~*~*~ THE RAT RACE REBELLION TELEWORK BULLETIN ~*~*~ Dear Reader, A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Today’s issue -- in addition to our customary bouquet of hand-picked jobs -- brings an interview with freelancing authority and ABCNews.com writer Michelle Goodman, news of a home-based agent “training university” from virtual call center Alpine Access, guidance on planning for home-based microbusinesses, and “much more”! Enjoy, Good Luck, and Be Well. EXPLORING FREELANCING -- AN INTERVIEW WITH ABCNEWS.COM WRITER AND AUTHOR MICHELLE GOODMAN With a global recession an increasing threat, and unemployment rolls in the US alone at a 25-year high, independent work -- aka self-employment -- is quickly becoming a critical option. For more, we chatted recently with freelancing authority and author Michelle Goodman. Michelle writes a weekly career column for ABCNews.com, a blog called Nine to Thrive for NWjobs.com, and a career-advice blog for women, at The Anti 9-to-5 Guide (the title of her first book). She is also the author of “My So-Called Freelance Life -- How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire.” Her work has also appeared at CNN.com, Salon, Yahoo! HotJobs, PayScale.com, and others. (But it didn’t come easy, as she relates in her books.) She “fled the cube” in 1992. RRR: Tell us a bit about how you came to be a freelancer. MICHELLE GOODMAN: It was a hasty decision. Like many twentysomethings, I hated working in an office five days a week. As far as I was concerned, 9 a.m. was the middle of the night. At the time, I was working as a publicist at a New York book publishing company. A newspaper I had interned for after college offered me some freelance work writing advertorials about clothing trends (basically ad copy disguised as journalism). New York is expensive and some of the pieces paid more than I made in a week at my publicity job, so who was I to say no? I researched and wrote these articles evenings and lunch hours, loving every minute of it. So much so, that when I moved to San Francisco at age 24, I decided to do everything in my power to avoid getting a staff job again. After a couple years of working odd part-time jobs to offset my initially paltry freelance pay, I was off and running as a full-time independent professional. Sixteen years have passed, and I haven’t wound up on the street yet. Four years ago I bought my first home, with a 20 percent down payment. I also think it’s important to note that I’ve been supporting myself this entire time; I don’t have a domestic partner who pays my way. RRR: What are your strongest likes and dislikes about self-employment? MICHELLE GOODMAN: Likes: The variety of projects I work on and people I work with, the satisfaction of seeing my byline every week, the thrill of landing a hotshot new client, having control of my own schedule, working in my bathrobe, and never having to commute. Dislikes: Self-employment taxes, buying my own health insurance, not being able to call in a coworker to help on a project if I’m sick, and clients who monkey with deadlines or send my checks late. For me, the pros far outweigh the cons. Sure, I have crummy weeks, just like any other worker. But the autonomy and variety make freelance far preferable to me than 9-to-6 office work. RRR: You have two books out now, "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide" and "My So-Called Freelance Life." Since your own freelance career has centered on writing, what are your top do's and don'ts for new or prospective writers? MICHELLE GOODMAN: • Media layoffs are pretty much the norm these days, meaning there’s more competition than ever. To ensure you’re as employable as possible, cultivate a couple of specialties and work to diversify your skills and client base. Don’t just write about travel or food. Write about business or health too. Don’t just look to publish in newspapers and magazines. Also write for digital media outlets and the business sector. If you can proofread, edit, or project manage, do that too. The more skills you can sell, the busier your schedule will be. • Look for freelance job leads on sites like Sologig.com, FreelanceSwitch.com, and FreelanceSuccess.com. If you want to write for the media, take advantage of all the resources the site mediabistro has to offer. While you may need to do a freebie or two to line an empty portfolio, be careful not to give away the farm. • If you don’t know the first thing about running a business, pick up a book on the topic (ahem) or take a class. SCORE offers affordable classes as well as free business counseling to freelancers and entrepreneurs. • Read the blogs of veteran writers and the forums on mediabistro to pick up tips from the pros. Find and chat with other freelancers in your neck of the woods (see social networks such as Biznik and LinkedIn, as well as the Freelancers Union meetups). Next to a satisfied client, the best source of referrals is another self-employed pro who has more work than they can handle. • If you still have a day job, take advantage of all it has to offer: steady income that you can (and should) stockpile so that you don’t have to live month to month when you do flee the cube, training in key software and business practices, extra-credit projects that can yield impressive work samples for your portfolio, and a built-in professional network of coworkers, customers, vendors, and business partners—all of whom might hire or refer you for future freelance work. RRR: