Making Money From Home - Learn the 4 Easy Ways to Use the Computer to Make Money

November 24, 2008

When you are making money from home, you avoid a lot of the stresses that come with commuting to a corporate job. Why not check out ways to use the computer in your work from home business?

The growth in the usage of computers has been matched by the growth in the number of opportunities for making money from home by using the computer. The internet has expanded market size and complexity so that a product or service that was not previously profitable can be sold profitably on the internet. In addition, there are other ways to earn an income from your home by using the computer such as completing surveys, participating in online marketing campaigns and freelance projects. Here are a few suggestions that may help you determine if working at home is a viable option for you.

Surveys

Some individuals are able to start making money from home with a minimal amount of expenditure by signing up to complete surveys. The work is available through businesses, listing sites, or sometimes from other sources such as those provided by research facilities linked to medical institutions or educational institutions. These buyers pay for the services of individuals who are willing to answer questions about their experiences with a specific product or activity. Surveys typically take only a few minutes to complete and pay anywhere from $5 to $25 and up for the responses. Payment is made in cash, coupons, merchandise or points that can be redeemed for merchandise.

Freelance Work

Bidding for freelance work is another way of making money from home. You can easily pick the type of work that you want to do and define the amount of work and the amount that you will accept in payment before agreeing to do the work. In fact, you need fairly specific project guidelines so that you will know what type of payment amount to bid on the project. You can choose such freelance projects as computer programming, writing and editing site, blog, or forum management and even game site supervision.

Pay Per Click Programs

Pay per click programs allow you to be making money from home even if you don’t have your own web site. You just write original and captivating copy for ad placement that directs visitors to a site that pays you money each time the link in the ad is clicked. Google’s AdSense is perhaps the best example of pay per click programs. Even a few clicks on a well placed ad will bring in small but steady income to the person placing the ad. Hopefully, the ad will also bring significant revenue to the business to which it is linked.

Online Marketing

Online marketing of your product or that of another person or business is another way to be making money from home. The marketplace on the internet is absolutely global in nature and you can be taking advantage of it directly by marketing your product. Even if you are in a small rural community, your marketplace can be world wide and sales for your product will skyrocket. Using the computer to set up your business web site can be done easily by you as a business owner and you can be gaining income in a matter of hours.

When you are working in jobs that allow you to be Making Money from Home, not only are you earning income, but your job satisfaction is likely to be higher. Check the links at http://www.goodinternetmoney.com for resources about Legit Work From Home opportunities.

Data Entry Work at Home – is There Any Reason Why People Love This Work

November 24, 2008

There are many different reasons that people decide to do data entry work at home. For many people it is just the love of it.

When you really start thinking about this, you start asking yourself “Why do I really want to get into doing data entry work at home?” For some people, this is a pretty straight forward answer; they just love to type and are looking for something that pays them for this skill. For others, it is simply something to do in their spare time that can bring in a little extra money for that special gift or something that you want to buy. You might also be surprised to learning that some people take these kinds of jobs to improve their typing and computer skills while earning themselves some cash too.

Flexible Hours

This is one of the most thought about aspects of doing data entry work at home, the fact that you are pretty much free to set your own hours. This is absolutely perfect if you happen to be one of the many who are night owls that don’t mind working while everyone else around them is asleep. Another thing that people love about doing this is that you can work as little as an hour or all night if you really wanted to. How little or how much you work all depends upon how much you’ve got to type out and how fast you type.

They Just LOVE to Type

A good many of those who take data entry work at home jobs do this for the sheer pleasure of being able to do something that lets them type away to their heart’s content. If you are an excellent typist or just enjoy pounding away at the keyboard to input information into forms, letters and documents; then you have come to the right place! In these jobs you will not have someone looking over your shoulder, as you’re working at home; or telling that you type way too much. This is one case where this is actually an advantage!

Wanting to Improve Your Skills

Can you type but your skills are a bit rusty? This is actually why some people start doing data entry jobs; as it involves a good bit of type. What doesn’t matter here is if you are typing in a computer or typewriter keyboard. The point is that you simply love to do this type of work and don’t mind working a bit harder to better your skills. Have you ever thought that there was no possible way to improve your typing speed? This could not be further from the truth here my friend. The old adage “Practice makes perfect” really does apply here!

