Patience in Payment

Steady jobs provide steady income.  Every 2 weeks or the 15th and 30th of every month, a check arrives.  You can plan and budget pretty easily.  Let's be honest, a freelancers payment lifestyle is not that easy.  It can be one of the drawbacks to the freelance lifestyle, but it doesn't have to be. 

In many cases, freelance jobs will take at least 30 and up to 90 days before you receive payment.  With the average time probably being around 60 days. 

Here's a hypothetical example (note: both the product & company are not real).   The Corporate office of Sassy Sauce has hired a promotional company, Can Do Promotions, to execute events all over the country.  Can Do Promotions, has hired you as a Brand Ambassador in your City.  You work a promotion for Sassy Sauce . After the event, you submit a time sheet to Can Do Promotions, who then sends an invoice to Sassy Sauce.  Once everything has gone through the chain of command in pay roll, Sassy Sauce sends a check to Can Do Promotions, who then sends a check to you!

Since there are so may companies to go through, the process will take some time.  That's why I highly encourage a reserve fund and creating a steady flow of jobs.  Once you get going, there is a cycle.  As long as you are working, you are giving yourself a pay check down the road.  You receive a check today for a job you work 60 days ago, but to you are working a job today you will be paid for in 60 days.  The more jobs and multiple streams of incomes you create, the better off you will be in between paychecks!

So, don't worry if it's been 30 days and you haven't seen the payment yet.  Maybe send a gentle email reminder, but usually, the company you worked with is waiting to get paid as well.  The more you understand the process, the better you can prepare and plan your finances.

Repeat Clients

One of the best ways to make Random Day Job work is to find repeat clients.  Last Friday, Dresscode Clothing received another shipment that needed to be posted to their website.  Lucky for me, they called me again (twice in 2 weeks) to model the new T-shirts.  Afterward, the owner said he would give me a call when the next shipment arrived.  What a great gig!

Why do you want Repeat Clients?  Ideally, the core of any business should include repeat clients where jobs are completed on a weekly, monthly or random basis. Think about it, repeat clients require very little marketing and know exactly what to expect from you because they have hired you before.  Plus, repeat clients can provide a steady flow of income, which is a very good thing for a self-employed freelancer like myself!

How to Create or Keep Repeat Clients.  Obviously, if a client is unhappy the first time, there will not be a next time to work for them.  So, here are a few things to remember:

1. Be On-Time (or even a few minutes early).  If the job takes place on location, don't be late.  Tardiness is a form a disrespect and clients don't appreciate it.  If you are completing a job online, submit the final project by the deadline (if not early).
2. Have a Fantastic Attitude - You are more likely to get hired again if you have a great attitude.  Naturally, people want to work with people who are friendly, respectful and easy to be around.
3. Do what is asked of you - Did you complete all necessary paperwork?  Did you follow the company rules, guidelines and procedures?  Are you wearing the appropriate attire?  Are you familiar with the talking points?  Have you turned in your time sheet or invoice?  Whatever the client expects, have you accurately completed the task?
4. Say Thank-you - Always let your clients know that you appreciate the work.  Also, don't be afraid to let them know it would be a pleasure to work for them again!

I'm flattered to have Dresscode Clothing as a repeat client and I hope to add more repeat clients to my Random Day Job list.  Actually, I have another repeat client starting this week, but more on that later!

***Want more Dress Code?  Click here***

Amazon Gift Card Giveaway Results!!

Congratulations, JESSICA!!! 

You are the winner of the Amazon Gift Card Giveaway with Random Day Job!  Hope you are able to buy some books for your classroom or yourself!! I have emailed you the gift card, so let me know if you have any problems.

Thanks so much for everyone who entered!! 

The Promotion Chronicals

Attention all Brand Ambassadors, Promotional Models and anyone looking to learn more about promotional work!!  My friend Kaiti started a one stop shop blog called The Promotion Chronicals. 

The blog is a fantastic resource for promotional models - how to start, avoiding scams, what to wear and much, much more!!  Make sure to check it out.

Kaiti and I have worked several promotions together including Chegg, ZizZazz and  The Stealth Engage Tour!

Do you know of any good promotional blogs?  I would love to hear about them!

