Category Archives: Business

(Online) Job Hunting

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My initial impression of job hunting online for a work-from-home position was that it would be easier.

In one aspect it is when it comes to commuting; there’s no running all over God-knows-where trying to get to a certain place, or worse, trying to find it when you have no clue where you’re at or don’t know the area. At all. And then there’s that hour-long (or more) stretch getting out there and then going home. Yecch!

But in all other regards, online job hunting is still a tricky process. Being positive you meet most, if not all, qualifications doesn’t mean you’ll get the job (and you should, or at least be a serious candidate). What exactly are employers and recruiters really looking for?

Here’s an example of some “qualifications” that are absolutely stunning in their complexity and complication. It’s for the position of Content Marketing Writer:

Responsibilities

  • Working with all division consulting practices and industry vertical areas to write, edit, update and maintain the content, including: web content, emails, newsletters, online advertising, case studies, whitepapers, thought leadership works, research reports, bylined articles, press releases, social media posts, product brochures, datasheets, direct mail, video scripts, presentations, ads, internal communications and other materials as needed
  • Integrating key messaging and positioning, and ensuring accuracy, quality, and consistency of corporate standards for thought leadership and marketing communications materials across all global regions (Americas, EMEA, APAC)
  • Bringing and applying business acumen while working with practice marketing managers, subject matter authorities, and regional marketers as well as conducting interviews to gather information, write and edit content to support divisional content strategy
  • Working with the Communications team to write, build content, peer review internal communications, leadership communications, external media pitches, press releases, external op-ed pieces, divisional media responses to evolving/emergent situations/crisis communications
  • Representing the divisional marketing team in interdepartmental projects such as sales meetings, company intranet redesign, and corporate rebranding
  • Other duties for this role will be assigned
  • Bachelor Degree
  • 2 years of related experience

Desired

  • Marketing copywriting experience
  • Experience in editing and proofreading all types of copy for all types of platforms
  • Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or related field
  • Five to seven years of relevant experience in business-to-business (B2B) and/or consulting marketing, public relations, and/or communications
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
  • Excellent, customer-centric oral and written communication skills, with an emphasis on grammar, copywriting, and proofreading
  • Writing samples demonstrating effective brand-sensitive marketing communications required
  • Marketing copywriting experience

Skills & Experience

  • Excellent writing skills, both technical and narrative
  • Strong business acumen and ability to develop and articulate complex value propositions in the consulting space
  • A creative mind with a strong design aesthetic
  • Experience developing content for marketing programs that resulted in increased brand visibility and sales leads
  • Experience gathering details on market dynamics, client needs, and technology, and demonstrating this knowledge to build compelling content that highlights the value of a product or service offering
  • Equally strong communication skills working with subject matter authorities to produce articles and white papers
  • Excellent time management & interpersonal skills
  • Employee benefits and/or HR consulting industry experience strongly preferred

Personal Attributes

  • Impeccable eye for detail and ability to meet deadlines
  • Highly motivated with a strong work ethic; able to operate independently and with minimal supervision
  • Ability to work and interact efficiently and optimally across multiple marketing channels in a collaborative environment
  • Ability to handle pressure, prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously and accurately, to meet tight deadlines
  • Proven ability to multi-task
  • Analytical and creative problem solver with excellent time-management and problem-solving skills

U.S. Eligibility Requirements

  • Apply online to be considered
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background investigation
  • Unrestricted work authorization to work in the United States is required. For U.S. employment opportunities, Gallagher hires U.S. citizens, permanent residents, asylees, refugees, and temporary residents. Temporary residence does not include those with non-immigrant work authorization (F, J, H, or L visas), such as students in practical training status. Exceptions to these requirements will be determined based on the lack of qualified candidates with a particular skill. Gallagher will require proof of work authorization
  • Willing to execute Gallagher’s Employee Agreement or Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement which requires, among other things, post-employment obligations relating to non-solicitation, confidentiality, and non-disclosure.

What I find amazing is the sheer number of qualifications and responsibilities needed for this one position (it’s actually intimidating!). And I’ve often wondered: If you have several years of experience, why wouldn’t that be considered the equivalent of an Associate or Bachelor’s degree? And I’ve also wondered: Is this done to keep people out of a job? Or to discourage them from even trying? It could well be a combination of both.

Through it all, I always try to keep and maintain a positive attitude; it’s not easy, but there’s the saying, “Sometimes you have to get a thousand NOs before you get one YES,” “Sometimes you have to kiss a thousand frogs before you find a prince,” or something to that effect.

