Use Your Email Signature for More Than Your Name

Are you getting the most from your email signature? Probably not, says the author of "How to get the most from your email signature" on CBS MoneyWatch.

For example, if you can categorize your incoming emails into several categories, considering developing a response to each one as a signature and then merely selecting the right one. This elimaante having to cut-and-paste from a template saved in Word.

This was one piece of advice I found very worthwhile, given that I wear several different "hats," as do many home-based business operators. In fact, as soon as I finish this blog, I'm going to set up a couple of signatures that I hope will cut down on the amount of time spent replying to multiple requests with the same information.

Until next time,
Sarah

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Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Childbirth Instructor

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description:A childbirth instructor is one who works with the expectant mother (and father) on developing a personalized birth plan.

Education: None necessary, but certification through one of the associations listed below will likely expand your client field.

Skills: The ability to assist pregnant women in a successful birth experience.

Job outlook: While there are no hard numbers available, more women are choosing to design a customized birth plan.

Possible employers:Get involved with local women’s groups that focus on young children. Volunteer at children’s events to connect with area mothers. Join appropriate area online discussion boards to get plugged into your potential client base.

Preparation:Pursue certification through one of these organizations: Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association, Lamaze International, the International Childbirth Education Association or the International Birth and Wellness Project.

Get your foot in the door: Ask another childbirth instructor if you could shadow her for a client visit to see of this is a good fit for you.

Until next time,

Sarah

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Email Marketing Tips

Ever wonder how to use email marketing to spur your customers to action? "12 Ways to Strengthen Your Call to Action" gives some great tips on that very topic.

Create short subject lines. Keep the subject line descriptive but not the length of War and Peace.

Think about incorporating buttons. These might be a good way to encourage click-through or other actions instead of merely using text in your emails.

Be specific. Don't leave readers guessing as to what you want them to do--tell them straight up. If you want them to purchase something, say so. If you want them to write their congressional representative, tell them to do so.

Keep it on track. Don't clutter up your email with extraneous information. Stick to one subject only.

Design it simply. Don't let the design take away from your message. Clean lines without a lot of graphics will help readers get to the heart of your email quickly.

With many of us getting way to many emails, make sure your email communications don't get lost in the shuffle with these easy tips. I know I appreciate emails that tell me concisely and without a lot of fanfare what their purpose is and what they want me to do.

Until next time,

Sarah

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Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Database Administrator

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description: A database administrator uses software to organize and store data, such as shipping records and financial information. They ensure that authorized users can access the data and that unauthorized access is restricted.

Education: A bachelor’s degree in computer or information technology is usually necessary, although job-related experience is a plus.

Skills: The ability to keep vast amounts of data organized in an online environment.

Job outlook: U.S.Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finds that “employment of database administrators is projected to grow 31 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Rapid growth in data collection by businesses, as well as increased need for database security measures, will contribute to the growth of this occupation.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.

Possible employers:Check out area businesses, organizations and associations to see about their database needs.

Preparation:Visit the Association for Computing Machinery, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society, and the Computing Research Association for networking and continuing education opportunities.

Get your foot in the door: Ask your local church or other nonprofit that you might be involved with if you could assist in their database needs to gain experience or contacts.

Testimony: Sherry has been working from home as a database administrator for more than a dozen years, logging between 15 and 20 hours per week. “With the type of work that I do, working off the Internet, if my husband is traveling for his job, I can travel with him because anywhere I go, I’ve got Internet access,” she said.

Sherry finds herself more focused and more productive working at home. “You don’t have the office politics and don’t have the travel or clothing expenses. Your other expenses are nominal as well. For me, it’s a win-win situation. Your financial income goes further because you don’t have these other expenses, plus your environment can be so pleasant. My at-home job has been a tremendous blessing and benefit to us.”

Until next time,

Sarah

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At Home News: Presenting....You!

Public speaking can be a great way to promote your business. The June issue of At Home News covers the basics when it comes to developing presentations.

If you're not a subscriber, you can sign up for the free monthly e-newsletter by clicking on the Newsletter tab. I never sell or give out my subscriber list.

Until next time,

Sarah

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Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Real Estate Agent

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description:A realtor helps people buy and sell homes. Some specialize in businesses and offices.

Education: In the United States, real estate agents much have a license to practice. A high school diploma or equivalent is also necessary. Plus, you must complete a certain number of hours in real estate courses.

Skills: The ability to interact with a variety of clients to help them buy or sell a home.

Job outlook: U.S.Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finds that “employment of real estate brokers and sales agents is expected to grow 11 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job opportunities will fluctuate with the economy and are, like many other sales occupations, highly dependent on the personal drive, motivation, and sales ability of the individual real estate broker or sales agent.”

According to the BLS, “a majority—about 57 percent—of real estate brokers and sales agents were self-employed in 2010,” which makes this an ideal job for those wanting to work from home.Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.

Possible employers:Join your local Chamber of Commerce for networking opportunities. Team up with a local real estate office for leads and office support.

Preparation: Join the National Association of Realtors and get involved in your local or state association to polish your skills.

Get your foot in the door: Get the word out to friends, family and others you know in the community. Sponsor (perhaps with other freelance realtors in your area) various community events, such as races, charity fundraisers, and festivals, to spread the word of your services.

Until next time,

Sarah

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More Email Management Tips

When I open my email on a typical weekday morning, between 30 and 40 new messages blink at me. Just getting through the list can be overwhelming at times. "Why you should ignore email" from CBS MoneyWatch provides some tips on getting through the list without wasting too much time.

Deal with an email only once. Either delete or respond right away. Don't leave it for another day.

Prioritize. Delete what you don't need, respond to what you absolutely have to, and delegate what you can.

Schedule email time. Keep this to no more than once or twice a day. Turn off email in between time.

Avoid using your inbox as a to-do list. This doesn't work and it wastes time. Keep your to-do list separate.

I must admit to being guilty of ignoring some of these rules, but will be trying to implement these tips to more effectively manage my email.

Until next time,

Sarah

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