Check Out Cat 'n Mouse Promotions!

Cat 'n Mouse Promotions is an independently owned promotional company in Southern California.  Expect to see fantastic results with an extremely reasonable price!  (Note: Brand Ambassadors, they pay REALLY fast :)

I had the pleasure of working for Cat 'n Mouse on the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism job last month.  If you missed the action, check it out here, here and here.  Today, Cat 'n Mouse was kind enough to feature me and Random Day Job on their website and facebook page!

Let Cat 'n Mouse get the word out!!  Send them some love and "like" their facebook page!!

2 More Casting Websites

Looking for auditions?  Try these two:

Backstage - Search by category (union, non-union, etc.) and east coast, west coast or by state.  Inside Tip - The website gives you basic info, but charges a monthly fee to see the entire breakdown.  I've been able to google almost every audition I was interested in and figure out where to email/submit my information.

Reality Wanted - Ever wanted to appear on Reality TV?  Reality Wanted is the place for you!  It's actually hilarious to browse through the postings.  There are some crazy shows out there!  You will need to set up a profile, but it's free.  Have fun :)

***For more casting websites, click here and here***

$25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

***GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

It's time for another Random Day Job Giveaway!!!  Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

PRIZE: $25 Amazon Gift Card

TO ENTER:  Leave one Comment (1 entry)

Extra Points - "Like" Random Day Job Facebook Page (2 entries) and/or Subscribe to Random Day Job Blog or Emails (2 entries)

BONUS QUESTION: What do you need from Amazon.com?

GIVEAWAY ENDS: Monday, March 28th (Noon EST)

ADDITIONAL INFO: Winner will be selected through Random.org

GOOD LUCK!!!

Four Residual Income Opportunities

For most Americans, losing a job means losing their only stream of income.  Unless a large reserve fund is available, finances will become very stressful, very fast.  Since many Americans don't have a reserve savings account (note: please start one if you haven't already!), the weight of no money coming in will become a quick problem.

This is exactly what happened to several Americans starting in 2008 when our economy tanked.  A large number of lay-offs left many families with no cash.  As a result, they were unable to pay their mortgage and many foreclosures arose in the Real Estate market. 

Lets learn from this lesson.  Do you want to be a slave to your job?  Or would you rather create additional income streams?  Therefore, losing your job would not mean losing your entire income.  Now, that sounds like a good plan!

Residual or passive income is defined by Wikipedia as Income received on a regular basis with little effort required to maintain it.  Basically, residual income takes some work to get established and may require maintenance, but can create an income stream with minimal effort.  There are several ways to gain residual income.  Today, I'll start with four:

1. Real Estate - Have you ever read Cashflow Quadrant?  If not, you really should!  Kiyosaki learns from his "Rich Dad" some very valuable lessons.  One that sticks out in my mind is basically this, how many properties can you own where you owe $100/month for the payment?  Hmm....not many.  How many properties can you afford to own that pay you $100/ month?  Hmm....many!  The basic point, is that investment property can be an excellent source of residual income, but you need the right property.  It will take some work - finding renters, repairs, maintenance, etc.  But, it can also create a way to make some money every month.  Now is still a good time to buy an income property!

2. Commercials/Film - Acting is an excellent way to earn residual income.  On many jobs (usually SAG or AFTRA) you are not only paid for your time, but also the amount of times the commercial or film is aired.  The checks will simply arrive in your mailbox, seriously!  They can be as low as a few dollars and as high as several thousand.  I shot a commercial over 5 years ago that I still receive a residual check from 3-4 times a year.  There was also a movie where I booked a role, but the role was dropped right before shooting.  Regardless, I was under contract, so I reap the benefit of residuals.  I highly suggest an agent if you ever plan to receive residuals from on camera jobs.  Agents will also keep track of non-union jobs with a buy-out.  If the commercial renews, you will receive a renewal payment. (If you are interested in finding a agent, click here)

3. Licensing - Another book to read is Multiple Streams of Income by Robert Allen.  I wrote a review about it here.  Anyway, Allen has a great chapter on licensing.  There is an example of an American man traveling overseas who came across a funny blue character.  He realized the character had not been licensed in the US, so he did and made a FORTUNE on the smurfs!!  Basically, if you license a image, logo, program, etc. you are paid every time it's used.  By granting the rights to your idea, a royalty fee is granted to you in return.  I've never licensed anything, but hope to add it to my residual income portfolio one day. 

