As many of you know, I’m dedicated to trying to retire from my day FT job to work from home full time and also to try to take care of the grandkiddos.

When my children were young, I used to have a part-time job where I would type at home for a law office. I worked about 30 hours per week at night after the kids went to bed. It brought in a nice supplemental income.

Since I recently received a layoff notice from my employer, I’m going to start implementing the tips and techniques that are in this how-to guide that I would like to share with you.

5 Simple Techniques to Work at Home Forever

If you’ve spent any time online, you will already know that there are lots of scams out there! You might have even begun to doubt that there are any work-at-home positions available for serious jobseekers. If this sounds like you, you aren’t alone!

Believe me, there are real home based jobs, but what most of the work at home sites omit in their information packages is that it takes work to get work. Finding a telecommuting job can be a full time job in itself, but if you don’t have all the facts, you will be spinning your wheels trying to get somewhere or you will probably give up within a few weeks. That would be a shame, because there aren’t enough high quality telecommuters as it is!

Look, I know you’re skeptical. So was I, a few short years ago. That was before I started implementing some very unique strategies that allowed me to generate so much work from my small home office, that I needed to hire extra staff just to keep up with it all!

The strategies I used are actually very simple, and you can duplicate these ideas to become a very successful telecommuter. In fact, I want you to copy my techniques, even if it means I create my own competition! Why? Because every time a new person starts to work from home more successfully and efficiently, that means one more employer is happy with the concept of hiring homeworkers! That means everyone gets more jobs, and more opportunities to do what we all love to do…working at home in our pyjamas!

So, let’s cover the top 5 simple techniques you can use to work at home forever, shall we?

1. Never pay for any job! There is never a good reason to pay for work, and I am amazed at how many jobseekers waste precious time and money chasing after schemes that will never pay. It wastes a lot of time you could better spend targeting your jobsearch to legitimate and valid work.

2. Get your materials ready! You are going to need to be ready before you start looking for work. You will need a specialized telecommuter’s resume, an excellent cover letter template, and an online portfolio that showcases samples of your work. Without these things in place ahead of time, you will not be ready for rapid response when an employer needs to see your stuff.

3. Make sure you have all the equipment and software you’re going to need! Depending on your skill set, you’re probably going to need special software and equipment to do your job right. Don’t expect an employer to pay for these things. A prospective employer is more likely to hire the next person who is properly equipped, rather than hire you if you expect the employer to pay for what you need to do your job.

4. Know what you do for a living! This is an absolute necessity if you want to work from home. You may think that you want to do “typing at home”, but if that’s all you can think of, then you’re wasting time. Think about how your typing skills will be useful to your employer, come up with creative applications of that skill, set up samples to show what your service looks like, and plan ahead on how much you will charge for that service. Be willing to tell prospective employers exactly what you do and how much you charge for it.

5. Change your strategy! Instead of looking for jobs that have already been posted online, and have already been taken, look for companies that are well suited for your talents. Create your own work by contacting companies that have not yet posted jobs online, and eliminate the competition. But, make sure you know exactly what service you plan to offer that company, and why it is useful to them. Don’t bother contacting companies by sending vague resumes. That technique never works! Contact targeted companies with specific services in mind, and let them know you are open to alternate suggestions.

These techniques work extremely well, and using them allowed me to build my home based service company from scratch, without spending a dime on advertising. I was broke when I started working from home, and I didn’t have a computer. Using these techniques, I was able to slowly build my business and develop a client base that has consistently earned me more money than if I was working onsite. You can do it too!

This article is excerpted from “You Can Work in Your PJs”, a real world guide to telecommuting. Sylvie Charrier works from home full time and wrote this book to share her unique techniques with others.

You can download your copy of “You Can Work in Your PJs” by visiting Work In Your PJs

Copyright © 2003, Sylvie Charrier
Author of You Can Work in Your PJs

Photo Credit: Rochelle, just rochelle

5 Simple Techniques to Work at Home Forever Guide is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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Software Options

I’ve been making it a point lately to do some time-consuming, but necessary computer maintenance to my PC.  It’s never fun, but if I want my computer to run at optimal speed, it’s something I have to take the time to do.

There’s tons of posts, as well as descriptions for products I used when I had my eBay Store that I don’t need on my hard-drive any longer, so I’ve transferred them over via my Western Digital Passport Portable Hard Drive.  Also, I’ve been archiving to CD many of the photos that I use for my product reviews.

