Sunday, June 7, 2009

The Freelancer’s Union

The Freelancer’s Union, a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, represents the quickly rising numbers of independent business people in the United States from Cincinnati, Ohio to San Buenaventura, California. It addresses the needs of this diverse industry through advocacy, information and service. Approximately 30% of the entire workforce in America is made up of self-employed workers which include freelancers, temporary employees, contingent employees, independent contractors and other entrepreneurs. As the number of independent entrepreneurs increases, the Freelancer’s Union strives to give them a voice. Many occupations are eligible for membership including Accountant, Exterminator, Entertainer, Occupational therapist, Apiarist, Make-up artist, Mortgage broker, Fletcher and Toolmaker.

How it all Began

Former labor lawyer, Sara Horowitz, founded Working Today in 1995. This was one of the first small steps in the direction of supporting and meeting the needs of the independent workforce. Working Today introduced the Portable Benefits Network (PBN) in 2001. The goal of Portable Benefits Network was to provide benefits to individual entrepreneureal workers who were in New York City’s Silicon Alley. PBN became Freelancer’s Union in May 2003 in an effort to better convey the needs that steer freelancers as well as better reflect the multitude of services that the organization offers including benefits, resources and advocacy.

Benefits of Membership

The free membership to Freelancer’s Union provides impressive benefits to the independent worker. Insurance is one of the main goals of the organization and in some cases it is to be had. Coverage varies by insurance type and there may be eligibility rules. However, the Union is striving to bring insurance in every state. Members also are eligible for discounts from companies such as Barnes & Noble.com, In Good Company, National Advertising and Printing Corp., The Spacialist the YMCA of New York City as well as many others.

The Freelancer’s Union also organizes training on a variety of topics including legal, business and taxes. They also coordinate informational campaigns in an effort to promote [fair taxes, better options for insurance and increased visibility|better insurance, increased recognition and reasonable taxes|better options for insurance, reduced taxes and public relations} for independent workers.

Members can also build a profile in the Freelancer’s Union’s online community and even set up their own listing in the Freelancer’s Yellow Pages. They can also access the Gigs board to find contracts and communicate with other members, other entrepreneurs.

Union Sponsored Events The Freelancer’s Union sponsors many significant events that are planned to help independent workers network and learn more about protecting themselves and operating a more profitable business. One of the networking projects is through Meetup.com. Members from all over the United States can sign up and connect to each other on MeetUp. Other events that the Union hosts are classes on skill building on both a personal and professional level. Seminar topics can range from Understanding and Applying for Business Loans, Retirement - How to Choose Your Investments, Pricing Strategies to 7 Financial Steps Every Freelancer Must Know. There is a complete list on the Union’s website.

Advocacy

The Freelancer’s Union promotes awareness on policies that affect the growing number of home workers in America. Issues such as access to health insurance, saving for retirement, recourse for clients who don’t pay, unemployment benefits and employment laws are all on the front burner for the advocacy sector of the Freelancer’s Union.

The freelancer’s Union is strongly recommended for the independent worker. There are significant benefits to membership and the value is superb.

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Saturday, June 6, 2009

Freelance Travel Agent

Most would think that going to fascinating travel destinations like Toscana, Italy, Sydney, Australia, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota or the Annieopsquotch Mountains of Newfoundland you would be putting out a lot of cash. However, people today are getting their dream income not only guiding groups to places like Portugal, but also arranging travel plans for others. Now, you can even do that from a small office.

Becoming a freelance travel agent would not be hard for you as long as you have the correct resources and experience with the different aspects of the travel industry.

What you need to become a freelance travel agent

A travel agent is a person whos work is making travel arrangements on behalf of those who want to travel for holidays or business. Using a travel agent will help greatly in buying inexpensive tickets, possible resort packages and other unique travel benefits that the average person reading this wouldn't be able to find.

Benefits

Working as a freelance travel agent provides the ability for work at home travel agents to make a decent income either full time or even part time. If you are looking for a decent income, that is one thing, but being a travel agent will also let you travel at discount rates as well.

Many benefits are there for those who decide to become freelance travel agents for such things as upgrades to first class, free trips and learning how to decide whether certain travel agent discounts are just a scam or not.

Resources

One of the easiest ways to begin a freelance travel agent career is by using a home study course which can teach you what you need to really begin your home based travel career: understanding how to get your business started without outlaying a large quantity of cash, learning how to negotiate a host agency contract, learning how to earn the highest commissions possible, understanding your relationship with a host agency along with getting those travel discounts you are entitled to.

Getting started

Whatever the reason you decide to start your travel agent business, there is a huge amount of information out there that can easily bog you down; but, if you look to a respected training program which will give you a program you can easily get a head start.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Web Designer Freelancing

When you have driven past Gertrude Mckinney's house over on First St. the last few months, you may have noticed that the Plymouth Cambridge is usually in the driveway. That is because Gertrude now works at home. As Gertrude can tell you, working from home sure beats having to get up and leave the house at the same time every day to sit in an office.

