Ask anybody whether they would like to work from home and they will nod their head even before you can say, 'but can you handle it?' The population of freelancers is increasing quite drastically as the years pass, and with the amount of 'work for hire' work available, the population will only be rising as the years pass. However, we should also consider the fact that the attrition levels in freelancing is also a matter of concern. Almost every other month we hear or see some other telecommuter giving up their comfortable confines of their homes and returning to their so called stable 9-5. Of course, not all of these cases are due to mistakes that the freelancer commits, but at least some of these situations may have been salvaged if these fatal mistakes were not committed:
Considering Freelancing to be 'Fun':
This is by far the most fatal mistake that a new freelancer can commit. A freelancing career is similar to starting your own business, where you are the owner and you are responsible for whether it works or does not. There are several responsibilities that you begin with, like determination, willingness to work, commitment and communication, etc. If you do not have these qualities and traits in you, you may ask well kiss your freelancing career a firm goodbye even before it begins.
Wanting the Big Bucks from Day One:
I wouldn't exactly blame a new freelancer if they consider themselves to be on the way for an all expenses paid trip around the world at the end of the month just because they have begun freelancing. As previously noted, freelancing is like a business, and most businesses require at least six months to two years to begin looking up and for the person to break even.
Not considering it 'Seriously':
This might be quite strange for the veterans, but another weird idea that people have is that freelancing is something that they do 'in between' or something that 'doesn't have a scope'. Of course, this might be fueled by the cultures and backgrounds that they come from - there are still some cultures and societies that think that if a person is working from home, they are basically waiting for a proper job opportunity!
Of course, there are several other mistakes that may be more fatal than these, but these are so commonly found that they may be the profession killers. It is quite necessary that a freelancer understand what they are getting into before they take the freelancing plunge. The common misconception is that freelancing is a fun job and it does not have as much of stress as an actual 9-5 Job. If you are successful in avoiding these mistakes, telecommuting can actually be pretty good for you.
Roy D is a freelance writer who provides important information about freelancing at The Freelance Resource. He also speaks about various perils of freelancing like Freelance Scams at his site.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Freelancing Tips to Ensure High Job Quality and Satisfaction by Tim Trice
Recently, I read an article that discussed what clients should do and be aware of before posting a job; all of which were excellent points. Freelancers can also benefit from a few guidelines so as to protect you from getting caught up in a bad deal.
Avoid those slow to respond. People get busy, no doubt. But, I'm amazed at how little some people respond to questions about their job proposals, especially when this involves a brand new website or a redesign. If a client is taking their time to respond to your questions, how do you think it will be when you get the job?
Don't assume the client knows all of the details. I've had several potential clients ask for so-and-so to be done and then appear lost when I ask them questions about their project. Regardless of what type of job you are submitting a proposal, understand you know more than the client does. Ask questions and pick their brains; you are wanting them to teach you something.
Don't settle for less pay. One of the things I love about website development is that I do not have to settle for local jobs. That being said, you must compete with fierce international competition; some of whom will work for 25% or less for what you charge. Know your rate before bidding. Even if it is over budget, send the client a proposal with your bid amount and do a follow-up a few days later. If they're interested, they will respond. You'd be surprised at how much clients under-value work. If no response after the follow-up, consider it lost. Move on.
Don't get in over your head. This almost goes hand-in-hand with #3. When you undervalue yourself to get a job, you undervalue the job. Don't settle for billing $100 to convert a website from Dreamweaver tables to a custom Wordpress theme. At the same time, don't submit a proposal to build an ecommerce system for Macy's either (unless you have the staff to do it).
Offer some enhancements. Do you like receiving bonuses for a good job? So do clients. Doing something for free has its rewards and its downfalls. But, offering a little something the client wasn't expecting can go a long way. If you're writing content, consider submitting it to some article directories or maybe even doing a press release (with the client's permission, of course). Like #2, don't assume your client knows what to do with the excellent product you've provided. Try to give them something that shows measurable benefit to them as a way of saying 'thank you'.
