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Where’s the Work?? 6 Tips on Finding Employment

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Today I was on a work-at-home forum that I go to a few times a week to see what people are talking about and to see what freelance writing work potential clients may post. Sometimes there are nuggets in there, but mostly there are other freelancers looking for work too and chatting about different things.

I saw that this one person had posted a question about finding new work and seemed to be somewhat disheartened at there being nothing new available from the work-at-home employers. I started commenting on it, and my reply got so long that I decided to post my answer here on my blog as well, maybe helping someone else out in the process.

Here’s the poster’s question:

___________

Is it my imagination or have WAH job leads dried up? I mean it has never been easy to find good work from home, but besides the same companies that hire over and over again for the last several years, I have not seen anything new lately.
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My reply:

I think the jobs are definitely out there, but they’re just becoming harder to find and nail down. Employers are getting more specific in their requirements and asking for more advanced skills. Plus, the competition is way more fierce than it was 5 or 10 years ago, which means employers have a wider selection than they once did.

I would say to anyone who’s looking for work and who wants to stay in the running and relevant to any market;

  1. Network and make connections with people. Stay active on LinkedIn and Facebook, places where you’re likely to find and connect with decision makers.
  2. Stay active and participate in forums, like this one on WAHM. There are a lot of potential employers who sometimes dip in and out of here, and you never know what they may be looking for.
  3. Keep your skills sharpened and learn new ones if need be. Learn new software or training programs. Many online courses are free so take advantage of those resources when you can. Adjust with things as they change. My Career Quizzes is a really good site for taking tests and sharpening your skill set.
  4. Stay abreast with industry news, developments, changes, etc. (i.e., Google updates, new company press releases, set a Google alert for a certain topic). Knowing some things will give you indicators on who’s hiring, who’s growing, downsizing, etc.
  5. Update your resume and adjust it as needed. You can make a 1-page online resume or bio to send to potential employers. I always send my resume via my freelance writing link to potential clients and it has really worked for me. This can save you a lot of time when you want to apply for a job right away.
  6. Tell people that you are looking for work, need work, want to work, available for work…you get the idea. Don’t become a nuisance, but just keep it out there that if someone needs work, you’re ready!

Also, one of the best ways to find work is while you’re already working. Don’t neglect your employee duties while you’re on the clock, but always keep an eye and ear open for work when you don’t “need” it. Employers often don’t hire people right away (interviews, background checks, testing, drug screening, etc.), so it could conceivably take weeks and weeks for you to get the job, if you get it! Always keep your options open and something working for you in the background. Good luck!

 

3 Ways to Increase Client Loyalty

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Having been in business now for over 10 years, I’ve learned a few things about clients and client retention that have helped me find success in the writing industry. Clients are all the same: they want to know and feel that their business is important to you. They want to see that you take their business just as seriously as they do and that you’re willing to invest the time and quality applications to ensure that they get the best service that you can provide.

Since I am an online writer and a professional speaker, my clients consist mainly of online web-based clients and some professional businesses offline. When I approach clients, whether at a luncheon or through an online forum, I must present myself first as a professional and as an educated, knowledgeable leader in my niche market. My clients must understand that they’re doing business with someone who can help them. I listen carefully to them to hear what direction they’re trying to go in and offer them tips on how to get there. I offer my services by giving them the attention, tools and specific things they need to make their projects a success. Here are three very important things that you can do in your business to ensure its success:

  • Always communicate with your clients. This is by far one of the chief complaints that I hear and read about online concerning those who are in service-based businesses especially. Clients repeatedly complain that they can’t “get a hold of” the person to whom they’ve trusted their projects. It’s unacceptable to not talk with your clients and keep them abreast on what you’re doing and where you are with their projects. Talk with them, give them updates, ask questions (if necessary) and just be available.
  • Give stellar results. This should go without saying, but oftentimes, stellar results are not what is given from the business owner to the client. Often the mentality is just “get-‘er-done” and a big sigh at the end of the project. When working with clients, it’s important to over-deliver so that you stand out from the competitors. You do this to create an ever-lasting impression on them that will make you hard to forget. Always do this!
  • Practice integrity. This is especially important in service-based businesses. You know how it is when you’ve been quoted one price over the phone, but the invoice reflects a totally different one? That’s not right. If you’ve made an addition error, suck it up and honor the price you quoted. It’s far better to lose a few dollars on the front end than to lose a client and risk your good name or image you’ve tried to build.

A client’s loyalty doesn’t automatically come with their business. You have to work hard to keep it and even harder to prove that you’re worth it. Whatever industry you’re in, there is A LOT of competition out there waiting to pick up any business that you don’t think is worth it. Don’t let that happen to you. Treat your business well and your business will treat you well.

5 Tips to Avoid Work From Home Scams

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It’s junk like this that makes me frustrated with online job offers. The FTC has cracked down on one company that tricked people and stole thousands and thousands of dollars from unsuspecting customers.

FTC Halts Multi-Million Dollar Work-From-Home Business Coaching Scheme (Full Story)

I really, really wish people would do their homework before they fork out their hard-earned money for these get-rich-quick schemes. Let me tell you, getting rich quick DOES NOT EXIST!! It’s not going to happen, and if it does, it’s probably not legitimate. Working your idea and staying focused are the only ways to get you to a fat check. Let me quickly share with you a couple of things you need to do when you’re checking out that promise of fast wealth. Here goes:

1. Money

Are you asked for all of the money up front? That’s a red flag! Just think…why do you have to pay money to make money? Crazy, right? You should only pay for something for which you are receiving either services or a product in return. Never pay for an idea, a promise, delayed money or anything silly of that sort.

2. Referrals

Do you know anybody else who’s doing the get-rich thing? So if you don’t know of anyone else who has successfully done this thing and has cancelled checks or a bank statement to prove it, keep walking. Oh yeah, and don’t fall for the celebrity endorsement thing either. They’re PAID to say something is great. Really, they are.

3. Due Diligence

Have you done your homework? Research, research, research. Find out as much about the company as you can. Who owns and runs the company? How long have they ben in business? Check the Better Business Bureau for complaints.

4. Support

Is there a support system? This means, is there someone you can call and actually talk to when you have a question? Does the company answer their emails in a timely manner (>24 hrs.)? I only do business with companies that have a proven track record of great customer service. So if I’m going to invest my money for a work-at-home business opportunity, I need to feel comfortable about it and feel like I actually matter to them. If they can’t answer my call or return my emails, then I keep moving. And you should too.

5. Training

There should be a training and educational system in place. To make money, whether that’s offline or online, you have to be shown exactly how to do it. You need to know how to market, how to ship products, how to troubleshoot problems and even how to send off an email! You’d be surprised. But a comprehensive training system ensures that you will be successful. That is, if they’re truly interested in your success.

Like I said, these are only a few tips that I wanted to quickly share. But always, please, please, ALWAYS take your time and carefully look at any work-from-home opportunity and see what it’s all about before you plunk down your dollars. I don’t care if it’s $15 or $1500, it’s YOUR money. You’re worth it.