Do you want to promote your book?

Showing posts with label online. Show all posts
Showing posts with label online. Show all posts

Friday, May 21, 2021

Why Freelancers Need to Start a Blog?


Here are Top 5 reasons why freelancers or online workers should start a blog: 

1. INCOME - You can earn from blogging through sponsored posts, ads like Google Adsense, and affiliate marketing. 

2. INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE - It gives you a better insight into the blogging industry. From there you can be creative on what services you can offer as a Virtual Assistant. Currently, I handle reader engagement for an Australian client who's a blogger. I got accepted because I told them I also have a blog and I am familiar and knowledgeable of what they need because I personally do it for my own blog. 

To give you an idea, some of the services that you can offer include content writing, syndication threads (comment exchanges, follow for follow, etc.), backlinking, etc. 



3. PORTFOLIO - If you want to add content writing to your list of services, then your own blog is the perfect portfolio for you to showcase your skill and writing style. When applying for writing jobs, I simply send them the link to my blog.

4. LINKAGE BUILDING AND NETWORKING - Have you seen job posts about blogger outreach and campaign management? Well, it may be handy to have an existing network of bloggers. Luckily, blogging has allowed me to make new online and offline friends. 

5. EXPERIENCE AND PRACTICE - Not yet an expert? Blogging is a multi-faceted activity. It is the perfect place for you to practice not just your writing skills but also your SEO, social media marketing, graphic design and a lot more. It's the best hands-on experience you can ever have to improve your craft. :)

How about you? Can you share what other reasons why freelancers should have a blog? 

Saturday, March 13, 2021

Do you want to be a part of Shopee's Global Leaders Program?

As more Filipinos turn to online platforms for their daily needs, the e-commerce industry continues to take on a greater significance in people’s lives. With the rapid growth of the business sector, there is also an increasing demand for tech talents in the country and globally. According to the Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine internet economy will be worth 28 Billion US dollars by 2025, highlighting the need for the right talent to push this growth forward.

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, nurtures and prepares students and professionals for e-commerce through its various tech training and e-commerce apprenticeship programs, such as the Shopee Global Leaders Program (GLP).


The Shopee Global Leaders Program, launched in 2018, is a 2-year graduate program consisting of four 6-month local and overseas rotations designed for highly enthusiastic and ambitious young Filipino talents. Participants will help drive Shopee’s campaigns and new initiatives by working with local and overseas teams. They will gain eye-opening experiences, regional exposure and contribute to the expansion of Shopee across the region. Participants will be part of a structured learning and development program and receive dedicated mentorship from Shopee leaders.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “As the need for tech talents rises, Shopee will continue to equip future leaders with the proper e-commerce knowledge through different kinds of training and apprenticeships like the Global Leaders Program. We will ramp up our efforts to provide proper mentorship and an immersive learning experience to all participants of this program. As a mentor myself, I have worked with a lot of promising participants and I look forward to working with the next batch of aspiring tech leaders who choose to join this program.”

Who are eligible to join? 
  • Fresh graduates with a good bachelor or master's degree in any discipline with less than 2 years of full-time working experience
  • Quick learner who is resourceful and drive to tackle hard problems in a dynamic environment
  • Self-starter who is determined to lead change and make a real impact
  • Passionate igniter who is relentless in the pursuit of excellence
  • Effective communicator who is clear in putting across thoughts and ideas
  • A leader who can influence people towards the achievement of goals 
Here are some reasons why you shouldn't miss this chance to be part of the Shopee Global Leaders Program (GLP)

  • Very Competitive Salary Package
  • Mentorship and Development
  • Strategic and Regional Exposure
  • Rigorous Training Curriculum
  • Highlighly Impactful and Meaningful Projects
  • Enriching #LifeatShopee Experience
Application is open until March 14, 2021. 

Participants of the Global Leaders Program highlighted how they gained significant professional and personal growth, which will help them excel in their careers in the e-commerce industry.

For Anton, the Global Leaders Program was a vibrant and immersive experience. “Before the pandemic, we were able to go abroad and meet our fellow GLP participants in the other regions and participate in training sessions to hone our leadership skills further. Besides the international training opportunity, I have also been able to work on many impactful projects and initiatives across different departments within Shopee Philippines. Most of all, I appreciate the many mentorship opportunities I’ve had with my Shopee managers,” Anton shared.

