Get Paid To Blog!

Izea                                 

Izea is a new opportunity I just ran across today and it looks like it could be a fun and interesting opportunity. 

Izea is a basically A Sponsorship Marketplace that allows you to connect your blog, social media and make some extra money from your blog.  I am all about making some extra cash so I am trying this one out! 

How It Works

Once you create your account at Izea you have a chance to set up all your social media accounts.  On your dashboard you will see bids. These bids are bigger brands that are looking for people like you and me to tweet, post or blog about. I just put in my first bid to blog about socks. I know a little weird but my oldest daughter who is a tween love socks and it is something I know about so why not. I put in my bid for $5. I am now waiting for it to be approved. 

Each brand has a set of instructions and I was asked to tell them why I thought I would be good at promoting their brand. 

Izea is free to join and you will get 3 bids per month.  There is opportunities to upgrade as well giving you unlimited bids and lower cashout. 

Pay

Pay is given through PayPal once you have the met the minimum amount. 

There is also a referral program. 

Get Registered Here! 

Data Only Work--NON PHONE Work!!

We all know that data only work at home jobs are very hard to come by! I am always looking for non phone work since I have a toddler that is VERY noisy and a 10 year old that likes to ask a million questions while I am working.  I like to just be given a task, turn on my music and get lost in it.

SigTrack.net is a site that I came across about 3 weeks ago.  Basically, in a nutshell SigTrack.net handles all of the petitions.  Compiling them and matching the voters against a database.  This is very easy work and it pays fairly well for what it is.

Over the last 3 weeks they have done massive updates making the instructions easier to understand and database easier and faster to use.

You have to download their software that loads the forms and the SigTrack name database. I have found that the database is pretty straight forward and easy to use.  I struggled a bit in the beginning with the tags but now that they have updated the instructions it is a lot easier to understand. You have instructions and certain codes to enter in if they are a match or not or if you cannot read the signature.  Word to the wise if you struggle with people's handwriting this may not be the job for you.

This job is a temporary position however it can turn into long term if you are really good for some of their smaller petitions.  As far as I know they are still looking for people to help out.  Go to SigTrack.net and under the getting started at the bottom of the homepage you need to Skype to the address shown.  The only thing you need to do is show your valid State ID.  You can start working immediately after that.

Uber Work From Home

Uber                                       

What is Uber?

Uber is an interesting opportunity I found out about a little while ago.   Uber is a downloadable app that allows you to get a taxi or a ride with the touch of a button on your cell phone and you can track your drivers progress until he arrives to you.  Starting in 2009 Uber seems to be changing the way we hail a taxi. 

They have multiple cars for you to choose from.  You can choose from the UberX which is a basic car  like a Honda Accord to SUV's to luxury vehicles like the Mercedes.  They also have the basic yellow taxi service as well.  

Uber claims to be cheaper then a taxi with quotes available before you are picked up. With base fares starting as low as $2.38, available in over 70 countries and pretty much all the major cities in North America, Uber seems to be changing the face of taxi service globally! 

What Can I Do At Uber?

I found out that Uber has openings for a customer service representative at home to communicate with their customers through email support.  The position is 40 hours on a fixed schedule with weekend and weekly evening shifts required. 

How Do I Apply? 

To apply to be a CSR at Uber click here  , on the right hand side you will see the blue apply now button.  You will be asked for some basic information and to send in your resume.  If asked to move forward you can expect them to send you some sample scenarios of the most common emails they receive from their customers.  

When completing the scenarios I highly recommend reading the help files  first to give you a good grasp of the policies and the way Uber works.  Other then that have fun with it! Uber is looking for reps that have fun but in a professional way! 

Compensation                  

At this time I don't have a lot of information on the way or how much Uber pays.  I did find from another source that they pay $15 per hour but do not quote me on that. 

Happy Ubering!! 