BONUS TIP: Don't let emotions get in the way of submitting a proposal. Yes, you may be in a dry-spell where, no matter what type of job you bid on you just can't seal the deal. This does not mean you should lower your wages or offer extraordinary services for an ordinary job. The industry itself likely is not suffering - it's just you. Even Peyton Manning and Kobe Bryant hit dry spells. Those that truly survive in this business are those that master the bad times.
There are many other things a freelancer can do to ensure a job gets done well and enhance their name in the industry. You are not only a freelancer, but a project manager which itself takes skill to master. Keep your eyes open and be true to yourself. Yet, also know your limitations. More times than not, your clients will become repeat customers if you can take care of the basics.
Tim Trice is an online marketing consultant and website developer based in Houston, Texas. He can help get your business and your website pointed in the right direction. If you are looking for someone to give you an honest opinion on your current website or want to know how to start one, contact him to get a free, no obligation website review and analysis today!
Avoid those slow to respond. People get busy, no doubt. But, I'm amazed at how little some people respond to questions about their job proposals, especially when this involves a brand new website or a redesign. If a client is taking their time to respond to your questions, how do you think it will be when you get the job?
Don't assume the client knows all of the details. I've had several potential clients ask for so-and-so to be done and then appear lost when I ask them questions about their project. Regardless of what type of job you are submitting a proposal, understand you know more than the client does. Ask questions and pick their brains; you are wanting them to teach you something.
Don't settle for less pay. One of the things I love about website development is that I do not have to settle for local jobs. That being said, you must compete with fierce international competition; some of whom will work for 25% or less for what you charge. Know your rate before bidding. Even if it is over budget, send the client a proposal with your bid amount and do a follow-up a few days later. If they're interested, they will respond. You'd be surprised at how much clients under-value work. If no response after the follow-up, consider it lost. Move on.
Don't get in over your head. This almost goes hand-in-hand with #3. When you undervalue yourself to get a job, you undervalue the job. Don't settle for billing $100 to convert a website from Dreamweaver tables to a custom Wordpress theme. At the same time, don't submit a proposal to build an ecommerce system for Macy's either (unless you have the staff to do it).
Offer some enhancements. Do you like receiving bonuses for a good job? So do clients. Doing something for free has its rewards and its downfalls. But, offering a little something the client wasn't expecting can go a long way. If you're writing content, consider submitting it to some article directories or maybe even doing a press release (with the client's permission, of course). Like #2, don't assume your client knows what to do with the excellent product you've provided. Try to give them something that shows measurable benefit to them as a way of saying 'thank you'.
BONUS TIP: Don't let emotions get in the way of submitting a proposal. Yes, you may be in a dry-spell where, no matter what type of job you bid on you just can't seal the deal. This does not mean you should lower your wages or offer extraordinary services for an ordinary job. The industry itself likely is not suffering - it's just you. Even Peyton Manning and Kobe Bryant hit dry spells. Those that truly survive in this business are those that master the bad times.
There are many other things a freelancer can do to ensure a job gets done well and enhance their name in the industry. You are not only a freelancer, but a project manager which itself takes skill to master. Keep your eyes open and be true to yourself. Yet, also know your limitations. More times than not, your clients will become repeat customers if you can take care of the basics.
Tim Trice is an online marketing consultant and website developer based in Houston, Texas. He can help get your business and your website pointed in the right direction. If you are looking for someone to give you an honest opinion on your current website or want to know how to start one, contact him to get a free, no obligation website review and analysis today!
Using Your Talents to Make Money Online Through Freelancing by Kenny Jen
You want to make money and you have a PC and Internet access, but do not know where to start. You do not have much experience but would like to find a part time job. Well good news, there is work out there for you; everyone has talents and this is what will be your ticket to earning an income, how?
Have you ever thought of freelancing? These are sites where you can sign up for free, thousands of employers are looking for part time staff, especially the way the economy is nowadays. All you need to do is, register with them, fill in your skills and abilities and you can start searching for jobs immediately. Basically you will apply for a job by bidding on it, and if successful you will then be chosen and given all the details necessary, payment will vary according to the project and you can then ask them to transfer the funds to you either by bank transfer or cheque.
