How To Generate Cash Using An Instagram Account

Social media has infiltrated our lives in ways that our ancestors cannot imagine. Let us focus on one platform – the trendy Instagram (IG). Instagram offers you the opportunity to widen your income or to receive free products by posting photographs. Contrary to popular belief, earning money thru this venue is not limited to becoming an influencer.

There are many methods to capitalize on your IG presence. Here are just of them:

METHOD #1: POST REGULARLY ON INSTAGRAM

To make decent amount of money on the side while feeding your Instagram addiction, you can consider becoming an influencer. Start by treating your feed as a C.V. (Curriculum Vitae). Strategically curate your account to invite as many brands as possible. The wider your feed or portfolio is, the better.

Maintain your Instagram presence by using consistent posting schedules, pristine images, and witty captions. Andrea Chong’s account is an example of a strong local influencer. Remember that you attract the brands that match the content of your feed. For instance, you may be hired as a brand influencer for a detox tea if you exude enthusiasm toward fitness.

METHOD #2: SELL YOUR WORK

You have a knack for photography. If you have numerous quality images that companies and individuals may want to pay for, you can display it on renowned websites such as Shutterstock. Another (relatively uncommon) option is to upload your portfolio on Instagram.

Make sure to add a watermark and a detailed caption to each of your image. This will not only protect your rights, but it will also clearly direct your potential clients.

METHOD #3: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SLIDESHOWS

Do you own a budding small business? Well, you better listen up! This method allows you to establish the diverse angles of your brand using a single post. You do not have to pay for an upgrade.

Instagram has solidified its status as an efficient platform for sharing singular square-shaped photographs. Instagram did its best to sway with the dance of modern technology. It has since expanded to adding videos and time lapses. Furthermore, the Facebook-owned company introduced the slideshow feature. Users can post up to 10 pictures that will appear in one post. This move seeks to help advertisers (like you) to tell sequenced stories. Ensure that your photos follow a unified theme or filter.

METHOD #4: EMPLOY AFFILIATE MARKETING

Various websites display their partners with sidebar banners. This type of publicity is called affiliate marketing. The same principle applies when you are rolling out your affiliates over to Instagram. Affiliate marketing will enable you to receive commission for the products or services that you will promote. Use catchy hashtags and high-resolution images to drive more traffic to the affiliate code or URL.

Step up your game by mentioning the brand on your Instagram stories. Simply edit the text and type “@” followed by the brand’s username. A notification will be automatically sent to the brand’s inbox right away.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

BONUS TIP: You can promote “flash sales” by posting on your 24-hour Instagram stories!

Sources: 1,  2, & 3

Read More...

Wise Hacks To Save Money On Your Next Cruise Booking

As the popular song goes: “Cruising is made for love.” The appeal of boarding a cruise echoes to the hearts of many Singaporeans. Before booking your next Royal Caribbean International or Princess Cruises trip, consider these tips to knock a few bucks off your total spending.

SPOT A GOOD DEAL

Sales and promotions are prolific in the cruise industry. Short-term deals leading up to the sail dates can help you save a decent amount of money. However, you must be cautious about the eye-catching deals that offer up to 50% off and beyond. These attractive savings may be due to the sudden bump in the ticket prices just before the sale.

The savviest way to spot a good deal is by tracking the prices for several weeks. When a sale comes up, you will know how it fares compared to the average prices. Find deals by subscribing to a cruise line’s or a travel agency’s electronic newsletters.

DO NOT SKIP YOUR FITNESS REGIMEN

Being on a vacation is not an excuse to skip your fitness regimen. Skip the overpriced classes offered by luxurious gyms in Singapore and opt for the complimentary sessions held on the deck. Picture yourself taking the hottest Zumba craze as you float above the serene seas. Alternatively, you may bring your own yoga mat and watch a free tutorial from your laptop.

DETERMINE ALL THE INCLUSION

Much like the type of boarding pass you carry on air, the boarding pass on sea constitutes to certain inclusions. Understand the terms and conditions of your pass before booking anything. Who knows? You might save more money by letting go of some unnecessary add-ons.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FREEBIES

If the ship is hosting an art auction for all the guests, you can drop by to appreciate art while sipping free booze. Relax and enjoy. You are not obliged to purchase an artwork, nor are you obliged to pay for the flowing champagne.

DO IT YOURSELF

If you are planning a quick getaway for a period spanning to 5 days, consider washing your own clothes. Cruise lines will gladly was your clothes for about S$3.50 per item. This number can quickly add up! Use the self-service launderettes or wash your clothes in the bathroom sink instead.