And for each accomplishment, whether it’s a major move or a “baby step“, give yourself a little reward (or a big one, if you prefer).

It doesn’t have to be food; rewards can vary from making time to catch up with your reading (a personal favorite) to taking 10 more minutes for a nap or checking out a new product from the store.

You’ll start looking forward to not only getting things done but also giving yourself rewards along the way.

“They” say that the best time to get a job is Wednesday morning (would that even apply if you’re online?). Personally, I’ve found that it makes no difference whatsoever as to what day or time, whether online or in person. Unfortunately, getting hired, even currently, can depend on a ton of variables that often have nothing to do with what should be the main and only factor: Your ability to get the job done.

A daily to-do list is still good, either online or written. I personally do a weekly one, because if I don’t get a task done that day, there’s still leeway to complete it within that week (and there’s less pressure!). Even online, it’s still a good idea to keep tabs on frequent updates as they happen (there could be a slow period; several weeks of nothing. Then suddenly, two days or a week of intense activity! You just never know; it’s the “variables” at work, so to speak.)

To Be Continued…

Money Making Abilities and Skills by Astrological Sign-Part 2

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Libra-They will take time to get things right and are usually honest in business. Libras are often in a partnership, a great promoter of ideas, and build a good network of contacts.

As an employer, a typical Libra is extremely restless but unhurried! They’ll consider everyone’s opinion before making decisions. These bosses will come up with unusual answers to problems, are experts at analyzing situations, with strong opinions on finance. And they believe they have the best policy.

As an employee, a typical Libra will belong to a union, give and expects a fair deal, and is a great mediator when dealing with personality differences. They can be moody but are not nasty, and they talk a lot but do not gossip. And they need rest breaks!

To Libras, wealth means luxury.

Scorpio-This sign will eventually know all their fellow workers’ secrets! They can also sense other people’s moods. Scorpios will excel as team leaders and will appear to be calm in all situations.

As an employer, a Scorpio wants total loyalty; they’ll even be concerned and compassionate to workers’ families, regarding them also as part of the team. These bosses confront problems directly, will solve even the most difficult problems, and do anything to help someone they like. But they’ll never reveal the deep extent of their competitiveness.

As an employee, Scorpios are self-motivated, know what they want to achieve, do not waste time, and are not clock-watching. They are tenacious, intense, and career-minded. These workers will take any amount of criticism from someone who has something they want and will accept failures as inevitable only when the odds are overwhelming.

For Scorpios, wealth is access to power and corporations.

Sagittarius-Saggies need a challenge, even if they’re working the dullest, most routine position. They’re also versatile and need intellectual and physical exercise. Saggies may have two jobs; they need to do several things at once (They’ll get tired only when bored).

As an employer, a Saggie may be very blunt and expects people to be straightforward. They have a good sense of overall planning but may overlook details. They are kind and understanding but can be erratic and hard to tie down. Saggies are generously cheerful, can promote anything very well, and can boost morale. They’ll fight for what they believe is right.

As an employee, Saggies work best when they’re allowed to work at their own pace (usually fast!). They’re cheerful and do not complain, will boost everyone’s spirits, are enthusiastic, willing, and usually ahead of everyone else. Saggie workers are interested In current pay, but not in long-term career plans.

To a Sagittarius, wealth allows them to take gambles and risks to forge into uncharted businesses and to back up their vision with action.

Capricorn-This sign will work hard and for long hours; they also like to have some “homey” comforts at their workplace to enable a clothes change for another appointment, or to do an all-nighter if needed.

As an employer, Capricorn will not neglect their family life; family members may visit at work. These bosses are kind, but follow the rules! They also work very hard and have a strong sense of duty. They’re not into perks but will help when people are in need. Responsibilities are taken very seriously; personal needs may be ignored. Complex organizations will be kept running smoothly. They are also conservative dressers and are well organized.

As an employee, a Capricorn will arrive a little early and leave late. They’ll work steadily and quietly, staying with the same company for a long time. This sign is dependable, can carry huge workloads, and will mind their own business. Capricorns occasionally will reveal a wry sense of humor and has respect for authority and the elderly. They’re conscientious and always aim high-for the power, not the glory, however. And they’ll expect a salary that reflects the type of work done.

For Capricorn, wealth means large sums of money-preferably cash-that they can put their hands on at any time.

Aquarius-They enjoy working with a group. They don’t like the routine; Aquarius enjoys variety. And they usually like using their mind, but don’t like decision-making.