If you need to make money on the side and have a few hours a day to dedicate, then freelancing may be perfect for you. If you can write several articles an hour, build a website in a day, or design a brochure marketing campaign in a week - you can be guaranteed to make money as a freelancer. Check out some of the sites and see what they have to offer. With great work ethic, strong work samples and the ability to meet deadlines; you could be making money as a freelancer in a matter of hours.
There are thousands of tasks to choose from, ranging from tasks better suited to professionals in those categories. There are also other simple jobs such as data entry, which anyone can do, as long as you are prepared to put in the time. Please keep in mind that you must be prepared to stick to deadlines, but you get to choose the hours you work. The amount of money that you can make will depend on you, and how much time you are prepared to invest. Naturally, once the employers get to know you and the quality of work the more work they will give you thus allowing you to make more money. This is an opportunity that everyone can take advantage of, which will generate some income.
Kenny Jen has been writing articles professionally, both online and offline, since 4 years ago. This author is not only writing in the subject of health, but also in dieting, work at home, and many other more. Check out her latest website in Ipod Shuffle Speakers and Tupperware Catalogue.
Have you ever thought of freelancing? These are sites where you can sign up for free, thousands of employers are looking for part time staff, especially the way the economy is nowadays. All you need to do is, register with them, fill in your skills and abilities and you can start searching for jobs immediately. Basically you will apply for a job by bidding on it, and if successful you will then be chosen and given all the details necessary, payment will vary according to the project and you can then ask them to transfer the funds to you either by bank transfer or cheque.
If you need to make money on the side and have a few hours a day to dedicate, then freelancing may be perfect for you. If you can write several articles an hour, build a website in a day, or design a brochure marketing campaign in a week - you can be guaranteed to make money as a freelancer. Check out some of the sites and see what they have to offer. With great work ethic, strong work samples and the ability to meet deadlines; you could be making money as a freelancer in a matter of hours.
There are thousands of tasks to choose from, ranging from tasks better suited to professionals in those categories. There are also other simple jobs such as data entry, which anyone can do, as long as you are prepared to put in the time. Please keep in mind that you must be prepared to stick to deadlines, but you get to choose the hours you work. The amount of money that you can make will depend on you, and how much time you are prepared to invest. Naturally, once the employers get to know you and the quality of work the more work they will give you thus allowing you to make more money. This is an opportunity that everyone can take advantage of, which will generate some income.
Kenny Jen has been writing articles professionally, both online and offline, since 4 years ago. This author is not only writing in the subject of health, but also in dieting, work at home, and many other more. Check out her latest website in Ipod Shuffle Speakers and Tupperware Catalogue.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Freelancing For Newbies - Learn How to Win Your First Project by Georgi Jivankin
I started to work as a freelancer in the summer of 2006. At that time, I was inexperienced and I didn't know which projects to bid on and how to win them as well. I saw how the big players are getting their projects, copied them and did the same things that they were doing. And as you may guess, I failed. I didn't win a single project for months and that's not because I didn't copied their actions accurately, but because I had not paid enough attention to my own name and presence on the Internet.
If you wish to win your first project fast, you should make a good first impression. The important factor when bidding for a given project is to use a business language instead of jargon. For example, in the message to the project's creator you cannot write: "Hey buddy, I can do it because I have done it before and I know that I can do it you know? Select me because I need the money to pay my bills and you know, I am poor student you know I can do it of course. Please choose me and I'll show ya how I am able to do it." If you write such message, I guarantee you won't find a project for years. You should be polite and use a formal language. You could write something like: "Hello sir, I am a professional graphic designer with 5 years of experience in vector graphics, web design and CSS implementation. I am able to deliver your project in a timely manner and I can assure you that you won't be disappointed. In order to make an educated choice, I advise you to take a look at my extensive portfolio which can be found at http://www.example.com/ Thank you and I am looking forward to working with you."
