Become a VA: Where to Get Quality Images Without Burning a Hole in Your Pocket (or Your Client's)

You'll need images. Not just good ones, but GREAT ones. PowerPoint presentations, blog posts, articles, web content, ads, you name it - it will most likely need an outstanding picture to accompany it. But where can you get quality images that you can use commercially for free (or at least without charging your client an exorbitant amount?).

(While we're on the topic, isn't it a tad annoying - or amazing, depending how you look at it - that the oft expensive iStockPhoto almost always has the just the kind of image you were looking for with your search words?)

When looking for FREE images for download, I often turn to two sites:

(1) http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/ - you can download high quality photos and images for free, just be sure to check the guidelines on attributing the photographer or contributor. While its collection is not as extensive as iStockPhoto, you will still most likely find an image to suit your needs.

(2) http://www.flickr.com/ - do an advanced search by typing in your search terms and then scrolling down to the bottom of the page to tick all the boxes under Creative Commons. This will give you some truly creative photos that can be used commercially or that you can 'modify, adapt, or build upon.' Most will just require you to attribute the photographer when you download and use an image.

If these sites don't have what you're looking for, check out this list of 15 Best Places for Designers to Get Free Stock Photos Online for other possible resources.

If you still can't find the right kind of image that you need, try http://www.bigstockphoto.com/. The content on BigStockPhoto is not free to download, but is cheaper than other sites and often has the same type of photo (sometimes the exact same image!) that you would find on iStockPhoto.

Still can't find what you're looking for? Try to search on http://images.google.com/ for inspiration and then go back to the above sites with more specific search terms. For example, if you were searching for a picture of a "will and last testament," but couldn't find an affordable image of a sample will, you can search on Google Images and note that some alternatives:

- picture of a family with grandparents and grandkids
- image of a lawyer discussing with his clients

Instead of searching for "will" and/or "last testament," you can start a new search using keywords such as:

- family
- grandparents
- lawyer

I hope this article helps you find the perfect images you're looking for, sans the extra cost. :-) Til my next post!

Become a VA: Set Up Your Work Area

Want to be a virtual assistant (VA)? Why not? It's a legitimate profession that earns well and that you can do in the comfort of your own home. Perfect for an aspiring work-at-home-mom!

How do you start? First of all, you need to get an idea of what a virtual assistant is and the type of work you'd be dealing it. As its name implies, you would be assisting your client, typically by handling back-office administrative tasks remotely (i.e., you do not need to be physically present in their office, all you need is a computer and a reliable internet connection and you can work from anywhere in the world!). The tasks of a VA vary, but usually involves one or more (or all) of the following:

• research
• writing
• processing documents (converting from one format to another)
• entering data into spreadsheets
• assisting with emails and phone calls
• travel planning
• setting appointments
• creating presentations
• social media (update of Facebook, Wordpress, etc.)
• finding suppliers and placing orders
• and basically anything under the sun!

The key to being a good VA is to be ready for anything. Be flexible and reliable and always have the client's end goal in mind. You certainly don't need to know everything, you just have to be open to learning new things. And never, ever be afraid to ask questions when things aren't clear. 

Still interested and raring to go? You're halfway there. Your next step is to set up your work area. If you're working at home, you'll need to have a workspace where you can focus on your tasks. A place where the hubby and kids know that you're in the "zone" and are not to be disturbed. A desk that can hold your desktop or laptop, papers, and other work materials would work quite nicely, along with an ergonomic chair where you can toil comfortably (without breaking your back!).

Here are your essentials:

• a computer that can handle multi-tasking (you needn't have a souped up monster that gamers use, but one that wouldn't crash when you have Adobe Photoshop, Google, Skype, and an array of Microsoft Applications running at the same time would be ideal) while maintaining a reasonable speed.
• a RELIABLE DSL internet connection; at least 1mbps
• headset 
• email account (even a free gmail account would do)
• Skype (most clients still communicate via Skype)
• Microsoft Office (at least Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Dropbox account (for storing and easy sharing of large files)

Here are some nice-to-have's:

• scanner/printer
• Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or similar
• ABBYY or some other software that aids in converting from one file format to another
• Microsoft Outlook (some clients require this)
• smartphone
• plug-in USB internet (in case your reliable DSL connection fails you)

All set? Next up is landing that coveted VA job. More on that on my next post. Til then!

oDesk - Is It For You?

