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Here, freelancers are protected by the policies and procedures of oDesk to guarantee payment. Buyers on the other hand, are able to monitor the productivity of his employee by using oDesk features. Similar to a desk job, once his employee logs on to the oDesk system, his ‘attendance’ may be monitored by the hours he’s logged in, and by monitoring the activity in his computer.

Labor cost in this country is high, so outsourcing is really an option not just for companies, but for entrepreneurs as well. There are other sites available, and so far, I’m happy with the prospective freelancers that could work for my brother. Communication through email, Skype and chat are available so I can screen them better for the job.

It really is not good to be making enemies. Though, sometimes, you have to admit that we all can’t help it.

Earlier I received a phone call from a local company asking me about my friend. I thought she was in trouble, but the person on the phone told me it was for a background or character check. The good thing is, I have good things to say about her. The bad thing is, she didn’t tell me she made me one of her character references. She should have saved such surprises for my birthday. So even if one passes all the geeky exams and dreadful interviews, a background check or character check is still being done. It’s a fair process for both the company and the aspiring applicant for the employer to carry out such delicate and yet ‘for-security-purposes’ procedures before hiring them (Enron, anyone?).

Before hiring an applicant, companies do a background check to further validate what they know about him. So before sending in your application, make sure you know what happens and what they want to know before they hire you. While you may have aced the test (geeky much?) they might find out something you would not want them to know during these background checks.

What are they really after anyway?

If I have my own company, I would perform background checks as well. It is meant for the protection of both parties, as it can prevent costly lawsuits to happen in the future.

And no, I did not get my friend into trouble, else she’d blame me if she won’t get that job and I bid her all the luck.

So as they say, make love not war; and make friends, not enemies. ‘Nuff said.

Source: International Business Development Strategy - Keys to Success

In my quest to be the next Donald Trump – again, minus the hairpiece, the tabloid news and divorce settlement – I’d like to explore more on properties, and these are what I have learned so far (Yes, I’m doing my homework now, as any self-respecting billionaire-would be).

Once you get your hands on in real estate, investor meetings and networking can help point you to other good finds.

It’s good to note that if you are going to handle properties, read – “assets” – then you should get other ‘assets’ in good shape as well. Have your bank accounts and credit cards in good standing so you can get better deals on loans and property purchases. Foreclosure is that last you would want to hear from your bank. Let them know that you are able to manage your finances well that you acquiring assets can be profitable to them as well.

I know I still have to study a whole lot more, and make them work for me as hard as I can before I get close to the same level as The Donald (okay, maybe not that close).

Watching re-runs of the Celebrity Apprentice might help (hey, did I mention him again?), but I know ‘real life’ experience can teach me all I need to learn.

Source: Global Real Estate Guide - Local and International Properties

I haven’t seen my brother for quite some time now. He’s been pretty busy with work and it seems that 24 hours a day is not enough to get his work done. I know work is important to him because mortgage, credit card bills and the likes don’t get paid by themselves, even though he’s being eaten alive by stress.

I know there are a lot of people like him – sweating it out everyday to take care of the whole family, but there are also people who are working as much and even worse, are being ‘underpaid’. There are companies who practice this – blame them; and there are employees too that allow that – blame them too.

So is there such a thing as ‘properly compensated’ nowadays?

With most cases, employees are paid depending on their qualifications written below. To say that you are overpaid or underpaid largely depends on how you fare versus them (except of course if your last name happens to be Forbes or Bloomberg).

I am definitely not looking to be underpaid. I have skills and experiences that can contribute to the growth (read - “profit”) of a company and should be compensated appropriately. Work output is not free and quality output should never be cheap but you have to really work for it and show that you are worth the price.

I work hard, and I party hard (maybe even harder) – and I’d really look forward to working everyday if I know I can get the pay I deserve. And so should you.

Source: Job Map - Career Development and Employment Guide

I feel like MacGyver today and end world hunger and save the world. Okay, maybe not the world, maybe I’ll just work on my car. This beauty has been with me for quite a long time and with maintenance expense kicking in, maybe I need to be more resourceful – I believe there’s nothing a few duct tape and cloth can’t do. How hard can it be, I’ve been to art class, and I was able to turn my old pants to a bag - swell, isn’t it?

