Ironically, I've been moving further and further away from what was once a joyful home office. I found myself in a space where I couldn't keep any of my work where necessary. Each day I had to pull out every single thing I needed--from several locations--where I needed them, which was not a place conducive to work. It was give and take if the Internet worked and always a revolving door for anyone to sit and talk "since I am not really doing anything anyway."
And that's the life of a home office, usually one that also houses kids.
With this I'm announcing I have moved to a new location and with it, a new home office. Everything will be in it's place and I now have commercial internet service and will not be worried about being in someone's space nor them in mine.
It's weird, because I truly believe you can work anywhere, however, it never occurred to me your state of mind may not be able to work anywhere. There's a point you can get to where you are taking much more time to be so much less productive that you no longer see working from home as viable.
If you are in a situation where you are feeling pressured, down, "blue, or even depressed by your surroundings, take a moment to shut down your business a few days and figure out where you are in need of help--because you are in need. Perhaps you can see a counselor, psychologist, Rabbi, church clergy member... even your primary care physician. Whatever it is you need, seek help and seek change so you can get back to the best you and a much better business.
Hosting Now Only $3.95?!?!
Showing posts with label teraisa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teraisa. Show all posts
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Rethinking Everything
You're still here, I see. How about this, are you still running a home business? Are you loving it? Does it pay your bills or provide what you need it to provide?
If you are unhappy, rethink your business. Do you need to reimagine your role? Is there a possibly the market was oversaturated and it's difficult to compete? Are you a lazy record-keeper?
There are a few things you can ask yourself to help decide if you should continue to push forward or if you should consider cutting your losses.
Are you in love with the idea of working from home, running your own business, or are you simply passionate with something that happens to be run from home? Chose one, two, or all three; it doesn't matter as long as you are honest with yourself.
Is it YOU that is faltering? Is it the economy where your product or service is falling short?
Whether you lack the passion or lack the skills there are so many things you can do but one of them is probably to stop what you are doing and change it. You see, if your way isn't working, you MUST try another way--even if it hurts a little.
Freelance Writers
I've gotta say this: Do not fall in love with your words unless you are only writing for yourself (have at it!). If your goal is to earn money, yes, you have to write what you know and it's also good to be enjoying it, but you'll sell nothing if you are not satisfying the market. And when I say "market" I mean what your market really is/who they are not what you believe it should/they would be.
All Others
It's a new year and a new you, make it a "like-new" business where you work harder to succeed where success lives.
Still here? I'm just rambling because I am so dang tired and busy trying to figure out if I should change that I tithe 90% of my work because you know what? My needs completely changed but my work and my business didn't. Time to grow up.
If you are unhappy, rethink your business. Do you need to reimagine your role? Is there a possibly the market was oversaturated and it's difficult to compete? Are you a lazy record-keeper?
There are a few things you can ask yourself to help decide if you should continue to push forward or if you should consider cutting your losses.
Are you in love with the idea of working from home, running your own business, or are you simply passionate with something that happens to be run from home? Chose one, two, or all three; it doesn't matter as long as you are honest with yourself.
Is it YOU that is faltering? Is it the economy where your product or service is falling short?
Whether you lack the passion or lack the skills there are so many things you can do but one of them is probably to stop what you are doing and change it. You see, if your way isn't working, you MUST try another way--even if it hurts a little.
Freelance Writers
I've gotta say this: Do not fall in love with your words unless you are only writing for yourself (have at it!). If your goal is to earn money, yes, you have to write what you know and it's also good to be enjoying it, but you'll sell nothing if you are not satisfying the market. And when I say "market" I mean what your market really is/who they are not what you believe it should/they would be.
All Others
It's a new year and a new you, make it a "like-new" business where you work harder to succeed where success lives.
Still here? I'm just rambling because I am so dang tired and busy trying to figure out if I should change that I tithe 90% of my work because you know what? My needs completely changed but my work and my business didn't. Time to grow up.
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Simple Works: Home Business Tips That Will Save Time and Money
Raising seven kids has taught me well in life and business. My husband and I each brought three kids to the table (his three boys, my three girls) and we shared an extra child we couldn't love more. To get along as full siblings is nearly unheard of, but as step siblings? Nearly impossible. Yet, they got along well. Very well.
People complimented them often and would ask us the secret; it was always the same:
Like raising good children, you could not choose a better formula for business success, in fact, it's so easy, people overlook it. And wonder why they fail.
Working from home is a blessing, but also a curse. You may find yourself putting off something until "later" and later forgets to show up. The next thing you know, you're searching for your receipts to show the bank that there was supposed to be a charge reversal or your phone service is disconnected but not because you have no money--because you forgot to pay the bill you can't find.
Being thorough and consistent can save on late fees, lost accounts, looking immature as a business, and a huge amount of stress.
No matter what kind of home business you run or how much your business earns, these tips can change your life as you know it and keep in mind, I've cut it to the bare bones. Seriously, just do this if you are not already doing it.
