Read the fine print or risk getting burned with Twitter work-at-home offers
Through Tweets, e-mail and Web sites, job hunters are being told that they can make lots of money from the comfort of home using Twitter. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois warns that the large print for such offers may promise big returns, but the fine print can cost them every month.
Currently 14.7 million Americans are out of work and looking for a way to bring home a paycheck according to the most recent jobs report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Work-at-home schemes have often preyed on unsuspecting job hunters and now Twitter is being used as a way to convince cash-strapped individuals that they can make quick and easy money.
"Twitter is the newest bright shiny object online and a perfect hook for yet another work-at-home scheme," said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern Illinois. "The pitch used to be about making money by sending e-mails or by placing ads on Google, but now cash-strapped job hunters need to be wary of shelling out money for dubious schemes by scammers misusing Twitter."
Unfortunately, such "Make Money With Twitter" schemes may sound risk-free but bear many red flags prompting BBB to advise job hunters to be extremely cautious.
One e-mail picked up by BBB stated: "Twitter Workers Needed ASAP, You're Hired! Make Extra Cash with Twitter; As seen on USA Today, CNN, and ABC… Apply Now!"
The e-mail links to EasyTweetProfits.com, a company out of Surrey, England. EasyTweetProfits.com claims you can make $250-$873 a day working at home with Twitter. The Web site offers a seven-day free trial of their instructional CD-ROM for $1.95 to cover shipping. Buried in the lengthy terms and conditions are the details that the trial begins on the day the CD is ordered--not when it is received--and if the consumer doesn't cancel within seven days of signing up, they'll be charged $47 every month.
Similar to other work-from-home schemes, phony blogs by made-up individuals have been created as testimonials to the success of Twitter-money-making programs.
One blog links to TwitterProfitHouse.com which, similar to EasyTweetProfits.com, claims you can make $250-$873 a day working at home and offers a seven-day free trial of their instructional CD-ROM, for $1.99 shipping. Again, however, reading the fine print shows that the trial period starts once the CD has been ordered and the consumer will be billed $99.99 every month if they don't call the company to cancel.
BBB wants job hunters to be aware of the following red flags when searching for a work-at-home job online:
* The "job" is actually a money-making scheme and doesn't provide actual employment.
* The work-at-home scheme claims that you can make lots of money with little effort and no experience.
* You have to pay money upfront in order to be considered for the job or receive more information.
* The exact same tweet touting the program is posted by many different Twitterers. The links in such tweets could lead you to scam sites or install malware onto your computer.
"These Web sites and Twitter Accounts have not been up for very long so, if experience has taught us anything, we know that it's only a matter of time before the scam complaints start coming in," added Bernas. "These offers are enticing and appear to be an easy way to make money but it should always be remembered that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Freelancing Tips For Beginners by Mah Tayyab
Freelancing, especially on the Internet has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For a complete newbie, it can often become frustrating to be able to get the first project or job. This is primarily because as yet they do not have a reputation attached to their name and the freelancing sites or companies which offer such work may be skeptical about the person's ability.
NO REVIEWS is the often the first roadblock for a complete newbie. Without some good reviews you are just one of the several wannabe freelancers. So many of these wouldn't even know their job and would fail in the first project itself, while some of them would be no good and probably would never even recover from this first failure. So... pitted against this sea of freelancers who may be no competition to you as far as you niche is concerned, you seem to have little chance. The big question is: How do you make a buyer feel that it is only you who can do their job.
Though, it is an individual's struggle and for every person the roadmap to success is different, yet a few basic tips may come in handy when a beginner starts with freelancing:
1. Prepare samples of your work and upload them for the buyer or employer to see.
2. Good work and consistency will pay off in the long run. Never get bogged down by the initial problems.
3. Desperation can be an eternal part of the journey of a freelancer and especially at the beginning things can get really bleak. In those times, try not to undersell yourself.
