Home business: when to get a freelance writer

A homegrown business can stay about the same size and still provide lucrative income for the owner-operator. But if you want your business to grow and thrive, one of the strategies you might consider is to hire a freelance writer to help you with internal and external communications.

Freelance writers usually work part-time for one or more companies. They can work locally onsite by visiting an office daily or occasionally to work on assignments. Or they can work from remote locations as telecommuters by using email to send and receive writing assignments. High-speed access, an email account, and a PayPal account (for payment) are usually the main computer-based services that a freelancer needs to work for a company.

A small company can benefit from the services of a freelancer under certain conditions like these:

1. Hire a freelancer to help develop and write policies, procedures, form letters, reports, and charts. A professional writer can help you organize paperwork, a filing system, and documents of all kinds so that you know which forms to use and how to organize them in your office space. He or she can write, revise, edit, or proofread a procedures manual or policy handbook as well as a style guide for organizing written documents in your office.

2. A freelancer can help to promote your business to the community. A series of newspaper articles, a speech at the local library or civic organization, and a billboard ad or a print ad can help to attract new and repeat customers. Signs, advertisements, and even catalogue entries can make your company stand out. Creative copy can put you at the forefront of your industry and give you an edge over the competition.

3. Freelance writers can develop materials to attract customers beyond your client base. They can package advertising of your product or services in such a way that it can fit into a niche that serves other business-types as well. For example, if you operate a printing business, a freelancer might link your service with that of a graphic artist or a copywriter to draw customers for any or all of these services.

4. A freelance writer can publish a subscriber-based newsletter that will keep customers aware of your company. A print newsletter containing helpful information or recommended procedures can be sent to all new customers. Or a freelance writer might be able to design or maintain your business Website that can publish a monthly ezine for regular subscribers that are currently customers or visitors to the site who may become future customers.

A professional writer, depending on qualifications and experience, may be able to help with just about any type of writing task, from letters to reports or speeches. Browse the Web to find freelance writers who post samples of their work for review online. Ask about rates and turnaround time. Finally, explain the type of writing needs that you have to see if a particular writer can handle them. You will be amazed how a careful arrangement of several well-chosen words can bring a powerful attention stream to your home business.

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First day on the job

The first day of a new job can be very stressful on you and even the people around you. The apprehension of the unknown and being a new person can be overwhelming. Following are some tips on how to keep you calm and how to fly through your first day. Also, included are some ideas on how to prepare for your day at the new job and things to remember to get you through it.

The night before your first day is the crucial time to prepare items of necessity. Prepare yourself for the unexpected like your alarm not going off, accidentally sleeping in, or your vehicle not starting. This will ensure that you will be on time and even early. Pick out the clothes that you will wear and have them laid out. Have them cleaned, ironed, and ready to throw on.

Preparing food for your first day is another thing that you should try to prepare the night before. You may be very jittery in the hours before your new job and feel that you will not be hungry, but you have no idea what to expect and you should bring something along. It is better to have left over food then to be hungry and have no nourishment. You may be famished when your lunch hour arrives, or you may only be able to nibble, but either way if you have food there, you are safe.

The morning before your first day should be fairly calm if you have prepared everything above. You should be able to shower and get ready without much fuss. The nervous time before you leave is lessened while you busy yourself with the preparations of yourself. Make time for a cup of juice or coffee and a glance through the paper. This distraction is good for your mind and should set you at ease.

Once everything is ready and you are about to walk out the door is generally when you will become nervous. This is because you know that this is the last step that you have to take before you will be at your new job. Remain calm and think of things that make you happy. Listen to one of your favorites songs on the trip, or listen to something that puts a smile on your face. This can be a great tool in easing your apprehension and making the drive full of cheeriness.

You should try to arrive at least ten minutes early to show that you are reliable and a punctual person. This will give your employer a good feeling about you and usually will make the whole day better. Be cheerful and friendly with people that you meet. Be yourself and be comfortable with who you are, as this is the best route to go to make friendships through work. Most companies will welcome you with open arms and make you feel very welcome.

