Whether it is a wedding, an office meeting, a dance recital or little league baseball drafts events happen and someone has to schedule them and make sure they run safely, productively and according to policy. There are many details that need to be taken care of in order to hold an event at a building such as set up and break down, coordinating equipment needs as well as scheduling onsite staff. Some facilities host multiple events on the same day and in order for everything to run smoothly a facility coordinator is needed to oversee it all.
As a facility coordinator you would be responsible for all facility operations including: guest use, enforcement of policies and procedures, hiring and training staff, track inventory and purchase necessary equipment and supplies, coordinate recreational events as well as routine maintenance of the facility with both staff and outside vendors and prepare and meet expense budgets.
You will need to be very organized, be able to soothe those groups looking to use your facility as you walk them through the process and smooth out the bumps that may occur during their event. You must be able to multi-task and be ready to handle last minute issues that may arise at any time.
Where could you find work as a Facility Coordinator? Virtually every public use building could use a Facility Coordinator be it an office, school, recreational facility, restaurant or wedding hall. Some places require a college degree but others will accept experience in lieu of school.
You may very well have odd hours if you need to be present for the events as most are held on weekend and evening hours. In many cases however, the Facility Coordinator would schedule staff to be onsite during events that occur outside typical business hours.
Showing posts with label working with people. Show all posts
Showing posts with label working with people. Show all posts
Travel Agent
Who doesn’t love a vacation? Time off to see the world even if only for a few days. Experience different cultures, take in the sights and cuisine or simply relax and do nothing. When you arrive home do you tell everyone and anyone about your trip? After seeing your pictures and hearing all the wonderful things you did are you often asked for information on where you stayed on where the best places to visit are? Are you more than happy to supply them with all of this information and help them plan their trip? If so, then you could make a living as a home based travel agent.
A travel agent markets, plans and sells transportation and accommodations to people looking to go on vacation. This could be a trip to Disney, a cruise to alaska ora full european vacation. You would take care of everything from limousine services, car rental, hotel and air travel as well as entertainment and meal packages.
Training and certification is not necessary depending on where you choose to work. There are many travel agencies where you could take a position as an agent in their office but the truth is that you don’t have to. You could be a home based travel agent. In order to collect commissions for the trips you book you will need to work with merchants and set up an account. Typically they require an ARC (airline reporting corporation) or CLIA (cruise line international association) or IATA (international air transportation association) number; they may also require you to have previous sales of travel packages, travel agent certifications and sufficient funding in your business account. Not all merchants require the same criteria. In order to obtain an ARC or IATA number you can apply directly to the organizations. Some key requirements for membership include:
Proof of legal form of business
Proof of commitment to travel business through sales & financial standing
Errors and Omissions insurance
Ethical responsibilities
State and local licensing
For a quick peek at detailed requirements for IATA membership click here.
If you choose not to apply for such numbers or to set up merchant accounts but still want to be on your own you could work as an independent contractor and team up with a host agency in order to collect commissions on your bookings. The host agency would act as a liaison between you and the merchant in order to collect a commission. The host company will split the commission with you.
No matter which way you go, independent home based contractor or agent in an already established agency, if you truly enjoy planning vacations this is one career that will take you places.
A travel agent markets, plans and sells transportation and accommodations to people looking to go on vacation. This could be a trip to Disney, a cruise to alaska ora full european vacation. You would take care of everything from limousine services, car rental, hotel and air travel as well as entertainment and meal packages.
Training and certification is not necessary depending on where you choose to work. There are many travel agencies where you could take a position as an agent in their office but the truth is that you don’t have to. You could be a home based travel agent. In order to collect commissions for the trips you book you will need to work with merchants and set up an account. Typically they require an ARC (airline reporting corporation) or CLIA (cruise line international association) or IATA (international air transportation association) number; they may also require you to have previous sales of travel packages, travel agent certifications and sufficient funding in your business account. Not all merchants require the same criteria. In order to obtain an ARC or IATA number you can apply directly to the organizations. Some key requirements for membership include:
Proof of legal form of business
Proof of commitment to travel business through sales & financial standing
Errors and Omissions insurance
Ethical responsibilities
State and local licensing
For a quick peek at detailed requirements for IATA membership click here.
If you choose not to apply for such numbers or to set up merchant accounts but still want to be on your own you could work as an independent contractor and team up with a host agency in order to collect commissions on your bookings. The host agency would act as a liaison between you and the merchant in order to collect a commission. The host company will split the commission with you.
No matter which way you go, independent home based contractor or agent in an already established agency, if you truly enjoy planning vacations this is one career that will take you places.
Riflery Instructor
Ready…Aim….Fire! If you like kids and enjoy marksmanship then being a Riflery Instructor at a summer camp or training facility might be the right fit for you.
A partial list of your duties will include maintaining absolute safety on the shooting range, instructing 9-16 year olds on gun safety, proper sighting, care and maintenance as well as and marksmanship, maintaining the equipment in good order i.e. cleaning and oiling the guns and making sure they are sighted correctly.
Camps vary on their certification requirements. Some prefer an NRA certification while others will accept a 4H Shooting Education Rifle Instructor Certificate or equivalent. I can report that every camp website that I visited required First Aid and CPR training for all instructors.
You can receive training either through the camp itself or from outside companies who provide training. The typical training from outside companies ranges from 18 to 23 hours over a three to four day period.
While this job is mostly held by those in college as summer jobs you could very well incorporate this into your career menu through use of vacation days, teach instruction certification courses through the year and keep time set aside for summer instruction at a camp. You could add it as one of your part time ventures should you be so inclined to hold a few part time jobs in lieu of one full time career or as a summer stint if you happen to work in the education system and have access to summers off.
A partial list of your duties will include maintaining absolute safety on the shooting range, instructing 9-16 year olds on gun safety, proper sighting, care and maintenance as well as and marksmanship, maintaining the equipment in good order i.e. cleaning and oiling the guns and making sure they are sighted correctly.
Camps vary on their certification requirements. Some prefer an NRA certification while others will accept a 4H Shooting Education Rifle Instructor Certificate or equivalent. I can report that every camp website that I visited required First Aid and CPR training for all instructors.
