The Dos and Donts of DIY Patents

The Dos and Donts of DIY Patents The Dos and Donts of DIY Patents Entrepreneurs hoping to prosecute a kapitnskapitnspatent on a tight budget often seek low- or no-cost alternatives to a patent attorneys typical $6000 to $20,000 bill. They have many options.Books, software and other patent-it-yourself guides may seem adequate to help an engineer prepare, file and prosecute a patent on his or her own. After all, most patent attorneys were once engineers, so its reasonable to assume that a bright engineer could go it alone.The devil, of course, is in the details. In most cases, a patent prosecutor must have both technical and legal credentials, whether its an attorney or an engineer trying to do it independently. Errors, omissions and other laymans gaffes can and have been judged in federal court to be a breach of the candor, good faith and honesty required in the patent process.The Value of ClaimsThis is not to say that all DIY patent resources are without value. David Pressmans Pate nt it Yourself, for example, gives practical advice while also spelling out the risks and responsibilities of going it alone. But even in the case of the best of books, a little knowledge can become a dangerous thing. Not all patents are alike.An engineer might rightly say that an uninitiated person could not do as good a job of drafting the sections of the patent application dealing with the state of the species and its limitations, the inventions specifications, or the technical renderings. But, oddly enough, those are not the most important parts of a patent. The critical part is clear at the end of the document the claims section.The patent claims section is where the action is from a legal standpoint. The Patent Office focuses on the claims when determining if an invention is sufficiently novel. The courts review the claims section in deciding issues of validity or infringement. Potential licensees look at claims when deciding whether the rights are worthy paying for. Competito rs look at the claims when deciding whether to enter the market with something similar.Patent claims are all-important, and as a hybrid of technical and legal language are extremely difficult to craft. It is an art mastered only after a great deal of experience, and only with a continuous monitoring of the ever-changing landscape of patent law. Experience in writing patent claims is a key difference between a good patent attorney and a DIY engineer.Learn to Speak LegaleseIn patent law, no hair is too thin for some judges to split. Even words like and and or must be used with utmost precision, as a judge will take them quite literally.Veteran patent attorneys are probably the only people who read the case law and continue to improve their claim-drafting and patent-writing skills. A novice, even a novice patent attorney, simply cannot be trusted to claim a new concept in a way that provides real value.Pitfall PotentialOnce the patent application is filed, the potential for pitfalls does not diminish. Its not just the claims that are cause for concern by the would-be do-it-yourselfer, its the whole patent application and anything said or done during its prosecution. Applicants must do all of the following or risk failureDisclose all prior patents they know aboutInform the patent office of any lawsuits involving other of their patentsReveal any other relevant contracts or license agreements that may have a bearing on the applicationEven a slight amendment to a patent application claim made, for example, after a Patent Office examiner uncovers prior patents disclosing similar ideas, can result in the inability to assert the claim against a close knock-off of the patented technology.Adapted from DIY Patent, by Kirk Teska, Law Firm of Iandiorio Teska and Suffolk University Law School, for Mechanical Engineering, May 2008.Experience in writing patent claims is a key difference between a good patent attorney and a DIY engineer.

