All About Making Money on Fiverr as a Proofreader Writer and More! WAHM

I stumbled on Fiverr.com in April of 2013 when I was looking for a way to make money from home online to pay off some mounting dental bills and other things and my husband had FINALLY given in and suggested we get Internet at home.

I was not disappointed. I immediately had a full queue of jobs and found that I could customize my gigs ... if I was not busy I could put my gig on a 1-day delivery time. If I was full up, I could change it to a 29-day delivery time to discourage new orders. Give it a shot. Its a versatile way to make money online.

Starting Out

I dont know if I just got lucky or what but people gave a newbie a try and soon I had good reviews coming in and more jobs. I was so busy at one point in 2013 that I was outsourcing, which was a total shit show (Im going with two words for shit show instead of making it one ... haha!).

I shut down my outsourcing situation and tried to keep up with the work on my own but soon had no life and my kids were eating too much fast food all summer. I got a bad review because I was hurrying through my work and it all went to hell for a while. It picked back up and then I overused Vacation Mode.

Just in the last few months I have gotten back on and made a decent income again. Ive done many different gigs on Fiverr besides proofreading so poke around to see what else you can offer. I put my delivery on at least 3 days so that keeps my orders low enough to manage. The main guy who does 24-hour delivery basically works full-time all day long doing small jobs. The client is charged $5 and you receive $4. At first I thought that was robbery but now I realize THEY are finding the clients for me pretty much so I will happily take my $4 for proofreading 1,500 words. I got more orders when my gig was for 2,000 words but it was taking too long to proofread that for $4 with so many non-native English speakers sending projects my way. Those projects just take longer because they require more time and reworking.

I have some Fiverr tutorials here on different topics:

How to get started as a proofreader on Fiverr

How to get started as a writer on Fiverr

Other gigs you can do on Fiverr

Payment and competition on Fiverr

Giving and getting feedback on Fiverr

Offering good customer service on Fiverr ... or anywhere

Heres my post on doing book reviews on Fiverr.

4 Operating Authority or Leasing as it Applies to the Owner Operator

2001 Kenworth T600

 

Becoming An Owner Operator

4) Operating Authority or Leasing?

See my other posts:

A Holiday Wish

The Way it Was - A Short History of Trucking

Pro and Cons of Being an Owner Operator

FAQ for the Owner Operator
Pictures
Anti-Idling Regulations
Definitions and Industry Terms
Blackrock Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)
Interactive Cost per Mile (CPM) Calculator Spreadsheet
Privacy Policy
1) Owner Operator 411 – Welcome
2) Income and Expenses
3) Financing and Credit
5) Equipment
6) How To Do Bookkeeping and Other Necessary Paperwork
7) What You Need to Know About Loadboards
8) Companies That Lease Beginning Owner Operators
9) What You Actually Need to Get Started - Licenses, Permits, Insurance, and Taxes
10) Truck Driving Schools

I hope you got here by reading my previous posts (numbered 1 - 10) first. If not, I advise you to go back and do so. This post wont help you if you cant get the financing for a truck. If you dont understand how you will be making money (net), then I you are not ready for this step.

If, on the other hand, you understand that you will not get rich by owning your own big rig, have checked your credit report and Fico score, cleaned up all of your debt problems, and are sure you can secure a loan, then read on!

There are two types of owner operators. The one with their own authority, and the leased owner operator. For the purposes of this post, I am assuming you will be driving your own truck. If you are planning on hiring a driver you would be an owner, not an owner operator, but most of this information would still apply.

Your own AUTHORITY: This means that you are a “trucking company”. You will probably have to buy a trailer. You will have to get your own permits, and pay your own taxes. You will have to find your own freight.

The three different types authority are: Common Carrier, Contract Carrier, and Broker Authority.

COMMON CARRIERS provide for-hire truck transportation to the general public. Common carriers must file both liability (bodily injury & physical damage) insurance and cargo insurance.
The definition of an "authorized for-hire” carrier is a person or company that provides transportation of cargo or passengers for compensation. If you are a for-hire carrier, in addition to the USDOT Number you will also need to obtain an Operating Authority (MC Number). CONTRACT CARRIERS provide for-hire truck transportation to specific, individual shippers, based on contracts. Contract carriers must file only liability (bodily injury and physical damage) insurance.

A contract carrier cannot broker loads without first applying for and receiving a license to operate as a broker of freight.

BROKERS (brokers are not owner operators) arrange for the truck transportation of cargo belonging to others, for compensation, utilizing for-hire carriers to provide the actual truck transportation. Brokers must file either a surety bond or trust fund agreement.

If you want to get your own authority, there are lots of companies that can help you, such as (OOIDA). We are members of OOIDA and have been since just after they started, about 30 years ago. They are one of the best things I have ever spent my money on. Membership dues are only $45.00 a year, but sometimes they run a special. Includes a subscription to “Land Line” magazine.  In addition to helping you get your own authority, they offer discounts and rebates on equipment, as well as financing, they have truck, health, and life insurance, a drug and alcohol consortium, retirement plans, fuel cards, load boards, business information services, and much more!