Samantha, on the other hand, describes her GLP experience as enriching and packed with learning. “In two years, we get to immerse ourselves in four different teams, which widens our perspectives and pushes us to be more agile as we switch roles every six months. GLP provides opportunities to create impact in the industry and to see Shopee from multiple lenses through different departments, which I believe will help to develop our sense of the industry quite quickly,” Samantha added.

Anton is currently with the program while Samantha just concluded her stint with GLP. Both are now with Shopee as full-time employees. “I consider Shopee as a top choice when it comes to finding a company to join in the e-commerce and digital marketing industry. Many young and bright individuals in the company have exciting and innovative new ideas that make our work fun and interesting,” Anton said.

“Life at Shopee is fast-paced and full of learning opportunities. Shopee fosters a collaborative environment and it is a privilege to work with colleagues who live out our core values,” Samantha added. “If you want an experience that will help you grow both personally and professionally in a holistic manner, Shopee’s Global Leaders Program is the way to go. I think it’s a good and commendable training program for young professionals who want to experience e-commerce fully.”

For more information about the Global Leaders Program, visit https://careers.shopee.ph/GLP

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Quarantined for a year (literally!) and how I spent my 2020

It's official! We haven't gone out of the house (literally!) for a year already as of this day. This is because we believe that the most effective way to keep you safe from the virus is to stay at home and avoid exposure at all costs. Since I am considered high-risk and my mom is a senior citizen, we'd like to take the necessary precautions as much as we could. 

Since I had been working from home, I had the option not to go out of the house. The only adjustments that we need to do were our grocery, bank transactions, and errands. Luckily, companies and stores were able to adjust immediately and now have online services available thus, it was easy for consumers like me to fulfill these responsibilities through the use of technology and mobile apps.

Is this for real?  

When I tell my friends that we REALLY do not leave the house, they have a hard time believing and they keep on asking if I was okay and what it feels like to be stuck at home all the time. To answer this question -- Yes, I am okay and you can say that I am a happy quarantined individual (if there is such a term. LOL!) I have made this decision voluntarily and whole-heartedly and I am grateful to have this choice for me and my family. 

After all, 2020 is an unforgettable year. It was a rollercoaster ride and truly life-changing. However, I don't think it is 100% bad but rather it was a wake-up call to teach us important lessons in life. Being stuck at home, made me realize what truly matters. The safety and health of my family is my top priority. 

It is not a bed of roses

I remember one night during the early days of the lockdown, I was crying as I was just so scared and lost. When I think about our situation, there was no end in sight. I was disappointed and anxious. I had mixed emotions. But then I prayed and thought about what I really wanted for me and my family. Then, I realized that as long as we are safe and healthy and we have our basic needs (food, water, shelter, clothing, air) then we will be okay. I don't have to worry about other things for now. 

These are some of the lines and quotes that I held on to while dealing with this crisis. 

"2020 is not the year of thinking about your dreams or plans, but just to ensure that you stay alive"

"Look for the bare necessities. The simple bare necessities. Forget about your worries and your strife. I mean the bare necessities. That's why a bear can rest at ease. With just the bare necessities of life." - The Jungle Book  

Since I was able to let go of my worries, I became productive again. I was able to channel my energies to something more positive. My life did not stop while I was stuck at home. Instead, it just had another route, and here's how I spent my 2020:

  • Be part of the team behind high-impact online events like the HR Summit Global with 10,000+ participants and World Gratitude Summit with 15,000+ participants from 40+ countries globally. Since live events are not allowed during the pandemic, the conduct of online events was one of the major changes that we had. 
Check out the World Gratitude Summit highlights below. :) 

 

  • Val and I founded Bacolod Food and Supply Sourcesan online community created to help address the needs of our local community during the quarantine. It was a venue where members are encouraged to stay at home and opt for alternative ways (e.g. delivery service to source their needs like groceries, food, and medicine. We also had local sellers and suppliers as members whom we were able to support their business through online transactions. To date, we have over 8,600 members.  
  • I was able to co-author the book, To the First Woman Who Loved Me with Sha Nacino, Bro. Bo Sanchez, Kat Aristorenas, etc. It was a special Mother's Day tribute where I shared a story all about my mom. The book features 42 heartwarming and inspiring stories that will rekindle treasured moments with your mom. 