Put your paperwork away in the same place. Every time.
Use file folders, even if you keep it in a cardboard box. You may end up with more folders than you really need, but as you are consistent in using them and putting them away, your mind will automatically be on the lookout for the best way to do this for you and your needs.
Your filing system is too elaborate if paper is piling up; don't work hard and loathe doing it, simplify. Some small businesses have only two files: IN and OUT. Whatever works BEST for your business and for the least amount of effort is exactly what you need.
Keep LIKE things together. Bills with bills. Receipts either stapled to bills or with other receipts divided only if you have so many it's necessary. Pens with pens all in the same place every single time. Get it?
Do not fight yourself. If you work better on the computer, scan your bills and keep in folders on your computer. Find an app for your phone that works with you. If you are a paper hoarder as I am, then stop trying to force making everything online. Go with what will make you get things done.
When you tell someone you will call... call. Follow through.
Work hard to make your day-to-day "normal" things--like filing and return phone calls--take five minutes or less.
If you have someone else working with you, learn to delegate and only work on the more difficult things that must have your attention.
This is enough to get you going. Do you know why? Because simple works.
People complimented them often and would ask us the secret; it was always the same:
Be consistent, accountable, and follow through.
Like raising good children, you could not choose a better formula for business success, in fact, it's so easy, people overlook it. And wonder why they fail.
Working from home is a blessing, but also a curse. You may find yourself putting off something until "later" and later forgets to show up. The next thing you know, you're searching for your receipts to show the bank that there was supposed to be a charge reversal or your phone service is disconnected but not because you have no money--because you forgot to pay the bill you can't find.
Being thorough and consistent can save on late fees, lost accounts, looking immature as a business, and a huge amount of stress.
No matter what kind of home business you run or how much your business earns, these tips can change your life as you know it and keep in mind, I've cut it to the bare bones. Seriously, just do this if you are not already doing it.
Put your paperwork away in the same place. Every time.
Use file folders, even if you keep it in a cardboard box. You may end up with more folders than you really need, but as you are consistent in using them and putting them away, your mind will automatically be on the lookout for the best way to do this for you and your needs.
Your filing system is too elaborate if paper is piling up; don't work hard and loathe doing it, simplify. Some small businesses have only two files: IN and OUT. Whatever works BEST for your business and for the least amount of effort is exactly what you need.
Keep LIKE things together. Bills with bills. Receipts either stapled to bills or with other receipts divided only if you have so many it's necessary. Pens with pens all in the same place every single time. Get it?
Do not fight yourself. If you work better on the computer, scan your bills and keep in folders on your computer. Find an app for your phone that works with you. If you are a paper hoarder as I am, then stop trying to force making everything online. Go with what will make you get things done.
When you tell someone you will call... call. Follow through.
Work hard to make your day-to-day "normal" things--like filing and return phone calls--take five minutes or less.
If you have someone else working with you, learn to delegate and only work on the more difficult things that must have your attention.
This is enough to get you going. Do you know why? Because simple works.
Simple Works: Home Business Tips That Will Save Time and Money
Raising seven kids has taught me well in life and business. My husband and I each brought three kids to the table (his three boys, my three girls) and we shared an extra child we couldn't love more. To get along as full siblings is nearly unheard of, but as step siblings? Nearly impossible. Yet, they got along well. Very well.
People complimented them often and would ask us the secret; it was always the same:
Like raising good children, you could not choose a better formula for business success, in fact, it's so easy, people overlook it. And wonder why they fail.
Working from home is a blessing, but also a curse. You may find yourself putting off something until "later" and later forgets to show up. The next thing you know, you're searching for your receipts to show the bank that there was supposed to be a charge reversal or your phone service is disconnected but not because you have no money--because you forgot to pay the bill you can't find.
Being thorough and consistent can save on late fees, lost accounts, looking immature as a business, and a huge amount of stress.
No matter what kind of home business you run or how much your business earns, these tips can change your life as you know it and keep in mind, I've cut it to the bare bones. Seriously, just do this if you are not already doing it.
Put your paperwork away in the same place. Every time.
Use file folders, even if you keep it in a cardboard box. You may end up with more folders than you really need, but as you are consistent in using them and putting them away, your mind will automatically be on the lookout for the best way to do this for you and your needs.
Your filing system is too elaborate if paper is piling up; don't work hard and loathe doing it, simplify. Some small businesses have only two files: IN and OUT. Whatever works BEST for your business and for the least amount of effort is exactly what you need.
Keep LIKE things together. Bills with bills. Receipts either stapled to bills or with other receipts divided only if you have so many it's necessary. Pens with pens all in the same place every single time. Get it?
Do not fight yourself. If you work better on the computer, scan your bills and keep in folders on your computer. Find an app for your phone that works with you. If you are a paper hoarder as I am, then stop trying to force making everything online. Go with what will make you get things done.
When you tell someone you will call... call. Follow through.