As an employer, this boss is fair and will pay their employees exactly the job’s worth and are generous to anyone doing extra-special work above and beyond. They expect a day’s work for a day’s pay and don’t like any form of dishonesty. Aquarius will carry out the role of the boss with their sign skills of quick thinking and shrewd analysis. They’ll give employees all the rope they need (even to hang themselves) and will not forgive lies or broken promises.

As an employee, Aquarius can be aloof, but will still gather a large circle of friends. They’ll regularly go off on a mental exploration of future possibilities, returning with very creative ideas and bringing a fresh approach to any task. In their early years, an Aquarius will change jobs frequently, but later they’ll settle down and stay with one company. Aquarius workers are courteous, conscientious, and have a knack for sensing machine malfunctions.

To Aquarius, wealth equals freedom, especially to say “no”.

Pisces-This sign enjoys work that offers freedom of expression, which for Pisces usually means working alone or in a self-directed position. If Pisces is working in a team, they’ll prefer an occupation that allows for frequent changes and adaptations. They don’t like working in a team that has a strict routine.

As an employer, Pisces will serve people rather than accumulate power; in organizations, they’re more likely to be there as a director rather than as a regular boss. They’re also a shrewd judge of character, unconventional and creative, but values the conventional and well-organized; they’re needed to back up their ideas.

As an employee, Pisces will need work where there’s a lot of outlet for creative imagination and human understanding; if one or the other of these needs are not met, Pisces will be depressed, useless, and lazy. They are very impacted by their surroundings; they’re loyal workers if they’re happy.

For Pisces, wealth means luxury.

Money Earning Abilities and Skills by Astrological Sign-Part 1

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Aries-They’re very loyal and enthusiastic about the company, BUT will look elsewhere if bored. Keep them engaged!

They’ll work all hours (if the interest is maintained), are highly creative, and can initiate.

As an employer, they expect complete loyalty but can go it alone if necessary.

They’re capable of taking a business up from near bankruptcy, and will generously reward hard work, particularly during a crisis.

As an employee, they can promote anything.

They want to learn, progress, and succeed, but can be careless with details.

To an Aries, wealth equals freedom; in particular, the freedom to say “no.”

Taurus-One of the zodiac’s most renowned money-making signs; almost nothing is more satisfying to them than a big, fat savings (and/or checking) account with their name on it.

They’ll work hard to build financial security, are astute, and can evaluate a situation very quickly in financial terms.

They also require respectable work, have great respect for institutions, and can’t stand interference.

As an employer, they’ll stubbornly stick to their principles, and will give everyone more than a fair shot, but if that trust is broken, someone will get fired!

They’re often self-made and will make money.

They don’t make hasty judgments and want things done their way.

Taurus bosses are kind and patient but expect total loyalty. And they hate needless flattery; just the facts, ma’am!

As an employer, they need a regular wage.

They are also an excellent choice to handle the money, for they’re honest and dependable.

To a Taurus, wealth means large sums of money-preferably cash-that they can put their hands on at any time.

Gemini-This sign gets things done and can deal with emergencies quickly, but works better with people around.

They’ll try everything once but needs variety.

As an employer, they’ll delegate astutely and concentrate on ways to increase profits and cut costs.

Geminis are also inclined to inspect, notice, classify, and question every aspect of every department and the workers. But they’ll also build goodwill by meeting clients not only in restaurants and on golf courses, or anywhere in places near and far.

As an employee, they can charm their way through an interview and are good at thinking up new ideas and details.

They’ll chat and joke, but will get things done.

Geminis like fast action and quick returns; they’ll get bored and fail to carry through an idea if there’s too much red tape.

For Gemini, wealth means the freedom to say “no.”

Cancer-They’re in it for the money, but with that being said, they take work seriously and will work hard, work steadily, and are reliable.

As an employer, a Cancer boss doesn’t like frivolity and has one basic goal: Make that money!

They rarely forget anything (beware), but will generously reward hard work.

As an employee, a typical Cancer will work hard because a healthy bank account gives them a sense of security. And this sign expects a steady pay raise for the more work and responsibility that’s given to them (they do enjoy the responsibility).

For Cancer, wealth equals large sums of money-preferably cash-that they can put their hands on at any time.

Leo-They usually give a good first impression on job interviews, but be aware that they can act a part or exaggerate when necessary and finds it difficult to say “I’m sorry.”

Leos also need to be in charge of something; they can work very hard-the key word here is “can.”

As an employer, the average Leo has Huge self-confidence-and a Huge ego to match.

But they love their “people” (the workers), showing great thoughtfulness, lavishing praise and compliments, getting everyone to work hard for them, happily showing people how to do things, and charming folks into being devoted workers. But with that being said: Leos will lose confidence if there’s a “mutiny”; they cannot tolerate failure and the Leo boss will take credit for everyone’s success.

