Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no delay, no procrastination; never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

Introduction

Networking is all about communicating with people on purpose. The purpose of

your reaching out to people for assistance with your career search is to inform and

gain support for your efforts. A job search Network is a set of relationships of

people sharing information such as the local job market, company and job leads,

target company contacts, methods for the job search, feedback on the process,

advice and support through to the successful conclusion of the search.

Where and how are the issues to plan and address for successful networking.

Each of us is connected to a number of people through:

• Family and friends

• Peers

• Former companies and organizations

• Interest groups

• Job Support groups

Since managing time and effort is important, a job search includes decisions about

investing time with people and assisting them while seeking help and assistance.

To be an effective Networker:

• Gather and give information without expectations

• Share ideas and contacts

• Take responsibility for follow up on any commitments to others for networking

support

• Build a reputation for integrity and become a "center of influence" for your

profession and contacts in the field

• Keep key people informed on both your process and progress

To focus your efforts, develop a list of target companies and continually work at

getting contacts for reaching key people within those companies who are hiring

managers or resources for reaching same.

• Setting high expectations of others

• Asking someone for a job versus assistance in job search

• Methods for tracking contacts, referrals, details of meetings and sources of

information for the process

• A Broadcast sheet that summarizes core competencies, career goals and target

companies to distribute to people in networking meetings

• Business cards for networking and social occasions that provide people with your

key skill sets and contact information

• A draft of a thank you letter to send as needed to confirm actions taken and

extend appreciation for the assistance provided

The general rule is to network with people in informal situations as appropriate,

perhaps offering your business card for contact if a person indicates an interest in

assisting you with a specific issue. More formally, there are networking groups

throughout every community with a variety of resources available to support the

process. The Work Ministry Website has lists of Faith-Based Organization resources

and other sources as well that could be of assistance. Since Job Support groups

are totally focused on the issue of assistance, that's the primary recommendation

for spending time and energy for the process of career transition to new

opportunities.

www.workministry.com

Copyright 2004,

Whether you're starting a business on the side while still employed elsewhere, a student or homemaker looking for extra income, or unemployed and trying to figure out what to do, there are plenty of opportunities for you to start up a side business inexpensively. It's unlikely any of these will make you a living in the first few months, but they all have the potential to grow into full-time businesses. We'll take a look at 10 such opportunities and, most importantly, tell you what to do with the $20!

1. Webpreneur It's what everyone who's ever surfed the Web dreams of—just stick a web site up there and watch the cash roll in! Well, that just doesn't happen overnight, but the fact of the matter is it's really not very hard to do. To do it right, start by picking a subject matter you know a lot about. Then get a domain and create a web site. It doesn't even matter what technology you use—just be totally anal-retentive about it looking good and provide plenty of original content. Now find some appropriate affiliate programs—that's where your revenues are going to come from. Next, learn everything you can about search engine marketing and promote the heck out of your site. Last of all, set aside time every week to put new content on the site, delete dead links, and other maintenance. Now do this three or four times, and you've chosen your topics well, you might actually have some decent income from it. Spend the $20 on: $9 for a domain at GoDaddy and $10 for a year of hosting at Discount Hosting or Cheaps.net.

2. Consultant Getting into consulting is relatively simple. All you have to do is know how to do something better than most people do, and be able to either teach people how to do it or be willing to do it for them. Networking is the key to success in this business, so start by making a list of everyone you know and giving them all a call. Spend the $20 on: $14 on a box of clean-edge laser or inkjet business cards and $6 buying your first prospect a cup of coffee one morning.

3. Housesitter / Petsitter Particularly since 9/11, people feel an increased need for security, and housesitting gives them some reassurance while they're out of town. This one's great because it basically requires no particular skills, just trustworthiness and reliability. Be sure to have personal references available, and you'll also need reliable transportation. If you're an animal lover, petsitting is an easy add-on. Spend the $20 on: $2 on flyers to put up on bulletin boards, and the rest on classified ads in your local neighborhood paper (not a big city-wide one).

