{Work-at-Home} Virtual Assistant

After deciding to leave my teaching career to be a stay-at-home mom, I knew I still needed to do something that would bring in additional income.  For me, I didn't want to spend time doing surveys only to earn a few dollars, I wanted something that would be comparable to what I would be making if I were still teaching. 

So, I began working as a Virtual Assistant and LOVED the fact that I could be at home but still have a career. (I have since stopped working as a VA because I wanted more time with my family.)

Although being a Virtual Assistant (VA) would not work for every at-home parent, it had been a blessing for my family so I thought I would share a bit about this type of work-at-home opportunity...

What is a Virtual Assistant? Virtual Assistants (typically abbreviated to VAs), are entrepreneurs who provide professional administrative, technical, or creative (social) assistance to clients from a home office. VAs usually support other small businesses, entrepreneurs, and consultant groups.

Skill Set:

• Highly Organized
• Self-Motivated
• Strong Leader
• Self-Starter
• Excellent time management skills
• Great communicator
• Needs very little or no direction
• Computer Savvy - Must be highly proficient in Office, email, Internet, etc.
  

Getting Started:

Getting started as a virtual assistant requires a few simple steps. There is no formal credential process to become a virtual assistant, but there are several companies who offer training and their own certifications, such as AssistU. Although it is not absolutely necessary to become certified as a virtual assistant, it can be helpful in your quest to find new clients since programs like AssistU offer this kind of support. Before you sign up for any program or course, do your due diligence and investigate the company. Get recommendations from other successful virtual assistants and consider finding a mentor who can help you get started.

Equipment Needed:

• Home office (quiet space)
• Computer/Internet
• Printer/Copier/Scanner
• Possible Fax
• Phone Line (Unlimited long distance a plus - we use Vonage)
• Website for marketing

Pay Range:

This depends on several factors: your skills/training, your industry (administrative vs. technical) and possibly your location. The range can be anywhere from $12 all the way up to $65 an hour, with $20/hr. being a pretty standard rate.

When setting your fees, you'll need to remember that you will have to pay your own Self-Employment Tax (social security), insurance and other “benefits” so you should definitely charge more than the same position would pay an employee.

You can also charge by the project, or you can charge a “retainer” for a certain number of hours per week that would cover any projects your client assigned.

PROS:

• A huge bonus is that you get to work from home. You'll save money on work clothes, gas, lunching out, etc. And, best of all, you'll be home for your family.
• You can start with very little funds.
• You get to decide how many hours you work and when. You're your own boss.
  
• You decide who your clients are. While it may be trying to get those first few clients, you have the luxury to decide if it's working out or not.
  

CONS:

• Probably one of the most difficult things for new VAs is finding your first client(s). If you spread the word and market yourself to friends and family, the clients may come to you rather easily. Other resources online can assist you in finding clients (see below). The good news is that once your start building your reputation, your clients will refer new clients to you.
• Juggling the work load at home - While being home is a bonus, it's also a struggle. I know it was a struggle of mine. Unless you have excellent time management and set clear priorities, you'll likely spend as much time in your home office as you would outside the home. If you have children, you'll have to be diligent about setting aside time for them and working around naps and in the evenings.
• As your business grows, it's likely that your expenses and equipment will grow too.
• You are responsible for your own taxes, health insurance, etc.
  

Bottom Line: Starting a virtual assistant business is just one of many ways to be a Work-at- home entrepreneur. If you have experience as an administrative assistant, or can offer virtual services to business clients, then you are a prime candidate for having a successful virtual assistant business.

For more information about starting your own Virtual Assistant business, you can visit these resources:

• International Association of Virtual Office Assistants
• VA Networking
• Guru.com - Job Listings
• VA4u.com - Post a listing for free
• Simply Hired - Job Listings
  
• Other places to look for clients: Elance, Odesk, Craigslist, and Hire my Mom

Recommended Reading:

{Work-at-Home} Online/Paid Surveys

Companies are paying consumers for their feedback! These places conduct market research for new products and services and are looking for a consumer's point-of-view. Paid online survey companies do this to get the opinion of a select number of people before they launch these products and services onto the general product. They also use these opinions to change existing products and to give them ideas for future ones. In exchange for your time, these companies will pay you a fee based on the length of the surveys you complete.

