Someone told me that you used to sell Rainbow Vacuums.  I’ve been thinking about doing it, is Rexair a scam?  Is it legitimate?  What was your experience?

-Rexair Ronnie

Hi Ronnie!

Yes, it’s true, I used to sell Rainbows.  Well, I sold a Rainbow.

You can read a little about my experience here.  And no, they’re not a scam.  Rexair is the company that manufactures the Rainbow vacuum and they’ve been around since the 60’s or so.  They’re a Direct Sales company, which means you’ll be selling the Rainbow directly to customers, not retail outlets.

Because of this, Rainbows are hella expensive.  When I was working there, they were about $2000.  Now, I hear they’re around $3000!  You’ll only be allowed to do in-home demonstrations, and your marketing is severely restricted.  We actually went door to door to “register” people to win a free vacation. (hint: everyone won)  In order to claim the prize, the winner would then have to sit through a demonstration of the Rainbow.

Yep…marketing techniques from the 1960’s too!

In this current economy, it will be a challenge for you to be successful with Rainbow. Granted, I don’t know their current marketing guidelines, so they may have come into the 21st century.  But since the Internet is so prolific now, people can find used Rainbows fairly easily, so the incentive to buy new isn’t what it used to be.

There is no cost to get started, which is pretty rare with a Direct Sales company, but you’ll have a harder time convincing people to buy $3000 vacuums when they may be laid off at any moment.

I recommend that you look into some other Direct Sales companies for better commission structures, recession-friendly products, and more lenient marketing techniques.  If sales is your thing, then you shouldn’t have a problem finding a company you fit in with!

Good luck!

-Buzzy

PS: I have a list of “Mini Franchises” on this blog…these are MLM, Direct Sales, and Network Marketing companies that have stood the test of time.  Check ‘em out!

I came across this website for work at home job listings.  Have you heard of it?  Is it real or is it a scam:  www.NextJobatHome.com

-Home-bound Hannah

Hi Hannah,

NextJobatHome is a site that will send you WAY too many emails.  Once upon a time I signed up for them because I was curious too.  They stated that they would send legitimate job offers and I was really curious.  Well, it didn’t take too long for me to realize what they were doing!

In each email they highlight a different work at home oppourtunity.  Notice, I said “OPPOURTUNITY” not “JOB”.  When you click on the links in the email to get more information, you’ll be routed to an affiliate sales site where you’ll have to pay money to learn about the oppourtunity.

It’s fairly obnoxious, and what really annoyed me was the amount of emails that I got.  We’re talking EVERY DAY.  And they were just filled with affiliate links…no substance.  There were a few job postings listed, but all of them were taken from http://jobs.problogger.net, and were old postings. In my opinion they’re not a scam, they’re just a little deceptive in terms of how they market themselves.

I’d stay away from them.

-Buzzy

PS: I mention ProBlogger.net as well as hundreds of other legitimate sites where you find jobs and companies that hire at-home workers in my book, I Got Scammed So You Don’t Have To! You should check it out so you’ll never have to ask, “Is this real or not?” again!

Have you heard of Cashcrate.com?  Do you think it’s a scam?  I’ve been thinking about joining, but I’m not sure if it’s real or not.  Can you help me out?

-Cashcrate Curious

Ah, yes…Cashcrate.  They’re one of the most popular “get paid to try” companies out there.  In short answer: No, they’re not a scam.  However, the method in which you earn income is a bit tricky, and frankly, for what you’re getting paid, I wouldn’t recommend them.

Basically, you’re playing the rebate game.  You sign up to try out an offer for free for 30 days. As an incentive to try out the offer, you’ll get a small rebate, like $0.75, or even $1-2.  At the end of 30 days, your credit card will then be billed each month a fee to keep using the product.  So, of course, you need to cancel before then in order not to be billed.  Can you make money?  Yes.  Not a lot, and you have to be super organized to stay on top of your billing otherwise one charge can knock out all that you “earned.”

You’ll see various opinions all over the web claiming that Cashcrate is legit and others claiming Cashcrate is a scam.  The people who claim it’s legitimate are those who are making money and probably haven’t yet forgotten to cancel one of their offers yet. The people who claim it’s a scam probably forgot to cancel an offer, got billed, and are now annoyed with the whole process.

In my opinion, there are a lot of other ways you can make money, and you shouldn’t waste your time with something that is only paying you loose change, while hoping that someday you mess up so that they can collect more from you.