DIY accessories are next on my to-do list. They’re car accessories – I can make them as cute, and I don’t have to study computer programs to make ‘em.

Here are a few tips that can save you a few bucks.

Here’s an easy one – air fresheners.

Having kids and messy adults as passengers is anything but nice – and the dirt and different smells that are left behind are not always pleasant. If you can’t keep them out of the car, have a small wastebasket instead to keep their stuff out of the car.

To make your car look organized (making your life organized is a different thing), make the following:

I’m sure having these accessories, and me making them will give my car an updated look. Save for the usual overheating, I’m still keeping this car.

As easy as art class in grade school, right? Damn, I should really get a new car.

Source: Motorsports International | Motorcycles, Motorboats, Automobiles

• Competition – Be proactive in searching for projects. Even if you are the best in what you do, the job will not come to you (well, whether freelance or not). If you are going to work remotely, be ready with sample works (websites or programs) that your prospective employer can assess.
• Skills – Keep on improving your skills as this will solely be the basis of you being hired and where your fee or rate will be gauged against. Make sure you showcase your best projects and once hired, keep giving quality output for you to stay hired as well.
• Fees – Do not sell yourself short nor charge unreasonable rates. Know the market rates and whatever you deem your rate will be, stand your ground and use your skills to get your message through to your prospective employer and why you’re not settling for anything less (just make sure you deliver after you get hired).
• Commitment – Getting projects and keeping them are two different things. While most freelance works are project-based, satisfied employers or buyers might keep you for the long haul (and most probably with pay increase at that). A freelancers’ time (and discipline at that), is his most valuable asset; and every minute means hard-earned money. While you are free to sell your services to employers (or buyers), freelancers should be warned about scammers. It is easier to deal with employers when you are able to contact them personally, but because nowadays most freelancers work remotely and catering to different clients on the other side of the world and have not personally met, scammers take this opportunity, take your products and services and eventually not pay up.
• Fake ads - There are a lot of fake ads everyday, lurking in every online classifieds pretending to be legitimate but then you never hear from them again after you have sent your item or product.
• Late payments and no communication – This should raise a red flag to freelancers when employers or buyers suddenly are ‘unreachable’ or has some excuse why payment for your already sent item or product is delayed, or worse, cancelled.

There are things that people talk about like whether the chicken came first or the egg, or why it even crossed the road and there are questions that leave no room for chickens at all - which is the stronger sex? – men or women. For the latter, women have proven time and again that they can be good in their own rights in a way men can be.

In business, there are successful global corporations that were founded by women. While women are naturally intuitive, it takes a lot of muscle to create mega-companies.

The first company founded by a woman is Liz Claiborne Inc. Known for her exquisite fashion and savvy business sense, Liz Claiborne partnered with husband Art Ortenberg and Leonard Boxer to form the company. Not only is Liz Claiborne, Inc. recognized for being the first company founded by a woman to have made the Fortune 500 list, it also revolutionizes the way we shop. Liz Claiborne’s retail sales went up from $2 million in 1976 to $1.2 billion ten years after.

Liz Claiborne also transformed the way retail management operates. Because areas then were segregated, where shoppers had to go to different areas for shopping (e.g. shirt area and pants area), Liz had her collection in one area where customers can easily find and create a coordinated outfit. Retailers and merchandisers around the world are thankful for this concept. With Liz Claiborne, it indeed helped into growing the business globally.

Also landing in the Fortune 500 is PC Connection founded by Patricia Gallup. With hard work, in every sense of the word, the company that started in 1982 with a capital of $8,000 for the computer supply business grew to earning more than a billion since being publicly listed in 1998.

Drew Barrymore combined star power and entrepreneurial hands when she and Nancy Juvonen founded Flower Films in 1997. The company is now worth more than $600 million, thanks to hit movies Charlie’s Angels and Never Been Kissed. The outfit is considered a force to reckon with in the movie industry.

