Self Employment Could Increase in 2010

Posted on January 28, 2010 by meghan_ntroduction

If you’re thinking about going into business for yourself 2010 just might be the year to do it. There are many pros and cons to becoming self-employed but with a less than stellar job market, looking at other possibilities is a wise move. We’ve offered tips on being self employed before on the blog and how research suggests that self-employed people are the happiest people.

But now a recent press release from the company BOTH (short for Back of the House, a company that offers support for self-employed individuals) predicting that self-employment is only going to grow in 2010 based a number of factors.

Historically serious recessions has always led to a large group of workers who find their way back into the workforce via self employment or contract work.

Even as unemployment begins to level out the growth rate for new jobs will take some time leading many companies to seek less expensive ways to get projects done. Leading to an increase in contract and freelance work.

Professionals will resort to other measures to generate income outside their regular pay grade.

With technology and the Internet job mobility has become without limits. As people become able to do more and more from virtual offices, companies will look to increase flexible work environments that embrace that.

With many Americans having had the proverbial rug pulled out from underneath, many people will shy away from traditional “job security” and instead look for situations in which they have more control by working independently.

As the job market remains somewhat unstable now is a good time to take mental stock of your schools and abilities and see if branching out into freelance or contract work would be a good way to generate an extra income or replace a lost one.

Making an Introduction on Ntroduction (Part One of a Two Part Post)

Posted on December 16, 2009 by meghan_ntroduction

One of the great things about Ntroduction is how in can help you make the most of an otherwise bad situation, namely being laid off. Just because you’re no longer employed at a company doesn’t mean that you can’t turn your experience and the contacts you’ve made into something positive or even another opportunity.
That’s where Ntroduction steps in. Maybe it’s time you think about using the contacts you’ve made to help someone make an introduction and help you make a profit in the mean time.

This is part one of two posts that will help you through the steps you need to take before and after making an introduction through Ntroduction. Part one will list the steps you should follow before listing an introduction:

Make a list of friends in your own department and related departments. In this list, create a smaller list of very close friends.
Meet with them for lunch or call them and propose the idea of Ntroduction in this meeting and how you can help find suitable candidates for their business.
Make sure that you let them know that you are not getting paid from the company but from the candidate through Ntroduction.com if the candidate gets hired.
Keep in touch with them once every other week at least with a simple email “Hi, I am touching bases with you to see if you have any current needs. Simply reply back to this email with details about any positions you are in need of filling and I will try to find the candidate that is right for you – Thanks!”
You can probably do this with your close friends at other companies – after all you have the experience and skills.
Be clear when you place your listing with Ntroduction who you want to meet, what you need (Tax Director Job or Accepted Vendor at Fortune 500 company), when you want it and what is your differentiator from others preferably a strong opening statement that raises interest to respond back to you.
Keep the details about your or your companies accomplishments simple and detailed – preferably bullet points.
Clearly explain what you will do to them in future if the introduction is successful. For example “I know several finance auditors at Fortune 500 with financial service experience and can provide introductions as well as opinions when needed”
Clearly explain how you want to provide introduction or seek introduction – whether you want to meet people face-to-face or would an email or phone be sufficient.

Now you’re ready to list an introduction, so go for it! Be sure and subscribe to the Ntroduction blog so you can follow up with the second post in this series to find out what to do AFTER you’ve made your introduction.

Tips on Becoming Self-Employed

Posted on December 8, 2009 by meghan_ntroduction

When talking about being self-employed it draws many different pictures to many people. For some being self-employed is being a consultant, a subcontractor, a freelance writer or artist, accounting, running a daycare, floral design, wedding planner, the list goes on and on. As different as all these jobs may be, the decision to become self employed and what goes along with being self-employed remains the same no matter what field your in.

With many people finding themselves out of work under a troubled economy now couldn’t be a better time to consider becoming self-employed. But there are a number of things you should think about before taking the leap.

