Working on the Internet

Working on the Internet
With all the corporate downsizing going on in the world and
the shipping of jobs overseas to countries where labor is
cheaper, it is quite possible that one can find himself or
herself without a job. It's a very tough situation to be
in. You might be in this boat and have heard that there are
employment opportunities on the internet where you can work
online and get paid for it and all from the comfort of your
home. Well, it is possible but it is not a get rich quick
scheme. If you keep your expectations in check and make
informed decisions you too can enjoy this new way of
working through online employment opportunities.

More that likely, if you find work through an online
employment opportunity, you are going to be what is called
a freelancer. There are really very few online employment
opportunities where companies hire you as their employee
and pay you a bi-weekly wage. Usually, something like the
latter occurs when an employee has already worked on the
company premises for quite some time and the company knows
and trusts him or her. We are not saying that these types
of jobs don't exist (where you start working from home
right away) but that they are rare. So, you are more than
likely going to find yourself as a self-employed person.

Now you have to decide what it is you are going to do. This
requires taking an inventory of your skills. What is your
education in? You will find that online employment
opportunities work best for jobs that work well in an
internet domain. In other words, the best online employment
opportunities are those where you can send the product of
your work electronically. So usually you will see web
designers, web programmers, computer programmers, writers,
photographers, artists, translators, and transcribers
working from the internet because the products of all these
professions can be sent electronically.

Not only can the products from these professions be sent
electronically but they are traditionally freelance
professions too. Companies these days typically don't hire
fulltime translators specializing in one language. It would
not be cost-effective. So, for example, the translation
company will call a freelance translator they have in their
database when they receive an order to do a translation for
the language that translator is qualified for. If you
cannot identify yourself with any skills that fit well for
online work then you need to either get the training
required or not pursue online employment opportunities.

So once you have made the decision of what services to
provide, you then need to find the people hiring. When you
are first starting out with online employment, you will
need to build a portfolio of your works. A portfolio is not
just a resume although it can include one. It is more of a
catalog of your best works. For example, web designers will
take screenshots of some of their page design and put them
in their portfolio.

Now that you have your portfolio, you will want to know
where to start looking for work. A good place to start is
the online freelancer job sites like Elance.com,
Getafreelancer.com, and Scriptlance.com. There are many of
these sites. You can also check Craiglist.org,
Talkfreelance.com, and Digital Point Forums for those
seeking the services of a freelancer.

Online employment can be very rewarding but at the same
time it can be very stressful. For starters, you are going
to have to be constantly seeking out new work. Just make
sure you take care of yourself physically and take a break
once in awhile.

----------------------------------------------------
My name is Tom Husnik. I live in Minnesota. my web site is
at: http://www.thesmarthomebiz.com

Self Storage

Self Storage
According to a recent survey, one in 11 American households
rent self storage space. The first self storage facilities
originated in Texas in the late 1960s and now nearly 50,000
self-storage facilities have been developed throughout the
United States.

Self-storage's popularity comes from several sources. A
recent industry survey indicates that 44% of clients use
storage because they are moving, 34% don't have enough
space currently in their homes, and 15% of clients are
people with business needs.

The biggest element in the use of self storage is America's
mobility. It is a fact that more households are in
transition, whether its because of job opportunities,
moving to be closer to grandchildren, or divorce The
average American will change residences 11 times in his or
her life.

And so many times when moving your household goods you just
may need to store your possessions temporarily. Timing is
always a factor, whether it's complications with closing
on a house or difficulties in locating a permanent home in
a new city, you may find it necessary to store your
belongings for a few weeks, a month or maybe even longer.

Or sometimes the move involves family members who just
temporarily join your household. For example, what does one
do with the recent college graduate's futon or what happens
to Grandpa's toy train collection when he needs the spare
room after an operation? You may find what so many others
have that self storage is the answer.

The other way self storage comes to the rescue is by
providing extra storage space for those houses with
precious little of it. So many older houses have small
rooms and even smaller closets. There's simply not enough
room for today's modern family's acquisitions. And many of
the small houses and ranches so popular in the Sunbelt
states, an area that has seen the most population growth in
recent years, come without basements. And because it is
cheaper for contractors to use trusses rather than rafters,
we no longer can spend an afternoon rummaging through
Grandmother's hot and cluttered attic, because attic spaces
have all but vanished.

So when reality shows such as The Learning Channel's Clean
Sweep inspires people to get organized, how can they
achieve that lean look and still have access to items they
are not ready to sell off at a garage sale for fifty cents.
Self storage is once again the answer.

And when you're thinking about self storage: don't think
small. Many of today's facilities have options to store
boats, motorcycles, wave runners and recreational vehicles.
So instead of dealing with the complaints and frowns from
your neighborhood association, because you parked your
camper in your driveway, it's so much easier to use the
self storage solution.

