About Bridget

A freelance writer, blogger and aspiring photographer, Bridget has been in the online work-from-home world for over 12 years. She has a distinct flair for blogging and writing on a wide variety of subjects from cooking to exercise to electronic gadgets. There is never a dull moment when Bridget is around!
Author Archive | Bridget

Spotting Work From Home Scams

By on November 1, 2011 in Entrepreneurs and Work From Home

Being a work-from-home professional, anything that advertises, discusses, talks about, directs me to or in any way points people towards working from home, I am completely attentive. With that being said, I’m also attentive when it comes to my favorite talk shows promoting said opportunities. Do you know what I’m talking about? I’ll bet you do!

Every morning when I sit down to start work, I listen to the Steve Harvey Morning Show. There are many mornings where I’m more annoyed than anything with their antics. There are also some mornings where I’m inspired and motivated by the advice he gives to the listeners. And then there are some mornings where I cringe when they play this certain commercial advertising the work-from-home opportunity.

Why do I cringe?

Well, for starters, it’s not clear on what the “opportunity” is or what it involves. There’s a lot of hype talk about “working from home,” and “being your own boss,” or “making good money.” Now, I’m all for those things, for sure, but what I’m NOT for is blindly going into something without first knowing what all it entails. I feel very strong about protecting the work at home community because I’ve been a part of it for so long. I want people to be aware, fully aware of what’s going on ‘out there’ as it involves legitimate business opportunities, scams and the like. I’m not insinuating that the Steve Harvey morning show is in any way promoting a scam. But what I am saying is sometimes just because a famous person’s name is on something or because they say that something is good, we tend to take it face value and stop right there. Don’t do that! Let me give you a few quick tips on how to do your due diligence and avoid getting taken:

  1. Research the opportunity. Go online and do a search for the topic or the work from home opportunity. See what people are saying in forums and in social networking circles. Be objective and look at both sides of the equation before making a decision.
  2. Get in contact with people who have actually done the work for the company or know about the opportunity. It’s really not hard to do, especially in this age of social networking awareness. You can connect with someone and get information almost instantly. Do it. You’ll be glad you asked.
  3. Look at the red flags. No company is going to ask you to PAY to work for them. Doesn’t that sound crazy? It’s also a red flag when you can’t readily tell what the job or opportunity is right away. If it’s too evasive, stay away.
  4. Don’t share your information so quickly. You know, when they ask for your email address or cell phone number so they can “send you more information.” This is usually going to be a place where your info. ends up being sold, and then you’ll be harassed by numerous other companies. Trust me, I know about this all too well. That’s another day, another blog post…

On my journey to find work-at-home freedom, I have tried many, MANY things that have resulted in being scammed, fooled, taken and ultimately broke. When you want something bad, you tend to have a naive outlook, hoping that it will work. Don’t be that way. Do your homework. Ask questions. Get references. And as grandma would say, “don’t take any wooden nickels.”

Peace!

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As an Entrepreneur in Business, YOU Should Go First

By on July 6, 2010 in General Interest

This morning when I sat down to begin my workday, I had a “to-do” to check a link that I wanted to use in one of my posts for my business blog. When I typed in the domain name, I discovered that the page had been re-directed to a totally brand new site that was completely unrelated to its original intentions. This was a blog that I had developed specifically for this client. I creatively came up with the catchy domain name, I determined the posting schedule, wrote the posts to my specifications, edited and invited guest bloggers to post. I grew the blogs traffic via social networking and being “out there” promoting this blog and the wonders of it. So essentially, the re-directed page had nothing to do with what it was originally set-up for. Let me give you a bit of background explanation.

Pro Blogging

I have been professionally blogging (meaning I get paid for it) for over four years now. I’ve been writing for over 12 years. About four years ago, an online network hired me to blog about working from home, executive women professionals, etc. I was simply delighted to write because that’s what I love. I poured my heart and creative intelligence into the blog and it grew in traffic and readership and people were engaging and participating on the site a lot. It was jumping! Well, as it goes in the world of business, money changed hands and so did ownership of that online network. That meant the writers had the option of 1.) staying on board for significantly less pay or 2.) opting to leave with the keyboard they brought with them. I toiled over this for some time because I LOVED my blog, but I couldn’t support myself off the peanuts they were offering. It just wasn’t right but it was what it was. I opted out.

