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Home
Based Business Idea
W
O R D P R O C E S S O R:
Business
Description:
No more nine to five grind working your finger to the bone on someone
else's hysterical deadlines and mission critical projects - not for
you. For now on they will be your deadlines and you will work your
fingers to the bone because you want to. Taking administrative
tasks and word processing jobs home is still work but now you choose who
to work with, the types of projects and the hours that best suit your
needs. You have the flexibility of choosing when to work.
You can enjoy a stress-free summer if you like by minimizing your task
load and selecting fewer assignments.
As
a word processing expert you will create, format and edit documents
utilizing document processing software on your home computer. You
will be expected to produce a high quality/professional copy for your
clients. You can expect your clients to request anything from a
simple resume, to large corporate assignments that include flow charts
and detailed graphs. You may even be expected to input information
on an ongoing basis for product catalogues or even an author's
novel. The assignments will be varied as will the types of clients
you deal with. Once you have submitted a completed project it can
be reproduced by the client for general distribution.
Your
Unique Skills:
An
absolute MUST is the mastery of the art of organization. Of course
there are tools that can help, including all of the office gadgets that
keep you organized and software for maintaining your files but you need
to know where to go to find them. You should also be an excellent
typist and very skilled in the latest document processing skills and
layouts. If someone brings you a rough copy with chicken scratches
all over it you will need to patiently and diplomatically be able to ask
the client "What's this?".
Speaking
of proofreading you should be able to quickly and effectively peruse a
document and make the final corrections so that the document is the
piece of art the client is paying for. You will need to be
competent at correcting grammatical errors as well as editing for some
clients. If a client finds one error that may well be the end of
your relationship. You must be extremely detail-oriented. Speed is
of an essence if you expect to be paid well for your time.
A
well paid and sought after typist takes a leadership role in creating
the perfect layout for their client. You can use your industry
connections and knowledge to get your foot in the door to certain
sectors. If you have worked in the financial arena - initially
seek out those types of clients they will see the benefit of not having
to explain certain terms and knowing some of the inside information that
they are so familiar with.
Tools
of the Trade:
You
should invest in a good computer. You will be well-equipped if you
have the maximum amount of hard drive space, a fast CPU, a zip drive, a
CD burner, and at least a 17" screen. Don't skimp here.
If you are serious then equip yourself with what it will take to get the
job done. For printing you should have a high quality desk jet
printer at a minimum. Most of your clients will ask for the final
product to be sent electronically or on disk so a laser printer is not a
must. Adding good quality paper and a final draft with copies can
be an add-on product if you produce resumes/reports. You will need the
latest version of Microsoft Word for professionalism and compatibility.
Even though word-processing applications have the spell check and
thesaurus built in you will still need a series of reference books to
verify usage and selection by the author. Any industry specific
reference books and documents may be needed also.
If
you need to brush up on your skills then take a class. Most
community colleges offer continuing education calsses and there are even
online course that assist you in improving your typing skills, speed and
accuracy. There is special software that is developed to check
your timing and errors. Ex. Keyboarding Pro by Southwestern
Publishing.
Getting
Your Foot in the Door:
The
potential market for creating specialized communication documents is huge.
Every business is built on their ability to effectively communicate their
products and services. There is always someone looking for the perfect job
or some small company trying to sell the latest and greatest widget to the rest
of the world - but the problem is communicating it effectively.
Get
the word out. Use every contact you have to let them know that you are
available. You must have a portfolio of your work that you can either
email clients or meet in person to show what you are capable of. Advertise
locally and join networking groups to establish business contacts. Post a
flyer in the library, community center or college.
Set
Yourself Apart:
The
most successful word processing agents are flexible, and kind.
Having a great attitude will win you the business. Of course you
must have all the skills to back you up but when push comes to shove
they will call the person who they enjoy dealing with.
Show
Me the Money:
The
rate of pay that you can charge will vary by region, type of document and
specialization of the project. With all of these factors evaluated you can
set your rates from $15 to $25 per hour or by the job.
For
More Information:
Word Processing Profits at Home
by Peggy Glenn. Aames-Allen
Publishing, $18.95.
"Words from Home: How to Operate a Home-Based Word Processing
Business," by Diana Ennen. $24.95
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