August 30. 2009 by admin.

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When we think of technical certification, most of us think of the seemingly endless jumble of letters that follow the names of information technology experts�MCSE, MCSA, A+, CCNA, etc. These certifications serve as standardized, objective validations that the person holding them possesses a certain set of skills and a certain level of professional competency.

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In today’s increasingly competitive business environment, however, certifications aren’t just for “computer geeks.” There are now a number of highly valuable certifications available in areas beyond information technology. If you are a work-at-home parent or a freelance professional in any field, investing the time and effort to get a non-technical or semi-technical certification can reap tremendous benefits.

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Why get certified? I believe that there are three fundamental reasons for you to consider adding a professional certification to your freelance portfolio.

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First, just like the classic IT certifications, holding a professional certification demonstrates that you are competent. It’s one thing to state on your resume, website or promotional materials that you know how to use Microsoft Word, but it’s quite another to state that you are a Microsoft-Certified Office Specialist in Word. The difference is just one passable exam, but to a business considering who to hire for a freelance word processing or data management project the difference is significant.

That brings me to the second advantage. As a freelancer (or the owner of an at-home business services business), being certified always gives you a “leg up” on the competition. This is particularly true if you are fairly new to the freelance market and haven’t yet acquired an impressive list of satisfied clients. Holding a certification is a quick and reliable way of letting prospective clients know that you are a professional.

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Finally, certification in a relevant field can enable you to parlay entry-level freelance jobs into more lucrative contracts. Data entry work, for instance, is typically one of the most available freelance opportunities; unfortunately, it is also usually the worst paying. Microsoft certification in Access or as a database administrator can help a data entry freelancer transition to a database design and management contract. Today, there are professional certifications to facilitate such a business development strategy for freelancers in virtually every field.

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Here’s a look at the best certifications for freelancers and work-at-home professionals.

CompTIA

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) offers the most widely-recognized vendor neutral certifications in the world. As the name suggests, most of their certifications are in the IT field; however, many are valuable for freelancers of all stripes.

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For general business services, including any type of consulting service, CompTIA’s Project+ is invaluable. Project+, as the company’s website states, is “a global credential that validates the knowledge required to effectively manage projects throughout the entire project life cycle.” In addition to project management basics, the exam includes skills such as conflict resolution, negotiation, and team building. In short, holding Project+ certification demonstrates that you know how to do what the typical MBA graduate has only learned about. Yet, there is no academic requirement for the Project+, and the exam, though rigorous, is definitely passable for those willing to study. Sitting for the Project+ exam costs $207 USD, but you can almost always find discount test vouchers online for about $150.

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CompTIA’s e-Biz+ certification demonstrates a degree of proficiency in the concepts, issues and technologies of IT-enabled business processes. Don’t panic, though�you won’t have to memorize html code! Rather, e-Biz+ demonstrates knowledge of e-commerce, e-marketing and other issues related to maximizing the benefit of utilizing technology in a business environment. This certification could be highly valuable for freelancers and work-at-home professionals working as business consultants, or for those with Internet-based businesses. The retail exam fee for the e-Biz+ test is currently $225.

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CompTIA also offers the i-Net+ certification. This exam covers Internet basics, web development, networking and security issues. Don’t let the word “networking” scare you, though. This is a semi-technical certification that is of far more value to e-commerce and marketing freelancers than to network administrators. The i-Net+ exam currently costs $207.

Microsoft

You don’t need to be a networking guru to benefit from the prestige and recognition of official Microsoft certification. The company also offers universally-recognized certification options for end users of the Office suite and Microsoft Project.

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Microsoft Office certification is available at three levels. For certification as a Specialist, you must pass an exam in Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Access. That’s right�you’re just one test away from being Microsoft certified!

The next level is Expert certification. That requires the passage of a somewhat more rigorous exam. Currently, the expert-level tests are only available for Word and Excel.

To attain Master certification, the candidate must pass a total of four exams: Word 2003 Expert, Excel 2003 Expert, PowerPoint 2003 and either Access 2003 or Outlook 2003. That’s a lot of tests, but holding Microsoft Office Master Certification can really set a freelancer apart in the eyes of a prospective client. Test vouchers for each Microsoft exam can be found online for approximately $70.