From what I understand, a few other writers from that time took over the helm and tried to grow the blog. And, from what I understand, the site changed owners a few more times. It was very unfortunate, but what impacted me most was that my creative works were gone. Gone. Since I was under contract, all of the pieces that I had written for the company were owned by them, therefore they could do with it as they pleased. They deleted them all. Everything that I had written from my heart and head knowledge in two years was gone. And even if I had kept the posts in a word processing file, I still could not use them – - remember, I signed a contract.

The Real First

My point here is to encourage those of you who are in business to put yourself FIRST! I don’t mean neglect your clients, but if you’re going to be successful and become a brand name, your work deserves your full heart and creative juices. As for clients, ALWAYS deliver 110% to them, no matter what. Always give them the ultimate best and be the person they think of when they have work or need products. But as for your heart’s desire, your “baby” if you will, give your deep, undivided attention to that. The rewards far outweigh anything you can imagine. Although the reaping of those rewards may be slower, they will come nonetheless.

Now, I still write for clients – many clients as a matter of fact. I give them a thousand percent and I get repeat business. But as for my heart’s goals, I’ve turned my full attention to giving my blogs what they deserve: me. My essence, my core. All of those things are too precious to give away, and they’re even harder to retrieve once they’re lost. If you’re going to be in business and be successful, prioritize what you’re aiming for and focus on that. Entrepreneur’s have dreams of having their own brand, products, image, books, etc, but they can never achieve those things if they don’t focus on making them happen.

So do it. Starting today.

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Watch What You Wear When You Work From Home

By on June 1, 2010 in General Interest

Those Williams girls are at it again! Well, more specifically Venus, who wore a risque outfit on the court during a tennis match. There’s a lot of opinionated feedback on whether or not the outfit was done in taste, good conscious or just plain old ghetto-fab fashion. Whatever Venus’ goal was, I don’t know if she realizes the impact she made. Or failed to make.

venuswilliams.jpg

(Image: Yahoo! News)

Women are criticized constantly on their appearance, from what they wear, to how they wear it, how tight it is, how loose it is, etc. Yes, men certainly are criticized too, but in my opinion, not nearly as much as women. And since I’m not a man, I can’t comment too extensively on that!  But my point is that as women, especially professional women, we have to pay attention to what we wear. Our physical presentation says a lot about us and the image we project. While I am the first to admit that I like to look good, I still maintain that a woman has to pay close attention to what she wears and what signals she’s giving. For instance, why would a woman wear a plunging neckline and then get “offended” when a man’s eyes are drawn directly to her chest? Wasn’t that her point? I’m just saying…

Working from home allows me the flexibility to wear just about anything I want to wear. Whether it’s my pajamas, my workout shorts, fuzzy bathrobe or full office attire, I have those options available at my discretion. But just because I DO have those options available doesn’t mean that I should in fact wear whatever I want to. Why? Because I still have to interact with people on a daily basis.When I have business products delivered to my home office, I can’t answer the door looking any way I want, can I? While I’m sure some attire is acceptable, just because you work from home doesn’t always mean that you can look any way you want. Be comfortable, yes, but risque, no. The UPS man doesn’t need to see what you wear after 10:0 p.m. Again, just saying…

What do you think about Venus’ outfit? Do you think she’s being expressive or edgy? What do you wear when you’re working at home?

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Dispelling the Myth of “Being An Entrepreneur Is Easy”

By on May 12, 2010 in Business

I just sat down at my desk this morning to begin my work day. I have checked my calendar for my to-do’s, synced my phone to get all of my appointments for today and re-freshed my cup of coffee as I elevate my feet in a relaxed position to begin typing away. Yes, ’tis the rough life of working from home. But wait…is it really that good?

Of course not!