Also, businesses as different as film companies to small
stay-at-home-mom offices may need space from time to time.
Also with the emergence or so many people selling items on
E-Bay, self storage makes sure the business doesn't consume
the home with books, computers or other collectibles. The
self storage solution once again is the perfect solution.

So whether you're looking to store just a few items,
selected pieces of furniture, archive your paperwork, save
precious mementoes from your youth, get the boat out of the
driveway or put most of your possessions in a safe place
for a few weeks or more; it's clear self storage is the
answer.

In addition, self storage offers both personal and business
users a storage solution that they can almost control
themselves. In the past, large storage companies offered
limited access, no flexibility, long-term contracts and
high charges.

But unlike traditional storage methods, self storage now
allows easy access to your storage space free-of-charge.
And that means you can take your Christmas decorations out
of storage and replace it with your summer camping gear at
your convenience. Or you can take Junior's furniture, books
and gear out when he finally gets a job and moves out of
the house.

If you're looking to use self storage, the first difference
you'll notice is that it's your responsibility to get your
stuff to the self storage facility and then pack your goods
into the space provided. But this is a great option because
it means you can pack your storage space in the way that
best suits you. That way you can easily access items
without having to unload everything in the unit when you
need to get extra lawn chairs for your next family reunion.

And here are a few hints to make storing you items in self
storage more efficient. Box everything that you can and
make sure you label it for easy identification. If items
are in a box they will stay cleaner and free of dust. And
make sure you don't fill large boxes with heavy items such
as books. They'll become impossible to carry and who needs
the extra backache? Also, using cardboard boxes or paper
bags will keep your items from mildewing. Sealed plastic
bags, should be avoided when possible. Remember to store
books flat to protects their spines, and remember fragile
items such as mirrors and china need the extra protection
provided by bubble wrap. Also, make sure your keep an
inventory. Make sure to place your inventory list near the
front of the unit. That way you know which box the bread
maker is in and you can get it out easily to make your
favorite loaf of bread for the Thanksgiving feast.

Also, keep in mind most facilities will sell you packing
supplies and may even offer removal vehicles to make the
whole process quick and simple.

Another big advantage self storage has is that your
belongings will be secure. In most cases, the storage unit
you lease can only be accessed by yourself and you'll be
the only authorized key holder. Though of course you can
authorize others to access your space. In most cases,
you'll be expected to provide your own lock for your self
storage space. This gives you an extra guarantee of
security.

And keep in mind in the competitive self storage industry,
many operators now offer state-of-the art security with
such security devices as secured fencing, code-access
gates, individual unit alarms, video cameras, security
lighting and even guard dogs. Each of these measures
focuses on keeping unauthorized people from entering a
facility and gaining access to units. This means your
personal possessions will many times be safer in self
storage than in your own home or business.

And remember, facility operators do not have casual access
to the contents of your space. A self storage operator
never takes possession, care, custody or control of the
contents of the storage rental space unless the issue of
non-payment of rent becomes a problem.

Another advantage to self storage is that the units are
clean, dry, safe and vermin free. In addition, many
facilities offer climate controlled units that allow
storage of fine wines, furs, antiques and prescription
drugs.

And you can store almost anything in self storage,
everything from pots and pans to the mounted deer head your
new wife won't allow in the den. Do keep in mind there are
some very basic limitations as to what objects or goods you
can store in the self storage units and these vary from one
storage company to the other depending on the services each
one offers. But, most do not allow their clients to store
flammable goods, chemicals, toxic material or anything
hazardous. Most storage companies also do not permit
storing food or other perishables. So expect to be asked
to drain the tanks if you're storing items with fuel tanks
such as lawn mowers. Fuel is one of the few things that you
cannot store in a storage unit facility.

If you are like most people, you'll prefer storing your
family belongings as close to your home as possible, or
someplace convenient to the roads you use to get around
town on a day-to-day basis. At one time the most efficient
way to locate a self storage facility was to use the Yellow
Pages and then call company after company until you found
the right match for your needs. Now you'll find the
Internet is a good place to find units close to home. And
websites can often provide you with an easy-to-use,
efficient means of obtaining free self storage quotes. You
will usually have the opportunity to choose from a vast
selection of self-storage facilities. Not only is this a
convenient way to quickly locate a self storage facility,
but it is also an excellent way to obtain discount moving
boxes, and various other packing materials.