Sales and marketing are often a big challenge for solo workers, and involve a lot of rejection. What's your advice for readers who are anxious about sales and marketing? MICHELLE GOODMAN: Like or not, sales and marketing are a critical aspect of working for yourself. It may be uncomfortable at first to promote your talents and apply for jobs on a weekly or monthly basis, but with practice, it becomes old hat. The web and email make tooting your own horn and chatting up potential clients infinitely easier. To start off, set up a two to four page website featuring your writing bio and samples. Send an email blast to everyone you know announcing that you’re available for writing projects. And set up a profile on your social media site of choice and let friends know you’re now accepting freelance projects. As for rejection, I’ve found the best way to deal with it is to apply for as many golden opportunities you’re qualified for at once. That way, when some of them fall though (as they invariably will), the no’s don’t sting quite so much. With any luck, you’ll be too busy to care. RRR: Looking back, what has been your highest moment as a freelancer so far, and your lowest low? What did you learn from each? MICHELLE GOODMAN: All my lows have stemmed from having too much work to do in the time allotted to do it -- a common problem for freelancers -- and having to call the client to renegotiate the deadline. I’ve since learned to start projects earlier than seems necessary and to track my time on each project so I know exactly how long it will take next time. Getting my first book advance and royalty check, as modest as they were, and my first write-ups in publications such as the New York Times have definitely been high points. But this is all gravy. The reward is doing what you love each week and getting paid for it. ### VIRTUAL CALL CENTER ALPINE ACCESS OPENS “ALPINE ACCESS UNIVERSITY” -- Move Brings Essential Polish to Image of Homeshoring US-based Alpine Access, which employs 7,500 home-based agents for such clients as Office Depot, J Crew and the IRS, announced this week the opening of Alpine Access University (AAU). The company describes AAU as a “state-of-the-art virtual learning institution to develop best in class customer care representatives.” As we’ll get to in a moment, this move polishes the virtual-agent model, too. Before you consider applying to AAU, however, it’s reserved for the company’s new Customer Care Professionals (CCPs). Per AAU’s FAQ page, training can range from three days to eighteen weeks, and includes client-specific courses. CCPs are paid during training. (Like Convergys and some other call centers, Alpine Access hires agents as employees rather than independent contractors. Independent contractors are frequently required to pay for company training as part of their independent-contractor status. On the flip side, they are often paid more per hour than employees.) By positioning its training courses within a “university” brand, Alpine Access is raising the bar for call centers generally, who have handled their training missions less formally. The move will almost surely resonate with current and prospective clients, too. (Of course, Alpine Access will have to follow through on its announcement, and make sure the label fits the evolving contents.) Further, the “university” approach lends much-needed formality to the image of homeshoring, which is still viewed all too often as “rumpled people in PJs and bunny slippers.” (That’s a comfy image, to be sure, but not for the corporate clients.) Here at RRR, we hope “AAU” signals a trend, as we’re longstanding advocates of the virtual-agent model. For more: -- AAU press release (with thanks to Earth Times for the cue): http://tinyurl.com/5toqyu . -- To apply for a work-at-home agent job at Alpine Access: http://tinyurl.com/5ghp74 -- Our virtual call center comparison chart: http://www.ratracerebellion.com/CS_Comparison.html -- See how the Shopping Channel works with home agents: http://tinyurl.com/6c9gy7 TOP GUN (OR EASY RIDER) 2.0 -- ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES Back when I was even more rugged than I am now (if that were possible), I rode a Harley Davidson Sportster 1200, which made a lot of racket (I liked pipe noise in those days), and forced me into gas stations every 70 miles. (It’s the bittersweet experience of the Sportster’s teardrop tank, you see; one of the sexiest-looking “gas tanks” ever caressed by human hand.) Anyway, the much-quieter electric motorcycle is starting to catch news, if not fire, with a few models recently showcased at Treehugger.com. (Who would ever have thought to mix “bikers” and “tree huggers”? These are indeed strange times.) Online (with pictures!) at http://tinyurl.com/56hbok. While you’re at Treehugger, check out UN news on how “[n]atural light has become 10 to 25 percent dimmer in cities such as Beijing, Karachi, Shanghai and New Delhi as 3-km thick ‘brown clouds’ of pollution spread across Asia…” Time for the e-bike, indeed. At http://tinyurl.com/657v6s. FROM THE R3 MAILBAG -- QUESTIONS ABOUT WORKING FROM HOME, AND OTHER RAT RACE TOPICS DEAR R3: I’m thinking about setting up a home-based business as a proofreader. Do I need a business plan? R3: Unless you intend to seek funding, or aim to grow well beyond a one-person show, you don’t need a business plan so much as a (much briefer) “strategic” plan, which can fit on just a few pages. In our experience, the longer it takes