As more and more people (women are leading the exodus) look for ways to earn extra money from home, a common question is “Where do you look for these virtual jobs?”  Although you may find a few listed in Monster and Hotjobs, the majority of them can be found through fee-based services like  Sohojobs, or free services such as Craigslist and Virtual Assistant Jobs.  You can also find openings and requests for virtual professionals through free organizations such as Virtual Assistant Forums after you’ve become an active participant and contributor to the forum.

Speaking of Virtual Assistant Jobs, they have just posted a whole host of jobs that you or someone you know may qualify for some of the positions. They have current Work at home jobs and projects for:

• General Office Support
• Resume Writers
• Admin Specialists
• Customer Service Reps
• Customer Service Agents
• Data Entry Researchers
• Keyers
• Data Entry Specialists
• and many others….

You can take a look at the specifics by visiting: http://www.virtualassistantjobs.com/job_listings.php

Registration is FREE and only takes a second. There is no fee to apply or be hired however hiring employers do require the following:

• Must provide at least three references (they will be checked)
• Must have acceptable credit score and history. You will need to request your free credit score
• Must have newer computer. Please provide details about your system.
• Must have backup storage before being hired.
• Must have high speed Internet access (no dial-up accepted)
• Must have online collaboration access for job interviews
• Must have dependable email (aol, yahoo, hotmail and others are problematic). If you must use free email, we suggest Gmail
• Must have the ability to send and receive faxes via email and set up multi-mailbox voicemail.
• Must have a USB headset
• Must have experience with the Internet, email and file attachments

TO REGISTER:
Please visit http://www.virtualassistantjobs.com/register.php

You will need to verify your email address and then login and setup your Resume Profile my selecting the MY ACCOUNT option. Then, simply click on the job that interests you and select the “APPLY NOW” button. Your resume will be automatically sent to the hiring employer!

Good luck!

Technorati Tags: customer service agents, data entry, data entry researchers, free registration, general office support, jobs, keyers, Virtual Assistant Jobs, virtual jobs, work from home

In these difficult financial times it’s always encouraging to hear about a family who is working hard and seeing positive results with their family business. Leslie is one of those people. I met Leslie through  my other website www.homeschoolers-work-at-home.com. I have a business submission page to help homeschoolers who are also business owners connect with each other. If you have a story to share that might help others to become more financially stable, please feel free to let me know and I’ll gladly feature you here as well.

My name is Leslie Adamson. My husband (Dave) and I have six amazing blessings, ranging from 15 years old down to 2 years old. We started homeschooling 10 years ago when my oldest was ready to go into Kindergarten!   At that time a large part of our decision to home school was because we lived in a terrible school district, and we could not afford private school. Over the years we have moved several times and had several opportunities to place our children in good public schools, but as time went on homeschooling just became a way of life for our family.  Truly for us the pros of schooling our children at home far outweighed sending them to a public school.

We chose to be eclectic in our curriculum choices because we like to look at each of our children individually and select the educational resources that meet that individual child’s needs. We use a tremendous amount of literature and “living books” in our educational methods thanks to an amazing educator from the late 19^thcentury named Charlotte Mason. With our younger crew we utilize a lot of hands on methods from the Waldorf and Montessori philosophies. We absolutely love living our faith openly on a daily basis. We love being outdoors and participate on a lot of nature study walks so our children can explore this incredible world!  We like to purposefully create environments that allow our children’s natural desires to learn to connect with the world around them. I think the quote by William Yeats “Children are fires to be ignited not buckets to be filled” fits our family perfectly.

About two years ago when the economy began to deteriorate, our home school budget started suffering more and more financial cuts. We had no choice but to find a way to bring in some supplemental income. It was either my husband took a second job (and we would never see him) or I would have to find a legitimate home business that could be compatible with our home school lifestyle. This is where time, patience and a lot of prayers became necessary because I needed to find something that was flexible enough to work around our home school hours, but did not take away my evening hours and or weekends from my family. I absolutely did not want to stock, sell or deliver products. I wanted a business that possibly the whole family could somehow participate in because I think home businesses offer wonderful teaching opportunities. Most importantly we needed something that required little to no financial investment because we were on such a tight home budget.

One day I was doing some research on a trusted home school website and saw an advertisement button labeled “Moms Working at Home”. The timing was perfect so I decided to fill out the request form for more information. A lady called and invited me to an informational webcast presentation. The rest was history.  During this presentation I was informed about the home business opportunity that entailed partnering with this amazing international green manufacturing company based out of Idaho Falls, ID. The company itself was completely debt free.  It was completely legitimate with a very well established 25 year history with the Better Business Bureau. They had actually become recipients of the Torch Award, which is the highest award given by BBB for integrity and honesty!