Skill Set:

• Patience
• Attention to detail
• Honest
• Basic computer knowledge

Requirements/Training:

• You will need to familiarize yourself with each program's requirements, payment procedures, and background.
• Basic computer knowledge

Equipment Needed:

• Computer
• PayPal account, optional to direct payments

Pay Range:

• Typically, companies pay anywhere from $2-$75 per survey. Your pay usually depends on how long the survey takes you... If it is a long one, you will usually get offered more money to complete it. For example: A five-minute survey might earn you about $2.00, and an hour-long survey might earn you around $10.00.

PROS:

• Flexible - You do the surveys when it works into your schedule. This means they can be completed after all the kids have gone to bed. If you can't do any surveys for weeks or months, no problem. This allows you to choose how much/little you want to do.
• Convenient - No traveling or special organizing needed. Just open up your e-mail and click, click, click.

CONS:

• Income is based on how much time you can put into it. Some companies pay better than others. 
• Each company typically has a "payout" amount. It will likely take some time to see this money unless you are putting forth a great deal of effort and time.
• There are a LOT of 'scam' companies out there. Some companies might offer rewards (points to earn prizes) instead of pay.

Bottom Line:

Paid online survey companies do pay you cash for your opinion, but you will need to know which websites give you the most money.  You will not make a substantial income with these paid surveys, but it might be worth your time for a few extra dollars...you decide.

TIPS:

• Avoid the scams! There are many of these companies out there and, as always, there are a handful of "bad seeds." Do your research before signing on with a company to make sure you're going to get paid for your time. Conduct a Google search: "Company name/Website" + scam to see what others are saying.
• DO NOT PAY TO JOIN!!! Remember: They should be paying you! There are plenty legitimate companies out there that do not charge a membership fee.
• Set up a separate e-mail account to receive these surveys. (Your Inbox is soon to be flooded.)

Here are some Online Survey companies that are more well-known and appear to have great reviews by their members:
(Please NOTE: I am not a member nor do I endorse these companies.)

• Inbox Dollars - InboxDollars® pays its members to: Sign Up, Read E-Mail, Refer Others, Join Survey Sites, Play Games, Complete Offers, and More! Pay out minimum is $30.
• Cash Crate - Minimum payout is $20
• Survey Savvy
• A GIANT list from Volition.com

{Work-at-Home} Direct Selling

 We're continuing on with our Work-at-Home series... You can read up on "Online Selling" and later on this week we'll be covering Online/Paid Surveys and Virtual Assistants (my personal former work-at-home job).  If you would like to see another Work-at-home opportunity highlighted here or would like to write a guest post, please contact me.

What is Direct Selling?

Other names include: Consultants, Representatives, and Home Party Reps. Many companies are offering representative positions for women (and men) to sell their products which can include purses, jewelry, home goods, kitchen gadgets, food items, and eco-products. Consultants can market their products at the grocery store, local events, online, or by hosting parties at someone's home.

Skill Set:

• Go-Getter
• Outgoing
• Sociable
• Confident
• Self-Starter
• Leader
• People-Person
• Good Communicator
• Comfortable speaking in front of small groups
• Active Listener
• Ambitious
• Organized

Requirements/Training:

• You will need to familiarize yourself with company policies, procedures, and standards for submitting orders.
• Basic computer skills
• Knowledge in numbers:  you will be responsible for keeping track of sales, taxes, etc.

Equipment Needed:

• Most companies will provide at least catalogs and brochures for you to hand out to potential customers. However, you many consider purchasing a start-up kit from the company which will likely include an array of product samples, order forms and other supplies you many need. The median cost of a start box is $70, and most companies offer them in a few different sizes and price ranges.  For example, Homemade Gourmet gets you started with products, catalogs, order forms, a personalized website and start-up support for $39.  There may, then, be additional costs for web hosting, more products, etc.

• Consider getting business cards made so customers can have your number ready when they need to reorder. They also come in handy when you are marketing to new customers. VistaPrint and PrintsMadeEasy (free code 'FirstOneFree') offer free designs, you just pay shipping.