Live Ops Review

LiveOps

For those of you that read my About Nikki page (no hard feelings if you didn’t…lol) you may remember that I stated I learned about a company from a friend of my husband’s.  Well this is the company LiveOps. I serviced for them in 2008 and then again in 2010.  This company is a great starting place for those that are new to working from home and new to call center type work and just need to gain a little experience.

Who is LiveOps? 

Liveops started about 10 years ago and their main focus is providing assistance with infomercials.  They have expanded and you are now able to partner with a roadside assistance company, auto clubs, pizza order taking, insurance and a seasonal program which is flowers.

How Do I Start?

Go to LiveOps.com and create an account.  Once created you will be prompted to do 3 things, validate your email, complete your application and then do the standard voice audition. The application is pretty straight forward you put in your information and answer a few questions then it is off to the voice audition.  Don’t worry it is painless…lol…you call a number and read a script that they give you, that’s it.  After both of these are complete you would wait for further instructions.  If it is still the same as when I went through it once your application is accepted you would pay for your background check which was then $50 and go off to your initial training.

How Do I Get Paid?

Pay at LiveOps was ok you receive $.25/minute talk time and usually the calls were pretty steady.  So if you talked for a full hour you could make $15/hour.  Pay is direct deposited into your bank account on the 1st and 15th of every month.

What Are The Pros?

The best Pro about LiveOps is you pick your own schedule.  You set up yourself to work in 30 minute increments from a schedule that comes out once a week.

The community within was very warm and friendly, you have two chat rooms one for chit chat and then another for when you need help with a customer and then you have forums with different topics for even more help.

Room to move up.  You do have the opportunity to move up to a Chat Performance Facilitator and there was (don’t know if they still have it) but you can get put on the list to transcribe calls.

There is a help environment within the portal that you can turn to to review the scripts for every product that you may take a call for while servicing LiveOps.  This is nice for you can go back and review.

What Are The Cons?

Scripts, this is a personal preference I am more of a free flow kinda person so I don’t like scripts to much and the infomercial products some are quite long.

Upsells, are those things at either the end or during the call where they are trying to double your order or add things on.  I understand the point of them to build revenue for a business selling a product but I just had a really hard time presenting them.

Training,  I have mixed emotions about the training so I am going to put it in the con, the training is all self paced done through computer modules which is nice compared to other training I have been through.  You don’t have to wait on others in a live classroom setting so those that learn faster can just keep it moving.  However if you have questions the only place you can really go is the chat room.

Final Thoughts?

Overall I enjoyed working for LiveOps.  Although I no longer service for them it was a great opportunity and a great place to get my feet wet in this whole work from home virtual call center game.  I would recommend this company to anyone wanting to start or even those that are not new.

Mystery Shopping

Who doesn’t like shopping right?  Mystery shopping is a great way to earn a little extra cash and do something you love.  I got involved in mystery shopping about a year ago and I love it.  It gets me out of the house with my kids and it forces me to buy those little things that I normally wouldn’t buy…lol.  Yes, I was one of those women that you see walking around the store with something either draped over her shoulder or in her hand, walks all over the store only to put it back.                                          

What Is Mystery Shopping?

Mystery shopping is kind of like undercover work.  You walk into a store and basically evaluate the store and the employees.  In return you get compensated in cash with a bonus since most of them you have to purchase a small item and the company will reimburse you.

Everyday you can log into the job board and see what shops are available in your area, print out the given form and go shopping! There are quite a few different ones there are retail stores, restaurants,  apartments and car services.  Each one pays a little differently.

Compensation

Although mystery shopping is not going to replace a full time income, serious mystery shoppers can make some great extra cash.  Normally you can expect a retail job to pay about $5 or $6 dollars then a reimbursement of up to $10.  I have seen car services up to $30 with reimbursement on top of that and apartment shops up to $30.

If all your jobs are accepted you will get paid once a month.

Field Agent

Benchmark

Field Agent Review

Field Agent

What Is Field Agent?     

Field Agent is a new mystery shopping app that I am testing out right now.  Currently the app is only available to iPhone users, sorry my fellow Droid and Windows users hopefully they will come out with a app for you soon.