Most owner operators are leased to a trucking company – a common carrier or a contract carrier. Actually, you are not leased, your truck is. When you lease your truck to a trucking company, they provide you with services and charge you for them (see "Income and Expenses" post).

What services they provide and how much they charge you varies from company to company, so ask a lot of questions before you lease on your truck and find out exactly what they do and what you would have to do.

Some of the common services provided:
1. they buy your license plates (and usually you have to reimburse them,

2. they pay fuel taxes,

3. they buy the permits,

4. they do all the record keeping and reporting for fuel taxes and permits, and/or

5. they provide you with a trailer (charging you rent).
 
These are all things you would have to do and pay for yourself if you had your own authority.
 
You need to check with trucking companies and see if they have enough freight and if they are leasing on more trucks. Ask other drivers of the company you think you might like to lease to if they are happy (they will probably say no), how much they gross, and how much they net (they will probably lie), and if they are planning to stay with the same company they are leased to. Why did I say they will probably tell you they are unhappy? Because truckers are notorious for complaining. They complain about the dispatchers, the loads, the dispatchers, the truck, the dispatchers, the pay, and, oh, did I mention the dispatchers? So, when they tell you how unhappy they are, ask them how long they have been with that company. If it is more than a year or two, they are probably happy. I also called them liars, but in reality, they just like to stretch the truth. Most people will tell you they are doing a lot better than they really are, but then you also get those who just like to exaggerate in the other direction. Ask to see their revenue statements. A lot of them will be glad to show you.
 
After you have asked all of your questions, DONT sign your lease until you have read it completely and understand what it says.
You are the lessor (the party who is giving the right for the use of the equipment).  The company is the lessee (the party getting the use of the equipment).
 
The lease is a legal contract.  It spells out what what percentage or mileage rate they pay, what expenses you are responsible for, and what expenses they are responsible for.  It should tell you when you will be paid and how (percentage or mileage).  It will tell you who is responsible for fines, damages, and losses. It will tell you if you have to have an escrow account.

"Escrow fund – Money deposited by the lessor with either a third party or the lessee to guarantee performance, to repay advances, to cover repair expenses, to handle claims, to handle license and State permit costs, and for any other purposes mutually agreed upon by the lessor and lessee"

Although you can be required to carry insurance on your equipment, you can not be required to buy your insurance through the company you are leased to.  They can not require you to have work done in their shop, rent or buy equipment (covers anything from load locks to trucks) from them, or buy their fuel.  You are an independent, and as such have the right and option of obtaining your own services or equipment from where ever you want.  This does not mean that you cant use their equipment of services, it just means you cant be required to.
 
If you are being paid a percentage, you have a right to see the freight bills, showing the amount the load pays.
If you have your own authority, none of the leasing information applies to you unless 1) you lease a truck from someone else (you are the lessee) or 2) you lease your equipment to someone (you are the lessor), which you can do.

Alphabet soup definitions:

USDOT: United States Department of Transportation

MC: Motor Carrier

FMSCA: Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration

OOIDA: Owner Operators Independent Drivers Association

ICC: Interstate Commerce Commission. An agency which used to regulate the trucking (and railroad) industry, but is no longer in existence. It was disbanded in 1995.

IRP: International Registration Plan is a registration reciprocity agreement among jurisdictions in the United States and Canada which provides for payment of (truck) license fee on the basis of fleet miles (even if it is only one truck) operated in various jurisdictions

HUT or HVUT: Heavy (Vehicle) Use Tax - A federal tax imposed annually

CDL: Commercial Drivers License

IFTA: The International Registration Plan (IRP) is a reciprocal agreement that authorizes the proportional registration among the jurisdictions (states) of commercial motor vehicles. This means if a truck is operated in multiple jurisdictions, the owner must annually report mileage driven in each state and taxes are paid proportionately based on the mileage driven. The good news is the owner may pay those taxes in one jurisdiction—referred to as the base jurisdiction or base state. Vehicle owners are required to register under IRP, if:

• their vehicle is over 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW); or
• has three or more axles, regardless of weight; or
• is a power unit and trailer whose combined GVW is in excess of 26,000 pounds, and
• your truck operates in at least two IRP jurisdictions

Resources:

FMSCA frequently asked questions – registration and licensing: "FMCSA"

Next post: What You Need to Know About Equipment

Be sure to subscribe to this blog to get the latest and newest information.

I am sorry I have to do this, but due to spam "comments"  I feel I need to moderate comments from now on.

I am sorry for any inconvenience this may cause to my legitimate commenters.

Companies Paying Dividend Yields as High as 58 by Marc Charles

Hi Gang:

Ive enclosed a section of one of my Kindle books Income for Life Dividend Secrets.