You can receive training either through the camp itself or from outside companies who provide training. The typical training from outside companies ranges from 18 to 23 hours over a three to four day period.
While this job is mostly held by those in college as summer jobs you could very well incorporate this into your career menu through use of vacation days, teach instruction certification courses through the year and keep time set aside for summer instruction at a camp. You could add it as one of your part time ventures should you be so inclined to hold a few part time jobs in lieu of one full time career or as a summer stint if you happen to work in the education system and have access to summers off.
Auctioneer
Going once…. going twice…. sold! Auctions are becoming a popular choice when it comes to buying and selling just about everything from antiques to art and furniture as well as cars, boats houses and more. There is both anticipation and excitement during auctions from the sellers looking to make a few bucks for their treasures as well as buyers looking to get a good bargain. One person is the bridge between the two and that is the auctioneer.
An auctioneer not only “calls” the event driving the bids up for the seller, he/she also puts in time before the auction in tasks such as marketing and advertising the items to the right groups of people in order to draw the best possible crowd who would be interested as well as assisting the seller in the preparation of the items for sale.
Can you make a good living from being an auctioneer? Absolutely! According to cnnmoney.com, an article dated June 3, 2005 by Jeanne Sahadi states in part that six figure incomes for full time auctioneers and those who own their own auction businesses is quite possible. An auctioneer typically makes a decent percentage from the total profit from the auction. Many auctioneers work part time but for those who choose to have this as their only means of making a living this is a very viable and profitable business to be in.
How do you break into this field? Well there are auctioneer schools with courses of study lasting few days to less than a month. Just what do they teach you at schools for auctioneers? Classes include the fine art of the bid calling, or “the chant” as some call it, advertising and marketing, auctioneer commissions and expense rates, how to solicit and book auctions, record keeping, live auction participation and more. Is auctioneer school necessary? Well, that depends on the state you would like to be licensed in. Some require education while others will gladly take apprenticeships in lieu of formal education. In any event in order to be licensed you must pass an auctioneer exam in the state for which you want to be licensed.
There are no shy people in the auctioneering business. You must be confident, speak with clarity since people can’t bid if they can’t understand you, have great rapport with both the buyer and the seller as well as have the ability to engage the bidders. You must be a bit of a salesman, if you will.
For more information on auctioneering I suggest the following:
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Live Auctions
SOLD!: The Professional's Guide to Real Estate Auctions
An auctioneer not only “calls” the event driving the bids up for the seller, he/she also puts in time before the auction in tasks such as marketing and advertising the items to the right groups of people in order to draw the best possible crowd who would be interested as well as assisting the seller in the preparation of the items for sale.
Can you make a good living from being an auctioneer? Absolutely! According to cnnmoney.com, an article dated June 3, 2005 by Jeanne Sahadi states in part that six figure incomes for full time auctioneers and those who own their own auction businesses is quite possible. An auctioneer typically makes a decent percentage from the total profit from the auction. Many auctioneers work part time but for those who choose to have this as their only means of making a living this is a very viable and profitable business to be in.
How do you break into this field? Well there are auctioneer schools with courses of study lasting few days to less than a month. Just what do they teach you at schools for auctioneers? Classes include the fine art of the bid calling, or “the chant” as some call it, advertising and marketing, auctioneer commissions and expense rates, how to solicit and book auctions, record keeping, live auction participation and more. Is auctioneer school necessary? Well, that depends on the state you would like to be licensed in. Some require education while others will gladly take apprenticeships in lieu of formal education. In any event in order to be licensed you must pass an auctioneer exam in the state for which you want to be licensed.
There are no shy people in the auctioneering business. You must be confident, speak with clarity since people can’t bid if they can’t understand you, have great rapport with both the buyer and the seller as well as have the ability to engage the bidders. You must be a bit of a salesman, if you will.
For more information on auctioneering I suggest the following:
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Live Auctions
SOLD!: The Professional's Guide to Real Estate Auctions
Pastry Chef
I never met a dessert I didn’t like and if you feel the same way too then becoming a Pastry Chef may be a career to consider. You could work in hotels, restaurants, bakeries or if you are feeling entrepreneurial you could open your own sweet shop.
Baking pastries, desserts, breads and other baked goods are just part of the responsibilities that a Pastry Chef has. Ordering supplies, overseeing kitchen staff, creating dessert menus for restaurants with themes in mind as well as developing and testing new recipes are also part of a Pastry Chef’s duties. You will need to be very organized and have attention to detail running through your veins. Ingredients need to be measured exactly, this is not cooking where a pinch of this and a dollop of that will do, baking requires exactness and knowledge of the scientific principles of food as well as food safety. You should be aware that this job is not for the late sleepers, a typical day could very well begin at 3 or 4 am and you will be on your feet most of the day.
What course of study do you need to follow in order to enter this field? Well, for starters, you should just start baking and have fun creating your own recipes. If you are serious then enroll in a culinary school and take on a part time job in a bakery or restaurant in order to “watch and learn” from someone who can already make an array of “to die for” desserts.
Careers to Consider picks for further reading for future Pastry Chefs:
The Professional Pastry Chef: Fundamentals of Baking and Pastry, 4th Edition
The Advanced Professional Pastry Chef
The Pastry Chef's Companion: A Comprehensive Resource Guide for the Baking and Pastry Professional
Career Diary of a Pastry Chef: Gardner's Guide Series
Baking pastries, desserts, breads and other baked goods are just part of the responsibilities that a Pastry Chef has. Ordering supplies, overseeing kitchen staff, creating dessert menus for restaurants with themes in mind as well as developing and testing new recipes are also part of a Pastry Chef’s duties. You will need to be very organized and have attention to detail running through your veins. Ingredients need to be measured exactly, this is not cooking where a pinch of this and a dollop of that will do, baking requires exactness and knowledge of the scientific principles of food as well as food safety. You should be aware that this job is not for the late sleepers, a typical day could very well begin at 3 or 4 am and you will be on your feet most of the day.