5 Smart Ways College Students Can Display Career Conviction

5 Smart Ways College Students Can Display Career Conviction5 Smart Ways College Students Can Display Career ConvictionHiring is about minimizing risk. An employer is reviewing candidates to determine who is the least risky hire and will result in the best return on his hiring investment. Seasoned professionals can convey that they are great investments through their related previous work experience, providing references that can attest to their commitment to their field, listing accomplishments that are applicable to a new opportunity and in general showing a track record of their interest and success in a potential field. For the college student and new graduate who has minimal work experience, the options to anzeigegert that they will be a secure, long-term hire are limited. One of the best ways to mitigate this risk for an employer is to demonstrate passion in your field of choice. Here are five ways to convey your conviction1. Study what you want to pursue. At times, some employe rs will hire entry-level professionals whose degrees were not directly tied to the field of work. To better your chances of making that jump, take a class or two that relates to your target position. It could be an online course regarding software that is prevalent in that industry or a public speaking class if you want to pursue sales opportunities. Taking relevant courses demonstrates that you have thought through a potential career enough to recognize what might be relevant and that you actually took the time to pursue that knowledge. To an employer, this shows that you can identify an opportunity and take advantage of it.2. Take on projects that expand your hands-on experience. Most courses have projects or extra assignments that can further a students classroom education beyond the books. Volunteer for these. At its best, these opportunities enable you to develop rapport with your instructor, deepen the relationship with teammates and provide a mora three-dimensional applicatio n of theoretical instruction. To an employer, these extra achievements display a commitment to self-development and higher standards.3. Join a group. Campuses and communities are filled with groups and associations that meet to further their knowledge on subjects ranging from marketing, social media, biomedical engineering, technology, sales strategies, fundraising, project management and more. Savvy employers know that students and new graduates who are passionate enough about a profession to spend time in the evenings or weekends learning more about it make driven employees. Your involvement clearly demonstrates that you want more than the average job seeker and that you are willing to use your time accordingly. Employers want those skills in their workplace.4. Volunteer. We all realize that people dont get paid to volunteer. So, why do they give their time to do so? Volunteers are typically passionate about an idea or cause and want to find a way to make a positive impact. They m ay also enjoy being in the company of other like-minded peers. Furthermore, they may recognize the additional benefits of learning new skills, expanding their perspective and creating the networks that often result from volunteer work. Regardless of what is the motivation, volunteer work pays dividends emotionally, socially and professionally. Research supports that employers frequently factor in volunteer experience when hiring. Taking the time to help the cause goes a long way to establishing your ability to commit and contribute.5. Intern. The best way to minimize an employers risk is to show that you have pursued and succeeded in internships that are similar to his or her career position. It does not matter if the role is paid or unpaid, the value comes from actually doing work that is similar to or a direct segue into a targeted profession. In an internship, students and entry-level candidates have an opportunity to learn critical business skills as well as gain valuable exposu re to office protocol, professional etiquette and rules of the road for interacting with colleagues of all levels. The mistakes made and lessons learned while interning give entry-level job seekers the extra confidence and relevant examples that make the difference when interviewing for a career role.In short, when a candidate who has held a similar role to the one for which he is applying says yes to a career, the employer recognizes that it is a more meaningful yes. The experienced applicant has a deeper understanding of the position and the world of work. Any first-hand knowledge and a track record of educational and extracurricular involvement, makes an unbeatable combination when interviewing.A passionate investment in your future is very desirable to an employer. Whether you take advantage of all five opportunities listed above or only have time to add one, youre giving yourself a key advantage in the hiring process. The best way to ask an employer to invest in your career is to invest in your future first.Robin Reshwan is the founder of Collegial Services, a consulting/staffing firm that connects college students, recent graduates and the organizations that hire them and a certified Womens Business Enterprise (WBE). She has interviewed, placed and hired thousands of people across a broad spectrum of companies and industries. Her career tips and advice are used by universities, national clubs/associations and businesses. A Certified Professional Rsum Writer, Robin has been honored as a Professional Business Woman of the Year by the American Business Womens Association. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and as a Regents Scholar from University of California, Davis.