The Baby Einstein series for toddlers, now being released by Walt Disney was founded in 1997 by Julie Aigner-Clark. In its first few years of operation, Clark’s company exceeded sales of $10 million. The series is a hit for babies and with her management, the series had wide distributorship, eventually catching the attention of the Disney Company.

While others may think that it takes superhuman powers to grow a company, women entrepreneurs also follow the same mantra of hard work, creativity and financial savviness. A lot of women take inspiration from these business giants and aspire to follow their path. And maybe the most important of it all, is that these women are determined not to let go of their aspiration.

Source: International Business Development Strategy - Keys to Success

Finding a cheap property and getting it with the price you want is something you’d have to work on using your negotiation or haggling skills.

With agents and property managers on the lookout for sales commission, they are also keen on having closed deals. It is called a deal because that’s what basically it is – a deal, which means you are a part of a deal, you have a say on how the whole transaction will push through. And hopefully it favors the price and budget you are eyeing.

With a few handy tips, be confident that you’d be able to haggle for a more favorable price.

Remember that properties are investments, and as with other investments, you get them low, and they’ll be worth higher in the future. Getting to haggle is not just a means of saving dollars, but it also shows that you can be a pro in business dealings. And if you are a pro, or a good customer, lasting business relationship will soon follow - and the agent would probably show you other cheap properties you can use your effective haggling skills with.

At times, most sales agent are equipped to handle haggling customers but at the same time, even dealers themselves are willing to be haggled as long as a closed deal is reached. With today’s economic situation, businesses understand what customer wants, and sometimes, you just have to simply ask for it.

Source: Global Real Estate Guide - Local and International Properties

A vacation is also called a ‘get-away’ because you’re supposed to be ‘getting away’ from stress, from problems, and other worries, and all you need to do is relax. You close your eyes and think of your next destination – the white sand beach, the sumptuous buffet and you hear the sound of flowing water, music, and – the cash register. Best if your next vacation will not hurt your savings, but before you pack, let’s check – will it burn a hole in your pocket?

From airfare to tipping, get some tips on what to look for in your next trip and how you can save or stretch that vacation budget.

You’re sure to have more fun if you’ll be pushing through with your tour hassle-free - no need to phone anyone to send extra money across the border. While it should really cost a considerable amount, it need not cause you and your credit card any trouble.

Source: World Travel Guide | World Travel Info | World Travel Tips

When you leave a job or unfortunately got laid off, what’s best to do next? Get on with the job hunt. As a job applicant, you always have to be ready - ready for an interview, ready for application exams, and ready with employment documents your prospective employer may require.

Human resource personnel agree – if you are out looking for a job, on your joining date or onboarding day, you should be ready with your pre-employment requirements, and not ask for time (a week or two) preparing them, thus delaying your first day (and your salary).

There are some simple things that you can do to ensure that your job application will be smooth and ‘anxiety-free’ (with the paperwork at least.).

While companies may have their own list of documents you have to submit, common company requirements are certifications about your education, previous employment records, government-issued documents, and health certifications.

If you have been with your last company for a decade, chances are your 10-year old pre-employment documents are either missing, invalid or surrendered to the company. If it has been a long time since you’ve last applied for a job, its time to have your government-issued documents be renewed; most documents would indicate a validity date. As for school documents, the normal application procedure applies, fill-up a request form, pay the necessary fees, and your document would be ready for pick-up or be sent to your doorstep through a courier service. Health certifications are important whether you are a skilled worker or not. There are companies that would shoulder these health test fees while others would have the prospective employee pay for it.

While there are companies that would allow and give you time to complete your requirements, urgent posts particularly requires you to start immediately on the job.

Being ready with company requirements not only shows that you come prepared, it also shows how you give importance to your time and other people’s time, it shows your diligence and professionalism in your new company.

Now, you just need to ace that interview (that is a completely different story), get a few minutes to forward your complete set of documents, and now you’re ready to start with your new job.