What course of study do you need to follow in order to enter this field? Well, for starters, you should just start baking and have fun creating your own recipes. If you are serious then enroll in a culinary school and take on a part time job in a bakery or restaurant in order to “watch and learn” from someone who can already make an array of “to die for” desserts.
Careers to Consider picks for further reading for future Pastry Chefs:
The Professional Pastry Chef: Fundamentals of Baking and Pastry, 4th Edition
The Advanced Professional Pastry Chef
The Pastry Chef's Companion: A Comprehensive Resource Guide for the Baking and Pastry Professional
Career Diary of a Pastry Chef: Gardner's Guide Series
Child Proofer
As a child proofer you will provide a valuable service to parents and anyone else who spends time with children such as grandparents, aunts, uncles and day care providers. Your job is to identify safety issues in and around your clients’ home, make recommendations for change as well as properly install safety products.
You will need to be detail oriented and very knowledgeable in as many child proofing products as possible. You will also need to keep up to date with safety recalls of all child related products and toys.
So what kind of training and certifications are required? Well, I was unable to find training programs for this field so I visited a number of established childproofing service websites to see what training they had. I was surprised to find that not one of them talked about training of any kind. Your best bet may be to shadow an established child proofer if possible, reading as many childproofing books as you can is not a bad idea either.
I did find an organization you may want to look into called Safe Kids Worldwide. This nonprofit organization is a network of many organizations whose mission is to prevent accidental childhood injuries. It was started in 1978 by Children’s National Medical Center with support from Johnson & Johnson to provide information regarding child safety.
Children are crafty little beings so the best way to do this job is to get down on all fours, crawl around and look at the space at the same level as a child. You will be amazed at the dangers that become clear to you from this level. Sharp corners on coffee tables, electrical outlets, plants (not only a choking hazard some of which can be poisonous), window blind cords, the toilet lid and access to household cleaners through cabinets are just a few hazards to be had in the home.
As with any entrepreneurial business venture you will need to create a business plan, register with the state and federal governments as well as acquire the proper liability insurance.
You will need to be detail oriented and very knowledgeable in as many child proofing products as possible. You will also need to keep up to date with safety recalls of all child related products and toys.
So what kind of training and certifications are required? Well, I was unable to find training programs for this field so I visited a number of established childproofing service websites to see what training they had. I was surprised to find that not one of them talked about training of any kind. Your best bet may be to shadow an established child proofer if possible, reading as many childproofing books as you can is not a bad idea either.
I did find an organization you may want to look into called Safe Kids Worldwide. This nonprofit organization is a network of many organizations whose mission is to prevent accidental childhood injuries. It was started in 1978 by Children’s National Medical Center with support from Johnson & Johnson to provide information regarding child safety.
Children are crafty little beings so the best way to do this job is to get down on all fours, crawl around and look at the space at the same level as a child. You will be amazed at the dangers that become clear to you from this level. Sharp corners on coffee tables, electrical outlets, plants (not only a choking hazard some of which can be poisonous), window blind cords, the toilet lid and access to household cleaners through cabinets are just a few hazards to be had in the home.
As with any entrepreneurial business venture you will need to create a business plan, register with the state and federal governments as well as acquire the proper liability insurance.
Ocularist
Ocularist!? Just what is an ocularist exactly? Well, if we break down the word, ocular means visual or optical so we know it has something to do with your eyes right? Yes, an ocularist is someone who creates, fits, shapes and paints prosthetic eyes. They may paint “stock” eyes (mass produced) or “custom” eyes which are made specific to an individual. I guess you can say they are artists, a very specific type of artist whose work adds a sparkle to the eye of the beholder.
A little factoid: It is difficult to trace the inventor of the artificial eye but in my research there has been evidence to shows that as early as 5th century BC, Roman and Egyptian priests would be fitted with a painted clay eye attached to a cloth and worn outside the socket. Since then much has changed and now many prosthetic eyes are difficult to tell apart from their real counterpart.
So how does one become trained for such a profession? From my investigation I have noted that training and registration to become an ocularist varies by state but most gain experience through apprenticeships approved by the American Society of Ocularists or Anaplastologists. You can become a Board Certified Ocularist through the National Examining Board of Ocularists. This agency was formed in 1980 to help provide a uniform standard in the field of ophthalmic prosthetics. They are an independent entity that awards the Board Certified Ocularist title for those who complete the written and practical exam. Ocularists work in ocular prosthetics labs and often in conjunction with other ocular professionals while others make a name for themselves and open their own custom ocular prosthetic business.
They say that the eyes are a window to the soul so to be able to create such a seamless replacement for someone who has lost this most precious gift is truly a gift in and of itself.
A little factoid: It is difficult to trace the inventor of the artificial eye but in my research there has been evidence to shows that as early as 5th century BC, Roman and Egyptian priests would be fitted with a painted clay eye attached to a cloth and worn outside the socket. Since then much has changed and now many prosthetic eyes are difficult to tell apart from their real counterpart.
So how does one become trained for such a profession? From my investigation I have noted that training and registration to become an ocularist varies by state but most gain experience through apprenticeships approved by the American Society of Ocularists or Anaplastologists. You can become a Board Certified Ocularist through the National Examining Board of Ocularists. This agency was formed in 1980 to help provide a uniform standard in the field of ophthalmic prosthetics. They are an independent entity that awards the Board Certified Ocularist title for those who complete the written and practical exam. Ocularists work in ocular prosthetics labs and often in conjunction with other ocular professionals while others make a name for themselves and open their own custom ocular prosthetic business.
They say that the eyes are a window to the soul so to be able to create such a seamless replacement for someone who has lost this most precious gift is truly a gift in and of itself.
Kid's Taxi Driver
If you have kids or know someone who does then you know that they are always on the go. They have baseball practices, soccer games, dance lessons, dental appointments, play dates and more. If you have more than one child, good luck getting each of them to their respective appointments on time. This is where you as a Kids’ Taxi Driver can swoop in to save the day.
Your very valuable service will help out parents who are busy, working or at home without access to a vehicle get their children safely to and from their many appointments.