Simply pack your own detergent and hang your clothes in the shower. Only wash the items that you are going to reuse and wash the rest when you get home.

EMBRACE THE SELFIES

In a world where we are practically glued to social media, posting photos while on a cruise is a must! Many ships have their resident photographers that are willing to charge you about S$30 per frame. Rather than splurging on the “official cruise photos”, take turns in playing a photojournalist.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Doing so will help you save more money without missing an Instagrammable moment.

Sources: 1,  2, &  3

Read More...

Six Habits Of Financially Successful Individuals

While you are busy managing your own wealth, consider how you can develop these 6 habits of financially successful people.

#1: FASCINATION OVER BOOKS

According to Mr. Tom Corley, the author of “Rich Habits: The Daily Success Habits of Wealthy Individuals”, self-made millionaires have a shared passion for reading. His study found that about 85% of the participants indulged on two or more books in a month. These said books involve topics of improvement such as career, health, and leadership.

I cannot deny that life is an endless journey of discoveries. There will always be new theories to motivate employees and new strategies to invest your wealth. This is why you must read beyond what is expected of you. Set yourself apart from the competition!

#2: GONE IS THE BLAMING GAME

No matter how relatively robust Singapore’s economy is (i.e., compared to other countries across the globe), it cannot please everyone. Others have a habit of blaming the economy for their ill financial situation. Successful individuals and eventual millionaires refrain from behaving as such.

Reality check! It is time to take the full responsibility for your finances. Doing so will make you more accountable for your future spending.

#3: SACRIFICE COMES FIRST

The key to success is knowing that there is no easy way up! As you are only starting your career, you must employ sacrifices such as downsizing your flat or selling your car. Successful individuals transform every cent they can save into productive matters such as investing on quality education.

Accept that your way of life is something that you have to sacrifice first. For instance, the notable Warren Buffett drives his car until it completely wears out.

#4: THINKING OF THE LONG-HAUL

Overnight success rarely happens. You will probably agree that financial success requires strategic planning and careful outlook toward the future. Many successful individuals show concern about what their finances will be like in the next 5 to 10 years. They take conscious steps to reach their long-term goals.

Having this habit of setting long-term goals encourages the exploration of options to increase one’s wealth. It highlights the importance of having substantial savings.

#5: GOOD THINGS BLOOMING YOUR WAY

Have you heard of the quote: “Good things come to those who wait”? Well, financially successful individuals have their own twist! They essentially believe that good things will come as long as they hustle. They do not just sit around to wait for incredible blessings! They play an active role in their accomplishments.

Continue to expand your financial literacy. And at the same time, seek for new ways to boost your income. This will help you to efficiently tackle your financial goals.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Ohhhh! You came here to read 6 habits. Sorry about that! Sometimes, you must give yourself the privilege to commit mistakes. It is possible to be right all the time (successful people know this).

Sources: 1,  2, & 3

Read More...

Are Sick Leaves Rewardable Or Punishable?

More often than not, Singaporean companies offer a sick leave policy. The sick leave policy is crafted to provide salary and position continuation in the event of illness, injury, or hospitalization. Some of its forms translate to paid hospitalization leave and medical reimbursement. The necessary absence must be backed by a company doctor, company-approved doctor, or government doctor.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

This policy has a myriad of benefits. For starters, employees do not have to worry about losing money when the inevitable happens. Its mere existence can boost employee satisfaction. Moreover, it isolates the contamination of the illness. Sick employees will not have a chance to infect more people in the office.

Due to the buzz-worthy complaints by some Singapore Airlines cabin crew, issues surrounding this policy was in the limelight in the recent days. A Straits Times report showed that said crew members allegedly lost incentive points when they submit medical certificates (MC) for common ailments like colds or cough.

Is this a flaw in the company’s current sick leave system?

Well, the Director of Talent Acquisition at Quantum Leap Career Consultancy had his own take. Mr. Alvin Ang said: “I don’t think this is the right thing to do. You are using something which instills fear.”

One thing is for sure, this system is rare! Fear may be triggered due to the tangible sense of lower incentives. Employees must work towards a goal of minimizing their MC. It sends an intriguing message that we can control when we get ill. Since we do not have supernatural powers, some persistent employees turn up to work despite their alarming conditions.

Let us get down to business!

