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Identifying a work at home career that is right for you takes a little careful research.
You have to consider several things in order to arrive at a general type of job that you are well suited for. This is especially true if your training and skills come from a varied background, but also offers you more flexibility in your choices.
You might ask how this can be done. The first step to take is to do a little research, and match up the types of jobs that require certain skill sets that you already possess to the level of training, education, skill sets, and interest in doing.
It is important to not submit your resume to employers just because they have an opening. You should strongly consider the skills they are asking for, and be prepared to meet that requirement.
Employers are going to trust you to work at home without any supervision, so you must be at least as able to perform the job duties as the person who is working on-site.
This is a list of services, businesses, careers and jobs that are well-suited to being performed at home. |
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Start a Home Based Accounting Service
More Home-Based Accountants are working out of their homes than ever before, exemplifying the need for more Accounting Services by Small and Mid-Sized Business Owners.
Because all businesses must do accounting, the need for Accounting Professionals and Services will always exist as long as businesses exist!
Accounting skills may include bookkeeping, payroll, tax filings, tax returns, tax advice, generating financial statements, and accounting for profit and loss.
You should have a degree or certification in order to present a credible front to your clients.
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Start a Home-Based Answering Service
As small business owners are quickly learning, outsourcing their answering service needs to a home-based answering service provider can really make things easier for them, and save a lot of money.
Clients who call a business and reach an answering machine or voicemail are less likely to leave a message. People prefer to talk to a "live" person, and that's a fact!
This virtual service has relatively low overhead, and is easy to run. And depending upon your quality of service and professionalism, you can earn a very healthy income doing this from your home office.
You will need to decide what level of service you wish to offer, whether it will be part time, full time, 24 hours or only during normal business hours, whether you will open on weekends or during the week. It is vital that you decide what hours and days you will be working before you take on your first clients.
Next, you should decide how many clients you want to take on, because that will dictate your equipment needs.
Fewer than about 10 clients would allow you to install a separate phone and phone line from the phone company for each client, which is the most cost effective way to provide this service to this number of clients. You will need to check with your phone company and find out if any limits to the number of phone lines you can have installed in your home exist in your area.
If you are considering more clients, then you would need to have a switchboard to make it more cost effective for you. Again, check with your phone company about leasing a switchboard.
Providing excellent customer service and a friendly phone manner is critical to your business. You should have excellent grammar and diction.
You clients could consist of anything from sole proprietors to small and medium businesses. Anyone who has to leave their business location (if they even have one) to do their job has a need for someone to take business calls.
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Start eBook publishing Service
Have you ever thought about writing and publishing your own top-quality informational or how-to products, and delivering them via the Internet as an e-book (electronic book)?
It is a fact that people are willing to pay for well-written, top quality informational products. The Internet's distribution power, together with higher-resolution screens and powerful processors, have made the world a much friendlier place for electronic books.
E-books are convenient for the reader, and economical for the writer.
The writer has basically no overhead cost because the e-book is delivered as a download from their web site.
There are no production or shipping costs, unless you make the choice to deliver via diskette or CD-ROM. The buyer has the convenience of instant access to information that is valuable to them. They can make their purchase and download in a matter of minutes.
You might already have a terrific e-book idea, but if you don't, just take a look at some possible e-book topics and ideas:
Business Start Up
How-to Manual
Your favorite hobby or something you are passionate about
Your successful business or website marketing techniques
Fiction or Non-Fiction
Children's Books
Poetry
Self-Improvement
Diet and Fitness Tips
Pet Training
Christian Books
Cooking and Recipes
Travel Guides
Your experience and knowledge are a gold mine. You've learned so much by doing it, and living it, and learned it so gradually, you probably don't even realize how much you already know. Your lifetime of experience is information, and e-book publishing can allow you to write it, create it, and sell it, and work from home.
To create your e-books, all you need is direction, the right tools, such as e-book creation software and e-book cover graphics, and a plan of action you can follow, and that's why I want to share with you the tools I have used to create my own e-books.
