Networking for the bashful and homebound

I know there are a lot of types of disabilities.  Between physical and emotional disabilities some of us are homebound, and others can get out.  What if your disability holds you back; prevents you from effectively communicating with others?We can thank the Internet for putting the bashful on equal grounds as the brash!  There are a number of ways that most all of you know about already.  I’ll cover a few today, and next week I’ll tell you how to promote yourself online. 

The most popular is the Blog, like this one.  It is a frequent record of what you’ve been up to, or what you’re interested in.  I use http://wordpress.com but there are others like Blogspot and Blogger. 

Blogs can be a lot of work. Many people like to update theirs several times a week. When you update yours frequently it will perform better on search engines.  Unfortunately I am typically very busy promoting JobGenie and I am also writing a novel, so that only allows enough time to blog once a week.  I wish I could do a lot more.

It is easy to spread your blog because you just have to go to other blogs and post comments with your own blog address in the signature.

Next, let’s talk about Twitter.  http://twitter.com  It is like a blog, but it’s in real time.  You can instant message with others all day long.  Ask questions.  Chat.  Discuss ideas.  Network.  Lots of things to write about. If you’re not much of a listener Twitter is for you.  It’s mostly reporting and not a lot of listening.

Then of course there are the Social networks, like MySpace, LinkedIn, and of course FaceBook which I hope you all know because of our application: http://apps.facebook.com/jobgenie  We are still building it, but keep visiting!  You can find groups in  social networks with interests similar to yours. I joined MySpace and joined a number of handicapped groups.  Make some posts and become known.  Like FaceBook and LinkedIn everyone gets a home page.  Mine is http://myspace.com/jobgenie  Please feel free to make as many posts as you want. 

There’s also Del.icio.us  which is a place where you share links with others.  Sometimes it’s hard to think of things to write about, especially if you’re not much for conversation.  http://del.icio.us allows you to share with others the sites you find most interesting.  That should get the talkative juices of others flowing! 

  

Until next week.  Remember to visit http://apps.facebook.com/jobgenie Once we are fully up and running we hope to list lots of jobs for the handicapped.

Mixaloo helps create income for the homebound

If you like music, here is a way to earn money, especially if you’re disabled and typically not able to get out.  The newest music site on the net is http://mixaloo.com  They say “Mix” “Share” and “Earn.”  That simple. 

First you create your playlist.  Mixaloo has over three million songs to choose from.  There’s tunes for every taste.  Mixaloo’s “track picker” allows one to find tracks by artist, album, or the title of the song.  Once you have your playlist worked out you can easily arrange it any way you like.  Like NAPSTA, while you’re picking out songs, Mixaloo makes suggestions of music along the tastes you show in your choices.  You can have up to 15 tracks per mix.

The next step is to share your mix with the world.  After you decide on the songs on your mix, you can customize your musical widget by choosing colors and backgrounds.  Now you’re ready to share it with the world and Mixaloo is there to help.  Share it with your friends.  Promote your mix by posting it on social networking sites like MySpace and FaceBook.   There is even a “promote” feature.  It is a button anyone can use who has listened to your mix.  They just click on it and they too can spread the word. 

Now is the fun part.  You can make money.  When one of your lucky listeners like your mix, they can not only put the mixes on their own sites, but they can also download the songs to their own computer.  They buy…you get paid!  Once you reach a modest amount, Mixaloo pays you monthly through PayPal.  On top of that you also earn points good for Mixaloo merchandise like shirts, mugs, etc. 

What better way to earn money, huh?  Listen to your favorite tracks and get paid.  Not bad. 

That’s it for this week.  Remember, is you want to look for a regular job, visit out site http://apps.facebook.com/jobgenie now available in beta for all of you early adopters     

Like kids? Try a daycare center

I know this isn’t for everyone.  Many of you may be restricted in some way because of your disabilities.  But for those who can put little Johnnie in time-out this may be for you.  If you have a nurturing, caring spirit you’re a good fit.

I won’t kid you.  It’ll take some money to start.  About $500 to a few thousand depending on what degree of remodeling and equipment you want to use, if you plan to do it out of your home or apartment.  And if you plan to rent space or buy some place outright, the sky’s the limit – too rich for my blood.

The basic things you’ll need is money enough for licensing fees, CPR and first aid training and first aid kit, mats for napping, booster seats and highchairs, insurance, and fun stuff like computer software, books, toys, and learning materials.

Of course you can get as many items as your budget will alloy.  You could also buy arts & crafts stuff, antibacterial wipes, disposable gloves, kid-sized tables and chairs, Music equipment lint CD players and instruments, disposable diapers and a sanitary place to put used ones, costumes for plays and fun, and fenced in out door play space.

Here’s the basics you will need to start,

1) PERMITS: certifications, business licenses, fire safety certifications

2) INSURANCE: here is where you don’t want to skimp.  The US is a litigious society where people sue for pointless reasons.  If sweet, petite  Nancy falls and sprains her wrist, you can almost count on being sued by her parents.  It’s unfortunate, but that is how our society operates.  So…plan for a lot of insurance, but shop around

3) LASTLY, EQUIPMENT: As I mentioned above there are some basic things you will need and plenty of other enhancements you can get.

Well, that’s it for this week. Next time we will discuss another business suited for the handicapped.  Don’t forget, if you’re looking for a regular job visit our site http://jobgenie.facebook.com  Here’s to your success! 

So you like research? How about being a genealogist

If you are able to use a computer (which obviously you are or you wouldn’t be here) you can do genealogy.  Google “become a genealiist” and see what comes up.  You can get certified.  You can take courses online.  Some societies offer seminars that you can attend (if you are able to get out).  There are college ccourses online.  Many colleges, which are handicapped friendly, offer courses that last between a few hours to a few weeks.  I live in Boston, and I just read in the Globe that Boston University will be offering a certificate course this spring (2008)  in genealogy.

 You can research your family or do it professionally for others.  If you need (want) at home work, that is a good way to go.  You will be abled to help others learn about their family history which has a fairly large increased interest these days.  People are busy and don’t have the time to research but they want to know.  What more perfect of a profession than to sit home and play on the computer all day!  Ideal for those who are stuck there and have a desire to get off of SSDI.  Then you can say thank you to the government and move on with your life. 

For the lions’ share of my blog I will consentrate on these types of stay at home jobs.  Happy researching!