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Don’t Let Stress Take You Down

Corey Haim, actor from those wonderful 80’s movies, is dead. It’s not a surprise; the guy was a “falling down mess,” but still alarming. As a fan of pop culture, I am always shocked when another fallen celebrity is reported in the news, but I shouldn’t be. Most of these people are their own worst enemy - a combination of self-loathing, self-importance, impatience and overwhelming stress. It’s an ugly way to go, being overwhelmed by self-imposed problems and issues and using drugs or alcohol to alleviate the pain.

Brittany Murphy, Anna Nicole Smith, Heath Ledger…Michael Jackson. These are just a few celebrities who died recently. How many people do you know in everyday life with stress and turmoil battles? Not being able to pay bills, health issues and family strife weigh heavily on us all, especially during these trying economic times.

Many people, like that list of dead celebrities, turn to synthetic ways to ease their pain. I was watching an A&E documentary about suburban substance abuse and how prevalent it is among stay-at-home moms. We all feel the stress; no one is immune. But it doesn’t have to lead to resorting to such desperate measures.

Whenever I feel stressed, I like to take my aggression to the road and run - a lot. It gives me time to think and wipes any feelings of stress or agitation away.

Another way to beat stress is to talk about it. Some people like to push their problems down and away and believe that will keep their demons at bay. Not always the case. Festering issues can bubble and boil until they overflow with explosive force. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing your feelings with a friend or family member, seek professional help. It’s amazing how much lighter you will feel after one session with a trained therapist.

Another way to de-stress is to get out of the house. Working from home and caring for children is a lonely job. You are constantly attending to everyone else’s needs - but by yourself. Don’t skip out on a night with the girls because it can be medicinal. Go see a funny movie, grab a coffee or even take your kids to the park with some friends. Getting away from the house for fun is a must.

Eating right and getting exercise will also help. Your body will actually reject you if you eat a lot of sugary or greasy foods. Clear your mind with clean food. Also, you can create serotonin by releasing endorphins through movement. Run, walk, dance, swim, bike…just work up a sweat to feel better.

And sure, the occasional glass of wine with friends is never a bad idea. Every now and then it helps to lessen the edge and brews the laughter pot. However, if you find that you are drinking more than every now and then and/or are adding other substances to the mix, you are endangering your life and possibly the lives around you. Do not become another cautionary tale.

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Talk Your Way Into the Job You Want

According to a recent article in Fortune magazine, phone interviews are on the rise. With unemployment rates skyrocketing, employers are finding themselves inundated with job applications. In order to make the hiring process more efficient and cost effective, employers are picking up the phone. Although phone interviews aren’t as intimidating as in-person meetings, they do present their own challenges.

Annie Stevens, a partner for an executive coaching company in Boston says, “The first five minutes of a phone interview are the most important.” Only a few candidates will be called in to do a follow-up interview. You have just a few minutes to make a great first impression. Like in-person interviews, phone interviews require confidence and preparation. Here are some tips on ways you can nail your phone interview and talk your way into the job of your dreams:

• Dress for the Part - You may be tempted to wear your sweats for your phone interview. However, you are trying to convince your potential employer that you are a reliable and savvy professional. It’s important to act the part, even on the phone.
• Use a Land Line - You don’t want to take a call from your prospective employer on a cell phone while you’re driving to the mall. Use a land line and make sure you take the call in a private area of your home where you won’t be interrupted.
• Be Friendly and Enthusiastic - Greet your prospective employer in a friendly manner. You need to convince your possible boss that you are enthusiastic about the opportunity and the company, and you only have your voice to convey your excitement.
• Come Prepared - Prepare a list of questions to ask your interviewer. You want to show them that you are serious about the job. Also, be sure to rehearse a short spiel about why you think you’d be a good fit for the company.
• Never Interrupt - Show your interviewer respect and be sure that you don’t interrupt. Wait a few seconds after they finish their sentences before answering.
• Stay Positive - Avoid negative words and phrases. Prove to your would-be employer that you are a positive professional focused on offering helpful solutions rather than dwelling on challenging problems.
• Thank Your Interviewer - Be sure to thank the person conducting the interview for their time. Send an email or a letter after the interview.

For more tips on how to ace your phone interview, click here.

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Your Second Job at Work: Working While the Kids are Sick

Ah, one of the joys of working from home-being home with the kids when they are sick. You don’t have to get into a debate with your boss about leaving work and your employer continues to receive productivity from you.

However, trying to balance extra childcare duties, while maintaining the same level of grace and intelligence can make your day extra challenging. Pulling double duty on little or no sleep is like harkening back to the days of when your child was an infant.