I offer it free of charge throughout the month -- so check it out!

Marc Charles

150 “Under the Radar”

Companies Paying Dividend Yields as High as 58%

By Marc Charles

Transportadora de Gas del Sur SA (ADR) TGS 58.91

An Argentina-based company involved in the exploitation and distribution of natural gas. The Company also offers support services, such as gas treatment and the removal of impurities from natural gas.

Oi SA (ADR) OIBR 46.22

A Brazil holding company involved in telecommunications. The Company is primary focus is fixed telephony services in Brazil.

Standard Register Co SR 29.41

Standard Register is a provider of business documents. The Company also manages business workflow, material sciences and manufacturing management.

BBVA Banco Frances S.A. (ADR) BFR 25.56

An Argentina-based bank involved in financial and non-financial services. The Company has 240 retail branch offices, 29 branch offices in the middle-market and branch offices for corporate and institutional customers.

Highway Holdings Limited HIHO 24.54

Highway Holdings Limited is a manufacturer of metal, plastic, electric and electronic components for Japanese, German and United States equipment manufacturers.

Cellcom Israel Ltd.  CEL 24.13

A provider of cellular communications services in Israel. Cellcom offers cellular services through its cellular networks.

YPF SA (ADR) YPF 23.87

An Argentina-based oil and gas company with three business segments: Exploration and Production and electric power.

Oxford Resource Partners, LP OXF 23.81

A producer of steam coal, and surface mined coal in Ohio. The Company’s operations are located in Northern Appalachia. They serve the market area of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Partner Communications Company Ltd (ADR) PTNR 19.93

A mobile telephone network based in Israel, with products and services are marketed under the orange brand.

Cornerstone Progressive Return Fund CFP 18.62

A closed-end investment company whose investment objective is to provide long-term total return

Cornerstone Strategic Value Fund Inc CLM 18.21

A closed-end management investment company which invests in information technology, financials, healthcare, energy, consumer staples, and other closed-end funds and utilities

Cornerstone Total Return Fund Inc CR18.02

A diversified manufacturer of engineered industrial products, operating in aerospace electronics, engineered materials, fluid handling and controls

Life Partners Holdings, Inc. LPHI 17.86

A financial services company involved in the secondary market for life insurance known as life settlements.

Whiting USA Trust II WHZ 17.66

A statutory trust which earns net profits interest in oil and gas producing properties located in the Rocky Mountains, Permian Basin, Gulf Coast and Mid-Continent regions of the United States.

ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc. ARR 17.62

This REIT invests in adjustable rate, adjustable rate and fixed rate residential mortgage backed securities issued or guaranteed by a United States Government such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac).

Telefonica S.A. (ADR) TEF 17.03

A Spainish company involved in the telecommunications sector. The Company operates in three geographic business segments: Telefonica Spain, Telefonica Europe and Telefonica Latin America.

Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc IVR 17.02

A real estate investment trust focused on financing and managing residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities and mortgage loans.

Otelco, Inc. (USA) OTT 16.96

The company provides telecommunications such as local and long distance calling; network access, high-speed Internet access and Internet television.

Portugal Telecom, SGPS (ADR) PT 16.62

A Portugal-based holding company involved in telecommunications. The Company provides telecommunications and multimedia services, such as fixed line and mobile telecommunication; pay television (TV) and Internet Service Provider (ISP) services.

Apollo Residential Mortgage Inc AMTG 15.97

A holding company, which does business through its ARM Operating division and other subsidiaries

AGIC Intl & Prem Strategy Fund NAI 15.87

A diversified, closed-end investment company which seeks total return from income, current gains and long-term capital appreciation

American Capital Agency Corp. AGNC 15.59

A real estate investment trust which earns income from investing on a leveraged basis in agency mortgage-backed securities

Teekay Tankers Ltd. TNK 15.58

Teekay is involved in international marine transportation of crude oil through the operation of its oil tankers.

Two Harbors Investment Corp TWO 15.52

Two Harbors is a real estate investment trust focused on investing and managing residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS), residential mortgage loans, residential real properties, and other financial assets.

Resource Capital Corp. RSO 15.44

Resource Capital is a specialty finance company which focuses on commercial real estate and commercial finance. It is a real estate investment trust and invests in commercial real estate debt and other real estate-related assets.

American Capital Mortgage Investment Corp MTGE 15.35

American Capital Mortgage Investment Corp invests and manages a portfolio of mortgage investments, and other mortgage-related investments.