What is oDesk?

oDesk is a website (https://www.odesk.com/) that allows freelancers (potentially you) to create profiles/resumes and apply for jobs posted by employers. Here's an FB page for Filipino oDesk freelancers (http://www.facebook.com/thefreelancepinoy)

 

Is it a scam?

No, it's free to join/register and once you've been contracted you will get paid based on your agreed price or hourly rate. Of course, there might be unscrupulous employers out there, but every job posting includes an employer rating. If you're careful about only applying for those with good ratings and verified payment schemes you should be okay. I have not yet gotten a job where I wasn't paid.oDesk earns by getting 10% off your rate once you are hired and paid.

 

How do I get paid?

You either apply for a fixed-rate or hourly job. You propose your rate when you apply and if you get hired that would be the basis for payment. Payment is in USD. There's about a week or two to process each weekly payment. Once done, the $ are put in your oDeskaccount. From there, you can either withdraw to a local bank account (I haven't tried this yet) or withdraw to PayPal and from there, withdraw to a local bank account. Note that the bank may charge for every withdrawal - for BPI it is P150.

 

What kind of jobs are available?

Main categories are Web Development, Software Development, Networking & Information Systems, Writing & Translation, Administrative Support, Design & Multimedia,  Customer Service,  Sales & Marketing, Business Services. If you're computer savvy (especially with Microsoft Office) and have good English communication skills, one of the higher paying jobs is that of a Virtual Assistant (similar to being a secretary for someone in US, UK, or Australia). To learn more about this kind of work, you can research "virtual assistant" via Google or drop by this website http://www.filipinova.com/ which offers VA training for Filipinos (I haven't tried this myself).

 

What are the benefits?

You get to work from home and at your own pace/time. Pay is good once you get a regular job.
 

What are the drawbacks?

In the beginning, it will be hard to get a job because there are so many people applying. Be sure to complete your resume and portfolio, take the oDesk exams, and apply for as many jobs as you can. It might also help to lower your rate for the first few jobs and then make it higher as you gain more feedback.

Unlike in an office, there are no benefits (medical, leaves, etc.) and jobs aren't stable. If an employer chooses to end your contract, you'll have to find another job.

Work At Home Mothers - Dissecting Myth From Reality

Image: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Is it possible to work at home and still earn more than your past day job? Absolutely! In this age of high speed Internet connectivity, mobile devices, and numerous networking sites, there is no reason you cannot work in the confines of your own personal space, in the comfort of hearth and home.

So then you start to wonder - why don't more people do it? Why don't I do it? It's the ultimate dream job - I get to be my own boss, work at my own time and pace, spend more time with the kids, and still earn enough to...

Stop right there. Yes, it is possible to work from home. Yes, so many people have successfully set up businesses in their own houses, sold products online, became true-blue "entrepreneurs" and earned a bundle. Yes, several more people are living solely on online jobs, making use of skills such as writing, editing, programming, transcribing, clerical/secreterial work, bookkeeping, etc...

...and they do so by exerting more time and effort than is required in a 8AM-5PM day job.

Most people have the misconception that working at home equates to a cushy job with less hours and more pay. However, you will soon find that attempting to get a job done within the prescribed deadline can be quite stressful and challenging amidst constant disruptions such as telephone calls, a baby that doesn't sleep, children screaming while you're in that all-important meeting, deliveries, pesky salesmen, laundry that won't wash themselves...and oh, is it time to prepare lunch already?

You may be your own boss, but without someone to push and drive you towards completing your deliverables, you will need an extreme sense of responsibility, resourcefulness, and diligence to do it on your own - after all, there's no one around to help you! You will then discover that toiling this close to the TV, PS3/XBOX, fridge, and that cute-as-a-button toddler who wants to play with you is a form of torture in itself. Eventually, you will realize that by the time you've completed your tasks for the day, you've put in the same amount of hours as you've done in an office - likely even more.

