High speed increases productivity

If you are wondering whether or not it is worth it to upgrade to DSL or cable modem, consider this: If you are on a high speed internet connection, you will be able to finish your projects faster, do your research faster, and land more contracts than if your net connection is sluggish. The price for dial up is too much to pay if you lose a prospective customer who needs a fast research assistant with high speed access.

Use newspaper articles as a source for hidden job markets

Your most effective tool in finding a great work at home job is to spend your time wisely, seeking out all the hidden job markets and finding jobs that others are missing. One of the best sources of current jobs is right in your local newspaper, and I don´t mean the job ads. Look in the articles and business profiles to find the names of company owners, then call them up and explain what you do. Make sure you mention that you read about them in the local paper and you enjoyed what the article said about them. This is a great "door opener"!

Do you have what it takes to be a telecommuter?

Do you have what it takes to be a telecommuter? Many people decide they want to work from home, then once they get started, they find it´s not for them. Why? Because they don´t possess these qualities:

Self-Motivation: You need to be self-motivated, anticipate what needs to be done, and do it.

Self-Reliance: You need to be able to find the answers on your own and get the job done.

Organization: You need to be organized - your files, your desk, and your time. You cannot afford to miss deadlines because you aren´t able to locate crucial files.

Optimism: Stay optimistic and keep your spirits up. When you know how to create your own work at home jobs, you never run out of work, and paychecks!

Create a niche service offering

To create your own work at home job with no competition, start thinking about what you enjoy doing, and imagine a specific service that can be offered to companies in need of that service. Using your own skills, create your own service packages, price them according to market value, and directly contact companies you think will benefit from your service.

The second rule of telecommuting cover letters

Every résumé sent by mail or fax needs a personalized cover letter even if the advertisement didn´t request a cover letter. Even if an employer doesn´t specifically ask for a cover letter, it is important to include one. Many employers have been known to use this small thing as a test that weeds out the unprofessional applicants. All professionals automatically know that a cover letter is critically important and worth the extra time invested.

The importance of being well equipped

To work from home successfully, you need a top of the line computer system. Having lots of hard drive space and a fast processor is critical to your success. The increase in your productivity will help you work smarter and earn more from your projects. No employer wants to hear a homebased employee complain about crashes and system failures that interfere with a tight deadline. Those types of complaints usually result in fewer contracts in the future.

Is "Company name" a scam?

Here´s a simple answer to this question. If any company asks you for money to hire you, then it is likely a scam. No legitimate employer asks employees to pay to work for them, and that includes telecommute friendly companies. Never pay to work.

Leave out your personal reasons

When you present your telecommuting proposal, make sure you leave out your own personal reasons for wanting to work from home. Your employer will want to hear about how much money/space/time it will save, and will want to know how much more efficent you can be.