Chimera Investment Corporation CIM 15.12

A finance company which invests in residential mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage loans, and commercial mortgage loans

Alpine Total Dynamic Dividend Fund AOD 15.10

A diversified, closed-end investment company which invests in equity securities with high current dividend income

Arlington Asset Investment Corp AI 15.05

An investment firm which acquires residential mortgage-backed securities backed or issued by United States government agencies

Box Ships Inc TEU14.98

An international shipping company specializing in transporting dry bulk cargoes

Nuveen Insured CA Dividend Adv Muni Fund NKL 14.96

A closed-end investment management company focusing on tax-exempt municipal bonds which are covered by insurance

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. NYMT 14.90

A real estate investment trust which acquires and manages residential adjustable-rate, hybrid adjustable rate and fixed rate mortgage backed securities with principal and interest payments guaranteed by a United States Government agency

Enerplus Corp (USA) ERF 14.90

Enerplus has oil and natural gas property interests in western Canada and in the United States

CYS Investments Inc CYS 14.61

A specialty finance company focused on consistent risk-adjusted investment income.

France Telecom SA (ADR) FTE 14.58

A European mobile operator and telecommunications services provider working under the Orange Business Services brand

Banco Macro SA (ADR) BMA 14.42

An Argentina based financial institution offering traditional banking products and services to businesses and individuals nationwide

Wells Fargo Adv Global Dividend Opport EOD 14.12

A diversified management investment company with a focus on investments with a high level of current income

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc MITT 14.02

A real estate investment trust focused on acquiring and managing residential mortgage assets, other real estate-related securities and financial assets

Banco Santander, S.A. (ADR) STD 14.02

A Spanish financial institution involved in the retail banking. The Company operates in Spain, the United Kingdom, Portugal, the Latin American countries and the United States

MIND C.T.I. Ltd. MNDO 13.87

Mind develops, manufactures and markets off-line billing and customer support software for communication providers, voice-over Internet protocol (VoIP), and broadband Internet protocol (IP) network operators

Euroseas Ltd.  ESEA 13.79

A provider of ocean-going transportation services and operates dry bulk carriers for things like iron ore, coal and grains, phosphate and fertilizers

Diana Containerships Inc DCIX 13.74

Diana Containerships Inc. owns and operates containerships. The fleet consists of eight containerships.

Alto Palermo S.A. (ADR) APSA 13.57

An Argentinian company involved in the ownership, acquisition, and management of shopping centers. Most of the Company’s revenues come from lease agreements in its shopping centers.

Annaly Capital Management, Inc. NLY 13.35

The company owns, manages, and finances real estate investments. This includes mortgage pass-through certificates, callable debentures, and other assets backed by pools of mortgage loans.

Alpine Global Dynamic Dividend Fund AGD 13.07

A closed end investment management company whose objective is to provide high current dividend income

MCG Capital Corporation MCGC 13.02

A commercial finance company which provides capital and advisory services to middle market companies in the United States. The Company is a non-diversified, closed-end investment company.

Ellington Financial LLC EFC 12.96

A finance company which specializes in acquiring and managing mortgage related assets. The Company focuses on residential mortgage-backed securities, alternative a-paper and subprime residential mortgage loans.

SouFun Holdings Limited (ADR) SFUN 12.89

SouFun Holdings Limited has real estate related content, search services, marketing and listing coverage of over 300 cities across the People’s Republic of China.

Aberdeen Chile Fund, Inc. CH 12.86

A closed-end investment management company and focuses on capital appreciation and income, by investing in Chilean securities.

Knightsbridge Tankers Limited VLCCF 12.86

The company specializes in international transportation of crude oil and dry bulk cargoes

Eca Marcellus Trust I ECT 12.75

A trust formed by Energy Corporation of America. They own royalty rights in horizontal natural gas wells in the Marcellus Shale formation and located in Greene County, Pennsylvania

Navios Maritime Partners L.P. NMM 12.73

An owner and operator of dry cargo vessels and acts as the general partner of Navios Partners

MFA Financial, Inc. MFA 12.72

MFA Financial, Inc. is involved in investing in residential agency mortgage backed securities and non-agency mortgage backed securities

Capstead Mortgage Corporation CMO 12.56

A real estate investment trust which focuses on a portfolio of residential mortgage securities and adjustable-rate mortgages which are guaranteed by the US government

AGIC Convertible and Income Fund II NCZ 12.55

A closed end investment management company which focuses on return through capital appreciation and current income.

Hatteras Financial Corp. HTS 12.54

A mortgage real estate investment trust which invests primarily in residential mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by the United States Government

Niska Gas Storage Partners LLC NKA 12.53

An independent owner and operator of natural gas storage facilities in North America

Rhino Resource Partners, L.P. RNO 12.48

The company operates coal properties and related assets. The company also produces processes and sells coal of various metallurgical grades.