Instead of raising false hopes about getting rich quick, they carefully described how one could make an income with this amazing compensation plan that really anyone can do and be successful!!   Basically this company manufactures better, safer, non-toxic products that are focused on wellness and illness/disease prevention!  They also package their products in such a manner that we are protecting our planet from unnecessary waste!  They have been a green company from the very beginning!  I was very impressed with the variety of all their product lines.

These were simply products that we use every day, except healthier and safer AND their prices were so much better on a cost per use basis. There are no ridiculous mark ups to compensate for glitzy advertising, middle-man distributor fees or overhead!!  This health and wellness company manufactures everything from what you might find in your medicine cabinet, to your laundry room, including your bathroom and kitchen cleaning supplies and a full line of make-up and skin care products. They carry a complete nutritional line with many patented vitamins and nutritional supplements which by themselves could be a multi-billion dollar business as their own company. I was amazed by the science behind so many of their products and all the write ups found in different medical journals, like The Journal of the American Medical Association, and clinically proven studies.   All of these products were available on line and shipped right to our home.

Initially, we started out just as customers, but after experiencing the effectiveness of these amazing products we knew we could do more.  As we looked at their business model closer we discovered this was the opportunity we had been looking for because we already knew that one can only create true wealth through consistent reliable residual income, which this company provided, and secondly we would not have to take orders, stock inventory, or deliver the products!  At this point we became business builders, and we have never looked back.

As we have grown in our own knowledge about many of the chemicals, pesticides and toxins found in regular everyday national and store brand household and personal care products, we share this information with others and instruct them in how to detoxify their own homes.  Our company offers a reliable, cost effective shopping alternative, so when people are interested either through personal or other referrals, we simply open up their customer accounts and offer personal mentoring, until they switch stores and become confident customers. As business builders we provide a free website and the tools and training necessary to get the word out nationally about our team, this amazing company, and the opportunity. If someone is looking to earn income we ask that they please contact us personally or visit our website at http://www.dnlhomebusiness4u.com.

Our family has become very passionate on the topics of conservation and health. There is so much information on the market about the dangers of pesticides and other chemicals in our foods, but there is still very little in the way of educating consumers about other toxins within our homes. When I go to do in-services or presentations for doctor’s offices, dentists, chiropractors, home school groups etc. my children will often accompany me and help out.

My 13 year old daughter is very passionate about our environment and learning about ways to help make our way of living safer and healthier for our planet. She did an entire PowerPoint presentation that I use to present to non-profit organizations.   We are so proud of her!

My other daughter, who is 15 loves to keep up with current prices and along with her dad, has created some spread sheets showing the value comparisons of this company’s concentrated products to the regular national grocery store brands. She was instrumental in helping create our product resources website http://www.2b4evergreener.com as well as taking an active roll in learning how we can use some of these products to improve our four legged family companion’s overall health.

My son loves to keep up with the monthly business reports and this gives him the opportunity to practice his money and budgeting skills.  The three youngest children at this point in time are reaping the rewards of using safer more eco-friendly products!  Our hope will be that when our children turn 18 years of age they too will want to do this business which can in turn help them finance their own college educations.  We also know this is a business which provides long term security, and that someday could be passed along to our children in the event something were to happen to either my husband or myself!  This home business has truly turned out to be an amazing blessing and dream come true!

If you have any questions for Leslie please visit her website and contact page. I’m not connected with her business and would not have a clue as to how to answer any questions you may have about her company.

And if you have questions about network marketing/direct sales/MLM, visiting www.NetworkMarketingPro.com or any of Tim Sales educational websites would be very helpful for you.

Technorati Tags: Leslie Adamson, network marketing, nutritional products, sales

Just the other day the question of using social networks as a way to build a business came up in a discussion with my brother.  Now usually, he’s a pretty smart guy but he just doesn’t understand “this social networking thing.” For him being on Twitter or creating Fan Pages on Facebook was an enormous waste of time that his sales team could be using speaking directly to merchants.

So, that got me to thinking — if this usually forward thinking brother of mine is missing the point, how many others are saying the same thing? It seems a lot. While on the VA Networking Forum, I read one experience posted describing a “discussion” with an editor of a local newspaper. It seems he thinks the idea of a person being able to work without being watched by a supervisor is ludicrous and basically a scam. Wow!