• If you are throwing a home party to market your products, you will want to provide basics refreshments to your guests and, of course, have your products on display or out for testing.

• Most companies provide you with a personalized webpage. If not, you may want to consider hosting your own site or putting together a website

Pay Range:

Consultants/Representatives typically earn a commission off the sales they have made; this commission varies by company but is typically around 25%, plus cash/prizes incentives and product rewards for meeting sales quotas.

The best way to boost your earnings is to recruit new consultants to work under you . The make up what's called your down-line,and you earn anywhere from 2-5% of what they sell.

PROS:

• Can be flexible around your schedule and family
• You decide how much time and money you would like to put into it.
• Meet great people (get to socialize with grown-ups!)
• Get to have the chance to sell something you are passionate about.

CONS:

• Income is based on how much time you can put into it
• Related tasks that will take up time include: paperwork, submitting orders, recruiting, follow-ups, delivering orders, etc.

Bottom Line:

Your income will depend in large part on how much time you can put toward marketing and hosting parties. The average direct sales consultant works 5-10 hours a week and earns around $200 per month.

Make sure you are comfortable pitching products to your family, friends, co-workers, church/groups members.

TIPS:

•  Ask yourself:  Is this a hobby or a business?  Keep your hobby separate from your business so you don't spend your earnings on your own product.
• Don't sell anything you don't believe in. Passion will lead you to success!
• Put yourself out there and get to know your customers.
• If your looking for customers for life, home shows are the way to get them!

If you interested in becoming a consultant for Homemade Gourmet, you can read more about their consulting program HERE!

For more information about Home Parties and Consultant Opportunities, please visit these resources:

• Direct Selling Opportunities
• Host a Party Online
• How to Succeed as a Home Party Sales Consultant
• Consultant Moms
• Home Party Planner Network

(A BIG thanks to my friend, Candice, for helping with this article!) 

{Work-at-Home} Online Selling

What is Online Selling? One of the best, and simplest, ways to start a WAH (Work-at-Home) business online is to become a seller on one of the several online auction sites. Ebay is the most popular, and most widely recognized. However, sellers are also having success on Yahoo auctions, Overstock auctions, Etsy, and many others. You can sell a variety of things: things you collect, children's clothes, books, handmade items... anything goes.

Skill Set:
 - Moderate Computer Skills
- Motivated to try new marketing tools
- Understanding of consumers' needs/wants
- Persistence
- Motivated
- Organized

Requirements/Training:
- Build an understanding of consumer base
- Build an understanding of online auctions sites including familiarizing yourself with policies, procedures, and standards.
- Moderate computer skills

Equipment Needed:
- Computer
- Storage for your products (can be an empty closet)
- Digital Camera to post pictures
- Accounts with online auction sites
- PayPal account

Pay Range:
- How much you make will depend on what you sell
- You will have to take into account any fees associated with eBay, PayPal, etc.
The fees involved with running an ebay business are minimal compared to having your own store on a separate website. While hosting for a website can cost upwards of $20 per month, ebay only charges you a small percentage of the items that you sell. There are also some other minimal fees involved, and most sellers work those fees into their listing price.

PROS:
- Being an online auction seller has many benefits for a WAHM. You can run your business from your home.
- You can set up auctions to automatically list at certain times of the day, so you don't always have to be at the computer.
- Plus, there is guaranteed traffic to the auction website which makes it simple to get new customers.

CONS:
- Income is based on what you sell and how you choose to sell it
- Related tasks that will take up time include: responding to customers, packaging & shipping materials, following up, leaving feedback, and keeping track of expenses.
- Things may not sell quickly or even at all

Bottom Line:
Selling your stuff online can be a great money-making tool. It can take more time, energy, and organization than hosting your typical yard sale, but you will definitely earn more money. Things will take longer to sell and, be prepared, some may not sell at all.

TIPS: Be patient. If something is not selling, try different marketing strategies. Familiarize yourself with the auction process before you begin selling. Remember to start your business small and let it develop as you become more confident in your auction selling abilities.

For more information about starting your own Online Selling business, please visit these resources:

* Home Biz Direct
* Entrepreneur.com - eBay center
* Power Home Biz

If you have experience with Online Selling, please let us a comment below with your thoughts and advice!  Also, if you have a site where you sell your stuff, feel free to leave a linky too so we can all visit!

