Sidetracked on Sidetick and Swagbucks and Mypoints!! Stay tuned....

Well, everyone who reads my blog or is my Facebook or Twitter friend knows I just signed up for SIDETICK.  As I was posting polls, blog entries, adding friends and discussing topics on Sidetick the points I'm earning keeps going up and up and so is my cash-out total (real $ in my Paypal account)!  It is addicting watching the total rise!  It got me thinking..."I have points on mypoints.com and swagbucks that I have not even redeemed".


So I go onto My Points to redeem.  Most of these points I earned from giving product reviews on Bzzagent (see my banner on this blog).  They send item for agents to try in return for product reviews.  Agents do not pay shipping.  Most items are free.  I only paid one time for a game system, and it was about 25% of the actual cost.  Everything else (over 20 items) were free.  Retail price for items I have tried (and kept at no charge) are anywhere from $2.50 to $118.00.  Anyway, I got points for the reviews and redeemed them for a $25. Chili's gift card.  I have points left over and need to get something else.


Then I thought... "I wonder how many Swag Bucks I have?".  I go to check and find out I am just a couple hundred away from getting a $25. Amazon.com gift card.  So, I am busy taking surveys, polls, searching on the web and finding swag codes.  I'm almost there!  I get credit for people signing up and their activity.  If you'd like "in" just click here.


Today I realized that I have not looked into job openings as much as I usually do.  I will be posting some more leads soon (tonight or tomorrow).  In the meantime, have some fun online with some of these sites.  I also have banners for all three on my blog homepage.


All of these sites are legitimate.  I know many people who have been paid and/or received their giftcards, prizes etc..  Nothing bad to say about any of these sites.  

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Userlytics - Another usability tester site - $10. per test

Found this ad on work place like home.com


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Userlytics.com is recruiting testers to perform usability tests on websites, applications, and other online properties. 

As a tester, you will be asked to work through our application, which incorporates facial recording, screen recording, click tracking, and both verbal and written commentary. You will also be asked to complete a series of survey and rating questions. 

To become a tester, you will need a PC, webcam, and a microphone (built-in OK)

If you meet these requirements and would like to get started, go to: http://www.userlytics.com/?page=becometester

Once signed up, testers will be notified of new testing opportunities based on their demographic data and the needs of our clients. Pay is $10 per test.

We look forward to your feedback!

Another ad:




Userlytics.com is looking for people like you to test websites. Simply browse websites while we record your interaction with the site and earn money! 
Usability testing has never been so easy!

With our usability testing application you will be able to browse through different websites and applications, complete the provided task, and get paid for it. As simple as that!
Connect your webcam and microphone to your PC, follow the instructions and get ready to go!

To get started, go to http://www.userlytics.com/?page=becometester and get signed-up.
Become a tester now and make your opinion count!






Many folks on work place like home.com message board have signed up, completed tests and gotten paid already (Paypal payments).  This is not a get rich quick scheme or scam.  You must fulfill certain requirements to be a Usability Tester and fit a certain demographic in order to receive tests.  Please check out the link below to see the equipment requirements and to sign up.




Become a tester for Userlytics - Click Here

Good luck to everyone who signs up to be a tester.  Please let me know if you actually complete a test and get paid.  I'd love to hear the feedback.

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ACD Direct Hiring Inbound English and Bilingual Customer Service

Inbound English and Bilingual Customer Service 
ACD Direct has an immediate need for English and Spanish Speaking customer service representatives to process inbound calls in our Virtual Call Center. Sales, Bilingual (Spanish), WAH, Volunteer experience a plus! Perfect position for educators, college students, military, retirees and work at home parents. Call Center Experience or Professional Telephone Experience is a Must!

Contractor Responsibilities•Professionally handle incoming call requests from customers to ensure programming, equipment, and account needs are met/exceeded.
•Deliver world class customer service by communicating with energy and personal confidence.
•Project enthusiasm, warmth, smile and a “ready to assist” attitude with each call processed.
•Utilize tools and resources we provide to information and assist any caller you may encounter.
•Follow our secure web-based scripting to process each call.
•Verify callers information as it is provided to ensure accuracy.
•Accurately enter information you collect into our secure web-based scripts.
•Process calls routed to you efficiently and accurately.
•Stay up to date on procedural changes and information provided for each client and apply changes where necessary.
•Ability to multitask.
•Communicate effectively in verbal and written correspondence.