Source: Job Map - Career Development and Employment Guide

More often than not, you’d see that in movies or in TV shows, the ‘cool’ lead actor or lead actress drives a red car. Whether it’s a convertible or dad’s old truck, it has to be red – and whatever shade of red. Hollywood indeed knows its stuff. Red is attributed to so many things, and well, mostly good things at that.

For starters, the color red is used to symbolize power. When people wear red ties in business and when people walk on red carpets, it symbolizes that they are powerful and important (and fashionable too, to pull it out). Red drapes, red linens – all suggests that the event or the person holding the event is a powerful personality.

Famous cars are mostly known for its red color – the Maserati, Alfa Romeo, and the most well-known of them all, the red Ferrari car. When car racing began, countries were given the designated official color, and for Italy, the color red was assigned. Until now, Ferrari retained their famous red hue for their cars. And the black hue horse on the logo? That’s power and speed – the ultimate in cars.

To be more scientific about it, the color red is a stimulant color and studies indicate that the color can increase blood pressure. Thus, a person who is angry or is feeling intense emotions tend to turn ‘red’ – blood rises causing the cheeks to turn noticeable red in color.

If not cars, red is used in different cultures to denote goodness. In Chinese culture, the color symbolizes wealth, good luck, good health and prosperity. During Chinese New Year, no other prominent color can be seen apart from red. During Christmas, red is combined with other colors to signify a joyous occasion. Even in birthdays or in most celebrations, the color red is used to show energy and vibrancy.

If you see red on the road, you will stop. Literally. The color red is also used to denote emergency and warnings (one analogy is because fire is also red in color). It is a color that will really demand your attention that’s why stoplights use the color red to signal stops.

A specific color makes all the difference. While a black car is sometimes not chosen by some because it tends to be ‘unseen’ during evenings, or the color white as it is often associated to be ceremoniously used during weddings, the color red is chosen by some car owners to signify power.

But whether scientifically explained or a part of human culture, the color red is simply appealing and attractive. And in romance (and seduction for that matter), the color red is often used. Simply, the color red in almost anything is given a second look and is a color that is ‘taken seriously’ unlike, well, pink.

Some say that a red car doesn’t get pulled-over. Well, we’re not sure if all red cars don’t get pulled-over but a certain red and white car called Mach 5, well, that we believe.

Thinking of your next car? Make it a red hot car.

Source: Motorsports International | Motorcycles, Motorboats, Automobiles

A day that starts at 8 AM and ends at 5 PM is the type of life every employee knows. Between those hours would probably be composed of countless phone calls, shooting emails, annoying questions, annoying customers, and a boss who’s running down your neck. All of these are made tolerable with paychecks paying the bills and the kid’s education.

When you realize that that is not enough and you’ve gotten the experience and enough capital to put up your own business, this is the part where we tell you to think twice - or maybe a hundred times.

You know that setting up a business and being your own boss has its rewards risk – and its not just money (the recession is just one).

The attitude and the personality that was able to withstand the angry boss and the occasional irate customers are the same attitude and personality that you need to have – only a hundred times as much this time.

Being the person who would be running a company, whether a medium-scale company or a mega-corporation, is someone who should know how to play the field. He should be someone who knows what’s going on in his chosen industry. He is someone who’s had extensive experience being a follower and being a leader as well.

And even if you have the technical expertise to succeed, managing your own business requires a steady, mature, responsible and rational person out of you. You should know when to be authoritative when you have to, and you should know how to relate as a person and sometimes as a friend to your staff. Or there could be times, you’d have to cut-off an employee – would you be able to handle that?

Managing your own business is no small deal, but it doesn’t require you to be superman though. If you will really commit yourself into it, you should know that the long-term payoffs can really turn your life around (and even the lives of your employees, and other contacts as well).

As you may have noticed, all of the things mentioned above are things one can learn and develop; however, the defining line would be your attitude – it’s what will define the success or failure of your very own business.

Source: International Business Development Strategy - Keys to Success

When it comes to sense of ownership, perhaps nothing beats the feeling of having your own home (hey, that Rolls Royce looks gorgeous… well, anyway…). Home ownership is indeed everyone’s dream. Save for the dreaded amortization, haunting repairs, and nasty tax collections, you can go past all that when everyday you know you can go home to a home sweet home that’s completely yours.