Field Agent gives a list of easy audits and scavenger hunts to do at your favorite stores. The audits maybe something like giving the lowest price on milk and eggs and then taking a picture of the display or the front of the store. You have to be at the location they give you, very easy and takes a minute or two to complete.

The scavenger hunts are a little harder they will give you a UPC and a product short code and you have to go to the store listed or if you have it already in your home that is fine too and take a picture of it.  I will be honest I have not conquered one yet….lol but I am still very new to the app.

There is another category called job referrals, to where you refer somebody for something like buying a home they will pay you for that referral.

How Do I Get Started?

To get started with Field Agent you would go to the app store and search for Field Agent and download on to your phone.  Set up an account and then complete your profile and take the mini surveys which will help you get jobs.

That’s it you can check it at any time for jobs!

Compensation

Compensation is per job, the audits are anywhere from $2.50 up to $7 and the scavenger hunts are $6.50.  Payed directly to PayPal.

Final Word

Since I am still in the testing phase I can say this app is a lot of fun.  I like the fact that when I am out and I know I will be driving or going by one of the stores that usually have audits or scavenger hunts I can quickly see if something is available.  I like scavenger hunts and the audits are very easy and I think they compensate very well.  So far even though I live in a small town there is always a couple of jobs available and I have it stretched to the bigger city an hour away and I could easily make some good cash down there driving around to the different audits and scavenger hunts.

One word of advice, don’t try to be slick and do an audit at a different location other then what is stated in the directions.  In order to use the app it has to access your location settings so it knows where you are and your job will be declined.

Happy auditing and hunting!!

Happy Father's Day!!

Wishing all the Father's and single mother's playing both roles in their kids lives a wonderful, safe and Happy Father's Day!!

Although our Father's have one special day that we celebrate them and what they do for us, we need to remember that they are there for us on a daily basis.  Everyday should be Father's Day.  Tell them you love them and need them in your life everyday.

We get so wrapped up in our daily lives that we forget the simple things that our Father's do for us.  Dad's please keep being there for us and our kids.  Our kids need you in their lives to support and help mold them.

Enjoy your day and your families!

Is Arise A Scam?

There is a lot of questions around the Internet as if Arise is a scam.  I am hoping to shed some light on this company that seems to have people on edge when it is talked about.  I have cruised the forums and have seen post after post, comment after comment and I think 90% of the comments are bad.

We have been told over and over again that if a company asks for an initial investment it is a scam.  I am here to tell you that not all companies that ask for an investment are scams.  Arise is one of those few companies that yes they ask for an initial investment BUT they are not a scam.

How Do I Know?

Arise is a company that is very near and dear to my heart.  It has helped me to help my husband in supporting our family.   I started with them back in 2010 by word of mouth. I didn’t know much about the company or how it worked, I was contracted with LiveOps at the time and all I knew was I was not comfortable with what I was selling, so I decided to give it a shot.

Although I got off to a rocky start it was one of the best decisions I have made, second to me deciding to give working from home another go. 

My first client was with a major cruise line which was exciting and fun.  I mean what could be better then talking about vacations right?  My contract came to an end and I decided it was time to up my game a little and went to contract with a major telecommunications company.  This client was just up my alley, it was exciting and challenging. I soon advanced up to Chat Performance Facilitator which was even more exciting and challenging. I have been with the same client since August 2011 now.

Who Is Arise?

So by now you are probably like ok Nikki who is this Arise company? Arise was formerly know Willow back in the day and then became Arise who is a leader in the virtual call center world.  Their main focus is providing customer service and technical support in eCommerce, telecom, cable, retail and travel industries in the means of voice, chat and email support.  Arise has expanded to allow those living in not only the U.S. but Canada and the U.K., giving them opportunities to partner with local brands. 

Getting Started

Getting started with Arise is pretty simple for the most part.  You go to Arise and you would create a profile and take the ideal match assessment, submit your background check, take the CSP 101 course and then decide on a client. Pretty straight forward right? There are a few bumps and twists in the road though which I will explain in detail below.