What does it take to be successful in this career? Patience! Ok, you will need a little more than that like the ability to ignore distractions from the precious cargo you will be driving such as singing, talking, giggling and the minor “he’s looking at me” arguments. You will also need a strong stomach in order to handle the occasional car sick child. Did I mention that you must love kids, get their humor, enjoy listening to their music and treat them like people instead of a package for delivery? Organizational skills are also a must in order to devise a route that will get each child to their destination on time. Although not mandatory, I suggest that you take classes to become certified in first aid and cpr.
Other incidentals you will need include a reliable vehicle such as a 6 passenger van or a used small school bus, ample insurance and a cell phone. The cell phone will come in handy as a two way transfer of information with parents such as keeping them informed of traffic tie-ups or parents needing to make a destination change on the fly as well as any other delay from either end.
Remember, you will need to register your business with the state and federal governments. Once you are legal I suggest you get some business cards and start advertising with flyers at schools, day care centers, on library bulletin boards and anywhere else kids and parents are plentiful.
Editor's pick for business card deals:
FREE Business Cards
Your very valuable service will help out parents who are busy, working or at home without access to a vehicle get their children safely to and from their many appointments.
What does it take to be successful in this career? Patience! Ok, you will need a little more than that like the ability to ignore distractions from the precious cargo you will be driving such as singing, talking, giggling and the minor “he’s looking at me” arguments. You will also need a strong stomach in order to handle the occasional car sick child. Did I mention that you must love kids, get their humor, enjoy listening to their music and treat them like people instead of a package for delivery? Organizational skills are also a must in order to devise a route that will get each child to their destination on time. Although not mandatory, I suggest that you take classes to become certified in first aid and cpr.
Other incidentals you will need include a reliable vehicle such as a 6 passenger van or a used small school bus, ample insurance and a cell phone. The cell phone will come in handy as a two way transfer of information with parents such as keeping them informed of traffic tie-ups or parents needing to make a destination change on the fly as well as any other delay from either end.
Remember, you will need to register your business with the state and federal governments. Once you are legal I suggest you get some business cards and start advertising with flyers at schools, day care centers, on library bulletin boards and anywhere else kids and parents are plentiful.
Editor's pick for business card deals:
FREE Business Cards
Interview with Robin Longcor, Operations Administrative Assistant
A typical day on the job:
Dealing with operations of a mall consists of helping tenants with issues they may have (i.e. leaks in the stores, questions they have about their stores, etc.). Deal with contractors who are constructing new stores within the mall. Work with software programs to maintain construction schedules, work orders for work performed on property, spreadsheets to maintain what contractors are on site and work being performed. Maintain folders for each new tenant under construction. Keep in contact with tenant’s construction departments.
How did you prepare for your success?
I attended Katherine Gibbs School.
How did you get started in this career?
My father was head of security and I worked in customer service as a 2nd job at night and on weekends, then the position opened and I applied and since I worked in customer service they new my work ethic and personality.
What do you find most enjoyable about your career?
The interaction with tenants and contractors
Are there any challenges in your career?
There are challenges but luckily they don’t get me out of my comfort zone and I can handle them. You need to stay focused and relaxed when challenges occur.
Dealing with operations of a mall consists of helping tenants with issues they may have (i.e. leaks in the stores, questions they have about their stores, etc.). Deal with contractors who are constructing new stores within the mall. Work with software programs to maintain construction schedules, work orders for work performed on property, spreadsheets to maintain what contractors are on site and work being performed. Maintain folders for each new tenant under construction. Keep in contact with tenant’s construction departments.
How did you prepare for your success?
I attended Katherine Gibbs School.
How did you get started in this career?
My father was head of security and I worked in customer service as a 2nd job at night and on weekends, then the position opened and I applied and since I worked in customer service they new my work ethic and personality.
What do you find most enjoyable about your career?
The interaction with tenants and contractors
Are there any challenges in your career?
There are challenges but luckily they don’t get me out of my comfort zone and I can handle them. You need to stay focused and relaxed when challenges occur.
Bingo Caller
Bingo is a very popular game played by millions worldwide. I have enjoyed the game myself from time to time. All you need to do is be the first to get a certain pattern on your bingo card by marking off the numbers called by a bingo caller and the pot is yours. The popularity of this game makes the prospect of finding work as a Bingo Caller fruitful.
What does it take to be a successful Bingo Caller? A sense of humor in order to keep game lively and entertaining – you can’t have people falling asleep during the game. You will need to be a bit of an entertainer as jokes and commentary are common and expected in bingo halls. You will need to have confidence in yourself and thick skin. There will be booing and cheers alike so go with the flow. A love for working with people and a desire to meet and mingle with people of many backgrounds is a must. A keen eye for observation is needed since some people hold up their Bingo cards as opposed to calling out “BINGO” when they have won. Of course it goes without saying that you will need to have clear pronunciation in order to call out those number/letter combinations.
Is training necessary in order to become a Bingo Caller? Yes and no. Some facilities offer in house training while some states like Virginia offer training through their Department of Charitable Gambling. Others will give you a shot with no formal training while some will offer you a chance after working for a certain amount of time with an experienced caller.
What hours will a Bingo Caller work? Since many venues are open 24 hours 7 days a week 52 weeks a year your 40 hour week will not be broken into days with a typical 9 to 5 time slot. Flexibility is the key with this line of work as evenings, weekends, split shifts and holidays are highly plausible.
Where will you find a job? A Bingo Caller can find work on a cruise ship, at independent Bingo clubs and casinos. It is typical that local churches usually provide bingo calling in house and do not hire out but you never know.
What does it take to be a successful Bingo Caller? A sense of humor in order to keep game lively and entertaining – you can’t have people falling asleep during the game. You will need to be a bit of an entertainer as jokes and commentary are common and expected in bingo halls. You will need to have confidence in yourself and thick skin. There will be booing and cheers alike so go with the flow. A love for working with people and a desire to meet and mingle with people of many backgrounds is a must. A keen eye for observation is needed since some people hold up their Bingo cards as opposed to calling out “BINGO” when they have won. Of course it goes without saying that you will need to have clear pronunciation in order to call out those number/letter combinations.