Work-at-Home Opportunities: Upcoming Series

I ran this Work-at-Home series a year or so ago, but thought this would be a good time to re-run this series.  Each day this week, I'll introduce a different type of work-at-home adventure including:  

• Direct Selling
• Online Selling
• Virtual Assistants
• Online/Paid Surveys

If you would like to see another Work-at-home opportunity highlighted here or would like to write a guest post, please contact me.

I get asked (A LOT) by moms who want to earn some extra money, but don't want to sacrifice the precious time we have to spend with our children. 

Many SAHMs (stay-at-home moms) are finding that living on one income is even harder than ever and, now, SAHMs exploring telecommuting opportunities to help ease these difficult times.
Deciding to become a WAHM (work-at-home mom) can be a tough decision with so many questions... How will I work while raising my children? How will I get everything done? What kind of work will I do? Where do I begin?
 
Why Telecommute? Not only will you be saving gas money, you are readily available to your family when you are working from home. You can deduct business expenses from your taxes and, often times, you can set your own hours. More and more companies are looking for telecommuters, since it saves them money in the long run.

What kind of work can I do? A quick Google search online and you'll soon discover a plethora of WAH jobs. Finding a WAH opportunity that fits in with your schedule is quite easy. Finding an opportunity that you will actually enjoy just takes a bit more thought. Ask yourself this question: What am I skilled at (crafts, people, organizing, computers, etc.)? If you're a people-person, you might consider becoming a consultant for a well-known company selling products to earn a commission. If you're crafty, you might consider selling you products online. If you're tech-savvy, you might offer your skills to entrepreneurs or small business owners in your area. Whatever your skill set, I firmly believe in the old adage: If you do what you love, success will surely follow.

How will I juggle everything? Structure, Structure, Structure. Working from home requires a huge amount of self-discipline. Have a plan for your "work" hours and try to organize family time around that. It's important, especially for children, to know that this transition won't affect your family time. Likewise, if you have small children at home, setting up a routine that includes structured play time and planning your workload around naptimes will allow for the easiest transition.

Will I have to pay anything upfront? When I began on my search, I noticed a disturbing trend..."a one-time start up fee." Are these people serious? They actually want me to pay them so I can get a job? Nothing about that sounds right, and it isn't. Any WAHM will tell you that you shouldn't have to pay anything to get a job!

Whether you want to work full-time or part-time, there are many opportunities for those who want to telecommute. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll explore a range of Work-at-Home opportunities as well as provide some valuable resources to get you started on a path that's right for your family.

FREE Telecommuting Job Search Resources:

1. Monster.com - Search for jobs in your area or by 'telecommute'
2. Craigslist - Once you click on a job field, you can select 'Telecommute.' Dont just stick with your city, since you're telecommuting you can work with anyone anywhere.
3. Guru.com - You supply a quote for various projects and work as a freelancer.
4. DoMyStuff - Some telecommuting opportunities and other jobs from people in your area
5. Simply Hired - Type in keyword 'Telecommute'
6. Career Builder - Browse through Telecommuting jobs

Stay tuned for some legit Work-at-Home possibilities coming up this week!

*HOT* Pinecone Research - Paid Product Testing Accepting New Applicants

This is rare since Pinecone Research arely opens up their application process to new members.  But, now you can sign up HERE!!

As a member of Pinecone Research, I have been pleased to receive  invitations to test out  new products and take new surveys.



I have received several online surveys from Pinecone taking from 5 -15 minutes and have been paid $3 for each one. I have also received this last product test and payment for that even before I was done completeting the final survey. So, I know they are legitimate, reliable and fast paying.

You can sign up here! (Every little bit helps, right?)
TIP: If you have a male head of household have him sign up since it seems they are in more need of male respondents.

Dunkin' Donuts Advisory Panel

Join the Dunkin' Donuts Advisory Panel and as a member of the panel, you will receive invitations to participate in on-line surveys and discussion groups.

In exchange, panelists (a.k.a. Dunkin' VIPs) will be among the first to see new advertising campaigns, learn about new products, and receive valuable rewards like Dunkin' Donuts Cards or Dunkin’ Donuts Gift Certificates.