a microentrepreneur to land that first client, the less chance he or she has of surviving. So Chris and I are firm believers in “getting income flowing ASAP.” We advocate a streamlined “Strategic Marketing Plan” -- to help you get that first customer lickety-split. Your “SMP” should include such elements as your core marketing message, primary target markets (who you want to sell to), and key marketing vehicles -- websites, blogs, local radio (get a free interview; don’t buy advertising yet), etc. We also advocate bootstrapping -- growing the business from revenues rather than debt -- as debt can spell “death” to a microenterprise almost as quickly as a “dearth” of clients. For more, google “strategic marketing plan,” sample several experts, and take what suits you best. FRUGAL AND SIMPLE LIVING Here’s this week’s batch of freebies, herded in from around the Net by our hardworking Freebie Drovers. If you see something you like, be sure to grab it fast, as free stuff goes quickly on the Web. (Fine print: I’m afraid we have no control over supplies, or when the vendors decide to halt their offers or fulfillment. US-only unless otherwise indicated.) Enjoy! Free sample Benefiber® Flavored Stick Packs: http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid56908.aspx Free “Team Chevy” Decal: http://www.chevrolet.com/teamchevy/email/ Free 8x10 Custom Cover Photo Album: http://tinyurl.com/6bnckb Free sample Arm & Hammer Advance White Toothpaste: http://advancewhitesample.com/ Free pack of Stride Gum: http://www.thepeople-vs-stride.com/ (short survey; requires Flash) RAT RACE QUOTE OF THE WEEK Clark Gable to William Faulkner: “Do you write, Mr. Faulkner?” Faulkner: “Yes, Mr. Gable. What do you do?” -- Oxford Dictionary of Literary Quotations Rebelliously Yours, Michael Michael D. Haaren, Editor-in-Chief The Rat Race Rebellion =>=> New Leads for Home-Based Jobs and Projects <=<= *Editor’s Note: All positions are screened, but we can’t of course “guarantee” the legitimacy of any hirer or lead, so please do your own ‘due diligence’ as well! All positions are paid unless otherwise noted. The amount of compensation is included in the summary when given in the underlying lead. Also, please note that on occasion the hirer will decide to change the description or the availability of the job or project shortly AFTER the summary is published here. (Unfortunately, we have no control over this.) Therefore, be sure to read the underlying ad carefully, and apply promptly for any job that interests you. ||||| 1. Online Tutors Spanish / English (“Living in selected US states”) ||||| US-based Auralog is looking for part-time Online Tutors Spanish / English. Starts at $10-$15 per hour. Must live in one of the following states: Georgia Pennsylvania Maryland Virginia North Carolina New Hampshire Arizona => Learn More: http://www.auralog.com/us/jobs.htm# <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 2. Quit Coaches / Counselors for Smoking Cessation (US; Seattle, Wash., area; onsite training) ||||| US-based Kelly Healthcare seeks Quit Coach / Smoking Cessation Counselors. “Quit Coaches help participants start and lead a tobacco-free lifestyle via telephonic coaching and mentoring while meeting established performance expectations. A variety of established strategies and techniques are used including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to help participants who are interested in quitting smoking.” Full-time and part-time positions available after 6-week training. [Training appears to be onsite. Ed.] “Ability to work from home if needed.” Requirements include Bachelor’s and/or related experience. Starts at $14.50 per hour, rises to $15.50 after approx. 3 months. => Learn More: http://jobsearch.kellycareernetwork.com/getjob.asp?JobID=77425696 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 3. Social Studies Item Writers (US-oriented) ||||| US-based WestEd, a nonprofit that helps improve learning for children, youth and adults, has multiple openings for Social Studies Item Writers. (According to the description for Position #2620 -- see link below -- Writers are paid $20 per item.) “Writers will write high quality multiple-choice and open-response social studies items for state assessment projects. Writers will utilize their social studies content knowledge and skills to develop multiple-choice and open-response assessment items for grades 4-12. Item writers will be paid for each item submitted and approved.” [Taken from Position #2620 description. Ed.] Qualifications include a Bachelor’s in a social studies-related field and a strong knowledge of social studies content. => Learn More: http://www.wested.org/cs/we/print/docs/we/jobs.htm <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 4. Medical Transcriptionist (US) ||||| US-based DTS America seeks a full-time employee MT with at least 2 years’ acute-care experience. “We offer health insurance eligibility after 30 days, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability insurance, paid vacation time after 6 months, paid holidays, paid personal days, paid sick days, and incentive bonuses.” => Learn More: http://www.mtjobs.com/job_detail.cfm?RowID=16752 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 5. Program Manager for WellPoint (“Anywhere in the US”) ||||| US-based Fortune 50 WellPoint seeks a Program Manager. Requirements include RN, BA or BS, and “5-7 years of experience in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.” “Key