Office jargon may be getting out of hand and it could hurt you

Office jargon may be getting out of hand and it could hurt youOffice jargon may be getting out of hand and it could hurt youConfused unintelligible language. Obscure and often pretentious language marked by circumlocutions and long words. A literary device Aliya used to reach essay word counts in high school. These are just a few ways that Websters Dictionary defines jargon.But what exactly is office jargon? Not only are dictionary definitions the cop out of writing introductions, they are also inadequate descriptors when trying to fully grasp the beauty and magic of office jargon. Thats why I took it upon myself as the keeper ofCareer Contessas Instagramto reach out to you, ur readers, to hear what you have to say about yur favorite or most frustrating office catchstichworts.So without further ado, here are some of my favorite submissions- phrases that had me saying, Will coworkers notice if I start using this all the time? or, That persons office culture seems interesting. and eve n, I just cant. Im taking the rest of the day off.Lets take this offlineSubmitted byMiranda Grueiro, Continuous Improvement Leader, andKirby McLaine, Digital StrategistWhat Does It Mean?This is one of the more common phrases heard round offices across America. It means, the thing we are talking about right now has gone off topic. A courteous way to say, lets move on. Perhaps Mirandas definition is a little more straightforward Lets shut up and talk about it later with only the people we need to. K. Thnx.Whats to Love/Hate?This phrase saves time in a meeting when someone goes off topic. It can also carry a little sass. But as Kirby mentioned, when used face-to-face, the offline reference becomes pretty strange. How do you take something offline, when you werent online to begin with?When Is It Appropriate to Use This Phrase?Use when the conversation has drifted for more than a minute, and others in the team are disengaging.Theres lots of fur flyingSubmitted byLulu Says, Freelance Writ er/Content ProviderWhat Does It Mean?I had definitely never heard this one before. Turns out itdoesntmean, I accidentally let out the flying squirrels that we weirdly keep in our office. Itactuallymeans, theres a lot going on right now or things are getting hectic.Whats to Hate?Lulus train of thought was similar to mine. She dislikes this phrase because of the horrible imagery. She cant help but visualize someone juggling hamsters- which is probably not the best mindset to be in when things are hectic around the office. Wheres Lulu? The deadline is coming up Please dont tell me shes thinking about hamsters again.When Is It Appropriate to Use This Phrase?From Lulu Never. Ever. Dont do it. Unless its faux fur. And even then, no. Put the hamsters downFUSubmitted by Anonymous, Executive AssistantWhat Does It Mean?This was one of those phrases that really just seemed to be specific to this submitters office. FU is short for the phrase that we wereallthinking, follow up.Whats to Hate?Ill let the submitter take this one 1. FU does not mean follow up. I think we can all agree on that. 2. Theres often talk about the youngest generations in the workforce (specifically, millennials) ruining communication. There are complaints that we cant write in full sentences or with proper grammar. In my experience, were not the guilty party. I work in a generationally diverse department, and no Millennials are using FU, thx, or c u later in emails.When Is It Appropriate to Use This Phrase?I really dont feel like theres ever an appropriate time to have a public FU block on your calendar. Also, getting an email that says I wanted to FU with you about Mondays meeting is a little jarring.Pull the leverSubmitted byJasmine, Supply Chain AnalystWhat Does It Mean?Pull the lever means to go forward with a project, to initiate a task, or to finally make a decision on something.Whats to Love?From Jasmine I love it when a task is expected and I am ready to execute. I hate it when my team is a ssessing risks and we have to make a decision. Then it feels like Yzma from The Emperors New Groove is pressuring me to PULL THE LEVER KRONK, and I might fall into a pit.When Is It Appropriate to Use This Phrase?You can use this phrase when you want to signal that its time to move forward. Or like Jasmine said, when its clear that a path of action needs to be made.SlickSubmitted byAllison Cherry, Marketing ManagerWhat Does It Mean?This also seems to be one of those unique-to-their-office phrases. At least, it was new to me. Heres what Allison had to say I often hear colleagues outside my business unit (absatzwirtschaft) call brochures and sales sheets a slick. Its their way to define a piece that has been formatted into branded design layout with relevant product/service information.Whats to Hate?From Allison I despise slick because it truly has no meaning within marketing. Its not jargon marketing experts use. Its something those who work outside marketing have decided is a fun, ho t phrase for marketing. Slick is an adjective, not a noun. Stop making up your own words and call what youre talking about a brochure or sales sheet. Insert extreme eye roll.When Is It Appropriate to Use This Phrase?In Allisons opinion, the appropriate time to use this phrase is never.Mea CulpaSubmitted byTessa Nicolas Arias, Interpreter/TranslatorWhat Does It Mean?Mea culpa is the Latin way to say, my bad. Because we all know that Latin is the most relevant way to speak in 2018.Whats to Hate?This phrase frustrates Tessa because the way she sees it, people will get the point when you apologize for something being your own fault in English, no need to involve Latin. If theres a simpler way to phrase it, by all means, do it. It seems like this can be applied to most office jargon.When Is It Appropriate to Use This Phrase?From what I gathered, the most appropriate time to use this phrase is when you are taking the blame for something, but maybe you also want to slightly throw off your coworker. What were we talking about? You made a mistake? All I remember is that you speak Latin and that makes you interesting and cool, Aliya.TLDRSubmitted byJennifer Goebel, Regional Operations ManagerWhat Does It Mean?TLDR means Too long didnt read. It signifies that whatever is written is too lengthy and the reader did not invest the time to read it. As Jennifer defines it, TLDR is a thoughtful SparkNotes version of your email.Whats to Love?TLDR sums it all up. Its all of the best/most importantinformation, packaged into a one or two sentence, Ill-take-the-time-to-read-this gift. Jennifer put it best In a world where your inbox overfloweth with information TLDR is our saving grace. Blessed be to TLDR.When Is It Appropriate to Use This Phrase?TLDR Use this phrase when you need to make long things short.Double ClickSubmitted byReggie Hanson, Customer Success ManagerWhat Does It Mean?To ersatzdarsteller click means to dive deeper into a subject. Zooming in or unpacking a topic as one would on the computer.Whats to Hate?Personally, I semi-ironically love this phrase because I had never heard it before. This just seems like a phrase that someone would make up if they were asked to come up with some fake office jargon. For Reggie, its the opposite. He dislikes this phrase because its overused. Many of these types of phrases are the equivalent of short guys buying giant trucks and just trying to elevate a conversation.When Is It Appropriate to Use This Phrase?When you are trying to double click an icon on your computer. Loud and clear, Reggie.Thank you for making it this far into the articleSo there you have it. A few of my favorite office jargon submissions.To be honest, there was only one or two of these that I had heard of before. After lets take this offline, it took a hard turn into the obscure and never circledback.Nonetheless, I hope you learned something today. I knowImlooking forward to using these incessantly around the Career Contessa office. And Ill keep you updated on whether I still have my job next weekThis article was originally published on Career Contessa.