If you wish to have a printed copy of the book, you may order via this link or if you want  the ebook version, you may order via this link.

 

  • The year also opened up another passion project for us as we launched our official Youtube channel. This time, our Youtube channel will feature DIY tips, tech and gadget reviews, instructional materials, and game streaming. Thus, the content will be slightly different from the blog. Hope you can support us in this too by subscribing to our channel. 
  • We also had a Disney-themed Christmas tree and organized a Christmas Lighting Event. This is going to be one of our family traditions every December 8. 
  • Completed "Simbang Gabi" for the first time where we attended the Manila Cathedral's online mass every 4:30AM for 9 straight days. 
  • Had a Virtual Noche Buena with Family 
  • Started affiliate marketing with Involve Asia and this has been exciting and rewarding. You may read more about it, here.
  • Became part of the support team for the Virtual Speakers Association International, which is one of the top professional speakers' associations globally. 
Of course, It was not all work and serious stuff, I was able to finish a lot of Kdrama series too. (LOL!)

Anyway, why I am sharing this post with you? Well, I hope that no matter how bad the situation is, how things don't go on as planned, or how feeling hopeless we are, we learn to focus on what is truly important to us. All other stuff is a bonus. We don't have to dwell on our problems instead embrace them and face them. I don't mean that we have to stay positive all the time. That's just plain toxic. 

But what I mean is learn to accept your problems and do something about them. If I got so depressed and simply focus on my fear and anxiety, then I wouldn't be productive. I might even end up losing my job because I can't work right anymore. Cry if you have to but make sure that all those tears wash away the pain, worries, and fears. Be strong! This will all shall pass. 

Wishing you the best this 2021. 

Friday, January 22, 2021

10 Work from Home Essentials To Improve Your Productivity this 2021

We’re all finding it a little difficult to swing back into the rhythm at work after the holidays. After all, the current work-from-home setup makes it even trickier—you have to deal with distractions such as an inviting bed, loud neighbors, and clingy pets.

Still struggling to maximize your efficiency at home, even with months of working remotely under your belt? This new year, use a few key products to make working from home a breeze! Check them out below. 


1. Mumuso LED Desk Lamp - Great lighting wakes you up and gets you in the zone—plus it brightens up your face for work video calls. This sleek lamp features three adjustable levels of brightness.


2. Papemelroti Planner - Stay on top of projects and deadlines with a planner. This pocket notebook, which is made of 100% recycled paper, features monthly spreads printed in black and white.

3. Hydro Flask Water Bottle - A tumbler full of your power drink of choice—whether a coffee, smoothie or even just water—will get you through the day. Choose an insulated one to keep your beverage hot or cold for hours.

4. Socone Seat Cushion - You spend most of your day perched on your office chair, so make it as comfortable an experience as possible. This soft, comfortable cushion can be used on the seat or back of your chair.

5. Soundpeats Desk Organizer - A cluttered workspace muddles up your brain. Organize your desk so you can clear your head and work on your deliverables more efficiently. This storage box features a 9-piece pen holder, 3 storage compartments, and a drawer.


6. Akari Extension Cord - 
Got lots of gadgets to charge and only one outlet in your working area? An extension cord is a lifesaver! Choose a product with different sockets, such as this one. It has 3 gang universal sockets, 2 gang multi-purpose sockets, and a 3-meter wire.

7. Lotus Activewear Wrist & Ankle Weights - If you’re finding it difficult to fit workouts into your busy schedule, sneak them in while on the job. With wrist and ankle weights, who’ll ever know? Each pair of this hypoallergenic, antibacterial set weighs 0.5 lbs.

8. Buzzbee Mini LED Speaker - A bluetooth speaker helps you connect with your colleagues better on weekdays, and relax more on weekends. This product boasts of a working range of up to 10m and a working time of 5 hours.

9. Bostanten Blue Light Glasses - Remember to take care of your eyes—you spend more or less eight hours in front of the computer screen for work, after all. Blue light lenses prevent eye strain and aid in better sleep, thanks to a coating that filters harmful light emitted by digital screens. 


10. Plextone Diffuser/Humidifier - 
Enjoying the chilly weather? Don’t forget to use a humidifier to improve air quality in your working space. This also works as a diffuser for all your favorite relaxing scents. Its aesthetically pleasing design would spruce up your desk as well.