If you use formal language, good spelling and grammar and you demonstrate your abilities and skills in a well-presented portfolio, you can convince the project's creator to choose you, because you seem to be experienced, professional and trustworthy.
If you use the techniques in this article, your success is almost guaranteed, so don't wait, take my advice and start building your name on the Internet right now.
To further accelerate the process of building your name on the Internet, you could grab a free report written by me, called "How to Become a freelancer". Just go here and grab your copy now: [http://www.georgijivankin.com/en/freelancing]
Georgi Jivankin is an Internet marketer and a freelancer. He has written a special report for you to read, revealing exactly how to start working as a freelancer. Go here and grab your free copy now: [http://www.georgijivankin.com/en/freelancingreport]
If you wish to win your first project fast, you should make a good first impression. The important factor when bidding for a given project is to use a business language instead of jargon. For example, in the message to the project's creator you cannot write: "Hey buddy, I can do it because I have done it before and I know that I can do it you know? Select me because I need the money to pay my bills and you know, I am poor student you know I can do it of course. Please choose me and I'll show ya how I am able to do it." If you write such message, I guarantee you won't find a project for years. You should be polite and use a formal language. You could write something like: "Hello sir, I am a professional graphic designer with 5 years of experience in vector graphics, web design and CSS implementation. I am able to deliver your project in a timely manner and I can assure you that you won't be disappointed. In order to make an educated choice, I advise you to take a look at my extensive portfolio which can be found at http://www.example.com/ Thank you and I am looking forward to working with you."
If you use formal language, good spelling and grammar and you demonstrate your abilities and skills in a well-presented portfolio, you can convince the project's creator to choose you, because you seem to be experienced, professional and trustworthy.
If you use the techniques in this article, your success is almost guaranteed, so don't wait, take my advice and start building your name on the Internet right now.
To further accelerate the process of building your name on the Internet, you could grab a free report written by me, called "How to Become a freelancer". Just go here and grab your copy now: [http://www.georgijivankin.com/en/freelancing]
Georgi Jivankin is an Internet marketer and a freelancer. He has written a special report for you to read, revealing exactly how to start working as a freelancer. Go here and grab your free copy now: [http://www.georgijivankin.com/en/freelancingreport]
Reality Check For Online Freelancing by Michael Wrights
Work in Your Pajamas! Earn a Six-figure Income! If You Can Write a Letter, You Can be a Successful Freelancer!
Oh, boy, I've seen all the hype. Too good to be true? Yep. I really like the six-figure income, it sounds great until you come to realize that two of the 'figures' are on the wrong side of the decimal point.
So, what is online freelancing really like? It's like a job more than it's like an adventure. A job full of trepidation and worry, where you struggle to find useful work at a wage scale you can live on and for a client who isn't out to screw you. After a year and a half of online freelancing, I've seen the landscape - oh, and I've never worked in my pajamas.
The first hurdle is getting an online presence. I currently am signed up with five different broker services. Yes, five. Each has it's upside and downside. But mostly, the multiples are for hunting purposes. To find jobs at a decent pay rate, I have to spend a few hours every day reading and bidding. And bidding isn't just a click or a simple cut and paste operation. To actually get work, clients often demand samples of previous work and a few rounds of discussion. I checked my 'win' rate at elance recently - I'm at 17%. I actually get about 1 in 6 jobs I apply for. And that is considered a high rate. At oDesk and GetaFreelancer and RentaCoder, my statistics are much worse. So, half the day is shot pursuing work. That leaves a few hours of actual writing (if there is work).
What happens is this: without work you begin to take on anything at all, even really low-ball jobs, just to get some money coming in. You find out quickly (especially if you are based in a first-world economy) that people who live in countries with a very low cost of living have a price advantage. I would starve working for $1 an hour, but there are places in the world where that is decent money. After a 18 months of 'working the system' I pull in about $200 a week, and that is with an excellent reputation at multiple freelance sites. $200 a week isn't enough to live on, and I keep a second job to make ends meet.