----------------------------------------------------
Self Storage
http://www.selfstorageowner.com/documents/home.html

3 Factors Determine an Entrepreneur's Sales Success

3 Factors Determine an Entrepreneur's Sales Success
Many entrepreneurs view the task of selling their ideas,
products and services as an undesirable necessity. Some are
fearful at the prospect of calling and visiting others in
the hopes of growing their business. The Web is full of
articles and stories documenting their disdain for selling.
Sales is neither a job that they typically enjoy nor one
for which they are particularly skilled and well-prepared
for. What is to be done? Who is going to do the selling?

Entrepreneurs and small businesses often lack the budget
needed for employing a sales professional. They often
become the lone salesperson for their fledgling company.
There are many skills to be learned, techniques to be
mastered and sales closes to be remembered. It soon becomes
readily apparent that sales is a tough requirement on
unfamiliar ground. Many actually find it quite
uncomfortable, perhaps formidable.

For entrepreneurs, superior selling skills can be broken
down into three basic components which dictate the entire
process:

1. Goals you set

2. Decisions you make

3. Actions you take

The establishment of goals is critical to the company's
sales success. Prior to the business plan and subsequent
marketing and sales plans, the entrepreneur must establish
focused goals. These actually commence with dreams and
ideas. He/She must have a clear and vivid mental picture of
what they want to accomplish. They must want it above all
else and be totally focused upon it's achievement. Their
dream must constantly occupy their thoughts. Critical to
the establishment of goals is the commitment to maintain
written goals. Without the "writing down" component, goals
are nothing more than impotent wishes.

Clear, concise decision-making is also critical to success
in virtually any endeavor. There can be no meandering or
fence-sitting when it comes to making decisions. While
designing a precise timetable, prioritizing tasks and
developing an expectant attitude will help to validate
one's decisions, these will not replace actual
decision-making. In the event that a prior decision ends up
being incorrect, waste no time in correcting the matter,
deciding upon a better course of action.

Goals and decisions require action to both empower and
complete them. The entrepreneur is always moving, always
contemplating, always adjusting. To remain static would
invite failure. These three key sales components will keep
your selling efforts in check. You can monitor your
progress at any time by reviewing your path towards the
completion of your goals. That path will be always be
enabled by your decisions and actions.

Sales is a dynamic function; one requiring confidence,
courage and tenacity. Successful selling may sometimes
require some give-and-take, some negotiating. The result
should be a win-win situation for both the entrepreneur and
customer. That is a decision you must make.

The key to remember is, that in the end, selling is simply
people dealing with people. Your goals, decisions and
actions are your road map to sales success.

----------------------------------------------------
Daniel Sitter, author of both Learning For Profit and
Superior Selling Skills Mastery, has garnered extensive
experience in sales, training, marketing and personal
development spanning a successful 25 year career.
Experience his blog at http://www.idea-sellers.com

What Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Comparative Advantage

What Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Comparative Advantage
As a small business owner, you wear many hats. In addition
to being an entrepreneur, you may be your company
bookkeeper, web designer, administrator, sales person and
more. Having so many rolls is challenging, but at least it
saves you the money you would have spent hiring staff or
outsourcing these tasks. This is the mindset of many
entrepreneurs who are struggling to take their business to
the next level. They believe that if they do it all, they
save money. The truth is that this is usually not the
case. The error being made by the entrepreneurs, who
believe this, is that they are ignoring the opportunity
cost of their time (i.e. what they forego when they work on
these secondary, but necessary tasks).

Comparative advantage is a term used by economists to
explain the gains from international trade. It suggests
that even if a country has an absolute advantage in the
fabrication of all goods, it will maximize its wealth by
specializing in those products in which it has the greatest
advantage and trading for the others. How does this
concept apply to business? Well, a business owner may be a
better worker than anyone he hires to work for him, but he
may still stand to increase his revenue by performing the
tasks that bring him the greatest profits and delegating
the remaining tasks.

Consider how much your time would be worth if you could
spend more of it doing the tasks that make you the most
money. For example, if you make $60 per hour when making
sales, but you have to spend 2-3 hours of your day on
administrative functions, that is a potential loss of
$120-$180 that could have been generated during that time.
This is the opportunity cost of these administrative
duties. If you consider that outsourcing them would likely
cost you no more than $30 per hour, you can see that you
could stand to increase your profitability substantially by
outsourcing.

Spending more time doing what you do best could be the key
to taking your business to the next level of success.
Don't hinder your business' growth by attempting to avoid
the monetary costs of hiring an administrative assistant or
by outsourcing the work. Do the calculations and you may
discover that comparative advantage suggests that you
should delegate certain tasks to others, so that you can
concentrate on performing the tasks at which you have the
greatest advantage.

----------------------------------------------------
Kelly Sims is a Virtual Assistant and President of
Virtually There VA Services. To find out more about how
working with a Virtual Assistant can simplify your life,
visit her website at => http://www.virtuallythereva.com .
While you're there, don't forget to sign up for her free
monthly newsletter providing useful information that
enhances and simplifies the lives of busy entrepreneurs.