Check out more authentic products at the lowest prices on https://shopee.ph

Friday, October 16, 2020

How to apply for a DOST Coursera Scholarship


UPDATE: 75,000 DOST & Coursera Grant licenses are fully filled-up!

After watching the video of Nas Daily a few days ago, I realized that we are in a serious situation because of the pandemic
. We have to be careful for the next couple of years in order to survive. The economic recession is just starting. More and more people are losing their jobs and businesses are continuously shutting down. In reality, some jobs are simply not coming back. 

Nas said that it is important that we must spend our free time on education.  Get a skill that can make money fast. Businesses will hire people with internet skills. People who know how to edit videos, people who know how to run Facebook ads, build websites or create a sales funnel.

Thus, I am happy to share that the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-Caraga) is offering a DOST Coursera grant to all Filipinos nationwide. Yes, even if you are not from the Caraga region, you can still take advantage of this grant. 

If you are not familiar with Coursera, it is an online course provider founded in 2012 that features different courses from top universities like Yale, Michigan, Stanford, and leading companies like Google and IBM.

Normally, these are paid courses but once you qualify for the DOST Coursera grant, you can take these courses absolutely FREE until December 31, 2020.

Some of the courses available are: 
  • Facebook Social Media Marketing
  • What is Data Science
  • Psychological First Aid
  • First Step Korean
  • Fundamentals of Graphic Design
  • Design Thinking for Innovation
  • Fundamentals of Project Planning and Management
  • Supply Chain Logistics
These are self-paced courses which means that you can take them during your free time. So even if you have an 8-5 job, you can still apply. This is also 100% online so you can join from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. 

If you are interested, you can apply here: http://bit.ly/ApplyDOSTCoursera 

Once again, you don't have to pay anything. The only thing we'd like to ask from you is to SHARE THIS POST so, that we can reach more Filipinos and help them acquire the necessary skills to adapt in these current times. The deadline for application is on October 31, 2020. After that, DOST won't be able to accept applicants anymore. 

I have been an online freelancer for more than 5 years and I just feel that my experience is not enough. This is the main reason why I availed of this scholarship grant. We should not stop learning and instead let us invest in ourselves as we continue to grow.

One more thing... Most courses come with a certificate so, this can also help you as if you are building your portfolio and credentials. 

Don't miss this opportunity! Just send your application via this link: http://bit.ly/ApplyDOSTCoursera today. Limited slots only.

Good luck and please comment below if you have sent your application! 

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Online Jobs that you can take using your Mobile Internet

If you want to start your online freelancing career, one of the top requirements is having a stable internet. Ideally, you need to have a DSL or Fiber internet connection from a reliable service provider. 

Here in the Philippines, our major internet service providers are PLDT, Globe, Converge (available in some areas) and Skycable. DSL Plans start at Php 1,299 and is usually bundled with phone service. 



I had no problem with my internet service not until we moved to our new place. When I requested for our internet service to be moved to our new home last year, I was informed that the place was unserviceable. OMG! That is definitely a nightmare for an online worker like me. My biggest concern was "How can I work?" 

Moving to another house was not an option nor renting an office as it will defeat the purpose of me working from home. Our only option was to get mobile internet which I can use through a prepaid wifi modem or the tethering feature of my phone. 

We opted for a prepaid wifi modem however, this limited me with the type of online jobs and projects that I could take. With the unreliable connection, slow internet speed, and data cap, I had to say no to jobs that required me to take calls, make video chats or use a dedicated software or CRM.

On the bright side, I was able to discover a few more jobs and online gigs that's possible with mobile internet, and let me share them with you. 

1. Transcription - Whether it's legal, medical, or general transcription, one can take transcription projects.  Just download the audio file and you can now start working on it using a transcription software like Express Scribe. It does not need an internet connection to work. The only thing you need to do is upload your finished output upon completion. 

2. Blog Commenting/ Syndication Threads Support - If you are someone who's keen to become a Virtual Assistant for Bloggers, then providing syndication threads support is one of the services that you can offer. This usually involves activities such as blog shares, blog commenting, Facebook commenting, Facebook likes, Instagram follow for follows, and a lot more. Actually, you can also complete these tasks using your mobile phone. 