functions of this Program Manager position include working with physicians and members to capture documentation surrounding a members chronic condition. This position requires extensive outreach to both physician offices and members to help guide predefined behaviors surrounding the member’s chronic condition.” => Learn More: http://www.careersatwellpoint.com/JobDescription.aspx?Identifier=37313 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 6. Freelance Video Journalists (“Ideally, outside US”) ||||| The Video Journalism Movement, which “seeks to be a platform for international news that goes beyond headlines and attracts viewers who are frustrated with the way mainstream media covers international issues,” is looking for stories from freelance video journalists. “The ideal freelancer will live outside the United States. He or she will understand the culture of their region, know its language, have access to key leaders, and know how to tell character-driven and explanatory stories that connects facts and add context to headline news.” => Learn More: http://journalism.berkeley.edu/jobs/details.php?cat=free&ID=7105 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 7. Technical Writer ||||| US-based staffing firm VOLT continues to advertise for a Technical Writer with at least 4 years’ experience, including, ideally, “Subversion, LaTeX, and Linux.” “Our client has project-based, open-ended contract, scheduled for approximately 40 hours/quarter. This is an ideal opportunity for a free-lance writer, additional part time hours, etc. The technical writer will be able to telecommute or work on-site in Boise, Idaho.” => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/585mlm <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~Advertisement~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Chris and Mike here -- Do you need writing experience to qualify for freelance writing, blogging, proofreading or editorial jobs? Want to demonstrate your expertise for hiring managers or prospective clients? We recommend Helium (it’s free). You can get writing experience with an easy-to-start blog, and be eligible for compensation while you learn. You can also choose among many popular topics, and build your credentials while you write about what interests you. For more, visit http://www.helium.com/?ad=680&placement=HAP002. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 8. Emergency Management/Homeland Security Expert (US): Continuity of Operations ||||| US-based consultancy ICF International seeks an Expert in Continuity of Operations. “The successful candidates will possess the following qualifications: * Bachelor’s degree (Masters preferred) and 8+ years of relevant emergency management/homeland security experience required * A combination of public and private sector job experience * Demonstrated ability to interface with clients and manage projects * Outstanding written and verbal communication skills * Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance * Flexibility for some travel is required” => Learn More: https://jobs.icfi.com/viewjob.html?erjob=16023&eresc=ERFRIEND <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 9. Investigative Journalist to Ghost Write Book ||||| An investigative journalist is sought to ghost-write a book on abuses in class-action litigation. => Learn More: http://journalism.berkeley.edu/jobs/details.php?cat=misc&ID=7106 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 10. Reporter (“US-based”) ||||| Rusting Publications seeks a Reporter for a growing newsletter. “Must be experienced and expert in telephone interviewing of managers in specialty business field as per assignments and able to write straightforward news/feature articles stressing the how-to and how-they-do it.” => Learn More: http://www.massmediajobs.com/index.php?page=out&id=12378 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 11. Freelance Digital Artists ||||| US-based Ambrosia Software seeks Digital Artists. “If you're a talented digital artist, and would like working on creative projects ranging from interface design to game animation to stunning title graphics, we'd love to have you on board.” => Learn More: http://www.ambrosiasw.com/TechWorks/Artists.html <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 12. Early Childhood Environment Assessors (US; “Residence in West LA preferred”) ||||| US-based WestEd, a nonprofit that helps improve learning for children, youth and adults, has multiple openings for Early Childhood Environment Assessors. “WestEd CCFS is seeking assessors who have been trained in the Harms Environmental Rating Scales (ECERS-R, FDCRS, FCCERS-R). Residence in West LA is preferred. Bilingual in Spanish is preferred.” Responsibilities include “[c]onducting 2-3 half-day program observations per week at child-care sites throughout Los Angeles County, including but not limited to child care programs where Spanish is the primary language spoken.” “Residence in West LA is preferred. Bilingual in Spanish is preferred.” “Salary: Level E - $53,736 - $67,170” => Learn More: http://www.wested.org/cs/we/print/docs/we/jobs.htm <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 13. Emergency Management/Homeland Security Expert (US): Vulnerability Assessment ||||| US-based consultancy ICF International seeks an Expert in Vulnerability Assessment. “The successful candidates will possess the following qualifications: * Bachelor’s degree (Masters preferred) and 8+ years