So why does everybody say Arise is a scam?  Simple, the fees.  There is an initial investment with partnering with Arise.

Here are the fees:

Background Check $40+. This is self explanatory.

CSP 101 course $99 (this is often discounted for as low as $19.99) This course is a crash course on being a customer service professional and is pretty simple for the majority of us, but that doesn’t mean you can’t just drift through it half paying attention.

Training and Certification (anywhere from $50 – $250) Arise offers live training provided by real instructors in a classroom setting. I personally found this really nice, you get to interact with other people from all over the country while learning your chosen client. You get to role play and hands on preview of the systems you will be working with on a day to day basis.  You can also ask as many questions as you need to make sure you are ready for live call taking. This training is a pass or fail, so if you don’t pay attention and do the necessary training at the end, guess what you will fail and you will lose your money.

Tech Support Fee ($19.99 per pay period) Every pay period you have this fee deducted from your invoice. The tech support fee is if you have any issues with any of your client systems, they need to be reinstalled, whatever they will help you.  I will tell you this, I am not a fan of somebody messing with my computer but there have been plenty of times I have been grateful for Tech Support and have no problem giving up my little $20 in case I need them.

Any office equipment, phone with a headphone jack, land line service, high speed internet and headphones for both for taking calls and training.

Incorporation fees if you decide to have your own business or if you decide to go under somebody else's IBO there will be a fee to join their IBO. 

What Does Incorporation Mean?

What is this incorporation you speak of?  Arise is particular, they will only partner with Independent Business Owners (IBO’s).  Meaning that you have a business and you are incorporated as one with your state.  This ranges in price so check with your Secretary of State website.  So does this mean that if you don’t have a business you are stuck? You can’t partner with Arise?  Absolutely not.  You are able to find an IBO that meets your needs and service under their business if you want to just test the waters or just don’t want the hassle of owning your own.  There are plenty out there. Please do your homework, when I first started with Arise I didn’t and I got burned.  Not meaning to scare you because there are some amazing IBO’s out there, but please be careful, just because Arise is legit doesn’t mean all of the businesses partnered with them are.

Compensation

How much can I make with Arise? It all depends on you.  How much you want to work, which client you choose, call volume and hour availability.  Most of the clients average between $9 – $18 per hour paid twice a month by direct deposit.  Which isn’t to shabby.

Let me say this, if you apply yourself and do your work you will be able to make a decent income.  One that can and will replace your current income. 

Final Words

I have been making a full time income partnering with Arise for 4 years now, any fees that I paid in the beginning including my training I made back in that first week because I applied myself.  I feel like I am living the life, I have two kids and I schedule myself completely around them, I am always around the house for them and that feels great!

Arise is an unique business opportunity putting you in the driver's seat of your own destiny. It is sort of like a business within a business if you will. 

Before I conclude my review on Arise let me leave you with this.  I saw that many people complained about paying for the training or having to shell out money for this or that.  Most work at home opportunities like Arise, LiveOps, Transcription etc, you are an Independent Contractor, YOU are YOUR own business so therefore the money you are investing is in yourself and you need to represent yourself as if you are THE business.

I really don’t know what some people expect, you go to work at a brick and mortar call center setting, you don’t provide the work that you were trained for, guess what you going to get fired.  Arise deals with major companies, the customers expect you to know your stuff, if you don’t perform up to the metrics set forth, of course your contract will not get renewed.  If you don’t pay attention through class and think the whole month is boring and a joke, guess what you are not going to pass your mock calls…because you didn’t pay attention now you have no idea how to even pull up the account, verify an account so why should Arise pass you and have you on the phones.  Arise does have pretty high standards, they want the best of the best, they want people who want to provide a service, who enjoy what they are doing.  I have always said it takes a special person to be a CSP!

If you have more questions on Arise or need an IBO to get you started or you need help incorporating your own IBO please reach out to me.  I would be more then happy to help in anyway I can. 

Royal Solutions, LLC is here to help you with all your needs. 

