So the Government has shut down. I am normally a happy-go-lucky person and don't worry about much. Last week when they threatened the shut-down, I didn't worry. Then the day came - SHUT DOWN! I still didn't worry.
It was not until I received an email from my office that all of the USDA SNAP/EBT (government) applications would be put on hold. Then I realized the ramifications and the backlash. The pipeline was being shut off. What is one to do??? Business Development - that's what. I conduct business development activities almost daily. What is worse than not enough work? Too much work! NOT! Wouldn't that be a great problem to have? Having too much work? That is called a positive risk.
There are all kinds of risks associated with owning your own business or working for yourself. Having too much work is certainly a positive risk I look forward to.
Field services is broad and touches many sectors. No need to put all of your eggs into one basket. Diversify! Although my USDA SNAP/EBT vendor reviews have slowed to a halt, my collections (door knocks) are still available.
Now, to search for more. Not everything is going to be laid out for you. You have to be creative in your search. I check associations and directories, forums and bulletin boards for posted opportunities or the names of companies that might conduct field services.
I'll apply to numbers of companies in one sitting. I'm constantly tweaking my resume. I'll take some of the crappiest jobs, just to get a feel for the company. I started out mystery shopping for reimbursements. Fifteen years later, I represent the USDA. :) Yay me!
You can do it too, but you've got to start somewhere. Use mystery shopping as a platform. Learn about different industries, different companies, and different types of field services reporting. In my 15 years of experience I have inspected cars, businesses, heavy equipment, damaged freight, foreclosed properties, USDA vendors and provided FDA recall reviews. The search continues...
by Michelle Brown
Recently I visited my local AAA office to register my vehicle instead of doing it at the DMV and waiting for at least an hour. That is a very cool service AAA offers. Mind you, they don't take plastic for DMV services! The office was rather crowded as it was a Tuesday, following the Labor Day holiday. The staff was very pleasant, in my opinion. They were calming and soothing to me. Others didn't see it the same way. I think they believed this auxiliary, or extra service would allow them to magically enter the establishment, wait in (no) line, handle their business affairs and exit, all under ONE minute, flat. I was cool while we waited, but maybe that was just me. Maybe it was my tablet and Candy Crush! Maybe. In addition, the manager was actively milling about greeting the guests, offering cool bottled water and otherwise being gracious.
When it was my turn, the clerk was warm and welcoming. He asked if I enjoyed my Labor Day weekend. I informed him that I "labored". I worked in the field and made clear that it was a blessing to do so. First, and foremost, it is a blessing to have work on any day. Second, being self-employed allows me to take off any day that I choose. I further reminded the clerk that we incur bills on the holiday, we like to live indoors and love to eat on holidays. The caveat being: if you don't work, you don't eat. So, be mindful. I am grateful to work on any day.
When I visit vendors who apply to the USDA to accept SNAP/EBT (food stamps), they are often shocked that I work on Sundays. I remind them that I am not employed with the USDA and that I am an Independent Contractor. I am self employed and make my own schedule. Often I am speaking with the owner or proprietor. They are equally shocked to realize that they, too, work on Sundays! Win-Win!
One of the the benefits that I love about being self-employed or working from home, is my flexible schedule. I am able to enjoy precious time with family and friends. I am able to make appointments and handle my business during the business week, without having to ask someone for permission. I do, however, have to make up the time. That is why I work on weekends and holidays. You know what they say, "Slow feet don't eat!" Or, lazy feet, as it were.
The only times I do not work are the times outlined in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Holidays are NOT specifically stated, so call/visit away! The hours I do not visit debtors are before 8:00am or after 9:00pm. Any other time is a good time for a door knock. Door knocks being a field service that might be available in your area.