of relevant emergency management/homeland security experience required * A combination of public and private sector job experience * Demonstrated ability to interface with clients and manage projects * Outstanding written and verbal communication skills * Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance * Flexibility for some travel is required” => Learn More: https://jobs.icfi.com/viewjob.html?erjob=16023&eresc=ERFRIEND <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 14. Health Care Educators, Nurses, MDs Wanted as “Guides” (“Work from anywhere”) ||||| Infomration supersite About.com, owned by the NY Times, seeks Health Care Educators, Nurses and MDs to serve as part-time “Guides.” Guides will write about such topics as “chronic pain, dental care, ENT, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, podiatry, schizophrenia, and urology.” Guides are paid a minimum of $725 per month during the first two years, along with a share of advertising revenues from their pages. “[T]he average Guide makes $1,000 a month.” => Learn More: http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=625413 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 15. Freelance Flash Developer ||||| US-based Leopard Communications seeks a freelance Flash Developer. “Our projects range from demo, intro and banner animations to web site development, including database and xml integration.” => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/6k4r9h <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 16. Writer for “English for Tourism” Textbook ||||| Taiwan-based publisher Cosmos Culture Ltd. seeks a Writer for an “English for Tourism” text. Qualifications include (quoting): 1. Specialized in English for Tourism or related fields. 2. Able to write books in correct, fluent American English. 3. Experienced in ELT, or experienced in writing related textbooks / teaching materials. 4. Master's Degree or above. => Learn More: http://www.writerfind.com/freelance_jobs/job5057.htm <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 17. Emergency Management/Homeland Security Expert (US): Public Health Response Planning ||||| US-based consultancy ICF International seeks an Expert in Public Health Response Planning. “The successful candidates will possess the following qualifications: * Bachelor’s degree (Masters preferred) and 8+ years of relevant emergency management/homeland security experience required * A combination of public and private sector job experience * Demonstrated ability to interface with clients and manage projects * Outstanding written and verbal communication skills * Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance * Flexibility for some travel is required” => Learn More: https://jobs.icfi.com/viewjob.html?erjob=16023&eresc=ERFRIEND <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 18. Writer on US and Canadian Parks (“Work from anywhere”) ||||| Information supersite About.com, owned by the NY Times, seeks a part-time Writer (“Guide”) on US & Canadian Parks. “This position is for professional writers with published work/clips only--ideally about this topic. The top candidates are those who regularly visit parks around North America, or who visit them regularly enough to be considered an expert.” Guides are paid a minimum of $725 per month during the first two years, along with a share of advertising revenues from their pages. About.com has said in ads that “the average Guide makes $1,000 a month.” => Learn More: http://beaguide.about.com/applynow.htm <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 19. Web Designer ||||| US-based Flower Press Studio seeks a part-time Web Designer with “[o]ne to three years of interface design, web design or graphic design work experience.” => Learn More: http://www.creativehotlist.com/index.asp?linkTarget=fullJob.asp&jobID=128001 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 20. Grant Writer for U.S. University (“Work from your home or our office in Irvine, Calif.”) ||||| Northrise University, “a christian university serving students in Zambia, Africa,” seeks an experienced Grant Writer for part-time work. “We will provide you with a list of leading foundations. Your job will be to research their giving parameters, see how there could be a potential fit with Northrise University and fill out their initial grant proposal which are mostly located on their websites.” => Learn More: http://www.mediabistro.com/joblistings/jobview.asp?joid=85565&page=1 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ******************************* That’s this week’s issue, Dear Reader. Until next week’s issue, don’t forget to visit us for fresh job leads at http://www.ratracerebellion.com/job_postings.htm ! Rebelliously Yours, Michael -- Michael D. Haaren, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief Staffcentrix, LLC Email: mhaaren@staffcentrix.com Co-author of the bestseller on working from home as a Virtual Assistant, THE 2-SECOND COMMUTE, now available at Amazon.com or http://www.2secondcommute.com. See what else we’re up to on the Web, at http://www.WAHBoom.com (our new work-at-home site for Boomers), http://www.msvas.com (our Military Spouse Virtual Assistant community), and http://www.fse-entrepreneur.com (our Foreign Service spouse e-Entrepreneur community). ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ All contents copyright 2008 Staffcentrix, LLC, "The most trusted name in home-based careers."(TM, SM) All rights reserved.