Looking for more ways to earn FREEBIES for your reviews? Scroll through my past posts highlighting some of the best panel opportunities!

Money-Making Opportunity: Get Paid for Visting Popular Sites

I always get emails from readers interested in bringing in a little more income. In addition to all of the possibilities I wrote about HERE (keep scrolling down through all the posts), there is a new opportunity to make a little extra without having to do much at all! Love those kinds of gigs!!

BeRuby.com is a personalized portal where you can make money for your activity on the web. No toolbars, no downloading anything, just start your searching with your BeRuby account and you'll money for the sites you visit. NOTE: You won't make dollars worth every day - just cents but it all adds up and is nice to have plopped into your Payal account every month. And, from what i can tell, you get paid for each site once a day...still more than I made from visiting the site without going through them. I just signed up today and have $1.08 in my account. Like I said, not life changing but worth a few minutes of my time.

More about how you get paid...

"BeRuby.com has commission agreements with all the sites that display a Ruby symbol and gives one third of these commissions back to you (through shopping, registering or sometime just visiting the site). The amount of commission that the user receives will vary by site and will often depend on how much is purchased from the merchant. The more rubies that are displayed next to the store, the bigger the potential commission. For specifics, go to the commissions page, and click on the icons under the Visit, Register or Shop column to find out how to earn your cash back on that site.

On your direct commissions from the sites with rubies, you receive 33% (or one third) of the cash back generated. Another 33% (or one third) of the cash back generated goes to one of the non-profits working with BeRuby. "

I looked through their advertiser list and saw some pretty familiar sites... I know I use Google, Facebook, craigslist, twitter. You get paid for visitng those sites! You can also earn money for shopping through them and just for registering at certain sites.

Go HERE to check out BeRuby -- it's FREE to sign up (even better)!

Don't forget to check out my long list of ways to earn money including Direct selling, Online selling, Virtual Assistants, surveys and more!

(Thanks Samantha and Money Saving Mom!)

Vogue Insiders Panel

Sign up to be a part of the Vogue Insiders Panel.

As a vogue insider you will
• TEST products before they hit the shelves
• PREVIEW new fashion collections
• EXPERIENCE member-only events
• MAKE your voice heard in Vogue

Become a Purex Insider

Some of you may know that I am one of the 200 Purex Insiders that got to test out the new Purex 3-in-1 laundry sheets before they hit the shelves.

I have gushed about how much I love these laundry sheets and how helpful I think they are!!

You can check out a video demonstration, read more, print out $1 off coupons, and get a chance to win a year's supply of Purex 3-in-1 sheets!

Plus, if you'll do me a HUGE favor, just by clicking HERE and visiting the site you are helping me earn a top spot as a Purex Insider! Your one click could help me win so that I can get some great stuff for future giveaways! If you already did your click, thank you! If you didn't yet, just click HERE (and thank you!)!

Now, Purex is opening up their Insider program and they are accepting applications for new Insiders! Go HERE to learn more about these awesome sheets and then go HERE to apply!

Purex keeps it exciting with fun promotions and giveaways, including the one that will help me earn money for this blog! :)

Nielsen Homescan Panel is back open!!

If you didn't get a chance to apply last time around, here's your chance...

Apply to be a part of the Nielsen Homescan panel because right now they are seeking new members in certain areas.

How does it work?

As a panel member, Homescan will provide you with a hand-held scanner. Every time you or members of your household shop, you’ll use the scanner to scan the barcodes on all of your purchases.

Then, once a week, you'll send us your purchase information. It's as easy as that!

What’s in it for me?

You’ll earn gift points that are redeemable for name-brand merchandise, including electronics equipment, jewelry, household items, toys, and much more!

You’ll also earn entries into our many exciting sweepstakes. But, above all, you’ll be making your opinions count!

Go HERE to join but hurry because I'm sure spaces will fill up quickly with this one!!

FREE Swagbucks Codes = FREE Rewards

Are you game with Swagbucks yet? Every time you use Swag Buck's search engine (and who doesn't use a search engine when on the web?), you can earn points to be used for prizes such as gift cards, books, and more -- and now you can even convert your points to cash with PayPal payment! My favorites are the Amazon, Target, and Starbucks gift cards but they also have some great prizes in their Swag store.