Minimum Skills and Qualifications:•Minimum 6+ months of recent customer service, retail, or call center experience required.
•Moderate level of PC knowledge .
•Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills (both verbal and written) required.
•Strong listening skills, professional telephone manner and ability to deal tactfully and effectively with customers in a fast paced customer focused call center.
•Ability to get along with others, accept constructive feedback and exhibit a positive attitude.
•Demonstrated passion for excellence with respect to treating and caring for customers.
•Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
•Strong decision making and analytical abilities.
•Ability to work in a fast paced, production environment.
•High school diploma or GED required.
•Must be able to type a minimum of 30 wpm.
•Must be flexible to work shifts as required (evenings, weekends, and holidays).
•Must be able to pass a background check.
•Must be able to attend all scheduled training classes and pass required exams during a 20 day time period.
•Must be able to provide a distraction free home office environment
•Must be able to meet all the work at home equipment and connectivity requirements

Work Station Requirements: •Basic Analog residential telephone service
•Corded Telephone
•Digital phone service is permitted as long as the phone line can be used even if your computer is turned off.
•“Soft Phones” like Skype, Magicjack, etc. are not permitted
•NO Cell phones
•Phone must be in the same location as the computer to allow for being on the Internet and telephone at the same time
•Long distance is not required
•Your phone line must be free of ALL additional features such as:
•Telephone Headset
*A noise cancelling telephone headset with mute feature.
•Computer Headset
*A VOIP headset with microphone for voice communication over the computer OR Standalone Microphone and Speaker Combination for voice communication over the computer.
•PC with Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7
MAC and Apple systems are not compatible with our call routing system.
•Minimum PIII 800mhz and 512 MB RAM (Windows 2000 or XP operating systems)2GB (Windows)
•Internet Explorer (version 6.0 or later)
•Adobe Flash Player version 9.0 or later
•Virus Protection Software and Anti-Spyware software that is regularly updated
•Cable , DSL or FIOS internet Connection
•Satellite and WIFI are not accepted.



Apply Online - Click Here!

Additional information:


Pay is per minute talk time (I cannot find how much they are paying right now).  Contractors schedule themselves in 30 minute increments.  Contractors work for programs that they first must certify for.  Once the contractor certifies for additional programs, call volume increases.  So, the more qualified contractors receive more calls and make more talk time pay.  There are plenty of hours available on the schedule.  Contractors call even log in without being on the schedule and take overflow calls.

There is a $45. background check fee that must be paid AFTER you are hired.  Most work from home companies require the employee/contractor to pay background check fees and always AFTER the person is hired, not up front.


The inbound calls are typically for donations for fundraisers like PBS pledge drives. During pledge drives there are plenty of hours available.
  
Overall, ACD Direct has a very good reputation in the work at home world.  I have a friend who has worked for them recently.  I'll see if she has anything to add about ACD Direct and maybe she can answer any questions about the company that come up.


Please let me know if you get hired!  :)  Thanks for reading!

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CitiMortgage in MD sending hundreds of employees to work from home!

Note: This is not a job listing, simply some exciting telecommuting news!

Most of the employees of the CitiMortgage office in Fredrick, MD will be transitioning to work from home soon.   Out of 900 workers, 630 to 720 will work from home.  Those who aren't changing to work from home will transfer to another office. About 40 of the employees will not be transitioning.

Personally I am excited that Citi is deciding to cut costs by having employees work from home.  This will ensure that many employees will keep their jobs rather than being laid off.  And, jobs are staying in America where they should be! This is a growing trend for the banking industry.  I hope that more companies will follow Citi's example and provide more work at home opportunities.

I believe telecommuting is going to be the norm and not the exception for many jobs in the future.

If you would like to read the article in it's entirety click HERE

Thank you to Rat Race Rebellion for posting this article on Facebook.

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Freelance work. Guaranteed Pay. + 10 Biggest Work At Home Myths

Odesk is a website for employers to find contractors to complete jobs.  Small - medium sized companies are looking to hire for jobs ranging from small fixed priced to long term term jobs of a year or more.

To get started with Odesk, go to the website http://www.odesk.com/.  Complete a profile and include any information about your skills and employment background.  Take skills tests (provided by Odesk) to help improve your chances of getting a job.  Apply to current jobs posted on the website.

Odesk has the motto "Guaranteed Work, Guaranteed Payment".  Read more about their payment guarantee here: http://www.odesk.com/help/help/payments/financial_activity/guarantee  I personally suggest only accepting jobs from those employers on Odesk who have good feedback.

A friend posted a great article with the 10 Biggest Myths About Remote Work.  This is from the Odesk blog.  A great read, especially if you are thinking about working from home.

Odesk Blog - 10 Biggest Myths About Remote Work

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Complete tasks and get paid DAILY! All from a Facebook application!

