Category Archives: Tips and Techniques

Own a Business? Invest on a Toll-Free Number

Having worked for a multinational contact center as a customer service representative and ending up supervising a team of people who handle customer sales inquiries, complaints and billing concerns, I am well aware of how important it is for any company to provide a way for their customers to contact them directly without suffering from expensive phone bills. However, for small businesses that cater to, say the whole USA or UK, owning your own toll-free number may be a great feat because it can be truly expensive.

Why is it important for a company to have their own toll-free number? Aside from the fact that it’s inexpensive for the customers or caller since the telephone carrier / company charges the called party (like a collect call), it gives your company a more professional and accommodating image, which shows you care. These qualities may boost sales and customer’s trust, which is why it’s definitely a good investment.

The toll-free 0800 numbers UK is used by major European countries like France, Finland, and Germany. In the US, it’s 1-800. Most of these toll-free numbers can be accessed even internationally without any charge, depending on the telephone carrier. These numbers used to be very expensive, but there are now companies who offer a more affordable way for you to take advantage of this tool. Do your research to make sure you’re not paying too much.

Aside from a more professional way to provide customer service, most telephone carriers who offer toll-free numbers also have options for you to get your own vanity number. It’s an easier way for people to memorize your number since it’s a “phoneword”. Businesses usually pick a word that’s associated to their company such as a word from their company name, products or slogan. This makes it more recognizable when used in advertising, whether it’s in print media, television, or radio.

Some telephone carriers also offer a way for companies to monitor or track the calls that are coming in. They have call statistics that you can use to see which days of the year you usually get the most calls or what the customers’ most common concerns are, which can be told by the options they choose when they call your 0800 or any toll-free number.

So, if you have a business catering to an audience across wide distances, it’s highly recommended you get your own toll-free number. It’s indeed a useful tool, not just for your customers, but will definitely benefit your business as well.

Graphic Designers: Tips for Charging Clients

Two challenges of working any freelance job are determining rates and communicating payment expectations to clients. Some freelancers are uncomfortable with money issues; others are unsure how much their skills are worth. Additionally, if you are a freelancer, it’s important to be aware of what your clients prefer. If your clients are confident you truly understand their needs, they will choose you every time they require a service. Finding the right pricing strategy is especially hard for new graduates of technology colleges. With a little forethought, those entering the field can find fast success.

Fixed Rate

A fixed rate is the most common and preferred method of charging. A recent non-scientific survey showed that both clients and designers prefer a fixed rate by an overwhelming margin. The fixed rate has a number of advantages over hourly rates or daily rates:

  • Clients know exactly how much they are expected to pay.
  • The price is easier to break down for upfront partial payments.
  • You probably can estimate how long a project will take to complete and can price accordingly.
  • Invoicing is easier.

Partial Upfront Payment

Clients are happy with making a partial payment when they hire you for the job and paying the remainder upon delivery. This is an especially good system to use when the client is new. When you are doing repeat business for the same client, you may feel comfortable receiving full payment on delivery, but this arrangement is a good way to protect your own interests.

Payment Timeliness

Laws may vary according to region, but you should expect to be paid within one month of delivering the invoice. Most clients will pay quickly, but it seems there’s always someone who needs to be tracked down. Make your expectations clear up front, and state explicitly in your contract when you expect to be paid.

Accounting

A number of excellent billing software programs are available should you choose to go that route. If you are great at record keeping, you may decide to simply track billing manually. Either way is perfectly acceptable, and people are evenly split on their preferences. Whichever way you choose, however, make sure that up-to-date and accurate billing is a priority. Your business depends on it.

Late Fee

What about late fees? If you are planning to use these as incentives for your clients to pay on time, it is crucial that you are consistent about them and that they are mentioned up front. Arbitrarily deciding to tack on late fees could put you in a legal bind.

Discount

You may also wish to reward clients who pay their bills promptly or who pay by a preferred method. For example, a client paying cash within the first 10 days of receiving the bill might receive a 5 to 10 percent discount. Like late fees, though, it’s important to keep this reward consistent and be up front about it.