Overall, just breathe and stay calm. The first day is always an experience and it will get better. You have to have faith in your abilities and believe that you will succeed. This is the only way that you will accomplish all of your goals and see yourself through until the end. Stay calm and be yourself!

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How to budget for a small business

So you are considering a small business. More than hopes and dreams you will need to invest yourself in plans. A successful small business does not spring spontaneously from a wish. It needs the foundation that can only be provided by:

• Market research - Is there a need for the service/product I want to provide, who is my competition? Who is my audience?

• Business plan - What are you planning to do, how are you planning to do it? What expertise/experience do you bring to the task?

• Budget – How much will it cost? What will be the return? Lists all anticipated income and expenses for a specific period (typically your fiscal year).

Each is a valuable tool that can increase your chances of success as a small business owner. This point cannot be overemphasized. Do not allow enthusiasm or even fear to lead you away from completing the basic steps of starting/managing a small business

(There are a number of resources and people to consult for additional information if the prospect of writing a budget still feels overwhelming).

Although each step may require a good deal of thought and energy you will find in the long run that you save time and gain the control you need navigate even the choppiest waters.

Your budget should give a complete accounting of all anticipated revenue, revenue streams and expenditures. The budget is closely related to the business plan in that it details the plan in financial terms. For example, if you plan to hire two employees, your budget should include the money you plan to disburse for their salaries, benefits and taxes. If you plan to purchase or lease equipment the expense should be included in your budget. Planning expenses helps you determine how much revenue you will need to meet expenses and generate a profit.

Revenue

The money you take in for your goods and/or services is called your revenue or income. Your budget should reflect the dollar value of sales and services anticipated for a specific period (consider planning an annual budget then break it down for each month).

To arrive at this number it is a good idea to review profit and loss statements for the previous period, if available. If this information is not available, make your best guess using information from your trade journals and market research. Be specific. How many bicycles will you sell this month? At what price? How many consultations will you provide? At what price? At the end of each month compare budgeted vs. actual income and adjust accordingly. If the amount you take in exceeds your projections give yourself a pat on the back and look for ways to keep this trend going. If you did not earn as much as you planned – look for the why. What can you do to beef up revenue next month? Are you charging the right price? Are you offering something that is needed? Do you need to step up your marketing? The beauty of the budget is that it can accurately highlight what is working and not working as well as what you should continue and what you shouldn’t.

Income should be recorded on a cash basis. For example, billable services should be counted as income in the month of receipt. Have a backup plan for the (hopefully) rare times that you are not paid for services in a timely fashion.

Revenue Stream

If you sell bicycles and sponsor bicycle tours, each represents a different revenue stream. Your budget should include anticipated income from each revenue stream. Again, categorizing each revenue stream allows you to identify which aspects of your business are profitable and which are not.

Expenditures

Your budget should also include all anticipated expenses. Some of these will be fairly constant, or fixed, such as rent, leased equipment and salaries. Others, such as hourly wages and materials, may vary. A comparison of income and expenses will reveal any gaps. The budget can help you plan around these gaps and avoid cash shortfalls.

You need not sit down with pen and paper to write your budget. There are a number of excellent software programs that make short work of budgeting. These programs can serve you well by reducing arithmetic errors, generating customized reports (such as profit and loss statements, reports on specific revenue streams or budgeted vs. actual expenses) and creating importable data. Most are very user friendly, affordable and require no accounting experience.

There are a number of advantages to writing a small business budget. These include:

• The opportunity to reflect on the thoroughness of your business plan.

• Provides an annual and monthly picture of income and expenses.

• Outlines information you will need to complete loan/financing applications.

• Gives you the control you need to head off problems and plan for success.

• Gives the opportunity to plan ahead for shortfalls, slow downs, and busy seasons.

• Gives opportunity to plan finance or purchase of capital expenditures without too much distress.

• Lets you plan for a profit.

• Can pinpoint successful areas as well as those that may need additional marketing or other tweaking.