I worked the 2000 Census, and was hired again as a Crew Leader for the 2010 Census. (Unfortunately, I had to turn it down due to some conflicts) First thing you should know is that it takes a minimum of 4-6 months for you to get a temporary Census job.  Chances are, if you apply now you won’t get work until the end of 2010…if there is any work left.

Why does it take so long?  Well, first of all you have to pass tests.  If you’re in the field, you’ll have a “basic skills” test (logic, math, english, etc) and if you’re considered for a leader position, you’ll have another test to pass.  These tests are only scheduled during certain times.  It’s not like you can just walk up to a government building and ask to take a Census test.  They schedule them (usually 4-5 times a week over a 1-2 week period, when they’re hiring) and you are required to pick a date and attend.

After you pass the test, you then have to wait while the government runs every single kind of background check imaginable on you.  Remember, this job requires you going to people’s homes and collecting confidential information.  They’re not going to hire you if you have a criminal background, aren’t a US citizen, or are otherwise ‘unsavory.’ And no, your credit doesn’t matter.  They’re pretty forgiving with Credit Card debt, foreclosures and bankruptcies.  However, if you have several liens, or a warrant due to non payment of child support, then yeah…you probably won’t get a job.  You may even get a visit from a friendly police officer!

For the 2000 Census, I remember taking the Census test in February of 2000.  I wasn’t hired until June…5 months later.  For the 2010 Census, I took the test in May of 2009.  I was hired in April of 2010…11 months later.

Not everyone knows these things, and so scammers are delighting in taking advantage of unsuspecting people in need of work.  I have seen ads and flyers from people claiming to be part of the Census giving seminars teaching you how to get a Census job.

Generally, a nominal fee will be charged ($20-$30) and the ad states that recruiters from the Census will be giving tricks on how to pass the Census test, and will help you get a Census job with a few weeks.

Stay away from these people.

Obviously, they can’t guarantee you work…you have to pass the background check.  They can’t get you a job within weeks because it takes several months to get approved.  They’re just taking your money.

If you’re interested in getting a Census job, contact http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs. They may still be hiring in your area, but be patient.  This isn’t something that you’ll be able to start next week.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few months, you know that The Census happens every 10 years and is a way for the US to count it’s citizens. Of course there is some murmurings from disgruntled citizens that they don’t want to provide information. I’m not going to go into that here…it’s the law, we need it for allocation of funds and to determine government representatives and stuff so get over it.

In theory, if you were a good little resident, you received your Census form and mailed it back by the deadline: April 1st, 2010. (no foolin’) I, of course, procrastinated, but it was in the box by midnight, so I think I’ll be ok.

photo credit www.allied-media.com

If you did not send back your form, you may either be sent another form, or be visited by a friendly Census worker. Sometimes, both!

Back in 2000, I was one of those friendly Census Workers (called “enumerators”) and in 2010 I was hired for a crew leader position (It conflicted with a few other gigs, so I had to turn it down…boo…) I can tell you that Census workers are highly trained, (obnoxiously so) and have VERY strict rules to abide by.

Unfortunately, though, there are scammers who will take advantage of unsuspecting people and try to pass themselves off as Census workers to get into your house. They could be doing this to steal from you outright, or to get an idea of what you have so they can come back later. Some will be so bold as to ask for your social security number or bank account information.

So, how do you know a real Census Worker from a scammer? Keep in mind these tips:

1) A real census worker will have a black Census bag, an official name badge, a high-tech scanner thingy, and an official privacy notice.

2) Census workers WILL NOT ask to come inside your home. (Really, we don’t want to see what you have hidden in the basement…we’ll stay on the front porch thankyouverymuch.)

3) Census workers will NOT ask for your private accounting information: Social Security Number, Bank Accounts, Credit Cards, Investments etc. They won’t solicit donations or fees. Yes, there is a fine for NOT filling out the Census. NO, the Census worker is not there to collect it!

4) A Census worker will NOT ask for your passport, your drivers license, or anything stating your residence or country of origin.

5) A Census worker WILL ask the names and ages of all residents of the home as of April 1st, 2010.

6) A Census worker WILL ask you if you own or rent your home. They WILL NOT ask you how much you paid for it, who your mortgage company is, if you’re ‘underwater’ or any other debt information. They don’t care about your landlord. They will not ask about your house’s security system.

Are you worried about a Census worker coming to your home? Well, you should have filled out your form then. Also, keep in mind that we’re more scared of you than you are of us. As a Government employee, Census workers have to go through several FBI clearances to get the work. The people arriving at your door have been screened to the nth degree. You…not so much. So be nice to your friendly Census Worker. Chances are, they’ve encountered a few obnoxious people along the way.