I joined Cloud Crowd last year after it started.  I did a few website reviews and was paid the next day via Paypal.  Read below to find the many types of work offered and answers to more of your questions.  


Click here to join CloudCrowd!

Frequently Asked Questions

What?

What's CloudCrowd?

CloudCrowd is where work gets done. We bring together people who want to work, and work that pays.

What's the work like?

Typical projects include image and video tagging, finding information online, and quick writing and editing projects. Work ranges in difficulty, and longer tasks typically pay more. With the variety of work offered, we’re sure you’ll find tasks you enjoy.

Why?

Why Earn Money With CloudCrowd?

• No set schedule - Work for 5 minutes or 5 hours. Work at 2 PM or 2 AM.
• Work wherever you want - Work from home, or wherever you're most comfortable--anywhere you have a computer and internet access.
• Work today, get paid the next business day* - Your time is valuable, so you get compensated quickly.

How?

How do I get paid?

You get paid the next business day via PayPal when your work is approved before 5:00PM Pacific Time. You need a PayPal account to get paid for the work you do on CloudCrowd. If you don't already have one, sign up for your free account here.

How do I deposit earnings into a bank account?

Paypal will directly deposit your earnings into your bank account if you chose. Alternatively, you can receive a debit card from PayPal to access your account, or request that PayPal send you a check.

How do I know you'll pay me?

If you're concerned, try a task or two first and see how quickly you're paid. When you complete a task correctly by 5:00PM Pacific Time, we add money to your CloudCrowd account by midnight of the next business day.

How do you know the work I do is accurate?

CloudCrowd uses a proprietary method to cross-check your answers with answers from other workers, and with answers to which we already know the correct answer. Each task you perform correctly will increase your credibility score. By answering correctly you'll be able to continue to work on CloudCrowd projects and gain access to a wider range of work.

How do I make real money?

You deserve fair compensation for the work you do on CloudCrowd. When we price tasks, we estimate completion time to help us calculate compensation. Since most tasks don't take long to complete, try a few types of work and see what you like. Even tasks paying $.01 each can add up if you're able to complete them quickly and accurately.

How does CloudCrowd find work?

CloudCrowd actively approaches companies to find work they need done quickly and efficiently. When a company gives us a project, we break it down into a smaller set of tasks that you complete.

How else can I make money?

Refer your friends, and you’ll make money when they complete work.

Cloud Crown signup. Click Here to Start!

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Cloud 10 Hiring Customer Service Representatives!

Who are we Looking For?

Qualifications:
At Cloud 10 we pride ourselves on providing our clients with exceptional customer service.  To be a part of this team, we are looking for agents that have the following qualifications:

• Prior customer service experience, self-motivated and able to work independently
• Excellent verbal and listening skills, including a professional and articulate voice
• Ability to multi-task in several applications at once while holding a conversation with a customer
• Must enjoy working in a fast paced and at times hectic environment while maintaining a professional attitude
• Ability to commit to a challenging job of 32 to 40 hours per week
• A quiet work environment without any conflicting responsibilities during working hours. Conflicting responsibilities may include caring for a child or elderly person
• Minimum high school diploma
• Be able to pass a criminal background check. Some clients additionally require a drug screen, employment verification or a credit check
• Most importantly, AHP’s must display a deep commitment to provide each and every customer with exceptional service.

Click on this link to go directly to see computer requirements and to apply!  http://www.cloud10corp.com/index.php?home_career

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Remote Usability Testing - pays $12. per test

Userfeel.com is hiring Usability Testers and paying $12. per test.  

Apply to become a tester here:  http://www.userfeel.com/index.php?option=com_userfeel&view=register&layout=testers&Itemid=8

F.A.Q. from the Userfeel.com website:

What is a Tester?

A Tester is a user that conducts a test on a site.

Why do you need Testers?

Site owners need testers to reveal problems on their sites.

What makes a good tester? 

A good tester is the one who provides useful usability tests. In a few words:

We DO NOT want the tester to:

• Just read what the site says (we already know what's on the site)
• Telling us that everything is ok.
• Showing us how good he is and how easily and fast can do it.
• Telling compliments about the site (if he gets impressed about something, he can tell it though).
• Going out of the scenario or not performing the required tasks.

We want the tester to:

• Speak his thoughts on the microphone
• Telling us what confuses him and what attracts his attention.
• Explain what and why does what he does on the site
• Recommend us what would help him
• Provide useful comments
• Perform the required tasks according to the test scenario
• Speak loudly and clearly on the microphone
• Answer the questions after the test thoroughly.

For some people these is easy to do, others may need to practice a little. See an example of a good usability test on the right.