As an employee, Leos are great showpeople, will keep customers happy, are very loyal, and loves genuine praises of their efforts. And be sure to always recognize or acknowledge their overwhelming superiority!

For Leo, wealth means luxury.

Virgo-They’ll be self-disciplined, offer a sense of stability for others, can enjoy complicated or routine work, and are very helpful to other people.

As an employer (and also a small company boss), this sign is excellent! And most have a fantastic work ethic.

They can see the details clearly, will call a spade a spade, are kind, honest, and fair, and can handle extremely complicated projects.

Virgo employers expect good grooming and good manners from their workers. And they’ll reward good work with actual pay!

As an employee, Virgos are good in service work or research, quick-thinking, analytical and intelligent.

They’re an excellent assistant to the boss, with additional qualities of being cautious, critical, methodical, courteous, reliable, thorough, doing good work, and expecting correct pay. Don’t screw them over!

To a Virgo, wealth equals access to power and other people’s money.

Ten Reasons Why Volunteering Beats Employment

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A few years ago, before the Covid-19 pandemic struck and work-from-home options became widely available, I wrote this article, feeling particularly frustrated with my job.

It’s meant to be funny (hope it still is) but there’s a large grain of truth to it. 

Even for those who absolutely loved their work at the time, as I’m sure many do currently, I’m also sure there are many of you who often wondered then and currently, “What the hell am I doing here?” or “What’s the point of all this?” 

To all the hardworking, striving to be loyal, yet disgruntled nine-to-fivers (and those who have to work those SUPER-EARLY or graveyard shifts!), I DO understand, have been through it, and totally salute you.

Enjoy!            

1. You’re around a nicer, better-educated group of people. (Have you ever tried actual conversations with some folks on employed jobs? Sometimes it would be nice to discuss books or even politics (long considered a workplace no-no) than gossip or kids for a total of eight hours, or who doesn’t have kids and what’s wrong with them for a total of eight hours (I swear to God, this was an actual conversation I was subjected to).

2. You often get to CHOOSE who or with whom you wish to work. Being THROWN IN a group often requires extremely great acting (you know what I’m talking about).

3. Volunteer working conditions are ALWAYS more pleasant. (You can set your own time, custom design your workday, etc. And breaks can be taken! Many real jobs don’t give breaks; some won’t let you eat lunch! (True: One place I worked DID NOT). And many have prehistoric work equipment. Or none at all.

4. You’re allowed as much time as you need to develop a new skill. How many of you have just started a new job and weren’t TRAINED at all? Had to learn through trial and error, didn’t you? I know you did.

5. You actually are happy and eagerly looking forward to going there. (No further comment needed.)

6. You’re able to stay in a good mood because most people there aren’t pissed off at the volunteer worker.

7. If a mistake’s made, (unless it’s a colossal doozie, i.e., you deleted all the computer databases) no hissy fits occur. It’s chalked up to getting your feet wet, a learning experience.

8. You’re not a part of office politics or backstabbing. (That’s also why you can stay in a good mood.)

9. You can be yourself; let that REAL personality sparkle! (As a volunteer, people are more willing to work with your particular quirks; in employed jobs, it’s often the other way around. Your personality’s subjugated for the greater good. Doesn’t this just suck?)

10. You don’t get sick as often. Or FEEL sick, anyway. Or want to feel sick.

The ONE (that I can determine so far) reason that employment beats volunteering (unfortunately): Money (most of the time, it’s never enough, especially for some very important, essential occupations).

How to Gain Back Five Hours a Week

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Got a lot of errands to run, while juggling work and daily chores? Does it seem like you’re constantly shopping, cooking, and cleaning with little to show for it? Do you crave more family time? (This can include not only hubby and kids, but wife and kids, just wife, just hubby, just kids, your siblings, your mother, father, or other relatives staying with you or that you’re taking care of-and this can also be “non–relatives“-close friends, domestic”others“, you name it.)

It’s possible to regain five hours in a week. How? By
knowing which tasks we do most efficiently on which
days. It all has to do with the right brain/left brain
chemistry that makes us more logical on certain
days, more imaginative on others (It’s the right side
that controls creativity and solves problems).

Research has shown that if you do those tasks then,
you’ll get them done more quickly and you’ll gain
more family time.