People these days are simply overwhelmed by their "stuff". While there is an ever-growing trend of people wanting to simplify their lives, most of us haven't done it yet. It's not that people really have no clue how to get organized, it just keeps moving to the bottom of the stack, both figuratively and literally. There's a prime opportunity for people to come in at a reasonable rate and get houses organized. And while there is a National Association of Professional Organizers that you can join when you're ready, mostly it takes common sense, organizational skills, and a familiarity with what can be had at your local office supply and The Container Store. Spend the $20 on: Classified ads

. 5. Secretarial Service - Typing / Transcription / Proofreading Many small businesses and individuals have a need for these services, but not enough need to hire a temp through an agency. Assuming you've got a computer, a printer, and e-mail (and the necessary skills), you're all set. Be prepared to charge by the job, not by the hour. Spend the $20 on: $14 on a box of clean-edge laser or inkjet business cards and $6 on flyers. One last thing—beware of home-based business scams that require a substantial buy-in, such as envelope-stuffing or craft item assembly. You may not lose money on it if you stick with it long enough to get really fast at it, but you'll probably never make the kind of money you're expecting to. Better to do something on your own. .

6. Personal Services - Shopping & Errands This is a great one going into the holiday season. Believe it or not, there are people who wouldn't be caught dead going anywhere near a mall, but they're not comfortable with buying certain items online, either. Again, trustworthiness and dependability are the key traits for this. If your car's not reliable, pick something else. Also, you won't need cash, but you'll need available credit on your credit cards, since you really can't use theirs. Consider an American Express or a Diner's Club that don't have preset spending limits. Or use a card that gives cash back reward or frequent flyer miles, and you'll make a nice little bonus for yourself. Spend the $20 on: $1 on flyers and the rest on classified ads.

7.  Desktop Publishing It's amazing how many people have a computer and still don't know how to make a decent flyer! If you've got a good design sense, are extremely familiar with your word processor, and already have a laser or high-quality inkjet printer, you can get into desktop publishing. Create a really great-looking portfolio for yourself and go door-to-door. Spend the $20 on: Some high-quality paper to create your samples on.

8. Tutoring With the growing dissatisfaction with our education system and the huge growth in homeschooling, there's an unprecedented need for tutors these days for kids of all ages—even adults! If you've got a topic you can tutor in, contact the local schools, particularly private ones, and local homeschool groups, and offer your services. Don't be concerned if your topic is highly specialized—even those are in demand. Spend the $20 on: $14 on a box of clean-edge laser or inkjet business cards and $6 on flyers.

9. eBay Seller Yes, there really are people who make a decent living buying things at garage sales and flea markets and selling them on eBay. The big secrets? Stick to products you know (or learn before you start) extremely well, package your goods carefully, and provide impeccable customer service. It helps to have a digital camera or a scanner, but it's not required. Spend the $20 on: Your first inventory at a garage sale.

10. Avon Independent Sales Representative

Cosmetics is a virtually recession-proof business, because it's an inexpensive way for people to feel good about themselves. Avon is the largest consumer direct sales company in the world, with annual sales of nearly $6 billion. In business for well over 100 years, they have both a highly reputable product line and one of the few highly reputable multi-level marketing structures (in fact, they invented it). They also offer fashion and wellness products in addition to their beauty products. And while they bill themselves as "The Company for Women", a fairly substantial number of men have actually been very successful as Avon reps. The secret to making a living at it rather than just a little extra spending money? Build your downline—just like with any other network marketing or direct selling business. Spend the $20 on:$10 signup fee, and $10 on brochures and a few samples.   

http://www.cdprograms.org/OperationalPolicies.html   This is a project of Congressional District Programs, Inc – a registered 501(c)3 public charity6201 Leesburg Pike, Suite 403 , Falls Church, VA 22044E-Mail:  info@cdprograms.org  Website: www.cdprograms.org  

“All moneys raised by the Empower To Succeed Network are received by Congressional District Programs and become the sole property of CDP which, for internal operating purposes, allocates the funds to the Project. The Program Manager makes recommendations for disbursements which are reviewed by CDP for approval.”