The most important thing to remember is that your work is valuable. Your graphic design skill is a commodity, and one that people will pay good money for. Don’t sell yourself short. If you don’t take your billing procedures seriously, neither will your clients.

On Online Contests : Part 1: Top Prizes I’ve Won So Far

In my last post back in April (oh my, it’s been that long?! :D ) about making money online through online contests, I have laid out some facts, reminders and tips about participating in these promos. I also shared my success stories and some outtakes while joining some of the contests over the web. So, if you haven’t read that post yet, click here. I bet I can convince you that joining online contests is fun. Think of all the free stuff you’d get!

Joining online contests to win exciting prizes is one way to make money online

Now, if my post about how you can make money online from joining online giveaways didn’t influence you enough, I’m hoping that with my next posts about this topic, I’d be able to encourage you to jump in and participate too. I’d be telling you about my experiences in joining contests, including the frustrations of not winning or being cheated in the hopes that you’d be better educated when you do join contests. :)

By the way, before I start, do you know that there’s now a term to refer to online giveaway joiners?

Professional Contest Joiners

I can’t really consider myself as a professional contest joiner. This title is usually given to those who have a dedicated blog, Facebook, Twitter or email account for participating in online giveaways and really spend most of their time (and, sometimes, even money) and wide network to enter.

Some giveaway hosts though frown upon the practices of these professional contest joiners that’s why they have strict qualifications for the participants. They’re also usually the ones who have multiple, fake or spam Facebook or Twitter accounts.

I’m not a hater. I know how fun it is to win something so I understand why they do what they do. There are many giveaway hosts who do not allow them to join in their giveaways so they can ensure they provide quality exposure to their sponsors.

 

Online Contests Post Series

This will be a series of posts so I hope you stay tuned for the next parts:

  • Part 1 – This will focus on my most expensive prizes SO FAR. This will be updated from time-to-time. Read my stories about my experiences as well as I share tips on how you can increase your chances of winning.
  • Part 2 – Prizes that are priced Php 500 or lower and some that I didn’t bother or haven’t claimed or received yet. Will be updated too whenever I win something new.
  • Part 3 – Stories from my fellow online giveaway / contest joiners.
  • Part 4 – Hosting your own giveaway / contest where I’ll give tips on how to gather sponsors (especially when you’re just starting), and everything else you might need to know about holding contests, all based on my experience and some inputs from friends.

Without further ado, let’s start with my major winnings…

 

Part 1 – My Top Prizes

These prizes may range from gadgets to gift certificates from different online contests I’ve joined.

Nokia 5230 – DJ Mo Twister’s Twitter Giveaway

Nokia 5230 I won from DJ Mo Twister's Twitter giveaway

Me and a friend were avid blog and Twitter followers of DJ Mo Twister of Magic 89.9. When we saw him hosting a giveaway, I jumped right in. It was a daily giveaway for a month, I think.

After a couple of disappointments, I thought that possibly, if I blog about him and his giveaway, I’d get his attention. So, I did that and informed him through Twitter, not really expecting he’d notice ‘cause of the hundreds of participants.

Guess what… I won! :D Eerrr… okay, it might just be coincidence and I was actually picked at random, but still, I was ecstatic. Well, it was mainly because my old phone just gave up on me and it was the PERFECT timing that I won this new phone.

TIP: Yes, a little brown-nosing may help you win SOME contests / giveaways. Remember that whenever you write or prepare your contest entry. :)

 

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Join the Money Summit & Wealth Expo 2011 – Learn how to generate massive, passive income through 12 practical & proven business & investment strategies!

Are you thinking of quitting your job and want to know how you can wisely invest your earnings to earn passive income?

Or maybe you just want to know more about various money-making fields like the stock market, real estate, global funds, forex, franchising, e-commerce, and information marketing, among others?

Then, you SHOULD join the Money Summit & Wealth Expo 2011!

