hiremymom

April 24, 2023

Old is Gold: Use Your Previous Projects as Inspiration for Your Current Ones

Do you ever feel stuck in a creative rut? When you need inspiration for your current project, why not take a look at your old documents and projects? Your past work can be a great source of creative ideas and can help you to jumpstart your current projects. Let’s take a look at different ways to identify and utilize the valuable lessons learned from past projects and how to apply them to your current ones:

The Importance of Looking Back

Taking the time to look through documents and projects from the past can not only inspire you but also provide you with valuable insight into how you can approach a similar project. This is especially true for those who have been working in the same field for an extended period of time. Not only does looking back help provide a better understanding of what you’ve accomplished, but it also provides an opportunity to reflect on any mistakes or lessons learned that can be applied to future projects. Reviewing old projects is also a great way to get out of a creative rut or jump-start a project that is stuck in a mental dead-end.

What to Look for When Reviewing Old Projects

When reviewing your old projects, there are certain elements that you can look for that can help you to gain some inspiration. First, take a look at the project’s overall theme. You may find that your original idea can be adapted and updated to be relevant to the current trends and needs of your target audience. You should also examine the structure of the project. How was it organized? Are there any elements that you could use in a new way? Perhaps you could rearrange the steps to create an improved workflow or add new features to make the project more user-friendly.

Next, consider the style of your project. How did you present the information? Was it written in a conversational tone, or did you use more formal language? Were there any unique visual elements that set it apart? Examining the project’s aesthetic can help you to come up with ideas for updating your current project. Finally, take a look at the project’s success rate. Did it achieve its goals? What could have been done better? Understanding where your old project fell short can help you to improve your current one. With a few tweaks, your original idea can become something even better!

Applying What You’ve Learned

Once you’ve reviewed your past projects, it’s time to apply what you’ve learned. There are a few ways to do this:

First, look for elements that you can use in your current project. This could be anything from design techniques to coding tricks. Consider how the elements you found could be implemented in your current project. Make sure to only use elements that will contribute positively to the outcome of the project.
Second, look for problems that you solved previously and consider how they can be applied to your current project. Solutions that worked well in the past may provide the perfect solution to a problem in your current project.
Third, review any feedback that you received on your previous projects. If you have comments or suggestions that were made on your previous projects, consider how they can be applied to your current project. Additionally, look at any mistakes that you made in the past and use them as an opportunity to learn and grow. Then, get your team involved! Ask for fresh feedback or advice. Make the project collaborative and get other viewpoints. This can lead to fresh inspiration!
Fourth, remember to take breaks now and again when reviewing past information. While starting a new project can be exciting, sometimes you can get bogged down as to why past projects did not turn out the way you hoped or expected. Take time to step away and return refreshed. If you are managing a team, encourage them to take breaks as well!
Finally, review the results of your past projects and compare them with your current project. Try to identify any areas where improvements can be made, such as refining your workflow or using more efficient tools and processes. Take note of the successes from your previous projects and see if you can replicate them in your current project.

Once you’ve done this, make sure to set goals for your new projects! This will ensure that they move forward and do not get left behind.

How do you use past projects for inspiration? Let us know so we can share it with the HireMyMom family!

Written by Lesley Pyle

April 17, 2023

The Power of Video Marketing for Your Business

Video marketing has become an increasingly popular tool for businesses looking to increase their brand awareness and reach a larger audience. Whether you’re a small business just getting started or an established business looking to grow, videos can be a great way to effectively market your business and build a strong brand. Learn more about the different types of videos you can create, the best platforms to share your videos, and tips for creating effective videos that will engage your audience and build your brand.

The Benefits of Video Marketing

Reach a Wider Audience: Video marketing gives businesses the opportunity to reach an even wider audience, including potential customers who may not have otherwise heard of your business. With videos, you can quickly get your message out to a large number of people and create lasting connections with them.
Showcase Your Products or Services: Videos can be used to demonstrate how your products work, explain their features and benefits, and even provide virtual tours of your facilities.
Establish a Personal Connection: Videos allow businesses to create a personal connection with their customers and potential customers. By telling stories and sharing personal experiences, videos help to build trust and relationships with viewers, increasing customer loyalty and engagement.
Increase SEO Rankings: Video content can also help improve your SEO rankings, as search engines like Google tend to favor websites that include video content. This can help to increase the visibility of your website, driving more traffic and leads to your business.
Enhance Social Media Presence: Videos are a great way to engage with your followers on social media, providing interesting content that can spark conversation and get people talking about your business. Additionally, videos can be easily shared across multiple platforms, allowing you to reach a wider audience and increase brand awareness.