5 Free Resume Templates You Never Knew You Had

5 Free Resume Templates You Never Knew You Had5 Free Resume Templates You Never Knew You Had Creating a resume from scratch can be a pain, particularly when you have limited konzeption experience and your resume doesnt extend beyond Times New Roman 1-inch margins in terms of flair.You want your resume to appear professional, but you also dont need it to look exactly the same as every other resume in the stack.Fortunately, you dont need to attempt any tricks you learned in a Photoshop 101 class to create a sleek and attention-grabbing resume.Google Docs offers five templates with impressive design elements to help you portray a level of professionalism and originality in your resume. Even if you have the design all set, these templates provide formatting inspiration and fill-in-the-blank sections to ensure you dont forget critical information, like your address or prior awards.Take a look at these five Google Doc resume templates to choose one best suited for your desired role, or to get some inspiration before designing your own.The Swiss resume template is mostly traditional in style, but the color and bold lines make it appear more modern and impressive. The dark lines above and below each segment organize your sections effectively, and the small lines above each section title add some unique style. The simple color, right below your name, suggests youre someone who pays attention to detail. This template is a solid option if you need a resume for a conservative role but also want to showcase some personality .The colors used for each headline, and the two parallel columns with plenty of white space in between, suggest that youre someone whos organized and creative. This resume template is a good option for high school or recent college graduates with less work experience , since the template provides categories to showcase accolades and accomplishments outside the workplace.The color used in the coral template isnt overbearing or immat ure, but still spices up an otherwise basic resume. The formatting, with all the information left-indented in one column, looks clean and straightforward. This option is ideal if youre applying for a corporate job but still want to seem fresh and unique.With the bold green line at the top of the page, this template conveys someone whos spirited and artistic. The consistency of the title colors is appealing and polished. Spearmint is a fantastic option for anyone whos applying for a creative role, such as a web designer or creative director .Youll only want to choose the statement-making Modern Writer as your template if youve got a good reason for it - for instance, if youre applying for a web developer role, the font (which looks a bit like code) makes sense. The bold pink and Source Code Pro font are less ideal for a traditional role, but Modern Writer is a good option if youre applying for a role that applauds uniqueness.To view all Google Docs Templates, visit https//docs. google.com/templatesThis article welches originally published on HubSpot . It is reprinted with permission.