Here’s how:

1. Mondays are perfect for anything That Requires You To Be Creative, Such
As Writing Out A Business Plan, Menu Planning, Or Brainstorming Ideas For
An Upcoming Project.
Why? Because you’ve just spent the weekend in a right-brain, creative state of
mind (gardening or tending to plants, relaxing, watching TV, playing with the
kids and/or pets, etc.).
If you try to tackle any left-brain tasks, like accounting or bookkeeping, you’re
not as likely to be productive (Most of us-at least 75%-are not very efficient on
Mondays; No big surprise there, huh?). Your brain has to activate its left side,
which can sometimes take up to six hours.

2. Pick Tuesdays To Pay Bills, Do The Accounting Or Bookkeeping, For
Reviewing Or Editing Current And/Or Upcoming Household Or Business
Projects.
Did you know that this day is the most productive of the week? That’s because
your left side of the brain has kicked in now and is raring to go. You’ll be totally
focused on working well.

3. Wednesdays Are Great For Running Errands (Such As Grocery Shopping)
And Making Appointments.
At midweek, your left brain needs a break from the regular work you’ve been
doing. And supermarkets tend to be less crowded on Wednesday (The
weekends are the most crowded, but sometimes if you shop early morning before
12 noon-on Sundays, you can get in and out quickly).

4. The Best Day To Do Vacuum Cleaning Or Laundry Is On A Thursday. Why?
By now, your left brain’s getting tired; doing some physical tasks will give your
left side a break.
And your right brain’s kicking back into gear, coming up with any work-related
solutions that may have been bugging you. By doing physical things that
require little concentration, you’ll give it a chance to work out!

5. Never Sweat The Big Stuff On Fridays; Focus On The Small. This may come
as a surprise to some of you, but Fridays are the least productive days; you’re
tired!
So just take care of Little Details, Short Easy Tasks, the things you didn’t
have a chance to do earlier (like simple filing or sewing buttons back on
clothes). You’ll feel productive, yet conserve your energy (which in turn will
give you extra strength).

How to be a Successful Inventor

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Many aspiring inventors make three mistakes:

They try to invent the wrong things.

They don’t have the persistence (or patience) to stay with a good idea until it pays off.

They don’t go about selling their inventions the right way.

And bear in mind that it may be years before a basically good idea begins to affect the inventor’s bank account favorably (the consumer market is a fickle one; the industrial field may pay more).

 When you try to sell your product or service, the people around the table will usually tell you all the reasons it isn’t any good. It’s partly because they didn’t think of it, partly because they may be taking a huge risk if they buy it, and partly because it’s always hard work to turn an idea into a product ready to sell.

Pick three companies that could logically use and produce your invention. Present it to all three at the same time. Tell each one that two others are looking at it. Fear of competition is a stronger motivating force than the desire for a new product.

To increase your chances of success:

You’re going to need strong persistence (or stubbornness, determination, foolhardiness, you name it), know-how, and a knack for producing the right thing for the right purpose (and at the right time).

Also, in no particular order:

Invent by the rules(for the most part).

Companies have a huge investment in their going product and don’t like to gamble. If they tried something totally new and it didn’t catch on, they could or would be wiped out. What a company will buy is something that won’t interfere with the going product (or may enhance it).

Look for new materials for ideas.

There’s a vast amount of inventing done by applying new materials to old problems.

Be alert to new ideas everywhere.

Read trade magazines, go on virtual plant tours if possible, have phone conversations or virtual chats with factory workers, for example. If you’re still commuting to work, look around and see what’s still being done by hand, or where a process is complex, messy, or expensive. Always ask yourself: “What can be done more effectively, better, cheaper, or differently?”

Apply your ideas in many fields.

While you’re developing your product, service, or process for one area, continue working on your second or other products. Diversify!

If you have a good idea, keep trying.

Watch-and study-the TV show, “Shark Tank” (and before that, there was a similar show, also on ABC, which aired for two seasons, called “American Inventor“). Many, if not most, inventors have labored for years on their products or services. Most get turned down or only make it to the preliminary rounds. But most vow to keep up because they believe; they know their product or service is great. And that’s what you’ll need to do:

 Never Give Up!

Did You Know That…..

You can develop an inventive ability far more than you may believe possible by utilizing creative thinking.

There’s a common pattern of motivation used by many inventors and creative individuals; they have a great interest in any potential problems or solutions and a strong desire to solve them.

General knowledge is very important; other things being equal, the one who has a broad knowledge of many fields and a lot of prior experience can often come up with new and significant creative ideas more easily and rapidly than the individual who has only specialized knowledge of one field.

How to Sell Almost Anything

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This is not just about selling as a job; the following five-step process can
and does apply to many other aspects of life.
Whether you’re the biggest extrovert or super shy, at some point in
your life, you will be selling SOMETHING.