Anti Virus Products

I’ve covered some aspects of computer safety in previous posts.  In the time of rapidly advancing technology, it’s more necessary than ever for everyone, not just WAHMs to protect your computer. Criminals have risen to the challenge and can use this technology to steal your information. Install software that searches for the criminal element and eliminates it from ever being a problem.

There’s another dilemma -  with so many antivirus products on the market, which one do you choose? There is no right and wrong answers here but some people are concerned about the difference between the free programs offered and the ones that you have to pay a yearly subscription for.

Let’s backtrack a bit and talk about viruses.

Computer Anti Virus Protection

Unlike the ones that humans deal with, the computer variety can be found and eliminated before they cause trouble. Computer viruses get into your hard drive and wreak havoc. They slow your computer down by taking up your hard drive space. Once there, they can infect your programs and steal personal and financial information. What you’re left with is a big mess that is a pain in the you-know-what to fix.

Antivirus software may come pre-installed on your computer. If it does, it’s likely a free trial or a paid subscription that you ordered with the system. Either way, its job is to detect viruses within items on your hard drive and remove them according to your specifications. When the paid subscription is up for renewal, you’ll receive pop-up messages warning you that your system is about to be left unprotected.

What many computer owners don’t know is that you DO have a choice. You don’t have to pay for antivirus, when many companies offer anti-virus software for free. You must have certainly heard the adage, “You get what you pay for” but just like everything else, it’s best to shop wisely before making a choice.

Ideally you’ll want antivirus protection to alert you when a virus is trying to hack your system. Also, spyware falls into this category. The software will let you know if spyware a danger from anything that you have or will download.

A free program can do that is so much the better for you. Free doesn’t mean cheap, just minimal. Some companies offer a program that does what you need, but offers the extra bells and whistles for a fee. Depending upon your computer usage, the bells and whistles may not be needed. They take up extra hard drive space and almost never get used. 

I recommend and use the paid version of the latest anti virus software program called Kaspersky Pure.

For a person like yourself who’s careful about where they go on the Internet, the basics of free anti-virus protection most likely will work. Protecting yourself with some basic surfing and downloading guidelines is half the battle.

Here’s some advice to keep in mind when making your decision -

While you’re still within the free 30-day trial that the manufacturer gave you, compare free and paid software. If the free software gives you what you need, go for it. You can always change later.
© 2011 Moomettes Magnificents

5 Simple Techniques to Work at Home Forever Guide is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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Here’s a listing of the latest Sweepstakes and Contests, Giveaways from my friends around the blogosphere! Please visit their websites for details, rules and ending times.

Serendipitous Sunday Blog Giveaways Linky

Would you like to have your contest listed? Just add your Contest or Giveaway to the Mr. Linky listing below!

Be sure to check out my latest blog Giveaways ending soon!

Entries Must be in the following format:

While not required to link your contest here, please take my banner and display it. Displaying my blog banner helps to promote my site and your Contests and Giveaways. You may also sign up by email to receive my free Newsletter for updates.

All entries will be deleted that don’t follow this format.

Listings are offered here as a courtesy, Family-Friendly only.

5 Simple Techniques to Work at Home Forever Guide is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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If you’re a mom blogger on a budget, you don’t have to pay big bucks to have one done for you.

DIY Media Kit Tutorial

First, compile the information you’d like to include in your Media Kit.

I would suggest:

• Blog Name and URL
• Bio Information
• Email Contact Information
• Twitter ID
• Target Market
• Stats (if you wish to include them)
• Accomplishments

Next you would simply create your document in a MS Word program.

Convert your Word document to PDF format by downloading this Free PDF converter .   It will leave a watermark unless you purchase the license for the full version.  If you don’t mind the watermark – then you’re good to go.

Add your blog logo and perhaps a promotional photo of yourself.

You can email the PDF version when you are pitched, or you can upload to ScribD and embed on your blog. You can change permission settings to suit your needs.

Create multiple versions – include your advertising rates if you choose to, or a Quick Sheet as I did quite some time ago.

What’s nice about this method is you can easily change your information and stats YOURSELF as necessary, without having to pay ridiculous fees for someone to do it for you!

Just remember, your Press Kit doesn’t have to be flashy with a lot of bells and whistles.  PR Reps aren’t looking for “pretty, “ they’re looking for basic, concrete information.  You don’t want your Media Kit to go over 2 pages at most.  Nobody will read it.  I’m a firm believer in the KISS method. – “Keep It Simple Stupid.”

It’s the same as if you were creating a resume for a job hunt – Human Resources will circular file or use the delete key on anything longer than that. If they are interested and want more information, they’ll contact you and ask for it.

For further reading I suggest more blogging tips and techniques.