Being Able to Wear Whatever You Please to Go to Work

Now this one might strike you as a bit odd and out of place in this article; but it also has relevance here. Can you even imagine trying to walk into an office building dressed in your pajamas or in your casual weekend clothes and saying that you are ready for work? This just will never be acceptable folks!

Have you heard enough that you want to jump up and get one of these Data Entry Work at Home or Data Entry Work from Home jobs? Go visit http://www.goodinternetmoney.com/Make-Money-With-Data-Entry.php.

All About Freelance Health and Medical Writing Jobs

November 24, 2008

If healthcare and medicine interest you, you’ll probably enjoy freelance health and medical writing. Even if you’re not versed in technical jargon, you can still find a place for yourself in the industry.

If you do have the technical background, you might be an excellent writer for pharmaceutical companies or an editor for medical journals. Otherwise, expect to find freelance jobs writing for magazines or websites about health, or in the health sections of newspapers.

Health and medical writers without backgrounds need to be excellent researchers. Look online or – better yet – go to a university library to update yourself on what’s going on in the medical world the public finds interesting. Has there been a recent vaccination controversy? Is there a new exercise trend on the horizon? Do energy bars really work? The answers to those questions appeal to people interested in health and wellness. If you can find the answers, you’ll have a sellable article.

Do I need experience to be a health or medical writer?

Do you need proof that you’ve written these types of articles for others? Yes, almost always.

Do you also need proof that you got paid for what you wrote as a health or medical writer? Nope, absolutely not.

If you don’t have the “almighty portfolio,” never fear. Write a few health/wellness articles and send them to your community newsletter, those free city newspapers, hospitals, nursing homes, medical clinics, etc. You won’t get paid, but editors will likely publish good articles.

Medical and health writers demand experience because you’re working in a specialized area. However, two or three published articles are usually enough to get your first paid job. It’ll just keep getting easier from there.

How do I find these jobs?

Once you have a few writing samples, it’s time to start sending query letters. A query letter introduces you and your idea to an editor. Here are a few tips to write a compelling query letter:

1. Know your editors. Read their magazines so you get a good feel for what articles editors may be looking for.

2. Always introduce your idea before you introduce yourself. You can impress editors by original ideas, not by resumes. Editors won’t glance at those clips you painstakingly collected if the editor doesn’t like your idea.

3. Focus on why an editor should publish your article. Yes, you need to tell the editor what you plan to write about — your main goal is to sell the editor on the notion the magazine’s readership will find your article interesting.

You may also want to approach editors of online health and medical sites, such as everydayhealth.com, healthline.com, and wellness.com. Again, make sure the nature of your article matches the content they publish.

Finally, try looking for ads on websites. Online-writing-jobs.com usually has about a dozen ads for health or medical writers, as does Freelancewriting.com and a few other sites. Do a search for “freelance health writing” to see for yourself.

How much money can I make?

It all depends on whom you’re working for. Many magazines pay $100 to $300 for short, quality articles (they pay more if the article is longer). Websites usually pay less because they have plenty of writers trying to work for them. Editors may also pay you per word, between $0.20/word and $2.00/word and up, depending on your experience and the publication’s reputation.

How should I respond to an ad?

You’ve come across an ad that appeals to you – congratulations! Read the sample ad below to see if you can figure out the best way to respond:

Holistic Weekly Magazine is currently accepting articles on alternative health trends. $0.50 to $0.90 per word.

This ad doesn’t tell you a lot, but it does tell you enough. Before you respond, go get a copy of Holistic Weekly and read it cover to cover. Once you have a solid grasp on what the magazine is all about, you’re ready to pitch your article ideas.

This magazine seems to focus on alternative health, so you need to ask yourself whether your idea is relevant. Organic eating, “western medicine” scandals, and types of alternative health care might be ideas to get you started.

Remember: knowing your editor and your readership are important to get published.

Brian Scott is a full-time freelance writer with over a decade of experience. He finds many of his paid freelance medical writing jobs at Online Writing Jobs ( http://www.online-writing-jobs.com ), a free jobboard that lets you search thousands of freelance writing jobs.