Are you an impressive web designer? Perhaps you work at a company as a staff designer as the majority of other designers do. Have you ever thought about web designer freelancing? There is a growing, reliable need for these kinds of service providers today. With internet marketing growing exponentially these days, freelance web design is a lucrative industry. Many business men and women procure web designers on a freelance basis merely because they are can't do web design themselves, or to free up their time for more pressing needs.

Benefits of Web Designer Freelancing

For those who dream of not having to go to the typical 9 to 5, in the office job, freelancing as a web designer has many benefits. The first and possibly the most important is the legitimate chance of making as much money as you could possibly desire. You are not ever limited to a monthly income that your employer determines and you never have a set rate that you are limited to. In fact, you create your own pay by charging what you feel is fair. Naturally, you will need to set your pricing schedule so that they don't differ too much from others doing similar work, but it is all up to you.

An especially appealing perk for web designer freelancing is the hours. Once again, you are your own boss so you get to set the hours that you want to work. If you have kids at home, this is wonderful since you conveniently can set up your time around the children rather than scheduling one on one time with your children around your work. That's really the ideal schedule, isn't it? Obviously, it takes a person with self discipline and responsibility to have a business as a freelancer. However, there are some other great extra benefits that come with being a freelancer worth bringing up. One that is priceless is that morning when you feel like staying in bed for three extra hours or that week that you decide to go on a last minute trip to vacationdestination! But naturally, you're the big boss � you can do whatever you want.

Available Resources for Web Designer Freelancing

There are a plethora of different internet sites that freelance web designers hang out. Bidding sites are one of the best and they allow you the opportunity to contract with some truly terrific clients. Normally, a potential client who desires a website designer will write up a proposal on the website for a needed project, and the website designers then bid for the job proposal. Then, the client will pick the winning bidder, usually based on fair pricing, experience and examples. Just a few of these websites are getafreelancer dot com and elance dot com. Naturally, there are many others. You may also want to take the option of having your own web designer freelancing site. It's entirely your choice.

Freelancing is a great chance at an independent career that is full of benefits. As you have seen, with some skill and diligent effort, you can in fact bring in a great income and lifestyle. With the ability to determine your own hours, pay and of course the ability to pick and choose the projects you would like to do, freelancing is becoming a very desirable 'job'. With the skyrocketing need for website designers, the best time to start is now!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

How to Run a Bed & Breakfast

Obviously, bed and breakfasts are popular all over the US and you could even run across one in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Why are they so popular? A private guest room, fluffy towels, private bathroom, personal service, an excellent hot breakfast, and a great place just to relax are some of the premiere reasons people pick a bed and breakfast over a motel.

Have you ever thought about opening your own bed and breakfast? It's not as simple as decorating a few guest rooms, cooking a few meals and opening your doors to guests. There are several requirements to meet before moving on toward your own bed and breakfast dream.

One very valuable way to begin is to spend some time in an up and coming bed and breakfast. Spend three to five months with a skilled innkeeper and you'll learn first hand everything that is required for owning your own B&B.

Once you consider those factors, you'll have to decide whether or not you have the personality it takes to run a bed and breakfast. You'll be interacting with all manner of people from all fiancial backgrounds on a daily basis. Take into consideration also that you'll be missing some sleep, dealing with contractors and vendors, advertising, cooking, marketing your business and interacting with your guests.

Consider the best location for your bed and breakfast. At the same time, decide whether you'll live in a separate location or in your B&B. If you are inside the city limits, you will need to ask about zoning regulations that govern businesses at your chosen site. Determine that you'll be permitted to serve the dishes you are planning to prepare for your guests. Make sure you know how many guests you can host in your inn.

A business plan is key to your success. One tremendous resource is the American Bed and Breakfast Association. They will give you all the bits and pieces that you'll need to establish your business. Marketing to be up and running well ahead of opening. Make sure your prices are comparative with others in the area.

Your guests are naturally the number one priority when you are running your own bed and breakfast. Treat every guest as someone special and appreciated. Excellent service and sweating the details are necessary to a prosperous B&B. The rooms should have the white glove inspection and be comfortable and attractive. Make breakfast memorable, complete with hot and cold items, and (of course) be delicious. Guests who really enjoy their stay will recommend your B&B to their acquaintances and they will also try to come back again. Come up with a special event or service the guests will remember.

A bed and breakfast is a unique and profitable business that will pull people from many countries to your doorstep. Consider the cost to your personal life and finances, and then press onward if you are sure that it is the right decision for you. Above all, seize the opportunity!
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Thursday, May 7, 2009

Business Plans for Smaller Organizations

Since you have become a small business entrepreneur whether you are the Arborist or Toolmaker, there is really a lot more pressure on you to be organized, not less. Even though some spontaneity is beneficial and expected of small business, planning is needed if you aspire to compete with what the bigger companies offer. Take some time to really visualize the scope of your business and write it down. This will give you a solid idea of what your challenges are, your current status, what your 10 year plan is, and how close you are to achieving them.

The first thing to do is to make sure to get everything on paper. This gives you a starting point, and something solid to revise if things need to be changed later on. The initial business plan can make sure that you, your employees, and your investors are all of the same mind.