4. Tax Lien Certificate - According to Tax Forfeited,  a tax lien certificate is a lien on a property because the owner has not paid property taxes.  If the property taxes are paid by the given time, the tax lien is removed.  But, if the tax is not paid during the allotted time, the government will allow investors to pay the property taxes on the owners behalf.  What's in it for the investor?  Well, for the owner of the tax lien certificate there are two possibilities. First, a return of 5%-36% per year on what the investor paid for the tax lien or through foreclosure the investor becomes the owner of the real estate property free and clear of any lesser liens (tax lien has priority over other liens such as mortgage or mechanic lien).

These are four ways to earn residual income, but there are many more.  Feel free to list a few in the comment section!  I'll follow up with more residual ideas soon.

When Work is Slow

Let's the honest, the life of a freelancer is very unpredictable.  One week, work is extremely busy and job after job seem to appear.  The next week, nothing.  Tension and stress build.  You start to question why freelancing ever seemed like a good idea!

Calm down and take a deep breath.  This is the natural flow of the freelance lifestyle.  Just because you are not booked on a job that day or week does not mean you have nothing to do!  The "slow" times are an opportunity to brainstorm and plant seeds for your business and future job possibilities.

Get Organized.  Take a moment to organize.  After a busy streak, allow yourself the time to complete the post-job duties.  Do you have receipts lying around?  Unpaid or unsent invoices?  Did you write a thank-you note to clients from last month?  Update your database of co-workers or employers.  Update your resume.  Is your profile complete/updated with networking websites?  Are you missing any jobs due to laziness?

Brainstorm.  Take a few minutes to brainstorm about possible job or money making ideas.  How can you grow your business?  Is there a new stream of income you would like to try?  Any new ways to look for upcoming jobs?  All ideas are good ideas during brainstorming sessions.  Write them all down and decide which to pursue later.  This is also a good practice to complete with your contacts, mentors and industry friends if they are willing.

Development.  Hopefully, you are constantly learning.  Now is a great time to take a class, read a book or attend a seminar.  Do some research online.  Who else is doing what your doing?  Take notes from those who have come before you.  Know your competition and learn from their successes and mistakes.  Try to consume yourself in your industry of choice.  The more connected and informed you become, the more you will have to offer your next client.

As a freelancer, you must have a certain level of discipline to find enough work.  I call it the Random Day Job Routine, and you can learn more about it here.  Regardless, be thankful for the down time.  It allows you a chance to think, grow and develop your craft.  You'll be a better freelancer because of it!

DressCode

DressCode is a local clothing store in Tucson that also has a strong online presence.  The boutique's focus is fashion inspired by music.  Therefore, brands like Affliction, David Bowie, Diesel, Tripp NYC, Opeth, Sublime and Yellowcard can all be found in the store.

You've shopped online, right?  Usually, there is a person wearing the items you are interested in purchasing.  I had the pleasure of being that person for DressCode.  I tried on every new arrival and did my best to rock each style!  Lots of super funky, fun t-shirts (soft and long), hoodies, skinny jeans, mini shirts and more!  I definitely felt like a rock star.

Hopefully, DressCode will ask me back.  Regardless, I was happy to sport their new arrivals and work another Random Day Job!  I wonder if other boutiques in town (or maybe in your area) need someone to model the new arrivals?  I bet they do :)

***Want more Dress Code?  Click here***

How to Find a Talent Agent

This question seems to come up often.  Especially since I've been working promotions.  Most promotional models want to get into acting, commercials and print, but are unsure how.  Really, anyone who works a freelance, independent contractor lifestyle interested in acting, should pursue an agent.  It's a great way to add an extra source of income, plus it's really fun!

The level of agency and potential to work have a great deal to do with where you live.  If you are in a small town, there might not be an agency or the local agency is not worth your time.  My current city, Tucson is an example of this.  I wrote about it here in another post.