Transcription From Home

Transcription from home is a service that has become quite popular and that can be turned into a full home based business opportunity.  Basically in a nutshell transcription is the art of taking a recorded voice file and putting into a typed document.  Different transcription types are medical, legal, lectures, voicemails and interviews.                                                                                              

This is one of my side deals.  I just like to type (can’t you tell).  I get kinda lost in it and some of the files are very interesting.

To be a transcription you have to be a relatively fast typer and have a good ear and have the ability to understand different accents.  For some of the bigger companies and higher paying jobs it is recommended that you have a foot pedal and transcription software.

Here are some great companies to get you started :

TranscribeMe

Quicktate

iDictate

iDictate

iDictate the other half of Quicktate.

About iDictate

iDictate transcriptions type longer files anywhere from 10-45 minutes long and are lectures, interviews, medical and legal.  With this company it is suggested that you have a working foot pedal and a transcription type software like  Express Scribe  and Microsoft Word templates.

You are notified through email that files are available, you request a file to the person on duty through Yahoo Messenger then they email you the file, you download it and type it and email it back.  They will email it back to you for any corrections that needs to be made.

Compensation

The compensation is is 0.0050 per word, that is 1/2 cent per word and is paid every Monday along with Quicktate. 

How Do I Get Started?

From what I can see the only place to apply for iDictate is on Quicktate’s website.  When you complete your typing tests for Quicktate if you do really well you will be asked to take the test for iDictate.  So there is opportunity like I did to start right away.  If you are not ready, the test is available on your homepage in Quicktate to take when you are ready.

Final Thoughts

So far iDictate is looking like a pretty solid company.  There looks to be plenty of work as I get emails all throughout the day that work is available to type.  With pay being as low as it is this would not be a current income replacer but an excellent egg in the basket for money and experience on the resume!

Quicktate

Quicktate Review

Quicktate is another work from home transcription company that hires with little to no experience.  I just recently started with them and so far I enjoy it, the files are quick, and the program is pretty straightforward.                                                                                         

About Quicktate

Quicktate agents transcribe short voicemail messages that are anywhere from a few seconds long to a minute or two long.  The files are pretty easy and are quick to transcribe.  One thing that is a plus with this company is that since the files are short all you need is your computer and headphones.  No fancy software and no foot pedal required.

Quicktate also has medical files available as well.

So far from what I can see the files are pretty consistent, sometimes I might have a 5 minute wait time between files.  I usually log in the same time of day which is in the mornings and early afternoon and so far always something to transcribe.

Compensation

The pay is pretty low at 0.0025 per word, that is ¼ cent per word  and Medical Transcription is 0.0050 per word, that is 1/2 cent per word.  In my book every penny adds up and you would be surprised once you get into it how quick it does add up. 

Quicktate also just started a referral program, for every person you refer you get $10 after they make $25.

This company pays every Monday by PayPal.  One thing I did notice was that the initial pay date is pushed back 3 weeks at least it was for mine, but then pays every Monday there after.

How Do I Get Started?

To get started  you would go to Quicktate  and set up your profile.  Then you will be prompted to choose which typing tests you would like to complete.  There is English, English Medical, French and Spanish.  You will take a series of 5 typing test per each subject you chose.  I was notified by the next day if I had passed or not.  You will also need to take a quiz on the requirements ofQuicktate, don’t worry they give you have all the policies there to help you lol.

If you pass and qualify you will be asked to submit $15 for a background check through PayPal or credit card through PayPal.

Depending on how well you do on your typing tests you maybe asked to test for iDictate which is their sister company and  pay twice as much.

Final Thoughts

Although the compensation is low I really enjoy typing for Quicktate.  The files are fun and sometimes funny…lol…and they are extremely easy.  A good egg to have in your basket especially if you are like me who like to earn a few bucks while your toddler sleeps or is watching their favorite TV show.

TranscribeMe  

TranscribeMe is a great starter place for anybody who is wanting to get their foot in the door and gain some experience transcribing.  This was my first transcription job that I took and that accepted me with no training and no experience…lol.