How and how much do I get paid?

For each test you conduct (except from the initial, sample test), you get paid €10 (about $12) at the end of each week via PayPal. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can create one here.

How much can I earn as a tester?

The amount of money you earn depends on how well you speak your thoughts on the microphone and how useful your tests are. For each test you conduct, you get rated by the site owner and your overall rating determines the amount of tests you be assigned to you. Anyhow, we don't suggest quitting your regular job, but good testers can earn up to €300-400 per month.

What is the sample test?

A: Each Tester has to take the sample test. This is a test that shows us if you have the proper equipment (microphone) and how well you can speak your thoughts on the microphone. Based on this sample test, you get the first rating that will determine if and how many test you will be assigned to you.

What times of day are tests done?

Notifications to testers about available tests are sent when an order for a test is placed. Orders may be placed at any time of day (or night). If you don't start the test when you receive the notification, another tester will be assigned to it. Not taking tests that are assigned to you doesn't affect you negatively in your rating.

Who is behind UserFeel.com?

UserFeel.com is created by Netstudio, a web design firm in Athens, Greece to help its clients perform usability tests.

How do I become a Tester?

To become a Tester, you have to register and take the sample test.

More Questions

For more questions, you can contact us.

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A REAL Legitimate At-home Data Entry job!! No joke!

After a conversation with a fellow outbound phone rep, I was encouraged to post a job lead for a data entry job.  No, it's not April Fool's day and I'm not kidding!

I'm reading more on the www.workplacelikehome.com message board about them to see if they are still hiring. It looks like a lot of people just signed contracts this week.  They used to have a 90 day waiting period for the first paycheck. They do have new contracts and no one has stated anything about a change in the pay periods yet.  Please feel free to look on the www.wahm.com or www.workplacelikehome.com message boards to read any new updates from people being hired.

As always please comment if you get hired after applying for a job from my blog!

In-Home/ Independent Contractor Data Entry Posted: 06/22/2009

TDEC is searching for experienced, detail oriented seasonal data entry/data verifiers working off-site as an independent contractor. Ideal candidates will operate data entry device using specific software to key/verify data provided via image. Requirements: An Independent Contractor is someone that owns their own business, not an employee of TDEC Independent Contractors will be paid by the piece or hourly depending on the pricing agreement for each project. TDEC will NOT hold any taxes from Independent contractors invoice payments. Independent Contractors are responsible for paying their taxes. Independent Contractors will comitt to a minimum of 20 production hours per week No Guarantees of work. Volume is dependent upon TDEC customers job requirements. TDEC will communicate via e-mail with Independent Contractors when work is available DSL or Broadband Connection, High Speed Internet Connection; dial-up not permitted. Independent contractors should own a PC with 1ghz Pentium III processor: minimum threshold is 500mhz Pentium III processor A computer with at least 256 mb RAM; 128 mb RAM minimum 100mb Free HD space; 50mb Free HD space minimum Windows 2000 or XP operating system Must be a US Citizen, however Foreign Nationals or Offshore Independent Contractors are encouraged to apply Confidentiality is a must Expereience in high volume data entry environment Strong Attention to detail Reliable strong work ethic Interested applicants should download and complete the Independent Contractor Confidentiality Agreement and Independent Contractor Agreement. Return the completed contractor & confidentiality agreements, along with a cover letter stating Data Entry experience & PC specifications via fax or email to the following. Specify "In-Home Contractor" as the subject. Fax - 301-334-1212 Email - thuerta@tdec.com Download Forms: Contractor Confidentiality (PDF) Contractor Agreement (PDF)

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Rescue video gamers in trouble! Work from your lair!

Do you love playing video games?  Are you looking for a full or part time opportunity in the video game industry?

Alpine Access needs video game experts to fill full and part time positions as Video Game Technical Support reps for a major video game hardware and software manufacturer.  You'll work from the comfort of your own home (or, "lair" in gamer terms), helping fellow gamers resolve technical issues over the phone.

http://www.alpineaccess.com/en/hidden/video-game-technical-support-home/

Training is paid (minimum wage for your state).  Once you begin working you will be paid $9.00 per hour.

Your office equipment (computer, phone, headset and DSL or cable router) must be "hard wired" in able to qualify for this position.

Alpine Access was my first work at home employer (not contractor).  They are a legitimate employer, so no worries about "scams".

Please click the link above to see the full list of requirements and to apply for this position!  And please ask any questions in the comments section and I will do my best to answer.

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Lionbridge is hiring Internet Assessors again!

Here's the link to the Lionbridge Internet Assessors job.