Work hard to make your day-to-day "normal" things--like filing and return phone calls--take five minutes or less.
If you have someone else working with you, learn to delegate and only work on the more difficult things that must have your attention.
This is enough to get you going. Do you know why? Because simple works.
People complimented them often and would ask us the secret; it was always the same:
Be consistent, accountable, and follow through.
Like raising good children, you could not choose a better formula for business success, in fact, it's so easy, people overlook it. And wonder why they fail.
Working from home is a blessing, but also a curse. You may find yourself putting off something until "later" and later forgets to show up. The next thing you know, you're searching for your receipts to show the bank that there was supposed to be a charge reversal or your phone service is disconnected but not because you have no money--because you forgot to pay the bill you can't find.
Being thorough and consistent can save on late fees, lost accounts, looking immature as a business, and a huge amount of stress.
No matter what kind of home business you run or how much your business earns, these tips can change your life as you know it and keep in mind, I've cut it to the bare bones. Seriously, just do this if you are not already doing it.
Put your paperwork away in the same place. Every time.
Use file folders, even if you keep it in a cardboard box. You may end up with more folders than you really need, but as you are consistent in using them and putting them away, your mind will automatically be on the lookout for the best way to do this for you and your needs.
Your filing system is too elaborate if paper is piling up; don't work hard and loathe doing it, simplify. Some small businesses have only two files: IN and OUT. Whatever works BEST for your business and for the least amount of effort is exactly what you need.
Keep LIKE things together. Bills with bills. Receipts either stapled to bills or with other receipts divided only if you have so many it's necessary. Pens with pens all in the same place every single time. Get it?
Do not fight yourself. If you work better on the computer, scan your bills and keep in folders on your computer. Find an app for your phone that works with you. If you are a paper hoarder as I am, then stop trying to force making everything online. Go with what will make you get things done.
When you tell someone you will call... call. Follow through.
Work hard to make your day-to-day "normal" things--like filing and return phone calls--take five minutes or less.
If you have someone else working with you, learn to delegate and only work on the more difficult things that must have your attention.
This is enough to get you going. Do you know why? Because simple works.
Friday, March 4, 2016
Keeping Up On YOUR Business Education
Nothing can help you and your business more than keeping educated about your product, service, programs you use, etc.
Freelance writer? Take a refresher course on grammar and writing style; as you know, even grammar changes from time to time and you should be current and updated to the social standards (think additional and new meanings to these words, for instance: sick, read, shade, and that "can't" is now acceptable).
Are you in the health and fitness field? Take an updated course on nutrition-what we thought we knew about fat and fake sugar, for instance, is nowhere near what we know now, or try out a few of the latest exercise classes.
Maybe you are a home daycare provider, you can easily brush up on child nutrition, new activities introduced by other providers and parents, you could learn about safety in your home, and always, always, brush up on your first aid skills (even THOSE change throughout time).
Businesswise, regardless of your area of expertise, take a local college course in marketing, find a MeetUp of like minds, join Toastmasters, talk to a tax consultant yearly.
There is so much you can do to stay current and on task. Take five minutes out of your time today and list those things that interest you and will move your business ahead.
Freelance writer? Take a refresher course on grammar and writing style; as you know, even grammar changes from time to time and you should be current and updated to the social standards (think additional and new meanings to these words, for instance: sick, read, shade, and that "can't" is now acceptable).
Are you in the health and fitness field? Take an updated course on nutrition-what we thought we knew about fat and fake sugar, for instance, is nowhere near what we know now, or try out a few of the latest exercise classes.
Maybe you are a home daycare provider, you can easily brush up on child nutrition, new activities introduced by other providers and parents, you could learn about safety in your home, and always, always, brush up on your first aid skills (even THOSE change throughout time).
Businesswise, regardless of your area of expertise, take a local college course in marketing, find a MeetUp of like minds, join Toastmasters, talk to a tax consultant yearly.
There is so much you can do to stay current and on task. Take five minutes out of your time today and list those things that interest you and will move your business ahead.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Simplify
Years ago, when I had way more kids in the house and obviously too much time on my hands, this was my home office set up. I had a big beautiful desk in the corner, but I liked the open space better.
As I writer, I had to research a lot. My website program was only available through Windows (gag). I felt three computers (and a television) was just what the publisher ordered!
No more! I have since simplified - I now use mostly hand-coding for the website, and only my Mac laptop and iPhone - it's all I need. Not only that, but once I downsized everything, I feel better and am more productive.
Take a look around. Is there anything you really don't need? Is there anything creating MORE work for you? Get rid of what you don't need and work the you-know-what out of those few invaluable pieces.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Before the Tired Sinks In
Let's quickly check up on you all:
Did you use your five minutes wisely today? Have you checked and tweek-ed your calendar? Are you up to date on what you need to do and what you can do tomorrow? This sounds a tad tedious, but it's just five minutes or less to deal with your calendar, which in turn will find you a thousand times what you spend on preparing/organizing/understanding for use in any way you most need.