And if you want more info, visit the link below:
http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/censusandstatistics/a/censustakerid.htm

The following is a list of things I know I shouldn’t do, but have been known to:

Buy new instead of used~ The truck that I own was purchased new on a lease in 1999.  Yes, that was dumb. It has lasted me a long time, however, (I take good care of it) and in the future, when I’m buying, I will most certainly get a used vehicle.   The “used instead of new” rule also applies with some clothing, but never food.  Used food is gross.  You can get that new…it’s ok

Carry a credit card balance~ Yep.  This is dumb, and I’m doing it too!  It’s really hard to fund a business venture when you don’t have any kind of money to start with.  So, I rely on my credit cards.  It gets harder when they cut your credit line by 80%, but that just means I get to be more creative.  I am really looking forward to the day when I can kick AMEX and Capital One to the curb, but for now, they’re funding this site, so be happy.

Buy on Impulse~ Generally this just hits me at the grocery store.  I love Brie cheese.  I do. And, sometimes I just want it.  However a wedge of Brie costs about $6-8…and I cave because I want it.  Yes, it is immature…its the whole “I want what I want when I want it” syndrome, and sometimes I just don’t care.  Of course, until I get home and realize I could have spent my money more efficiently.

Not taking advantage of sales~ I am NOT a coupon clipper.  Never have been, never will be.  But every now and again my local grocery store has great sales on stuff I use regularly, and when that happens, I stock up.  For example: I love Chocolate Chip Cliff Bars.  They usually range in price from $1.25-$2 per bar (crazy, I know, but they’re raw vegan and very yummy!) Many times, they’ll be on sale at Safeway for $1 per bar.  You can bet that I stock up!

Pay for something you can get for free~ I have not had cable TV for 13 years, and frankly, I don’t miss it.  Nowadays I get online to watch my ’stories’ or borrow videos from the library.  I also borrow books by the truck load, and after reading them decide whether or not it’s a “must have.”  At that point, I either get it for cheap on Amazon or a local used book seller.

Pay for unnecessary services~ Like, oh, that gym membership that I never used. (It’s gone now) But there are a ton of others as well: a data plan for your cell phone, or just having your cell phone, land line, cable tv, and internet.  Too much people!  Do you really need to be THAT connected?  How about magazines you rarely read (and can get online) or other monthly services that you just don’t need?

Pay to use an ATM or other banking fees ~ I am VERY lucky (or very organized) that I have only bounced 1 check in my life. It was a complete fluke too…some bad arithmetic six months prior to the incident left me without the money, even though I thought I had it.  That was enough to scare me straight.  Now, with online banking, I am hyper-aware of all of my money: where it comes in and where it goes.  With the joy of debit cards, I never have to use an ATM…and you shouldn’t either!

Dine out Frequently~ It’s not that I dine out a lot…I actually don’t, and when I do, usually someone else is picking up the tab  But, when I’m working at a random job, I do tend to grab lunch on the go instead of packing it beforehand.  Luckily, when I’m working from home, this isn’t an issue!

Waste Electricity and Water~  My condo dues include water, so I’m lucky in that regards, but I still turn the water off when I’m brushing my teeth and take fairly brief showers.  During the winter, I tend to use space-heaters instead of the very costly electric baseboard heaters.  I usually just spend my time in 2 rooms of my home anyway, so it saves me a ton.

Buy things you don’t use~ Wow.  I am totally guilty of this because I tend to think that I WILL use it someday.  That’s the artist in me…thinking I can turn anything into a creation.  I’m also guilty of buying “reward clothing” for going down a size or two. Luckily, I have actually started slimming down so those clothes will finally get some use!

Keep Unhealthy Habits~ For some people it’s smoking or drinking or gambling.  I’m lucky that I haven’t fallen into any of those vices.  If you have: quit.  And don’t quit quitting.

Pay too much into Taxes~ You’ve heard it over and over: when you get a refund, you’ve given Uncle Sam a Tax-Free loan.  DON’T DO IT!  Figure out how you can pay the government every year…hopefully not too much…but don’t waste money by paying more than you have to in taxes.

I know there are a ton of other ways you can waste money…what do you suggest?

I have watched many shows where he just says, “Give it to me!” and people respond. 

Case in point: 

I understand that Stephen is a comedian and satirist, and that he has a national audience that loves to cater to his whims. Quite simply, though, he gets what he wants because he asks for it. Even if you don’t have a network of millions hanging on your every word, you know enough people and are connected to enough resources to get what you want.