Learn 12 strategies on how to generate massive, passive income in the Money Summit and Wealth Expo 2011 - PinayOnlineMoneyMaker.net

 

Take note, just like all of the money-making programs I’ve featured here on my blog, the strategies you’ll learn from this conference won’t make you an INSTANT MILLIONAIRE. They won’t teach you get-rich-quick techniques. This is a LEGITIMATE business and investing conference where experts will share with you TWELVE (12) different ways to earn more money.

Specifically, you will learn how to:

  • Invest in the stock market using fundamental and technical analysis.
  • Invest in bonds and pooled funds such as mutual funds and unit investment trust funds.
  • Buy gold, silver, and other precious metals.
  • Trade in the forex market.
  • Buy and sell real estate properties.
  • Make money from foreclosures and rehabs.
  • Buy and manage rental properties.
  • Build and sell houses, townhouses, and apartments.
  • Make money online.
  • Earn from blogging and affiliate marketing.
  • Sell on eBay and other e-commerce sites.
  • Create information products and membership sites.
  • Earn from royalties, licensing, and subscription fees from your intellectual property.
  • Make money in network marketing.
  • Franchise your business and earn franchise fees and royalties.
  • And more!

 

Unsure if you should attend?

If you are looking for shortcuts, get-rich-quick schemes, this conference is NOT for you.

If you say YES to any or ALL of the questions below, then, you should consider attending the Money Summit and Wealth Expo 2011 conference.

Are you an employee…

  • who want to get out of the rat race?
  • exhausted with your 8 to 5 job?
  • tired of paying too much in taxes?
  • who want unlimited income?
  • who want to earn extra income without quitting your job?

Are you a self-employedprofessional orproprietor…

  • frustrated with self-employment?
  • who want cut back on your time working?
  • overworked with non-stop servicing of clients?
  • who want to profit from your expertise?
  • interested in new sources of income?

Are you a freelancer or consultant…

  • tired of endless bids and pitches?
  • getting overworked and underpaid?
  • not enjoying a reliable source of income?
  • who want to continue freelancing but earn more?
  • who want to own your intellectual property?

Are you an executive…

  • happy with your job but want to prepare for retirement?
  • who want to replace earned income with passive income?
  • considering transitioning into a consulting career or entrepreneurship?
  • interested to explore investment opportunities?
  • who want ensure your nest egg outlasts you?

Are you an investor…

  • looking for other investment vehicles?
  • who want better returns for your money?
  • interested in investing or trading full time?
  • who want to create a more profitable portfolio?
  • wanting to meet like-minded individuals and strike possible partnerships?

Are you a business owner…

  • looking for more business opportunities?
  • who want to be more successful in your business?
  • interested in exploring other markets?
  • who want to generate more passive income?
  • who want to build income-producing assets?

 

When is this happening?

There are 2 venues for the Money Summit & Wealth Expo 2011:

Money Summit Manila

Date: July 22-23, 2011
Event Times: 8.30am to 5.30pm
Venue: Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City

Money Summit Cebu

Date: August 12-13, 2011
Event Times: 8.30am to 5.30pm
Venue: Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, Cebu City

Take note that these summits will feature different topics. Check the list below.

 

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Make Money by Joining Online Contests / Giveaways

It’s been ages (read: over a month) since I last updated this blog. My apologies, I’ve just been really busy. Anyway, I’ve got topics already lined up so I promise to keep this more updated, especially after I’ve met a couple of people who have told me they’re actually following this blog. What a surprise! :D

Back in 2009, I’ve been seeing a lot of contests / giveaways online. At first, I ignored them. I’m a li’l paranoid when it comes to online security, you see, so I thought they were a bunch of scams.

If you’re still a non-believer like I was back then, YOU MUST READ ON! I’m starting to sound like one of those ads you’d see at PTC sites. :D

When did I start getting addicted to joining online contests/promos? Late in 2009, one of the blogs I follow, Yugatech, hosted a Christmas giveaway. I joined and won Php 500 worth of prepaid load.