You gain time when you know where your tickets are, where the theatre is located, by having the address to the gym, having the names of everyone involved at your fingertips, the dates and times for an event... everything you do, need to do, and want to do at your fingertips.
Think of it as giving three minutes to go over your calendar once at night and three more minutes to reread in the morning to gain a day where there is less confusion, stress, lateness, there is punctuality, meetings are quicker, energies are higher, you start taking an hour of smart dedicated organized work instead of the three hours it took for the same thing when you were not consistently calendaring your work and life.
Alright, I've not been sleeping all week. The doctor gave me a sleeping pill today and it's starting to do it's magic work. Tomorrow, I'll reread this to make sure it will look more like ramblings than like drunken ramblings, LOL. If you see some funnies or have questions and comments, please do leave us feed back in the comment section.
And before I go, I did come here to complete my five minutes of calendaring and to remind you to do the same. This is my third day-only 27 days left for me to continue so my good habit will follow. What day are you on and how's it working for you so far? After our habit is made (30 days to a habit), we'll go farther on how that five minutes can boost your business sales, income, etc.
Have a great Friday!
~Teraisa
Did you use your five minutes wisely today? Have you checked and tweek-ed your calendar? Are you up to date on what you need to do and what you can do tomorrow? This sounds a tad tedious, but it's just five minutes or less to deal with your calendar, which in turn will find you a thousand times what you spend on preparing/organizing/understanding for use in any way you most need.
You gain time when you know where your tickets are, where the theatre is located, by having the address to the gym, having the names of everyone involved at your fingertips, the dates and times for an event... everything you do, need to do, and want to do at your fingertips.
Think of it as giving three minutes to go over your calendar once at night and three more minutes to reread in the morning to gain a day where there is less confusion, stress, lateness, there is punctuality, meetings are quicker, energies are higher, you start taking an hour of smart dedicated organized work instead of the three hours it took for the same thing when you were not consistently calendaring your work and life.
Alright, I've not been sleeping all week. The doctor gave me a sleeping pill today and it's starting to do it's magic work. Tomorrow, I'll reread this to make sure it will look more like ramblings than like drunken ramblings, LOL. If you see some funnies or have questions and comments, please do leave us feed back in the comment section.
And before I go, I did come here to complete my five minutes of calendaring and to remind you to do the same. This is my third day-only 27 days left for me to continue so my good habit will follow. What day are you on and how's it working for you so far? After our habit is made (30 days to a habit), we'll go farther on how that five minutes can boost your business sales, income, etc.
Have a great Friday!
~Teraisa
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Tidbits: Cold Calls, Calendars, Money
~at least a half an hour before bed, go over your calendar and schedule for tomorrow; when things come up unexpectedly tomorrow, you'll be more prepared to deal appropriately with them
~some of us need to SEE items marked off on our calendars and that's nearly impossible with electronic calendars; use colors for to-do items: I use orange for the original to-do, change orange to black with each completion, and just looking at my calendar thirty seconds when the day is near end gives me immediate positive feedback
~for those of you who write blogs from home for money--no matter one or twenty--your year should end with 365 posts or more
~cold calls are tough, but when you make those calls your first priority, you'll find you'll have more positive energy the rest of the day which will up your production
~joining groups for marketing purposes is fine and does work, but ONLY if you make being a genuine member first... earning money follows naturally, SECOND
~even if you are working on five projects at once and will pull it all out first thing the next day, there's scientific proof that ending the day with a clean desk equals starting the next day with a clean desk and yes, this is good for you and your work; think: a clean desk=good mind=more productivity=bigger income
~some of us need to SEE items marked off on our calendars and that's nearly impossible with electronic calendars; use colors for to-do items: I use orange for the original to-do, change orange to black with each completion, and just looking at my calendar thirty seconds when the day is near end gives me immediate positive feedback
~for those of you who write blogs from home for money--no matter one or twenty--your year should end with 365 posts or more
~cold calls are tough, but when you make those calls your first priority, you'll find you'll have more positive energy the rest of the day which will up your production
~joining groups for marketing purposes is fine and does work, but ONLY if you make being a genuine member first... earning money follows naturally, SECOND
~even if you are working on five projects at once and will pull it all out first thing the next day, there's scientific proof that ending the day with a clean desk equals starting the next day with a clean desk and yes, this is good for you and your work; think: a clean desk=good mind=more productivity=bigger income
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
2013 & Resolutions: Out With the OLD Ideas
Going out on a limb, here, assuming the majority of readers have, how many of you made New Year's Resolutions and what are they?
As you probably know by now, I have not made resolutions. I haven't made any since I was in high school, when I learned most women made diet resolutions (this was the 80's, it was about dieting, not health!) and most of those broke them. It kind of stuck on me that if I didn't make them, I'd not break them.
Fast forward back to now (I know, an oxymoron): where has not making the resolutions gotten me? While it's true I've not broken my promises, I have also not really moved forward much. YIKES! Yet... it's the truth.