Is training necessary in order to become a Bingo Caller? Yes and no. Some facilities offer in house training while some states like Virginia offer training through their Department of Charitable Gambling. Others will give you a shot with no formal training while some will offer you a chance after working for a certain amount of time with an experienced caller.
What hours will a Bingo Caller work? Since many venues are open 24 hours 7 days a week 52 weeks a year your 40 hour week will not be broken into days with a typical 9 to 5 time slot. Flexibility is the key with this line of work as evenings, weekends, split shifts and holidays are highly plausible.
Where will you find a job? A Bingo Caller can find work on a cruise ship, at independent Bingo clubs and casinos. It is typical that local churches usually provide bingo calling in house and do not hire out but you never know.
Doula
While researching this career I found that the word “Doula” comes from a Greek word, however, depending on which childbirth or Doula certification site you visit the meaning differs. I have seen a variety of meanings such as “most important female”, “woman caregiver”, and “woman’s servant”,” maid servant, the woman who mothers the mother”,” in service”, and “to serve women.” Regardless of the exact Greek word meaning the main responsibility of a Doula is to provide emotional, physical and informational support to expecting, in labor or new mothers.
A Doula establishes a relationship with the expectant or new mother and her partner to the point where they feel comfortable enough to express their concerns, feelings and ask questions. They will assist the mother/couple in coming up with a birth plan and help to carry it through in order to provide a pleasant and memorable childbirth experience.
A Doula is not a medically trained doctor and can not provide medical care. They do not give advice or make decisions but they are knowledgeable in the areas of labor and delivery and can answer questions an expectant mother or father may have. They can also provide techniques for pain and stress relief.
There are specialties within this career choice that you can choose to focus on including Birth Doulas who focus on the impending birth, they are available to answer questions, provide emotional support and are there during the delivery to see that parents have a pleasant and memorable birth experience. Antepartum Doulas who focus on before birth services and typically tend to high risk bed ridden moms. They may help with light housework, run a few errands or provide possibly meal preparation in addition to emotional and informational support. Then there are Postpartum Doulas who assist the mom with emotional support and assistance following the baby’s arrival.
So what kind of training is necessary in order to become a Doula? There is no state requirement for certification at this time however, if you want to be certified there are many training programs that you can look into. If you type the words “Doula Training” in your internet search box you will receive numerous programs to investigate. The most well known is DONA, Doulas of North America.
The birth of a child is a wonderful miracle and to be a part of it and help new parents to enjoy it fully is truly a blessing.
A Doula establishes a relationship with the expectant or new mother and her partner to the point where they feel comfortable enough to express their concerns, feelings and ask questions. They will assist the mother/couple in coming up with a birth plan and help to carry it through in order to provide a pleasant and memorable childbirth experience.
A Doula is not a medically trained doctor and can not provide medical care. They do not give advice or make decisions but they are knowledgeable in the areas of labor and delivery and can answer questions an expectant mother or father may have. They can also provide techniques for pain and stress relief.
There are specialties within this career choice that you can choose to focus on including Birth Doulas who focus on the impending birth, they are available to answer questions, provide emotional support and are there during the delivery to see that parents have a pleasant and memorable birth experience. Antepartum Doulas who focus on before birth services and typically tend to high risk bed ridden moms. They may help with light housework, run a few errands or provide possibly meal preparation in addition to emotional and informational support. Then there are Postpartum Doulas who assist the mom with emotional support and assistance following the baby’s arrival.
So what kind of training is necessary in order to become a Doula? There is no state requirement for certification at this time however, if you want to be certified there are many training programs that you can look into. If you type the words “Doula Training” in your internet search box you will receive numerous programs to investigate. The most well known is DONA, Doulas of North America.
The birth of a child is a wonderful miracle and to be a part of it and help new parents to enjoy it fully is truly a blessing.
Professional Organizer
Is your closet organized by clothing type and color? Does it bother you to see “piles” of papers on table tops and counters? Do you have to fight the urge to “straighten up” clutter when you visit your family and friend’s home? Have you created little “systems” for organizing your home office? Well, I have some good news for you. You could have a very successful career as a professional organizer.
Professional organizers help people not only with their home or office to get rid of the clutter and organize what is left, they can also help people to better organize their time. In a sense they help to gain back control over their lives. It is a fast growing industry since the number of those who were born without the “organizing gene” is quite large.
The National Association of Professional Organizers , founded in 1985, is a group of over 4,000 professional organizers whose mission is to develop, lead and promote professional organizers and the organizing industry. They are dedicated to sharing information about the growing organizing industry. You can join their group and have access to discounts on educational events, volunteer and community outreach programs as well as networking opportunities and having your name listed in their directory of Professional Organizers.
Should you become certified? While there is no state requirement for licensing in this particular field, it goes without saying that people in general feel more comfortable working with a certified professional. This doesn’t mean that you are not a phenomenal organizer and you would not succeed in this industry, all I am saying is that people are more likely to hire someone with credentials than someone without them. Certification can help if you are just starting out and do not have a long list of references. Another asset that training can provide is an array of tools and strategies at your disposal to truly customize organizing solutions to each client. What works for one client may not work for another.
There are numerous training programs that you can take. One such distance learning program is offered by the Professional Organizer Training Academy established in 1995. While there are many programs out there to fit every budget in order to become certified my investigation takes me to the program developed by the National Association of Professional Organizers which is run through the Board of Certification for Professional Organizers.
So what does it take to be successful? You must have a passion for organizing, a strong set of people skills, the ability to teach new ideas to people, be organized in your own business practices and open to listen to your clients needs and then customize a solution that works for them. If you are shy in any one of these areas then training is definitely a road you want to explore. Like any other craft, organizing is an ongoing learning experience.
Of course starting your own business requires registering with the state and obtaining insurance so you will need to look into your state requirements to become legal. I am sure as organized as you are this will not be an issue.
Professional organizers help people not only with their home or office to get rid of the clutter and organize what is left, they can also help people to better organize their time. In a sense they help to gain back control over their lives. It is a fast growing industry since the number of those who were born without the “organizing gene” is quite large.