Your Home Renovation Project Checklist

Your Home Renovation Project Checklist
Are you dreaming about hosting your next Christmas party in
a better setting? Maybe swap out that old carpet in the
living room, re-do the kitchen, or just give an allover
facelift to your house or apartment? Well, if you're
planning to renovate this year, here are some of the most
important things to pay attention to.

Make sure you design your plan well.

Understand design trends before finalizing your remodeling
plans. Home remodeling considerations most commonly include
kitchens and private areas. Larger kitchens have a greater
resale value than smaller kitchens. You should design the
working area with appliances in a triangular position for
easy working. As for private areas, bedrooms and bathrooms
should be separated visually from the working areas of the
house.

Write down every little remodeling specification detail

Designing the remodeling specs is the most important task
that you will undertake. This task can be the most
complicated since you need to detail everything about your
remodeling plans so that you can bid the project out to a
contractor. Make sure you list down everything you want to
change, so the contractor will have a clear idea of what
you want. This can prevent design conflicts in the future.
Make sure you write exactly which type of new faucet you
want for your kitchen. Specify exactly which shade (and
company) of hardwood floors you want. No detail is too
small to be overlooked here, since based on these
specifications the contractor will quote you his price. If
you want white Italian marble for your living room, it will
be a very different quote than maple hardwood floors.

Find a great contractor

The home remodeling specs that you created will be used to
bid the construction project. Take your specifications plan
and follow these three important tasks:

Take your specification plan and have it reviewed by an
architect or other home designer. It will help them design
or revise a house plan to fit your remodeling specs. Take
the architectural plan and submit a request for bids from
remodeling contractors. The architectural plan should
include your construction specs.

Make sure you research the contractors bidding on your
project, and make sure you protect yourself in negotiation.
You can find a builder by checking the local newspaper,
looking around in your neighborhood for houses being
renovated, referrals by friends and associates, and
referrals by the architect that looked over your
specification plans.

Get the bids

After you've done your research, it's time to take bids.
The rule of thumb is to get three estimates, but try for
five - and then ditch the rock-bottom bid.

"That's the guy you want to run away from," says R. Dodge
Woodson, a general contractor for 27 years and author of
"Tips & Traps for Hiring a Contractor." "The typical game
is to come in as low as you can so you get the job, and
then add extra after extra." Since one of the main
responsibilities of a general contractor is to hire skilled
subcontractors (electricians, masonry workers, plumbers),
you might wonder: Can't I hire the subcontractors myself?
Well, of course you can, but make sure you can walk away
from your job at a moment's notice to rush home and take
care of a sudden crisis. If you can't do that, you're going
to need a professional to take care of things.

Get Everything in Writing

Get a written contract to make sure you're protected
against lawsuits resulting from disputes, accidents,
work-related injuries or damages to third parties. Any of
these things can happen - even with the smallest of jobs.
Your contract does not have to be complicated, but make
sure you include the following:

· Contractor contact details such as name, phone
number, email, and address.

· A full description of the work contracted (including
a detailed list of the materials and specifications of the
entire job).

· The start date and the target completion date.

· The overall cost and how you pay.

· Your contactor's insurance plan and number, with a
list of covered items and the period of time covered by the
warranty.

The big 5

There are five things every contractor must have.

1. If required by your state, a license. You can check the
Web (contractors-license.org) for your state's rules. If he
does have a license, take down the number and call your
state or local licensing board to verify it.

2. Liability insurance. This protects your house and
property in case the contractor or his employees cause
damage.

3. Workers' compensation insurance. Without it you can be
held responsible if someone is injured while doing work on
your property.

4. The subcontractors should be insured. The same liability
and workers' compensation insurance that your contractor
has should be carried by all the specialists (plumbers,
electricians and others) he hires.

5. A clean record in the Better Business Bureau. How many
complaints have been filed, if any? Remember that
misunderstandings do and will occur, so if there was a
complaint, see if it was resolved satisfactorily.

Are you ready?

You have to adhere to some standards too. It's important to
be thorough about your wants and needs, but you also have
to get along with your crew. "You've got to deal with these
people; they're going to be in your house," says Tom
MacGregor, a New York contractor. You can't change your
mind every other day and not expect people to get a little
frustrated. If your contractor is a reputable one, your
goals will be the same: a fast and smooth job, well
executed, that everyone walks away from satisfied.

----------------------------------------------------
MyHome is a New York general contractor firm, working with
top interior designers in New York and providing full
remodeling services for homes and offices in NYC.
http://www.NewYorkGeneralContractor.com/