Plus you have to balance dealing with taking care of the kids in between appointments. For example, my daughter has the stomach flu and my son has a cough and cold. I race back and forth to see who I can help. I’ll hear my daughter in the bathroom so I’ll run to see if she’s o.k.  She has her head in the toilet with one hand holding her hair back and the other hand gesturing to me that she’s fine and go on.

Then I hear coughing from the bedroom so I move on to see what’s going on in there.  There’s my son practically thumbing through the Yellow Pages in search for a Catholic priest to deliver his last rites. “Mom, I feel so bad!!”

I guess caring for your sick children is also a study in humanity. My 8 year-old daughter is throwing up but still trying to tell me, “I’m fine, I can deal with it.” My 12 year-old son who has a cold, however is ready for doom and gloom…much like my husband.

Either way seeing your babies sick is no fun. You know they will be fine, return to school in a few days but in the meantime you need to stay in the game and be there for them and your job. Some ways to keep it together while working and caring for a sick child is to get rest when they rest. Take a nap during your lunch hour or during the usual time you spend driving them to activities. Being sleep deprived opens you up to getting sick too.

Also, don’t forget to wash you hands. The last thing you need is to go down too. Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your pocket and use it often. Also, let clients know what’s going on. Even though you are still in the game you may be off your game. Ensure that you will deliver what you planned and not to worry.

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Reverse Outsourcing Means More Opportunities for Telecommuting Americans

In a recent segment on Good Morning, America, job expert Tory Johnson talked about a growing trend among international companies: reverse outsourcing. For years, U.S. corporations have shipped jobs overseas in order to cut costs and increase production. Now these jobs are coming back to the U.S. as more and more global companies are looking to hire American freelancers for short and long-term contract work. According to Johnson, in 2009 American freelancers earned roughly 15 million dollars from non-U.S. companies. That’s an increase from 2008 and experts expect that figure will double in the upcoming year.

So why would global companies want to hire in the U.S. when they can find low-cost labor in their own countries? The answer is simple. More and more international companies are trying to build a U.S. customer base, so they recruit American workers to develop web content, create marketing strategies and provide customer service to their clients. Companies in countries like Singapore, India, Thailand, and Germany are looking to increase their power in the American market by hiring skilled U.S. workers. Reverse outsourcing promises to provide plenty of opportunities to both experienced telecommuters and newcomers looking to put their foot in the work-at-home door.

In order to take advantage of this global job boom, sign up for an account at an online job marketplace.  ODesk.com and Elance.com allow you to create a profile free of charge, but each of them charge you a commission on your earnings (around 10%). IFreelance.com doesn’t take a commission, but they require you to pay a monthly fee (basic memberships start at $4.69). These websites allow you to bid for projects and network with potential employers. You may have to accept low paying projects in order to establish your reputation. However, after a few projects, you should be able to demand a higher hourly rate. For more information on how to take advantage of reverse outsourcing, visit the GMA website.

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Life is Like a Race

I’m one of those freaks who wakes up at 4 A.M. to run a half marathon. This past Sunday I did just that and saw one of the most inspirational sunrises ever. It’s days like Sunday that make this Michigan girl feel lucky to live in South Florida.

For the past few years I’ve run in the A1A race - I’ve completed both the full 26.2 marathon and the 13.1 half marathons. Truthfully, the full marathon did nothing for me. It was a long run and I’m glad I stuck with it and finished with a respectable time, but I got bored easily and like the short ones better. You aren’t destroyed the entire day and still have a sense of accomplishment.

This year I coaxed a close friend into doing the race. She has weight issues and is in the process of taking off 100 pounds. I would train with her for weekends on end, walking ten miles at a time. Although she had a few family members walking it with her on Sunday, I could see a wave of anxious energy wash over her as we waited for the gun.

As we waited in the coral area I studied the display of humanity waiting along with us. There were people who exuded confidence (maybe too much confidence in terms of the guy wearing sparkly devil horns) and there were packs of muscle-bound athletes who wore nothing but short shorts and sports bras. Then you would see packs of regular moms sprinkled into the mix - people who want to feel that sense of accomplishment.

For whatever reason to run the race, the end result was a sense of accomplishment.  Sure it’s physical (my hamstrings can attest to that) but as you run or walk you see the determination and almost Zen-like quality within each participant.

One of our local columnists from the Sun Sentinel participated in the race, his first, and blogged about his experience. Even if you aren’t a stealth athlete it is a grandiose experience to breathe in and let it marinate in your soul.

When I crossed the finish line I was at peace and happy.  My time wasn’t of Olympic proportions (I finished 22 seconds over two hours) but I also knew that I soaked in the magnificent sunrise over the Atlantic and witnessed human determination.

My friend’s goal was to finish in four hours.  Her time was 3:53.  She was a little battered and bloody but felt fulfilled.  I’m making her run next year!

