There is no such thing as a free lunch. Neither is there an easy way to earn money, especially from home. To make yourself employable, you need to ensure that you have the required skill sets as well as good marketing and interpersonal skills. A sound portfolio (for aspiring writers, editors, photographers, programmers, designers etc.) is a must.

A host of opportunities exist for home employment in areas as diverse as telemarketing, data entry, Search engine marketing (SEM), Search engine optimization (SEO), proofreading & editing, article writing, web designing, content developer, DTP, Internet based research, programming, translation etc.

With a fair bit of technology skills (typing, word processing skills, being PC literate and a sound Internet connection)

The Checklist

• STEP 1 : Make the Right Choices

Take a piece of paper and list out your skills, preferred areas o f employment, and your comfort-level in each area. And chart out your daily schedule and figure out how much time you can spare for a 'part time job'.

• STEP2: Set up your workstation

Once you have narrowed down your niche, you can set up your workstation.

1. For Writers/proofreaders/editors: A fast PC with sound internet connection is a pre- requisite for all jobs. You may also have to install software such as MS Office/Open Office, Adobe in Design etc.
2. For Designers: You may want to install software like Adobe photoshop, quark, corel etc.
3. For Data Entry/ Virtual Assistants: Ms Office and other data entry software.

Some of the essential software you might require are Instant messaging clients like skype, gtalk etc. to connect to your buyers.

• STEP3: Create your provider profile on oDesk

Preparing a good provider profile is the success mantra of earning $$.
I will be posting a separate post about oDesk and how to create a good provider profile to get good assignments.

• STEP4: Setup a website or blog

You can start by creating your own blog or website.; Displaying your portfolio, skills etc.
(one that's not too garish, text or image heavy). If you are just starting working as a freelance provider then go for a free blog. Don't forget to give your email address and contact details at a prominent location on the site.

• STEP5: Browse the Web
  

Use search engines like google, bing, yahoo etc to find websites for work and resources that you require with every job. Right keywords like ' Freelancer programmers' ' India programmer' etc if you are a Programmer based in India. To save your time, I would suggest you oDesk for starting. It is the best known freelance work providing marketplace. It supports pay per hour with min bid of $3/hr, and fixed projects starting from $5.
other useful websites are Guru, I Hire Programmers, Elance etc.

• STEP6: Network

It's Very important to 'connect' with outside world. Join networking sites like Facebook, Friendster, ryze etc.
Have your blog linked to blog rings, and enroll in forums, user groups and other specific online communities.

• STEP7: Create a work schedule and meet deadlines.

Create a 'work culture' for yourself. Just because there is no 'boss' breathing down your neck, you can't afford to slacken or miss deadlines. In fact, you have to work twice as hard to ensure that the buyer/client hiring you have absolutely no reason to regret employing a freelancer.

• STEP8: Sell Yourself
  

Be your own boss, and brand manager. While it's important to have an online presence in the form of website or blog, it's equally important to be aware of competitive pricing and different payment strategies.
Do not charge your clients less because you are working from home.
And have a Paypal account in place, it is very important to have a payment method since you cannot send out your important bank accounts online for the hackers to get hold of them and take all your hard earned money. According to me paypal is the best payment method and the safest.

• STEP9: Upgrade Your Skill-sets

When you have time, enroll in training sessions, part time diploma courses to upgrade your existing skill sets. Not upgrading your skill sets periodically would reduce your chances of employment in any field.

• STEP10: Exercise Regularly

As the maxim goes, health is wealth. Working from home may reduce your travel time but it might also bring to a halt the little exercise you were getting earlier by walking and traveling. Meditation sessions and yoga with balanced diet will help you stay in top physical condition.

As Confucius says, "The mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools."

So are you ready to hit the Home Employment road?

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