There are no vacation days, no healthcare, and no 401K. The instant you quit hustling, the money stops. It's great when an occasional good project comes along, but these are few and far between - the market is saturated with freelancers, all competing for the same small paycheck. And, unfortunately, when you are burned by an unethical buyer, you have no recourse. And of course, each freelance site further chips away at your income by collecting various fees.
All in all, it's more of a hobby than a paying career. If someone is truly interested in the writing game (or programming or other freelance category) I'd recommend getting a degree and a solid resume and do it for a paycheck instead of constantly struggling to make minimum wage.
Michael Wrights owns and authors webJestic.NET
Oh, boy, I've seen all the hype. Too good to be true? Yep. I really like the six-figure income, it sounds great until you come to realize that two of the 'figures' are on the wrong side of the decimal point.
So, what is online freelancing really like? It's like a job more than it's like an adventure. A job full of trepidation and worry, where you struggle to find useful work at a wage scale you can live on and for a client who isn't out to screw you. After a year and a half of online freelancing, I've seen the landscape - oh, and I've never worked in my pajamas.
The first hurdle is getting an online presence. I currently am signed up with five different broker services. Yes, five. Each has it's upside and downside. But mostly, the multiples are for hunting purposes. To find jobs at a decent pay rate, I have to spend a few hours every day reading and bidding. And bidding isn't just a click or a simple cut and paste operation. To actually get work, clients often demand samples of previous work and a few rounds of discussion. I checked my 'win' rate at elance recently - I'm at 17%. I actually get about 1 in 6 jobs I apply for. And that is considered a high rate. At oDesk and GetaFreelancer and RentaCoder, my statistics are much worse. So, half the day is shot pursuing work. That leaves a few hours of actual writing (if there is work).
What happens is this: without work you begin to take on anything at all, even really low-ball jobs, just to get some money coming in. You find out quickly (especially if you are based in a first-world economy) that people who live in countries with a very low cost of living have a price advantage. I would starve working for $1 an hour, but there are places in the world where that is decent money. After a 18 months of 'working the system' I pull in about $200 a week, and that is with an excellent reputation at multiple freelance sites. $200 a week isn't enough to live on, and I keep a second job to make ends meet.
There are no vacation days, no healthcare, and no 401K. The instant you quit hustling, the money stops. It's great when an occasional good project comes along, but these are few and far between - the market is saturated with freelancers, all competing for the same small paycheck. And, unfortunately, when you are burned by an unethical buyer, you have no recourse. And of course, each freelance site further chips away at your income by collecting various fees.
All in all, it's more of a hobby than a paying career. If someone is truly interested in the writing game (or programming or other freelance category) I'd recommend getting a degree and a solid resume and do it for a paycheck instead of constantly struggling to make minimum wage.
Michael Wrights owns and authors webJestic.NET
Why Plan Your Career In Reverse?
It is estimated that more than 90% of people do not deliberately plan a career path. Following school, most of us take whatever job is available and begin our life work. Many follow work related to what parents or other family members have done while others follow the route taken by friends and associates. These haphazard methods seldom lead to optimal career development. Why is this?
Dr. Powe's new book, Career Planning and Development--In Reverse, presents a systems approach to career planning and development. The systems approach to problem solving has been used in many disciplines and is a proven technique to achieve optimal results. The basis of the systems approach is that every element of a situation or problem is interrelated to every other element. Thus, proper and effective planning must consider all of the associated interrelationships. The book offers a detailed twelve-step planning process for achieving a positive contributing life.
Step 1. Retirement Planning.
Most of us look forward to the day when we don't have to set the clock and be at a certain place at a certain time designated by someone else. The desired retirement life style impacts the amount of money needed in retirement. Will you be content to drive a clunker car, participate in non-expensive recreational activities, and risk not having supplemental health insurance or will you want frequent travel, live in an exclusive retirement community, and assure the best of health care through additional insurance?
Step 2. How Much Money In Retirement?
