneware, such as serving bowls, vases and dishes, among other things, from clay and other moldable substances.
Education: None necessary, although formal training will likely increase the artist’s skills.
Skills: The ability to work with clay and other moldable substances.
Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finds that “despite the competition, studios, galleries, and individual clients are always on the lookout for artists who display outstanding talent, creativity, and style. Among craft and fine artists, talented individuals who have developed a mastery of artistic techniques and skills will have the best job prospects.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details
Possible customers: Considering taking a booth at local craft fairs or hold your own show to build your own clientele.
Preparation: Join the American Art Pottery Association for networking, courses and marketing assistance.
Get your foot in the door: Showcasing your wares at local galleries can be a good way to garner new customers.
Testimony: “Creating pottery gives me purpose and an outlet for doing something I think is valuable and rewarding,” says Jennifer of Fairfax, Va. “To bring the beauty of the natural materials given to us in creation into homes is important.” She loves pottery and working with her hands in the quiet of her own studio, which is in the basement of her home. There, she works anywhere from 10 to 30 hours a week creating one-of-a-kind and functional stoneware.
Until next time,
Sarah
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
What's holding you back?
Have you thought about working from home but have yet to take a step in that direction? Is fear or uncertainity holding you back? Or is it lack of self-confidence? The March issue of At Home News gives solutions to whatever's holding you back from establishing an at-home career or business.
Not getting At Home News? Signing up is easy--and free! I never sell or share your email address. Click on the Newsletter tab to start getting the monthly e-newsletter.
Until next time,
Sarah
Not getting At Home News? Signing up is easy--and free! I never sell or share your email address. Click on the Newsletter tab to start getting the monthly e-newsletter.
Until next time,
Sarah
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Real Estate Appraiser
Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Job Description: A real estate appraiser estimate the value of residential or commercial property whenever it is developed, insured, mortgaged, sold or taxed.
Education: At least an associate’s degree is required, although a bachelor’s degree is preferred. Many states require certification or licensing to legally operate as an appraiser, which might necessitate taking specialized courses from a reputable association or organization.
Skills: An attention to detail, plus math and analytical skills a plus.
Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finds that “Demand for appraisal services is strongly tied to the real estate market. … Employment of appraisers and assessors of real estate is expected to grow more slowly than the average over the 2008-18 decade, increasing by 5 percent. … Employment opportunities should be best in areas with active real estate markets.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.
Possible employers: Check out the Appraisal Institute, American Society of Appraisers and the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers for networking and other professional opportunities. Also, contact local real estate offices to inquire about appraisal work.
Preparation: Become a Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser or a Certified General Real Property Appraiser.
Get your foot in the door: Ask another local real estate appraiser if you could shadow her on the job to see if this is a good fit for you.
Until next time,
Sarah
Job Description: A real estate appraiser estimate the value of residential or commercial property whenever it is developed, insured, mortgaged, sold or taxed.
Education: At least an associate’s degree is required, although a bachelor’s degree is preferred. Many states require certification or licensing to legally operate as an appraiser, which might necessitate taking specialized courses from a reputable association or organization.
Skills: An attention to detail, plus math and analytical skills a plus.
Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finds that “Demand for appraisal services is strongly tied to the real estate market. … Employment of appraisers and assessors of real estate is expected to grow more slowly than the average over the 2008-18 decade, increasing by 5 percent. … Employment opportunities should be best in areas with active real estate markets.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.
Possible employers: Check out the Appraisal Institute, American Society of Appraisers and the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers for networking and other professional opportunities. Also, contact local real estate offices to inquire about appraisal work.
Preparation: Become a Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser or a Certified General Real Property Appraiser.
Get your foot in the door: Ask another local real estate appraiser if you could shadow her on the job to see if this is a good fit for you.
Until next time,
Sarah
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