LIVE LIFE UP HIGH

photo credit: Tracy O

What do they say about being too good to be true?  It always seems to apply.  If someone can find a way to scam you out of your money with little effort, they will do it.  That philosophy also applies to work from home jobs. Don’t fall victim to these scams.

All job industries are prone to scams.  A scam is any activity that claims to be above board but is designed to defraud you of your money.  Most are based on the premise that people are willing to give you a little money or a little information in return for a big payday.  And, so far the scammers have been right.  Indeed, in todays’s tough economic climate,  many potential entrepreneurs are more vunerable to the claims of scammers.

Work at home jobs have fallen prey to the scammer as well.  Working from home is a dream job for many who want the freedom that such a position brings.  Working from home is not for those who can’t motivate themselves to do the work, however.  Procrastination can spell the death of a good opportunity.

In amongst the legitimate garden of companies looking for extra help from those looking to make some extra cash, are the weeds of crooks who want to cash in on the popular phenomenon.  You would think that with the time and effort put into setting up these scams, the scammers could be making a lot of money legitimately.

Some scams have a few things in common that you can find out in a few minutes.  Be on the lookout for them as you search for legitimate work.

1.  Scammers ask for money upfront.  This is not the case with established opportunities like Avon, Mary Kay, or The Pampered Chef.  Here, you purchase materials to begin the business process, and there are hundreds of people out there who have made money with these companies.  Instead, we are referring to the small ads on websites or in newspapers that ask you to send $50 for a book that teaches you how to make $10,000 a month.  There are many books in the bookstore that can teach you to make money and they cost less than that.  More than likely they are trying to get your financial information.

2.  Scammers offer limited contact information.  If you can’t get in touch with them, don’t buy into it.  Even fake websites can be set up.  Try to contact customer service or someone in charge before giving out any information or signing up for anything.  Some online scamming emails and ads are trying to plant bugs and other nasty things on your computer by opening messages and clicking on links.  If you never heard of it and there is no way to contact them, forget it.

3.  Scammers mention making lots of money but nothing else.  Sketchy ads are a warning sign.  Think about it:  Who would pay you $30 an hour to lick envelopes?

4. Scammers will not give you verifiable information. They make claims but they don’t give you any way of verifying the claims. If you can’t verify the claims don’t give them your money or your information.

Scammers will try to prey on people looking for legitimate work from home jobs.  Check with reputable companies first and then ask for referrals from friends and family.

photo credit: faster panda kill kill

It seems like every working person’s dream is to leave the office and set up shop at home.  Before you get too used to the idea, however, think it through and know what to expect so the experience is as great as you imagine.

1.  What kind of work will you do at home?  It is never a good idea to leave a job without a plan.  Setting up a freelance business means a time lag between contracting with a client and getting that first paycheck.  Line up work ahead of time so your business is already on line before you leave your day job.

2.  Can your finances survive the move to a home office?   If you are quitting a day job in favor of starting your own business, sit down with the family and gauge your financial situation.  Consider establishing an emergency fund to cover any unexpected expenses or normal household bills until the home business starts bringing in money. 

3.  Where in your home will you work? Set office space apart from the rest of the house.  You might have visions of sitting in your pajamas at the kitchen table while working on the computer, but that gets old really fast.  Your productivity will likely give way to cleaning the kitchen, fixing breakfast, and watching television.  A room dedicated to your home business is the best way to maintain your focus on work even though you are at home.

4.  What equipment is needed to run a home office?  Before you pull up stakes, be sure to purchase all the items you’ll use in the home office.  The basic essentials include a separate telephone line, a printer, a fax, a computer devoted to business, and of course a desk and chair.  Hit the ground running with your home business.

5.  How will you manage the children?  Moms who start their own home business get to spend more time with their kids.  But, as good as that sounds, the kids can also distract you from doing the work you need to get done.  Decide how you will handle work time and family time before you come home.

6.  Who will handle the housework? The battle between housework and office work is never ending.  Just because you are at home doesn’t mean you have time to do all of the chores.  Your primary concern is getting the home business off the ground.  Between you and your family, discuss what is expected of each person.  You might be home but it is in a working capacity.  Everyone can pitch in with the work.

 7. What hours will you work? Clearly delineating what hours you will work will save you a lot of hassle. If other people live with you it will be important to manage their expectations. If they are not used to having you home they may interrupt you often. It is important for you to let everyone know when you are working and when you are available. Be sure to set-up and post specific hours as work hours. This is important even if you live alone because if will help keep you honest.  It will help you in two ways. You will know when to start working and equally important when to stop working.

8. Who will you be accountable to? Just because you are working from home doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Actually, it is very important to establish an accountability relationship. Find someone else who is in a non-competing business and exchange your weekly goal lists. Connect with you accountability partner once a week to review what goals you have met and what goals you’ve missed. Just knowing someone is checking in on you will help you meet your more of your goals.

9. Who are you networking with? Working from home can be lonely.  It is important to get out and network. Meet with you clients face-to-face sometimes if possible. Find and join networking groups. Get out and walk around your neighborhood. Not only will this refresh you but you may get some great ideas for your business.

Working from home has its benefits but they come from being prepared.  Before deciding to leave the work force and come home, know what to expect.