How to Get Started with Video Marketing

Create an Online Presence: You should have a website, social media accounts, and email newsletters.
Choose a Video Platform: Popular platforms include YouTube, Vimeo, and Wistia. Each of these platforms offers different features and benefits, so research them to find the one that’s right for your business.
Set Your Goals: Once you’ve chosen a platform, set specific goals for your video marketing campaign. What do you want to achieve? Do you want to increase brand awareness or generate more leads?
Choose Your Topics: Try to pick topics that are related to your business and that will appeal to your target audience. Think about what questions they may have and create videos that provide helpful answers.
Plan Your Content: Determine the length of each video and what type of content it will include. Will it be an interview? A demonstration? A tutorial?
Promote Your Videos: Post them on your website, social media accounts, and other platforms where they can be seen by your target audience. You can also create email campaigns and send out notifications when new videos are released.

Tips for Creating Effective Videos

Keep It Short: Attention spans are short and people don’t want to watch long videos. Aim for 1-2 minutes in length if possible.
Tell A Story: People respond to stories because they can relate to them, so make sure your video has an interesting plot and characters.
Show, Don’t Tell: Videos are a great way to show off your product or service, so use visuals to demonstrate what you’re talking about.
Include A Call To Action: Always include a call to action in your video so that viewers know what you want them to do next.
Use Appropriate Music: Music is an important part of any video, so make sure you use music that fits the tone and style of your video.

Measuring the Success of Your Video Marketing Campaign

Analyze Your Viewership: Look at how many views your videos are getting, how long people are watching them, and where they are coming from.
Track Conversions: If you have a website or a landing page associated with your videos, you can use tools such as Google Analytics to see how many people have clicked on your video and then converted into a lead or sale.
Monitor Social Engagement: Look at likes, comments, shares, and other forms of engagement to get an idea of how popular your videos are with your target audience.
Ask For Feedback: Ask questions in the comments section or in your social media posts to get an idea of what people think about your videos and if they would like to see more.

We hope these tips are helpful for your business! What other tips have you found helpful? Let us know so we can share them!

Written by Lesley Pyle

April 10, 2023

3 Tools Every Remote Worker Needs in Their Toolkit

Working remotely means that you and your team must be well coordinated to ensure everyone is on the same page. We have noticed companies using three main tools to get the job done, and we wanted to share these with you! All of these tools are incredibly versatile and can help to streamline your workflow, boost productivity, and increase collaboration. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with them before seeking remote work — if you are not sure where to start, we offer training in these tools and more to prepare you for your dream remote position!

1) Asana

Asana is an incredibly popular tool for remote teams, and it’s not hard to see why. Asana allows you to easily manage tasks, track progress, assign tasks to team members, and keep everyone on the same page. It’s also great for organizing projects into different categories and tracking deadlines. You can easily set reminders and due dates, comment on tasks, attach files, and track progress across the board. You can also create groups and assign members to them, which helps with communication and collaboration.

Asana also offers reporting tools that let you track progress, analyze team performance, and get an overall view of how your project is progressing. The platform also offers integration with other tools such as Google Calendar, Dropbox, and Zapier, which makes it even easier to use. With Asana, you can create a comprehensive project plan and ensure that everyone is on the same page. With its easy-to-use interface and powerful features, Asana is an essential tool for any remote team; many teams use this or equivalent software. While each has its unique features and quirks, they tend to all work in a similar fashion. Once you learn one, you can easily use the others! If you are more familiar with another platform such as Monday, then mention that in your cover letter, résumé, and interview. Those skills are certainly transferable if the position you are interested in uses a different project management software than the one you have used.

2) Google Docs and Google Sheets

Google Docs is a powerful word processor that allows you to create, edit, and share documents online. It also provides collaboration features such as revision tracking and commenting so multiple users can work on a document at the same time. Google Sheets is a spreadsheet program that enables you to organize and analyze data. With Google Sheets, you can quickly create charts and tables, store data, and work collaboratively with other users.

Google Docs and Sheets are incredibly user-friendly and come with an abundance of features that can help make remote work easier. For instance, you can use the “Explore” feature to quickly get insights from your data. You can also easily format text, images, and other elements to improve the look and readability of your documents. The real-time collaboration features make it simple to share and review documents with others, even when you’re miles apart.

Whether you’re writing an important report, crunching numbers, or putting together a presentation, Google Docs and Google Sheets are essential tools for getting the job done right. As a remote worker, these two applications will become an indispensable part of your toolkit. If you are familiar with Microsoft Office’s products, then you will easily be able to use Google’s products!