How’s the Industry? Is industry your considering entering established? Is it crowed with competitors? Maybe the career you’ve worked in up until now can give you a built in network or edge when building a client base, because you’ve already been in the industry.
What are the logistics? Can you work from home or will you have to find an office? Working from home can save you a lot of money and provide some extra tax incentives. If you have a computer, printer, fax, phone, scanner and a handful of other home office essentials, working form home might be the way to go.
What’s your back-up plan? If you have a spouse who has a job that offers health benefits make sure you use them. Otherwise check into unions for the type of work your doing and you may be able to find group plans that can help you get health insurance for your family at discounted rates. Also, whenever possible when starting a new line of work for yourself, having at least 6 months worth of expenses in the bank is always a smart idea. Though not many of us can do that these days…
Pay the Taxman. Make sure you talk to your accountant or at the very least research it on your own online to see what you can and cant deduct for taxes and make sure you keep detailed records and copies of everything you do for your business. Remember, if your spouse is working you can set up to have YOUR taxes deducted from their paycheck. A smart move that can save you from having to owe at the end of the year.

Remember that being self-employed has many ups and downs but it can give you more freedom and satisfaction than any regular employment could ever give you. Good luck!

Going Back to School

Posted on October 27, 2009 by meghan_ntroduction

As unemployment continues to rise due to layoffs in most industries across the country many people are finding themselves facing an uncertain future. One way many people are dealing with that uncertain future is by going back to school. Whether it be to finish obtaining a degree or credential you never quite got to whether it’s to start fresh on a career path you always dreamed of pursuing going back to school seems to be the most logical step for many adults facing unemployment.

If you find yourself thinking about returning to school, here are a few tips to help you on your way.

Go back to school virtually: Though there are many online universities out there, the truth a lot of them may not be what they appear to be and fake degrees is a continuing issue in the world of online education. Stick with legitimate and well-known universities like the University of Phoenix. Though these legitimate online universities offer degrees in many areas, the one downfall is that they do tend to run a little costly. Your local community college may offer a similar program for much less, or even completely paid for if you qualify for assistance.
Get it Paid For: Many working adults (especially those with kids) may be surprised to find out that they qualify to have the majority if not all of their expenses paid for by various grants and scholarships. Careers in early education even have additional programs where they award you many for taking so many classes. Money to help sustain your household, pay for books or get a new laptop. They’re rewarding you for choosing to go back to school. Don’t overlook these opportunities. Go to your school’s financial aid office and ask someone to help you find out what you qualify for. Free money is always a good thing!
Be Equipped: Going to school is not the same thing as it was when many of were kids. If you’re taking the leap to go back to school make sure you have a laptop to help keep you n top of your work. Especially if you’re a parent who may be doing a lot of homework on the go you’ll need something mobile. Don’t fret; look on craigslist for something new or even Walmart or Target for a basic Dell or something similar. See the above tip for ways to cover your news laptop and other necessities for going back to school.
Talk to Your Family: Going back to school whether its online or in the classroom requires time and commitment on just your part but your whole family’s as well. Make sure you talk it over and that everyone is on board for the extra effort it’s going to take form everyone while you’re studying and accomplishing your goals.
Have a Game Plan: Though flipping through the course catalog for your local community college is a great way to start when it comes time for registration talk to a counselor! They can help you map our what classes, credits, and in what order you’ll need to accomplish you’re goals in the most efficient way.

Be proud and stick to it! You’ll be glad you did.

America’s 10 Least Stressful Jobs and Why We Need Them

Posted on October 24, 2009 by meghan_ntroduction

It’s no surprise that with the current state of the economy and unemployment that Americans are stressed. A recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that 80% of American’s surveyed fare stressed over personal finances and the economy. It also found that 50% are stressed over meeting the needs of their family and 56% over the security of their job.

People questioned in the survey were asked how the stress was affecting them. 60% stated they regularly feel angry and irritable over stress and 53% feel fatigued a majority of the time. 52% admitted that they simply lie awake at night due to overwhelming stress.

After reading these staggering, yet unsurprising statistics, I did a little research to find out what jobs would be good for people who are becoming buried beneath the stress of simply getting by. I came across the Best jobs in America List on CNN.Money and Payscale.com where they had a category that enable you to look up the least stressful jobs.

Education/Training Consultant
Physical Therapist
College Professor
Software Developer
Technical Writer
Telecommunications Network Engineer
Speech-Language Pathologist
Software Architect
Occupational Therapist
Civil Engineer

So if you’re being kept up nights by stress and you’re looking to switch careers to something a little less stressful you can check out these job listed above. You can also look at the entire list of the Best Jobs in America to see where yours falls on the list.