What I didn’t tell you is how I have 15 articles that are due by the end of day today, three short guides that I must write and submit to my editor for approval and blog posts that I am overdue on with my other blogs. Does it still sound cushy to you? Let me continue…

Expect the Unexpected

I also have to work into the wee hours of the night tonight because I have an early morning doctor’s appointment today. I can’t afford to NOT get paid for tomorrow so I have to work overtime tonight since I’ll be off tomorrow. And, there are mounds of paperwork that’s on my desk that I have to get signed, mailed or faxed off if I want to get paid, put out job bids and type up proposals. Doesn’t sound so cushy now, does it?

The other day my daughter commented how cool it must be to work from home. No doubt! Cool it is, but major work nonetheless. I am sure I work way more hours and spend more time on my computer than my corporate peers do. When my husband comes home from work, he’s done with work. He’s tired, but he’s finished. I have to stop working around 3:00, tend to household and parenting duties, then resume my position back at my desk at 9:00, even 10:00 some nights. So my job never ends. But, I would not trade it for anything!

The Demands of Being Your Own Boss

As physically demanding and mentally tasking being self-employed is, I couldn’t fathom working in a rigid nine-to-five environment. Yes, I have to work a lot of overtime. Yes, I have to stay up late a lot. And yes, I often miss the camaraderie and “cooler-talk” from Corporate America. But as a trade, I get to take power naps in the middle of the day. I get to have long lunches whenever I want and not have to answer to anyone. And I get to sit on my deck and enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to the birds sing. Oh yes, ’tis a sweet life!

When you make a choice to become self-employed, you have to consider ALL facets of this lifestyle. People mistakenly think that it’s all one way and that it’s easy all of the tie. It is not. Prepare yourself for the entrepreneur’s life by first realizing that hard, long work is required. If you’re going to be successful, grow your business and make a name for yourself, you’ve got to be the one who does it. It takes a certain level of business maturity and self-motivation to be successful on this journey. You can do it, no doubt. But do you WANT to do it?

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Being Serious (or not) While Working from Home

By on April 27, 2010 in General Interest

Some entrepreneurs take themselves way too seriously. I’m not one to do that. Although I am serious about my work and about being completely professional, I feel that life is too short to not enjoy it and have fun. When you’re working from home, you can be serious and have fun too. Lighten up a little and enjoy the life you’ve created for yourself.

Work at home entrepreneurs start their lifestyle for one reason: to enjoy working from home. It’s convenient, flexible and you really get to do whatever you want, whenever you want to – - provided you’ve planned for it. There’s no clock to punch, no one breathing over your shoulder, no one to tell you when to go on breaks, go to lunch, etc. You get the idea. So why would you place extra burden on yourself by always being so serious when you don’t have to?

What I’m specifically talking about is learning how to enjoy your lifestyle as a work-at-home employee. I try to enjoy each day as best as I can and still get my work done. I don’t spend all day, every day being relaxed, but I take those moments to do it when I can. It makes my day go by smoother and I pick up a few life lessons along the way. Here are some things you can do to try and lighten your day a little:

  • Pack up your laptop one day and go to your nearest Starbuck’s to work.  Okay, if you don’t like Starbuck’s, then go to the library or somewhere quiet, with WiFi, where you can work in a different environment. A change of scenery can make a huge difference in your day and leave you feeling refreshed.
  • Take your lunch break and surprise your spouse/significant other by showing up to have lunch with them. It will give you a break from your home office and frozen lunch . It also gives you brownie points with your soul mate.
  • Play your music AS LOUD as you can while you’re working. Who’s going to make you turn it down? Just make sure your windows are closed though when you do this. You don’t want the neighbors calling to complain that you’re playing Snoop Dogg a *little* too loud!!
  • Pack up your tuna sandwich and go to the park. Sit there in solitude and just enjoy nature. Call it a “mental break.” You’ll be surprised at how refreshed you’ll feel when you get back to your office.
  • Take a nap after lunch. Not only is this refreshing and refueling, but can actually help you work better. The siesta is perhaps the best thing ever invented.

Working from home is a definite plus, but doesn’t have to be stagnating or limiting. Enjoy what you’ve created for yourself. Work will always be there. Small moments of special times won’t. Enjoy!

