Work-At-Home Expert or Pied Piper

Disclaimer: This article is to help people who want to work-at-home evaluate the quality of “expert” advice. Its based on a true experience I had last weekend with an “expert” that I felt was taking advantage of his “expert” status by providing misleading information. The situation and the companies in the article are true but I have removed the names to protect all in involved. Nevertheless, one part of the article does encourage you not to accept things without more proof. For that reason, if you’d like the details including the resources to back my claims, you can email me at success@workathomesuccess.com.

Work-At-Home Expert or Pied Piper

(C) 2005 Leslie Truex

The other day, I was invited to listen in on a call in which an “expert”, a veteran of network marketing associated with other mlm gurus, was going to do a talk about how some specific companies were going out of business. I was familiar with most of the companies on the “hit” list and was surprised to hear of their impending demise. One company in particular I researched quite a bit and while it’s not for everyone, all my research pointed to a solid, reputable company. So I was curious and frankly skeptical about what this guy had to say. And even more to the point, why he was saying it.

I was only two seconds into the call when this “expert” lost all credibility with me. Why? He had a hidden agenda. He was affiliated with a specific company and the call was geared to members or “guests” interested in his company. The speaker was not providing objective “expert” information about home business companies, but instead was looking to increase belief in his program at the expense of other programs…his competition.

I listened through and hour and a half of the call and was shocked that a so-called “expert” would give such blatant misinformation and speculation as fact without any proof to back it up. What bothered me most was that because this guy was touted as an expert, the people on the call were predisposed to believing him, without asking questions.

Expert advice is very helpful especially to people looking to work at home. But you need to be careful because not all “experts” are actually experts. And sometimes experts offer “advice” that is NOT based on objective knowledge, but instead is designed to “sell” their own program, as was the case with the call I was on. Below is my “expert” advice on how to evaluate the quality of expert work-at-home advice.

Hidden Agenda

When an expert is strongly affiliated with one particular organization and is dumping on competing organizations, you need to scrutinize the information given to you. That’s not to say experts aren’t allowed to offer opinions or to share their favorite programs. But they need to be upfront about what information they are supplying and whether it’s based on fact and verifiable evidence versus personal opinion. The key difference is what does the expert get out of it. If I share with you my favorite work-at-home website, and am not paid to do so, you are more likely to accept what I have to say about it. But if I’m paid to recommend the website, it still may be a great website, but you should require more proof beyond my “word” that it’s a great website. Good experts are upfront about their motives when giving objective advice, a free endorsement, or plugging one of their own programs to increase their profit. Failure to do this puts their credibility on the line.

Where’s the proof?

There have been occasions when I have specifically advised people away from or made recommendations to specific programs. But, I have always backed up that advice with verifiable information such as Better Business Bureau Reports, Federal Trade Commission complaints or other third-party information that can be verified. The fact that I do this has increased my credibility with people who come to me for advice. They know I am giving them information based facts not on speculation. In instances in which I am not knowledgeable about a company in question, I offer advice based on what I know about the work-at-home industry. For example, if someone asks me about ABC company, I’ll visit the website to learn what I can. If I see that it offers envelope stuffing, my advice is going to be “stay away” as its common knowledge that envelope stuffing is a scam. Further, I’ll direct the person to other credible resources such as the Federal Trade Commission that back up my advice that envelope stuffing is one scheme to avoid.

The point is, when you are looking to work at home, its important you don’t take anyone’s word, even an expert’s, without proof. On the call I attended, the speaker gave information I knew to be erroneous. He provided inaccurate facts, gave misleading information, skewed the information to fit his agenda, and even suggested that the companies in question would be going out of business. What he didn’t give is any proof. No NASDAQ data of a financial down turn. No Better Business Bureau Reports indicating a history of complaints. No credible information to back up his claims.

In my opinion (note I’m giving opinion not fact), I don’t believe he could back up his statements because there was no proof. In fact, I could prove the opposite (note here I’m going to offer evidence of my claim). I could provide mainstream business magazine articles that profiled one company on the “hot list” as being a solid, stable company with extremely strong leadership. Plus, I could provide proof of awards from various business organizations.* Notice, that I didn’t use info the company offered but instead I offered proof through non-related credible resources.

Interestingly, and frighteningly, not one person on the call questioned the “expert” on his claims. But, they should have. Its important to question and research when it comes to work at home programs. Think of it this way; if you were diagnosed with a serious illness, you’d likely go to another doctor for a second opinion. Most doctors are viewed as experts and yet when it counts, you want extra proof. You shouldn’t expect any less from your work-at-home expert.
Where’s the beef?

If it appears that there is a hidden agenda or an outright claim about a program’s “incredible opportunity”, get to the meat of the program. Find out what makes it so great not in “rah rah” or vague terms, but in specific, provable facts. During the entire call, I heard how horrible these other companies were but not a single fact about why his program was better. When I was in grade school, we called these people “bullies”. Remember, when you were young and a bully called you names, your parents or teacher explained to you that bullies have low self-esteem and need to put others down to make them feel more important? That’s what I thought about the speaker on the call. He had to criticize all these other companies because he wasn’t confident that his own company could stack up.