4. Get membership and look for work on multiple forums/sites.
5. Ask the buyers for good reviews after a project is completed.
6. As a beginner, the rates that you get for your work may be rather low. But remember, in the initial days, work it is work that you are looking for. Do good work ... and money will follow.
7. Don't lose heart. The first few days for a freelancer may be disheartening and sometimes you'd be tempted to quit. But stick it out and chances are... you would be rewarded!!
8. If you've a day job and you are not financially stable enough then keep the freelancing career of yours only as a part time thing. At least until you have gained a foothold in some industry. There are no guarantees on the Net and it may be days before you are able to land a good project.
A great site to start with is: GetAFreelancer. Registration is free at this site and there are numerous projects of all kinds that can be won through a bidding process. The UI of the site is user friendly and what's more, you'll be paying commission to the site only once you're paid. Those who wish to make some money on the Internet and are not adept at any kind of technical work can take up copywriting for blogs. Another good site is Elance.com. Additionally forums like digitalpoint are great places to hang out at, while looking for work or trying to learn new skills.
There is no dearth of work on Internet and there is some kind of work for everybody. The point is to be consistent and work hard ... and sure enough the greenbacks will follow.
My blog : REAL ONLINE MONEY. It deals with legitimate means of making money online like freelancing, blogging, affiliate marketing, etc.
NO REVIEWS is the often the first roadblock for a complete newbie. Without some good reviews you are just one of the several wannabe freelancers. So many of these wouldn't even know their job and would fail in the first project itself, while some of them would be no good and probably would never even recover from this first failure. So... pitted against this sea of freelancers who may be no competition to you as far as you niche is concerned, you seem to have little chance. The big question is: How do you make a buyer feel that it is only you who can do their job.
Though, it is an individual's struggle and for every person the roadmap to success is different, yet a few basic tips may come in handy when a beginner starts with freelancing:
1. Prepare samples of your work and upload them for the buyer or employer to see.
2. Good work and consistency will pay off in the long run. Never get bogged down by the initial problems.
3. Desperation can be an eternal part of the journey of a freelancer and especially at the beginning things can get really bleak. In those times, try not to undersell yourself.
4. Get membership and look for work on multiple forums/sites.
5. Ask the buyers for good reviews after a project is completed.
6. As a beginner, the rates that you get for your work may be rather low. But remember, in the initial days, work it is work that you are looking for. Do good work ... and money will follow.
7. Don't lose heart. The first few days for a freelancer may be disheartening and sometimes you'd be tempted to quit. But stick it out and chances are... you would be rewarded!!
8. If you've a day job and you are not financially stable enough then keep the freelancing career of yours only as a part time thing. At least until you have gained a foothold in some industry. There are no guarantees on the Net and it may be days before you are able to land a good project.
A great site to start with is: GetAFreelancer. Registration is free at this site and there are numerous projects of all kinds that can be won through a bidding process. The UI of the site is user friendly and what's more, you'll be paying commission to the site only once you're paid. Those who wish to make some money on the Internet and are not adept at any kind of technical work can take up copywriting for blogs. Another good site is Elance.com. Additionally forums like digitalpoint are great places to hang out at, while looking for work or trying to learn new skills.
There is no dearth of work on Internet and there is some kind of work for everybody. The point is to be consistent and work hard ... and sure enough the greenbacks will follow.
My blog : REAL ONLINE MONEY. It deals with legitimate means of making money online like freelancing, blogging, affiliate marketing, etc.
Managing and Putting to Use Your Freelancing Income! by Joe Daley
Freelancing is not a steady income job and there is bound to be many a bump in your path! The unpredictability of income, as a freelancer is the toughest and the most frustrating part. Here are some tips to follow, to travel safely in this rocking ship.
Plan your funds!
Budgeting is a process most people hate to do. But in any sort of business it is always good to make a calculated effort, in terms of money! Create a budget and review it frequently! This is the best way to steer your ship in the perilous sea!
Calculate you expenses!
In order to prepare your budget you need to know the amount of money that you would be spending each month. Scribble down a list of expenses for each category ranging from mortgage to entertainment. It is impossible to predict the accurate value of each expense, but establishing a range is a must.