On the other hand, most larger cities have talent agents.  You might not become an A-Lister movie star, but you can absolutely work in television in many markets.  Atlanta, for example has several reputable agencies (People Store is my personal favorite!).  Regardless, I also know of great agents in Charlotte, Nashville, Birmingham, Orlando and even Greenville, SC.

First of all, make sure the agency is legit.  NEVER pay an agent upfront.  NEVER.  An agent gets paid when you get paid.  Depending on the job, union or non-union, the agency will take between 10-20% of your earnings per job.  This is well worth it, because most jobs you would not know about without the agents help.  They have to be paid, but not until you work, got it?

A great place to find an agent is the Screen Actors Guild Website.  If an agency is affiliated with SAG, then you have a good chance of avoiding a scam in the industry.  The website has a menu by state and will list the agencies in your area.  Make sure to check both Franchised Agents and Non-Franchised Agents.

The submission process may vary from agency to agency, so check each agencies website for details.  More than likely, you will email or mail a headshot and acting resume with a short letter inquiring about representation.  If you don't have a headshot, then send a snapshot from the shoulders up.  If you don't have an acting resume, think about your experience.  Have you taken an acting class? Worked a promotion?  Been an extra?  Anything, anything that might cross over to acting.  If not, explain why you could be a great actor!

Agencies receive many submissions and if they are interested, the will contact you for an interview.  Follow up with a phone call or email, but don't over do it.  If 3 months go by with no response, submit again.  And try to build your resume in the meantime.

If the agency does call for an interview, congratulations!  Bring a copy of your headshot and resume with you.  Also, be prepared for a cold read.  The agent may give you a short script to read while you are there. 

Like a said before, you won't pay an agent to be represented, but there could be some cost involved.  The agency might want you to have an updated headshot and give you a list of approved photographers.  An acting class with a local company may be suggested (not a class that's associated with the agency!).  Also, you will need to print out several 8x10 color photographs to take with you on auditions (remember to save all of your receipts for tax write offs!)

One more thing, pay attention to any paperwork you are asked to sign.  Find out if the agency is exclusive or non-exclusive, meaning can you only be represented by this agency or more than one?  Personally, I don't like to be represented by more than one agency in a market, but regardless, you need to know the agencies rules and regulations.

If you are interested in acting, I highly recommend finding an agent to represent you.  Agents are well connected and will find jobs that no one can find on their own.  Plus, they deal with setting your rate and making sure you are paid fairly for your time and usage. 

If you have any additional questions about find an agent,  please feel free to contact me - greercarlson (at) gmail (dot) com

***Click here for a list of Casting Websites***
***Want more info on acting?  Click here***

The Stealth Experience

This week, I'm booked on a 2 day job to promote the organization at local High Schools.  There's a super cool semi-truck and trailer that travels all over the country.  Wish I could tell you about the organization or the experience inside, but it's top secret.  If I tell you, they might kill me :) 

Regardless, if you see a super stealth bus parked at your local high school, check it out! 

Tucson Team

***Interested in working as a Brand Ambassador?  Click here for more information***

Missing Jobs due to Laziness?

Yesterday, I received an email from a client I worked with 3 years ago, Sagepath, Inc.  It was a virtual tour for Napa Auto Parts, which included both video and voiceover.  When we shot the video, Napa offered 375,000 parts, but now the selection has grown to 420,000.  Therefore, the voiceover needed to be corrected.

With the beauty of technology, I now can record a voiceover from across the country!  I have been meaning to buy a microphone for my laptop for some time now.  But, I've been lazy about it and never did anything.  Now, I have a reason to buy a mic!  Voiceover is something I did from time to time in Atlanta, but with the correct equipment, I could be working in voiceover from anywhere in the country.  Websites like http://www.elance.com/ offer an entire job section to VO.  My laziness in purchasing a microphone is keeping me from booking more jobs!

Thankfully, I wised up and bought a mic from Radio Shack (only $30) and downloaded a free audio program to record, edit and email the final clips.  Now that I have the right equipment, I will be able to apply for more VO jobs.  And hopefully, be able to create another stream of income. 

This makes me think, what else am I being lazy about?  Have you ever been lazy about creating a new job opportunity?  Hopefully, this experience will teach me to be more proactive!