The Self-Publisher's Toolkit is a complete package that has everything you need to successfully create, publish and sell your e-books and informational products, and contains the following top-quality e-books.
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Start a Home-Based Medical Transcription Service
Medical Transcription is highly specialized and does require certain skills and training. Above all, know that this is NOT a "get-rich-quick" career, regardless of what you might have seen advertised by some companies trying to sell you their overpriced educational material.
A medical transcriptionist is a medical language specialist who interprets and transcribes dictation by medical professionals. This dictation covers pretty much everything that takes place between the health care provider and the patient. Usually, the information is recorded either into tape or onto digital voice processing systems. The process of medical transcription is transferring this information using word processing.
It can certainly pay well, but be prepared to work! Becoming a medical language specialist is not something you can learn in 4 or 6 weeks, so keep that in mind when searching for your training program.
Generally, some of the skills you need are keyboarding, which is more than just typing. Keyboarding means being proficient using all the keys on your keyboard. Also, excellent spelling and grammar skills are a must, along with an ability to retain what you have learned. Procrastination is not a trait that works well in this profession.
I have found that most companies like to hire MT's that have previous in-house experience (meaning they want someone who has worked in a hospital or clinic) before they will hire someone to work @home. Many ask for applicants with at least a year or two of experience working in a clinic or hospital.
When you are researching training programs, look for one with a strong grounding in English grammar, anatomy & physiology, pharmacology, and lots of practice dictation tapes from REAL doctors and other health professionals. Talk to people who have taken the course, and see if they were satisfied with the education, support, and materials they received.
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Start a Home-Based Interior Design Service
While a Home Based Interior Design Service is run from your home, much of your job requires you to go to a clients home, office, business or other space, in order to determine and evaluate the client's needs.
Residential and Commercial Interior Designers require different types of marketing techniques, and you should be aware of the differences.
You should also know that in order to call yourself a designer, you may have to be certified. Without formal training or certification, you may have to use the title "Interior Decorator" instead, which is fine. Because more than 20 states now require certification, you'll need to take and pass the exam given by the National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ).
You should be familiar with using all different types of materials, colors, fabrics, building materials, furnishings, etc. and be adept at using Interior Design software.
You need to be aware of the latest trends in the design world, and have a good eye for proportion and color. Your skills and experience will be your main tools, so invest wisely in them.
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Write Books for Children
If you have a passion for writing books for children, and strong writing skills, chances are you've already given thought to writing children's books and submitting them.
The best way to get started is by spending some time in your local bookstore and library, and get a feel for what the current bestsellers have in common.
You can take writing courses and read some good books in order to really hone your writing ability.
Decide what type of children's book you want to write, such as poetry, folktale, picture books for very young children, historical fiction, biographies, mysteries, fantasy, adventure, non-fiction, etc.
You'll need to do some digging online for information about where to send your manuscript once you've completed it. There are many resources, writer's groups, websites, and books, to help you along.
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Start a Freelance Photography Service
If you constantly get compliments on your photography skills, and you love to take pictures, you could start your own home based photography business, and work at home.
You'll need to decide what type of photography service you will specialize in, or if you will be a versatile photographer and offer all types of photography services.
The main reason to have an idea what types of service you'll offer is because your equipment needs may differ depending upon the types of pictures you'll be taking: weddings, portraits, sports, etc.
Before you purchase equipment, check the zoning laws in your area to be certain there are no restrictions concerning people coming over to your house.
Write down all the equipment you'll need, and don't get carried away buying the best or most expensive. Buy what you need to get solid performance and get the job done.
There will always be a time for fancy upgrades later. For really expensive equipment needs, you could consider rentals.
You can either have your own darkroom, or contract with a local lab if you do not want to develop your photos yourself. You'll need to be certain that the lab you choose is reliable and produces high-quality work that you can depend on.
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Start a Wedding Consulting Service
A Wedding Consultant performs services from arranging meetings with vendors, planning the wedding schedule, planning the rehearsal dinner, creating a budget, bridal registry, and much more...but the main thing to remember is that the bride is the client. It is the consultant's job to make the bride's wedding dreams a reality, make her happy, save her time, and save her money.