You can download the Swagbucks toolbar to make it easy to use them as your search engine -- you can still use Google or other search engines but why not earn prizes for doing your searching.

You also earn SwagBucks by shopping through their site and inviting your friends to join. Points add up quickly and I've already redeemed mine for several Amazon gift certificates. You can check Swagbucks out HERE! (Did I mention it is also free to join?)

Today ONLY (Sunday, July 5th), enter the Swagcode 'Independence' to get a FREE Swagbuck (expires July 6th).

When you sign up (before July 6th), you can get 5 extra Swag Bucks!! Go HERE to sign up!

If you also follow them on Twitter and Facebook and they will give hints clues where they hide Swagbucks throughout the site each day.

Your points will add up quickly and before you know it you'll be chasing them in for prizes, gift cards and even cash! :)

Go HERE to sign up!

YouData Pays Tomorrow!

Last week I posted about some Making Money at Home gigs, one of them being YouData. I have had lots of readers email me that they've already earn some money!

Well, if you remember from that post I said that every Friday is pay day... that's tomorrow!

If you haven't already signed up or want a chance to earn some more money for tomorrow's payday, visit YouData!

HERE'S a recap of last Monday's post talking about YouData and other money makin' gigs. :)

You Data Pays Tomorrow!

Last week I posted about some Making Money at Home gigs, one of them being YouData. I have had lots of readers email me that they've already earn some money!

Well, if you remember from that post I said that every Friday is pay day... that's tomorrow!

If you haven't already signed up or want a chance to earn some more money for tomorrow's payday, visit YouData! HERE'S a recap of last week's post talking about YouData and other money makin' gigs. :)

Throw a House Party and Get FREE Products

What's House Party, you ask?

Membership is FREE.

How it works: You register and apply to certain "parties" that you think you might like hosting. If selected, you invite your friends and family over to your house to share your House party package and sample & review the products.

For example, I was selected to host a Barilla pasta party. House Party mailed me a package that included 2 boxes of Barilla pasta, 2 coupons for free jars of Barilla pasta sauce, 8 sets of coupons for Barilla pasta and sauce to give to family and friends, wine glass charms, an Italian book, a CD, 8 Barilla kitchen timers, coloring books and bean sacks for the kids. It was a wonderful surprise and all I had to do is cook up the Barilla pasta and sauce (yummy), share with family and friends, and spread the word.

Right now, House Party is accepting applications for some of their new upcoming parties:

• Soy Joy House Party
• Splenda® Sweet Solutions House Party
• Royal Caribbean Get Away From The Everyday House Party
• Sunday Supper by Chef Michael’s® House Party
• Children International Kid-tribution House Party
• truTV BLACK GOLD House Party
• Hot Wheels® Battle Force 5™ House Party
• Bumble Bee Tuna Temptations House Party
• OSCAR MAYER LUNCHABLES Quest for the Best House Party
• ESPN Fantasy Football Draft Party
• Faraway Friends™ House Party
• Healthy Laughs House Party
• Canon Picture Perfect Holidays House Party

The application takes under 5 minutes to complete and is well worth it if you get selected. Visit Houseparty.com for more details or to apply for the next party!

Join the Nielsen Panel & Get Rewards

Apply to be a part of the Nielsen Homescan panel because right now they are seeking new members in certain areas.

How does it work?

As a panel member, Homescan will provide you with a hand-held scanner. Every time you or members of your household shop, you’ll use the scanner to scan the barcodes on all of your purchases.

Then, once a week, you'll send us your purchase information. It's as easy as that!

What’s in it for me?

You’ll earn gift points that are redeemable for name-brand merchandise, including electronics equipment, jewelry, household items, toys, and much more!

You’ll also earn entries into our many exciting sweepstakes. But, above all, you’ll be making your opinions count!

Go HERE to join but hurry because I'm sure spaces will fill up quickly with this one!!

Make a Few Extra Bucks

It isn't any surprise that most online "work at home" jobs won't bring in a substantial income. But who's not up for earning a little extra money every month especially when it hardly takes any extra time at all?!