______________________________

Get more tips and advice by visiting my website at http://www.thedailyexhorter.com

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Marketing for the Socially-Impaired

By on April 20, 2010 in General Interest

So, you want to make a ton of money and you want people to give your their business, right? You want people to buy your product and just constantly ask you when, where and how can they get more of what you’re selling…am I clear so far?

Well, all of those things are great, but how are you going to convince them to do that if you aren’t marketing??

I see and talk to a lot of people everyday who have awesome business ideas and great products to sell. But they are frustrated a lot because they don’t have the customers they think they should have. Part of the problem is that they aren’t getting out to talk to these customers. They aren’t networking with them, whether online or offline. They aren’t in the community of people for whom their product or service would be ideal. Why? Because they do not understand marketing.

I won’t attempt to get into the entire concept of marketing in this one post, but it will be something that I will tackle in the next few weeks and months. I am a firm believer that marketing is crucial and that you have to give people a reason to spend their money. They are not going to just give it to you all willy-nilly. That is not how it works. In this time of financial uncertainties, people are very careful with their money and what they spend it on. Just because you have a great idea and an awesome product is not reason enough for them to empty their bank accounts and start spending.

To market to people, you have to understand them and connect with them. To do this, you have to TALK to them. Yes, you actually have to interact with people and get to know more about them. You don’t have to become BFF’s (I have a teenager), but you do have to form some type of relationship so that you establish a level of trust and comfort with them. Once this has been done, the customer or client feels like you understand them and they will get value from doing business with you. Until then, you’re just a sounding board talking about how wonderful you are and how great you will be for their lives. Not cool.

Being socially-connected means getting on tools like Twitter and Facebook and actually talking with people. Never mind the creeps and the nerds on these sites, but connect with people who are in your marketing pool. Are you a mom with a great mom-gadget? Find and connect with other moms for whom your gadget would be ideal for. Are you a computer-geek? There are many more like yourself but you won’t know about them until you say “hi”.

If you think that networking is not for you or you don’t know how to get started, check back in with me next week and I’ll discuss just how easy it is. You’ll be surprised and you will learn how to market your business and finally get rid of all of those widgets you have piling up on your dining room table. I’m just saying…

Have a great day!

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What’s Your Motivation to Work from Home?

By on April 13, 2010 in Business

Just about everywhere I go, people want to know what is it that I “do” that allows me to work from home. Most of them think I DON’T work (which is far from the truth) because my schedule is so darn flexible. I can do two hours of work, have lunch with my kindergartner, get my nails done, grocery shop for dinner and be back at my desk to meet my afternoon deadlines. It’s all in a day’s work, but to some it sounds like all I do is have fun. Far from the truth. For instance:

  • I’m up usually well past the time that everyone else in my house has gone to bed.
  • I work on weekends…sometimes.
  • I have to work when I’m sick, tired, etc. No one else is going to do it for me.
  • I have to depend on me to create my paychecks. Nothing comes automatically for me. Not even health insurance.

Who would want this type of lifestyle, on purpose? There are a lot of people who say that they want to work from home, but do they really mean it? Are they committed to being focused? Are they driven enough to market themselves continuously? Most days, I work completely alone with only my music or the humming of the dryer. Admittedly, working from home does indeed have perks, but it IS work nonetheless.

Working from home is more than a great idea. It’s hard work but it’s also rewarding work. What you have to ask yourself is what is your motivation for wanting to work from home? Is it to be there for your kids? For solitude, flexibility or convenience? Or is it to get-rich-quick as some programs claim? The bottom line is that whatever your reason(s) may be that you feel are drawing you home, make sure that you’re ready and able to be focused and committed to the lifestyle.

I’ve got to run now. I’ve tivo’d The Housewives of New York and I’m going to watch it while I finish writing a few articles that are due tomorrow. Somebody’s got to do it!