3) Slack

Slack allows team members to communicate quickly and easily through messaging, file sharing, and voice and video calling. Slack also offers an array of integrations with other tools, including Asana, which helps to streamline team collaboration. The user interface is intuitive and makes it easy for team members to keep track of conversations, tasks, and updates. With the ability to create custom channels for specific topics or projects, Slack helps remote teams stay organized and on top of projects. This tool has grown to be one of the most-used platforms we see, followed closely behind by Microsoft Teams.

Here is what all these tools boil down to: you need to be familiar with a project management software (such as Asana), you need to be able to use tools that allow you to collaborate on your thoughts or numbers (such as Google Docs and Sheets), and finally, you need to know fast ways to communicate with other team members. As aforementioned, once you learn at least one of each of these three tools, you will be able to transfer those skills to others. This can seem overwhelming, but remember, we are here to help. We offer job training that covers tools like these and more from time tracking software to video call software.

Written by Lesley Pyle

April 3, 2023

The Perils of Mega Job Sites

The modern job search can be daunting and disheartening. With so many different online job sites, it’s hard to know which ones to trust and which ones will benefit you the most. Mega job sites, especially the free ones, can be a waste of time. They are often filled with irrelevant job postings sourced from outdated, unverified information. For businesses, they can be difficult to understand, hard to navigate, and nearly impossible to get a real person to help you.

Free Sites Are Teeming with Scammers

It’s no secret that free job sites can be full of scams. There are countless stories of people who have been conned out of their hard-earned money by an unscrupulous individual claiming to be an employer or recruiter. They may offer you an attractive job opportunity or a large sum of money for a small task, only to ask for personal or banking information. Even when the job or offer turns out to be legitimate, it can be difficult to assess the validity of the source.

If you’re looking for a safe place to search for job opportunities, then you should opt instead for a trusted resource. HireMyMom is a website dedicated to helping moms find legitimate work-from-home jobs and other flexible employment opportunities. We vet each and every listing, ensuring to the best of our ability that businesses are verified and trustworthy. On top of that, our database contains a wide variety of job postings so you can find the right fit for your skills and lifestyle.

You’re Just a Number

When you use a mega site, you become just another number in the sea of applicants. No matter how great your experience and qualifications are, you may have a difficult time standing out to an employer if they get lost in the thousands of resumes. Furthermore, your chances of standing out can be even lower if you don’t have an optimized resume or a well-written cover letter. It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle, and there are very few resources available to help you craft the best job application materials possible. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. Not only do employers have to weed through thousands of resumes, but they also have to face scammers and fraudsters themselves.

At HireMyMom, we provide a platform with job seekers who are serious about finding great remote opportunities and not just pressing a button to apply for every job they see. Because of our subscription model, we typically attract quality candidates who are serious about finding great remote opportunities. And small business owners love that because they don’t have the time to sort through hundreds or thousands of resumes and on HireMyMom, they typically receive a very manageable number of applicants making the hiring process much less cumbersome. Plus, employers and job seekers alike can get in touch with a real live human any time they need help!

You’re Competing with Hundreds, if Not Thousands

Even if you have the perfect resume and the best qualifications, there’s still no guarantee that your application will be seen. With such a massive pool of applicants, employers can afford to be picky, and your resume may never make it to the top of the pile. Plus, employers often get overwhelmed and only take the first few people who applied to the listing when it went live, leaving several other applicants behind. The odds are even worse for freelancers. Most job postings on these sites only list opportunities for full-time employment, leaving freelancers out in the cold. Furthermore, with so much competition, it can be difficult to get noticed and your rate of pay may suffer as a result.

This isn’t the case with Hire My Mom. By using this site, freelancers benefit from fewer applications and more personalized attention. Rather than competing with hundreds of other applicants, your application will stand out from the crowd and you’ll get the chance to show off your skills and talents. Additionally, since we are a paid site, the job applicant pool is smaller giving our job seekers a better chance of getting hired.

It’s time to find the job or employee of your dreams! Let us know how we can be of help.

Written by Lesley Pyle

March 20, 2023

5 Spring Cleaning Tips For An Organized Home Office

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it’s time for a good old-fashioned spring cleaning! Whether you’re working from home or just need a decluttered workspace, organizing your home office is key. Beyond the usual dusting or surface wipe down, an organized space can help you focus and stay productive during the day, which is why we’ve put together some of great spring cleaning tips for you! You may not be able to complete all of these spring cleaning tasks in a day, so perhaps you schedule an hour or so a day until you can get your office cleaned and organized. The rewards will surely be worth it!