Many people are surprised to learn that a retirement income equivalent to 65-85 percent of the income at the time of retirement is required to maintain the same standard of living in retirement that was enjoyed while working. A minimum of one million dollars (2010 dollars) is needed. The thought of saving one million dollars over one's working life is daunting at first thought, but with proper planning, is entirely feasible for most of the population. Most noncontributory pension plans are gone. Now, most individuals are totally responsible to earn the retirement income through 401k, Social Security, inheritance, and other savings plans. The foregoing few words should be enough to convince you that planning your career in reverse starting with retirement income needs is the way to go.
Step 3. Who Am I? Every person is an individual--is unique.
We have a genetic tie to our parents, but each of us is a different person with marvelous talents, interests, and characteristics. In this step, one should formally define personality, religious preferences, ethics and values, interests, skills, experiences, knowledges, and learning capabilities. Often, we do not know what these talents and interests are as related to the workplace.
Step 4. Work Requirements.
Once you know your retirement requirements and who you are, it is time to learn what work is about. There are many ways to earn a living with varying degrees of desirability and income. We tend to perform better at tasks in which we have an interest so the job selected should be related to something of interest. Usually, high paying jobs have undesirable characteristics such as frequent travel, extensive time away from home, high mental and/or physical stress, and hazardous working environments.
Step 5. Who Am I versus Job Opportunities.
You should make a list of jobs that meet your requirements and match "who you are" to them. Quite a lot of research is required to make the match between retirement requirements and "who you are." For example, you should know whether or not a job category demand is increasing or decreasing. It would not be wise to start a career in a field that will become obsolete by technology in a few years.
Step 6. Job Search.
Although searching the Internet is useful, networking is still the most effective method of securing a job offer. You should have developed a comprehensive network through social and professional activities. In addition, if you were fortunate enough to have mentors along the way, they can help as well.
Step 7. Select Opportunities.
You will find that there will be many career fields that match your retirement requirements and "who you are." Make and evaluate a list of the opportunities that could satisfy your requirements.
Step 8. Write Resume.
The purpose of the resume is to secure an interview. Each resume must be tailored to each specific opportunity. Have someone else proof read the final copy.
Step 9. Interview.
If the resume has served its purpose, you will be offered several interviews. Prior to the interview, research everything you can find about the company. You should know its management, organization, products or services, and competition well enough to be spontaneous in conversations with the people conducting the interviews. It is expected that you will "put your best foot forward," but never lie about anything. Keep in mind that you are on exhibition from the moment you drive into the parking lot until the time you leave the parking lot. Don't assume anything—everything rests on the initial and follow up interviews.
Step 10. Negotiate Offer.
If the interviews went well, you may be made a formal offer in writing. Negotiation is a delicate issue. Some companies will withdraw an offer if you try to negotiate. Intelligence on the company's hiring practices is helpful, but difficult to determine.
Step 11. Job Performance.
Finally, you are on the payroll. You are in the door. Now the real test begins. Do you have a "can do" attitude toward any task, menial or otherwise? Keeping a job and being competitive for promotion are very directly related to how well you perform every task. Every job has less desirable tasks that must be performed. Make certain that you perform every task with enthusiasm and vigor. Be willing to study on your own time to become better qualified.
Step 12. Contributing Life.
From my perspective, success in life should be measured by the contributions one makes in the workplace, home, and in the performance of civic responsibilities.
This article has been a brief snapshot of the material to be found in "Career Planning and Development--In Reverse." The book includes 115 current references and many illustrating examples from personal experience. It is Published by Outskirts Press, Inc. and distributed via Ingram, Baker & Taylor. It is sold by Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Outskirts Press, Inc. and bookstores and is available in paperback, eBook and Kindle formats. For more information, please visit www.outskirtspress.com/CareerPlanningandDevelopmentinReverse .
Dr. Powe's new book, Career Planning and Development--In Reverse, presents a systems approach to career planning and development. The systems approach to problem solving has been used in many disciplines and is a proven technique to achieve optimal results. The basis of the systems approach is that every element of a situation or problem is interrelated to every other element. Thus, proper and effective planning must consider all of the associated interrelationships. The book offers a detailed twelve-step planning process for achieving a positive contributing life.
Step 1. Retirement Planning.
