Get a Tiny Job, Earn a Tiny Payment

Get a Tiny Job, Earn a Tiny Payment. Repeat - When Fernando Navales lost his job last June, things looked pretty grim. 

His efforts to find gainful employment proved futile until he downloaded an app called Gigwalk, where companies offer small amounts of money for small tasks that take little time. (Users simply swipe to "accept" the task and complete it within a set time period.) Within days, he was earning more than he had in his previous position. 

Navales threw himself into the work, taking between 30 and 40 "gigs" per day (often photographing restaurants for Microsoft's (MSFT) Bing search engine). Over the past year, he has completed about 750 gigs - and this new kind of employment has changed his perceptions of the working world.

"It's a large part of my life," he said. "I actually turned my brother onto it. He's in Ohio, but we flew out to New York together and we basically took a working trip to NY taking pictures of restaurants." 

Navales's experience is unique in that he has taken so many of these small jobs, but he's part of a growing trend. 

More and more, companies are tasking out micro-projects to consumers - tiny jobs for which it makes no financial (or logical) sense to send a full-time employee, but that still need to get done. And the hiring of these "tasksumers," as they're called, is quickly becoming a popular way for people with a little spare time to pocket a few extra dollars. 

While Gigwalk is a business-to-consumer tasksumer play, the field has also seeped into the consumer-to-consumer and even consumer-to-business fields, thanks in large part to the ubiquity of mobile devices. 

While there have been businesses catering to this audience for some time, it was the advent of the smart phone that allowed them to take off.

"But as these services now get pushed to your phone ... it's more convenient for the task consumers to receive the jobs when they're out already," said Henry Mason, head of research and analysis at TrendWatching.com.

Beyond Gigwalk, there are a few leaders in the business-to-consumer tasksumer space, including TaskRabbit and Mechanical Turk, a division of Amazon (AMZN). 

The model is similar at all of the sites, though: Consumers are offered a variety of odd jobs for varying amounts. Among the current offerings: $35 to test the customer service experience at a national retailer, $4 to photograph a restaurant's menu or $29 to stand in line at a popular BBQ joint in Austin and deliver the food to an office. 

"What you're starting to see is a higher degree of comfort with the concept," said Ariel Seidman, CEO and co-founder of Gigwalk. "Where [it] really shines is when you get to places that are hard get to, like Kalamazoo, MI or Kodiak, AK. Those types of places, you can all of a sudden reach into them with the same efficiency and speed in which you can reach into a Chicago or LA." 

Other business-to-consumer tasksumer companies include CloudFactory, which boasts a global workforce that enters, collects, processes or categorizes data for companies; it has access to over half a million remote laborers from emerging markets that work on digital tasks. Workers can be divided into stations (like a factory assembly line) depending on their skill level, where they check the previous station's work for errors 

Businesses aren't just luring tasksumers, though. Some tasksumers are turning the heads of businesses, as well. Foap, for instance, is an iPhone app that allows budding photographers to upload pictures into a virtual marketplace, where they're tagged by category and sold for $10 each (with the fee split evenly between the photographer and Foap). Competitor Fotolia offers a similar service, with pictures ranging from 75 cents to $75, depending on size and resolution. (Users keep up to 63 percent of that amount.) 

One of the more intriguing areas of the tasksumer movement, though, is in the consumer-to-consumer space. As people become more comfortable entrusting others (since they can do minimals check on them via social media), tasksumers have started bypassing businesses and dealing with each other directly. 

Collaborative consumption companies like Rentalic and SnapGoods let people rent out household belongings they're not using for rates of their own choosing. Renters pocket a little extra money, while rentees save the bother of having to buy an item they might only want to test out or need just once.

Other firms bring people together in a different way. PleaseBringMe acts as a handshake service between travelers who can volunteer to bring things like hard to find items to someone at their destination. 

"My wife is pregnant and craving In-n-Out," wrote one user. "We used to live in CA but are now in the NYC area. If anybody would be willing to buy 4 Animal Style cheeseburgers and bring them on a plane to me in NYC, that would be awesome." 

Another user, from Brazil, is on the hunt for a drink that's only sold in Greece. "I want Mythos beer!!!!," he pleads. "I pay with money or some goods you want from Brazil!!" 