I recently joined in YouData and I'm lovin' it! YouData works with advertisers to pay you to view their ads. You can add the viewing box on to your desktop so within a few minutes you can earn your money. It takes hardly any time at all, it's free to join and they really, truly pay you... every Friday in fact. It's not a lot of money (like $2-$6 a week) but every Friday that money has been deposited into my PayPal account and helped pay for coupons, scrapbooking supplies, and other things I've been eyeing. You can join HERE!

Another opportunity that I've been enjoying is SwagBucks! Every time you use Swag Buck's search engine (and who doesn't use a search engine when on the web), you can earn points to be used for prizes such as gift cards, books, and more! You also earn SwagBucks by shopping through their site and inviting your friends to join. Points add up quickly and I've already redeemed mine for several Amazon gift certificates. You can check Swagbucks out HERE! (Did I mention it is also free to join?)

If you're a Bzz Agent, it's likely that you are already aware of MyPoints. Since BzzAgent gives you points after you complete campaigns, my points have quickly accumulate to help me earn gift cards! Of course, you don't need to be a BzzAgent to get the perks of My Points, you just need to create a free account and get points by searching, shopping and referring friends. I earned several restaurant and retail gift cards through MyPoints.

If you're looking to invest a bit more time to make a bit more money, check out my articles I've written for the following Work-at-home opportunities:

• Direct Selling

• Virtual Assistant

• Online Selling

• Online Surveys

Staying Organized Online -- You'll LOVE this!

I visit a LOT of websites... for coupons, recipes, for business, homeschooling, etc. etc. With so many great sites out there, my 'Bookmark' and 'Favorites' folders were ridiculously overwhelmed. And, the truth is, looking at that big mess on my sidebar made me overwhelmed.

I desperately wanted to free up some space on my computer but still be organized and track all my favorite online spots.Then I came across the answer to my prayers... Evernote.

Basically Evernote is a FREE download/program that lets you capture any information online that you want to keep... it can be a site, a specific web page or article, screenshots, business cards, Twitter posts, and more. You just click on "Clip to Evernote" on your toolbar and it saves that page in a category or folder that you designate.

For example, I have folders set up for Homeschooling but within that folder I have folders for printables, lesson plans, activities, etc. If I come across a site or idea I love, then I clip it to my Evernote into the correct category. Now, all I have to do is look into my Evernote account to see screenshots of those ideas with direct links to those pages. Very useful for us visual people!

You can even add your to-do lists, snapshots from your camera or phone, scans, audio files, etc. Did I mention it is FREE? There's an upgrade available for a small monthly fee, but the FREE version offers plenty of great features!

You can seriously do so much with Evernote that I have deleted ALL of my favorites and bookmarks from my computer! (I only panicked for a second.)

Check out Evernote HERE! I'm still learning and discovering all I can do with it, but I'm lovin' it!!

*OVER* Attn: Men, HURRY! Pinecone Research is Open to YOU!

*UPDATE: The spots are all filled (for now)! Will post again if they start accepting more!

So yesterday's open invite from Pinecone went pretty quickly, but it looks as if they have opened a limited # of spaces to MEN ONLY!!! Hurry up and sign up HERE!
(If you have a hubby, sign him up!)

NOTE: I am not sure how long they'll have sign-up available today!

*OVER* Pinecone Research - Paid Surveys & Product Testing: Accepting New Members

UPDATE: Pinecone Research has met their quota for new members. If you didn't get in while it was still active, they will surely be accepting more members in the near future... I'll post back up when they are!!!

It's rare when Pinecone Research opens up their invitations, so I'd definitely sign up while they are accepting new members!!!

As a member of Pinecone Research, I was pleased when I received an invitation to test out a new product. Although I can't go into details about the product, I can tell you about my experience with Pinecone Research as a company.

I have received several online surveys from Pinecone taking from 5 -15 minutes and have been paid $3 for each one. I have also received this last product test and payment for that even before I was done completing the final survey. So, I know they are legitimate, reliable and fast paying.

You can sign up here! (Every little bit helps, right?)

TIP: If you have a male head of household have him sign up since it seems they are in more need of male respondents.