The National Association of Professional Organizers , founded in 1985, is a group of over 4,000 professional organizers whose mission is to develop, lead and promote professional organizers and the organizing industry. They are dedicated to sharing information about the growing organizing industry. You can join their group and have access to discounts on educational events, volunteer and community outreach programs as well as networking opportunities and having your name listed in their directory of Professional Organizers.
Should you become certified? While there is no state requirement for licensing in this particular field, it goes without saying that people in general feel more comfortable working with a certified professional. This doesn’t mean that you are not a phenomenal organizer and you would not succeed in this industry, all I am saying is that people are more likely to hire someone with credentials than someone without them. Certification can help if you are just starting out and do not have a long list of references. Another asset that training can provide is an array of tools and strategies at your disposal to truly customize organizing solutions to each client. What works for one client may not work for another.
There are numerous training programs that you can take. One such distance learning program is offered by the Professional Organizer Training Academy established in 1995. While there are many programs out there to fit every budget in order to become certified my investigation takes me to the program developed by the National Association of Professional Organizers which is run through the Board of Certification for Professional Organizers.
So what does it take to be successful? You must have a passion for organizing, a strong set of people skills, the ability to teach new ideas to people, be organized in your own business practices and open to listen to your clients needs and then customize a solution that works for them. If you are shy in any one of these areas then training is definitely a road you want to explore. Like any other craft, organizing is an ongoing learning experience.
Of course starting your own business requires registering with the state and obtaining insurance so you will need to look into your state requirements to become legal. I am sure as organized as you are this will not be an issue.
Bartender/Mixologist
When you have gatherings do render your guests speechless with delicious drink concoctions made by tweaking old favorites with whatever you have on hand? Do you enjoy interacting with people? Have you been told that you have charisma? If so, you may have what it takes to become a bartender/mixologist.
While researching this career I discovered that the definition of a mixologist and a bartender will vary depending on who you ask. Some believe that a mixologist is likened to a chef creating new cocktail recipes by blending various fruits, vegetables and alcohol. Many times these cocktails are requested for a specific function, event, theme or menu. They also believe a mixologist receives extensive training in the study of mixing ingredients and works in upscale establishments. Asking the same people what a bartender is they will tell you that a bartender has some basic foundation in preparing mixed drinks but they are not as much into creating new drinks as they are in preparing and serving what the patrons request, usually the “old standby’s” like Mojitos, Cosmopolitans and Martinis and that they work in your more “down to earth” establishments. Still, others feel it is nothing more than semantics and both mixologists and bartenders are one in the same. Although the preceding reflects the sentiment given by some bartenders; others snub their nose to the distinction claiming they too take pride in their work ensuring consistency in their cocktail recipes and professionalism while serving their patrons. They also consider it part of their job to create new and exciting cocktail recipes to coincide with the menu and theme of the establishment where they work and are proud to be called a bartender.
However you choose to view it, in my opinion, they both serve up good conversation and delectable drinks. Licensing and certification requirements vary by state so do your research when choosing a school to attend. Certification upon completion can be obtained from a number of bartending schools. Most of these schools will teach you how to open, maintain and close a bar, attire, conduct, the skill of cocktail creation (blending, layering, muddling etc…), responsible alcohol serving and more. Each school offers slightly different classes so look into each school carefully to be sure you are learning what is most important to you. Some offer specific classes in mixology, flair bartending where you can learn how to do those bottle flipping moves like the ones used in the movie “Cocktail” in addition to the art of presentation, garnishes and more.
The bottom line is if you mix a fantastic drink that more than satisfies your customer, serve it with a smile and offer charismatic conversation that keeps them coming back for more you will have a long lived career in any establishment.
While researching this career I discovered that the definition of a mixologist and a bartender will vary depending on who you ask. Some believe that a mixologist is likened to a chef creating new cocktail recipes by blending various fruits, vegetables and alcohol. Many times these cocktails are requested for a specific function, event, theme or menu. They also believe a mixologist receives extensive training in the study of mixing ingredients and works in upscale establishments. Asking the same people what a bartender is they will tell you that a bartender has some basic foundation in preparing mixed drinks but they are not as much into creating new drinks as they are in preparing and serving what the patrons request, usually the “old standby’s” like Mojitos, Cosmopolitans and Martinis and that they work in your more “down to earth” establishments. Still, others feel it is nothing more than semantics and both mixologists and bartenders are one in the same. Although the preceding reflects the sentiment given by some bartenders; others snub their nose to the distinction claiming they too take pride in their work ensuring consistency in their cocktail recipes and professionalism while serving their patrons. They also consider it part of their job to create new and exciting cocktail recipes to coincide with the menu and theme of the establishment where they work and are proud to be called a bartender.
However you choose to view it, in my opinion, they both serve up good conversation and delectable drinks. Licensing and certification requirements vary by state so do your research when choosing a school to attend. Certification upon completion can be obtained from a number of bartending schools. Most of these schools will teach you how to open, maintain and close a bar, attire, conduct, the skill of cocktail creation (blending, layering, muddling etc…), responsible alcohol serving and more. Each school offers slightly different classes so look into each school carefully to be sure you are learning what is most important to you. Some offer specific classes in mixology, flair bartending where you can learn how to do those bottle flipping moves like the ones used in the movie “Cocktail” in addition to the art of presentation, garnishes and more.
The bottom line is if you mix a fantastic drink that more than satisfies your customer, serve it with a smile and offer charismatic conversation that keeps them coming back for more you will have a long lived career in any establishment.
Tour Boat Captain
If being at the helm of a boat is your idea of a great day at the office and the smell of salty air is a treat for your nostrils then you may very well be the right candidate for a career as a tour boat captain. A strong stomach and sea legs are a requirement for this job. If you truly love boating then you’ll feel right at home at sea whether you provide dolphin/whale watching tours, host fishing parties or captain the boat of sunset dinner cruises.