If one aspires to nothing in order not to fail, one fails.
I've failed. I've failed myself (and deprived all of you of my good works!).
My resolution this year is to make daily resolutions (AKA daily to-do lists). I want to write a page a day; I want to work on the YouTube account; I want to write and share my blogs; I want to train the cheerleaders to be the best personally they can be; I want the cheerleaders to win competitions; I want to have my business organized; I want to locate more missing children; I want to solve unsolved mysteries; I want to earn money; I want to secure my future. And I want to be in shape.
By year's end, I will have at least 365 posts on various websites and blogs, 365 pages written, a grant written, and $365 dollars left over after paying all the fees associated with TrueCrime.co.
Happy new year to all and blessings and success upon each one of us.
By year's end, I will have at least 365 posts on various websites and blogs, 365 pages written, a grant written, and $365 dollars left over after paying all the fees associated with TrueCrime.co.
Happy new year to all and blessings and success upon each one of us.
Last year's Waialua High School Bulldog's Varsity Cheer Team at OIA competion-Coach Ann Dellatan
Thursday, September 8, 2011
The More You Do... the More You Do
We've all heard it said that busy people are the people to give "the job" to––they're the people who will get it done. Whomever said this is so right.
When I look into my past, I remember how much I relished having a full calendar and when I had an odd day off from most everything, I cherished it. More than likely, my appreciating quiet time made my busy time a thousand times better and a million times easier.
It's high time to get busy!
When I look into my past, I remember how much I relished having a full calendar and when I had an odd day off from most everything, I cherished it. More than likely, my appreciating quiet time made my busy time a thousand times better and a million times easier.
It's high time to get busy!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mother's Day - Missing Teen, Lue Vang
Happy Mother's Day to all you work-from-home mama's! I'm wishing you the best, and as mothers, I'm wishing us all a profitable and joyous business to keep us happy, satisfied, and paid up on all our bills.
To celebrate Mother's Day, won't you please help just one mother have a reason to celebrate?
Lue Vang, a 17 year old Carson City High School student, has been missing from Nevada since last week, April 29, 2011. He was last seen early in the morning. Using his family's 1995 blue Honda Prelude, he took his computer and a few other possessions with him, and it's possible he headed to, or is in Seattle, Washington.
If you've seen Lue Vang and/or the Honda Prelude, license plate 321VPP - Nevada, please call your local authorities, the Carson City, Nevada, Sheriff's Office at 775-887-2011, Neng Vang at 651-308-6885 or Debbie Thao at 651-955-2667.
Thank you for your help, and... Happy Mother's Day.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
ChaCha Tip
Are you a ChaCha guide? (Do you wanna be? Go to ChaCha and let them know Teraisa@gmail.com referred you so we can be on the same team!). There are two ways to get started as a ChaCha guide, provided you're in and signed as a freelance - you either put one toe in at a time or you jump in, just like a pool. I'm typically the person who jumps, but in this instance, I'm barely at my calves, right now.
It's important to me to be a good ChaCha Guide, not just someone who works a job and that's that. I want my answers to matter, because they matter to me. I like to do things right; I like to be accurate.
My ChaCha tip for the day: After you log in, check out at least one tip sheet (re-read if you've read them all) and go to the forum for a post or two. ChaCha can't exist if it doesn't work, which is why the particular rules are in place and need to be followed. You don't always have to learn by trial and error - that's what the tip sheets are for!
As you read more and more tip sheets and answer/research more and more questions, you'll feel more comfortable and perhaps, along with me, we can get go above the knees and beyond. For now, though, I'm taking it slow and watching my quality.
It's important to me to be a good ChaCha Guide, not just someone who works a job and that's that. I want my answers to matter, because they matter to me. I like to do things right; I like to be accurate.
My ChaCha tip for the day: After you log in, check out at least one tip sheet (re-read if you've read them all) and go to the forum for a post or two. ChaCha can't exist if it doesn't work, which is why the particular rules are in place and need to be followed. You don't always have to learn by trial and error - that's what the tip sheets are for!
As you read more and more tip sheets and answer/research more and more questions, you'll feel more comfortable and perhaps, along with me, we can get go above the knees and beyond. For now, though, I'm taking it slow and watching my quality.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Bonus on Bonus Income
I'm using my five minutes of time wisely - write here, research a few questions, then an hour on the website. I'm finally understanding CSS
much better than ever (or maybe it's Dreamweaver
I have had trouble with?) and the brand new website is not depressing me any longer; it's exciting and I can't wait each day to get started... and I can't wait until I've got the original 50 pages back up and running and HELPING those in need. Check out True Crime Fanatic when you have time.
You know, I think I better hurry, we were just alerted there's another bonus for us ChaCha users and I love bonuses on top of bonuses.
Considering ChaCha is freelance and not a major source of income, I do consider it a "bonus." What I love most of all? My bonus income gets a boost from ChaCha because they're constantly adding bonuses for researching and/or answering a certain number of questions, which only makes my per hour money go up, up, up, something I love, love love!