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Getting the Most (or Least) from Electronic Communication

I recently received an email from a friend who I swear was mad at me. The message appeared to be worded harshly and as I read it in my head I could actually see the disapproving look on her face.

Instead of emailing back about how I didn’t appreciate her tone I decided to call.  I’m incredibly glad I did! Turns out she wasn’t mad at all. She had no idea her email message came across harsh and we laughed it off.

Luckily she is a good friend and I could pick up the phone and talk to her.  However, I’ve found more and more in business situations, email and online media are creating more confusion than ever.

Take for example, Facebook. Do you ever have those friends who post every single detail about their life to the point where you start to tune out what they say? Or there are the people who like to display grief in their posts, or some who say that they want to kill themselves, and then get defensive when others comment on that post.

I don’t have any answers regarding this electronic messaging craziness. Email and social media is a wonderful thing - it’s the reason I have a job. However, there are a few tips and thoughts I have regarding this communication channel.

Whenever I email, I always read it back to myself to ensure that the tone isn’t misconstrued. In fact, I overdo the friendliness sometimes which annoys some people, too!!!!!!!!!!! Too many exclamation points or smiley faces will push some over the edge.

Also, using all caps is considered shouting. I think we all know that by now, but some people love to shout on e-communication which is usually not necessary.

When it comes to Facebook, less is best. A nice or funny post is a good idea, but if you are having a bad day or are stressed, releasing anger or frustration on your posts will label you as a nut job. However, some people still can’t resist and post a cry for help…or maybe they just do it for attention.

I guess my observation is that you need to be as careful with what and how you post or email as you do speaking with someone face-to-face or by phone. Keep a level head, especially when communicating business, and always pick up the phone if you believe your message has been miscommunicated.

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Don’t You Hate When That Happens?

Here’s a random rant of things that generally stink that we can probably all agree upon:

• That parking space at the mall you know is in your reach then someone else swoops in and takes it.
• When you KNOW, just KNOW your son got an A on his test but comes home instead with an F.
• Taking out your favorite pair of sunglasses, go to put them on only to have them break- OK, they were only $5 but were still my favorite.
• Finding out your 18-year-old cat’s thyroid medication went up an additional $10 a month.
• Having all your kitchen appliances break- at the same time!
• Thinking you may have lost ten pounds but in reality you gained five.
• Getting excited to watch your favorite TV show only to find out it has been canceled. Happened twice-remember Freaks and Geeks or Arrested Development?
• Having no toner in your printer and no desire to purchase toner.
• Realizing that no one replaced the toilet paper roll after the fact.
• When you can’t keep up with the mountain of laundry.
• Not winning the lottery.
• Renting a car while your car is in the shop for expensive repairs, then having the rental car break down in the car line at school.
• Your top client is taking his business “in another direction.”
• You’re snowed in.
• You wish you were snowed in.
• Your dog decides to start barking when you finally get that coveted new client on the phone.
• One of the kids throws up on your work.

I could go on for days but figure I’ve chipped away at just a portion of working from home woes…what I want to know is, what pushed you over the edge today?

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How to Rebound When You Lose Your Job

Kicked to the curb, furloughed, terminated, dismissed, laid off…you’re fired! In this economy, nearly all of us have been hurt financially one way or another. When you work from home, losing your job has serious connotations. Your options are limited compared to our sisters who work outside the home. Tried and true work from home jobs are few and far between so when you lose one, it’s a huge economic blow because recovery isn’t as possible.

Last week I, once again, experienced the fun of being fired. Actually I wasn’t fired, but my newest and most profitable client was consumed by a larger company and so was their writing and marketing department. Because I’m a freelance writer, my last day was the day they told me about my termination. I have other clients but none that were the gold rush that this one produced.

So now I’m back at a writing sweat shop (not WAHM) where the pay is demeaning and the editors are Mussolini. I’m back to pounding the virtual pavement in search of more work, but so are millions of other people just like me.

However, what will see me (and you) through these common setbacks that seem to crop up constantly in this dismal economy is perseverance. Sure, I’m bummed out that I lost my client. However, I can’t allow that loss to prevent me from making green.

Swallowing my pride is one important move to make. No one likes it but if you want to get back on the horse you need to be open to taking jobs from nearly anyone. This will provide you with a little cash flow while you are looking for the big fish.

Between churning out my sweatshop story masterpieces, I’m working on developing my own brand and business. I’ve also learned from these experiences that the only one you can rely upon is yourself. Don’t want to get fired? Start your own business. Sure you can lose clients, but you have a little more control over your destiny, whether you succeed or fail.

Put your situation in perspective. When I told my mom what happened with the big client she literally sounded devastated for me. I appreciated her astute response to my misfortune, but her reaction generated a curious response. Wait…OK, I lost a big chunk of money I depend upon each month, but is my family OK?