1. The first step in the selling process is Prospecting-At least about 10% of
your time will be spent doing this, and it will be even more when you first start
selling.
Did you know that word-of-mouth is actually the most cost-effective way to get
business to come to you?
Until a business is self-sustaining, YOU will be talking up and promoting your company through public relations, direct marketing, and innovative advertising.


 2. Qualifying your prospective customers-This means that you want to find the
right prospective customer.
The single best way to do this is by networking, which is simply meeting people
and developing business with them.
This can be accomplished by going online, through community involvement,
volunteering, sponsoring events, or fundraising (all these will increase your
visibility and credibility), or just by being in the right place at the right time.


 3. Researching and Targeting-You will spend at least 15% of your time doing
this. Research means careful preparation-finding the motivators and benefits
that will convince a potential customer to buy. Targeting is a goal to be
achieved that’s reflective of your strategic approach. Who are you aiming for?


 4. Presentation-40% of your time will be spent presenting to your prospects,
telling about your products or service, the company (and possibly its goals),
and in this process, also about yourself.
When you come down to actually getting the order (or a yes, green light, go
ahead), you have made a “close.”


 5. Service-Very important! The strategy here is to build relationships and
increase billings. You want to make certain that you stay in touch with your
customers (especially the regular ones).

Here are at least seven ways to make sure you get repeat business:
Do a great job!
Deliver on time (or ahead of time) and meet your deadlines.
Solicit feedback.
Make it right (if a problem develops or things go wrong-because at some point,
you know they will).
Give preferential treatment to your regular customers.
Go out of your way to assist your customers’ business.
Answer phone calls and correspondence promptly.

Additional Tips

When handling an irate customer:

Never contradict one.
Never lie to one.
Never give an irate customer an immediate answer. Why? Because you may need the extra time to double-check your
information. Tell the customer you’re going to look into the problem as soon as possible (ASAP), and get back to them or
rectify the problem ASAP.

How the Most Successful Home-Based Businesses Get Business

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How do the most successful home-based businesses (those earning over $100,000 a year) get business? It’s not that much of a secret. They just do one or more of the five things that others usually don’t do.

Acquire a client base

It’s no secret that getting people to beat a path to your door right away is every self-employed person’s dream. Trouble is, it rarely happens that way (but it’s not impossible). There are some ways to make it happen for your business.

You can:
• offer something special that people want so badly that they would do almost anything to get it,
• become so well known among the people who want your offer that enough of them know you’re offering it and/or
• do the things you do so well that everyone who uses you can’t wait to tell everyone else about you.

The better you are at what you do and the more your reputation grows, the more quickly and easily you’ll attract business.

Establishing a niche

The most successful home-based businesses are highly specialized, serving a particular segment or niche that’s not provided elsewhere or adequately. For example, a company may be operating a billing service for medical technicians (as opposed to simply a billing service), or they may do consulting for the nursing industry.

Specializing this way will make it easier for you to attract clients or customers. You might think that specializing will result in a smaller client base, but the opposite is true; as long as your chosen area has enough potential customers, people will recognize the benefit of what you’re offering. Finding a niche can give you job security, but it needs to be small enough so that you don’t have a lot of competition, yet large enough to provide enough customers to support your business.
Usually, finding your niche is based on matching your education and/or job experience to a particular industry, but it can also be based on your lifelong interests, hobbies or even a personal tragedy.

For example, Empyra, an Ohio-based company founded in 1999 by Shanthi Subramanyam, provides Web-based products that improve the operating systems of companies and agencies. Subramanyam holds a bachelor’s degree in computing and information systems from England and a master’s in software engineering from Carnegie-Mellon in Pittsburgh. Her company’s products eliminate paperwork, allowing forms to be completed online and be sent automatically to the next user.

The popular TV show America’s Most Wanted came about as the result of a personal tragedy (In the early 1980s: a young child, Adam Walsh, was abducted from a store and was finally found, brutally murdered. His father and the show’s host, John Walsh, channeled his grief and despair into becoming an expert activist and advocate of law enforcement, particularly in “missing” cases.

Everyone has their own unique skills; finding them is a matter of relating experiences from your personal history to people’s current needs and then building new experiences that make you even better qualified. Don’t try to be all things to all people!

Ask yourself these questions:

• What do I do best?
• Who needs that the most?
• Where can I provide that product or service that will give me a chance to expand what I want to do to utilize my other interests?
• What industries or types of companies do I already have experience in?
• What industries or companies do I have access to now?
• What do I already know?
• What jargon or industry-specific acronyms am I already familiar with?