1) Create a Filing System

Start by gathering all of your documents, such as bills, receipts, and other important paperwork. Sort them into categories and then create separate folders or manila envelopes for each category. Label each folder clearly, so that you know what’s inside it and can easily locate it. For example, a filing cabinet may contain folders labeled “Bills”, “Receipts”, “Tax Returns” and more.

You can also create digital filing systems for your computer files. Sort digital documents, photos, and other files into folders on your desktop or hard drive. Create a separate folder for each topic or project and label it accordingly. This will help you quickly find the file you need when you need it. It’s also a good idea to back up your computer files to an external hard drive or cloud storage solution, just in case of a computer crash.

2) Go Digital

With the ever-increasing use of technology, it’s easier than ever to take advantage of all the available tools to help you organize your home office. Consider transitioning to digital storage solutions, such as cloud-based file sharing platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox, for organizing your documents. Doing so will help you keep important documents more secure and easily accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. Not only is this a great way to save space in your office, but it also allows for easy collaboration with co-workers or clients, if necessary. Plus, you can put tip number one to use here too.

This also applies to other paper items you might have around your desk: sticky notes, calendars, etc. There is an app for everything nowadays, and they can truly keep you on top of your game. Create a digital calendar with reminders for yourself. Get a digital notes app to organize those random thoughts that pop into your mind. If you like to have things on paper, that’s okay! You can use paper and apps to declutter your space and stay organized.

3) Purge

Channel your inner Marie Kondo and get rid of things that no longer serve you! As you sort through all of your documents, be sure to throw away anything that is outdated or no longer needed. If you have paper files that you want to keep, consider digitizing them with a scanner so that you can store them electronically instead. Additionally, it’s also important to go through your computer and delete any files that are not necessary. When cleaning up your computer files, be sure to empty out the recycle bin as well to free up more space on your hard drive. Doing this will help you declutter and keep your home office organized. If deleting files scares you, put tip #2 to use and find a digital service such as iCloud where you can store your files in case of emergency but in a way that does not affect computer storage space.

This tip is not just for files, either. Take a look at your workspace. Are old, scribbled notes cluttering your desk? Are there a million old coffee cups scattered around? Pens littered everywhere? Get rid of things you do not need, and clearly organize what you do need. Create a dedicated space where you can only keep one coffee cup at a time so they don’t pile up. Use an old jar to store all your pens. Throw away those notes that no longer make sense, even though you wrote them.

4) Label Everything

To label efficiently, use a standard format for all labels (e.g. name, date, and category). Additionally, use different colors for different categories or items so that you can quickly identify what’s what. For digital files, use an intuitive system like tags or folders with labels that are easily searchable. We’ve all been in a situation where we are on a video call and asked to share our screen to show a file, but we do not know which file to pick because they are called something like “ABC 1” or “ABC 2”. Taking time to rename your files with easily searchable names is very important! Finally, make sure your labels are visible and easy to read so you don’t waste time searching for what you need.

5) Invest in Storage Containers

Investing in a few storage containers can go a long way in helping you achieve an organized and clutter-free workspace. Start by deciding what items need to be stored and find containers that are suited for the job. Plastic or cardboard file boxes are great for storing documents, while baskets or bins can be used to keep smaller items together. Make sure to label all containers clearly so you can easily find what you need when you need it. If you have limited space, consider buying stackable storage units to make the most of your available space. Once your containers are filled, place them out of the way but still within reach so you don’t have to search too hard when you need something. While getting your containers together, now is the time to dust and wipe everything down. Store it clean so it stays clean!

Digital storage containers are important too! Purchase an external hard drive and back up everything for the year on it. Label your drives by year and keep them in a waterproof container. This will clear up even more computer storage space, and it will ensure that things you do not need right at this minute are still within easy reach. As with tip number four, make sure you label everything on your hard drive so that it is easy to find later.

Remember, when you work from home you get to be completely in control of your work environment! Schedule a time in your calendar to work on cleaning up your office space. You will thank yourself in the future! How do you stay organized when working remotely? Share your tips with us!

Written by Lesley Pyle

March 13, 2023

10 Surefire Ways to Reward and Recognize Your Remote Team Members

As companies become increasingly reliant on remote teams, managers must be aware of the unique needs and challenges of their staff. Keeping team members motivated and engaged is essential for ensuring productivity and success. A great way to achieve this is by providing rewards for their hard work and dedication. It can be difficult to find ways to show appreciation when you don’t have regular face-to-face interactions. However, there are many creative and effective ways to recognize remote team members that can help foster a positive working environment and boost team productivity.

