I have been doing Internet research for a while for family and friends, and have decided to convert this 'hobby' into cash. However I don't know how to begin. I don't know how to begin the billing process. Also, I need some kind of freeware billing or invoicing program to use Thank you.
2006-08-01 09:13:10 · 5 answers · asked by LadyP 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
The issue of the research is not whether or not persons are computer savvy, or whether or not they have a computer....but the issue is of time. Time being a valuble commodity, prevents some from getting the information needed from the internet. Some searches are simple and some are complex. You've got to know the right places to look and everyone does not have that information.
I have done research for people from various walks of life. And the connector is simply......time.
2006-08-01 09:33:29 · update #1
I would start by charging those people you've been helping a small fee. Your time is valuable, too. Make sure that the people you help and are happy with your work know that you're looking to expand your business. Those referrals are your best and least expensive forms of advertisement. If you have Excel or MS Works( usually provided as free software with the purchase of a PC) or some other spreadsheet program, you may already have an invoice program available. Some versions of Quicken also provide invoicing, and bookeeping programs. Very easy to use. For inexpensive business cards and promotional items: Try www.vistaprint.com. You can get 250 business cards for the S&H of about $5. Best of Luck!
2006-08-01 09:41:12 · answer #1 · answered by amkornele 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
Great Idea to turn the hobby into cash. IF you've got a skill turn it into money. So here's what I recommend as an Internet marketing specialist.
You'll want to start your own pricing structure based on time or information. You can either charge an hourly rate or a better idea might be to charge per data.
I'm sure some jobs will be much More complex than others. And each job has it's own value to someone. Just starting out I would create a small and simple website explaining what you do and then getting testimonials on work you have done in the past. Then you can have a quote form, where people can fill out detailed form of what they need, and you can give them a cost or estimate back based on the preliminary research you Do on the complexities of the job.
You can even start by joining guru.com, there are hundreds of thousands of freelancers listed on that site. Add yourself to the list, get a few good testimonials and you will be noticed amongst the rest. As a freelancer you might not get paid to much in the beginning on guru, but with time some of these original customers will continue to come directly back to you instead of through guru,they'll respect you and want your services so you will be able to charge a respectable price.
These customers will also refer you new ones. For billing, guru has billing built in. You can use paypal.com and send invoices to clients.
2006-08-02 09:12:49 · answer #2 · answered by j_b_marketing 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First get your self a Pay Pal Premier or Pay Pal Business account (they are free),
second, sign up for the Pay pal Virtual terminal (cost 20.00/mo).
This combination will allow you to send invoices via pay pal and the clients can pay directly via pay pal or those who do not have computer can simply give you their credit card number over the phone and you charge their card on the virtual terminal.
Pay Pal's system keeps track of the invoices and payments.
If you want any other software for keeping track of those paying by check then check Shareware.com for freeware or shareware accounting packages.
2006-08-02 15:48:00 · answer #3 · answered by a_khaze 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To be honest, most people have computers and can do their own Internet research. Most of us are computer savvy, except it seems, for the people you know. This would not be a lucrative business. Keep as hobby.
2006-08-01 09:17:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2006-08-01 23:34:47 · answer #5 · answered by Cy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