About TranscribeMe

TranscribeMe agents transcribe various audio files for interviews, lectures and medical.  The best thing about this company was that I didn’t have to break out the foot pedal hiding way back in my closet from my short stint in medical transcription school.  No fancy software I had to figure out either.  This opportunity is available in all parts of the world.

The one thing that caught me was they ask you to sign into a community where you are able to ask questions and get updates and just chit chat.  Everybody who is a part of TranscribeMe is in the community and it gives it a much warmer feeling because you have people that are helping you succeed from all over the world.

Compensation  

The compensation is on the lower end of the scale. $.33/minute of audio file or the way TranscribeMe says it $20/audio minute.  Remember an audio minute is not the same as a real minute.  It could take you 5 minutes to transcribe 1 audio file.  You get paid for that 1 minute of file NOT the 5 it took you to type it.  Make sense?

What they have done is broken up large audio files that maybe in reality 30 – 40 minutes long and broken them up into 1 minute files and spreading the love around so everybody gets a piece.

They recently changed their payment schedule from every month to now whenever you want to withdraw.  I have found on my first payout with the new schedule that the withdrawal button will only highlight if you have a minimum of a $1.  Payment is made through PayPal.

How To Apply

To apply go to TranscribeMe   and register.  From there you will take the Transcriber 101 Exam, you find out immediately if you pass or not.  Get connected to their online community and start transcribing! Easy peasy!

Final Thoughts

 TranscribeMe is a great starting place or even if you have experience still a great place for it is not so rigid and time sensitive as some other companies.  The files are relatively easy for beginners, there is plenty of work, 9 times out of 10 when I log in there is work available.  I get help when I am stuck and there is room for advancement to become a QA.  The best part they are 100% with the payments.

Work From Home Starting Out

Work From Home                                                                                    

  
The Internet can be a scary place for a  person who is new on their search for the perfect work from home solution.  Shoot, it can be a scary place for a seasoned person as well.  You can place a search right now in Google and you will come up with thousands and thousands of companies and offers that promise that you will make $1000's of dollars in a matter of days.  

SIMPLY NOT TRUE! 

Working from home is the same as any other job, it takes work in whatever you decide to do, whether it is a customer service professional, blogger or an affiliate marketer.  It all takes work, dedication and motivation to do these things.  Unfortunately those programs that are promising  you that when you sign up you are going to make $500 or $1000's in a matter of minutes, yeah not going to happen. Now, maybe with hard work and a lot of know how you may be able to make a few thousand a month, but I don't know about you but I have a hard time promoting programs that I just feel like is a scam. 

Trust me, I have been on the search for the perfect work from home program for over 9 years, ever since my first daughter was born.  I have been scammed, I hate to say it, but on more then one occasion by these programs that promise the world. I would give them my money and make nothing. Maybe it was because I didn't know how, or maybe because I just didn't believe in the product. 

Through out my blog I will be discussing and reviewing numerous work at home opportunities that I have either tested myself or have found from a reputable source that I trust.  

THE BIG QUESTION                               

The question you need to be asking yourself is WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?  That is a loaded question isn't it?  Well you have made it this far, so you need to ask yourself, what are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? In my experience there are three different kinds of people looking for one of three things. 

1.  Income Replacement - This is where you want to completely replace your current income with either equal or more money. 

2. Supplemental Income -  Supplemental Income is almost like a second job, you are comfortable with what you are doing now and the money you are making but would love something that would give you an extra income to put away for that vacation to the Bahamas, or spending cash for the kids clothes. 

3. Extra Cash - Extra cash is nice for everyone, maybe your husband or wife makes a decent income, you are home with the kids but would love some extra cash in your pocket to get your nails and hair done, or take the kids bowling. 

Whatever your cash need is I am sure you will find something here worth your effort.  Again, anything you do in life takes work and working from home is no different.  

If you find something, a program or opportunity and it has not been discussed here feel free to email me or post it on here and I will do what I can to research it and give a review on it for you.