All About Freelance Journalism Jobs

November 24, 2008

Breaking into journalism isn’t easy. Besides polished creative writing skills, you need self-motivation and willing to accept your share of low-paying gigs. Don’t expect more than $35 an article for smaller daily newspapers. Bigger-city newspapers will pay around $200 an article for good stories.

Most full-time reporters received training at journalism schools, after they’d already earned a 4-year undergraduate degree. If you lack the education, you can still get your foot in the door by becoming a stringer (the industry term for “freelance reporter”). Many publications use stringers because they lack reporters to cover all the news at once; besides, newspapers want writers to hone their skills before they’re hired full-time, or because they like the fresh perspectives of a good freelancer.

What’s involved in freelance journalism?

This is the exciting part: as a freelance journalist, you get to chase the news as it’s happening. For many, this thrill is enough to keep them going through the drudgery and low pay.

You’ll need to keep your wits about you. If news is happening right in front of you, you must have the presence of mind to take accurate notes and come up with questions for on-the-spot interviews. Freelance journalism is all about recreating the story on paper so readers can relive the experience you had.

Where do I find freelance journalism jobs?

Before you approach any newspapers, you should have a portfolio of articles under your belt. Five to ten sample articles is the minimum. If you don’t have published samples of your work, you’ll need to do some freelance stringing for free to get started.

Hunt around for some newsworthy events – an upcoming concert, a celebrity coming to town, an impending election, etc. Then, write about it and submit your article to as many free publications as you can think of. You’ll want to make sure your article is relevant to what a given magazine or newspaper publishes, of course, but be as prolific as possible.

When you have samples under your belt, make the pitch. Email the publication, or send them a query letter. Tell the editor you have some good ideas and you’re available for freelance writing.

Alternatively, you might call the publication and let them know you’re a freelance writer and you’re wondering if they use stringers. Be brief, confident, and professional. If they do use stringers, they may ask you to come in for an interview.

How do I ace the interview?

Bring along your portfolio, a list of well thought-out ideas specifically for that publication, and a sample article that you’ve written for them. All of these will help the editor decide whether you’re a good fit for their newspaper.

Some editors want their stringers to use their own ideas and some editors have ideas of their own. Be flexible. A good portfolio will show editors that you can handle a various subject matters.

As in all interviews, be relaxed and confident. Acting nervous and stammering over your words doesn’t make a good impression. Before the interview, imagine the interview going perfectly. This technique helps calm your nerves and sets the stage for a positive interview experience.

Here’s an example:

Let’s say you want to write for your city newspaper. How would you craft your query letter?

It might go like this:

Dear (editor),

The content of your newspaper is unsurpassable. As a loyal reader and enthusiastic writer, I would be honored to contribute to The Daily News.

Our city is full of excitement this season. Here are some of the story ideas I have that would appeal to your readership:

- How do the new pet bylaws affect downtown pet owners?

- Support our agriculture: homegrown food for your family

- The upcoming art show is attracting art lovers from all over North America

- How neighborhoods are improving road safety for pedestrians

- New schools and playgrounds encourage families to move inner city

These are just a few suggestions, and of course I am open to any ideas you have. As an experienced freelance writer, I have covered a wide variety of topics. I hope you will find the enclosed clips to be compelling and well written.

Show the editor that your writing style and journalistic abilities are in line with what they’re looking for, and include your relevant experience. If you have a good query letter and they need stringers, expect a phone call!

Brian Scott is a full-time freelance writer with over a decade of experience. He finds many of his paid freelance journalism jobs at Online Writing Jobs ( http://www.online-writing-jobs.com ), a free jobboard that lets you search thousands of freelance writing jobs.

All About Freelance Translation Jobs

November 24, 2008

As technology makes our world smaller, many businesses choose to promote themselves beyond the borders of the English-speaking world. This means translating their marketing materials into one or more different languages.

Do you write or read in a language other than English? If so, you can tap into individuals, colleges, and businesses seeking your services as a freelance translator. Whether you’re translating or simply proofreading someone else’s translation, you can find plenty of paying freelance jobs in this field.

Who is hiring freelance translators?