The budget should be regarded as a dynamic and fluid document. As such, you should refer to it regularly and make adjustments as needed. Your budget also helps you focus on monthly targets in terms of income and expenses. It also provides an objective view of how you are doing. This can be a great motivator for you as well as for your staff. Much more than a burden, the small business budget is a critical tool for planning and success.

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Career advice: starting a job in construction safety

Getting a job in construction safety begins with evaluating your experience and expertise in the field of construction. Make a list of your job experience in the field of construction, and then list the experience you gained at each job. After you make this expanded list, go through it and abstract categories of experience such as: quality control, measurement accuracy, learned about handling hazardous material, learned heat safety, etc. Also include in this list your certification and special training. With this list you will be able to construct a resume and cover letter that you can send out to hiring companies.

There are several avenues you can take to secure employment. First you can go to an employment agency that specializes in construction type positions. Here you will go through an application and testing processes that will evaluate your abilities and experience, and recommend you to companies that are hiring. You can also send out your resume blindly to construction and architectural firms to see if anyone is hiring. Finally you can search the Internet. Try being creative with your search. Try construction safety company sites such as the Construction Safety Council. They may have job bulletin boards, or may even be hiring themselves. Additionally you can try using a search engine using keywords like: construction safety jobs, construction jobs, safety inspection jobs, etc. If you are looking to gain employment in a specific area precede the above keywords with the name of the area you are interested in. Finally you can search web-based employment boards like: thingamajob.com, monster.com, constructionjobs.com, constructionworks.com, and salary.com. Once you are at these sites you can enter the job description or name that you are looking for: construction safety manager, inspector, construction, etc.

If you do not want to take these avenues, you may want to consider working for yourself, and hire out as a contractor. There are several ways you can drum up contract work. First you can create a flyer, or brochure, that lists your training and experience, and also provides an outline of services that you plan to offer and the price for your service. You may want to put a median price for your services and then next to it put “price is negotiable.” Send these flyers or brochures out to local construction and architectural firms. Make sure you read the newspaper everyday, and search the Legal section for “Requests for Proposals” for construction projects. Another area is, of course, the classified ads. You may also consider taking out a newspaper advertisement that introduces your services to your community. If you are still having trouble drumming up business try networking agencies, like the McGraw Hill Construction Network. Here you can make connections with companies with building projects that need a construction safety manager. Check online and in the phone book for local network organizations and small business organizations. These types of associations are valuable resources for mining leads.

In order to provide information about your services you may also want to set up a website that lists the same information you provided in your brochure: experience, training, certification, services that you provide, and a price list. Also include contact information like: phone, email, fax, mobile phone number, pager number, etc, and when you can be reached.

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Starting a new job

You just got the phone call and the position is yours. It’s been a long time since you have started a new job and you need to prepare yourself for it. Will you really like your new position? How will the people treat you and can you get along with them? These are some of the questions that might run through your mind when you start a new job.

Before you start your new position you need to get in the right frame of mind, so you can do the best job you can do.

The first step in preparation for this new journey is to let all your fears go. Don’t walk into a new job with fear. This will keep you from being productive. Having negative thoughts about your new job will become a reality and this will cause problems right there. Stay in the same frame of mind you had when you applied for the position. This

was something that you obviously wanted to do and was excited about doing. Keep those same thoughts and attitude when you actually start working your new job. By keeping that attitude you will eliminate a lot of your problems in the beginning with this new position. Your way of thinking will become your way of acting. Do a thorough research on your new company so you can understand what they do and how you will play a part in it.

Have a good understanding about the company in full detail so it will give you that ease you need to have for you to succeed. This will allow you to have the confidence you will need to start this new job and you won’t feel so lost when you start interacting with your co-workers. Having the right attitude will allow you to get along with your co-workers even better. Everyone when they start a new job is consider the new kid on the block. This can make you feel left out right there, since everyone usually know everyone else and already have a comfort zone with each other. You have to let them know by being in the right frame of mind when you start that you can work with each and every one of them. If you come in with that fear, it’s going to seem like you are a unfriendly person and automatically no one will want to have anything to do with you. This will be a bad way to start off on your new job. You plan to be there for awhile and communicating with your co-workers on a daily base.