1) Celebrate Birthdays and Anniversaries

When it comes to birthdays, some options include sending a card with a gift card or cash bonus, a personalized message, or even a cake or bouquet of flowers. Celebrating work anniversaries is a great way to show appreciation for loyalty and hard work. You can make an announcement recognizing the employee, send a special gift, or give them extra time off. No matter what you decide to do, don’t forget to reach out to each team member individually to wish them a happy birthday or congratulate them on their work anniversary. This simple act will show your remote employees how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication.

2) Give Bonuses

This can come in the form of financial bonuses, gift cards, or even an extra day off. It is important to communicate clearly why the bonus is being given so that team members understand the value and appreciation behind it. Additionally, it’s important to be fair and consistent when giving out bonuses to ensure that everyone feels appreciated.

3) Give Paid Time Off

Paid time off helps ensure that they have adequate time away from work to rest and recharge, so they can come back refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges. Giving your remote team members the freedom to take time off as they need it will also help foster loyalty and appreciation for their job and the organization.

4) Invest in their Professional Development

Consider enrolling them in online courses, webinars, conferences, and other educational opportunities. Additionally, consider setting up mentoring programs with more experienced colleagues or providing access to a library of books related to their field.

5) Send Swag

You can send swag such as branded shirts, personalized mugs, books related to the company mission, and other thoughtful items. It’s a great way to show that you value your remote team members and appreciate their hard work. Plus, it’s fun to open an unexpected package!

6) Offer Flexible Hours

Flexible hours can help to boost morale, create a sense of trust between the employee and employer, and reduce stress levels. Consider offering flexible hours that allow team members to work when they are most productive and creative, and let them take breaks whenever needed.

7) Provide Opportunities to Lead

Encourage your team members to take on more responsibility by giving them opportunities to plan projects, lead meetings, or assign tasks. This will show that you trust and value their capabilities while motivating them to excel in their roles. Celebrate their successes and reward them with additional recognition or bonuses.

8) Acknowledge Good Work Publicly

Show your appreciation by highlighting the contributions they’ve made and recognizing their hard work in emails, meetings or on social media. Doing this encourages employees to continue performing well and boosts morale among the team. It can also help create a positive team environment that is driven by success and recognition.

9) Hold Virtual Team Building Activities

Team building activities are a great way to bring your remote team together and foster stronger relationships. Host a virtual game night or movie night. Ask everyone to cook the same meal and eat it together over video conference. Have a themed party, like a costume party, where everyone shows off their best outfit. Or play charades, where one person acts out a phrase and the other players have to guess what it is. Whatever activity you choose, make sure it’s fun and entertaining for everyone involved.

10) Create a Virtual Book Club

Build stronger connections with remote team members by establishing a remote book club! Each month or two, choose a new book and ask those who want to participate to read it. Schedule a fun meetup to get people’s opinions and perspectives on the novel. This is a great way to learn more about each individual person through a fun activity. You can also rotate who gets to pick the book for the month. If books aren’t your thing, you could also do a movie club!

How do you keep your remote team motivated and rewarded? Share your tips with us!

Written by Lesley Pyle

March 6, 2023

8 Tips to Unplug and Enjoy Spring Break with Your Kids

Are you planning a spring break vacation with your kids? If so, you may be feeling overwhelmed at the thought of juggling work and family obligations. Taking time away from work is a great opportunity to relax and make memories with your children. However, it’s important to be prepared ahead of time to make sure you can truly unplug and enjoy the break. After all, when you work remotely, it can be hard to put your phone down. That’s why we’ve put some great tips together for you! Learn some tricks to get prepared at work to be able to fully enjoy and embrace the upcoming vacation and family memories.

1) Decide What Can Wait

Make sure to prioritize tasks and decide what can wait. Some things may need to be taken care of before leaving, but some tasks can wait until after you return. Start by making a list of all the tasks that need to be done, and then prioritize those tasks in order of importance. This will help you determine which tasks you can delegate or delay until after the break.

2) Let Your Boss and Team Know as Soon as Possible

You can start by talking to your boss and teammates about the dates you plan to be gone. If you have vacation or personal days available, this is the best way to ensure that you will get the time you need. Your boss may even suggest ideas to make the process easier, such as having someone cover your responsibilities while you’re gone. Keeping an open dialogue with your team will help make sure everyone is on the same page; it’s important to stress too that even though you might work remotely, you still want separation from vacation and work time.