Trying to start your own business is even worse. If you want to earn enough to merit quitting your day job, you will spend most of your waking hours (and a good bit of the ones you normally use for sleeping) making and selling your product, and catering to discerning, pushy clients.

With the right frame of mind and a proper set of expectations, however, you can work from home and earn a good deal of money. Here are some of the many opportunities available for you:

(1) Find online jobs that suit your skills - The most popular of which are content/SEO writing, programming, virtual assistance, web design, and transcribing. The hardest thing about this would be filtering the scams and non-paying employers from the legitimate ones. Pinoy Home Worker provides tips, information, and sites to help get you started.

(2) Start an online business - While this may be the most rewarding of jobs, this is also the most grueling. There is no longer an "office" or "company" that handles all the little details of tax, inventory, bookkeeping and expenses - it's all in your hands now. The good news is that there are a lot of resources - both offline and online - to guide you on your path to entrepreneurship. If you're new to online selling, Multiply and Sulit are good places to start. Make the most of seminars and expos to gain more ideas, suppliers, clients, and contacts.

(3) Offer tutorial services - More and more working parents are turning to tutors to help their children cope with the current school system, which, in the recent years, has began the trend of bombarding students with tons of projects, assignments, fast-paced learning and foreign methods (Singapore math, anyone?). If you're already helping your child with his/her studies, you may want to consider adding 1-2 more kids to earn extra money. Who knows? This may be the beginning of your new career as a tutor/teacher.

(4) Bake/Cater - If you're handy in the kitchen, you'll be loved by moms who are not. Sell cakes and brownies  (these are very popular as party souvenirs) or make packed lunches or meals for moms who are too busy to cook (or just don't know how!).

(5) Write A Book - Seriously, if you have a great story to tell, write it. Gone are the days when you have to print several copies of your work, send it to a publisher via snail mail (with a SASE, of course) and wait several months for a rejection letter. There are a lot of online publications that pay well - and deal with you electronically. Duotrope's Digest is a good source for such publishers. The downside to this profession is that it make take years before you get your big break - unless your name is JK Rowling or Stephenie Meyer.

Gymboree and Little Gym

While scouting for a toddler school to prepare my daughter for the "big schools", we were lucky enough to attend the open house of two well-known preschools for toddlers - Gymboree and Little Gym.

Gymboree's toddlers program is held 3 times a week. Each class is around 2-2.5 hours with snack time. The curriculum is a mix of their regular toddler classes covering music, art, play, and learning lab (teaches basic concepts of writing, numbers, alphabet, dates, weather, etc.). The whole class is expected to follow the given schedule for the day. The open house started with learning about the day of the week and the weather, followed by a short music session where they play instruments and follow the movements of their teacher. Next up was an art activity involving paints and crafts. After cleaning up and snack time, the children were given a counting exercise. The session ends with exploring colors and writing through a LeapFrog desk. The whole session is peppered with songs to keep the children engaged.

Little Gym follows a progressive or play-based approach. Their toddler class is held twice a week and lasts for 2.5 hours. The first part of the class is spent in their gym. This part was skipped during the open house so we were not able to experience it. During the trial session, the classroom was divided into 4 sections where tables, chairs, and materials were set up. The class started with snack time (we were informed that all classes start this way). Afterwards, the children were allowed to explore the room and choose the activity they wanted, involving art, colors, and counting. There were always one or two teachers close at hand to assist with the activity, but it's generally left to the parent and child to finish the task. The next activity was story time. The children were free to choose any book from the shelves and give it to a teacher to read to them. My daughter was on her second book when a teacher suddenly announced that it was time to pack up and proceed to the next project. The teacher who was reading to her just closed the book (halfway through it) with my toddler still looking up at her expectantly. This was the only major pitfall for me. After the reading session, all the children were called to gather together and listen to the story of the hungry caterpillar. Once done, the goodbye song was sung and the children got their customary stamps.