Your attitude and the way you present your self in the beginning is very important. It will determine how your relationship will be through-out the job. Getting along with your boss and co-workers is important, it can help you to succeed or be one of the causes to make you want to leave.

Starting a new job can be a wonderful experience. Sure all of us are nervous about stepping into a new environment and meeting and dealing with new people. That’s what’s so exciting about it, everything is new. You have to look at it as a new journey in your life and not a dreaded trip that you have to make. Erase all those negative thoughts and fears you have so you can go in with a positive attitude that will let you be a positive person. Let this be a new spectacular and fantastic time in your life. When you stop and prepare yourself mentally for your new job, you will be a success at it.

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Finding the job of your dreams

In order to target and get your dream job, you need to understand what the barriers are which prevent you from landing your dream job. You will then know your enemy, and be able to wage an effective battle.

You will find that many of the obstacles, which are often very real and frightening, are in fact imaginary. Yes, there are valid reasons why we sometimes don’t land our dream jobs, but when you find yourself dismissing an idea out of hand before you have even tried it out, then stop and ask yourself: is this what will truly, happen or is it fear talking? And if your obstacle is real, are you looking for a solution or are you giving up? Here are a few steps that could help you land your dream job:

Acknowledge your dream

The first step that you need to take is to acknowledge your dream. You need to say it out loud to yourself what your dream is, and be willing to take the steps necessary to make the dream come true.

Gain self-confidence

You need to believe that you are capable to landing your dream job. If you see yourself as less than you are, and feel unworthy of landing that dream job, how are you going to convince your prospective empower to hire you? Your own fears, limitations you set and mental criticisms may become your biggest obstacle from achieving your dreams. So, look at yourself more clearly, acknowledging your strengths. Where you need a skill, take a course, or slowly do projects which teach you the skills that you will require to land your dream job.

Invest in your dream job

Some of the investments that you need to take in order to land your dream job are:

a)Time – like any campaign, you need to make a plan and allocate time to implement it. Schedule appointments with yourself and use the time to clarify what you want to accomplish, how you plan to accomplish it and to monitor whether you are directing your energy towards your goal. This is the time to get you motivated. Read about other people who have made their dreams come true and learn from them. It’s time to remind yourself that your dreams are possible.

b)Finance – You may need to invest money in a course, or a new project. Find out how much money is required, and where or what your source of financing is. Should you need to save, outline how much you are going to save and over what period of time. You may want to open a new account, and make arrangements with your bank to debit your main account on a monthly basis.

Learn to thrive on change

Change, even positive change, can be very stressful, and requires us to adapt to new situations. . You may find that although you dream of landing a dream career, a part of you is afraid of the changes that will come with that new job. So you need to learn to adapt to new situations; even thrive on them.

Learn to take a good punch

In your pursuit of career success, you will fail. Regularly. You will have hundreds of setbacks, disappointments and difficulties. Some will be minor while others seem insurmountable.

Mohamed Ali is quoted as having said: ’A champion has to be able to take a good punch.’ That same philosophy can be applied to life. In order to succeed, you will need the ability to consistently rebound from setbacks and disappointments. If you lose a few rounds, or even get knocked down, get up and into the ring. You will eventually win the fight.

Ask for help

We all need help in order to land our dream jobs. Hopefully, your family and friends will stand by you while you make your dream come true. In addition to that, you should network, speaking with people who have either achieved what you dream to have, or are on the same path as you. Talk to them, learn from them and when you need help, don’t be afraid to ask.

Get your family to believe in your dream

How willing is your family to adjust in order to help you make your dream come true? Do they buy into your dream? Has it become their dream too? Because once they buy in, then they will work very hard to make sure that it comes true. They will live on less money; give you some time and maybe even help with the chores, so that you can achieve your dream. No one guarantees that they won’t grumble!