Babysitting Resume - Overview

Babysitting Resume - Overview Composing a completely Free Professional Resume Examples are sometimes a large huge discomfort Approaches for creating a Resume for Your firsttime you are able to locate a lot of websites on the current market that are very likely to supply you restart writing hints and ideas about how to compose a resume. Looking at examples will be able to help you make a decision as to what type of content you should include, in addition to how to format your resume. Techniques for creating a Resume for Your firsttime you are able to find a great deal of sites out there which are very likely to supply you restart writing hints and suggestions on how to make a resume. A resume builder can be very valuable for everybody whos sense overcome by the work application procedure. The most important thing about applications, however, is they are a whole lot more focused on what exactly the employer is trying to find. Getting certified in something new is a remarkable means to prove that you have learned it well and are prepared to implement it. Finding more about a little business is simply another amazing ways to figure the manner to tailor your own titel letter. Use measurable results to illustrate what youve done. Both allow you to make date or functional resumes. Make certain all contact information is accurate. Presenting the ideal contact information at the surface of your babysitter resume allows interested clients to easily get in touch with you to schedule an interview. Learning CPR for infants and kids is also a valuable asset to improve your resume. The aim of your resume is to make it simpler for parents to hire you. You must find strategies to keep the children entertained. Make certain you contact all parents for whom you babysat and request a reference. Life After Babysitting Resume Applicants for babysitting positions sometimes make the error of including irrelevant sides of their prior experience on their resume. The babysitting job is often as delicate as every other position, which means that you could lose that position if you dont sit up. As the occupation could involve increased income or a bigger name, it genuinely is critical that you show up and do that occupation daily. As it may involve more a greater title, it really is essential for you to show up and do that occupation every day. Follow up to figure out the status of jobs youve already interviewed for. You can down load and use and be provided a work readily. Furthermore, you can look for tutor jobs on Monster. Many entry-level jobs do not demand a resume. Life After Babysitting Resume Therefore, its imperative you know the perfect arrangement of the correspondence before you begin creating one. Its rather important to know the sort of resumes preferred by establishment that you would like to work with. To be sure that your correspondence sounds true, you have to emphasize you know the demand for the usage of the tas k reference in the application form therapy. A character reference correspondence must be composed attentively. Want to Know More About Babysitting Resume? Your resume should quickly persuade the prospective employer that youre a great candidate for the nanny job and the most suitable person to manage their children. In the veranstaltung you had been requested to draft a reference letter with a person, be confident that its an obligation which really ought to be fulfilled in the proper fashion. Ultimately, bear in mind that your resume cover letter could grow to be a superb tool which will allow you to have the acceptable small small business advisor job. In a feeling, it can be considered a crucial letter to the individual youre speaking about. Life After Babysitting Resume The secret to being a thriving babysitter is to maintain the children protected and amused in ways that have to be other than watching TV or movies. Taking care of a kid is an extremely hard job and is not readily entrusted to someone. All that info can help fortify your resume so you stand out to families seeking to hire. Your child has become the most important thing in your world. Introducing Babysitting Resume You will be regarded as a great babysitter with good communication abilities. The ages of babysitters can vary from 11-19 decades. You could also share extra babysitter skills you know. So, you must maintain competence in your position so that youre able to stay long employed as a babysitter.