If you want to earn a few more pennies a month researching and/or answering intriguingly crazy questions, consider joining my ChaCha team by clicking the link, filling out the application and going through the Expediter or Generalist/Specialist training (yes, they TRAIN you and it's excellent!). Be sure to give them my email to make sure we're on the same team, and then write me and let me know so I can congratulate you and help out with anything. Teraisa @ gmail.com the ChaCha team I want YOU to be on.
much better than ever (or maybe it's Dreamweaver I have had trouble with?) and the brand new website is not depressing me any longer; it's exciting and I can't wait each day to get started... and I can't wait until I've got the original 50 pages back up and running and HELPING those in need. Check out True Crime Fanatic when you have time.You know, I think I better hurry, we were just alerted there's another bonus for us ChaCha users and I love bonuses on top of bonuses.
Considering ChaCha is freelance and not a major source of income, I do consider it a "bonus." What I love most of all? My bonus income gets a boost from ChaCha because they're constantly adding bonuses for researching and/or answering a certain number of questions, which only makes my per hour money go up, up, up, something I love, love love!
If you want to earn a few more pennies a month researching and/or answering intriguingly crazy questions, consider joining my ChaCha team by clicking the link, filling out the application and going through the Expediter or Generalist/Specialist training (yes, they TRAIN you and it's excellent!). Be sure to give them my email to make sure we're on the same team, and then write me and let me know so I can congratulate you and help out with anything. Teraisa @ gmail.com the ChaCha team I want YOU to be on.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Here's My Secret To Using Writing Skills To Earn Extra Money
Writing may be my passion, but it's not my favorite paycheck. It can be great money, but you never know if or when you'll be paid (unless your name is Ann Rule or Stephan King, for example). I've had one huge magazine holding my article (and money) for YEARS. I've even tried resubmitting it several times, thinking maybe they just forgot, only to get a call or email back saying thank you, they have an article just like that one in cue.
For us character writers (think: character actors), we have plenty of jobs, but we're not well known and we'll never get the best tables at a restaurant. If you write for money as little as I do (I tithe 90% of my writing), you need to supplement your income.
For me, it was natural to turn to a place where I can combine writing with my other love, information. I am an information freak. There are a couple of options if you want to freelance with ChaCha (I'm hereby referring you-use email Teraisa@gmail.com).
I can work as much or as little as I like; it's up to me how much money I make. One thing I love about being a generalist/specialist is that you already know you'll earn a dime or so for each question, but there are times all month long where bonuses are given away, depending upon several things, maybe how many questions you answer, and maybe you simply are given a surprise bonus.
You won't get rich answering questions (unless you're the owner), but you'll be keeping your researching skills sharp and honing your writing craft (cutting words down to only what's necessary) and still get paid. If you're looking for a few extra dollars each month, want to work your own hours, have a computer and Internet (or have access to both), and are willing to try, ChaCha may be the place you've been looking for. Earn money freelancing while you write that next big novel. Use me as a referral, be on my team:
For us character writers (think: character actors), we have plenty of jobs, but we're not well known and we'll never get the best tables at a restaurant. If you write for money as little as I do (I tithe 90% of my writing), you need to supplement your income.
For me, it was natural to turn to a place where I can combine writing with my other love, information. I am an information freak. There are a couple of options if you want to freelance with ChaCha (I'm hereby referring you-use email Teraisa@gmail.com).
I can work as much or as little as I like; it's up to me how much money I make. One thing I love about being a generalist/specialist is that you already know you'll earn a dime or so for each question, but there are times all month long where bonuses are given away, depending upon several things, maybe how many questions you answer, and maybe you simply are given a surprise bonus.
You won't get rich answering questions (unless you're the owner), but you'll be keeping your researching skills sharp and honing your writing craft (cutting words down to only what's necessary) and still get paid. If you're looking for a few extra dollars each month, want to work your own hours, have a computer and Internet (or have access to both), and are willing to try, ChaCha may be the place you've been looking for. Earn money freelancing while you write that next big novel. Use me as a referral, be on my team:
http://becomeaguide.chacha.com - referred by Teraisa@gmail.com
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Basic Marketing and Promotion Tip
This year, whatever you do, you MUST promote YOURSELF and your business. Marketing 101 (and basic business sense) tells you that the biggest part of the sale is the marketing. You can build the best product ever, but if you do not promote it wisely, it's value goes way down.
Some of us are in business for ourselves out of basic necessity; others are working from home because that's where their life's passion lies. Still, some of us are in it to win it (whatever "it" is!). None of that matters if you sell nothing (and no, I am not talking only about products; many of us sell skills, integrity, loyalty, whatever). Zero percent of zero is zero.
In this age of electronics, it's nearly impossible to NOT market, but people often overlook the most obvious and extremely affordable marketing strategies - use your signature! If you have an email (or two or three or four), add a short blip about you/your business and simple contact information. Do this for your computer AND your smart phone. Use a different signature for each account and change it up. Most importantly, be direct and keep it simple.