Conclusion

Like the rest of the global business climate, the world of freelancing and self-employment grows more competitive every day. Professional certification is not a panacea that will guarantee success, but it can certainly help you stay ahead of the competition and win new clients.

Sean Dunagan is the president of Pinnacle Associates (http://www.pinnacleassociates.50megs.com), a web-based resource for freelancers and work-at-home professionals.

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August 26. 2009 by admin.

Tip! Be patient and understand that large incomes never happen overnight in any home based business. This is even more true if you are working a full-time job in addition to working your home business.

That drive to the office seems longer every day; you swear the road has shifted, forcing you to waste time thinking of all the mundane projects you have to finish for a boss who can’t remember your name and coworkers who
 only include you when a birthday’s coming up. Maybe, your time could be devoted to another thought: getting out and moving on.

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Do we have your attention?

The sad truth is that many people feel wasted at their current job; it’s nothing more than a paycheck, a 9 to 5 anguish. But, what if there was another way? What if you had a choice?

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There is an alternative to working in an office: working from home. Don’t shake your head; this isn’t just a way to make a few extra dollars by selling your old toys online. This is about starting an actual business and making a profit doing what you love. If you’re unhappy with your current job, then why not change it? Why not start a home business career, one that represents you and your talents? Whether you want to become a freelance writer or start a daycare service, there is a way to channel your abilities.
 

And, by working from home, you’re the boss. You make the decisions. This is power like you’ve never had before, but always knew you deserved. Your ideas, your opinions, shape the business. And, of course, that business is something you believe in. It’s more than a way to make money: it’s a way to express your passion.

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Sound too good to be true? It’s not, but you must not be lulled into thinking that operating your own home business career is the easiest opportunity available. As with working in a traditional office, there are drawbacks. To  explain: When you have your family and friends around, there is a guarantee of interruption. Whether the kids want your attention or your mother keeps the phone ringing, you’re going to be taken off schedule. Many people assume that, because you work from home, it’s more hobby than business; they will forget that you’re trying to turn a profit. Also, one of the more difficult challenges is keeping yourself motivated–it’s easy with a boss looming over your shoulder, threatening to tear up your paycheck. Now, you are the boss and have to set your standards. If you fail to manage your time properly or stay on schedule, you’ll suffer for it. A home business career is not for everyone due to the need for self-discipline. Some just can’t do it.

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But, for those who can, there are simple solutions to keep you on track. Life is going to happen when you’re home; you just have to be able to work around it:

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1. Make People Understand: This is a business you’re running; it’s not a hobby or a part-time job. It represents your income and your talent. You must make people understand this–explain to your family and friends that they cannot simply barge in on your work time. Set aside specific hours of the day that you cannot be disturbed under.

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2. Budget Your Time: Without the structure of a typical job, many people find themselves working sporadically, or just when they feel like it. This is a mistake. You can’t let yourself fall into that lazy trap. This is your job and you have to treat it accordingly. Examine your home life to decide when it is best for you to work. For example, if the kids are in school, it would be wise to work when they’re not around, as opposed to sleeping the day away and trying to manage your clients while they’re begging for your attention. Use common sense and set a schedule that doesn’t take away from your family or your business.

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3. Set Goals: You are the boss; you are the company. It’s your job to set goals. Plan everything so you will not find yourself suddenly behind on your work and struggling to catch up. Set daily, achievable, goals and meet them.
 Don’t simply shrug your responsibilities off with a, “I’ll finish it tomorrow.” Finish on time!

4. Don’t Assume You’re Perfect: Everyone can use help. If you see a seminar or training session available, go to it. Learn from people who have been at this longer than you have. Their tips and suggestions can help you craft an even better business.

Tip! You must follow up with your prospects. This is without a doubt the most important factor in your success with any home business.

Mark Sturge is the webmaster of http://www.career-axis.com A site where you can find information, resources and tips on all areas career. Such as a home business career or similar work at home careers.

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