Make More Dough

Even if you’re completely satisfied with your day job, it’s always a good idea to make extra money on the side. As long as you aren’t moonlighting behind your boss’s back, sidelines or “rackets” give us a refreshing break from the monotonous pace at the office. Here are great ways to make extra cash in your spare time:

1. Cash for Trash
If you’ve always wanted to do something about global warming, now is your chance to do it! Instead of having one big garbage can in your room or kitchen, prepare extra bins for segregating the following recyclable items: newspapers, papers, aluminum cans, used printer cartridges, and plastic bottles. When you’ve filled up a sack or two, take them to recycle centers and you’ll get paid for your trash.

For a list of recycling areas in your city, visit http://www.papemelroti.com/recycling_centers.htm. For a complete list of recyclable items, visit http://www.burrtecdesert.com/page81.html.

2. eBay Babe
Millions of eBay users have earned a lump sum just by selling various items online. Just pick a niche. For example, if you’re dying to get rid of your old clothes and junk, vintage lovers can bid for them online. If you’re a hobbyist who likes making accessories or other crafts, you can sell them, too. The possibilities are endless. Just browse through the millions of users in eBay to see which types of items are hot in the market. Log on to www.ebay.com to get a head start.

3. Take the Toque
Are you a closet chef? Do your friends and family rave about your cooking or baking? It’s time take your kitchen skills to another level. Spend your weekends whipping up your specialties in the kitchen to sell to friends and officemates. Start by bringing sample sizes of your goodies to your office or a party. Print flyers or calling cards so that people will know how to get in touch with you. You don’t want your little business to interfere with your day job, so make sure you arrange a schedule that works for you. For example, you can accept orders during the weekdays, work on them during the weekends, and then deliver on Sunday or Monday.

4. Blog It
Thousands of bloggers have made it big online. All they do is write from the comfort of their own homes or wherever there’s wifi and they get paid in dollars monthly. It’s not always about being a gossip junkie like Perez Hilton or airing dirty laundry like those grammatically-erroneous socialites. It can be about your hobbies or educational topics that cater to a certain market. Visit blog domains such as b5media, blogspot, and about.com for ideas. You have to be very patient, though. According to top Filipino bloggers, getting your blog noticed takes a while. If you’re interested in blogging, keep a positive outlook, a constant flow of brilliant words and ideas, and you may soon find yourself blogging for a living.

Phone Manners

You don’t have to be a receptionist or secretary to learn proper manners when answering the phone. Phone etiquette applies to everyone, whether you’re the company owner or the office rookie. “Remember that a conversation over the phone carries just as much weight as a face-to-face meeting,” says Regina Robo of salary.com.

Vocalization
Ever found yourself answering with an embarrassing, squeaky “Hello?” in the morning? “It usually takes a few hours for the human vocal cords to fully warm up after a night’s sleep,” according to Robo. “Eight hours of rest usually leaves them a little rusty.” Prep your pipes with any of the following tips:

1. Sing or practice enunciating random phrases in the bathroom or shower while you’re getting ready for work.
2. Do deep breathing exercises while dressing up.
3. Gently clear your throat or blow your nose in the morning.
4. If you drive, sing along with the radio on your way to the office

The Intro
“When making a business call, be sure to first identify yourself and your company,” says Robo. If a receptionist or operator answers the phone, don’t forget to include the name of the person you’d like to talk.

Example: “Hello, this is Megan Jones from Fix magazine. May I speak with Mr. Chad Peters of the accounting department?”

Robo emphasizes that that one of the most overlooked phone manners is asking if you are calling in a convenient time. “Be prepared with a one- or two-sentence explanation of the purpose for your call,” she adds. Explain why you are calling and be straight to the point. Give the receptionist an idea of how long your phone call will last. Say “It will only take five minutes” if you really mean five brief minutes. Say “I need to update him about a project we’re working on” if you estimate it will be a long conversation. “The person at the other end of the phone cannot see your facial expressions or gesture, and the impression he/she receives depends on what he/she hears,” according to thinkquest.org.

After the Beep
If you get voicemail or if the receptionist asks you to leave a message, make it as short and brief as possible. “Do not, however, assume that your message will be communicated,” advises Robo. Make sure you leave your name and contact number after leaving the message. Then when you finally get in touch with the person you intend to talk to, repeat your message in your own words. “Don’t be insulted if you’re asked to leave a message or call back later—previous engagements do take priority.”

You Had Me At Hello
The most common way of answering the phone is to mention the company name and your name: “Hello, thanks for calling GE Productions. Brian Lee speaking.” If you’re part of a big company, mention your department as well: “Accounts department, GE Productions. Brian speaking.” In the end, it all boils down to your voice quality and clarity. Nobody likes talking to a snooty-sounding voice at the other end.

BRB
Before you put someone on hold, make sure you ask them first. It’s rude to assume that the person is okay with being put on hold, and they are forced to wait on the other end, when they were actually willing to just call back another time. Robe adds: “If someone expresses reservation about being put on hold, calmly explain why it is necessary. Perhaps the person they are calling for stepped out of the office and needs to be tracked down, or is on another call. Remember to keep the person on hold updated on the status of his or her call every 30 seconds.” If you keep a person on hold for more than a minute without updating him/her, it is simply rude. If you’re the one who’s on hold, it’s okay to hang up after two or three minutes of not being updated.

The Conversation
Keep your voice clear and professional. According to Robert Trulaske of the University of Missouri College of Business, master good speech habits such as “thank you” and “please.” Steer away from slang terms such as “dunno” and “okidoki.” It’s acceptable to have small talk about personal stuff, especially if you’re on friendly terms with the person you’re talking to—but keep it light and brief. Once you’ve moved on from the how-are-you’s, focus on the business matter.