How to Write an Effective Fact Sheet

By Kristina Hill

Fact sheets are one of the most important tools to have in your marketing arsenal. These handy documents are filled with quick facts about your business that will help you clearly and concisely tell your story. What’s also great is that fact sheets can be easily distributed to the media, shared with customers or other important partners, and placed in your hard copy and digital press kits.

Here are a few key things that you can include in your business’ fact sheet:

1. The month and year your company started

2. Contact information such as your business address, phone number, and website

3. Executive names and titles

4. Key company milestones such as awards, growth, certifications, and press coverage

5. Interesting facts about your company. For example, if you operate a restaurant, include the number of people you’ve served since opening or how many pounds of a particular food you’ve served in the last year

6. Other items that make you stand out from the pack

Use short bulleted sentences when listing your facts. I’d also suggest keeping the fact sheet to one page, two at the most. This ensures that the information is easy to digest. Also, consider listing the month and year the fact sheet was last updated at the end of the document. You want the public to know that they are receiving accurate, up-to-date information.

One final tip: Create multiple fact sheets if you offer an extensive line of products and services. This way, you can promote all your business has to offer!

An expert in marketing communications, Kristina Hill provides integrated marketing consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses through MarComm Creative Group, LLC. The business offers an array of services, including: public relations and media relations; media planning and placement; integrated marketing plan development and execution; and article, website, advertising, editorial, and sponsorship writing.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Write-an-Effective-Fact-Sheet&id=1624008] How to Write an Effective Fact Sheet

© 2011 C. Matthews

5 Simple Techniques to Work at Home Forever Guide is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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It’s going to be an exciting year here at Moomettes Magnificents and I have many great suggestions, day trips and notices of fun for grandparents and grandchildren with kid-friendly family destinations and things to do in Connecticut and throughout New England planned for you!

We’ve made it through the major holidays and hopefully won’t get hammered by too many more Nor’easter snow storms!

Groundhog Day Activities

Before you know it, February will be here. That means Groundhogs Day will be right around the corner.

Essex Ed Groundhog Day Parade

I’d like you to find your calendar and Save The Date ~ the parade is usually held on a Sunday.

Gas prices are going down and it’ll be a perfect opportunity for the whole family to attend a Groundhog Day parade (did I say Parade, in winter?) in historic Essex, Connecticut!

Not to be outdone by Punxsutawney Phil, of Pennsylvania ~ Connecticut Yankees have come up with their own lovable winter rodent.

Essex Ed is known for his ever-changing colorful costumes, which at times have included him being a firefighter, Professor Hill from the musical The Music Man and the Dutch explorer Adriaen Block.

So have the kids put on those home-made winter wool caps, mittens and scarves that Grandma knit or crochet and visit Essex Village for the Essex Ed Parade. Don’t forget to bring your pots and pans to bang on ~ which is the thing to do and is meant to symbolize “waking Essex Ed up” so we can bid goodbye to the snow and ice & herald the welcoming of Spring!

The Essex Ed Groundhog Day Parade normal route is down Main Street.

While you’re there ~ plenty of opportunities will be available for you to stop and warm up while enjoying the local fare while dining at restaurants and bistros. We’ve enjoyed some wonderful grub and grog at The Black Seal ~ and you’ll love the atmosphere!

For more information visit: Essex Ed Groundhog Parade Event

Do you have a family and kid-friendly attraction, lodging, restaurant or event that you would like me to visit, write about and feature? To forward information and passes please Contact me.

5 Simple Techniques to Work at Home Forever Guide is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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Frugal Family Fun Activities

The 4th of July long weekend will soon be here and those lazy, crazy hazy days of summer are now upon us.  Every now and then we all need to take a break from our daily routine  For ways to spend quality time and have some family fun while still keeping within the family budget, here’s some tips if you’re planning a family Staycation:

The Hubster’s family introduced us to camping at a family Connecticut campground when the kids were younger.  It wasn’t long after that we ventured to sites on our own, out-of-state.  Rather than taking a week’s vacation, sometimes taking long family weekend trips are more economical, while still enjoying a few laughs and getting out of Dodge.

We don’t take the kind of camping trips that require learning survival skills.  Family members experienced in camping can help to guide you.  Siblings, cousins and family friends can bond by making and roasting s’mores around the campfire, singing songs, and telling ghost stories.

My charming son-in-law is from Vermont, and everyone up there knows how to stoke a campfire, albeit, a necessary survival skill!

Other ways to enjoy frugal family outings are:

State Parks -  These are great for daytripping.  Many have playground equipment, hiking trails and picnic facilities.  Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch!