Many international and domestic businesses that serve various ethnicities need freelance translators. In the US, it is often essential to have your promotional materials in Spanish as well as English. In Canada, people are usually looking for French/English translation.

More often than not, companies with websites are the ones that hire freelance translators. It makes sense: it’s more cost-effective to reach international clientele through the Internet. Yes, they have a website, but now they want to market to Japan – that’s where, you, the freelance translator, comes in.

On the other side, foreign businesses want to market themselves in the US or Canada. That means they need someone like you to translate from the foreign language into flawless English.

What skills do you need as a freelance translator?

Your skills depend on the job. Writing in a foreign language is more difficult than reading in one. Even if you have a solid command of a foreign language, you may not have educated yourself to the extent that you can write it effortlessly, with all the colloquialisms and nuances of a native speaker. If that’s the case, stick to the jobs where you’re translating to English.

Of course, if you can write in a foreign language as a foreigner can, go for it – you are a rare commodity!

Where can you find freelance translation jobs?

Check out websites like online-writing-jobs.com and writingbids.com. These sites devote themselves to connecting freelance translators with clients who need things translated.

Freelancing websites like Guru.com and IFreelance.com are also excellent resources, especially if you know a highly sought-after language like French, Spanish, German, or many of the Asian languages.

On these sites you bid for projects, which can be competitive for more run-of-the-mill freelance work. For translation projects, it’s a whole different story. There are few capable translators out there, so your bid will often be the only bid.

If you don’t speak one of the more “popular” translation languages, don’t worry – you can still find projects that pop up occasionally. Look at it this way: the rarer the language, the rarer the competition!

How can I quote appropriately for a freelance translation job?

Because your freelance translation services are in high demand, you can quote high, but do your best to estimate what the client can afford. If it’s a startup project, chances are they don’t have a ton of money to throw around.

That said, freelance translators can expect to earn at least $35 per hour and can charge much more as they build up a portfolio of happy customers. You have a unique skill, so don’t undersell yourself. Use the marketing concept called “prestige pricing” — if you lowball your prices, potential clients will assume you aren’t good enough for them to pay you well.

How should I respond to a translation job ad?

Always present yourself professionally. Clients need to trust that you can handle the job because they (usually) have no immediate way of checking to see how accurate your translation is.

Read the sample ad below and ask yourself how you’d respond:

We have Japanese documents that must be translated to English for a business meeting. Please only respond if you can translate about 25 pages within one week. US English only.

If you can handle translating that quantity of Japanese in a short timeframe, then decide if you want to respond to the ad. When you respond, make sure you:

1. Emphasize your translation skills and what qualifies you as an expert translator.

2. Reassure the client that your English is of a professional caliber, so the documents will be appropriate for a business meeting.

3. Estimate your fee based on the time you need to complete the project.

Remember that people usually need translators because they can’t do it themselves. Demonstrate your ability and integrity, and you should enjoy substantial success as a freelance translator.

Brian Scott is a full-time freelance writer with over a decade of experience. He finds many of his paid freelance translation jobs at Online Writing Jobs ( http://www.online-writing-jobs.com ), a free jobboard that lets you search thousands of freelance writing jobs.

Finding an Online Job

November 24, 2008

There are many opportunities for employment on the Internet. If you’re looking for a job at home or at work at home jobs in a search engine you will find many jobs at home with a job site. Some offer free membership and certain monthly costs, annual registration fees or life. Many offer a free trial of State or member of the process.

Equipment Directory, no fee work at home

However, there are also many other businesses online job right at home at no cost to you. Some of them are Outsourcing Services recruitment staff of the House their own websites. It will also assist ads desired temporary and permanent research agencies for employees. They consider the work of administration, the number of staff, the independent Web sites that recruiters wanted to help the classifieds or the jobs of the staff of the research. An online virtual services personnel should provide practical assistance in a variety of virtual staff, that the search for employees to work for their clients.