** By the way, if you are a blogger and would like to hire an assistant, I would be happy to help you. Just email me at clarice.mymetrolifestyle@gmail.com  

3. Content Writing - Aside from doing a little research, using the plagiarism checker and Grammarly, you do not really need a fast internet connection to finish a content writing job. Just make sure that you have a way to communicate with your client and submit your completed article. And you're all set. 



4. General Virtual Assistance - As a general VA, the list of tasks is so diverse as you can be assigned to handle the different facets of the business. Just like what I mentioned earlier, as long as you are not required to do calls, video chats and you are not required to upload a lot of files, then you still have a shot of being a VA with your mobile internet. 

Some of the VA tasks that you can handle are email support, scheduling, data entry, and simple research, bookkeeping (as long as you don't use the online version), graphic design,  social media management, etc. 


So, in case you don't have a DSL or Fiber internet connection yet at home, DO NOT LOSE HOPE. There are a lot of online job opportunities that you can consider. Just like Bruce Nauman said, If you really want to do it, You do it. There are no excuses.

P.S. You can make use of this type of internet service to work but once you have to opportunity to upgrade to DSL or Fiber, please do so because having a reliable internet will certainly help you improve your productivity as an online worker. 

I am also happy to share that this 2020 we already have DSL at home. 

How to Withdraw Your Involve Asia Earnings via Bank (Wire Transfer)

Affiliate Marketing is one of the ways to earn online nowadays. If you are not familiar, it is the process of earning a commission by promoting products and services to others and you earn for each sale that you make through your unique affiliate link. 

I have been into affiliate marketing for quite some time but only started with Involve Asia last February 2020. You can read how more about it, here.


I usually get my earnings through Paypal since I thought that the wire transfer option is only available to US and international accounts but luckily I was informed by another IA affiliate that it is actually possible for PH bank accounts too. So, I tried it last October 6 and it was credited last October 13 in my BPI account.  








So, yes! We don't have to wait to reach MYR 400 anymore to be able to withdraw our earnings. 

How can we set up our payment method? 

After logging into your Involve Asia account, go to Account Settings> Payment Settings and you will see this form. Just follow the instructions below. 


















For your SWIFT CODE, you may check with your bank or you can see this list
You will also be asked for a transfer reason, in my case, I placed "affiliate earnings" however feel free to put any reason that you deem fit. 

Will there be any other charges? How much did you get in peso? 

Yes, there will be other charges and deductions. Please note that since we are requesting the funds in USD, thus, this will be subject to the current exchange rate. Most banks also have inward remittance fees. 

For illustration purposes, I used BPI as the recipient bank but other banks are also allowed. You just have to check with them the applicable fees. 



Sample Computation 

Amount Withdrawn from Involve Asia: $74.12

Exchange Rate: ($1 = 48.25)

Converted Amount in PESO: 3,576.29

Less: BPI Service Fee:  150.00

          Documentary Stamps 10.80

Net Pay - 3,415.49

This is also the exact amount credited to my bank account. :) 



What payment method should you use? Paypal or Wire Transfer? 


There are two factors that will help you decide on what payment method to use. If you have reached the minimum payout of MYR 80 but below MYR 400, then you can readily use the wire transfer option. 

However, if you are able to reach the minimum amount for Paypal withdrawals which is MYR 400 then you can consider using Paypal since this will give you a higher payout when you do Involve Asia to Paypal, Paypal to GCASH then GCASH to Bank. 

We specifically mentioned that you use GCASH because you must keep in mind that withdrawing directly from Paypal to your Bank will also have additional charges. :) 

Anyway, that's it for now. We will post tips and ideas on how you can promote your affiliate links soon. Make sure to follow our FB page, www.facebook.com/mymetrolifestyle for updates. 

Do you also want to be an affiliate? You can sign-up here

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Zoom is now available on Upwork

A couple of years ago, I remember I was so confused when a potential client invited me for an interview via Zoom. I was scared and hesitant because of Upwork's policy on Circumvention. 

According to Upwork’s User Agreement, clients and freelancers prohibited from circumventing Upwork during the first two years of their relationship. This means that when a client and freelancer meet on Upwork, they should not conduct their relationship outside of the platform. Any violation will lead to account suspension.

