Do you have a burning question? JUST ASK

It can be about any topic related to growing your writing business - from wayward apostrophes, to types of writing, business, blogging, sustaining motivation - whatever. If I don’t know the answer or have suggestions, I will most likely know someone who does. We will at least try to point you in the right direction so you can do some more reflection or research yourself.

Our first question comes from Nancze. While not strictly writing related, Nancze’s question is one that is relevant to many people keen to work from home. There is a lot of crossover for all work at home jobs. Writers often supplement their income with non writing jobs too.

JUST ASK - Nancze Asks

I would like to work from home, but I do not want my own business. I am not that ambitious. Truly I would just like to work for someone. Do you have any suggestions? I know you talk about writing and I would love to be able to write, but I do not have that kind of talent. I know my limitations.

Well I thought I would ask, but please don’t feel obligated to answer. I know that you give great information and help to those who want to write for a living. I enjoy reading your blog.

Nancze has a nursing background with skills in clerical work, typing, medical transcription and medical billing. She is proficient with computers including Microsoft word, Excel, Paint Shop Pro and a specialist medical program, Accumed. She has done a great job on her personal website. Nancze is not currently in a financial position to do training courses. She is flexible with work hours, and is able to work full time from home. She would prefer one employer, rather than contract jobs, and is looking for a clerical position.

My Response

While your preferred situation is a job with one employer, you may need to start with contract work. Just take it one step at a time. Many home based workers end up getting ongoing work with someone for whom they did a short term contract. You need to be patient, persistent and be prepared to identify and follow through opportunities. Marketing yourself, being proactive and not getting disheartened is the hardest part for most people. This is where a support network and touching base with others e.g. in forums etc. can be invaluable.

Strengths and Skills

Contract work can actually be a plus to get you started. It lets you get a feel for working from home, what is available, what is possible, and where the opportunities are. Firstly look at your strengths and skills. The medical area is your point of difference, so a definite strength. Also look at what you enjoy doing. Maybe it is not medical work.

Make Your Resume Count

Make sure your resume is updated and tailored for the specific job you want to target. There is an art to writing and presenting an effective resume, but that is a huge area, which I won’t cover here. If approaching local businesses or doctors’ offices, see if you can talk to the manager, rather than just leaving a resume with the receptionist.

Job Hunting Online

Apart from job ads in your local newspaper etc., you can start somewhere like Craigslist which has workplace, work from home and telecommuting jobs. Choose the Admin and Telecommuting options for online work. Also look at Virtual Assistant jobs. I think this would be a very good area for you, and also provides some variety. Data entry and clerical work are other options. Indeed.com is another source of jobs, including telecommuting. Are there specialist medical job boards online?

Leverage Your Blog

You already have a strong and very loyal network from your blog. Do a post and ask them for suggestions, or invite them to add to the conversation here. Place an ad anywhere you can for free e.g. your church newsletter for e.g. typing work. Spread the word. Do up a simple brochure on your computer. You never know who knows who, and where a smaller job may lead. It all helps while you are looking for more long term work.

It would not be out of place to put a button on your blog advertising any Paint Shop Pro services you feel confident offering to your readers. Your blog is already a great advertisement for your skills.

Making Money Online

Mike Bridges who visited Grow Your Writing Business to comment on my post on the 13 Year Old Blogger writes Mike’s Money Rants & Raves. This is a useful and interesting site in which Mike shares tips and details how much he makes each week from different online avenues. Some of these may be worth exploring as short term or sideline options.

Networking and Forums

Networking and research is key to working online, especially when getting started. You’ve taken the first step by asking at JUST ASK. Next, join some forums and see which ones you like best. Mom gadget has an excellent forum (not just for moms), and you can’t go past WAHM.

You can search for specialist forums too, but I like the moms forums and the home business style forums. They are strong, proactive and supportive, and are right onto the latest information, and willing to share. Working at home is not just about the job itself.

Mary Emma Allen from Home Biz Notes - a JUST ASK Home Biz Expert

Mary Emma Allen from b5 media’s Home Biz Notes, where I was interviewed, has agreed to be one of our panel of JUST ASK series experts. She advises Nancze -

“More and more companies are doing outsourcing… right in their backyard or over the Internet nowadays. Check in your area to see if there are any companies that set people up to work for them…but at their own home… Instead of outsourcing to another country, other companies are following suit and looking for people nearby to work at home.”

Mary Emma makes a good point. Identify and follow up opportunities in your local area for doing medical work, data entry, virtual assistance or other work from home. She has also written a follow up post at Home Biz Notes triggered by Nancze’s question, and cites another opportunity “One of the smaller, yet growing, airlines started by using homeworkers to make reservations. They work from their homes around the country.”

Check Home Office & Home Business Resources on the Web

For both work at home employees and home based businesses, these sites are excellent resources - Home Biz Notes, Work from Home Revolution (see sidebar for job ideas list), and Worldwide Work from Home. Can any readers recommend others?

Also see if there are resources provided by local, state or governnment organisations. Nancze, I hope this gives you some starting points to explore further options. Do your research thoroughly for all online options including job offers. Beware of scams. Let us know how you get on. Good luck.

Over To You - Please Add Your Suggestions for Nancze

Dear Readers - I hope you will help. Do you have any suggestions for Nancze? Please leave them in the comments. I’m sure Nancze would appreciate any support, and others may benefit from your experiences and suggestions too.

JUST ASK - DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION?

Ask your queston via the Grow Your Writing Business contact form. The subject line should say JUST ASK Yvonne Russell, so I don’t delete it as spam. I will email you for further details if needed, and answer here on the blog. I’d love to hear from you. Remember the question can have anything at all to do with growing your writing business.

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