Outsourcing Services does not charge

There is a lot more work at home about the possibilities of the Internet with Outsourcing Services. You already have a large customer base and marketing system and are on the lookout for more staff to help their customers. There are call centers, supporting customers and providers of customer relationship management, the companies pay for the support of the customers work in the house, business premises in search of specialists for the sale of virtual assistant for the research of virtual assistants, the processing of Data for the research as an input for typing and other outsourcing services for the advertising of staff, whose online. You can also see many outsourcing services such as online advertising for the handling and attitude of publishers to work for their online services, or writers, typists, accountants, etc. Many agencies currently work independently and also advertising for Web sites workers who are in the outsourcing projects for them.

Classified Ads

To see the latest ads and wanted to look http://FreshJobs.com http://ExpertNetSurf.com. The recent reports with titles like “we are looking for employees”, “Help Wanted Jobs” and in newsgroups, jobs, forums and message boards too. JobBoardMagic.com, Job-Search-Engine.com and JobLine.net check many job boards in their job search. You can also use your resume to deposit and http://HelpWantedSite.com job seekers with your CV from its website. CareerBuilder.com, a large employment and career site, and Jobvertise.com also use this service free of charge.

Jobs at home Newsletter

There are also many jobs at home websites that give you in the last job advertisements in a newsletter or ezine. They combine their mailing list or subscribe to their free newsletter on their Web site. ExpertNetSurf.com is recommended for new jobs at home advertisements in their free newsletter. Bassador.com, telecommuting and HomeJobStop.com-Connection.com also free access to jobs at home information in their newsletters. E-mail notifications are also in many jobs and career sites, including CareerBuilder.com, and HelpWantedSite.com IHireAccounting.com

Internet newsgroups

Another resource for job search and help wanted advertisements is Internet Newsgroups. The jobs will be in the newsgroup to http://Google.com in newsgroups such as alt.jobs.offered, misc.jobs.offered, biz.jobs.offered, us.jobs.offered and misc.jobs. You will find many recently wanted advertising in the newsgroups and news on this topic. You can also jobs. Many more jobs at home opportunities are in groups, Yahoo and MSN Groups.

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How to Make a Smashing Voiceover Demo, Darling

November 23, 2008

The biggest mistake VOs make when they go and record their demo is rocking up to the studio without having done any preparation. Most depend on the sound engineers to provide the scripts for them. So now they’re using valuable studio time finding their feet with an unfamiliar script - something they could have done at home.

No ladies and germs. That studio time is costing you a fortune and you’ve got to make it count. The key is to have all your material in advance - and practice your *ss off before you ever get to the studio.

Here’s how you can get your material together:

1. Listen to the radio and take note of the ads that you like. Keep a pen and paper handy, and copy the script. Then practice the script over and over. Not just in your head - but say it out loud. It doesn’t have to be

an entire ad - it could also just be a snippet, like the announcer bit of an ad.

2. This is probably the best way to go about getting script material.

Go to advertising awards websites that have radio sections. For example: www.bestadsontv.com would be your best bet. Then you can also look for winners results in the radio categories on www.radio-awards.net as well as www.dandad.org and www.canneslions.com. There are tons of mp3s online of great international ads to choose from.

3. Another way of finding material is to go onto advertising agencies websites and look at the work they’ve done. Go to their TV or radio section and take sections from those scripts. See page 12 for a list of ad agencies in Dublin.

4. You can also ask your sound engineer to send you a few mp3s of scripts he has recorded in the past. You can choose a bit you like, copy down the script, and practice, practice, practice.

And that’s all there is to it. The sound engineer will help you and guide you on the day, but you’ve got to bring something to the party. Otherwise It’s just like flushing your money down the bog.

IMPORTANT: Make sure that your sound studio is one that is used by the top agencies. Don’t try to do your demo on the cheap – find the right guys for the job. Look for some good Dublin sound studios that you can enquire with to do your demo.

Spamming Your Link

The first thing you need to do is get a list of ad agencies in your area.

See page 12 for a list of Dublin ad agencies. Once you have their details, pick up the phone and start calling them. Speak to the receptionist and request an email address of a copywriter and radio producer in the agency. (Not all agencies have in-house producers, but many do.) This is how you build up a database. It’s a bit of a slow and painful process, so one solution is to work together with another voiceover and share your information.

Once you have your database, think of something short and snappy to say in your cover email. Remember, you’re talking to advertising folks.