The first ever prize I received from joining online contests - PinayOnlineMoneyMaker.net

The realization that winning that prize actually saved me money from buying load made me want to join more online contests. And that’s when I started scouring the web for local and international giveaways that I can join to win gadgets, Paypal cash, etc.

Whoever said that getting anything for FREE isn’t awesome is just crazy. I know a lot of people who are rich and hold high-paying jobs who still love joining contests. Participating in online contests can be a lot of fun and getting freebies is just as exciting.

 

Making Money Online Through Online Contests

There are tons of online contests where you can win straight cash prizes AND gadgets or items that you can sell or keep for your own use.

Would you believe that ever since I started joining online contests in December 2009, I’ve already won over Php 50,000 worth of prizes?! I might have even won more, but I already lost count. I will share with you all the prizes I’ve won so far in my next post. Keep posted for that!

Now, how exactly can you make money online by joining these online contests? Let me explain that part better through sharing my experiences…

  • I’ve hosted 2 blog contests already on Just Another PixelMake a Wish and Thirty on 30. In both contests, Paypal cash was a major part of the prizes for the winners.

    Make a Wish and Thirty on 30 - My first 2 blog contests - PinayOnlineMoneyMaker.net
    Most contest hosts have also recognized how much Paypal cash as prizes can draw in more participants so expect to see more Paypal cash giveaways/contests.

  • I’ve won two (2) Nokia 5230 cellphones last year. The first one, I won in DJ Mo Twister’s Twitter giveaway. I’ve been using it for months when I won another of the same model from an international contest, by F-Secure. We decided to sell that phone for Php 10,000. Minus the Php 2,000 I paid customs for the shipping of that phone, I got a profit of Php 8,000. So, it’s like I won that amount from that international contest.

    The 2 Nokia 5230 phones I won - PinayOnlineMoneyMaker.net
    You can choose to sell or use the prizes you’ve won. That’s one way of making money through it.

  • I’ve always wanted an iPad so when I saw Sulit’s blog contest with that as grand prize, I decided to join. I won. Yes, I got my iPad for FREE. It’s like I won Php 20,000+ cash to buy me that iPad. Cool, huh? One of my friends even won a brand new Mac computer in Sulit’s Christmas card-making contest (shout out to sis Grace!).

    The Apple iPad I won from Sulit's blog contest - PinayOnlineMoneyMaker.net

  • Winning gift certificates from my favorite restaurants saves me money. Just like when I won Php 1,500 worth of gift certificates from Pizza Hut. My long-time friends and I have been planning on a get-together. We got to enjoy free pizza and just paid for our booze instead. :)

    Pizza Party courtesy of the Php 1,500 gift certificates I won - PinayOnlineMoneyMaker.net

That’s just a few of the perks of joining online contests. Did I say it’s a lot of fun, especially when you start winning?!

 

 

About Contest Alerts Blogs and How Pinay Reviewer Started

Pinay Reviewer - Product Reviews, Latest Promos, Giveaways, Freebies for PinoysIn June 2010, I finally decided to start my own contest alerts blog – Pinay Reviewer. It was initially just a review blog, but I decided to transform it to my own contest alerts blog.

Pinay Reviewer was inspired by these blogs that I still follow. They are the other contest alerts blogs that I’m currently subscribed to. Make sure you check them out since promos or contests that I’ve already seen on them, I usually no longer post on Pinay Reviewer.

Make sure you subscribe through email to all those blogs’ feeds, including Pinay Reviewer’s, so you’ll be updated with the latest promos online and offline.

Aside from the above-mentioned sites, where do I find out about other promos/online contests? Well, I happen to follow hundreds of Facebook pages and I’ve categorized them depending on which ones usually offer promos or online contests to their fans/followers. When I see an ongoing contest / promo, I immediately bookmark it for posting later on Pinay Reviewer.

I also check out what other people in my Facebook network (read: friends list) are doing. There are times I find out about a contest because someone in my network posted a status or shared it on his/her wall. I also see what FB pages they follow / just liked. Stalker much? :D

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