Career Success without a Real Job

Ernie Zelinski, author of Career Success without a Real Job, hasn't had a real job in over 25 years.  Back in the day, Zelinski worked as an Engineer, but hated the firm grip of the corporate world.  With no writing experience, Zelinski left the corporate life to become a writer and speaker.  Though his success started very slow, he has now published 14 books internationally!

I found it interesting that Zelinski had no formal training as a writer.  Most publishers and many critics complained he could not write.  In the beginning, Zelinski self-published his own book.  After a while, the book sales were high enough for publishers to take notice and they began to publish his work.

This guy works 4-5 hours a day.  Never misses a workout and enjoys life to the fullest.  Zelinski is an inspiration that anyone persistent enough can accomplish a dream.  There are several examples through out the book of people who followed in Zelinski's foot steps.

If you are considering leaving the corporate life to pursue your own career or thinking about writing your first book, I would consider Career Success without a Real Job, a valuable read.  

Then and Now

Grandparents are such an incredible gift.  Unfortunately, I lost my last one on Monday morning.  She lived a really long life, 93 years to be exact!  What a legacy of love both she and my grandfather left behind.

Losing someone makes you think and re-evaluate aspects of life.  My grandmother was not concerned with a career.  When my grandfather was off fighting World War II, she taught school, but never had another job once he returned.  Instead, she was concerned with family affairs - having and raising children, caring for parents, cooking dinner, keeping a clean home and socializing with her friends.  This was her purpose and it brought her great joy and contentment.

It's amazing how our societies priorities have changed.  Most women today would not be comfortable without a job before children.  Career goals are now a natural part of our upbringing and culture.  Families are often started later in life because of certain career or financial goals we wish to attain first.  Is one generation better off than the other?

My grandparents went through the depression and valued every dollar.  After a while, they had plenty of money, but they didn't act like it.  My grandmother cut coupons and always bought things on sale.  I can remember her asking me to pick up Starbucks ice cream because Walgreens was having a special!  Even though my grandparents valued every dollar, they were not cheap, instead extremely generous with our family.

One day, if I'm blessed with money, I hope to treat it the way I do now when it's hard to earn a buck!  And maybe I need to take a deeper look inside myself regarding my career expectations.  If I never accomplish the goals I aspire, will I be content and able to accept it?  Why do I put pressure on myself to achieve something?  Is that me or the generational pressure I'm surrounded by?

Taxes

Yesterday, I finally conquered the black cloud that has been looming over me since the end of January.  Tax season is upon us folks and as an independent contractor and freelance lady, this can be a daunting task!! 

Last year, was a wild one for my husband and I.  My Random Day Job count was pretty high.  I was living back in Atlanta, while my husband was first looking for a job and then traveling all over the country to complete training courses for his new job.  The courses were required before we could move and he could start the new job.  It was definitely interesting, but that's the military I suppose (Note: My husband is a Fighter Pilot in the Air Force Reserves).

Anyway, back in Atlanta, I was picking up every job possible!  Here is the list of my jobs from 2010:

K-la - Sales Associate
Nicole Miller - Sales Associate
Keller Williams - Realtor and Realtor Assistant
People Store - Talent Agent in GA
Millie Lewis - Talent Agent in SC

I also worked some additional contract jobs for several companies including Turner Broadcasting, Creative Presence Partners, Redline Staffing, IFM International, Soteria Productions and Circus Chasers.

With so many W-2's, 1099's and Miscellaneous Income, taxes take a bit more effort.

As an Independent Contractor, here's what you need to know about taxes:

Depending on the job, you will have a W-2 or 1099.  Since, 1099 jobs do not deduct federal taxes, I suggest paying taxes quarterly (there was a year that I owed 8K to the government because I did not pay quarterly, trust me that hurt)!   Personally, every time I get a check from 1099 work, I set aside 30% and when quarterly payment time approaches, I simply send a check to the government for the total amount I've set aside.  This is a discipline that has served me very well and I highly recommend it!

You will only receive a 1099 or W-2 from companies that paid you $600 or more.  There were several jobs that I worked in 2010 where I received less than this amount, but I still report the paycheck.  I keep copies of the checks and list them under "Miscellaneous Income."