To be safe, freelancers are encouraged to complete all negotiations/ interview inside the platform. After all, Upwork has a messaging, voice, and video calling feature. 

Anyway, we are happy to share that Zoom meetings are now available at Upwork. This just made collaboration easier since a lot of clients really prefer Zoom. 

To use Zoom on Upwork, simply access your Upwork Messages and select "Zoom Meeting" from the call button and a meeting link will initiate in the Messages room. This is available for all Upwork customers and there is no need for your own Zoom account to use it.

You may read full details, here.

Monday, May 25, 2020

Facebook Messenger Rooms is now available in the Philippines

With the lifestyle changes happening due to the pandemic, more and more people are now shifting to work-at-home arrangement and digital platforms. Most of the meetings and webinars are now done online thus, it's no surprise that Facebook comes up with something to address this need.

Thus, after a few weeks of waiting, Messenger Rooms is now available here in the Philippines. This latest feature is a new way to hang out with your friends, employees, teammates or clients on video chat.



Create and share a link, and anyone can join, even if they don't have a Facebook account.



The best part about this is that Messenger Rooms lets you host up to 50 people with no time limits. This is a nice alternative to Zoom's free plan of which has a limit of 40 minutes only.

Just like other video conference app, you also have the ability to share your screen which is important during presentations.

Anyway, since this is relatively new. We'll continue using it for a more comprehensive review. Until then, have fun with the "room."

Here's a quick guide on how to use it:

1. Open the Messenger app.
2. Tap the People tab at the bottom right of the screen.
3. Tap Create a Room, and select the people who you want to join.
4. To share a room with people who don't have a Facebook account, you can share the link with them.

Monday, February 17, 2020

What is Google Digital Garage?

Google Digital Garage is a special Grow with Google Programme that allows individuals to upgrade their digital skills. It features the most in-demand skills that can help you grow your business, start your online career or just discover something new. 




It features 40+ different courses under digital marketing, data and tech, career development categories from different providers such as the Deakin University, Darken School of Business, University of Virginia, University of Auckland, University of Helsinki and online course providers such as Coursera, Skillshop, OpenClassrooms, etc. 

The best part? It's FREE. All you need is just your google account. 

Popular courses in the platform include:  
  • Digital Tools for Everyday Tasks (7 hours) 
  • Search Engine Optimization Fundamentals (13 hours) 
  • Google Cloud Platform Fundamentals (11 hours) 
  • Technical Support Fundamentals (19 hours) 
  • Fundamentals of Graphic Design (14 hours) 
  • Business Writing (13 hours) 


Right now, I am taking the Fundamental Graphic Designs course by the California Institute of the Arts and it covers image-making, typography, composition, working with colors and shapes. I find the course really useful since I can apply the learnings when creating posters for my social media campaigns. 

I also love that the courses include video and transcripts which gives me the flexibility to watch or just read if I don't have earphones with me. 

In case you are busy and do not have the time to commit for a full course, there are also short courses that run for about an hour or so. Some of my favorites include: 
  • Understand the basics of code (1 hour) 
  • Understand the basics of machine learning (1 hour) 
  • How to increase productivity (1 hour)
  • Business Communication (1 hour) 
  • Public Speaking (1 hour) 
If you are starting a career as an online worker or freelancer, Google Digital Garage also have certification programs that you can add to your list of credentials
  • G Suite Certification
  • Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
I highly recommend this free platform because these online courses do not only help you learn something new but it is actually a great way to review what you currently know. As seasoned freelancers, it helps us become more confident with our current skills and it give us an assurance that our knowledge is up to date.  

They also offer a Build a Sales Strategy for your Freelance Business course which will teach you the sales methods that you need in seeking new clients and signing proposals. This covers creation of business proposals, marketing action, prospection files to closing contracts. 


Anyway, if you are interested, just go to https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/. Feel free to share your experience in the comment section below. Happy learning! :) 

Thursday, February 6, 2020

How to Earn instead of Spend in Online Shopping?


Do you love online shopping?

Are you fond of scrolling online marketplaces like Lazada or Shopee during your free time?

Do you want to learn a secret on how you can earn money from your "favorite" hobby?

Let me share with you why I love affiliate marketing. During my free time, I love to check online marketplaces. In fact, I have Lazada, Shopee, Zilingo, Zalora apps installed on my phone.