BlackRock Global Opportunities Equity Tr BOE 12.47

A closed end investment management company which focuses on current income and gains, as well as long-term capital appreciation.

iShares MSCI Spain Index (ETF) EWP 12.43

Shares MSCI Spain Index Fund focuses on investment results of publicly traded securities in the Spanish market, as measured by the MSCI Spain Index (the Index)

Full Circle Capital Corp FULL 12.42

A non-diversified closed end investment management company which concentrates on current income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments

ING Global Equity Divid.&Premium Opp-ETF IGD 12.40

A closed end management investment company which seeks a return from a portfolio of global stocks and premiums from call option writing

BlackRock International Growth and Inco BGY 12.38

A closed end investment company which focuses on income and gains, as well as long-term capital appreciation

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. FGP 12.32

A distributor of propane and supplies to customers in the United States

AGIC Convertible & Income Fund NCV 12.27

A closed end investment management company which seeks total return by way of capital appreciation and high current income

Gamco Global Gold Ntrl Rsrcs&Incm Tr BY GGN 12.27

A non-diversified, closed end investment management company with an objective of current income

Frontier Communications Corp FTR 12.27

A communications company which specializes and provides services to rural areas and small and medium-sized cities in the United States

Fifth Street Finance Corp. FSC 12.23

A finance company which lends and invests in small and mid-sized companies along with investments from private equity sponsors

Kohlberg Capital Corp. KCAP 12.04

A closed end investment company which structures and invests in senior secured term loans, mezzanine debt and equity securities privately held middle market companies

Dynex Capital, Inc.  DX 11.89

A managed mortgage real estate investment trust which invests in mortgage assets, as well as securitized mortgage products

ING Risk Managed Natural Resources Fund IRR 11.84

An investment management company with an objective of total return through current income, capital gains and capital appreciation

Gabelli Global Multimedia Trust Inc. GGT 11.73

A closed end investment management company with a primary objective of long-term growth of capital. The fund invests up to 80% of its assets in common stock and other securities, including convertible securities, preferred stock and options

Compressco Partners LP GSJK 11.70

A provider of wellhead compression production services to natural gas and oil exploration and production companies operating throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico

Capital Product Partners L.P. CPLP 11.67

An international tanker company involved in the transportation of crude oil, refined petroleum products, edible oils and soft chemicals

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust PMT 11.63

A finance company which invests primarily in residential mortgage loans and mortgage related assets. The company operates as a real estate investment trust

LRR Energy LP LRE 11.61

A limited partnership which operates, acquires, and develops producing oil and natural gas properties in North America

PennantPark Investment Corp. PNNT 11.46

A company focused on generating income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments in the United States middle-market companies. They specialize in senior secured loans, mezzanine debt and equity investments

Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Dive Eq EXG 11.46

A closed-end investment management company with an investment objective of current income and gains, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation

PIMCO High Income Fund PHK 11.43

A closed end investment management company with an objective of high current income and capital appreciation. The fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of United States dollar denominated high-yield corporate debt obligations

Compass Diversified Holdings CODI 11.42

Compass Diversified Holdings acquires controlling interests in and manages businesses

Newcastle Investment Corp.  NCT 11.40

A real estate investment and finance company, investing in actively managing real estate securities, loans, mortgage servicing rights and other real estate related assets

DHT Holdings Inc DHT 11.37

DHT Holdings, Inc. operates a fleet of crude oil tankers

Apollo Investment Corp. AINV 11.33

A closed-end investment management company with an investment objective to generate both current income and capital appreciation

TICC Capital Corp. TICC 11.32

A closed end investment and specialty finance company providing capital to primarily non-public, small and medium-sized, technology-related companies

QR Energy LP QRE 11.32

QR Energy LP owns and manages producing oil and natural gas properties in North America. The company’s properties consist of legacy onshore oil and natural gas reservoirs with predictable production profiles

Cohen and Steers Global Income Builder INB 11.30

A closed end management investment company with an investment objective based on total return with an emphasis on high current income

ING Global Advantage & Prem. Opprt. Fund IGA 11.27

A closed-end investment management company with an objective to provide a high level of income and capital appreciation

Northstar Realty Finance Corp. NRF 11.26

Northstar Realty Finance Corp is a managed real estate finance company. The company originates, acquires and manages portfolios of commercial real estate debt, commercial real estate securities and net lease properties

Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund Inc IAF 11.26

An investment management company which focuses long-term capital appreciation through investment primarily in equity securities of Australian companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange Limited

BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fd CII 11.23

An investment management company with an investment objective to provide investors with current income and capital appreciation

Prospect Capital Corporation PSEC 11.19

A financial services company which lends and invests in middle market privately-held companies

Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global ETW 11.16

A closed end investment management company with an investment objective to provide current income and gains, and capital appreciation

Sandridge Mississippian Trust I SDT 11.16

Sandridge Mississippian Trust is a statutory trust. The trust owns royalty interests in 37 horizontal wells in Okla

Read more »

Making Money as an Online Teacher by Marc Charles

7:02 AM

Greetings all ;)

I received a bunch of email last week for some reason about my articles or columns regarding getting paid as an online teacher or instructor.

Here it is -- reposted just for you!

How can I help you?

Marc 

________________________________

The Secret to Making Money as an Online Teacher

6:53 AM

Dear Entrepreneur:

I hope all is well. Happy 4th of July.