Most of us look forward to the day when we don't have to set the clock and be at a certain place at a certain time designated by someone else. The desired retirement life style impacts the amount of money needed in retirement. Will you be content to drive a clunker car, participate in non-expensive recreational activities, and risk not having supplemental health insurance or will you want frequent travel, live in an exclusive retirement community, and assure the best of health care through additional insurance?
Step 2. How Much Money In Retirement?
Many people are surprised to learn that a retirement income equivalent to 65-85 percent of the income at the time of retirement is required to maintain the same standard of living in retirement that was enjoyed while working. A minimum of one million dollars (2010 dollars) is needed. The thought of saving one million dollars over one's working life is daunting at first thought, but with proper planning, is entirely feasible for most of the population. Most noncontributory pension plans are gone. Now, most individuals are totally responsible to earn the retirement income through 401k, Social Security, inheritance, and other savings plans. The foregoing few words should be enough to convince you that planning your career in reverse starting with retirement income needs is the way to go.
Step 3. Who Am I? Every person is an individual--is unique.
We have a genetic tie to our parents, but each of us is a different person with marvelous talents, interests, and characteristics. In this step, one should formally define personality, religious preferences, ethics and values, interests, skills, experiences, knowledges, and learning capabilities. Often, we do not know what these talents and interests are as related to the workplace.
Step 4. Work Requirements.
Once you know your retirement requirements and who you are, it is time to learn what work is about. There are many ways to earn a living with varying degrees of desirability and income. We tend to perform better at tasks in which we have an interest so the job selected should be related to something of interest. Usually, high paying jobs have undesirable characteristics such as frequent travel, extensive time away from home, high mental and/or physical stress, and hazardous working environments.
Step 5. Who Am I versus Job Opportunities.
You should make a list of jobs that meet your requirements and match "who you are" to them. Quite a lot of research is required to make the match between retirement requirements and "who you are." For example, you should know whether or not a job category demand is increasing or decreasing. It would not be wise to start a career in a field that will become obsolete by technology in a few years.
Step 6. Job Search.
Although searching the Internet is useful, networking is still the most effective method of securing a job offer. You should have developed a comprehensive network through social and professional activities. In addition, if you were fortunate enough to have mentors along the way, they can help as well.
Step 7. Select Opportunities.
You will find that there will be many career fields that match your retirement requirements and "who you are." Make and evaluate a list of the opportunities that could satisfy your requirements.
Step 8. Write Resume.
The purpose of the resume is to secure an interview. Each resume must be tailored to each specific opportunity. Have someone else proof read the final copy.
Step 9. Interview.
If the resume has served its purpose, you will be offered several interviews. Prior to the interview, research everything you can find about the company. You should know its management, organization, products or services, and competition well enough to be spontaneous in conversations with the people conducting the interviews. It is expected that you will "put your best foot forward," but never lie about anything. Keep in mind that you are on exhibition from the moment you drive into the parking lot until the time you leave the parking lot. Don't assume anything—everything rests on the initial and follow up interviews.
Step 10. Negotiate Offer.
If the interviews went well, you may be made a formal offer in writing. Negotiation is a delicate issue. Some companies will withdraw an offer if you try to negotiate. Intelligence on the company's hiring practices is helpful, but difficult to determine.
Step 11. Job Performance.
Finally, you are on the payroll. You are in the door. Now the real test begins. Do you have a "can do" attitude toward any task, menial or otherwise? Keeping a job and being competitive for promotion are very directly related to how well you perform every task. Every job has less desirable tasks that must be performed. Make certain that you perform every task with enthusiasm and vigor. Be willing to study on your own time to become better qualified.
Step 12. Contributing Life.
From my perspective, success in life should be measured by the contributions one makes in the workplace, home, and in the performance of civic responsibilities.
This article has been a brief snapshot of the material to be found in "Career Planning and Development--In Reverse." The book includes 115 current references and many illustrating examples from personal experience. It is Published by Outskirts Press, Inc. and distributed via Ingram, Baker & Taylor. It is sold by Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Outskirts Press, Inc. and bookstores and is available in paperback, eBook and Kindle formats. For more information, please visit www.outskirtspress.com/CareerPlanningandDevelopmentinReverse .