How do you break into this watery career? A good place to start is to gain some experience by mating on party boats. This is a great way to see if boating for a living is right for you. You may enjoy your fishing or water ski excursions with friends every summer but to see if this is really something you would enjoy doing on a regular basis I suggest getting hands on experience.
After you’ve learned the ropes and you have your sea legs intact your next step would be to obtain a captain’s license. You would need to check out your particular state requirements for schooling and licensing. If you go to Boat Owner’s Association of the United States on the web you will find information about each state’s requirements, locate boating schools and safety courses, join their association and receive discounts and more.
Once you have your license you can begin running party boats for other people or you could purchase your own boat and begin your new business venture right away. The same rules that apply to starting a small business in your state apply to this venture as well so do your homework, obtain the necessary licensing and insurance, become legal with the state and begin your career on the open seas.
How do you break into this watery career? A good place to start is to gain some experience by mating on party boats. This is a great way to see if boating for a living is right for you. You may enjoy your fishing or water ski excursions with friends every summer but to see if this is really something you would enjoy doing on a regular basis I suggest getting hands on experience.
After you’ve learned the ropes and you have your sea legs intact your next step would be to obtain a captain’s license. You would need to check out your particular state requirements for schooling and licensing. If you go to Boat Owner’s Association of the United States on the web you will find information about each state’s requirements, locate boating schools and safety courses, join their association and receive discounts and more.
Once you have your license you can begin running party boats for other people or you could purchase your own boat and begin your new business venture right away. The same rules that apply to starting a small business in your state apply to this venture as well so do your homework, obtain the necessary licensing and insurance, become legal with the state and begin your career on the open seas.
Life Coach
Do you have a knack for helping people? Can you listen objectively and ask the right questions in order to help someone drill down to a core issue? Can you listen for what is not said as well as the spoken word? If so then you may have a future as a Life Coach.
A life coach is someone who helps people to improve their lives. Life coaching is not therapy, which deals mostly with the past. A life coach will not tell a client what to do nor do they judge their clients, instead they work with a client in the present to work towards future goals that are outlined by the client. This is done through listening to the client on many levels, supporting the client in setting goals and asking powerful and direct questions to help clarify their goals and plan necessary actions steps to achieve their goals.
While a Life Coach can help in all areas of ones life, many coaches choose to specialize in one or two areas. You may choose to work with clients regarding their work life such as changing careers or taking their existing business to a new level. You may want to work with clients looking to better cope with stress and create ways to balance their lives. Another niche you could specialize in is relationships. It doesn’t really matter which area you choose to specialize in the need is there and the potential for success as a coach is great.
You don’t need a big fancy office or go schlepping from home to home, coaching can be done face to face, over the telephone or through email. This is one of those jobs that lend itself to flexibility in the way it is performed. Anyway that communication works between you and your client is the correct way.
If being a life coach sounds like the career for you some homework must be done before you can sit down with your first client. There are many routes you can take to starting a career in this growing field. One way is to go through training, become accredited and certified. The other is to start your business as any small business would in your state and begin. Currently there are no countries that require accreditation in order to practice as a life coach.
If you choose to become accredited or take some sort of training classes there are countless online schools that will be more than happy to oblige. Just know that since ther is no universal standard for the life coaching profession there is no universal standard for schools. One that has been around for quiet sometime is Coach U that was started in the early 90’s by Thomas Leonard. He also started a second school called Coachville’s School of Coaching, which is not accredited. If you do choose to attend a school for training look into the school. Read testimonials, ask questions and note not only the response but the time in which it takes to respond to you. You will also want to read the school’s philosophy and make sure it is in line with yours. When it comes to cost there is no direct correlation between the cost of the school and the quality of training or materials. Most clients who look to see if their coach received training rarely, if ever, look into the school itself to see the cost or quality of it’s courses.
If training is not for you and you simply want products to help you get started right away you can do that as well. One such product is The Solution Box – Become A Coach
A life coach is someone who helps people to improve their lives. Life coaching is not therapy, which deals mostly with the past. A life coach will not tell a client what to do nor do they judge their clients, instead they work with a client in the present to work towards future goals that are outlined by the client. This is done through listening to the client on many levels, supporting the client in setting goals and asking powerful and direct questions to help clarify their goals and plan necessary actions steps to achieve their goals.
While a Life Coach can help in all areas of ones life, many coaches choose to specialize in one or two areas. You may choose to work with clients regarding their work life such as changing careers or taking their existing business to a new level. You may want to work with clients looking to better cope with stress and create ways to balance their lives. Another niche you could specialize in is relationships. It doesn’t really matter which area you choose to specialize in the need is there and the potential for success as a coach is great.
You don’t need a big fancy office or go schlepping from home to home, coaching can be done face to face, over the telephone or through email. This is one of those jobs that lend itself to flexibility in the way it is performed. Anyway that communication works between you and your client is the correct way.
If being a life coach sounds like the career for you some homework must be done before you can sit down with your first client. There are many routes you can take to starting a career in this growing field. One way is to go through training, become accredited and certified. The other is to start your business as any small business would in your state and begin. Currently there are no countries that require accreditation in order to practice as a life coach.
If you choose to become accredited or take some sort of training classes there are countless online schools that will be more than happy to oblige. Just know that since ther is no universal standard for the life coaching profession there is no universal standard for schools. One that has been around for quiet sometime is Coach U that was started in the early 90’s by Thomas Leonard. He also started a second school called Coachville’s School of Coaching, which is not accredited. If you do choose to attend a school for training look into the school. Read testimonials, ask questions and note not only the response but the time in which it takes to respond to you. You will also want to read the school’s philosophy and make sure it is in line with yours. When it comes to cost there is no direct correlation between the cost of the school and the quality of training or materials. Most clients who look to see if their coach received training rarely, if ever, look into the school itself to see the cost or quality of it’s courses.
If training is not for you and you simply want products to help you get started right away you can do that as well. One such product is The Solution Box – Become A Coach
Voice Over Actor
If you have a voice and an interest in acting then voice over acting may be for you. A voice over actor is someone who provides the voice for visual elements in a movie or commercial. Think of the voice of “KIT” in Knight Rider or “Charlie” in Charlie’s Angels or even the distinct “GRRRRRRREAT” from Tony the Tiger who is the mascot for Frosted Flakes. It’s like acting without the makeup and costumes.