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Conveying a Level of Professionalism From Home

By on March 30, 2010 in Business

For some, working for home is a license to be totally comfortable and have a lax attitude. While working from home is indeed very flexible, you also have to be careful to not come across as “too” casual and give your clients a sense that you’re not serious about their business. It’s important to convey a level of professionalism in all situations whether that’s in handling phone calls or in billing clients. The comforts of home can sometimes creep up on the homeworker and make them feel as if they don’t have to try as hard or do as much as the corporate worker. Not so! As a matter-of-fact, you must try even harder because you need to be taken seriously as a business person. Here are some things to do to ensure that you stay professional:

1. Answer the phone in a professional manner. Even if you don’t have a separate phone line between home and work, you can still be professional. Instead of the basic “hello”, try answering with, “this is ____”. This will make you sound professional and as if you’re answering the phone at your desk (which you are). I’ve gotten into the habit of doing this both with my business line and with my cell phone. I often do business on my cell phone and when I answer with “this is Bridget”, it changes the entire tone of the phone call and we can conduct business in a professional manner.

2. Eliminate background noise. This goes in line with the phone answering, but this primarily means to eliminate distractions so that you can focus. Now I love to crank up Fergie about as much as the next person, but be careful that you don’t bob and weave your head so much that you type in the wrong information on your proposal. Let Fergie loose AFTER you’ve sent the email off.

3. Display and enforce your office hours. Wait, that’s only if you’ve established office hours, which I hope you have. When you keep office hours, it keeps you organized and keeps (hopefully) others from distracting you when you’re not “working”. This is a huge deal for those who work from home, so look for a lot more posts from me on how to establish and keep your office hours firm. It’s very important for your professional image and keeps you from worker burnout.

What other things can you do to stay professional?

- Dress for work every morning.

- Put on makeup (for ladies…and men too if you roll like that!)

- Be at your desk at the starting time of your office hours.

- Take a designated lunch break.

- Look in a mirror while you’re on the phone. Image is everything!

Stay tuned for LOTS more tips and advice on how you can stay professional working from home and other great information about the work-from-home lifestyle. This is going to be a fun ride!

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Organizing the Work from Home Lifestyle: – Handling it All One Day at a Time

By on March 17, 2010 in Business, General Interest

I’ve been working from home now for over 10 years and to be honest, it’s still a work in progress. Being organized and staying on top of deadlines is not only a task but it requires constant tweaking from time to time and a reassessment of where I need to be in relation to my goals.

Being organized and working from home can sound like an oxymoron. And some days it can feel like one too! When you work from home, no doubt you have other responsibilities that cry (literally) for your attention and attempt to zap any remaining energy that you have left. Not to sound negative, but to be realistic, and that is to be completely honest with you and tell you what to expect and how you can work around that thing called “Life.”

Here’s how:

  1. Plan your days the night before. Sit down and make a list of the things you need to accomplish for the next day. Be specific and be general. List any emails you need to return, calls you need to initiate and any work that needs to be completed. Write it down! If it’s in front of you, you are likelier to get it done and concentrate more on what’s in front of you than anything else.
  2. Focus, focus, focus. This is what I have on my desk right now as a reminder that everyday that I’m working, I must stay focused. Working from home is a challenge for some because of its lack of social interaction or other home distractions. It’s important to stay focused so that you can accomplish your daily goals and get the important things done. Even if you have to divide things up into chunks, it’s important to stay focused and driven on getting things done – - which brings me to the next item…
  3. Work in chunks. That’s right. Take the big project that you have due and divide it up into workable chunks. The worst thing that you can do is to try and have a “work-a-thon” where you attempt to get it all done in one day. That’s a mistake waiting to happen! The body gets fatigued and so does the mind. If your project is not ‘chunk-able’ then pace yourself on getting it done by working on it 30 minute to one-hour increments.
  4. Take frequent breaks. Pace yourself so you don’t get tired or bogged down in your work. Frequent breaks also help you to feel rejuvenated and help break the monotonous stress of long hours of work.

Since I have been following these simple, short bullets, I have found that my work production time has increased significantly. Staying focused, frequent breaks and chunking my work has helped me to gain more clients, produce more quality writing work and have an overall sense of accomplishment. Introducing these things into your work lifestyle can be a significant help for you as well. Production increases as does quality and performance. Give it a try for a short period of time and see if it helps your work at home lifestyle as well!

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