And now that you have decided to make that life-changing decision, how do you go about finding the perfect home? The answer is knowledge, my friend.

As you might expect, buying a property is not simply choosing one off the shelf, paying a hefty amount, getting the keys, and shopping your heart out to find those perfect decor.

Equally as important as pride of ownership and convenience of your own home, buying a property is also an investment (not just monetary-wise) that when done correctly, it can really pay-off big-time.

To help you out in choosing the right property, here are some need to know’s and want to know’s when buying properties:

Finding a property can be intimidating or downright scary but with the right tools, at the end of it all, you can really say that you’ve finally found your perfect home.

Source: Global Real Estate Guide - Local and International Properties

With today’s fast-paced and stressful life, vacationing is probably one of the best things one can do. We all have that perfect dream vacation in our heads that’s almost close to paradise where our every whim and desire is fulfilled but still, there are those vacation from hell experiences.

A seemingly innocent and friendly hotel can be your worst nightmare if you happen to run out of luck. The place that you hope to be ‘your home away from home’ can actually bring you unpleasant memories. Hopefully, none of these things happen to you.

Now close your eyes, and try to imagine your next trip. Hopefully, these experiences won’t be part of your trip, not even in your imagination. Well, some vacations really end up better than others. You’re in luck if none of these things has happened to you, but if ever they do, try to keep your cool so the rest of your vacation wouldn’t be completely ruined.

Source: Hotel Holiday Deals - Luxurious Living Abroad

Travelling is one of the best and happiest activities one can do, but travelling with an unclear itinerary can be a dilemma (but maybe a happy dilemma at that).

You have the money, you have the time (your boss approved – you’re in luck), but you’re just not quite sure where to go. While it could be better if we can tag along to help you out, maybe we’ll just share some tips to help you out in finding and choosing your next vacation spot.

Go on now and get yourself ready! Just follow these tips and you’ll be on your way (literally) to a great getaway experience. This is just the beginning of your trip, so don’t fret. Once you have a destination and activities in mind, just have a few handy-dandy tips and you’re sure to have a blast ‘til the end of your trip.

Source: World Travel Guide | World Travel Info | World Travel Tips

When one door closes, another one opens – as the saying goes, but how do you go about finding that other door? Job opportunities and options might be a little bit more challenging now than before, but don’t lose hope. Now that the economy is slowly picking up its pace, more and more job opportunities are readily available. As long as you have the right skills for the career you are after, all you need are leads for your application and you’re one step closer to being gainfully employed again (and this time, maybe with a better pay!).

Looking for a job requires 101% effort from you, but to make your job hunt a little lighter and with better options from you, here are some ways on how you can find more job vacancies you could fill in:

If you’re really committed to finding that perfect job for you, that would call for some serious job-hunting. Really dedicate time and effort and do not disregard the slightest tips and leads that you would encounter. Landing that job for yourself – well, that’s another story.

The next step is to prepare and be ready for the application process and you’re on your way to being successfully (and gainfully) hired.

Source: Job Map - Career Development and Employment Guide

You’re on an intersection on the way to office and you look out your window. Your eyes narrow as you see the car next to you and you say to yourself, “I want that car.”. The light goes green and off the other car goes, and there you are thinking, “Where do I get that one? Perhaps at half the price because of mortgage, electricity…” and on, and on, and on.

Search engines like Google and Odusee can help even the most clueless and speed-hungry souls (and car-buyers on a budget). And maybe equally faster as your dream car, search engines can give you the information you need in mere seconds.

Most importantly, have fun in choosing your car, and if it’s a family car, be sure to involve them in choosing it.

More than a vehicle, a car (or a boat, a truck) is a very personal item. It is not just meant for transportation, but an important part of someone’s lifestyle. And most of all, it can make you look really cool.

Search engines can be a powerful tool in making this important decision in your life, so click around and you’ll see a lot more information than what your local dealer is willing to tell you.