The site sees anywhere between 100 and 1,000 postings per day, according to founder Orkun Batar. It does not charge users to place the ads. 

"I lived a long time abroad," he said. "When I moved back (from Vienna) to Istanbul a year ago. I brought my printer with me and had problems finding appropriate cartridges - so I was always looking for some friends flying to Europe and back and asked them to bring me these cartridges. I realized that I was not alone. There were many others like me." ( CNBC )

READ MORE - Get a Tiny Job, Earn a Tiny Payment

Bee Gees' 'Staying Alive' the key to nurse Louise Price's CPR heroism

Bee Gees' 'Staying Alive' the key to nurse Louise Price's CPR heroism - Psychiatric nurse Louise Price risked her life to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation

The heroic endeavours of psychiatric nurse Louise Price should be an inspiration to all – especially those in the emergency services who feel constrained from doing their job by health and safety regulations.

Seemingly oblivious to her own safety, she climbed into the back of a fuel-soaked overturned van where Adam Brinkworth was lying with a fractured arm and jaw. She tore strips off her clothes to act as a tourniquet, and when he stopped breathing performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation until the ambulance arrived.

To maintain the constant rhythm required when administering CPR, it can help to hum along to the Bee Gees’ disco hit 'Staying Alive'

For those apprehensive of what to do in – God forbid – similar circumstances, it is useful to know the practicalities of CPR have recently been much simplified. The purpose is no longer to try to restart the heart rhythm but rather mimic its function of pumping blood up to the brain. The complexities of mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration are no longer considered essential; rather, the emphasis is on a compression-only technique of direct pressure on the sternum at the rate of 100 beats per minute. It can help in maintaining that constant rhythm to hum along to (appropriately enough) the Bee Gees’ disco hit Staying Alive or (less appropriately) Another One Bites the Dust by Queen. This method, the Lancet reported, improves the chances of survival by almost a quarter.

----------------------------

The gentleman who felt “shock, inner cold and weakness of the legs” every time he had to have another blood test experiences a phobia to needles (and often the sight of blood as well) known as trypanophobia. Interestingly, this takes two forms. For around a third of those affected, the prospect of a blood test or injection induces a panic attack with palpitations, sweating and so on – a classic, specific phobia, like arachnophobia with spiders.

But for the other two thirds, the fear is not of the needle but its effects: the prospect of it puncturing the skin induces a vasovagal response, with a rising heart rate and fall in blood pressure that culminates in a fainting episode. This type tends to run in families and is associated with a generalised disorder of the regulatory autonomic nervous system.

Sonny Liston, the boxing champion, and Jackie Chan, the martial arts film star, both had this form of needle phobia – which accounts for the well-recognised scenario during an army medical in which a beefy tattooed warrior keels over while standing in line for his shots.

This is no trivial matter, as it discourages those affected from seeking medical attention, and has been responsible for a couple of dozen fatalities. Treatment options include the application of a local anaesthetic cream or patch to deaden the pain, a hefty dose of a tranquilliser, and the technique of applied muscle tension to prevent the precipitous fall in blood pressure. This involves first tensing the muscles in arms, legs and body by making a fist with the hands, scrunching the toes and pushing the heels into the floor for 10-15 seconds and then relaxing for half a minute. This should be repeated five times before injecting.

----------------------------

Finally, a medical colleague recalls from his childhood the early morning ritual – no doubt practised in millions of households – whereby, in the winter months, his mother would administer a spoonful of both malt and cod liver oil to her three boys before they rushed out of the door to catch the school bus. He speculates that this daily booster dose of vitamins A and D and omega 3 fatty acids (from the cod liver oil), and vitamins B2 to B12, zinc, magnesium and phosphorous (from the malt), might have prevented numerous coughs, sore throats, bone fractures, bouts of eczema and conjunctivitis and much else besides.

However, this “street medicine” seems to have disappeared over the past 40 years; why, he wonders, when parents are more solicitous about the health of their children than ever? ( telegraph.co.uk )

READ MORE - Bee Gees' 'Staying Alive' the key to nurse Louise Price's CPR heroism

How women suffer 'double-shift' of stress at home AND work

How women suffer 'double-shift' of stress at home AND work - Women are locked into a ‘double-shift’ of home and work – both roles leaving them suffering with more symptoms of stress than men.