It is a NON-PHONE job that pays well!

http://www.lionbridge.com/lionbridge/en-US/company/web-site/internet-assessors.htm

Make sure you have time to dedicate to taking the challenging test before you apply.  They do have a strict time frame in which they want you to respond to their emails during the hiring process.


I used to rate for them.  They want a minimum of 10 hours per week.  You can work anytime of the day or night.  The job is very technical.  You have to take a very LONG test, that requires HOURS of study.  Not to dissuade anyone, just be prepared and have the time for this after you apply.

Your ratings get approved according to the guidelines they give you.  Just study the guidelines and you'll be fine.

Although it is a non-phone job and you can have kids,dogs,tv noise going on.  I find that I cannot concentrate if I am trying to work on my laptop sitting on the couch in the middle of the noise.  But there's always naptime, school time and time when your family is asleep to get work done.

Lionbridge is a great company to work for.  Everyone is helpful and I always got paid on time.

If I remember right, the pay is invoiced and takes a month to get the first check, then it's bi-weekly?  Please correct me if I'm wrong.

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Types of jobs. Main focus: Call Center/Phone jobs

There are work at home jobs available in many fields.  Just a few I can think of off of the top of my head are:

• Call Center work (customer service, sales, tech support and surveys)
• Transcription
• Medical Billing
• Internet Quality Rater
• Data Entry
• Writing
• Teaching
• Mystery Shopping

In this post I will go over the basic requirements for a Call Center/Phone job.

If the job entails working with customer's financial or personal information, the employer usually requires the have all "wired" office equipment.

• LAN telephone line (not Magicjack, viop or cell phone)
• DSL or Cable internet (not a wireless connection)
• Corded headset
• Corded telephone (no cordless phone)

Employers have different computer requirements.  A computer that is 2 years old or newer should meet employer's requirements.  Most have specific minimum requirements for computer speed, hard drive, memory and monitor.   Having the newest version of windows is not always the best when working from home.  I find more employers that require Windows XP rather than Windows Vista.  You need to check technology requirements when applying for specific jobs and make sure you are qualified before going through hours filling out forms and taking pre-employment tests.

Another basic most employers require is a

• Quiet office with a closing door, free of noise, barking dogs, crying babies, television noise, or ANY background noise.

Most employers are VERY strict on this rule.  This will eliminate phone jobs for some individuals.  The only exception I know of are mystery shopping telephone jobs and apartment surveys with Pierce Eislen that I posted earlier today.

As far as experience is concerned, most employers require at least 6 months of call center experience.  The more the job pays, the more experience (and sometimes education) they will require.  Some require specific licenses, such as, insurance sales.  

Some employers require the employee to pay for the background check, credit check or drug screening.  This is becoming pretty standard for work at home companies. But not all require this.  You can always look on my favorite website www.workplacelikehome.com (click on forum) and see if others have experience in the hiring practices for the company you are looking at.

Here is a great tool to use when looking for a call center job.  This is from another work at home website called Rat Race Rebellion.  They have compiled a great list of companies that includes some important things you may wonder about like:  pay, employee or independent contractor, background check/drug test/credit check required, and which states they hire in.

http://www.ratracerebellion.com/CS_Comparison.html

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Pierce Eislen is hiring for their fall rent surveys

Arizona-based research company is looking for qualified individuals to participate in their upcoming rent survey.

This is a seasonal, part-time, contract position. Surveys are conducted three times a year (Jan/Feb, May/June and Sept/Oct), each lasting approx. 6 weeks.

Surveyors place phone calls to various apartment communities for such information as current rental rates. This is a work-from-home position, therefore applicants must have long-distance telephone service, high-speed Internet and a strong work ethic. (Outbound call experience is a plus.)

Surveyors must be able to commit to a minimum of 10 hours a week, during normal business hours. However, you may work more than 10 hours and have flexibility within that time frame (for instance, you may choose to work Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays only).

I have worked for Pierce Eislen and they are a good company.  Back when I started they were just beginning to hire at home workers.  I trained in their Scottsdale office, then worked from home.  Now they do ALL training and work from home, so you can work from any state and don't have to show up at their office.

One of the great things about this job is that they do allow background noise.  It is actually similar to mystery shopping in that they want you to sound like you are calling for the apartment information for yourself, not just collecting information for a company.  Also, you can work any hours you want during business hours Monday - Friday.  At least that's how is was when I worked for them.
Interested applicants, please send a one-page resume to jjohnson@pi-ei.com

If they are interested, they will have you train and take a quiz before starting calls.

They pay $9.-11. per hour with potential for bonuses.

Good luck to all who apply!  Keep me posted if you get hired.

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