3) Set an “Out of Office” Message

Letting people know you will be away on spring break is important. Setting an ”out of office’ message is a great way to do that. This can be done through email or by updating your voicemail. Make sure the message states you will be away and when you will return. This way people know they can’t reach you, but they can still reach someone else if they need help while you are gone. Don’t forget to turn off any automatic emails during the time of your vacation. This way you don’t have to worry about being interrupted by work-related emails.

4) Check in Only When Needed

When you’re on vacation, it’s important to find ways to unplug and truly enjoy your time off. One way to do this is to limit the number of times you check in with your work. This could mean limiting yourself to checking in only when necessary or at pre-agreed upon times. Try to get the most out of your break by focusing on quality family time, rather than worrying about work obligations. Make sure you let your boss and teammates know if and how often you plan to check in, so they know what to expect from you while you’re away.

5) Keep Your Phone out of Reach

This will help reduce temptation to constantly check emails and messages, and ensure that you don’t miss out on time with your family. Put your phone away in a place where you can’t easily access it, or switch it off altogether. If you need to keep your phone available for emergencies, set a specific time each day when you will check in with work. That way you can still enjoy the break without worrying about work related tasks.

6) Put Together a Daily Schedule

Creating a daily schedule is one of the best ways to ensure you’re able to unplug and really enjoy your spring break with your kids. This can help keep everyone on track and make sure that you’re all getting the most out of your time away. Come up with activities to do each day, from morning till evening. Be sure to include some fun, educational activities, some quality family time, and some down time for yourself. Scheduling out your days will help you stay focused and make the most of your break. Remember to also leave room for flexibility and spontaneity – it’s a vacation after all!

7) Set Some Ground Rules

First, decide how often you are going to check in with work, if at all. Make sure to stick to the rule you decide and don’t let it be flexible. Secondly, create a schedule for the day and talk about expectations so everyone knows what is expected of them. Finally, set some boundaries for yourself. Make sure to take some time for yourself throughout the day and make sure not to be too strict on the time you spend away from work. Ask your family to help keep you accountable as well.

8) Take Some Time for Yourself

Taking time off work for a spring break trip is a great way to unplug and enjoy quality time with your kids. However, make sure you take some time for yourself too! Dedicate some time each day for yourself so that you can relax and recharge. Go for a walk, take a bubble bath, pray or meditate or read a book. Taking some time for yourself will help you be in the best mental state to spend quality time with your kids during your trip. Remember, your trip should be a fun break from the daily routine, so make sure to make some time for yourself to enjoy it too!

What are your tips for getting ready for spring break at work? Let us know so we can share them!

Written by Lesley Pyle

February 27, 2023

Online Job Scams: How to Avoid Them

Finding a job online can be a great way to make some extra money, but unfortunately there are also plenty of scams out there. People who are looking for a legitimate job opportunity can end up falling victim to fraudsters and scammers. To avoid being taken advantage of, it’s important to be aware of the various types of online job scams and take steps to protect yourself. Check out the four tips below on how to avoid online job scams so that you can find the legitimate job opportunity you’re looking for.

Do Your Research

It’s important to do your research before you apply for any online job. Read online reviews of the company and any other information that you can find. Also, check to see if the company is registered with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This will help you to make sure the company is legitimate. Look into the background of the company and their staff. Try to find out as much as you can about them, such as how long they have been in business and whether they have a good reputation. You should also try to find out what kind of training is provided for the job, as well as how much support you can expect from the employer. Doing this research will help you to determine if the job is a good fit for you and if it’s worth your time.

Besides the BBB, visit the company’s website. Does it look legitimate? Is it up to date? Next, visit the company’s social media pages. While they may not maintain all their social pages, does at least one get constant updates? Do they have lots of followers? These are just a few things to look for!

Check for Red Flags

One red flag is when the job offer does not ask for an interview. Any reputable company or job provider will want to get to know you and your qualifications before offering you a job. If the offer comes with no strings attached, it’s probably too good to be true. Another red flag is when the position requires upfront payment from you. Legitimate jobs don’t require money from the employee, so any job requiring payment should be further scrutinized. Be wary of offers claiming to provide you with money-making equipment or materials in exchange for an upfront fee, as this is most likely a scam. Finally, be suspicious if the job offer promises high pay for minimal effort. If the job sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember, there is no easy way to make money online – anything that claims otherwise may be a scam.

Be Cautious of Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers

One of the most common tactics used by scammers is to offer you a job opportunity that seems too good to be true. If an offer promises an excessively high salary, unheard of perks, or other benefits that seem out of the ordinary, take caution and investigate the source of the offer further. If the offer comes from a reputable company or organization, they will likely make the offer with more realistic terms and conditions. If it is from an individual, be sure to research their reputation and any online reviews they have. If they have a sketchy online presence or negative reviews, it is best to avoid them and the offer they are making.