Miniature Golf – Admissions is normally reasonably priced and provides an opportunity for relaxation and family competition.  Although my husband did end up in the ER with 4 stitches to his eye after my daughter swung the club as if she was using a driver – she was fresh out of sports camp!

Petting Zoos – Smaller zoos may not have exotic animals, like Disney World, the San Diego Zoo, the Bronx Zoo or Roger Williams Park Zoo may have, but the kids will enjoy feeding and petting the animals.  We used to take the kids to the Catskill Game Farm, and they always enjoyed that!

Museums – Many offer cheap or free admission, while other admission prices may cost more.  Check out season passes.  Some  of our favorite places that the grandchildren enjoy is Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium.  If you live close to a museum, you can benefit by visiting all year long for one family admission price.

© C. Matthews 2010

5 Simple Techniques to Work at Home Forever Guide is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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Over Labor Day Weekend, as part of the CT Chevy Girl on the Go Girlfriend Getaway Program, we drove to Kent, Connecticut in the 2011 Chevy Malibu and toured the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association’s Agricultural and Industrial Museum.

Antique Farm Equipment

Antique John Deere Tractors

Connecticut Quarries

Connecticut Antique Machinery Association Agricultural and Industrial Museum

It was such a fascinating place, that my husband and I could have spent the whole day there!  Even as Connecticut natives, we learned things about Connecticut that we never new before.

We never knew Connecticut had quarries for gemstones, copper and made the cannonballs for the American Revolution.

There’s many exciting exhibits and displays of steam trains, small and large gas and diesel engines, early tractors and other equipment  that the whole family can enjoy. When my grandson Slugger gets older, I know we’ll have to take him back to see it. The museum is staffed by knowledgeable volunteers from as far away as Long Island, NY.

There’s a Fall Festival scheduled for the last weekend of September, 2010.

Isn’t this a great idea for a school field trip or a family staycation getaway?

Don’t forget to sign the Linky!

For More Information Visit: Connecticut Antique Machinery Association

© C. Matthews 2010

5 Simple Techniques to Work at Home Forever Guide is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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Moomettesgram’s Favorite Recipes  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be two (2) winners of a coupon good for 1 FREE package of Nature’s Peak  moomettesgramsrecipes.com, Premium Frozen Fruit, Jan 2010

You should read the whole article.

5 Simple Techniques to Work at Home Forever Guide is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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Back To School Bash

Make sure you check out the Back-To-School Bash that’s going on at 3 Boys and a Dog!

Lots of great giveaways, prizes, and chances to save some money by winning some free stuff for the kids for back-to-school, and it’s all going to be happening here:

Who: All blog readers, NEW and OLD!

What: Back 2 School Blog Bash 2009

When: September 1st 12:01 am through September 30th 11:59 pm!

Where: 3 Boys & a Dog Blog!

Check in here at Moomette’s Magnificents as I’ll be adding some of my own Giveaways during that time to celebrate.

If you’re a Yankees baseball fan – I’ll be offering some great goodies for little Yankee Fans!

5 Simple Techniques to Work at Home Forever Guide is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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Working From Home Friendship Ecard

As a Baby Boomer, I was brought up to always acknowledge and send a “proper” Thank You whenever I received a Birthday, Christmas or special gift from my grandmother or one of my aunts.  My mom would sit me down at the kitchen table, and with special pen and stationery, make certain that I exhibited proper ettiquette in my writing.

That lesson transferred in later life to include that I always remembered my Grandmother and aunts on their birthdays.  Off we would go to the local drug store to pick an appropriate card with the intended recipient in mind.

I have passed these invaluable lessons along to my daughters.  My oldest daughter is now passing this lesson along to my granddaughter.

Times, however, have changed, and we don’t always have the luxury of time to plan ahead for these occasions.

Fortunately,  Free Ecards make it easier to let someone know you are thinking and caring about them.

There’s no hidden costs when sending or receiving Ecards.  There are many animated categories to choose from, and each one on the site is free whether you are the sender or the recipient.

It’s so easy to send an Ecard – No Registration is Required and you won’t be sent any emails from either the site or affiliates.

Personalization is available to make each card special.

You can even send a Free Birthday Ecard via Twitter!

On your next special occasion, whether to say “hello” or to celebrate an enagement, wedding,  new baby, promotion, or retirement, send Free Printable Cards.

I am participating in “Jump Start Your Blog Contest” sponsored by got-free-ecards and MomDot

5 Simple Techniques to Work at Home Forever Guide is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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