How to Make Money Online
If you've ever thought that it's possible to get rich quick on the internet, you're wrong. It's wrong because every over-night success story that will happen about the internet has already happened.
Think about it, who has made a fortune from doing something with the internet? The people who created Google, Yahoo, Facebook, Ebay, Myspace, Youtube etc, etc. Getting the picture yet? The only way that you can make money on the internet, is if you discover a new use for the internet, a new way to enjoy the internet. If your idea becomes a household name, then you'll make money.
When the internet first came into creation, there were plenty of gaps in the market for making money online, as very few people had the inclination or the ability to develop ideas for using the internet. Nowadays, millions of people rely on the internet for their income. With millions or billions of users online every day, do you really think that there's an easy way to take their money with no real effort or ability? Of course there isn't. If there was, we'd all be millionaires right now.
There are some really big players on the internet these days. Google, Microsoft etc. If there's a gap in the market, believe me, they've got thousands of guys working on it right now. What you need to do is find a new way to help people buy things, sell things, watch things, find things, talk to each other, find each other. These are the things that people pay to use the internet for. If you can bring them a revolutionary way of doing one of these things, then you really might be on to something.
Mark Zuckerberg, one of the founders of Facebook, is now worth $4billion. Did he have a get-rich-quick scheme? No. He had a simple idea that he thought would help people. It was an original idea that with a combination of talent and hard work grew and grew and grew. When trying to think of an idea, don't think; ‘how can I make money?' instead, think; ‘how can I use the internet to help people and improve their lives?' If your only interest is money, your idea will show this.
So ignore spurious-looking adverts on the internet saying; 'I made thousands of dollars on Ebay/Google, send me $34.95 and I'll show you how you can too.' These are scams that prey on the desperate and ignorant. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. There is no get-rich-quick idea out there, and if there is, then it usually involves scamming someone, and that's no way to live your life.
If all else fails, become a freelance writer. Show a company that you have a strong writing background and lots of ability and they will pay you to sit at home and write stuff for them. This is the best way to make money online.
Think about it, who has made a fortune from doing something with the internet? The people who created Google, Yahoo, Facebook, Ebay, Myspace, Youtube etc, etc. Getting the picture yet? The only way that you can make money on the internet, is if you discover a new use for the internet, a new way to enjoy the internet. If your idea becomes a household name, then you'll make money.
When the internet first came into creation, there were plenty of gaps in the market for making money online, as very few people had the inclination or the ability to develop ideas for using the internet. Nowadays, millions of people rely on the internet for their income. With millions or billions of users online every day, do you really think that there's an easy way to take their money with no real effort or ability? Of course there isn't. If there was, we'd all be millionaires right now.
There are some really big players on the internet these days. Google, Microsoft etc. If there's a gap in the market, believe me, they've got thousands of guys working on it right now. What you need to do is find a new way to help people buy things, sell things, watch things, find things, talk to each other, find each other. These are the things that people pay to use the internet for. If you can bring them a revolutionary way of doing one of these things, then you really might be on to something.
Mark Zuckerberg, one of the founders of Facebook, is now worth $4billion. Did he have a get-rich-quick scheme? No. He had a simple idea that he thought would help people. It was an original idea that with a combination of talent and hard work grew and grew and grew. When trying to think of an idea, don't think; ‘how can I make money?' instead, think; ‘how can I use the internet to help people and improve their lives?' If your only interest is money, your idea will show this.
So ignore spurious-looking adverts on the internet saying; 'I made thousands of dollars on Ebay/Google, send me $34.95 and I'll show you how you can too.' These are scams that prey on the desperate and ignorant. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. There is no get-rich-quick idea out there, and if there is, then it usually involves scamming someone, and that's no way to live your life.
If all else fails, become a freelance writer. Show a company that you have a strong writing background and lots of ability and they will pay you to sit at home and write stuff for them. This is the best way to make money online.
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