The first thing that you need to start with is a description of your business. This includes what you do, services that you plan to provide and what products you will produce. In a word, this will verbalize the scope of your small business. While it can certainly get expanded later on, you will realize that this setting down of your terms and limits is essential for more development. This is also a good place to include what type of goals you have. While they can be broad ideals that you want to abide by, you should enlarge on it with some rough gross and net income figures that you are hoping to see.

You small business plan next should have to do with the market, both where it stands, your market projections and the way you envision your place in the market. Why is your service necessary and the way your service will impact the market? How are you going to draw attention to it and how will your business affect different types of clients? This part of your business plan really “proves” your company has a reason for being and gives evidence for why it should be something to put your time and energy into, so take your time and put a good effort into it.

The money end of things is the next step that you tackle. Include everyday supply expenses, license costs, money for emergencies and anything elseyou can think of that will require money. Because many investors will ask to see your business plan primarily for this section, this is an important one to work on. If you need to, look at examples from similar businesses to see the way that they have approached this section. Put down an accurate view of your current business status, but don't forget to keep your eye on your end goal.

Finally, consider management. Who is in charge, and separate out their responsibilities? This is a good means to maintain your organziation and delineate responsibilities. Like any other part of the plan, this part can be changed, but the essential thing is to have it there in the first place.

Take all the time you need to make confident that your small business plan is up to snuff, and you will know that your business will start carving out its place in the market much quicker.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Clydesdales

Known World Round, This Horse is a Clydesdale

The beauty of the sleigh took one's breath away, pulled by a team of wonderfully matched Clydesdale horses, the scene reminded one of a Norman Rockwell Christmas card. All of us have known these Christmas commercials from Anheuser-Busch company and we love them all. Even if you aren't a beer drinker, Budweiser commercials will cause you to fondly recall past memories.

Clydesdales can be a variety of colors. They can be various shades of bay (brown)I like chestnuts. (sorrel horse)or a dark color. Ideally, the Budweisder Cysdedale is bay. On his face is a blaze of white. Both his mane and tail are black.

All Clydesdales have feathers on their lower legs. Feather product comes in colors other than white. True Budweiser Clydesdales must have white feathering on all four feet.

The well-known Budweiser Clydesdales have all been castrated and have good dispositions, this stated by Anheuser-Busch in no uncertain terms.

Hailing from the town of Clydesdale, Scotland, the Clydesdale is a breed of draft horse that was bred from its farm horse forbears. The Clydesdale, a breed of draft horse, is thought to be over three hundred years old. People throughout Scotland used the power of the mighty Clydesdales to pull heavy loads through the 1960s.

The "gentle giants" of horse breeds are what they call Clydesdale horses. The label is the right size Besides being big, Clydesdales are graceful, even tempered and have gentle winning personalities. Those people do not get worked up by the ordinary.

The Clydesdale Horse Society Describes their flowing movement as a noble gait and sure-footed step that could be carried out by no other breed.

When you have the chance to see again one of those Anheuser-Busch commercials, take a closer look at he stunning Clydesdale horses!

Hypertension Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Dean Stephens of Roseville couldn't believe it. Dr. Douglas at the Roseville Central Clinic broke the bad news. He had high blood pressure.

Dean had a good excuse. After all, as a salesman in General Host, he certainly had his share of stress. And, let's not even talk about the pipe.

According to Dr. Douglas just being male was a factor. The fact that he was 41 certainly didn't help.

Unfortunately, arterial hypertension rarely causes any symptoms until it has caused some significant damage. In fact, high blood pressure can be incredibly high before there are any symptoms.

Your blood pressure goes up and down throughout the day. If you play handball for half an hour your pressure will go up. Even if you just see a violent scene on your DVD you will see a rise in your blood pressure.

If you took your pressure right after that, it would be high, but not diagnostic.

Things you eat, drink and smoke can also increase your pressure. Caffeine drinks like coffee will do the same. Nicotine from cigarettes stimulates the heart to increase your pressure as well.

You may think that alcohol relaxes you, but the long term effects of all those alcohol, cocktails, and liquers drinks take their toll as well.

Spending too much time in your favorite recliner instead of getting some exercise increases your chances of blood pressure problems.

Fortunately, there are many places you can get your blood pressure checked today. Many stores and pharmacies have automatic blood pressure machines you can use. Just sit down for a couple minutes and get it checked. If you pressure is up slightly three different times, you should see a doctor. If it is over about 160 just once, you should also seek medical advice.

Rest makes your pressure go down. Because of that, the best time to take your blood pressure is after a good rest.

But, back to Dean. His family history made a big difference in his high blood pressure. He had a father who died at age 52 of a ruptured aortic aneurysm. Genetics can really increase your chances of needing treatment for high blood pressure.

Fortunately, these days, there is a lot you can do to decrease high blood pressure.

Changing your diet will definitely help. You will improve your blood pressure as well as your overall health by increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables. You should get regular exercise, lots of water and a good night's sleep. If you can stop using tobacco and limit or cut out your alcohol altogether that will help a great deal.

If you don't completely normalize your blood pressure by those means, many different medications are available today that will help. You will want to find a physician that you can work with on keeping your pressure normal.

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