In my opinion (note opinion again), I don’t think it could. I could easily have poked holes in his program. He had a vitamin that was twice the cost of one of his competitor’s and yet he said his competitor was overpricing. Plus the competitor has a patent and an independent scientific study to verify the product works. The speaker’s product didn’t (note claim that could be verified*). Can you see the difference? He was using his “expertise” and charisma to entice people to his program not by touting the merits of his program, but by criticizing competing programs. The important thing to recognize here is that any work at home program you join should be able to stand on its own based on a solid program and provable facts.

Expert or Pied Piper?

So how do you know when an “expert” isn’t being the Pied Piper? Clearly if they don’t have a hidden agenda and they support their statements through proof that you can verify, you are probably looking at someone who is trying to offer objective information. However, it isn’t always clear, so ask questions. There’s a great saying, “Question authority.” When you are looking at investing time and money into working at home, that is sage advice. You shouldn’t blindly follow the charismatic guy or gal who “seems” to know it all. Ask questions. Ask for proof, particularly proof that comes from credible sources outside the company. And always be skeptical about the person who leads with negativity. The most successful people I know who work at home, never dump on other programs even if they personally believe they are bad. Instead, they are extremely positive and focus on their own merits with confidence.

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Leslie Truex is a stay and work-at-home mom who has been providing work-at-home information and resources since 1998 at her website, Work-At-Home Success http://www.workathomesuccess.com/. Read her current Work-At-Home Success Jobs and News ezine at http://www.workathomesuccess.com/ezine.htm

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Leslie

Still working while everyone is off....

One of the great things about working at home and being self-employed is the flexible schedule. I can go to the gym when its the least crowded, attend my kids' school functions, do errrands while eveyrone is at their jobs, and nap. So why is it that my kids and husband are off from school and work and I'm still working????

Poor planning is one. If I'd done my work-at-home newsletter earlier in the week, I wouldn't have to do it today. If I hadn't made appointments for Friday to call people, I wouldn't be sitting at my desk preparing to dial my phone.

Still, its not so bad. I may be working but I'll probably only work a few hours (until lunch) and then be done until Tuesday. My family may be off right now, but I know there are many other people who are still working.

I want to wish you and your family a very happy holiday!

Leslie

Eight Reasons to Start Your Home Business During the Holidays

© 2005 Leslie Truex

Many people who want to work-at-home, put their goal on the back burner during the holidays as the chaos and stress of the season consumes daily life. However, for people who are truly serious about work at home, the holidays are one of the best times to start a business. Here's eight reasons why.

1) Discounts. Many business programs offer their start-up at discounted prices allowing you the opportunity to get started for less money. Further, many products and services you need to run your business are also on sale during this time.

2) Savings on gift giving. Depending on the business you start, you may be able to save money on holiday gifts for your friends and family. You are buying gifts anyway, why not buy them from your own business and save?

3) 'Tis the Season to Shop. The holidays are the one time of year when nearly everyone is shopping and spending a great deal of money. Depending on the business you start, you can have customers ready and willing to give you money for your products.

4) Extra money for the holidays. Who doesn't need extra cash particularly around the holidays. Start your business now and you can start earning right away. Even if you choose to join a business or affiliate program that pays monthly, you can have a check in January to help pay the debt incurred in December.

5) Tax deductions*. By starting your business in 2005, you will have deductions you can take when you file your taxes in April 2006. Home business deductions can include your start up costs, portions of your rent/mortgage and utilities, Internet costs and more. If its an expense related to your running your business, it is quite possibly a tax deduction.

6) Get a head start for 2006. Many people wait until January 1st to start on their goals. But starting a home business requires research and preparation. By starting now, you will have all the leg work in place to jump in full force in January.

7) Why not now? The biggest excuse I hear about not getting started in a home business is a lack of time. Think about the goals you set five years ago or even last year. How close are to reaching them? The truth is, you will never have more time. When the kids are in school, you won't have more time. When the Christmas party is over, you won't have more time. It just doesn't happen. We tend to fill up empty bits of time with other projects or television. Everyone I know who works at home, including me, only has 24 hours in a day just like you. Some have "jobs" they need to work around. Many have kids they need to care for while working on their business. All have other obligations they need to juggle. But they all made a decision that make working at home was a priority. As a result, they are closer than they were yesterday to reaching their goal because they made the choice to do something today.

8) Turn a wish into reality. The minute you sign up for an affiliate program or home business, or post your first product for sale on eBay, or run your first ad, you are working at home. Its no longer "I wish I could work at home." Instead, you are actually doing it. You may not be home full time or making what you want, but you have made tangible what was before an elusive wish. A huge part of working at home is momentum gained through activity. Everyone is busy but by doing something, even a little thing, each day will move you closer to your goal.