As a Bridal Consultant, you would need superior time and people management skills. Diplomacy and negotiating skills are a must, as you will frequently be dealing with one bride, as well as other family members who all will have strong opinions about what they want to see happen at the wedding.
You will need a strong arsenal of vendor relationships such as florists, caterers, photographers, hair salons, bridal shops, travel agencies, and limousine rental services.
Certification is not required, but it is suggested that you do take some courses to make certain you possess good skills, and generally can make things easier for you. There are some distance learning (courses and classes online) that are available, just do a search on the Internet for "Bridal Consultant Courses".
Some Suggested Courses and Skills:
Hospitality
Event Planning
Decorating
Diplomacy
Bookkeeping
Marketing
Negotiating
Planning ceremonies
 
One of your best methods of advertising will be your clients, so do your best and the word will get out that you can put together a drop-dead fabulous wedding!
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Start a Home Based Child Day Care Service
Because more parents must work outside the home, there will always be a demand for child care.
But with the concerns about quality child care, more people are moving away from the large day care schools, and turning to friends, neighbors, people they know from school functions and PTA meetings, and finding child care providers by word of mouth.
This creates a huge opportunity for someone who loves children, and wants to create a business dedicated to taking care of them.
One attractive benefit for the stay at home mom is that starting a day care from home enables you to work at home, and take care of your own child at the same time.
Before you do anything, check on any zoning laws and be sure to know the regulations in your area. The regulations that apply to your area will be your guide as to how many children you can have enrolled, and you can write your business plan from there.
You would want to take a CPR course, as well as other related courses that would help you know what to do in case of an emergency such as a serious injury or sudden illness.
It is important to set your policies and rules, and enforce them. Even if you are babysitting for a friend, you will be well served by having something in writing in place. The last thing you want to have to deal with is resenting a friendship because there wasn't any type of contract in place, and you end up being taken advantage of.
Forms and contracts for day care providers can be downloaded from the Internet. You can certainly edit them and print out your own as needed.
Purchasing supplies and running your Child Care Service on a budget will always be your goal, and there are many tips and tricks for accomplishing this.
Purchase used and pre-owned items that are in very good condition. These items include furnishings, toys, books, games, videos, dvd movies, children's music tapes and CD's from resale shops, garage sales, thrift stores, classified ads, and even on eBay (good for small items such as books because you'll want to watch the shipping charges).
Buying used toys and videos can save a ton of money (and it's something most of us budget-conscious Moms are already doing!)
Buying supplies in bulk from places such as Sam's Warehouse. These would include items such as non-perishable foods (cereal, ), and cleaning and hygiene supplies (bleach, disinfectant spray, dish detergent, toilet paper, hand soap, etc).
You'll want to plan age-appropriate activities for the children in your care, and try to schedule a daily routine. This will help you more than anyone, and keep you from losing track of time.
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Provide Online Tutoring
Online tutoring services are popping up rapidly, as people are looking to the Internet for help in more areas of their everyday lives.
Because the Internet is all about information, it is so often the first place a person will turn when seeking help and information on a subject.
Providing tutoring services means that you would provide help to another person, adult or child, in some area. It could be obvious subject such as math or English, or computer use, internet use, or general help such as homework helper services and tutoring.
Tutoring courses, help, information and resources can be for academic as well as non-academic subjects.
You can offer free or paid services, or you may choose to be an information and resource provider, directory-style.
Building a website around your business is a must-do marketing tool. Your website can provide information such as:
Specializing in an area to tutor in
Provide online tutoring resources
Educational material and supplements
Online free tutorial services
Courses and workshops
Academic
Adult education
Non-academic
Offer your Online Tutoring Services
You can sell ad space on your website, as well as join an affiliate program, which will generate another stream of income. To begin, simply register for a free account, choose the products, services, or companies that are relevant to your website's theme, or might be useful to your visitors, and you can then sell advertising space and generate income from your website.