So, go ask for it!

Watch Stephen Colbert with his new Ipad

We could all learn a lot from him.

The instructor of the class asked her how many auditions she went on.  The woman sheepishly replied, “none.”

What surprised me is that the instructor wasn’t surprised at all!  But that moment really stuck with me…At some point, all of the information that you’ve gathered becomes useless until you actually put it in action.

I read, a lot…I go to networking events, small business seminars and classes that result in me taking a lot of notes to file away for later.  You should see my file cabinet.  It’s really impressive! I listen to audio books in my car, and on my jogs, after all it’s like a university education in my spare time.

But in reality, we read too many books.  We attend too many seminars and classes.   We play too many cds: motivational, educational or otherwise.

All of that information is completely useless if you don’t put it into action.  ”Learning” is not listening, reading, or attending classes.  It is not absorbing information…true learning is taking what you have heard, and implementing it into our lives.  Once implementation has occured, you can then tweak it to bring you success.

Learning is about growing…changing your ideas and beliefs…taking in the world around you and figuring out how to adapt to the new knowledge you have.

You can attend all of the workshops and seminars that you want, but if you don’t actually “audition” for whatever role you’re looking for, how will you know if it suits you?  How will you know to adapt?  How will you grow and be better for next time?

Stop reading.  Stop researching.  Stop gathering information, and start DOING it!

True learning comes from implementation, not research.

I read “Career Success without a Real Job” by Ernie Zelinski recently, and was astounded by some of the facts in his book.  Granted, I have no idea how true they are…and I’m not feeling inspired to do all the research…so I’ll just let you come to your own conclusions:

Dangers of work, according to Ernie Zelinski

“According to a 2002 study in the british medical journal, employees with stressful jobs are twice as likely to die from heart disease as those who have jobs with littler or no stress.”

 ”Employees who work over 48 hours per week double their risk of heart disease according to a 1996 UK government report.”

“According to a 2003 American study, long-term job strain is worse for your heart than gaining 40lbs in weight or aging 30 years.”

“Approximately 2 million workers die annually due to ooccupational injuries and illnesses, according to one UN report.  This means that work kills more people than war (650,000 deaths per year).”

I know I get sick anytime I start a “job”…seriously…usually I get a quick cold or something (once I swear I had the swine flu) but these statistics make me think twice about heading into the workforce.

Do you think they have merit?

Health~  I have been blessed with great health, and a wonderful family that does not suffer from chronic ailments or disease.  Many family members have lived well into their 90’s and have maintained their faculties and, well, spit-fireness.

Purpose~ Sometimes I’m asked why I keep this website going…why I write my books, hold presentations and seminars, when many times I barely make my own ends meet.  It’s because I can’t imagine NOT doing it!  Even if I was to win the lottery tomorrow, I would use that money to fund my business so that I can reach more people.  It’s a higher calling that I don’t quite understand…it frustrates me many times…but I could never give it up.  I wouldn’t be ‘me’ without it. 

Creativity, Street-Smarts, Resourcefulness~ I call these my “invisible assets.”  I am an idea person, and I know how to get the answers that I need.  My art knows no bounds, and while it’s on the shelf for the time being, I rely on my right-brain often for problem-solving and analyzing different vantage points.  

Friends, Family, Business Associates, and Love~ People who truly love you will stick by you no matter if you’re filthy rich or eating Ramen for dinner.   

Sense of Humour~ Being a small business owner, you have to laugh loud and often.  If you don’t know why…go out and get a corporate job, you’ll fit right in there. 

Compassion, Empathy, Patience, Generousity~ Money can not offer these things…only mindsets. 

Integrity, Good Character~ I view integrity as what you do when no one else is looking. Remaining true to your core values in

Wisdom and Learning~  Sure, money can fund an education, but it can’t give you the real-world experience of failures and successes. Wisdom comes from identifying and avoiding the patterns of previous mistakes. 

Courage, Self-Esteem~ Sometimes I feel like these go hand in hand.  The more self-esteem I’m feelin’, the more courageous I become!  If I’m not feeling too good about myself, well, then it’s probably time to get out there and take some risks. 

Spiritual Fulfillment and Gratitude~ No matter my situation, everyday I feel blessed to have the people in my life that I do, to have the knowledge that I have accumulated, and the ability to share it with others.  My life has been a wild ride so far, and I can’t imaging that the things I have been through and learned along the way would have happened if not to share with others. 

Time~  Life is what you make it…make it worth living!