Attention-span: zero.

Something like: “hi Mr. X, i’m so shit-hot right now. Here’s my voiceover demo to prove it. Next time you’re looking for seductive temptress, please give me a call.”

Or something like that. The key is SHORT AND SNAPPY. And include one short explanation of something of your voice - the example given “seductive temptress” could also be something like “a down-to-earth straight read” or something else specific.

Spamming is a bit of a lottery - it might or might not result in work. However, it is free and it is promotion for you. Stuck record here, but the more ways you have of promoting yourself, the better.

Voiceover UK and voice over Ireland are two leading independent directories of voiceovers and were created by copywriters, for copywriters.

Voice Over Work: Know Your Etiquette

November 23, 2008

Many actors achieve great success in this industry. Its fun, they make great cash, and they keep getting work over and over again. Then there are others who are struggling to even get one gig. After many years as a copywriter working with successful (and a few not-so-successful) voiceovers, and founder of a few online voiceover directories I’ve been studying what makes certain voiceovers successful.

The biggest way you are going to get money in this job is to get repeat business. People tend to use those they like and trust over and over again. And how do you get repeat business? Be nice.

1. Arrive 10 minutes early.

You want to make a good impression. (Especially since there’s a room full of clients/sound engineers/producers/copywriters/account directors waiting just for you.)

2. Drink up.

Have a glass of water with you when you’re in the booth to keep your voice clear. Don’t order a coffee at the studio, it mucks your voice up.

3. Be patient.

Remember, copywriters can be quite anal, so you will be asked to do something over and over and over again. It doesn’t mean you’re not doing a good job. It’s just the nature of the beast.

4. It’s not your ad.

Again, copywriters can be quite anal. They probably have a specific idea about what they’re looking for. All you can do is try to figure out what the fcek they mean when they say ‘warm yet corporate’ or ‘more energy, but slow it down a bit’ or something else vague. Try to be patient and not have too many “creative differences”.

5. Make your escape.

When you’re done your gig, say your goodbyes and thank you’s. No need to stick around.

6. Leave a business card behind.

Give it to the copywriter or agency producer, and simply say “thanks for the gig, here’s my card if you need anything”. Some companies offer to design cards for free for VO’s, as it leaves such a good impression when they leave their cards behind in studios.

7. Don’t go with a hangover.

Don’t get boozed up the night before a gig. Or at least not if the gig is in the morning. Your voice will thank you for it.

8. Do your thing.

If you’re doing a voice over with a few different actors in studio, don’t have a bash at their lines. (Actors can also be quite anal sometimes).

Just do the lines you were asked to do.

9. Remain calm.

If you’ve no experience in studio - as a rule, try not to say too much or crack too many jokes. The nerves really show up then. Just put your headphones on, be friendly and do your best. As time goes by, you’ll feel more relaxed in studio.

10. Make suggestions.

Its ok to make suggestions for minor script changes, for example, if something isn’t reading well or sounding natural. But just test the waters. Sometimes, for a plethora of boring bureaucratic reasons,

the client can be strict about script changes, so don’t push it too much.

Voiceover UK and voice over Ireland are two leading independent directories of voiceovers and were created by copywriters, for copywriters.

Voice Over Jobs: How to Get That Gig

November 23, 2008

This article will give you all the need-to-knows to become successful in this business and get as many voiceover jobs as possible. We’ve listed 9 insider tips in an easy-to-digest way.

Below is a list of clever marketing tips that can help you to get more publicity for yourself. These will take a bit of effort, but the rewards could be huge.

1. Get an agent.

The more people you have promoting you, the better. See page 14 for a list of agents in Dublin.

2. You gotta be online.

There are voiceover listing websites that promote voiceovers to ad agencies. Even if you already have an agent, join up! The more people you have promoting you, the better.

3. Email marketing.

Email all the copywriters and producers in ad agencies your personal link so that they can listen to your demo. See page 11 for tips on how to spam yourself.

4. Signature your emails.

Set your URL as a signature at the bottom of EVERY email you ever send. You never know who might end up clicking on it. And what the heck, its free promotion.