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Sell Your Arts and Crafts Online
Do you love crafting? Whether you create one craft, or you have experience creating many arts and crafts, you can put your knowledge into a craft-themed website.
Your website can be your venue to share your knowledge, favorite crafts, tips, tools, and you can sell your own crafts and ideas.
If you are selling your crafts, you'll want to be sure to include good photos, because everyone loves to see what they are being told about, rather than just being left to imagine.
Another online venue for selling your arts and crafts is selling them on eBay -- easy, affordable, and they've already got all the traffic to their website you could possibly want!
You can also join affiliate programs and partner with merchants who can provide products and services that might be useful to your visitors, such as arts and crafts supplies. These products need not compete with your own products you are selling, if any, but rather can provide a valuable resource for your visitor, and even better can provide another source of income for you.
To begin, simply register for a free account, choose the products, services, or companies that are relevant to your website's theme, or might be useful to your visitors, and you can then sell advertising space and generate income from your website.
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Desktop Publishing Service
Desktop publishing is very well suited to telecommuting, and with low overhead and start-up costs, it can be developed into a home business very easily. Desktop publishing provides services that all businesses need at some point in time, as well as nearly all individuals.
Desktop publishing is really a wide category, and you can choose to specialize in any one of a number of niche areas. It is also possible to combine closely related services without stretching yourself too thin, because so many areas overlap.
My degree is in Graphic Imaging and Desktop Publishing, and my services and consultations have included all of the following at one time or another:
Create Letterheads and Business Cards
Fliers, Posters
Brochures
Invitations
Greeting Cards
Advertising Banners
Newsletters
Catalogues
Menus
Product Lists
Presentations
Scrapbooking
Calendars
Logos
Spreadsheets
You'll need a good computer with desktop publishing and graphics software, and a fully equipped home office to properly work this job or business at home.
You can develop an entire website community that provides information to visitors on various topics such as:
The basics of desktop publishing
Training on-site
Training online
Courses online
Free tutorials online
Desktop publishing software
Graphic design applications and elements
Industry related definitions
Tips and tools
Articles and Commentaries
Message Board or Forum
Desktop Publishing eNewsletter
Posting Telecommute Jobs
Offer your own Desktop Publishing Services and consultations
You can sell advertising space on your website, and join an affiliate program as well to increase your revenue. To begin, simply register for a free account, choose the products, services, or companies that are relevant to your website's theme, or might be useful to your visitors, and you can then sell advertising space and generate income from your website.
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Resume Writing Service
If you are a skilled and experienced resume writer, you can start your own Resume Writing Service from home.
Job hunters today must have more powerful resumes than ever before, and the Internet is by far the most popular source of resume writing information.
You can build an entire Resume Writing website and business around this subject, and help job seekers compile their work history, create a resume and cover letter, provide templates, tutorials, information on resume builder software, book reviews, and offer your own Resume Writing Service.
Your website can include such topics as:
Resume Writing
Resume Samples
Cover Letter Writing
Cover Letter Samples
Emailing Resumes
Faxing Resumes
Do's and Don'ts of Resumes
Resume Creation Software
Software Reviews
Resume Submission Services and Reviews
Books and Book Reviews
Free Online Resume Tutorials and Tools
Templates
Message Boards
Offer Your Resume Writing Service
Once you've built your website and get traffic from search engines, you can sell advertising space on your website, and join an affiliate program as well to increase your revenue. To begin, simply register for a free account, choose the products, services, or companies that are relevant to your website's theme, or might be useful to your visitors, and you can then sell advertising space and generate income from your website.
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Translation Service
If you can fluently speak a foreign language, you could start your own Translation Service.
Your Translation Services can include Legal Translation, Language Translation, Technical Translation, and Document and Cultural Translation.
Your website can include such topics as:
Document Translation such as letters, manuals, catalogues, newsletters
Website and software localization, key word optimization
Technical Translation such as specifications and manuals
Business Translations such as correspondence, manuals, and marketing materials.
