AboutLeslie Truex Expertise I can answer questions on how to find a work-at-home job online or off including the best sites for finding jobs, how approach an employer about working at home, and other methods for creating a work-at-home job. I can also answer questions about current trends in telecommuting, how to establish a telecommuting program in a company, and how to maximize productivity while working at home.
Experience I have telecommuted as a social worker, writer, web designer and online researcher. I have provided work-at-home job announcements and tips online since 1998 at my site WorkAtHomeSuccess.com. I am the author of Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding or Creating a Work-At-Home and of the soon to be published The Pajama Mama Guide to Online Employment.
Publications My articles have appeared in various work-at-home and stay-at-home e-zines and web site.
Education/Credentials I have a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work.
Awards and Honors Work-At-Home Success has been recognized and received several awards from various online resources.
Question I am a 40 year old disabled woman looking to earn income from home. I found that I would love to help people work from home by writing a flex work proposal,and help them set up a home office. I would like to help with maternity leave,with elder care,anything that would help a man or woman live a more balanced,happy life. What must I do to get started, and how can I do so safely.Like ,how do I gather info from a client to write a proposal for them?
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Also, what kinds of positions are good for flex options?
Thank you
Kim Dixon
Answer Hi Kim,
There are a couple of things to consider. Do you have experience in this area and know how to write flexible work proposals? Second, is there a market for this type of work? Sure there are people who could use the help, but are they willing to pay you for it. Do you know what to charge?
The first step is to outline your ideas completely, determine what to charge and if there is even a market (not just who need it but would be willing to pay for it). Then you need to make a plan; how will you find customers (marketing is where most businesses fail) etc.
You need to design your forms or contracts so everyone knows what you can and can't do. If you don't have experience, you need to get some and learn about flexible work schedules. Your education in this area will help you determine what you need to gather in terms of information. Knowing how to research will help too as work proposals should have info about flexible work options offered by other companies in a similar industry.
There are hundreds of positions that can be done on a flexible schedule (flex can be a multitude of things, part-time, shared jobs, telecommute etc).
Basically, start by learning more about what you want to do and determine if its something that people would hire you for. If so, make a detailed plan. There are many books on how to start a business that cover business plan and marketing plans both of which will be key to your success.