5. Send out your CD.

Send a CD with your demo on it. The downside is that it’s quite a pricey operation, and many copywriters don’t even listen to CDs that land on their desks. The upside is you might get a gig or two out of it. Might. See the next point for a better way.

6. Personally deliver your CD.

Go around to sound studios and introduce yourself to the sound engineer personally. Give them a CD with your demo on, and ask them to listen to it. Do something cute with the packaging - attach a chocolate or something. Call the receptionist in advance to get a contact name of the sound engineer. Always have a contact name. You could do the same thing with ad agencies. Rather go personally to 10 people than blindly posting your CD to 100 randoms.

7. Have a good photo.

Do you have a good photo up on your voiceover site? People with photos get 5 times as many hits as those without! Don’t have a cheap looking homemade photo from the 1980s. Have a fancy, black and white, professional one.

8. Have a photo on your business card.

So when you’re networking, those potential contacts will remember you when they look at your card again in a few weeks time.

9. Offer your services.

If you’re new to the industry and are trying to break in - offer to copywriters that you’d be happy to do a free gig if they have a personal script (not for broadcast) that they’d like to produce. (Copywriters often try to record their own personal work for their portfolios, as such they wouldn’t have money to pay for it. This could make a great impression – even if they never take you up on the offer). You can send an email or call or go and see them personally.

Voiceover UK and voice over Ireland are two leading independent directories of voiceovers and were created by copywriters, for copywriters.

Identifying and Nurturing the Right Mid Level Talent

November 23, 2008

Corporates struggle, when recruiting middle level professionals (midpros). It is a challenge to match the aspirations of the mid career professionals with what the corporates expect of them. Only a just match leads to satisfaction of both. The midpro is then committed, knowing the relationship is highly productive and this results in the midpro’s longevity in the company.

Here are 4 important things corporates must do in order to find the right mid level professionals:

1) Balance: Capabilities Of The Midpro With The Expectations Of Corporates

When choosing middle level professionals, corporates must try to match the capabilities a midpro possesses, with what it actually requires, to get the job done. A mismatch is troublesome to both parties concerned. It is necessary that the corporates measure the potential of the midpro. For this, it should test the functional expertise of the midpro. Additionally, a measure of the skills and knowledge the midpro possesses, is essential to judging the midpro. Besides the person’s personal and professional aspirations must be understood.

2) Recognize: The Midpro’s Personal Preferences

It is necessary to know the mind of the middle level professional the corporate plans to hire. This will eliminate candidates who are unsure and suffer from low self esteem. Additionally, the midpro should enjoy a comfortable position in health, wealth and in family life. The midpro’s areas of interest should also be ascertained. This is critical as the midpro might be looking for ways to explore his or her interests, while seeking career development. If the midpro appears purpose driven, then he will possess the qualities necessary to succeed.

3) Understand: The Midpro’s Professional Preferences

A midpro, with some years of experience behind him, would naturally aspire for professional recognition. The corporate should gauge how much the midpro expects to achieve, by working with the company. The midpro’s achievements should be appreciated. The corporate should be able to estimate the learning abilities of the midpro. It is also necessary to check if the midpro is willing to adapt to changes. A willingness to learn will improve the efficiency of the midpro. Otherwise, at a later stage, the corporate would have difficulty in accommodating the midpro at higher efficiency levels. There is a chance that the midpro might also be looking for meaningful opportunities.

4) Gauge: The Midpro’s Career Aspirations

The corporates can also check if the midpro has explored the depths of his or her profession. The corporate should be able to provide the midpro with opportunities to apply the skills learnt over the years, to other areas of the industry. It should also provide interesting challenges to the midpro to expand the scope of his abilities. Besides this, the midpro should be given opportunities to acquire newer capabilities. This is important to maintain excitement in the job.

It is difficult to achieve the right match between what the corporates expect, with what a midpro desires. But this task can be made simpler by applying the above recommendations, meticulously. Such a match will result in a longer and more fruitful relationship between the corpoarte and the midpro.

KS Rajasekar is a MidPros Mentor at MidCareers.com. If your corporation has difficultly recruiting professionals belonging to the middle level professionals category, and if you are looking for tips to make this process easy, please visit: Placement and Career Enrichment Services

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