Other ways to carve out a niche are by “market slices,” such as geographic areas. Do you want to serve the West Side? North area? Do you want to be local, regional, or national?
Another “slice” to consider is the size of client companies. Do you want Fortune 500 clients? Are you aiming for those businesses earning under $5,000,000 yearly? Or perhaps a small company of three to twenty employees?
Perhaps a demographic group is your “slice.” Do you want a customer base of those over 65? Maybe you want to focus on single females or strictly married folks. Or you may prefer to go for the Donald Trump crowd.

(Gaining entrance through) Gatekeepers

A gatekeeper is an influential individual who is in a position to open the door to resources and contacts. Having access to these key business sources is another way that the most successful companies have achieved their particular success. Savvy entrepreneurs start with those contacts already in place, which makes getting business even quicker and easier.

Even if you don’t know a soul, here are a few of the many ways that you can go about meeting and establishing a network of your own gatekeepers—through attending professional and trade organizations, your regular business relationships and active networking. Remember that many of the most promising opportunities occur from just being in the right place at the right time when you encounter, purely by chance, someone in need of your product or service.

Becoming prominent in your field or specialty

The better you are known for being an expert—or at least mostly knowledgeable in your field—the easier it will be to attract business. But sometimes this just isn’t the case; many businesses became well known by positioning themselves to become leaders in their specialty by acquiring more knowledge in their field, assuming a leadership role in their area of expertise, or becoming pioneers in and of their particular specialty.

Anyone who is the first to offer a product or service in an area of need is a pioneer and therefore can also become a leader in that field. This can be a HUGE advantage because people will tend to think of you first. It’s also a three-in-one marketing strategy—it gives you access to gatekeepers, establishes you in a niche, and creates enough momentum to get people to beat a path to your door—all from the start.

The low cost of operations in the downtown location (there are a variety of local, county and state-based tax incentives, grants and low-interest financing—combined with enterprise-zone programs—to offer businesses the opportunity to reduce risks while encouraging investment in Ohio) and access to interns from the local state university helps Empyra attract businesses, including the U.S. federal government and Proctor & Gamble, that otherwise would be sent overseas.

“Most of my employees are located outside the city; my business pitch is that companies can outsource the work, but keep it in the U.S.,” said Subramanyam.

Becoming a great marketer

This fifth secret also contributes to continuing the success of the $100,000-plus home-based business.
By consistently using a variety of creative methods, some entrepreneurs are always able to attract and maintain a steady client base.

They:

• promote with stand-out ads
• send out gifts or brochures with unique colors or designs
• speak before network groups or starting their own

All that stands between a top marketer and other entrepreneurs are access to knowledge of how to use marketing tools in more personalized and specialized ways. With proper knowledge, anyone who’s willing to invest the time can become a great marketer.

So there you have it—five ways to position your venture for success. Where will these five “secrets” take you and your business? Find out by using them today!

Turning Your Goals Into Reality

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Define Your Particular Goals-Goals let you let know where you’re going, how you’ll get there, and when you’ll arrive; they’re a target for you to shoot for.

The more specific you can be, the better. Set your goals in terms of measurable amounts that are actually achievable and that you can commit to. For example, don’t plan in general-“I’ll have a successful freelance business“; instead, plan in specifics-“This month I’ll make five contacts for the purpose of acquiring at least two new clients.” This enables you to know what you have to do by what date. And if you DON’T reach the goal by then, just keep going until you do!

Write Them Down-Put it on paper, your computer database, or personal organizer. Under each goal, list all the tasks you’ll need to do to reach that particular one. Cross off these tasks as you achieve them.

Always Keep Your Goals In Sight-Don’t bury them somewhere (because you WILL forget them and won’t be as motivated). Hang them up as a poster above your computer (yes, they can be stored in the computer, but sometimes it’s too easy to forget them there, too) , or on a wall behind your desk. Tape them on a work table or part of your work area. Carry them with you. Or, write them on your calendar.

Review The Goals Daily-When planning your schedule and putting together your daily to-do list, refer to the goals. Don’t let a day go by without taking some steps toward your goal. Include the goal’s key tasks on the calendar. This ensures they’ll have your utmost attention.

Create Goals for All Career and Life Aspects-At day’s end, ask yourself, “What have I done to get closer to my goal?” And no excuses!

If you haven’t done anything through the day, try your best to get a goal’s task done that evening if need be.

