Hello my readers. It’s
been a while since I have posted anything due to my freelancing efforts as a
translator. I wish to share some telecommuting tips and update previously
written posts, as some of the circumstances mentioned have since been improved.
Skype Update:
Since May 1st of
this year, VoIP-based services and applications such as Skype and Magic Jack
are no longer blocked by Belize Telemedia Ltd! This is a biggie for Belizean
telecommuters as we no longer need to find creative ways of bypassing the
system to engage in virtual work. Skype capability is a mainstream
prerequisite used by most companies and employers online for web conferencing
with telecommuters and or to perform outbound customer service calls. This
resource had previously been unavailable to Belizeans due to censorship. With
that all behind us, we can now focus on exploring and securing virtual
opportunities which had previously been denied us.
Incoming Bank Wire
Transfers:
The next concern that I
hope will be addressed by the Belize government is the red tape and
ridiculously high costs relating to receiving incoming wire transfer payments
for online contracts. Even though PayPal is accessible for
Belizeans, one has to request permission from Central Bank of Belize via a letter
explaining why we need the account and once the money is channeled via local
banks, the incoming transfer fees are currently USD thirty per transaction which
is outrageously high.
With companies like oDesk charging USD thirty per transaction for outgoing wire transfers plus a 10%
commission, we simply cannot afford to compete with telecommuters from
countries such as the Philippines who have lower overhead costs and whose
banking laws facilitate foreign exchange and telecommuting. It is very
frustrating when we have to bid higher for jobs and lose contracts due to the
high internet, electric and banking rates. Yes, internet rates have been
reduced a bit and we are grateful but Belize need to become more telecommuter-friendly
if Belizean teleworkers are to become more successful in the virtual job
markets.
Contracts:
When making bids for
virtual contracts, please ensure that you:
- Review contracts and make sure that you have a clear understanding of the terms and conditions relating to the deliverable milestones and time frames.
- Also, do not forget to include clauses specifying your status as an independent contractor and stipulate if your services are non-exclusive.
Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA):
Securing your PC and
data is a priority for contractors providing professional services who are
privy to proprietary information belonging to another person or organization. Most
clients will request that you sign a non-disclosure agreement to secure
sensitive data you have access to. Even if a client does not request this,
offering to do so demonstrates professionalism on your behalf. Here are some
simple basic negotiation tips to bear in mind when you are asked to sign a
non-disclosure agreement (NDA):
- Ask for time to peruse the document which will give you a chance to either personally vet or have your lawyer examine it.
- If there are any clauses which encroach on your personal creativity or holds you liable for damages if a breach should occur then think long and hard about signing such without retaining advice from your lawyer.
Data & PC Security:
Prior to pursuing
virtual job opportunities it is advisable to ensure the following:
- Confirm that you have original versions of Windows or Mac on your PC
- Install and maintain security software such as: Windows Defender for Windows 8, Identity Finder and Personal Software Inspector.
- Restrict remote access and research any remote management and screen sharing software you may be asked to install on your computer as many of these products are easily compromised. If you must share a resource with others, you should disable file and print sharing, format your drive using NTFS (New Technology File System), and correctly set the file and directory permissions.
- Encrypt all files to secure data on your PC.
That’s all for now, if
there are any subject areas you wish me to elaborate on kindly let me know I
will endeavor to make my posts more frequent and as always I ask for your
comments and constructive criticism as this helps me to know and understand
your interests, correct any errors made and update information shared.