Nurse Resume Services Tips & Guide

Nurse Resume Services Tips & Guide Nurse Resume Services the Ultimate Convenience A professional LinkedIn resume writer will grant you access to different job opportunities that is able to help you construct your career. An actual professional can help you create the suitable portfolio that may enable you to get the job that youve always dreamt of. Regardless of the healthcare sector is just one of the quickest evolving one judging from the previous 20 years its still a competitive job marketplace. Nursing is a distinctive field wherever your professional and individual skills can save somebodys life. The Advantages of Nurse Resume Services There is a good deal of terrific information there about what you must have on your trip nursing resume. Neither does this draw any offers. Resume services often provide an entire package strategy to resume writing. Nurse Resume Services for Dummies Obviously, whenever youre looking for a resume service, dont neglect to follow your g ut. Our services wont only demonstrate your value as an employee to prospective organizations, theyll also convince you of your very own expert worth. Our customer service will also be available to assist you, over the telephone, by e-mail or via the desktop. The service of Resumarea is supplied to clients at an affordable price that matches the significance of your self-presentation. Type of Nurse Resume Services To compose the CV for nurse isnt a bit of cake in plus-rechnen to the job itself. If youre an ICU nurse or NICU nurse, then you most likely have a great deal of experience. So consider hiring nurse resume services which will help you to get the wanted outcome. Finding jobs as a registered nurse requires a mixture of the proper mindset and a particular set of job seeking skills. When you register for our services, you are going to be able to browse several nursing resume examples. There are different kinds of health nurse and youll have to demonstrate your abilit ies and knowledge fit the bill. If youre looking for a mundane and cookie-cutter nursing resume, sure, you can come across lower-priced services. The ideal expert nursing resume can be created solely by the professional, the particular person who knows the way to write and what healthcare business is searching for in potential employees. The New Fuss About Nurse Resume Services With a good work experience and obtained professional abilities, it appears quite simple to get a new job position. Longer resumes are acceptable in instances where there are a number of fields requiring different abilities and duties although you still must be concise and select what you feel are the most crucial details for the work opening. Basically, writing skills really make a difference in the way you encounter. Resume writing is the main step in presenting your abilities and receiving the job that you desire.

How can pay transparency make a difference for women

How can pay transparency make a difference for womenHow can pay transparency make a difference for womenIts well known that women still deal with apay gap relative to men. But some employers are moving toward addressing the issue a new way by opening the payroll books.Gwen Moran atFast Companywrites, There are many reasons that we should be more open about moneyearning it, spending it, and managing it.And while employers may be afraid of tough conversations as a result of salary transparency, it may also hold unexpected benefits for companies.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and morePay transparency can drive equitable workplacesI spoke to Moran to share factors that might be contributing to this controversial trend.A public vow.Itswell establishedthat a womans resume is valued less than that of a man (even when experience and educationare identical). Companies who talk a big game about paying women fairly should open their books. Then, they can use that momentum to systematically close wage gaps. By being transparent about everyones pay, these companies make an implied pledge. After all, theyre now answerable to any pay disparities. And that commitment can be an attractive enticement for current women employees to stay on board. It can also be a competitive advantage for those considering working for your company.Pay Transparency can right-size peoples expectations.Pay transparency gives a person an important context about not just their own salary but what others around them make. Considering that43% of people feel they are underpaid today, opening your payroll could serve to correct misconceptions. It can also calm peoples fears that they are undervalued. This kind of transparency can simultaneously boost engagement and productivity at work. Thats important because a key driver of our engagement is how valued we feel.Sunlight is the best disinfectant.Many of t he worst problems that have plagued companies corruption, misleading customers, unethical conduct have come at the hands of secretive cultures. As consultants whoassess corporate cultures, pay transparency sends a strong message to employees about the companys level of fairness and openness. Implementing salary transparency has the potential to create a sea change in your workplace that allows for more open dialogue particularly about prickly, hard-to-discuss issues. Not to mention improved cooperation among employees and a higher bar on using impartial, objective data to make your case, rather than relying on whats subjective or arbitrary.Read the Fast Company article, including the key factors that make us shy away from talking about money and yet plenty of good reasons why we should anyway.This article originally appeared on Be Leaderly.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Independent Sales Representative Career Overview