Other people’s expectations

The people around you have a clear picture of who you are, and when you change, they too, need to adjust to the new you. They also have their own fears, and those fears affect how well they cope with the changes in you.

In conclusion, your must realize that whether you see need to change and initiate it yourself, or life events force it upon you, you have already taken the first step down this new path of discovery. Keep moving forward and take joy in each day’s small successes.

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Career Tips: Finding your Dream Job

Many of us could have envied others for landing that perfect job, the job that they had always wanted. You could be the accountant sighing over the numerous accounts you face everyday while your heart is in getting that writer job that you’ve always wanted. And if you thought that your dream career is miles away, the good news is that you can achieve your desired job if you know how to go about reaching that goal.

Listed below are the tips for you to land the job that you’ve always wanted:

Setting Goals

Before you set off to get the job, you should have a clear perception of what kind of job that you want. Some people go on finding jobs without having an idea of the job title at all. It would be great if you are clear about the things that are listed below:

a. Job Title – Let’s say for example that you aspire to be an engineer. As there are different types of engineer jobs out there, you could be confused if you have no idea which is the one you want. Thus, it is essential to know which job are you interested in. The best thing is to know what is the desired job title that you’re looking for. This would make your search easier.

b. Research – If you are keen on working for a particular industry you have to research on the industry and the job that you are after. Find out about the qualifications and skills needed for the job. You could get this information from the people who are working in your dream career. Get their advice about working in that particular field. This will allow you to know what is expected in the job.

Network

Let your friends and relatives know that you’re looking for that particular job. They could help you by asking around if there are any vacant positions in their companies.

You could also tell those who are working in your dream jobs that you’re keen on getting a job in their industry. Who knows these people might just come up with the right job openings for you.

Courses

How do you show your prospective employers that you are interested in that job when you don’t even have any experience or background in that field? One way that you could help yourself is to get yourself enrolled in courses or workshops to get an insight into your interest. A person who is keen on entering the IT world could help himself by studying for a short course in IT. The course enables you to get knowledge and at the same time shows your future employers that you’re really interested in that field.

Experience

We’ve heard a thousand times that experience is very essential for one to get ahead in a career. For those who are lacking experience in a particular field, the best advice would be to get any experience in the industry that you’re interested in. It could be a temporary, contract or even part-time job but the experience that you get in the job will give you the winning edge. It would be also great if you could clinch the chance to be an intern in a company, which is in the industry that you’re interested in. By being an intern, you will get the chance to experience the job and although being an intern means no salary, you could cheer up on the optimistic thought that the internship will do wonders for your resume.

Target

Once you have decided on the job that you want you should make the next move by targeting the companies that would offer you the pathway to your dream career. For example, if you’re keen on becoming an advertising executive make a list of all the advertising companies that you know.

But before you approach them, you have to do your detailed research on these companies. You could do this by reading up on their annual reports or going to their home page. In this way, if you get an interview appointment later on, you can impress the interviewer by showing that you’re serious and well informed about the company.

You could contact these companies either by making a phone call or by writing a letter to them. It would be better if you directly contact the HR division as these are people who are involved in hiring staff for the company. Send them a cover letter together with your resume. Even though there may not be any suitable openings at the moment, there’s no harm trying. You could never know but there could be an open position and you might just be getting the opportunity. Of course, if you receive a reply from the company saying that there are no vacant positions at the moment, there are possibilities that they would be putting your resume on file for future positions. Thus you still have the chance to secure a job in the company. If you’re afraid that they might throw away your resume, you could inform them that you would like them to keep your resume for positions that might open up later on.

This method of targeting the companies is dependable, as most companies would be willing to take in employees who are enthusiastic and determined about their career. In fact by approaching the companies yourself you are already winning half the battle as you have an advantage of getting the job even before it is advertised on the papers and thus you won’t have to fight to get the job with other candidates. The success of you getting the dream job depends on how well you impress your future employers.

Good luck in your search for the dream career.

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