One common way to sabotage goals is to set them for only one aspect of your life or career. For example, if you’re running a business, you’re not only running it, you’re also getting the business and doing the business. You don’t want to concentrate on just one part, to the exclusion of the rest.

And don’t make just work-related goals; make personal ones as well, for balance. One of the things that you can do is plan a weekly family outing or dinner with you and just the hubby or the wife once a month.

To Help You Along…..

Ohio artist Dinara Mirtalipova has created a blank writing journal (with a breathtaking cover!) that can be used not only for goal setting, but also for working out ideas, recording dreams, and other flights of fancy (which can enhance any present and future goals). Check out http://www.mirdinara.com; retails for $36. For those on a budget, several dollar and discount stores also carry a nice selection, from $5 and up.

A good night of sleep will not only boost your immunity; it’ll also give you the energy and outlook to help achieve your goals. A blend of calming essential oils are featured in the product Sleep Rollerball from Essence One. Chill and unwind! For more info, go to http://www.essenceone.life ($18).

A lot of people are able to work from home straight out of bed, entirely in their “jammies” for several hours or even the whole day. I’m NOT one of them. It’s essential that I wash up, change undies, get dressed, make the bed, get my mom “situated” (I’m also a full-time caregiver.), etc; then and only then, do I feel ready to tackle my projects. Even though my “commute” is actually from upstairs to downstairs, this much-needed routine puts me in regular work mode.

I also take a couple of breaks to recharge and refresh my brain. It may be a very simple brunch, a water or lemonade break, or just stepping away for five to ten minutes, doing another activity or just simply doing nothing.

I don’t actually have a set time to work, but what I DO strive for is a certain time block: for example, I’m finishing this up within my 12:30 pm.-4:30 pm. slot (with a break in there somewhere). If I’m having a super-busy, hectic day or am just tired, I’ll try to get some work done from 11:30 pm. -3 am. A LOT can be accomplished, provided I can stay awake!

I don’t actually have a set time to work, but what I DO strive for is a certain time block: for example, I’m finishing this up within my 12:30 pm.-4:30 pm. slot (with a break in there somewhere). If I’m having a super-busy, hectic day or am just tired, I’ll try to get some work done from 11:30 pm. -3 am. A LOT can be accomplished, provided I can stay awake!

Product sources: Editor Picks-Home + Garden segment and Self-care resolutions-recipe for success-Life segment- Midwest Living, January/February 2021

Beating Stress by Astrological Sign-Part 1

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Aries-When you get stressed out, your adrenaline tends to skyrocket. The best way to work off your tension is activity! Walking, gardening, even batting a ball around will make you feel a lot better. Writing down the steps you need to resolve a problem is also good. INSTANT STRESS-BUSTER: A long drive. It’s an easy way to feel that at least for this moment, you’ll in control of SOMETHING (until you clear your head and take care of the one that’s not).

TAURUS-For you, it’s all about returning to home to unwind. You “work out” stress by being a couch potato, watching TV or listening to soft music, while curled up in a blanket. INSTANT STRESS-BUSTER: A small shopping spree. Your sign enjoys shopping (for the most part), so buying yourself a little something, like a new skin cream or power drill, is an instant pick-me-up.

GEMINI-You’re the talker of the Zodiac, so talking out your stress with someone is the best way for you to deal with it. If no one’s available to listen to you, vent your frustrations out in a journal or write a letter (Don’t mail it, though). An INSTANT STRESS-BUSTER for you would be a manicure or hand massage (Geminis are natural multi-taskers, really working their hands and fingers).

CANCER-Your tend to lose your appetite when you’re under stress. Eat some comfort food (Meatloaf and mashed potatoes, ice cream, burgers and fries-anything that you consider as “comfort“). They’ll make you feel better and that everything’s going to be alright again. INSTANT STRESS-BUSTER-Cook! Make some noise with the pots and pans!

LEO-You love and crave the attention of others, so if you surround yourself with adoring “fans“, you’ll quickly get over the blues. Taking your kids, friends, spouse or fans out to dinner or a movie is also good. New clothes that make you look fantastic (and getting complimented on them!) will also bring about a better mood. Your INSTANT STRESS-BUSTER is looking over old photos; you’ll remember good times you’ve had.

VIRGO-When you’re stressed out, try working on small organizing projects, such as cleaning out closets or even your purse to feel better. Getting your surroundings in order makes you feel like your problems are in order, too. And while you’re cleaning, you just may come up with a solution to what was bugging you in the first place!
INSTANT STRESS-BUSTER-You have a great eye for detail, so keep a jigsaw puzzle around and spend a little time on it when you’re upset or worried. It gives you something else to focus on.