So it seems that while people understand the entertainment potential of social networks, the idea of actually getting paid by using them is still a bit new. So, I’m working on collecting all the things I know about social media and putting them down in blog posts on a regular basis. There so much that can be accomplished by using these networks, if you do it correctly. Social networks make it possible to work and play at the same time.

Now, back to my brother. While I finally got it through my brother’s head that using tools such as Twitter and hash tags to do market research and even find people in the area that are looking for what you are selling, it did take a long time. I wish that I had known about this great free ebook that explains in a plain English how to use social networking to get a job, and in the case of entrepreneurs, secure clients.

The author, Chris Brogan, has made the ebook available on his website. If you’ve ever wondered what all the buzz is about, this is a great introduction to the social networking scene.  And while you’re waiting to download that PDF, why not check out the video “Social Networking in Plain English.”

Technorati Tags: marketing, social networking, twitter

I really enjoy writing. I think it’s lots of fun and I learn a lot as I ghostwrite articles and blog posts for business owners. But one thing that I absolutely wrestle with each and every time are writing headlines. I absolutely hate it — probably because I’m not very good at it yet. So when this email came to me, I was immediately interested.  It has some good points about subject lines (for emails, autoresponders, etc.) and headlines. So here are the tips from that email.  If you find these tips helpful (or really lame) please let me know. I need all the help I can get!

One of the numerous ways you can tempt or persuade your subscriber is by providing a well thought out and well written subject. The subject of an email is what is often referred to when a person or a recipient of an email decides whether he or she wants to open or read an e-mail. The subject could easily be regarded as one of the most important aspect of your promotional e-mail.

Your subject must be short and concise. They should provide a summary for the content of the e-mail so that the recipient will have basic knowledge of the content. This is really vital in grabbing the attention of your readers and subscribers. You want your subject to instantly grab the attention of your subscriber and get them to be intrigued to open up your mail. Remember, it is not necessarily true that a subscriber opens up subscribed mails.

A good subject must always be tickling the curiosity of your recipient. It must literally force the recipient to open the mail. A certain emotion must be ignited and get them to open the mail. It is essential to use specific words to get the reaction you need. Keep in mind that the recipient or subscribers spends only a few seconds looking over each subject of the e-mails he receives. You must grab your reader’s attention right away.

There are many forms you can use for your subject. You can provide a subject that says your e-mail contains content that teaches them tips and methods on certain topics. An example of this is using keywords and keyword phrases such as:

• How to
• Tips
• Guides to

Methods in and others like that. You can also put your subject in a question form. These may include questions like:

• “Are you sick and tired of your job?”
• “Is your boss always on your case?”

Try to stay on the topic that pertains to your site so that you’ll know that your subscribers have signed up because they are interested in that topic. This form of subject is very effective because they reach out to your recipients emotions. When they have read the question on your subject, their mind starts answering the question already.

You can also use a subject that commands your reader. Statements such as “Act now and get this once in a lifetime opportunity”, or “Double,triple and even quadruple what you are earning in one year”. This type of subject deals with the benefits your company provides with your product and services.

You may also use breaking news as your subject to intrigue your subscriber. For example, if you deal with car engine parts you can write in your subject, “Announcing the new engine that uses no gasoline, It runs on water”. This creates curiosity with the reader and will lead them to open the mail and read on.

Follow the link below for a full video series on creating great headlines…

http://www.hs-wahm.com/BenBrookVideo

Disclosure: http://cmp.ly/5/yz9z5e

This seems to be a busy week for teleseminars.  I just found out about another teleseminar that might be of interest to anyone who is an aspiring author.  Enjoy!

A  teleseminar for authors on Thursday, Feb., 4, at 2 and 7 p.m.
Eastern Time. Steve Harrison will interview Peggy
McColl about the simple blueprint she’s developed
to quickly make many books instant bestsellers
at practically zero cost. This works for all
types of books: fiction, non-fiction, ebooks,
novels, print on demand, etc.

Interested? Register at
http://www.BestsellerBlueprintCall.com/?10011

Hi,

I just wanted to alert you to an informative webinar coming up on Wednesday, February 3rd. It’s being hosted by Publicity Hound, Joan Stewart. I first became aware of her while working on a set of transcripts on how businesses can get publicity using free and low-cost methods.  This week she’s hosting a webinar to help people who are new (and not so new) to social media to get a handle on how to use it and not get overwhelmed. It’s free to join and I’ll definitely be there.

Here’s the RSVP Information:

Response to my invitation to a free webinar on
“How to Cut through the Clutter, Chatter &
Confusion at Social Media Sites” on Wednesday,
Feb. 3, has been overwhelming, and I encourage
you to claim your seat NOW before registration
is closed.

