It has been in the news far too often lately: Companies feeling the effects of the recession downsize. Employees are let go with varying help in finding new work.
To those seeking work, we offer this advice: DO seek reliable help locally; DO NOT fall for easy-money schemes that pay off only for those who invent them.
The good news is there is help nearby for people willing to work to reinvent their careers. University of Maine Cooperative Extension offers workshops and publications to help with startups. Its Web site includes a number of useful links. Fledgling businesspeople can even arrange one-hour personal consultations to deal with specific questions.
For those with a business plan, several agencies can help with financing. Check the Web sites of the Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov) and the Finance Authority of Maine (www.famemaine.com). For details about the Maine Stream Finance program, visit the Penquis Web page (www.penquis.org). The site www.business.gov (“official business link to the U.S. government”) has a wealth of information on starting, financing and running a home-based business.
No online access? Visit your local library; the staff there will be happy to help. And ask successful businesspeople you know for advice. They will likely be flattered you asked and also willing to help.
To be avoided are the quick-money projects, including a range of work-at-home schemes. Envelope stuffing is probably the oldest scam and possibly the meanest. Often the mailing is used not to sell a product or service, but to get others involved in stuffing envelopes. If this sounds like a variation on the old Ponzi scheme in the news of late, there’s a reason.
Another home-based offer that sounds enticing is the assemble-and-ship job. Such tasks, offering big payoffs, may be little more than ways for unsavory businesspeople to rid themselves of outmoded products. You order the materials, supplies and equipment and set to work. You quickly find that your pace or quality is “not up to our standards” and likely never will be.
That said, there are some types of home-based work that are legitimate. A growing number of companies hire customer service representatives to answer questions, deal with complaints or handle other inquiries. Usual requirements for such work are a phone, computer and high-speed Internet connection. Familiarity with the company’s product or service line is a plus and is likely to make the work more interesting.
The mystery shopper may be a way to work close to home, although it usually requires travel to various stores. The mystery shopper checks out customer service, complaint resolution and other aspects of retail sales and reports to the owners on his experiences. A number of firms advertise for secret shoppers online.
Screen these offers carefully, as you would any Internet-advertised job. Beware of offers that require payment to apply — these are almost always scams.
One final word: Northeast CONTACT is suffering some “growing pains,” as changes take place in our telephone and computer service. The best way to reach us is still by mail, at P.O. Box 486, Brewer ME 04412. Be sure to give us as much information and as many copies of documents about your issue as possible. Thanks for your patience.
Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast CONTACT, Maine’s membership-funded, nonprofit consumer organization. Individual and business memberships are available at modest rates. For assistance with consumer-related issues, including consumer fraud and identity theft, or for more information, write: Consumer Forum, P.O. Box 486, Brewer 04412, or e-mail contacexdir@live.com.