Do you belong to Google groups? Yahoo groups? Any online bulletin boards? Check your account, they often allow a simple two or three line signature, as well. Think about it - even if your odds of selling yourself/product are one time for every million signatures you share: it's one more you sold without much work.
When I'm emailing via True Crime Fanatic, my goal is to get people to read our website. I can lead with an interesting case, but more often than not, the words "true crime" often trigger intrigue and I've been able to get away with this:
Teraisa Goldman
Editor: True Crime Fanatic
I do try to stay away from extremely high profile cases because they're the cases people literally go online to read, so I'll pick a quote from a book, a favorite author, or a tag from an online article. When I'm using a short blurb, it may look like this:
--
"... Negroes on the plantation were to rise up and begin killing their masters with axes, hoes, and clubs while they were drinking and celebrating Independence Day." Harry N. MacLean, The Past Is Never Dead
FYI: When emailing from your smart phone, include a single word at the beginning of your signature letting others know. Why? Because although we are professional, using a smart phone often causes a few unplanned typos. When your target market receives an email from you (we can all pretend we'll never do this, but I venture to say 90% of us will send at least one in the course of our business life), and we mean to say "Harry," but it comes out "hairy," we'll be grateful they can see we let our smart phone get the best of us, just as they have, and we'll quickly be forgiven. Example of how it could turn out:
iPhone
"... Negroes on the plantation were to rise up and begin killing their matters with axes, hose, and clubs while they were drinking and celebrating Independence Day." Hairy Macintosh, The Past Is Never Dead
I leave you with this reminder: market and promote, but promote wisely.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
It's a New Day
Each day you wake, you have a golden opportunity: You can make the day better than the day before. Meet and exceed goals you have yet to meet, relax and enjoy your family, you can make a meal that you've been wanting to try for years... it's all up to you. We don't need "New Years' resolutions;" we need day to day resolutions.
For those of us working from home, it can be difficult to separate home and work. Those are the best days, because they remind you of how flexible you and life can be. Don't take it as a frustration, take it and make it work for them and YOU. Take that time, rest your thoughts about work and lists and goals, and hold your angel. Listen to them. Give them undivided attention. Hear them. Respond to them. Love them.
When all is said and done, aren't they why you choose to work from home? And honestly, when all is said and done, aren't you in a better frame of mind when you come out of that moment and get back to work? Aren't they?
By the way, if you can't get back into your work, take the time to sit down and read a good book. For direct sales, it's always good to study tried, true, and proven methods. For writing, there are thousands of books and it's hard to select only a hundred, so I'll give you a couple of my past favorites. Anything from the late great Gary Provost
is a good read and informative. Screenplay writing... you can't go wrong with Syd Field, he'll show you how to get into your screenplay and propose it so you have a fighting chance. I'm saving my favorite for last. I LOVE, love, love William Goldman. There's no better screenplay to read than one of his. I've read quite a few, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, but my all time favorite to read (for my learning purposes) is Absolute Power. I could understand the acts, the direction, the characters, and the words quite easily.
is a good read and informative. Screenplay writing... you can't go wrong with Syd Field, he'll show you how to get into your screenplay and propose it so you have a fighting chance. I'm saving my favorite for last. I LOVE, love, love William Goldman. There's no better screenplay to read than one of his. I've read quite a few, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, but my all time favorite to read (for my learning purposes) is Absolute Power. I could understand the acts, the direction, the characters, and the words quite easily.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Organization: Simple Receipt Management for your Home Business
It's nearly tax time. We've talked about organizing and managing your business, regardless of your space, time, and income; let's talk about receipts.
Receipts: can live without them, but for tax purposes (and refunds, returns, and exchanges), we will not.
For the sake of simplifying and working in a small space, let's try the easiest and smallest method available (aside of the computer program). If your home business has become so big you need a complete and elaborate method, not counting a computerized program, you may need to move your business to a separate location. While this receipt system can pretty much work for most businesses, it's not the best solution for a multi-million dollar business.
Receipts: can live without them, but for tax purposes (and refunds, returns, and exchanges), we will not.
For the sake of simplifying and working in a small space, let's try the easiest and smallest method available (aside of the computer program). If your home business has become so big you need a complete and elaborate method, not counting a computerized program, you may need to move your business to a separate location. While this receipt system can pretty much work for most businesses, it's not the best solution for a multi-million dollar business.
Using an inexpensive accordion file wallet with at least twelve tabs (each accordion wallet file shown here is under $4 and has 12 tabs), label one tab for each month (if you use a fiscal period, start with the first fiscal month). Mark the front of the wallet with the year (when using fiscal years, use the actual year your twelve month file ends).
File each receipt into the corresponding tab, always filing each receipt behind the one that came before (this is an easy habit to get into and is more likely to find your receipts in dated order).
