Thursday, October 28, 2010

Being an entrepreneur

It's been a few weeks since I wrote a blog. I am still trying to get used to making time to do everything. Being an entrepreneur is more challenging than it looks. Many people think you just sit at home in your pajamas all day and surf the internet. Although those are a couple of benefits of being self employed, there is much more that goes into working from home than that.

Unlike working a 9-5 there aren't really set hours. (unless you set them for yourself ;) However, for me, I find there are so many different things that need to be done, that I'm pretty much working more hours per day than the average person. The difference is the flexibility to be able to say o.k. I'm tired, I think I'll go to the mall now. Or being able to spend quality time with my husband whenever I want to.

The down side is the consistency of work. Marketing takes up a huge portion of daily activities. However, starting off, the effect of such efforts in terms of customers can be few and far in between. But why do we do what we do? Because we know that it will pay off. We have this inner drive and ambition like no other. The feeling you get after making a sale or completing a contract is like no other. Having the flexibility and freedom, and above all doing something you enjoy is matchless.

This past year has been an incredible journey, and I'm still just in the infancy of what I know will be something great very soon. So why do I do what I do? Because I can. Because I love it. Why do you do what you do?

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Freelancing on oDesk

I ventured out into the freelance world this week. My first stop was O-desk. I must say I am impressed with the service. Initially, I was going to sign up at Elance, but the site was down for maintenance. I found O-desk to be very easy to use and set up. You can either sign up as an employer or contractor or both. This time around I signed up as a contractor.

You simply fill out your profile listing your resume and portfolio. Next, you watch a few videos to help you understand the system and take a short quiz to ensure you are prepared. One thing I like about it is you are able to take hundreds of tests to showcase your skills on your profile for free. Other freelance sites require you to pay to take skills tests.

I was able to land 2 contracts my very first day on there. Overall, O-desk is a great site. I'm going to check out a few other sites this week, hopefully I'll be just as successful.

In other news, the website for Truly Healed Inc. is coming along quite nicely just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness month. The new site will have a community feel to it, providing information and resources on breast cancer, as well as a forum where users will be able to share their stories and support.