The double whammy of pressure means that women show the classic symptoms of stress – back and neck pain – far more than men, even when physical causes are removed, research has revealed.

The four-year study focused on two groups of men and women – one students, the other workers – in an effort to isolate possible causes of stress.

A double whammy of pressure means women show the classic symptoms of stress ¿ back and neck pain ¿ far more than men

In both groups, women showed the symptoms of stress more than men.

In the student group, women students showed more neck pain, and amongst the workforce, whose jobs mostly involved work on computers, women showed more of both back and neck pain, experts at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden found.

In both the computer users and the students, neck pain was affected by psychosocial factors, the experts said. Commenting on the findings, Professor Cary Cooper, organisational psychologist at Lancaster University, said: ‘In nearly every developed country women perform what we call the double-shift.

‘They go to work like a man but then also come home and perform the primary role at home, so face double pressure from those two roles.’

One of the academics, Anna Grimby-Ekman, said: ‘The results [in the student group] were a surprise as we had expected roughly the same number of women as men would develop neck pain in a young group like this, where the majority had yet to start a family.’

Professor Cooper said: ‘For female students there is the added pressure of having to compete in a man’s world and be better than men to land top positions in their fields.’ ( dailymail.co.uk )

READ MORE - How women suffer 'double-shift' of stress at home AND work

Years of Experience But No Degree

Years of Experience But No Degree. Seven Ways to Beat the Job Search Pitfall. After years on the job, you feel you've definitely platueaued and think it's time for a change. There's one catch: you don't have a college degree. You graduated from the University of Life and have plenty of professional experience to show for it, but no formal degree. Are you still marketable?

George C. found him in that very position last year. After several years as a designer and art director, he was laid off after budget cuts. He seemed to be the perfect fit for one particular employer, but the company required a degree for the position. Thus, he was passed over even though the hiring manager expressed regrets. A few months later and the hiring manager contacted him. The original, "degreed" candidate who was hired didn't work out and they wanted to extend the job to George on a trial basis. Today, he's a full-time employee with that company.

If you find yourself with tons of job experience but hitting the "no degree" dead end, there are some things you can do to accentuate the positive.

1. Let Your Experience Do the Talking

Make sure you highlight your professional accomplishments, technical skills, results and industry knowledge on your résumé. These all help to demonstrate your expertise in your field. Also, try calling attention to any leadership positions you've held, including those with community, volunteer or military organizations, suggests career counselor Susan Guarneri.

2. Articulate Association Activity

Take advantage of career development offerings through your industry association and become active in the organization. "Go to local chapter meetings and join high visibility committees, such as membership, community outreach and publications," Guarneri advises. Not only will this give you additional skills and experience, it will help you make a name for yourself in your field, further enhancing your qualifications.

3. Include Glowing References

Include references from respected colleagues or high ranking industry professionals. These letters of recommendation will speak volumes about your personal character and professional standing. Don't wait for the employer to contact you, but include them in your initial application.

4. Show Alternative Learning

Guarneri stresses it's important to show that you are interested in professional development and continued learning. List any certification programs and professional seminars you have completed. These additional credentials demonstrate your intent to keep your knowledge and skills up-to-date.

5. Apply Experience to a Degree

Search nearby colleges and universities for programs related to your line of work. Many colleges have programs that offer course credit with proof of proficiency in a particular area. It's a terrific way to gain college credit for real life work experience.

6. Earn a Degree

Higher education caters to working professionals in a number of ways. "A lot of traditional academic outlets have online components," Guarneri says. Online courses allow you to work around your schedule. Also look into fast-track programs for adults which allow you to complete a degree at an accelerated pace, usually with less classroom time. There's also the College Level Examination Program assessment to test out of specific courses, while still earning credit for those classes.

7. Show Education In Progress

If you are in the process of earning a degree, make sure you note that on your résumé, along with an estimated date of completion. ( msn.com )

READ MORE - Years of Experience But No Degree

Does a College Degree Really Matter?