Prioritize your expenses!
With the list of expenses you have made, it is time now to prioritize them in the order of decreasing importance.
Food and electricity would be given the highest priority in monthly expenses as you cannot afford to do without either of them. Clothes are equally important but one wouldn't consider them a monthly expense. A similar approach is required for all the categories of expenses.
Utilizing your income
With the income being erratic, you must pay the high priority expenses with the available money. The rest should follow depending on whether the month is a good one or a bad one, in terms of income. Entertainment is one category that gets the axe when the going gets tough!
Segmenting your income for various expenses
It is important to manage your income to meet all the expenditures and not 'over spend' in one particular category of expenditure. If you don't fancy yourself in finance management, try the envelope system! Withdraw money from your bank and fill your envelopes. Each category should have an envelope. Your expenditure for each category should be from the corresponding envelope!
Cruise control!
When luck smiles your way, you might have a month or two where your income exceeds the expenditure! Restrain yourself from being prodigal and save for the future.
Saving the ship from sinking!
In case your savings are not enough for you to handle your expenses in leaner months, try to cut down on some of your expenses. Try to take up part time jobs which would augment your income to some extent.
Self accountability
The toughest part of being a successful freelance writer is the fact that no one will guide you or try to keep you in line when you threaten to go off course. Be stringent in following your budget and be accountable to yourself!
Joe Daley
CEO and Logo Designer at Logomyway.com
Plan your funds!
Budgeting is a process most people hate to do. But in any sort of business it is always good to make a calculated effort, in terms of money! Create a budget and review it frequently! This is the best way to steer your ship in the perilous sea!
Calculate you expenses!
In order to prepare your budget you need to know the amount of money that you would be spending each month. Scribble down a list of expenses for each category ranging from mortgage to entertainment. It is impossible to predict the accurate value of each expense, but establishing a range is a must.
Prioritize your expenses!
With the list of expenses you have made, it is time now to prioritize them in the order of decreasing importance.
Food and electricity would be given the highest priority in monthly expenses as you cannot afford to do without either of them. Clothes are equally important but one wouldn't consider them a monthly expense. A similar approach is required for all the categories of expenses.
Utilizing your income
With the income being erratic, you must pay the high priority expenses with the available money. The rest should follow depending on whether the month is a good one or a bad one, in terms of income. Entertainment is one category that gets the axe when the going gets tough!
Segmenting your income for various expenses
It is important to manage your income to meet all the expenditures and not 'over spend' in one particular category of expenditure. If you don't fancy yourself in finance management, try the envelope system! Withdraw money from your bank and fill your envelopes. Each category should have an envelope. Your expenditure for each category should be from the corresponding envelope!
Cruise control!
When luck smiles your way, you might have a month or two where your income exceeds the expenditure! Restrain yourself from being prodigal and save for the future.
Saving the ship from sinking!
In case your savings are not enough for you to handle your expenses in leaner months, try to cut down on some of your expenses. Try to take up part time jobs which would augment your income to some extent.
Self accountability
The toughest part of being a successful freelance writer is the fact that no one will guide you or try to keep you in line when you threaten to go off course. Be stringent in following your budget and be accountable to yourself!
Joe Daley
CEO and Logo Designer at Logomyway.com
Monday, July 20, 2009
The Story of How One Man Makes a Living From His Blog Earnings
Financial blog, ChristianPF, released an article explaining how the website's founder went from not knowing what a blog was to making a full-time living with one in less than 2 years.
The article details the inspiring story of how he was "thrown" into full-time blogging once he was laid off from his job. Over the following months he slowly watched the blog's earnings increase until it surpassed those of his former job.
The 6000 word article starts with the personal story of how it all happened and transitions into specific details and techniques for how to monetize a blog or website effectively.
The author makes it clear that this is not a get-rich-quick scheme, but rather, "it is more of a work-for-free-for-a-long-time-and-then-reap-your-reward type plan." He explains that it does require a lot of hard work, but is attainable if you are diligent and patient.