Ive reprinted a question from a fellow entrepeneur, and my response:

Question: Hey Marc: I’m trying to find ways to make money as an online teacher or instructor. Do you have any ideas, suggestions or recommendations”?

                                                                                                     M.F. Flagstaff AZ

If you want to make money as an online teacher todays column is for you.

You CAN make money in online education.

I taught an online course recently and received $150 for three hours of work. 

Actually, it took a more than three hours of work.  There was some prep work and research. But it was a lot of fun and super easy to do. And I’m still getting traffic to my other ventures.

Online education is growing like wildfire!

Heck…. Online education startup Knewton recently received more than $54 million for rapid expansion. The company customizes educational content to create a personalized learning experience for students, it’s pretty neat.

And the best part is….

There are several ways to grab your share of the online education cash flow. 

This week I’ll focus on becoming an online instructor. But there are many ways to make money in this market.

The first thing people usually say to me is “I’m not qualified”.

That’s what S.E. said to me during lunch last week in Camden Maine.

Steve is a graphic designer. 

He works for a large specialty publisher with print and online products.

Steve’s been honing his craft for more than 20 years. He’s a great teacher.

I sent him links to 9 online instructor opportunities he could look into.

He checked them out and told me two companies are interested in his services.

Customized Education is Fastest Growing Segment on the Internet

The reason online education is growing so fast is money.

But actually it’s the lack of it! 

Here’s what I mean…..

People often weigh the pros and cons of traditional schools versus online or distance education.

There’s nothing to compare when it comes to cost. 

The cost of online education is only a fraction of what you’ll pay to attend a “traditional” school.

Master’s Degree in 14 Months

Online education is changing the way people learn.

The other advantage is speed.

Online education can slash the amount of time it takes to get a degree.

For example, it can take up to four years to earn a Master’s degree at a traditional college or university.

You can earn a Master’s Degree online in as little as 14 months.

No……I’m not talking about a “Cracker Jack Diploma” (the kind you find inside a box of Cracker Jacks). I’m talking about an accredited degree accepted anywhere in the world.

On top of that, traditional schools require students to be in the classroom at specific times every day.

That is one of my beefs with public or government sponsored schools. It seems like a training ground for jobs in the Industrial Age. 

Public schools are like an assembly line. 

Everyone glides into the classroom on a conveyor belt at exactly 7:00 AM. 

The bell rings, and everyone mounts the conveyor belt for the next class.

What happens when a student wants to spend more time in class studying, researching or exploring something exciting?

That’s unacceptable….get on the conveyor belt!

Time and your physical location are irrelevant with online schools.

A student can work at his or her own pace!

My daughter is a sophomore in high school. Yesterday she said, “The teachers are too slow. They’re always repeating things for the kids who don’t understand or don’t want to learn. The teachers spend too much time disciplining kids too”.

We tried to talk our daughter out of going to the public high school.

But the biggest problem at public schools is students are taught as a group, not as individuals. 

There is no customized or personalized learning. It doesn’t fit the government “model” of education.

Granted, some kids go to college for more than education. 

People go to college for camaraderie, the sports, a new adventure and to get away from mom and dad.

And don’t forget the parties! Parents should visit college campuses unannounced to see how their money is spent.

Profit Opportunities!

Traditional colleges and universities are nervous because students prefer the Internet for their education. 

Granted, some colleges and universities have started to embrace the Internet and distance learning.

The cost of a college course today is ridiculous. 

More than 85 percent of the tuition paid to schools goes to tenured professors, administrators, management, overhead, taxes, sports, and fees, etc.

One thing colleges and universities could do is lower the cost of their courses. You would think in the current climate and economy they would do this. 

But no…most colleges are increasing tuition and course fees!

16 Million Students and Climbing!

There were more than 16 million students enrolled in distance and online learning programs in the United States at the end of 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

The demand for online teachers, instructors, and tutors is skyrocketing too, according to Ken White, author of the Online Teaching Guide. 

Help Wanted: Web-Savvy Entrepreneurs and Teachers!

Online education offers exciting opportunities for Web-savvy entrepreneurs and for people who can teach. 

I recently accepted an assignment as a guest instructor for a distance learning program called Understanding Internet Search Engines. I was paid $2,500 for about six hours of work.

It’s true, most colleges and universities have steep academic requirements for online instructors. 

The good news is you dont have to work at top colleges and universities to make money as an online instructor. 

But traditional schools may be an option worth considering.

The way people are learning has changed

The “classroom model” of instruction for the past 300 years is dying a slow painful death.

My neighbor is a retired (tenured) professor from Columbia University. He makes six figures tending his flower beds, playing his banjo and sipping cold Chardonnay. 

But he said, “The days of tenure of coming to a close. The schools can’t afford it any more”.

Thank God his golden parachute is safe!