Honestly, if you won't be mindful you'd be surprised that you have ordered a lot already. (Thanks to Cash on Delivery.) However, despite the temptation, you can't stop shopping online because of the great deals that you can find plus the convenience of having it shipped at home.

Can you imagine getting a new pair of socks, clothes or accessories below Php 10 or sometimes free? Toiletries, cleaning products, milk, diapers at 50% off or more? 32 inch TV for Php 500? YES, it exists. :)

Anyway, I am not encouraging you to shop more. Instead, I'd like to share with you that if you are able to find really good products and good deals online then you can share those and get a commission for every sale using a unique affiliate link.



As an affiliate, it will allow you to use a platform to promote advertisers/ brands and earn commissions for every sale.

This is not limited to bloggers but instead, anyone who has a social media account (FB, IG) can join. You just need to share these deals with your friends, FB groups, etc.

If you are interested to become an affiliate for different brands like Lazada, Zalora, Klook, Metrodeal and many more, you may sign-up via this link: https://invol.co/clktg8

Got any questions? Feel free to comment below.

-------------------------------
UPDATE as of 04/28/20:  I signed up with Involve Asia last February and now, I was able to withdraw my February earnings via Paypal. So, I can say that they're legit. :) 


Once again, if you are interested to become an affiliate for different brands like Lazada, Zalora, Klook, Metrodeal and many more, you may sign-up via this link: https://invol.co/clktg8

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Tips and Tricks on Being an ESL Teacher

by Robbie Jean Lorenzo, Guest Contributor



One of my favorite philosophers once said, “Teaching is the highest form of understanding.” --- I definitely agree.

During one of my English for Freelancers online classes, when I asked my students for their expectations of the course and what they want to achieve, about 15 students said that they want to learn more about being ESL teachers.

I could give a few tips and do a few vlogs. But the best way for me to share about it is to write a post – so here goes.
  
How I became an ESL Teacher
For most of you who do not know my story, I started working at home fulltime in January of 2017. To cut the story short, I resigned from my toxic corporate job bought a laptop on loan, had internet installed in our house, and started looking for online jobs.

It was a really big leap. But this happened to be the start of my journey towards taking charge and full control of my life.

I saw a few ads about working as an online English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher so I gave it a shot and submitted my resume.

A day after sending my application via email (yes, that fast) I received a phone call that also happened to be an initial interview. The interviewer on the other line asked about my background, whether I had teaching experience, whether I was amendable to working from 6pm to 9pm (those are the peak hours) and whether I had a quiet, well-lighted room that I could use in online teaching.

Technical Check, Equipment and Other Specs

All of my answers were affirmative so I moved on to the technical check. Because I bought a new laptop, this part was quite easy. To know more about computer or laptop specs and other technical requirements for ESL opportunities, click here.

I also invested in a Logitech noise-canceling headset, that cost around P2,000. It’s quite pricey, but it turned out to be a great investment. The one I bought is super sturdy. I’ve been using it for recordings and client meetings, and sometimes my kid plays with it like crazy.

Plus, if you’re really planning to make a career in working online as an ESL teacher, you have to have your own headset.
  
Training and Demo

When I passed the technical check, I then moved on to the two-training. The meeting room we used was skype; we were around 10 participants so the line would always get crowded and sometimes would get cut. But it was a really cool experience.

We had a refresher on grammar, pronunciation, our students’ country’s culture, we were briefed on the demographics of our students- everything we need to know about the job was discussed in the training.

Then we got ready for our demo. Although not everyone passes the demo, if you fail, you can practice, try again, and just retake it.

Preparing for the Big Teaching Day

1. Toys and Props

A lot of ESL companies cater to Asians of all ages. The company I worked for catered to as young as 3 years old to as old as 75.

One great challenge that I faced was the inability of young ones to focus on the lesson. After all, they are a bit too young to grasp certain concepts and ideas. However, this shouldn’t be an excuse, and instead, it should be seen as an opportunity to reach out and teach kids English and communication skills.

Even though the module was colorful and made specifically for kids, I, the teacher, needed to reach out and explore other means to catch the student’s attention.

So, I borrowed my daughter’s toys, practiced my puppet voice, and started coming up with characters to help me teach. Later on, I made finger puppets, paper dolls, and other crafts to help kids really learn while having fun.