Read the full article here: http://www.christianpf.com/how-to-make-money-with-a-blog/
The article details the inspiring story of how he was "thrown" into full-time blogging once he was laid off from his job. Over the following months he slowly watched the blog's earnings increase until it surpassed those of his former job.
The 6000 word article starts with the personal story of how it all happened and transitions into specific details and techniques for how to monetize a blog or website effectively.
The author makes it clear that this is not a get-rich-quick scheme, but rather, "it is more of a work-for-free-for-a-long-time-and-then-reap-your-reward type plan." He explains that it does require a lot of hard work, but is attainable if you are diligent and patient.
Read the full article here: http://www.christianpf.com/how-to-make-money-with-a-blog/
Monday, July 13, 2009
My Creative Classroom Seeks New Online Instructors
In an open call for instructors, My Creative Classroom is looking for talented teachers of arts and crafts online classes. Classes should run 4-8 weeks long and are typically based on techniques or longer projects. Instructor's can be located anywhere in the world as long as they have internet access."Our business model offers the best of both worlds for both students and instructors," said Jeri Parks, owner of My Creative Classroom. "We offer highly interactive online arts and crafts courses in a virtual setting. The results are motivated students from all over the United States and beyond and a unique opportunity for exceptional instructors."
My Creative Classroom instructors earn 60% of class fees in addition to auxiliary income through the sale of class kits, products and supplies. Many current instructors are increasing their revenue and traffic to their own personal online stores, blogs and websites.
Once commissioned, instructors create their own curriculum and class schedule. My Creative Classroom offers the online venue and distribution system--similar to online college courses. Required tools for an online instructor includes: a computer with high speed Internet access, a digital camera, photo editing software, word processing software and a microphone. My Creative Classroom offers technical support during set-up for the instructor as well as during the class for students.
Online instructors create all their own course content and produce a step by step PDF with photos and a narrated presentation. Lessons are posted once a week to the pre-registered class. Instructors are then expected to facilitate the class, answer any questions and offer constructive feedback.
My Creative Classroom has connected over 2,800 online students with accomplished scrapbook and art instructors for virtual classes. Both students and teachers hail from the US and over 40 other countries.
My Creative Classroom accepts applications until July 20th, 2009 through their website. To apply for an instructor's position visit the instructor resource page, review the instructor package, download the application and submit your application to My Creative Classroom.
Summertime Tax Tips Available on IRS.gov and Via E-Mail
The Internal Revenue Service is publishing summertime tax tips to provide useful and concise advice on topics that affect taxpayers.
Many people don't think about their taxes until the start of the filing season in January. That can be a mistake. Steps such as checking your withholding, getting the proper receipts from charities, organizing all the records you will need or setting a personal tax strategy that can save money at tax time are most effective if they are done well before year's end.
The IRS is publishing three tax tips per week this summer. Topics range from how parents can get credit for sending their kids to day camp to protecting yourself from identity theft.
Now you can receive IRS Tax Tips via e-mail as soon as they are published by signing up through the IRS e-news subscription page, e-News Subscriptions. When subscribing, a confirmation message will be sent via e-mail. Verification must be sent in response in order to confirm a subscription.
Sign up at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=210531,00.html
Many people don't think about their taxes until the start of the filing season in January. That can be a mistake. Steps such as checking your withholding, getting the proper receipts from charities, organizing all the records you will need or setting a personal tax strategy that can save money at tax time are most effective if they are done well before year's end.
The IRS is publishing three tax tips per week this summer. Topics range from how parents can get credit for sending their kids to day camp to protecting yourself from identity theft.
Now you can receive IRS Tax Tips via e-mail as soon as they are published by signing up through the IRS e-news subscription page, e-News Subscriptions. When subscribing, a confirmation message will be sent via e-mail. Verification must be sent in response in order to confirm a subscription.