From the entrepreneurial standpoint, the primary problem that companies face is the loss of production. Loss of production happens when the employee was not able to accomplish his or her output for the day. Part-timers and interns may step up, but this will lead to reductions in their valued time. The added hassle leads to the loss of money.

In addition, co-workers who constantly have to cover for the sickly employee can develop personal resentment over the situation. Take note of this! This moral flaw in the work culture may hurt the company in the long run.

The final boiling problem rises from the employees who are less than honest about their health condition and personal lives. Say company Alpha has no robust sick leave policy in place. The company has an employee who submits MC twice a week. The employer cannot simply deduct the day from the employee’s salary due to the nature of the contract.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Fortunately for you, there are many ways to fight against the employees who are abusing their allotted sick leaves. A sensible step to take is to examine the existing policy. Determine if you need to tweak some words, which encourage unscheduled absenteeism. Policies requiring the employee to file a report why they missed work may be helpful.

You may also confront the employee before things get out of hand. Privately discuss the reasons why he or she missed so much days. Support your claims by keeping a record of everyone’s attendance. Interview his or her peers if necessary.

Lastly, you must contemplate on the possibility of impaired mental health. Is your employee suffering from Psychological issues such as alcoholism or substance abuse? Consider providing counselling in your medical benefits.

Read More...

How To Earn Decent Money Using Your Smartphone

Before I plunged into the online freelancing, I never fully understood why companies are willing to pay for individuals who can participate in various activities. Said activities include shopping online, watching videos, reading advertisements, or using smartphone applications.

Soon I realized that the online competition is fierce. So, companies needed to reach their customers using creative ways. They need us! Download from a wide selection of apps to earn money from your product or service.

BY DRIVING PEOPLE AROUND

Uber – Available on Android and iOS

Are you sufficiently familiar with the Singapore roads and regulations? Consider earning extra money by becoming a cab driver. Having a car is not a strict requirement as many Uber drivers rent their cars. In fact, Uber Singapore has a list of preferred rental partners.

Uber, an app founded in San Francisco, connects drivers to riders. Its worldwide demand is growing as the days go by. There are many advantages to becoming an Uber driver. Firstly, it can earn you a decent amount of money. For instance, full-time drivers reportedly make about S$2,500 per month after all the deductions.

Secondly, you get to enjoy the flexibility in your schedule. There is no minimum or maximum hours of work. Lastly, you are in control of where and when you want to work.

BY SELLING YOUR THINGS ONLINE

Carousell – Available on Android and iOS

More and more Singaporeans are making quick bucks by selling their underused, preloved, or unused items online. Scavenge through your home to spot anything valuable. From books to clothes and furniture to paintings, you can take advantage of Carousell.

Carousell is a global marketplace app with a simple premise. Users start by snapping and describing their items. Then, they will chat with potential buyers to close the deals. Seek a form of payment that is convenient for you and the client. Some people prefer to meet-up, while others opt for wire transfers.

BY JOINING THE PACT

Pact – Available on Android and iOS

Looking for an efficient motivation to help you follow through your weightless resolution in 2017? The search is over as GymPact brings you the Pact app! It has been featured on The New York Times, CNN, and ABC News.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Pact allows its users to pledge a specific amount alongside the set of days that they plan to work out. Users who do not stick to the said goal must pay for each day they miss. You earn cash for staying healthy and get paid by “inactive” Pact members. Are you up for the challenge?

BY COMPLETING VARIOUS TASKS

Upwork – Available on Android and iOS

Modern technology reinvented the cubicle-bound workplace with the introduction of freelancing. There are websites and applications that allow people to reap the opportunities for online freelance work. You can easily accomplish these tasks from the comfort of your own home.

Upwork (previously called as Odesk) can help you whether you are an expert in writing, administrative work, marketing, advertising, legal work, illustrating, engineering, or web design. Payment is painless because Credit Cards, PayPal accounts, and Bank Accounts are accepted. Download the free app to see for yourself.

BY SUBMITTING YOUR PHOTOS

EyeEm – Available on Android and iOS

You do not need to carry bulky professional cameras in order to capture stunning moments. Today’s smartphones are equip with high definition cameras with sound quality. For instance, the iPhone 7 showcases an innovative camera that includes the ability to capture in low light and in RAW photos.

Turn your artistic vision into cash by downloading EyeEm right from your phone. EyeEm is one of the largest photo-markets, with over 18 million creators worldwide. You can sell your photos for approximately S$28 (US$20) to S$350 (US$250). It is not that bad!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

What’s more? All of these apps are FREE!

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...