Both Gymboree and Little Gym are more focused on activities and play than actual worksheets, though Gymboree uses LeapFrog for writing exercises while Little Gym does claim to use worksheets from time to time for toddlers. The key difference between the two is that Little Gym offers a more relaxed environment where the children are free to explore at their own pace and pursue their interests. Gymboree is more energetic and attempts to engage the children to follow a structured schedule. While I do see the merit in giving children their age the freedom to learn at their own pace through play, I'm leaning more towards Gymboree in preparing my daughter for the bigger schools, especially since I favor the traditional approach. Since she was able to follow instructions and complete the activities during the Gymboree open house, I think she will be able to cope with their learning system.

With regards to the tuition fees, there is little to no difference between the two schools once all the miscellaneous fees are included (I honestly don't know why this is a separate matter for both schools). The additional edge Gymboree offers is unlimited gymplay for members enrolled in their preschool. Little Gym only allows the use of their gym during an actual class/session.

Toddler's First Puzzles!

My 2.5 year old daughter sees me working on puzzles all the time and wants to try it out for herself. So I figure, why not? Brain food and good practice for hand-eye coordination and control.

I bought her JOYTOY'S Spelling Fun set, which contains 16 3-piece puzzles. The puzzle pieces are large and easy to handle. Best of all, each piece corresponds to a letter that spells out the word depicted by the puzzle such as D-O-G, C-A-T, P-I-E, S-U-N, etc. What better way to introduce your little one to basic words and spelling?

My baby took to this puzzle set immediately and it was also quite a hit with the other toddlers in the playroom. I started by laying out one puzzle at a time and teaching her how to properly fit the pieces together. Once she mastered one puzzle, I began to mix the puzzle pieces for 3 different puzzles for her to distinguish and build, one puzzle at a time. The next day, I gave her a mix of 4 puzzles and so on until she can identify and build a mix of at least a dozen of the puzzles.

Eventually, I bought her a 4-in-1 puzzle that consists of a 3-piece, 4-piece, 5-piece, and 6-piece puzzle to increase her level one step at a time. She is now able to dump all of the puzzle pieces and rebuild it on her own.

JOYTOY Spelling Fun costs less than P200 for the whole box of 16 puzzles. I bought it at SM department store. There's also a 4-letter-word set available to start introducing tots to C-A-K-E and D-U-C-K.

4-in-1 puzzle sets are usually found alongside party favors and are a good deal at only P50!

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The Intricacies of Online Job Hunting

After securing a valid ID, I started my job hunt for suitable, legal part time or work from home jobs that would give me a much needed break and extra income, but would still leave most of my time free for my daughter.

The Internet is a good source for job openings.  Some sites filter the part time from the full time jobs, making it easier to search for one that works for you in terms of location, requirements, schedule, and pay.  Below are sites I frequently monitor for potential part time jobs:

http://www.jobopenings.ph/list_specific_jobs.php?by=parttime_jobs

http://job-search.jobstreet.com.ph/campus/philippines/job-opening.php?by=part-time-jobs

Of course, since nearly everyone and anyone can access the Internet these days, it's always worthwhile to do a bit of research before submitting vital information to a potential employer.  Here are some things I look out for:

(1) Company/Employer - if you're not familiar with the company, search for more information first from blogs, news articles, friends, or family

(2) Job Description and Requirements - trust your instincts.  An ad looking for someone who's female, no more than 25 years old, with pleasing looks and personality, and no other requirements or an ad - from a company that focuses on sales - with vague job requirements save for the promise of no selling required and high pay, but you absolutely must first attend a seminar to learn more about their products makes me think twice.

(3) Any job that requires you to pay a registration fee is likely a scam.

When in doubt, it also helps to search for "[job description / company name] scam".  Chances are, someone will have blogged about the scam (if any) already.

When you do find a job you like and decide to submit your resume, make your intentions clear in your cover letter.  I once submitted my resume as is and got no response.  My family said they probably considered it a big joke that someone at near managerial level is trying to apply as a clerk/encoder/assistant/entry level position.  True, I was overly qualified for the jobs I was applying for, but the part time and work from home aspect mattered more to me than a career path (at least for now).  I resubmitted my resume with a letter explaining that I'm a stay at home mom looking for a part time job.  This time, I got a positive response. :)