Sign up at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=210531,00.html
Monday, July 6, 2009
Free CD Helps Mac Owners Survive In Troubled Economy
Millard Grubb and Backyard Gazette Publishing have released a new audio CD for Mac owners that will help make their lives a little brighter. 7 Secrets Of Making Cash With Your Mac looks at using a Macintosh specifically to grow an information business right from your home.
"Being able to work from home on simple projects to make extra income using a Mac has always been my goal," says Grubb. "The easiest thing to do with a Mac is take what's in your head and create something," continues Grubb.
It's often been said that everyone has a book inside them. Grubb maintains that with a Mac, it's not only books, but CDs, DVDs, audio files, and Quicktime movies.
"Everyone knows something that they do well. It might be making the best cornbread, it might be detailing a car, it might be writing folk songs. What ever it is, the Mac helps you to create from your experience, and hopefully gain some cash from the deal."
This FREE CD explains how any Macintosh owner with simple software like iLife can create an income stream. The new CD covers everything from product creation, easy projects, offline projects, online projects, publicity, and marketing.
Website: 7 Secrets Of Making Cash With Your Mac
"Being able to work from home on simple projects to make extra income using a Mac has always been my goal," says Grubb. "The easiest thing to do with a Mac is take what's in your head and create something," continues Grubb.
It's often been said that everyone has a book inside them. Grubb maintains that with a Mac, it's not only books, but CDs, DVDs, audio files, and Quicktime movies.
"Everyone knows something that they do well. It might be making the best cornbread, it might be detailing a car, it might be writing folk songs. What ever it is, the Mac helps you to create from your experience, and hopefully gain some cash from the deal."
This FREE CD explains how any Macintosh owner with simple software like iLife can create an income stream. The new CD covers everything from product creation, easy projects, offline projects, online projects, publicity, and marketing.
Website: 7 Secrets Of Making Cash With Your Mac
Friday, July 3, 2009
Business Book Released Just in Time for Out-of-Work Professionals
Teena Rose, one of the careers industries leading professionals, released the third edition of her book, "Start Your Resume-Writing Business: The Ultimate Resource to Building a $100,000 Business" -- a niche book that is getting a surprising amount of attention. The mad rush to find even a mediocre job is being replaced by a thirst for finding viable, recession-proof businesses, making Mrs. Rose's new book release a timely one.Facing unemployment, Dan Harper recently set his sights on resume writing as a business. A resident of Madison, Wisconsin, Dan was recently let go from Fiserv, after a second round of layoffs. "When I asked my son what I could do if I wasn't working in information technology, he said I should be a resume writer," said Dan. Resume writing, he admits, took a back seat while he continued searching for project management jobs. He only started to take the idea to fruition once he learned an estimated 1,300 to 1,500 people were also competing for the same project management jobs -- hence his business, The Uber Group, was born.
Dan isn't the only one shifting to resume writing as a career.
Recruiters whose industry has been bruised and battered are shifting job roles are incorporating job search and career services to avoid being a jobseeker themselves. Amy Castoro, a staffing and recruiting professional who has worked for major companies such as Walt Disney, Adecco and Right Management, started her company and began offering interview training, resume writing, and coaching as the recruitment industry declined. "The recruiting industry was hit hard by the balancing of the economy. My ability to translate my skill as a recruiter into my own business has been the sole reason I am generating income," says Amy.
Resume writing does take certain skill and therefore not everyone is cut out for it, advises Teena Rose who authored "Start Your Resume-Writing Business: The Ultimate Resource to Building a $100,000 Business." She offers three nuggets of advice to those weighing this type of business:
First, factor the salary differences between a job and a business. Unlike a job, a new business can start strong or start weak -- financial instability can be unacceptable for some.
Second, know your personal traits and what motivates you. Some people work better individually, while others need a team to stay motivated and on task. Make sure you're someone who can manage and steer a business simultaneously.
Third, be prepared for continuous personal and professional growth to remain profitable and competitive. Regardless of what the millions "so-called" online resume writers say, resume writing is more difficult and complex than it looks.
Website: http://www.resumebiz.com/
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