Additionally, be wary of any offers that come with a time limit. If they tell you that you have to accept the job within a certain timeframe or risk losing the opportunity, this could be another sign that something is off. A legitimate employer usually will not put pressure on you like this, so if you’re presented with this kind of situation, dive deeper and be careful moving forward.

Trust Your Gut

If something about a job offer doesn’t feel right, get more information before moving forward with it. No matter how appealing a job may seem, if you have serious doubts or suspicions, it’s best to walk away. Be sure to read the fine print. Pay close attention to any hidden fees or clauses that may be included in the job offer. Be wary of any agreement that requires payment in exchange for a job, as this could be an indication of a scam. You should also be wary of employers who are unwilling to provide references or details on what the job entails. Don’t be swayed by promises of high pay or unrealistic benefits. While some jobs may offer great pay and perks, don’t let these promises cloud your judgment. Do your due diligence and research the company thoroughly before accepting a job offer.

Trust your gut when it comes to online job scams. If something doesn’t seem quite right, take the time to do your research and make an informed decision.

If you’re looking for a more in-depth example of a scam, check out one of our latest blog posts HERE. Our goal at HireMyMom is to only list legitimate jobs and we do our best to research them before they are posted. If we find red flags or something that isn’t legitimate, it does not get posted to our site.

Have you run into a scam online recently? We would love to hear about it so we can help everyone stay diligent, safe and find great, legitimate jobs.

Written by Lesley Pyle

February 20, 2023

5 Tips for Making the Transition to Working from Home

Making the transition to working from home can be a daunting experience, especially if you have previously worked in an office full-time. Adjusting to the new environment and routine of a work-from-home job can be challenging, but with the right tools and guidance, the process can be made much smoother.

1) Set Up a Dedicated Workspace

When transitioning from an in-office job to working from home, it is important to create a dedicated workspace. This is the space you will be using to get your work done and should be comfortable and free of distractions. Make sure you have a comfortable chair, a desk with enough space to spread out your work, and adequate lighting. If possible, try to keep your workspace away from where you relax and sleep. This will help you stay productive and focused. Additionally, make sure you have the necessary tools for work: a laptop, printer, charger, etc. Having all of these items in one dedicated area will make it easier to stay organized and efficient.

2) Get Dressed for Work

Putting on clothes that are comfortable but still semi-professional helps signal to your brain that it’s time to start working. This doesn’t mean you have to dress to the nines every day; just throw on a nice shirt or blouse and some comfortable pants or a skirt. You don’t want to feel too relaxed at home that you can’t focus on the task at hand.

3) Set Office Hours

Establishing regular office hours will help you stay on task and provide a consistent structure for your day. Creating a schedule that works for you is key. Think about what hours work best for you and your family, as well as any clients you may have. Be sure to factor in lunch breaks, rest time, and other tasks that need to be completed each day. By setting office hours and sticking to them, you can help ensure your productivity is maximized. You may also want to consider setting aside specific times each week to reach out to colleagues or clients. Having weekly check-ins or video conferences with coworkers can help boost morale and stay connected.

4) Take Breaks

It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of work, so be sure to set aside time to step away from your computer and relax. Taking a break can help you reset, refocus, and restore energy levels so that you can stay productive and efficient while working from home. A few ideas for taking a break include taking a short walk, doing some stretching, listening to music, or even just getting away from your workspace for a few minutes. You may also want to make a schedule for yourself with dedicated break times to ensure that you are not overworking yourself.

5) Connect with Co-Workers

First and foremost, take advantage of online communication tools like Zoom, Slack, and Skype to keep in touch with your team. Scheduling regular check-ins with your coworkers will help you to stay up-to-date on projects and ensure everyone is on the same page. You can also make use of collaborative tools like Google Docs and Trello to track progress on different tasks. These tools make it easy for team members to collaborate even when they are working from different locations. Finally, consider setting up virtual “water cooler” chats or happy hours with your coworkers. It’s important to maintain good relationships with your team, so make sure to set aside time each week to connect and socialize with your coworkers. Doing so will ensure that you are able to create a productive work environment even when working remotely.

Have you already made the transition to working from home? Share your best tips with us on how you made the transition! Just starting to transition but still have questions? Reach out to our community and ask for help!

Written by Lesley Pyle

February 13, 2023

Loving What You Do: A Remote Worker’s Guide to Fulfillment

The combination of being a remote worker and a parent can be both a blessing and a challenge. On one hand, you have the freedom to work wherever and whenever you want, but on the other hand, you are also responsible for managing your home and family life. It can be difficult to find a balance between the two. However, we know that you love what you do as a remote worker and as a parent! Sometimes life can be challenging, and you might lose sight of the “whys”. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we wanted to share some tips on how to re-discover why you love working remotely as a parent!