Independent schlussverkauf Representative Career OverviewIndependent abverkauf Representative Career OverviewFor those mavericks who prefer to set their schedules and who like the control of deciding what products or services to sell and which do not, Independent Sales may be for them. Being an Independent Sales Representative takes self-discipline, effective time management skills and requires a lot of hard work. For those who prefer to be on their own and are willing to pay the price, Independent Sales may be the perfect career. Day in the Life of an Independent Sales Representative While most independent sales professionals have a boss or a company with expectations about when they need to should show up to work and how much activity is expected on any given day, Independent Sales Representatives often set their rules, expectations, and schedule. With all this freedom, youd be tempted to think that Independent Representative only work a few hours a day and have plenty of free time. unterstellung perceptions only apply to those who dont last too long as an Independent Sales Representative. The successful reps usually work long hours that often stretch into the weekends and holidays. They are masters of time management and devote many hours and energy to learning everything there is to learn about the product or service they represent. In other words, Independent Sales Representatives who are successful are the hardest working reps in the selling field. The Rewards As hard as successful Independent Sales Representatives work, many would think that the only possible reward would be a high income. And while Independent Sales Representatives can, and often do earn a substantial income, the true rewards are the same as those experienced by entrepreneurs. Self-confidence in abundance, self-trust and reliance and, in most cases, an expansive professional network are just a few of the benefits that have a positive impact on many life areas. Types of Indepe ndent Sales Representative Positions Like Manufacturers Representatives, Independent Sales Representatives seek out businesses who either need to augment their sales force and are willing to outsource sales or already are active believers in outsourcing sales and marketing. Software developers are one of the most common companies that contract with Independent Sales, but positions can be found in many industries. When searching for a company to represent, you should avoid those with an existing sales force and focus mora on small businesses, start-ups and businesses whose home (or only) office is located outside of the United States. Compensation If you are expecting a base salary, you are looking for the wrong type of sales position. An overwhelming majority of independent sales positions are 100% commission based. That means that you only get paid when you sell something. Since the company you represent does not have to pay you a salary, cover your benefits, pay you for time off or pay any governmental or state employment fees, they are more willing to pay a higher percentage of gross profit to you. Commission plans that pay out between 30 and 60% are common in independent positions. The whole trick is to find a product or service that can be sold with substantial profit margins since that is usually the only way you will get paid. Things to Consider Many get into Independent Sales due to an inability to find a position as a salaried employee. These representatives usually only stay in the independent ranks until they find employment. But for those who choose independent sales, or for those consider an independent sales representative position, there are several factors that need to be considered. One is retirement and the fact that you will need to manage and contribute to your retirement plan. Another factor is health insurance. While there are countless insurance plans for Independent Representatives to choose from, these plans are often very ex pensive and cut directly into whatever commission you earn. Lastly, Independent Sales Representatives should consider how they will create a healthy work-life balance. With no set or guaranteed salary and relying completely on commission earned from sales, Independent Sales Representatives are typical workaholics. And while loving your job is important to your general well-being, time away from work is equally important.

Being Boss podcast hosts on the key to bootstrapping your business

Being Boss podcast hosts on the key to bootstrapping your businessBeing Boss podcast hosts on the key to bootstrapping your businessGot a side hustle? Even a little one? But do you dream of turning it into your full-time gig someday? Or maybe you are freelance or aspire to be?