Does a College Degree Really Matter?. If college drop-outs like Bill Gates, Michael Dell, Steve Jobs, Larry Ellison and Richard Branson all run wildly successful enterprises, why is Melissa Gerry,* a mid-level manager with years of experience -- but no college degree -- having such a hard time finding a job?

Gerry joined a Fortune 100 company right out of high school starting out as a secretary and working her way up to marketing manager. Gerry performed well and was highly regarded. But when the company she worked for merged with a larger organization and moved its headquarters across the country, Gerry found herself looking for work for the first time in 15 years. Unfortunately, after months of searching, all she's been able to land are secretarial assignments. Why? Gerry believes it's because she didn't go to college.

While in the past, a college degree may have been optional, these days it seems to have become the minimum requirement for getting a good job and succeeding in the workforce.

Jeff Blass,* a 40 year old mid-level manager at a major food company, believes his lack of degree has stalled his advancement opportunities. "It didn't keep me from moving out of the mailroom," he says. "However, it seems to be holding me back now."

Nicole McMillen, executive director for Pre-Paid Legal Services, left college to get married and start a family and just recently entered the workforce. Ostensibly, McMillen would have had several strikes against her: no degree, no experience and a late start to boot! Yet on the contrary, McMillen says she had no trouble finding work -- or getting promoted.

"I suppose it depends on the type of position you're looking for," says McMillen, who represents her firm to large corporations and other employers. "For me, it's all been about performance and results."

No one disputes that a college degree opens doors.

"Most college degrees don't necessarily qualify the graduate for anything," says Charles Murray, co-author of "The Bell Curve," a book which explores the role of intelligence in American life. Murray contends that a college education need be no more important for most white collar professions as it is for, say, a basketball player. "Walk into Microsoft or Google with evidence that you're a brilliant hacker, and the job interviewer is not going to fret if you lack a college transcript," Murray says.

Murray predicts that providing an employer with evidence that you are good at something without the benefit of a college degree is become more acceptable as companies become more sophisticated about what it takes to do the job and what a college education actually provides.

For example: Terry Jones, CEO of Travelocity, was a history major at Denison University; Murry Gerber, President and CEO of Equitable Resources, was a geology major at Augustana College; Kay Krill, CEO of Ann Taylor, majored in psychology at Agnes Scott College, while Anne Sweeney, president of Disney-ABC Television Group was an education major at the University of Rochelle.

Then there are CEOs like Carly Fiorina (formerly of Hewlett Packard) who majored in medieval history and philosophy and Michael Eisner (formerly of Disney) who majored in English and never took a single business course.

Or as McMillen puts it, "I've found that knowing and believing in your abilities, presenting yourself in an articulate, polished manner, and making an effort to connect with others can overcome -- and even make the interviewer overlook -- that missing credential at the bottom of your resume." ( msn.com )

*Last names changed.

READ MORE - Does a College Degree Really Matter?

Bad Credit Can Blacklist Job Seekers

Bad Credit Can Blacklist Job Seekers. Your credit rating. Most people only worry about it when they're applying for a mortgage or credit card. But did you know your bad credit rating could keep you from getting the job you want?

If you're applying for a high-security job or a position with heavy financial responsibilities, the way you have handled your personal finances can color your chances of being hired in these sensitive, accountable situations.

Why is it anyone's business if you have a little 'bounce' in your checks?

Credit rating and job performance -- what does one have to do with the other? Apparently, plenty. Clifton O'Neal at TransUnion credit reporting agency in Chicago notes: "Studies have shown a correlation between how people manage personal affairs and their job performance, especially if they're in charge of financial information."

It's a fact: Companies are going to snoop into your background.

Most employers routinely perform standard background checks on job candidates. But some companies are taking inspection of potential employees one step further to include their credit history.

At Exxon Mobil, everybody gets a background check, according to the company's media relations manager Mark Boudreaux. Credit checks, however, "are reserved for individuals who will have a job that has a significant financial component."

The criteria for credit reporting is echoed by Rod Griffin of Experian credit information firm. "Typically, when we see businesses requesting credit checks it's for money management positions, such as comptroller and financial planning. Or those who will be conducting security functions."

Damage control need not involve a deal with the devil.

So what can you do if your credit is less than stellar, but you have your eye on that accounting position? "It's important for the applicant to be upfront," O'Neal says. "Let them know, 'Here's what you'll find and here's how I'm correcting it.'"