Anyway, the point is….online and digital instruction is available in the “cloud” now. Cloud computing is here. It simply means the “cloud” or network covers everything.

You can access the “cloud” from anywhere with multiple devices like a netbook, iPhone, iPad, Kindle Fire, Desktop PC, TV, Blackberry or disposable laptops.

Watch how kids teach themselves today….they jump to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or niche forums like Programmers Heaven.

On top of that, online education is intertwined with online gaming… much to the chagrin of “old world” tenured professors and teachers. 

We homeschool our kids. My oldest son was homeschooled until his Junior year in high school. 

He received his high school diploma online, as well as certification in four programming languages. Most of his learning came by way of online gaming! He secured his first paying “gig” online as well.

The 17 online schools with web-based curriculum:

• DeVry University

• University of Phoenix Online

• Walden University

• Capella University

• ITT Tech

• Baker College

• AIU Online

• University Alliance

• The Art Institute Online

• Keiser University eCampus

• Jones International University

• ECPI – College of Technology

• Clayton College of Natural Health

• Everest University

• Boston University

• California Coast University

• Gonzaga University

What the Heck is Distance Learning?

Distance learning gives people the option of earning college credits off-campus, via television, the Internet, satellite classes, web-conferencing, videotapes, DVDs, correspondence courses, and other means.

Today, most major colleges, universities, and technical school have distance or online learning divisions. 

And hundreds of online "virtual" learning centers are being launched every month.

How to Make Money as an Online Instructor

There are basically two ways to make money as an online instructor.

• You can apply for positions or projects at established colleges, universities, and learning centers. To do that, you submit your application to the Human Resources Department (which can usually be done at the schools website).

• You can teach as a freelance instructor. If you decide to go with this approach, you may have to forgo some of the benefits and perks that on staff teachers usually enjoy -- but you will have more freedom and flexibility.

Do I Need Academic Qualifications?

Granted, most conventional colleges and universities require an academic background or qualifications in order to teach online courses. 

But many do not!

I mean yes….you need to be qualified in a particular area in order to teach the subject and GET PAID.

This goes without saying.

But hiring process has changed.

Here’s a funny story…

A friend of mine stumbled upon an advertisement at an online college for an “Internet savvy entrepreneur with bricks and mortar expertise.”

Just for the fun of it I applied. But rather than submit my colorful academic qualifications (which are non-existent because I’m a college reject and drop-out), I submitted a powerful sales letter and a list of my dismal business failures!

But to be fair I included a brief overview of more than 30 business start-ups I launched.

On top of that, rather than submit the information online, I sent it to the appropriate person in a FedEx NextDay letter!

I was retained for the project within three days.

I realize some higher education centers, colleges, and universities require specific academic qualifications, and this doesn’t change with online instruction.

But the fact is you have (or can develop) specialized knowledge and the demand in this area is growing like wildfire!

Some online learning centers and distance learning programs compensate instructors on a "per student" basis. 

For example, the University of Phoenix compensates instructors $40 to $150 per student per course. And there can be anywhere from 5 to 75 students registered for each course. (Course lengths vary, but are generally from one to six weeks.)
 

Let’s do the math . . .
 

If you teach 20 courses a year (two per month, with summers off) with 32 students per course, and you are compensated $80 per student, you would earn $51,200 per year.

But let’s say you’re only willing to teach 10 courses per year, with only 20 students per course, and you only receive $50 per student. Fine – that’s still $10,000 a year doing something you love.

As you can see, this is an exciting opportunity and a great way to make a living (or a nice chunk of extra money).

OnlineLearning.net is another great resource. Youll find links to course catalogs, instructor forums, teaching resources, and job postings. 

More Ways to Make Money as an Online Instructor or Teacher

1. Become an online researcher.

2. Start your own online college, course search engine, or virtual learning center.

Starting an online college could be a substantial undertaking. But people are going online in droves to improve and enhance their education. And as an Internet-savvy entrepreneur, you cant afford to ignore a trend like this.

One way to launch an online college or learning center would be to specialize and target a specific niche. For example, you could start an online college that specializes in network security, encryption science, or Web development.

Another angle might be to create a search engine that provides exclusive "how to" articles like this one: www.howstuffworks.com. You could charge a monthly fee, or micro-payments for specific "how to" articles.

A course search engine also has potential. The idea is to populate a search engine with thousands of online courses from hundreds of colleges, universities, and online learning centers around the world. Students could search for a course by title, keyword, phrase, or popularity. 

This search engine would be free to users. Entering into partnerships with the colleges, universities, and learning centers would generate your revenue. 

You could also offer "enhanced listings and links" to those that want to be featured "foremost" in the search results. It would be similar to the Google AdWords model.

Another angle on this idea would be to purchase these courses in bulk from the individual institutions and then re-sell them to students at a profit. 

Remember, these courses would be stored in a database for easy online access by students.

It’s simply a matter of re-selling information thats already been developed. 

eLearners.com offers more than 6,300 online courses that can also be downloaded.

