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JobMonkey
Volume X, Issue #24
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Becoming an Online Entrepreneur &
Getting Used to "No"

Take it from someone who has been working from home for over five years now - online jobs are great. You get to make your own schedule, be your own boss, and pursue your passions as a business owner. If you're considering working online, this issue of the JobMonkey newsletter is for you! Plus, it's inevitable that you'll hear the word "No" during your job search. Our career adviser gives tips for dealing with that nasty word.

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:

1) Career Adviser: Getting Used to "No"
2) Spotlight: Working Online 101
3) Advice Spot: Spotting Telecommute Scams
4) Hot Jobs in the Job Center

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CAREER ADVISER: Get Used to Hearing "No"
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by Amy Lindgren

When we were babies, one of the first words we learned was "no." If you watch little kids, you'll see that they love saying this word because it gives them power. But flip the coin over, and let them hear a few "no's"? Better put in your earplugs because there's going to be some wailing.

Well, we're all grown up and guess what funny thing has happened? First, many of us have stopped saying "no" to others, which is how we end up driving someone to the mall when we should be doing something more important - like job search. But we did keep one thing from our youth and it's the frustration of hearing "no" from someone else. We still hate it and we still feel like wailing about it.

When it comes to job search, this is a real shame. Because this endeavor is chock full of the word "no," and the more we fear that word, the less likely we are to jump in. It's called "fear of rejection" and it has kept many good workers from asking for that next job.

If this describes you, it's time to ask: Has it been working in my favor to do everything possible to avoid hearing the word "no"? Assuming you want to get to the next level in your search, you'll need some inspiration. Why not take a page from some of the most "no"-resistant sale professionals there are, and study some phone scripts for real estate agents? You may not decide to adopt the actual wording, but the spirit of persistence and resilience will be a terrific addition to your job search.

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SPOTLIGHT: Working Online 101
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Working online is very different from working in a traditional office job. It can be stressful, especially as you adjust to this kind of career. At the same time, it can be rewarding to own your own business, especially if you want the freedom to work the hours that you want to work. Are you new to working online? Here's what you need to know:

• Types of Online Jobs

If you're interested in working from home, there are a number of types of online jobs you can consider. First, if you enjoy writing, becoming a freelance writer is an option. In this role, you could work for clients, helping them fill their sites with content, or you could work on your own site, monetizing a blog to make money. The first option is definitely easier, though you won't have as much creative freedom.

You can also consider selling products on Etsy. If you're a creative person who enjoys making products to sell, this is a great option to consider, since Etsy is a place for handmade items. Similarly, you can consider selling products on eBay. If you enjoy attending flea markets and yard sales to fin great deals, you can make some money reselling on eBay - and many people make this a full-time living.

Those with administration experience can also consider becoming a virtual assistant. In this role, you'll do basic executive assistant tasks, but all while working in a remote location rather than being in the same office as your boss. Most virtual assistants work for online business owners.

Another extremely popular option for work-from-home hopefuls is data entry. Working in data entry requires you to have strong typing skills and accuracy, as well as patience for tedious tasks. Are you working in a data entry position right now? Consider talking to your employer about taking you job telecommute, at least a few days per week.

• Being Successful while Working Online

Working online isn't for everyone. While there are lots of benefits, before you jump into this job, you need to know what you're getting into! For some, working online can lead to a number of career problems.

Start by asking yourself this: are you someone who works well independently, or do you thrive when working in close contact with your boss and co-workers? Independent workers can be extremely successful working from home, but if you have a tendency to procrastinate without supervision, telecommuting might not be the best option.

Something else to consider is your ability to actually work at home. Do you have a space for your business where you can get some quiet during the day to work? Don't make the mistake of thinking you can be a caregiver to you children while also working full-time - you'll never get anything done during the day. So, if you want to work from home, you need to have a space to do this work.

Want even more details about working from home? Check out the JobMonkey Work at Home Guide!

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ADVICE SPOT: Spotting Telecommute Scams
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As you're checking out online jobs, you might come across some scams (especially related to data entry). Don't give up; there really are legitimate work-from-home jobs out there. Here are some tips you can use spot scams so you don't end up losing time and money.

• Avoid "opportunities" where you have to pay to work.

You should not have to pay for training materials, data lists, or anything else in order to do your job. As we've talked about in our Work From Home Scams section, you should especially be wary of companies who want you to transfer money to them, even if they promise to pay you first - the checks are usually fake.

• Work with real people, not screen names.

A true client typically has a professional email address and uses a real name, not an online handle. Look them up on LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social networks. If you can't find them anywhere, proceed with caution.

• Sign a contract.

Before you begin to work, sign a contract that protects both you and the person hiring you. Any legitimate client/employer will be happy to sign a contract with you that states what you're being hired to do, how much you'll be paid, and when.

 

 

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