There are legitimate reasons for a credit rating slump. Perhaps you went through a divorce or were a victim of identity theft. "That's why it's a good idea when you're applying for a position to pull a copy of your credit report so you know what's in it ahead of time and can verify that the information contained in the report is correct," O'Neal suggests.

Griffin agrees: "It is highly recommended for everyone to get a full credit report every year. You can get one free every 12 months. You should know what is in your credit report, regardless of whether you're applying for a job or not, so you can spot any irregularities or catch potential cases of identity theft."

You don't feel like the emperor in his "new clothes."

If the thought of strangers poking around in your personal affairs leaves you feeling a bit exposed, remember, you always can refuse such scrutiny. Not one bit of information will be given to anyone requesting it without your signed approval. "So as a job applicant, read through everything before you sign," O'Neal advises.

"Credit reporting agencies take out any info that could interfere with equal employment, such as age, gender, and spousal information. And all account numbers are omitted or truncated for security purposes," Griffin adds. ( msn.com )

READ MORE - Bad Credit Can Blacklist Job Seekers

Are You a "Red Flag" Candidate?

Are You a "Red Flag" Candidate?. A red flag is a warning signal, something that provokes an irritated reaction or demands attention.

Hiring managers everywhere look for certain red flags on an application, in responses given during the initial telephone interview, and on site interviews to potentially screen out a candidate in the early stages of the hiring process.

To be certain that you will get past the initial screen, be aware of the following common candidate red flags:

1. No Home Address Telephone Number or E-mail Address

If they can't find you, they can't hire you. Without basic information and an easy way to contact you once interest is established, your chances virtually disappear.

2. Time Lapses Between Jobs

If the time between past positions is wide, you will have some explaining to do. Be certain you're honest and provide all necessary information on gaps in employment up front. It is certain the new company will want to know.

3. Negative or Vague Reasons for Leaving Past Employment

Immediately, the worst case scenario comes to the mind of the hiring manager when you are negative or vague with information about past departures. There is no room for sour grapes. Instead, keep a positive outlook and give details around leaving your previous positions.

4. Inconsistent Answers

You may be asked the same question in a hundred different ways, so your responses to similar questions must be consistent at every step of the hiring process. Inconsistent answers or waffling leave a negative impression in the mind of the interviewer and will most likely eliminate you.

5. Unrealistic Expectations

Whether you want a certain percentage of travel, desire a particular commuting distance, have compensation issues, or long for relocation, unrealistic expectations on your part can lead to disaster and a quick exit. Know what you are willing to do and what your bottom line compensation number is before you get involved with an interviewing process.

6. Lack of Preparedness

Do your homework. Research the company online and develop intelligent questions prior to any interview. Prepare and impress the hiring managers. Take it seriously, and they will take you seriously.

7. No Career or Personal Goals

Where do you see yourself in two years? How about five years? Have a clear direction around both business and personal goals before entering an interview. Include action plans and rewards along the way. Share this information where appropriate. This shows the hiring manager you are focused, prepared and have a specific direction for your career. Share your plan.

8. Negative or Reactionary Attitude

It's all about P.M.A., baby! Possess a "positive mental attitude." Smile, provide a firm handshake and use eye contact. When you react to information in a negative way, you won't get far. Don't dictate what must be done; simply gather information and insight to keep the process moving in a positive direction. If negative information is shared with you, don't react, simply write it down to discuss at a later date. ( msn.com )

READ MORE - Are You a "Red Flag" Candidate?

Six Hot Shots Who Made It

Success Without a College Degree?. Six Hot Shots Who Made It. Many think the only way to succeed is through education. While piling on the degrees can earn you piles of dough -- and debt -- it's not the only option.

Some of today's most successful people don't have a college degree. But what they lack in academic credentials, they make up for in tenacity, brains, guts and strong business sense.

Richard Branson

In 1970, Richard Branson founded Virgin as a mail order record retailer, and not long afterward he opened a record shop in London. Two years later, the first Virgin artist, Mike Oldfield, recorded "Tubular Bells." Since then many household names, including Ben Harper, Fatboy Slim, Perry Farrell, Gorillaz, Lenny Kravitz, Janet Jackson and The Rolling Stones have helped to make Virgin Music one of the top record companies in the world.

