Small Office-Home Office Tips #13


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

TipWorld - http://www.tipworld.com
The Internet's #1 Source for Computer Tips, News, and Gossip

Proudly presents:
The Windows 98 Tip of the Day

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


*1. OVERCOMING PROCRASTINATION

Every person occasionally has a bout of procrastination. It may 
be a bit more common among the self-employed because we're not 
supervised. When you experience such a bout, quiz yourself 
about why you're having trouble working on a particular 
project. In some cases, you'll be able to spot an underlying 
problem that must be solved before you can work effectively. 
One of the most common problems is simply having inadequate 
information about what you're supposed to be doing. Calling 
your client for clarification can help. Or, if that isn't 
appropriate, try making a list of the information you need 
before you can start; then go out and get it!


*2. SITE OF THE WEEK: JUNE LANGHOFF'S TELECOMMUTING
    RESOURCE CENTER

June Langhoff calls herself a "televangelist," but in this 
case, "tele" means telecommuting. Her Telecommuting Resource 
Center has advice for people who want to get started 
telecommuting, plus tips for people who already work at home. 
The site also summarizes news of interest to telecommuters and 
provides links to more useful information on the Web. Langhoff 
has written four books on the subject, and the site includes a 
"bookstore" if you'd like to order one.

http://www.langhoff.com


*3. WORKING ON STAFF VS. FREELANCING

You've done a great job for a client, and the company offers 
you an in-house job. You may be tempted to take the job AND 
hold on to some--or all--of your freelance business. But that's 
a recipe for exhaustion. Be realistic and cautious about taking 
on an in-house job, whether it's part time or full time. Not 
only will you have to give up your workday independence, but 
you'll probably have to stop cultivating your relationships 
with other clients.


*4. WHAT TO DO IF YOU MISS AN ESTIMATED TAX PAYMENT

If you miss one of the quarterly deadlines for an estimated tax 
payment, you'll owe a penalty, even if you double up on your 
next payment. Because you'll be penalized anyway, the IRS 
suggests that you spread the amount of the missed payment over 
the remaining payments you'll make for the year. The penalties 
may be waived if caused by a casualty or disaster. In any case, 
if you find yourself in a situation where you can't make a 
payment on time, check with the IRS by phone for a 
recommendation on what to do. You can find a phone number for 
your regional office through the IRS Web site at

http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/prod/where_file/index.html


*5. SUNDAY DELIVERY BY THE USPS

The United States Postal Service offers Sunday and holiday 
delivery as part of its Express service at no extra charge. In 
fact, the USPS will deliver any Express package shipped on 
Saturday the next day, unless you specify that you don't want 
Sunday delivery. In most areas, packages are supposed to reach 
their destination by noon the next day. Rates are generally 
competitive with or, in some cases, better than private package 
delivery services. If you're wondering what became of your 
package, you can check on the USPS Web site to see if it has 
been received. You can read about the terms and rate schedule at

http://www.usps.gov/consumer/domestic.htm#express


*6. CELL PHONE SHOPPING MADE EASIER

Point.com, formerly Wireless Dimension, contains a wealth of 
information about cellular phone service plans. You can easily 
compare rates in your area and find out about other charges, 
such as activation fees and buying the phone itself. The site 
says that it has data on more 3000 phone plans in markets 
throughout the United States and on more than 200 models of 
cellular phones.

http://www.point.com


*7. CONFIRMING YOUR E-MAIL HAS BEEN READ

E-mail is a great medium for business communications, but you 
never know exactly when your recipient will check his or her 
mail and read it. One way to find out if the person has read 
the e-mail is to ask for a receipt, which is available as an 
option in most mail programs. For example, in Netscape 
Navigator 4.61, click the Options button on a message 
composition screen, then click Return Receipt and send your 
message. When the recipient opens it, you will receive a brief 
message from Netscape notifying you. This method is much better 
than calling the person with an inane "Did you receive my 
e-mail?" question.


*8. SITE OF THE WEEK: ABOUT TELECOMMUTING

About.com, formerly the Mining Company, sponsors a centralized 
resource for people who work from home. In addition to the 
links and chat schedules you would expect from any portal, 
About.com's Telecommuting site also features original articles 
on topics such as time management and creating a proposal to 
telecommute for a current employer. You can also register for a 
telecommuting bulletin board, where you can read messages from 
others who work at home or post your own tips and questions.

http://telecommuting.about.com


*9. THE ELECTRONIC FEDERAL TAX PAYMENT SYSTEM

The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) allows small 
businesses to pay taxes by automatic withdrawal from a checking 
account. To see if the system might make your life easier, 
check out the IRS site at

http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/prod/elec_svs/eftps.html

Or you can call 1-800-945-8400 or 1-800-555-4477 for more 
information about electronic tax payments.


*10. INVEST IN LEARNING

Many large companies offer tuition reimbursement for employees 
who successfully complete college courses related to their 
field. Companies also often send employees to intensive 
seminars on technical topics (such as using a particular 
computer program) or workplace issues (such as project 
planning). Do you have a weak area that you'd like to improve 
upon? Whether it's selling or self-motivation, many classes 
and seminars are available that can help you improve. Consider 
setting aside part of your income to invest in your education. 
It just might pay off.
