Journal of Finance and Accounting – TanasiJournal

Archive for April, 2010

Like many people working from home is just a dream, but that can change. You might be thinking about trying to make some money either online or with one of those “Work From Home and Make Millions” type offers. Before you commit to something like that, make sure they aren’t asking for money upfront. Anyone that asks for money to help you make money isn’t looking out for your best interests, they just want to sell a product!

While the possibilities for making money at home are endless, any option you choose will take work. If you’re willing to put in some work, you can make money working from home!

So here we go, 5 quick tips to get you started with you’re own at home call center.

1. Find your workspace.

You’ll want to find an area that you can dedicate to your new call center business in your home. Without a special call center space, your callers will hear your baby cry, the doorbell ring and your dog barking. All those those things tend to turn potential buyers away.

For most people this workspace can be a bedroom, converted garage, or even an office at home if you’re fortunate enough to already have an office.

2. Get a decent computer.

This computer doesn’t have to be the latest model with the fastest CPU, but it does have to be reliable. A good option is to have an older computer as a backup in case something happens to your main computer. The main thing this computer needs to do is get on the internet.

3. Download Skype and get familiar.

Skype is free to download and you can make and receive calls. Skype offers a few paid plans, but most are still less expensive than a regular land line.

You should use Skype with a headset and try to make and receive calls so you’ll know what to expect. During this test you should listen to the call quality and how quickly and efficiently everything works.

4. Use SkypeIn for each client.

Since you’ll most likely start your at home call center by having a few different clients and receiving calls from each client on a daily basis, you’ll need to know how to answer the phone. SkypeIn allows you to have a phone number for each client. This way you will know which client you’re answering for before you pick up the phone.

5. Find your clients.

This part of the process is the most difficult. You’ll need to contact people directly and check out freelance websites on a daily basis. These clients can be tough to find, but once you find one, you’ll know how to find more for your at home call center.

My favorite places to look at call center blogs and job sites. Many times you can find companies looking to hire call center consultants that are willing to work from home. That saves them money and you get the freedom to work from home.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for some extra money. You’re willing to work but you want to be compensated for your time. You also want flexibility in your schedule. If this sounds like you, then paid surveys can be wonderful.

Paid surveys are perfect for stay at home mothers. Obviously the extra money will help with the bills. They can also be quite fun. Of course, since surveys can be done online, the schedule is up to you. You can take surveys when the baby is sleeping, when the kids are out, or while watching TV with the family. It is really up to you. You’re in control.

To figure out if paid surveys are for you, it is important to ask the right questions. Below are the 5 questions moms should ask.

1. Is it really possible to get paid for taking surveys online? Explain this!

Surveys are legitimate. They are real. As a mom, you can make money from your home taking surveys online. According to the research, there are at least 6-7 million companies that survey consumers. They pay you for your opinions. Ultimately, they do this to figure out how to sell their products and services. You are helping them do research and they are paying you for it.

2. How much money can I earn? How many surveys can I take?

This is actually pretty simple. The amount of money you make is directly proportional to the effort you put in. In plain terms, the more surveys you take, the more you earn. Your monthly income will depend on what you do and how much time you spend. Some people are on top of the latest promotions and are in tune with the needs of marketing companies. They react quickly to survey requests. Based on the circumstances, it is possible to make $75 per hour or more for every hour, although this will vary. The key to maximizing you opportunities will be subscribing to a paid survey database.

3. How do I know this is legitimate and that I’ll get paid? Are there any guarantees?

Most paid survey and marketing research companies are legitimate. However, there are some scams. To find the best opportunities and to avoid scams, it is best to pay a small fee to join a paid survey database. They often offer many perks too, such as free ebooks on maximizing revenue and also form filling automation tools. Keep in mind that fraudulent companies will be quickly removed from the paid survey databases. If you surf for surveys on your own, one at a time, you’re likely to encounter issues. That means you’ll waste your time and energy. As a mother, you can’t afford to waste what spare time you have!

4. How often will I be paid? How often will I be paid? Exactly how am I paid?

The companies administering the survey will usually pay you directly. This is almost always done using checks. The delivery is usually done with postal mail. The more progressive companies understand the needs of mothers. They provide flexibility and pay via PayPal. Typically, you’ll get paid every other week. In some cases, you might have to wait a full month. Be sure to pay attention.

5. Why do paid survey databases charge a fee?

The simple answer is quality, safety and reputation. A small fee for subscription to a paid survey database will pay for itself in just a few days for active moms. The small fees also encourage serious applicants only. Consider it a screening process. This increases the quality of the database and increases the likelihood that companies will seek out the paid survey databases. It works better for everyone and actually drives up your chances for getting in on a good (high paying) survey. Some companies only work with a few paid survey databases, so again, your small subscription fee will give you better opportunities.

They are many opportunities out there for moms. With a little time and energy, and perhaps a small upfront investment for access to a paid survey database, you could be pulling down smart money every day.

Too many option traders fail because they load themselves with tons of option trading knowledge but do nothing to ensure that their emotions don’t get in the way. Yes, more than 95% of the option traders out there fail because of a complete lack of discipline and ability to control their emotions.

Nothing tests the emotions of traders more than trading stock options. Stock options move much more than its underlying stock in terms of percentage due to its leverage effect, frequently testing the emotional capacity of option traders, particularly those who follow a day trading methodology.

If you find yourselves having a burning desire to get out of a trade the moment it turned red, if you find yourselves having sleepless nights worrying about your trades, if you have lost money doing all the wrong things at the wrong time only to regret later, then you definitely have an emotional problem.

Here are 5 tips every option trader can use to ensure a healthier mindset and mental health while option trading:

1. 8 Hours Of Sleep A Day!

Yes! This is the most basic of all mental conditioning! Have ample rest! Many option traders who trade the US markets from the other side of the globe at night and option traders who do their research at night are high risk groups. Over time, your mind and body grows weary and tired. You become hot tempered and do all the wrong things and say all the wrong things at the wrong time…. And lose money.

2. Set Aside Time Especially For Option Trading

Nothing tests the patience of an option trader more than option trading while doing something else. Many option traders who trade during office hours secretly on their computer terminals frequently find themselves nervous. That nervousness dramatically increases the probability of doing something wrong. If you are a working adult, use long term option strategies which allow you to manage your positions only during after office hours. Go to http://www.optiontradingpedia.com/options_strategy_library.htm for a list of option strategies.

3. Understand Your Trading Style

Every option trader has a dominant character trait. Your character trait determines what option strategies are suitable for you. Please visit http://psychometric.mastersoequity.com and find out what your trading style is.

4. Enjoy Your Weekends

I cannot finish naming those option traders I know who spend all weekend staring at their computer monitor, going through the trades for the week, trying to find out what’s wrong, reading charts and news. After a stressful weekend in front of the computer, an equally stressful option trading week starts. All professional option traders know that weekends are for taking your mind totally off the market and enjoy time with your loved ones.

5. Find Support

Nothing helps an option trader maintain a healthy mindset more than the support of family, loved ones and a good mentor. Making sure your spouse supports you in option trading and understanding when money is lost is one of the most critical aspects of keeping a healthy mindset. A good mentor will also be able to counsel you and tell you where you went wrong so that you never have to spend endless stressful hours pondering.