Branson sold the equity of Virgin Music Group -- record labels, music publishing and recording studios -- in 1992 in a $1 billion deal, but he remains chairman of Virgin Group, which today includes Virgin Atlantic, Books, Games, LifeCare, Limousines, Megastores and Hotels.

Barry Diller

Barry Diller started his career in the mail room of the William Morris Agency after dropping out of UCLA after one semester. He was hired by ABC in 1966 where he created the ABC Movie of the Week, pioneering the concept of the made-for-television movie.

At age 32, he became president of Paramount Pictures, which produced a string of successful television shows (Laverne and Shirley, Taxi, Cheers) and feature films (Saturday Night Fever, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Beverly Hills Cop) under his helm. From 1984 to 1992, he was chairman and CEO of Fox Studios and was responsible for creating the Fox Broadcasting Company. Today, Diller is the chairman of Expedia and the chairman and CEO of IAC/InterActiveCorp, which includes Citysearch, Evite, Home Shopping Network, Lending Tree, Match.com and Ticketmaster .

Matt Drudge

Pundit, blogger and radio personality Matt Drudge is best known as the proprietor of the Drudge Report Web site. "The only good grades I got in school were for current events," he has said of his education. Drudge opted out of college and floated among a number of odd jobs including convenience store clerk, book salesman and grocery store sales assistant.

In 1989, he moved to Los Angeles and took a job in the gift shop of CBS studios, eventually working his way up to manager. The inside scoop he learned while in this position was allegedly part of the inspiration for founding his gossip rag The Drudge Report. The tabloid made gained notoriety when it was the first to break the news of a relationship between White House intern Monica Lewinsky and President Bill Clinton in 1998.

Janus Friis

Named to Time Magazine's 2006 list of 100 most influential people, Janus Friis holds no formal education. He worked at the help desk of CyberCity, one of Denmark's first ISPs and later worked at Tele2, the leading alternative consumer oriented pan-European telecom operator. It was at Tele2 where Friis met Niklas Zennström, with whom he co-founded the file-sharing application KaZaA and Skype, the peer-to-peer telephony application. In early 2006, Friis and Zennström sold Skype to eBay for $2.6 billion.

Rachael Ray

Rachael Ray's career started at Macy's department store, first at the candy counter and then as the manager of the fresh foods department. Ray quickly followed with stints in gourmet markets and restaurants in New York. At gourmet food market Cowan & Lobel, she began a series of cooking classes -- 30 Minute Meals. Those classes became so popular that she was soon doing weekly segments for the evening news.

Today, Ray is an Emmy-winning television personality who hosts a nationally syndicated talk show and four different programs the Food Network, publishes her own magazine, and has written multiple cookbooks.

Jeff Valdez

Named one of AdAge's Marketing 50 in 2005, Jeff Valdez grew up the youngest of nine children in a housing project in Pueblo, Colorado. As a young adult, he moved through several jobs and ended up as a drummer with a lounge band called Wildfire. Valdez later returned to Colorado after about 10 years of touring and opened a comedy club where he did stand-up. In 1990, he threw his hat into the political ring and made a failed bid for mayor of Colorado Springs. But in 2004, he launched Si TV, the first all-English language network targeting a Hispanic audience.

Anna Wintour

Best identified by her trademark sunglasses and pageboy hairstyle, Anna Wintour is an icon of the fashion world. She reportedly attended North London Collegiate School, but never graduated. She started in 1970 working in the fashion department of Harpers and Queen in London. In 1976, she was named fashion editor of Harper's Bazaar, followed by a brief stint at New York Magazine, three years as creative director of American Vogue, and finally named editor of British Vogue in 1986.

In 1998, she became editor-in-chief of American Vogue. Wintour's work style is so notorious, the novel "The Devil Wears Prada" and its subsequent motion picture are said to be based on her. In recent years, she's focused on many philanthropic endeavors including raising more than $10 million for AIDS, putting Vogue's support behind women-owned businesses in Kabul, Afganistan, and promoting various post-9/11 campaigns. ( msn.com )

READ MORE - Six Hot Shots Who Made It