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We all want it, right?
We all want to work from home…but to achieve that we want legitimate work. Not assembling birdhouses or fishing bobbers at 2 cents a pop.
It’s unfortunate that there are so many “work from home” scams out there, but the sad truth is that they exist. Therefore, if you want to work from home, it’s a good idea to be savvy about these scams and know what to look for. In addition to listening to your gut and doing your research (search the web on each company you consider), here are some tips for making sure that a work-at-home opportunity is legitimate.
1. Beware of vague claims. Scammers like to make big but non-specific promises, like how much money you will make. They may even try to sound specific by giving you a dollar amount you can expect to earn. But if you can’t discern what, exactly, you would be doing if you worked for them, or if you can’t tell what the job description is, then steer clear. You want concrete, specific directions and job descriptions, not vague promises about getting rich overnight. Ever seen those ads that scream “NYC Mom Earned 5K a Month b y Just Answering Emails!!”…trust me. It’s all bullsh*t.
2. Testimonials can be a great way to promote a legitimate business, but watch out for testimonials that sound far too glowing or staged. “I was able to quit my job after only 1 week, and now I make thousands each month working from home!” says Jane Smith in Somewhere City. Jane and many others may have similar testimonials on a company’s website, but once again they are too good, too perfect, and too vague. Jane doesn’t say what she did to make all that money, and the success time is way too quick (1 week). Relay on word of mouth or referral from other bloggers to locate credible agencies.
3. Beware of consultants and representatives who call you constantly, trying to get you to sell their product. Legitimate businesses won’t harass you, or try to pin you down on selling a product. If it’s a truly good product, then it should be enough in demand that they don’t need to bug you.
4. Find out what the customer service is like with the company you’re considering working for. If you can’t get through on the phone or don’t get replies to your emails, that’s a red flag that the company is not legitimate, or at least disorganized.
5. Fees are a somewhat grey area – it’s normal to expect a sign-up fee with an online community with great business resources, for example (those who own that community are probably work-from-home people, too!). It’s also normal to expect to pay a fee for marketing services or for getting your name put on a list for prospective employers to see. The point is, you are getting something for your money.
Beware of companies that ask you to pay a fee that does not seem to have any basis, or a fee for you to be trained. Most sources agree that you should avoid companies that ask you to pay just for the privilege of working for them.
Have you ever had a bad experience with work-at-home companies? If so, PLEASE SHARE.
More Resources to Help You Along Your Side Hustle Journey
MOM BOSSING
MOM BOSSING: The Freedom to Create the Business You Love is a book filled with personal stories, resources, support, wisdom, and encouragement from a solopreneur who has been in the trenches as a mom boss. This step-by-step guide shares the truth, fears, tears, and cheers of being a mom who is building a business empire on her own terms. If you are looking for a new career for the “second half of life,” venturing into direct sales, rocking a home business, or dreaming of leaving a dead-end job, this book provides the building blocks needed to move forward with a healthy dose of humor authenticity. In many ways, this book could also sport the tagline of Building a LIFE on Your Own Terms.
I was lucky to have Becky Flansburg join us at Multicultural Children’s Book Day when we first began our nonprofit. She was the “head elf” which meant she did everything from project management to help us get sponsorships. In the early years, we weren’t able to keep her busy for more than a few months a year and even that was very part-time. Becky’s contribution to the team helped us grow our nonprofit, and, in turn, we were able to keep her busier. Now, as a “mom boss,” Becky is sharing her journey and her wisdom for moms who want to try solopreneurship. It’s particularly helpful for anyone who wants to become a VA (Virtual Assistant).~author and mompreneur, Mia Wenjen
Also available on IndieBound.com.
FREElance FREEdom: Creating the Work-From-Home Life You Crave
Have you ever dreamed of working from home on your own terms instead of being confined to a corporate cubicle or windowless office? Have you ever dreamed of earning a steady and honest income while still having plenty of time for friends and family?
Lucky for you, it is all very possible. It’s a life that I have successfully been living for over 7 years…and I can’t imagine supporting my family (and following my dreams!) any other way.
Within the pages of this robust 90-page e-book and resource guide is the motherlode of excellent information about working from home (on your own terms) all rolled into a handy read-at-your-own pace guidebook.
Whether you are looking to pursue a career as a freelance writer, virtual assistant, graphic designer (and more) this Resource Guide will provide the insight, tools, guides, advice, and strategies that can apply to any freelance business. If you want the very basics of getting started without the benefit of support and coaching, this eBook is for you.
For anyone looking to start their freelance career, or up their game, this book is the perfect place to start. Jam-packed with actionable items and details about even handling unruly clients, well-meaning visitors, and kids while working from home – this book has it all! Highly recommended!~author and mompreneur, Carissa Andrews
For those who are contemplating the freelance lifestyle but need a guidebook with baby steps, this is your manifesto! Becky Flansburg shares her tips for balancing a freelance career with a family including the nuts and bolts such as the online tools she uses for networking and running her business. Becky is a gentle and realistic cheerleader for anyone who wants to work at home as a solopreneur.~Mia Wenjen
FREElance FREEdom is Available on Kindle
Also available on IndieBound.com.
Available in Paperback on Amazon: mybook.to/FREElanceFREEdompprbk