It’s at 3 p.m. Eastern Time (noon Pacific) and
it will feature Jeanne Hurlbert, my new business
partner, and me, offering our best tips on how
to avoid the frustration of participating at
social media sites.

If you haven’t already done so, register here:
http://budurl.com/socialmediarxwebinar

——————————–
Joan Stewart
The Publicity Hound
3434 County KK
Port Washington, WI 53074
Phone: 262-284-7451 Fax: 262-284-1737
http://www.PublicityHound.com

When I was away on that homeschooling/business retreat in Destin, FL I met many aspiring virtual assistants including my new best friend Mimi of Your Virtual Services. We were roommates and talked a lot (I’m sure you can tell I’m the quiet type — not!) and during one of our marathon conversations Mimi told me about an interesting VA niche called “Virtual Event Specialist.”

Disclosures: http://cmp.ly/5/m4l2iq

Technorati Tags: niche, VAClassroom, virtual assistant, virtual event specialist

In my last post I recommended downloading special software that will enable you to transcribe videos using an open source video player. But guess what I learned? I just found out that I can remove audio from videos and use the free Express Scribe software to do the transcription. And it’s simple and FREE!

1. All you need to do is download the free Realplayer software and install it on your computer.
2. Once you’ve completed installation go to the website that has the video that needs to be transcribed.
3. Press Play and then hover your mouse over the upper right hand side of the video. Realplayer will ask you if you wish to download the video.
4. Click on that and the Realplayer Downloader program will pop up. Let the video download completely.
5. Then click on the video and another set of selections will appear under the video. Select Convert Video. Another dialog box will appear.
6. At that point you just select MP3 and tell Realplayer to Save the file and start transcribing.

I also learned (quite by accident) that if your video is an .AVI file, you can transcribe it directly from Express Scribe. No conversion is necesssary. How cool is that?

If you know of any other cool tools to make life easier for the work-at-home crowd, please be sure to add your comment below.

Disclosure: http://cmp.ly/5/m4l2iq

Technorati Tags: conversion, Express Scribe, free, MP3, realplayer, transcription

Technorati Tags: Express Scribe, foot pedal, free tools, tools, transcription

Leveraging your time is one of the ways that smart businesses operate. One way that you can do this is by borrowing resources, trading skills and services instead of using money. But first what is a team? According to Webster’s dictionary, a team is “a number of persons associated together in work or an activity.” There are many ways to assemble a team, and one way is through what is known as a joint venture. How does a joint venture work?

• Let’s say that at one of those business mixers you meet a Ms. Escribe who runs a transcription business. You two develop a friendly relationship. Now somewhere down the road you decide to create an audio or webinar product that you want to sell to your client base, but you want to also include a free eBook for those who prefer reading information to watching or listening. You think of Ms. Escribe and give her a call. You tell her your situation and plans. You offer her a deal. If she will do the transcripts for the product launch for free you’ll split the profits from the sale of the eBook and product. Ms. Escribe accepts and now you are in a joint venture.

Carefully planned joint ventures can be a winner for both (or more) parties involved. All you did was exchange skills (her transcription skills for you marketing skills). By exchanging these skills you’ve created another source of income for both of your businesses without any additional cost to either partner.

• Another way to add members to your team is to enlist contractors to get the work done for you. Some virtual assistants are Marketing Mavens and can bring in business faster than you can blink. However, the downside for these gifted people is that now they may have more work than they can physically accomplish! To alleviate the stress (and panic!) that this will cause they reach out to fellow Virtual Assistants for help. These subcontractors are paid to do the overflow work for the Marketing Maven VA who is bringing in the business.

This is another win-win scenario. Newer virtual assistants can join up with experienced VAs while they learn the ropes and gain greater skills. For VAs that may not be as successful in attracting clients, this allows them an opportunity to earn a living while still doing the work that they love. And in many cases they also learn some marketing skills from an expert. Of course the subcontractors are still responsible for their own taxes, so the Marketing Maven VA has not added any additional tax liability to her business.

VAs that create joint ventures and make up a team not only gain the monetary benefits, but have a built a talented support system to keep their business chugging along in good and bad times. Speaking of which, I just found out about an upcoming free teleseminar that’s being held on January 27th, 2010 at 8 PM (EST). It’s being hosted by someone I just discovered named Sydni Craig-Hart. She’s a coach to virtual assistants and has some great material at her websites EAtoVA.com. You can sign up for her seminar by visiting VASuccessSecrets.com.

Technorati Tags: joint ventures, seminar, Sydni Craig-Hart, teamwork, virtual assistant