Also, it's VERY important to save all of your receipts.  I label each receipt used for business whether food, office supplies, clothing for jobs, dry cleaning, postage, parking, tolls etc. and drop them in a box.  During tax time, I can easily organize the receipts and know exactly what I have spent on each and every job. 

A mileage log is also very important.  My calendar is always with me, so that's where I keep my mileage log.  Write down the date, job and how far you traveled.  Mileage is a really good tax write off and you don't want to miss out.

Other expenses including cell phone, fax machine/scanner, office space in your home, gifts to clients, association, membership or website fees etc. can all be tax write offs.  If you spend ANY money that relates to your business, make sure to save the receipt!

My husband and I use Turbo Tax Home Business and it's a fantastic program.  It walks you through every step, so it's very user friendly.  Plus, they will double check and ask about every tax write off, so you won't miss a thing! 

How is your tax filing process coming along?

What do you do?

I hate this question.  Mainly, because I have no idea how I should answer.  Most of the time, people are just being polite and want to get to know me better.  It's a typical, generic question that most people can quickly answer.  It shouldn't be hard.  Not for me, my jobs change all of the time and it's difficult to define.  Sometimes work is really busy, sometimes it's slow.  One day I'm working for one company and the next day it's something new.

As a result, when I'm asked the question, I always feel insecure.  Usually, I'll blabber out the first thing that pops in my head and try to move on to another question.  People are typically looking for a quick response, not a 20 minute monologue of the jobs I've been working on or have worked on the past.

Another question I find difficult to answer - What does your typical day look like?  Typical day...hmm, I have no typical day!  The only consistent factors in my day are walking the dogs, exercising and making dinner.  Other than that, it changes every day!

Maybe next time I should answer like this:

Typical day?  Well, I'm either working on a job or looking for a job.  The jobs can range from local promotions, auditions for on camera jobs, shooting an on camera job, temp work, administrative work, etc.  I keep accurate records of invoices, receipts, mileage logs, payments, etc.  Hours vary with every job.  Rates vary with every job. Work days vary with every job.  Usually, I write on my blog, twitter and random ideas and thoughts in case I can ever gather the courage to put a book together.  I apply with various promotional and tradeshow companies in case they are looking for brand ambassadors in my area.  I contact local production companies to see if they need to hire local talent for any upcoming projects.  I email past clients back east to see if they need my services again.  I read books about entrepreneurship, business and money.  I'm always looking for ways to save money.  I'm always looking for something in my house I no longer need that I can sell.  I clip coupons.  I brainstorm about new ways to make money.  Well, I suppose that is my typical day!

Can you imagine?   The person asking the question would either 1. be asleep or 2. think I'm crazy.

Does anyone else ever struggle with the definition of what you do?  I would love to hear about it!

I'll take the Store Credit!

Every Spring and Fall I vow to organize my closet and sell or donate anything I'm not using.  In the past, I've sold many items on Ebay, but only the top name brands sell well. 

There were a few items in my closet I didn't see myself wearing anymore, but they were still in good condition.  The brands were decent, but not high end enough to sell online.  So, I decided to hit up a shop/sell/trade store in Tucson called Twice-as-Nice (In Atlanta, there is Plato's Closet, most cities have something of the sort).

Anyway, Twice-as-Nice was interested in 2 tops, 2 dresses, 2 necklaces and 3 bracelets of mine.  They offered $10.50 cash or $30 store credit.  To better capitalize on my trade, I took the store credit!  With Spring creeping up, I knew I would want to buy a few items. 

It felt really good to clear out my closet.  Now, I have a little credit for clothes without spending extra cash!

Crush It!

Crush It, written by Wine Library TV  host and entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, is incredibly inspirational.  Anyone looking to grow a business, cash in on a passion or learn more about social media MUST read this book.  I have already read Crush It twice! 

Gary is extremely vivacious and energetic.  He might be the motivation you need to get a new business idea off the ground.  Enthusiasm aside, the quick read is packed full of valuable information to take your business, hobby or passion to the next level.

I believe all bloggers who are interested in growing their audience need to read this book.  Gary may be a business guru and wine expert, but his social media ideas are universally beneficial no matter the industry.

Let Gary give you a crash course in using social media to grow any business.  You will be inspired!