There is considerable competition for voice over jobs. Many actors and actresses with distinctive voices are sought after for this type of work but that doesn’t mean it will be impossible to find work. It’s not only Hollywood who is looking for voice over actors, local businesses look for voice over actors to record their commercials to be aired on radio stations. Many websites use voice over actors to add personality to their site. Who knows, you may be the next Toucan Sam for a new and upcoming dot com company. The possibilities are endless. Someone had to provide the voice for books on tape why can’t it be you?
A job may be for a 30 second commercial, a full length movie or anything in between. Sometimes the voice over actor is expected to come up with their own interpretation of how a voice should come across based on the script but often times the director will suggest various ways to present the lines in order to meet the needs of the client.
A voice over actor can spend hours in a recording studio reading and re-reading lines until the director is satisfied with the finished product. You must be patient, flexible and ready for anything because it is not unusual for you to receive the script the day of the recording.
How do you get a sweet gig like this? A professional voice over actor will rely on an agent to find them work. To break into this arena it is really important for you to create a demo tape of various voice styles and submit it to agencies.
If you want to brush up on your skills you could take a course or two at one of the many voice over schools out there. If you type “voice over training” in your browser and hit “search” you will find a plethora of schools online. You could also hire a voice coach to help you develop your voice. Once you feel confident that you have the golden vocal chords to make a pretty penny and you have sent demo tapes to various agencies, it wouldn’t hurt to visit the online networking sites for voice over actors. Voices.com is an online networking arena where businesses connect with voice over actors.
There is considerable competition for voice over jobs. Many actors and actresses with distinctive voices are sought after for this type of work but that doesn’t mean it will be impossible to find work. It’s not only Hollywood who is looking for voice over actors, local businesses look for voice over actors to record their commercials to be aired on radio stations. Many websites use voice over actors to add personality to their site. Who knows, you may be the next Toucan Sam for a new and upcoming dot com company. The possibilities are endless. Someone had to provide the voice for books on tape why can’t it be you?
A job may be for a 30 second commercial, a full length movie or anything in between. Sometimes the voice over actor is expected to come up with their own interpretation of how a voice should come across based on the script but often times the director will suggest various ways to present the lines in order to meet the needs of the client.
A voice over actor can spend hours in a recording studio reading and re-reading lines until the director is satisfied with the finished product. You must be patient, flexible and ready for anything because it is not unusual for you to receive the script the day of the recording.
How do you get a sweet gig like this? A professional voice over actor will rely on an agent to find them work. To break into this arena it is really important for you to create a demo tape of various voice styles and submit it to agencies.
If you want to brush up on your skills you could take a course or two at one of the many voice over schools out there. If you type “voice over training” in your browser and hit “search” you will find a plethora of schools online. You could also hire a voice coach to help you develop your voice. Once you feel confident that you have the golden vocal chords to make a pretty penny and you have sent demo tapes to various agencies, it wouldn’t hurt to visit the online networking sites for voice over actors. Voices.com is an online networking arena where businesses connect with voice over actors.
Virtual Assistant
Some people dream of rolling out of bed and walking to another room of their house in their slippers and robe, settling down in front of their computer and begin to work. Well if you are a virtual assistant you could do just that. In a nutshell, a virtual assistant is someone who performs office duties from a remote location for other businesses. You may type invoices, schedule appointments, arrange meetings, type recorded meeting minutes, track project status, type proposals, perform research, prepare and mail marketing campaigns, design or update websites, ezines or blogs. For the most part anything you can do in a standard office you could do as a virtual assistant in your own location. Before you begin this endeavor think about what activities you enjoy doing. You can pick and choose the services you will offer – it’s your business.
Please don’t confuse telecommuting with being a virtual assistant. The difference is that a telecommuter is one who works for the company as an employee with benefits and such. A virtual assistant, on the other hand, is a business owner who contracts work from other businesses. You will need to be organized, dependable and disciplined. While you can set your own hours you will need to be flexible.
To start a virtual assistance business you will need to contact your state and determine what is necessary in order to become a legal entity doing business in your state including state and federal filings and registering a business name. You also need to contact your local municipality to see what forms and fees are necessary to run a business from your home. Don’t forget about business insurance, legal assistance and a business bank account.
You must also have a fully functioning home office with phone, computer, printer and fax capabilities. You will need to have a professional looking website that clearly states the types of services you offer. Don’t forget about business cards and a marketing plan to drum up business. If you require capital to start your business venture you will need to prepare a solid business plan to present to a bank for such a loan.
A good place to start is to join a few virtual assistant organizations. They have fantastic message boards and the members are always willing to help out. Two that I recommend are Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce and VA Networking. When you are ready to begin your business, one tool that may fill your needs comes from VA Networking called Virtual Business Start Up System, it contains practically everything you need to begin your business.
Please don’t confuse telecommuting with being a virtual assistant. The difference is that a telecommuter is one who works for the company as an employee with benefits and such. A virtual assistant, on the other hand, is a business owner who contracts work from other businesses. You will need to be organized, dependable and disciplined. While you can set your own hours you will need to be flexible.
To start a virtual assistance business you will need to contact your state and determine what is necessary in order to become a legal entity doing business in your state including state and federal filings and registering a business name. You also need to contact your local municipality to see what forms and fees are necessary to run a business from your home. Don’t forget about business insurance, legal assistance and a business bank account.
You must also have a fully functioning home office with phone, computer, printer and fax capabilities. You will need to have a professional looking website that clearly states the types of services you offer. Don’t forget about business cards and a marketing plan to drum up business. If you require capital to start your business venture you will need to prepare a solid business plan to present to a bank for such a loan.
A good place to start is to join a few virtual assistant organizations. They have fantastic message boards and the members are always willing to help out. Two that I recommend are Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce and VA Networking. When you are ready to begin your business, one tool that may fill your needs comes from VA Networking called Virtual Business Start Up System, it contains practically everything you need to begin your business.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