Make notes on the back of receipts and circle business items and amounts on the front. My businesses are small enough that I actually file ALL receipts in the wallet, even copies of the receipts I give away, and copies of items shipped to me. Do what works for you.
Keep your wallet in the same place throughout the year; consistency makes for good habits.
At the end of the year, secure with elastic band or ribbon, tuck into your tax box or set aside until you're ready to file.
Once taxes are filed, store your receipts, wallet and all, in a safe place for however long is necessary in your line of work.
Many business owners scan and electronically file their receipts, throwing out the hard copy, however, the wallet is affordable enough to use a new one each year, keeping the old one for storage (this method also saves you time - no scanning and labeling).
Okay, do you understand the system? Get a receipt; file a receipt.
And What Has 5 Minutes Done for You Lately?
I challenged you, and myself, to see what five minutes can do for you. Has it helped? Does it work for you? Can it work for you?
For me, it's helped me get letters into the mail, email potential hostesses for At Home America, I've written a "filler," and though I've finished half of my script thanks to the 5 minute rule, it's going to help me start it OVER because I goofed.
Today, it's written this short piece. Come on, you have five minutes to spare, even if you are trapped in Christmas shopping lines. Take out your smart phone and write something, call a client, search for a missing child. Smart phone on your wish list? No problem, a napkin, gum wrapper, receipt, anything can work. Write a list, write a thank you note, write your dreams and goals. Five minutes can make a difference.
For me, it's helped me get letters into the mail, email potential hostesses for At Home America, I've written a "filler," and though I've finished half of my script thanks to the 5 minute rule, it's going to help me start it OVER because I goofed.
Today, it's written this short piece. Come on, you have five minutes to spare, even if you are trapped in Christmas shopping lines. Take out your smart phone and write something, call a client, search for a missing child. Smart phone on your wish list? No problem, a napkin, gum wrapper, receipt, anything can work. Write a list, write a thank you note, write your dreams and goals. Five minutes can make a difference.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
What Can You Accomplish with Just Five Minutes?
When our kids were young, we often called them in for a "quick five minute clean-up." Because there were so many kids in a small house (seven), they often tried to get away with doing very little (yes, even less than a whopping five minutes of work!). You know what we'd do? We start the time over. EVERYONE pays when someone slacks on a measly five minutes.
A year into it, I realized they didn't really understand the concept (they were ages 4-13 at the time). By having each one, separately, set the time and do as much as fast as they can until it goes off, they realized they could literally make a difference-an impact, really-by working gung-ho. Their five minute quick clean up work was usually much cleaner than when they'd take a half hour to do the same job.
For each action is a reaction; a consequence. Because they took their five minutes seriously, they often didn't have any other cleaning to do for the day. You can say the reward was immediate AND delayed and, quite honestly, they were proud of themselves.
Yesterday, I wrote I'm on a type of leave from work (purposely planning ZERO home parties with At Home America and letting the writing slide). Though I do not have a home party planned, I do take a few minutes to find a great sale item and list it in my signature, on a postcard, or perhaps on Facebook. And that's when lightning struck.
Why not do a five minute quick WRITE UP? The kids cleaned five minutes. When I was a personal trainer, I would tell clients to exercise even just five minutes, knowing it often led to five more, and so on. So, why not use the same idea with writing?
Before putting the timer on, I made a decision about WHAT to write (since I usually try to do eight or nine projects all at one time and make little or no headway). With the decision in place (the screenplay), I wrote. And wrote. And wrote some more. It's only been fifteen minutes, yet I wrote more, and more seriously, than I have the entire week.
Who'd ever think it'd be this easy? Just five minutes a day.
A year into it, I realized they didn't really understand the concept (they were ages 4-13 at the time). By having each one, separately, set the time and do as much as fast as they can until it goes off, they realized they could literally make a difference-an impact, really-by working gung-ho. Their five minute quick clean up work was usually much cleaner than when they'd take a half hour to do the same job.
For each action is a reaction; a consequence. Because they took their five minutes seriously, they often didn't have any other cleaning to do for the day. You can say the reward was immediate AND delayed and, quite honestly, they were proud of themselves.
Yesterday, I wrote I'm on a type of leave from work (purposely planning ZERO home parties with At Home America and letting the writing slide). Though I do not have a home party planned, I do take a few minutes to find a great sale item and list it in my signature, on a postcard, or perhaps on Facebook. And that's when lightning struck.
Why not do a five minute quick WRITE UP? The kids cleaned five minutes. When I was a personal trainer, I would tell clients to exercise even just five minutes, knowing it often led to five more, and so on. So, why not use the same idea with writing?
Before putting the timer on, I made a decision about WHAT to write (since I usually try to do eight or nine projects all at one time and make little or no headway). With the decision in place (the screenplay), I wrote. And wrote. And wrote some more. It's only been fifteen minutes, yet I wrote more, and more seriously, than I have the entire week.
Who'd ever think it'd be this easy? Just five minutes a day.
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