Living in South Florida puts you awfully close to the devastation in Haiti. I have a friend who is constantly battling cancer and have other friends who are bankrupt. So am I devastated?  Heck no!!!

This is fixable and is nothing that will completely take me down. Life will be a little more challenging and we will need to go without a few of life’s luxuries for a while but everything is temporary.

So if my story sounds familiar, put on your aggressive job building hat. Fight the good fight and eventually you will persevere. In the meantime…I have a story to write about how to prevent dog diarrhea.

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It’s Not Millions, but You Can Make Decent Money from Home

Sure, we’d all like to be the next Bill Gates; working feverishly in our garages to create the next mega product that will change the world.  But in reality, when you are up to your elbows in after school activities, diapers and paying bills, all you need is a dependable job that will get you from point A to point B.

Let’s be honest, working from home, while sounding glamorous to our office dwelling friends, is tough.  Aside from the obvious challenges of trying to balance child and home care with work, you need to find a job that will pay decent money on a regular basis.

According to a recent article in MSN Money (http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/RaiseKids/4realJobsYouCanDoFromHome.aspx?page=2), stay at home workers need to be realistic about expectations. Author Liz Pulliam Weston explains that folks who find the most success working from home are typically well-educated, have strong business skills and have had success in a previous workplace.

Workers with a sturdy amount of self-discipline is another “must” if you want to work from home. You need to be able to police yourself to ensure that office work is completed in a timely manner and not put off so that you can fold laundry or start a new home improvement project.

Weston also wants readers to understand that working from home doesn’t mean that you’ll necessarily pull in big money. She concurs with what WAHM is constantly telling readers–be on the lookout for scams. She says that if a job promises huge financial rewards, it’s probably too good to be true. The same goes for paying large sums of money up front before starting work…do your research and listen to your gut.

Working from home may not pay millions, but with diligent work and persistence you can make a large contribution to your family’s financial stability.

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Your Business, Your Reputation: What Kind of Customer Service Do YOU Deliver?

I’m mad right now…more like incensed. As a small business woman I always strive to deliver the best customer service possible-at any cost. When I tell a client their copy will be ready a certain day, it’s ready. I’ve written copy during the worst bout of stomach flu, during a hurricane (until we lost power and phone service) and covered in baby vomit. My point is that when you encounter another small business owner who delivers substandard service you tend to have a foul reaction. Actually, ANYONE who encounters poor service has a foul reaction.

This is why I’m mad. Of course two of the things that will drive us over the edge are computer and car repairs. Sure home repairs and a myriad of other services we depend upon will drive us nuts; however 99% of us end up feeling crazy after spending hours on the phone with tech repair or talking with a mechanic.

This instance is car repair. My husband dropped off his car during the long holiday weekend for repairs. The repair shop told him it would be ready Monday afternoon. He called on Monday morning to confirm that the car would be ready and they said they thought it would be ready Monday afternoon.

At 4:00 p.m. on Monday he made another call and the response was, “We received the wrong part for the car so it’s not going to be ready.” My husband, who travels a decent distance to work in downtown Miami replied, “You knew I needed the car ready so I could go to work tomorrow. What am I supposed to do?” The repair shop owner flippantly said, “I dunno…I guess rent a car.”

Of course tantrums ensued because that meant that we had to spend more money on an already expensive repair. We immediately drove to the shop to retrieve his car and were met with excuses as to why it wasn’t ready. The repair shop owner kept telling me that it wasn’t his fault and there was nothing he could do. At that point, after my hot Italian temper was boiling and I made a few more points as to why he should have taken steps to avoid this confrontation, he offered to pay for the rental car.

Auto repair guys typically have you over a barrel. They have your car; and you don’t know how to fix it (unless you were smart enough to take auto shop in high school or had someone who could teach you). However, the situation could have run smoother if the repair shop owner had followed some of the basics of customer service:

1. Don’t blame others or make excuses for your mistake. Customers don’t care or want to hear that someone else tripped up and now they have to pay for it.
2. Have a backup plan in place in case of emergency. In this instance, the repair shop should have called immediately and had an action plan in place (such as offering to rent a car for us or pay a partial amount for the car) to diffuse the situation.
3. Ask how you can help make the situation better. If your customer is dissatisfied and angry, ask them (in a sincere tone) how you can improve on the situation through discounts or other measures.
4. Don’t work with unreliable vendors. If you constantly have issues with a vendor on quality or delivery, sever ties and forge a relationship with someone new. Their inadequate delivery will negatively impact your business image.

Being the best at what you do is just as important as delivering top-notch customer service. The “customer is always right” can not only help you keep customers happy but will motivate them to tell others about you.

Needless to say, I’m in the market for a new mechanic….

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