Legal Translation such as contracts, government documents, legal documents, death, marriage and birth certificates
Provide tips and tools
Message Board
Offer your own Translation Service
Once you've built your website and get traffic from search engines, you can sell advertising space on your website, and join an affiliate program as well to increase your revenue. To begin, simply register for a free account, choose the products, services, or companies that are relevant to your website's theme, or might be useful to your visitors, and you can then sell advertising space and generate income from your website.
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Travel and Vacation Service
If you know how to find bargains and discounts in the travel industry, or have always dreamed of owning your own travel agency, why not help others find and book vacations and trips to various destinations, with the focus on bargains and discounts?
You can provide information and services to one specialized destination, or offer a broad range of destination resources.
Your website can include such topics as:
Finding discounts, bargains, freebies
Traveling options for families with small children
Maps, Tours, Historical Site Information
Hotspots and Most Popular Destinations
New Travel Information
Airline Special Information
Driving Special Information
Bus Special Information
Packages and Groups
Books
Online Resources
Agency Reviews and Services
Message Boards
Offer your own Travel Agency Services
Once you've built your website and get traffic from search engines, you can sell advertising space on your website, and join an affiliate program as well to increase your revenue. To begin, simply register for a free account, choose the products, services, or companies that are relevant to your website's theme, or might be useful to your visitors, and you can then sell advertising space and generate income from your website.
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Start a Freelance Web Design Service
Web site design is fun, and can earn you a great income if you're talented at it. And the good news is that there are many free resources on the Internet to help you learn what you need to know...everything from tutorials to free programs, from content to graphics. You can learn basic HTML and design elements, and how to price and advertise your work.
If you are an experienced web designer, you could make your own home based job out of your knowledge and experience by creating websites for others.
You could also create your own website and offer your own products and services to your website visitors.
If you are experienced, you can register and apply for verified work-at-home jobs & freelance projects in your field.
Some ideas are web design rules, tips, tools, resources, product reviews, message boards where you could answer questions to help people having problems and issues with their sites or design problems, etc.
You could also use affiliate programs to generate a revenue from your site.
To begin, simply register for a free account, choose the products, services, or companies that are relevant to your website's theme, or might be useful to your visitors, and you can then sell advertising space and generate income from your website.
There is more to Web design than just learning HTML, but with practice, you can become good enough to design Web sites for others and get paid for it!
Some good Web Design rules to follow:
Learn what works on the Web, and what doesn't. Don't load someone's site down with graphics and animations - that only causes their page to load slowly, and visitors won't stick around. Instead, use only what you need to spark up the look, and concentrate on content.
Be honest with businesses about how long it will take you to design their site. Don't be overly optimistic and tell them you can get the job done in an unrealistic amount of time just to get the job.
Research Web design companies, and see how they price their work before you decide how much to charge. Don't wait until someone wants to hire you to decide how much you will charge them. Have a solid price list written out for your reference if they should call. Even if you aren't going to offer set rate plans, you still need some idea of how much you'll be charging.
Don't take on a job you can't do. If a customer wants something that is beyond your ability, be honest with them. If you start promising businesses that you can do the work, then don't deliver, your reputation will suffer and your business is sure as over.
If your skills aren't very well developed, only take on smaller jobs until you are more skilled. Consider doing jobs for non-profit groups at a very discounted rate until your skills improve. Don't stop researching and learning.
Always check your work. Use the spell-check and grammar-check programs you have. Always proof read for mistakes.
You can get a good idea of what looks good online by visiting sites that don't look good. Decide what you don't like about them, and don't repeat the mistake.
Learn about the Complete Site Builder's Toolkit
Visit these sites for FREE tutorials, tools, and resources to help you get started in the world of Web design!
Doctor HTML
You can enter your page's URL and Doctor HTML will report any spelling, image size, links, load time or HTML problems. Terrific FREE resource!
Page Resource.com
This site really is a one-stop shop for HTML tutorials on all levels. There are tutorial guides for beginner | |