This not only enabled me to fully teach and let my students understand the lesson, it also got a lot of regular students who repeatedly booked my teaching slot.

2. Brush up on small talk

As I had different students of different ages, I realized that it was harder to establish rapport and start a conversation with adults than with kids. Imagine teaching a 75-year-old male Asian English terms and conversation skills. Not only will you run out of topics to talk about, but you’ll also find it awkward and uncomfortable if you keep asking him how he is or how the weather is.

To avoid uncomfortable situations like this, I started listing down possible small topics. Other than the weather or his predicament, I ask my students:

  • Sports – Do they have a favorite sport, do they watch basketball, who are the teams they love to watch and route for. You can try to find out if they are a sports fan. 
  • Food – If the class is in the morning, ask about what they had for breakfast.
  • Entertainment – This topic is a great conversation starter. It leads to a lot of subtopics and lets you get to know the person more. You can ask, “Do you enjoy watching movies?” If the answer is NO, follow-through by asking, “How about books? Music?”
  • Hobbies – Other than their favorite movie or book, a good topic is something like to for fun. Start by asking, “What's your favorite hobby?" 
 3.  Your best accessory is your smile

A lot of people take for granted the power of one’s smile. Your online presence not only provides the first impression that sometimes lasts a lifetime, but it also says a lot about you – a lot of things that you don’t need to explicitly say. A good smile says that you are approachable, friendly, open and easy to talk to.


 This is very important if you want to establish a good rapport, have a lasting impression, and later on, have regular students.

4. Mind your background

When I started teaching, the walls in our house weren’t painted yet. It was solid and bare gray. It was acceptable during the first two weeks. But a month after, the company asked me to either find a solid painted spot or place a tarpaulin with the company logo as a background. I opted for the latter.

This directive is actually quite practical.

Our goal is to make sure the students focus on what we’re teaching and learn the language. Anything distracting them would hinder our objective in achieving our goal.

We are, therefore, responsible, for everything that the student sees within the four corners of our screen. We need to make sure everything within those corners is tidy and non-distracting. We can do this by recording ourselves to see if anything is amiss.

What to Remember – Tips on Effective Online ESL Teaching

1. Ask Open Ended Questions – When engaging in a conversation with your students, make sure that you ask questions that allow them to explain further. Don’t opt for questions answerable by yes or no. That'll give them more opportunities to express themselves and practice speaking the language.

E.g. instead of asking your student, “Did you have fun today?” you can ask “What is the best thing you have learned today? 
  
2. Be Animated – Another good thing about recording yourself is you get to know yourself better. I have one student in my Freelancing Course who told me in one of our one-on-ones that when she recorded herself and watched the recording, it made her cringe. She didn’t like what she saw.

That reaction is quite normal. This just shows that we really don’t know ourselves that well. It could be a horrible or an interesting experience – it depends on your perspective.

It’s also an opportunity for us to improve our gestures and body language, online and offline.

Because our students won’t see every inch of us, we’ll have the opportunity to control what they see.

Get to know your gestures, where you put your hands, how you move your head and body, your facial expressions… There are a lot of things you’ll find out about yourself by doing this.

3. Always Encourage – Being positive can be contagious. Our job as teachers is not just to teach English, it’s also to believe in our students and push them further to learn the language.

The best teacher is someone who believes in his students.

Make your students feel that they can make it, that it doesn’t have to be perfect, and that every inch of progress no matter how small should be celebrated!

4. Take care of your voice

When I started teaching, there was one thing I always kept losing – my voice.

At that time, I was also singing for our ministry’s choir. I wasn’t really fond of drinking water in between teaching sessions or paying attention to how I breathe and take in air. This resulted in me having hoarse or no voice at all.

Not only was able unable to sing most times, but I was also unable to teach.

Because of this, I had to research further on proper breathing while singing and teaching, I had to drink a lot of water every day, and look up other ways to take care of my voice. It was, after all, my bread and butter.
  
A Noble Profession Indeed

It is with so much joy that I finished every class. It’s very true, teaching is a profession that is a mother of all other occupations. May it be teaching young students, professionals or people at the prime of their lives, nothing can give so much fulfillment than knowing that I was able to help out another person learn English and understand another language.