My mentor has a great saying, "Its that start that stops most people." Its really true. People want to work at home but can't seem to take the first step to actually do it. But working at home is really a process of taking action over and over again. You can't work at home, if you don't take the first step and actually get started. I encourage you to take that first step. Start today or as soon as possible. Then take the next step and actively build your business. Imagine where you could be this time next year, just by starting now!

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Leslie Truex is a stay and work-at-home mom who has been helping people work-at-home for nearly 8 years. She created and still manages Work-At-Home Success a free work-at-home information and resource site. She is the author of Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding or Creating a Work-At-Home Job and the Co-Founder of Infinite Possibilities. When she's not running her online ventures, she does occasional contract work as a social worker.

* I'm not a tax expert. Please check out the tax information related to home business as the IRS.

"Will I Ever Work At Home?"

© 2005 Leslie Truex

As the owner of several work-at-home related websites, I receive email daily asking about working at home. Most writers of these emails indicate they are hard working, can type, have a computer and are desperate to work-at-home. But in most cases, they will never work at home. That may seem like a harsh thing to say but in all the years I have working at home and studying working at home, the above characteristics or skills are not what determines someone's success at working at home. Yes, everyone who works at home has the above characteristics and tools but they are not the indicators of success.

Through my own experience and in talking with others, I have determined what I believe are the characteristics that determine who will succeed at working at home and who won't. Before I go into the different characteristics, let me first state that I'm not saying that the people who fit the "unlikely to work-at-home" scenario are less smart or capable. Instead, as you will see, they are usually just uninformed about or fearful of what it take to work at home. But, if they are willing to learn and do the work, they too can find success working at home.

People who are less likely to work-at-home:

• Focus only on data-entry and typing jobs in their search for work.
• Have paid hundreds or more to off-line and online companies suggesting one can send or place ads, mail brochures, assemble earrings etc and get paid.
• Spend only left-over time in their search for work or a home business as opposed to committing regular effort.
• Sign up for free, spillover programs hoping to earn $1000's off of someone else's efforts as indicated by 1000's of websites promoting worthless work-at-home programs.
• Have a fear of doing something different or stepping out the comfort zone, which limits their choices.

Do you see yourself in any of the above characteristics? I was that person when I first started to look for work-at-home opportunities. I'm not quite sure from where the idea that working at home and getting-rich on menial work originated. It probably came from scammers who saw money in people's dreams. What I learned the hard way was that "work" is the key word in “work at home”. I haven't met anyone who works at home who hasn't worked very hard either in a telecommuting position or in a home business. Here are the characteristics I have found in people who have found success working at home.

People who successfully work from home:

• Recognize that pay for employment options are scams and that free programs while they may be viable, don't work by themselves.
• Are proactive in their search for telecommuting jobs or researching a home business. They don't expect the ideal situation to show up in their email. Instead, they send resumes regularly and follow-up...even to companies that might not be advertising a job but could use a contract or telecommuting worker. Neither do they expect any home business to be successful with haphazard efforts such as a single email or ad.
• Spend time regularly, usually everyday in their search for work or a home business. This time is scheduled into their life just like all other activities because they know that life has a way of taking over unless you control your time.
• Understand that there is no job or home business that doesn't require work. While there may be good free programs, to earn money requires consistent work to earn a regular income.
• Have a desire to work at home that is bigger than their fear. They are willing to step out of their comfort zone in effort to succeed at working at home.

As you can see, the only real difference between those who succeed at working at home and those who don't is knowledge, consistent effort and a compelling desire. I know that is what made the difference for me. I got a telecommuting job by sending letters of inquiries out to potential employers outlining my experience and asking if they needed a part-time worker in my area. When I decided I wanted something more than telecommuting could offer, I researched home businesses and chose the one that best fit my needs and work habits KNOWING that I would have to put myself outside my comfort zone in whatever I chose to do. In other words, I didn't waste my time on Internet gimmicks. I searched for a proven, reputable, yet achievable program. And then I jumped in and did it even when I was scared or tired or discouraged. My dream was bigger than the obstacles, which incidentally are usually all in the mind. Once I learned how to get out of my own way, it got much easier.

The question now is what are you willing to do? How big is your dream? Is it big enough to really learn the truth about working at home and stop wasting your time looking for the job or program that doesn't exist? Is it big enough to commit time every day to achieving it even if its just 15 minutes? Is it big enough to step out of your comfort zone to do something different to reach your goal? Is it big enough to commit to for the long haul particularly when your dream seems out of reach? If it is, then you have what it takes to work at home and the answer is, "Yes, you will work at home."

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Leslie Truex is a stay and work-at-home mom who has been helping others work-at-home with her website Work-At-Home Success for free since 1998. She is also the author of “Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding or Creating a Work-At-Home Job."