Tips for Finding Fulfillment as a Remote Worker

Do What You Love: Find what you are good at and what you enjoy, and follow that passion!
Take Breaks: Burnout is real and it is the number one killer of love for a job. Take breaks. Take vacations. Spend time with loved ones.
Change It Up: Doing the same thing day and day out can create a monotonous routine that you come to despise. Change things up sometimes! Add a new client. Do your schedule in reverse. Treat yourself to a coffee from your favorite shop and start your day a little later.
Try Something New: Changing your routine can be great, but if it’s still all the same things, you can get burnt out really fast. Challenge yourself to do one new thing per month! Maybe that’s a new project or something as simple as trying a different flavor of coffee.
Remind Yourself of Your WHY: Ask yourself: why did you start doing this? What drew you to this line of work? Take some time to revisit what started that initial spark.
Celebrate Your Wins: Even small wins should be celebrated! Pick one good thing that happened each day. This will help you to focus on the positive.
Create a Community: Surround yourself with people that encourage you on your remote work journey! This can be family, friends, or an online community like our Facebook Group where you can network with like-minded people.

Tips for Finding Fulfillment as a Parent

Take Time for You: Parenting can be demanding, and it’s easy to forget about our own needs when focusing on those of our children. Remember that taking time for yourself is essential for you to stay balanced and happy. Find time for a relaxing walk, a sunset moment of reflection, schedule time for your favorite activities or hobbies, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.
Make Time for Connection: Establishing strong, positive connections with your children is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a parent. Make sure you create opportunities to connect with your kids every day, whether it’s through play, conversation, reading, or other activities.
Set Realistic Expectations: As a parent, you want the best for your children, but it’s important to remember that you won’t always be able to give them everything they want. Be realistic about what you can do and set achievable goals to help them reach their potential.
Celebrate Small Wins: No matter how small the accomplishment, don’t forget to celebrate your children’s successes with them. It’s important to show them that you appreciate their efforts and celebrate the wins in life together.
Let Go of Perfectionism: Perfectionism can lead to feelings of disappointment or frustration when things don’t go as planned. Try to practice acceptance and acknowledge that parenting is an imperfect process.
Give Yourself Grace: Don’t be too hard on yourself if you make mistakes. We all make mistakes, and it’s important to forgive yourself and move on.
Seek Support: Connecting with other parents can help you stay positive and motivated. Join a support group or find an online community where you can share experiences and offer support to other parents.

Spreading the Love

As you might have noticed, the tips provided above for remote work and parenting really mirror each other and go hand in hand. If you master one, you can definitely master the other! But remember, all things take time and there will be mistakes along the way. If you feel yourself losing your passion for either, take some time to figure out how you can recapture that again. As any parent can tell you, there will be days where you want to pull your hair out! But, there are also incredibly rewarding days that make it all worth it. The same can be said of remote work. Stay the course and show your work and family some love!

How do you keep your love for work and parenting going? Let us know so we can share your tips with our community!

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone — thank you for being part of the HireMyMom family! We truly love all of you and are incredibly thankful that you are here with us. Spread some love today and let those special people in your life know just how much you mean to them.

Hire My Mom

Legit work from home jobs

hiremymom

Old is Gold: Use Your Previous Projects as Inspiration for Your Current Ones

The Power of Video Marketing for Your Business

3 Tools Every Remote Worker Needs in Their Toolkit

The Perils of Mega Job Sites

5 Spring Cleaning Tips For An Organized Home Office

10 Surefire Ways to Reward and Recognize Your Remote Team Members

8 Tips to Unplug and Enjoy Spring Break with Your Kids

Online Job Scams: How to Avoid Them

5 Tips for Making the Transition to Working from Home

Loving What You Do: A Remote Worker’s Guide to Fulfillment

Sign Up and Get Started

Find a Job or
Post a Job Today!

Stay up to date on work from home opportunities!

Stay up to date on work from home opportunities!

Stay up to date on work from home opportunities!

Stay up to date on work from home opportunities!

Stay up to date on work from home opportunities!

Stay up to date on work from home opportunities!

Stay up to date on work from home opportunities!

Stay up to date on work from home opportunities!

Stay up to date on work from home opportunities!

Stay up to date on work from home opportunities!

Sign Up and Get Started

Find a Job or Post a Job Today!

Find a Job or
Post a Job Today!