Now that’s what I’m talking about!

The potential for online and distance learning is substantial.

Online education and distance learning is a hot rising trend and very profitable market.

Regards,

Marc Charles

“The King of Business Opportunities”

Action Plan

The fastest you get started the easier it will be.

So, apply at the University of Phoenix or one of the other online schools or resources I mentioned in today’s issue.

If you Google online education you’ll find tho

Read more »

How Much Do I Make as a Freelance Writer Updated Weekly

2013 note: I put this in draft mode after my laptop fell in the drink, got fixed, then the hard drive went kaput. I kinda lost the will to write for a bit after that. Yes, its nice when you are married and your man has a job. Those of you who write for a LIVING, feel free to throw tomatoes at me now.

This year I finally have Internet at home so there is no stopping me from reaching those financial goals. Lets get there together! I love to hear from you!

Aint no hidin from the IRS for me!

Instead of putting this in the sidebar, its going to be a blog post updated weekly. Remember that some weeks I am not able to work much, what with homeschooling 5 kids and having a husband who is out of town (excuses, excuses). Sometimes I am able to work a lot. Some weeks will reflect that I didnt work much but got many checks in the mail. Thats why I average out the weeks every now and then, since once week looks like Im a rockstar and one week looks like Im a loser.

Lately I havent been working much at all but the checks come in from when I was working hard, so it looks like Im a gazillionaire, but I can assure you I am not. I need to start figuring in when I pay a sitter and deduct that from my earnings. Maybe next year! It isnt that often and hubby is supposed to stop traveling as of August 2012.

TOTAL INCOME FROM 2012 WAS ABOUT $7,000

2012
Week 41 (Starts Oct. 8)
INCOME: $80 RPM check; $125 BlogHer campaigns, $10.02 BlogHer ads, $50 RPM check

Week 40 (starts Oct. 1), 5.5 hours, $47.25/hour
INCOME: $240 Australian parenting magazine, $19.85 ebook
NOTE: Laptop fell in the lake so I was limited this week!

Week 39 (starts Sept. 24), 6 hours, $12.50/hour
INCOME: $75 blogging for regional parenting mag online

Week 38 (starts Sept. 17), 12 hours, $3.83/hour
INCOME: $1 ebook!, $45 reprint check

Week 37 (starts Sept. 10), 6.75 hours/$18.15/hour
INCOME: $23 reprint check, $50 reprint check, $20 reprint check, $29.53 BlogHer ads

Week 36, 7.25 hours/$9.66/hour
INCOME: $30 reprint check, $40 reprint check

Week 35, 8.25 hours, $19.98/hour

Week 34, 10.25 hours, $33.64/hour

Week 33, 6.75 hours, $0.00/hour. Yep, I got NO MONEY this week! All those small-hour weeks have caught up with me. This is going to affect my average for sure. Still, pays better than a lot of jobs, and I get to sit outside and write and watch my kids at the same time. Next week should be better :-)

Week 32, 5.75 hours, $13.04/hour (working on doing giveaways and reviews)

Week 31, 2.75 hours, $32.67/hour

Week 30, 3 hours, $34.95/hour

Week 29, 2.75 hours, $30.85/hour

YTD average of $34.67/hour

YTD 133.75 hours, $4636.45 income

Week 28, 6.50 hours, $23.21/hour (got a sitter!)

Week 27, 1.50 hours, $49.40/hour

Week 26, 1.75 hours, $128.57/hour

Week 25, .50 hours, $149.40/hour

Week 24, .50 hours, $89.70/hour

Week 23, .50 hours, $279.40/hour

Week 22, 1.75 hours, $22.86/hour

Week 21, 2.75 hours, $80.73/hour

Week 20, 4.2 hours, $37.65/hour

Week 19, 2.5 hours, $116/hour

Week 18, 1.5 hours, $-0/hour

(preparing to leave town)

Week 17, 2.5 hours, $44/hour

(husband out of town)

Week 16, 2.25 hours, $15.56/hour

(Contently slowing down, sadly)

Week 15, 2.5 hours, $60/hour

Week 14, 4 hours, $79.21/hour

Week 13, 3.25 hours, $60.59/hour

YTD average of $26.30/hour

Week 12, 3 hours, $18.28/hour

Week 11, 4.25 hours, $28.16/hour

Week 10, 4 hours, $53.46/hour

Week 9, 14.25 hours, $20.11/hour

Week 8, 5.5 hours, $27.27/hour

Week 7, 10.25 hours, $27.71/hour

Week 6, 9.25 hours, $35.14/hour

Week 5, 8 hours, $28.96/hour

Week 4, 6.75 hours, $7.41/hour

Week 3, 8.25 hours, $40.24/hour

Week 2, 8.75 hours, $14.84/hour

Week 1, 10.25 hours, $13.99/hour

2011
Week 52, 11 hours, $13.64/hour