Home Business Skills

Typing Speed and Your Earnings

Whether you are in pursuit of your own data entry home business or an online opportunity, your earnings will almost certainly be in direct proportion to your typing speed. The faster you type, the more you can accomplish.

Most data entry projects are paid by what is called a "piece rate"; that is, per piece or record keyed. Let's look at an example.

We have a basic name and address data entry project. There are 2,000 total names and addresses (or records). We have quoted our customer a rate of .10 cents per piece (10 cents per record). Keyer #1 can enter 350 of these types of records per hour. We need to determine approximately how much Keyer #1 will earn per hour, just for the data entry portion of this project, and how long it will take her to complete it.

350 records multiplied by .10 cents = $35 per hour
2000 total records for this project divided by 300 records per hour = 5.7 hours

Keyer #2 is a little slower. She can only key 200 records per hour for this project.

200 records multiplied by .10 cents = $20 per hour
2000 total records divided by 200 records per hour = 10 hours

It is very clear that for the identical project, Keyer #1 will earn quite a bit more on an hourly basis and provide a much faster turn-around than Keyer #2 ... simply because of typing speed.

This is why it is well worth your time, and even a small financial investment in typing software if necessary, to increase your speed while maintaining absolute accuracy. I recommend that 60 wpm with 100% accuracy be a minimum to make data entry worth your while.

The good news is that this particular skill is easily acquired. Practice, practice, practice! Get out a phone directory, a book, anything with a bunch of words and numbers, and practice straight typing a half-hour a day. If you commit yourself, you should nearly double your speed within two weeks.

There are five main steps to increasing typing speed:

• Memorizing where the various keys are located on the keyboard
   

• Using the proper finger positions and getting accustomed to which finger should press which key most efficiently
   

• Learning keyboard shortcuts for every software application you use and in simple straight-text typing. We have become too mouse-dependent - which in most cases slows us down
   

• Learning the 10-key pad as well as the numbers above the letters across the top of the keyboard. The 10-key pad will dramatically increase your speed when entering a sequence of numbers as small as three characters! For data entry, always use a full-size keyboard with a 10-key pad - not a condensed laptop keyboard without one.
   

• The final step in increasing your typing speed is confidence. Many slower typists simply have a habit of watching their fingers or looking at the keyboard when they type. They don't trust themselves to type accurately.
  Type a page of text without taking your eyes off of it. Don't allow yourself to look at your fingers or the keyboard. Type slow if you need to, in order to type accurately. Do this again and again and again to build your confidence. You will soon be able to "feel" when you've pressed a wrong key or made an error. Soon after that, you will be able to correct that error (by backspacing, etc.) with hardly a glance at the keyboard. Trust yourself!

Your FIRST goal in polishing your typing skills is to achieve complete accuracy. Your speed is useless without it. Build your speed while typing accurately.

Check out my online typing test as well as a prepared document and instructions for taking a typing test offline using Microsoft Word.

Speed is the key to your data entry earnings. Get that keyboard smokin'!

Michelle Johanson
© 2006. Projects Plus LLC

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The Home Business Skill Set

The most important qualification for starting your own data entry business or any new home business venture is commitment. If you have that, I believe everything else is achievable.

Here is a list of what I look for when I consider mentoring someone in the start-up and operation of a data entry home business. You won't be strong in every trait or skill, but in many cases you can gain the knowledge, change some habits, or otherwise achieve what is necessary.

There is no one on earth who can perfectly encompass all of the skills and traits I describe. The purpose of this review is to help you recognize your strengths and weaknesses. Know that all of them can be learned or improved upon. It is simply a matter of whether or not you are willing to invest the time for personal growth in your weak spots. And we all have them, trust me!

Desire to learn: You wear many hats, that is, have responsibilities in various areas of your business. For the most part, you'll need to learn what you don't know about managing your business. Such items could include bookkeeping, using a database software application, or creating a postcard for marketing your services. In addition, it would be most beneficial to keep up with technology and to regularly improve your skills. To do so, you'll need to be a lifetime learner.

Self-Discipline: (or self-management or time-management) Working at home presents some interesting challenges. First, you have important obligations to your family and the household; second, you have certain expectations of yourself and how you will spend your time; and third, operating a business takes time. You are surrounded by the comforts of home, so it can be easy to procrastinate when you don't have a boss or co-worker looking over your shoulder. You should have the strength of will to do what it takes and stay on task in your business.

Confidence: It takes a lot of courage to ask for what you want; to risk possible rejection or failure. Positive thinking will help you achieve your goals and overcome any obstacle in your path. Confidence is also felt by your customers. When you are assertive and sure of yourself, it reassures them that their project is in good hands.

Problem Solving: I think this is one of the most important assets to your business. Problem solvers have the ability to analyze the problem, determine their options, are decisive about which options to explore, and have the drive, the ambition, to seek out an answer or solution on their own.

Sociability: Are you gracious with other people? Are you a good listener? Can you express yourself in a clear and pleasant way? Though you will primarily work alone, it will greatly benefit your business if you enjoy interaction with others (namely, your customers) and don't shy away from developing good relationships.

Independent: The ability to work alone, independently, and the willingness to take responsibility for your actions are key to your success.

Dependability: You must meet your deadlines, do what you say you will, and be willing to go above and beyond to carry out your commitments.

Strong Work Ethic: More than being a hard worker, you must be goal oriented and willing to work hard toward achieving them. You should have an intense desire to provide the highest quality service possible at all times. You should possess a passion for excellence in all facets of your business. Many of my customers have cited this as one of their top reasons they have remained loyal. They could get their project done cheaper or faster ... but refused to sacrifice my proven level of quality to save a little money or time. That's a very good reputation to build.

Type a minimum of 60 wpm 100% accurately

10-key number pad accurately by touch

Proficient in the use of a Word Processing program

Proficient in the use of a Database Software application

Make a note of where you feel you should grow. Prioritize this list and then begin working on the first item. Learn about it, practice it, and achieve wonderful results within a week. Then begin on the next item.

In my opinion, everything on this list is valuable in many, many aspects of life - both personal and professional. You deserve to spend time some in the next few weeks on yourself and your future. Embrace it. Take the challenge and discover the thrill. You can do it!

Michelle Johanson
© 2005. Projects Plus LLC

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Carpal Tunnel

Repetitive hand movements can lead to the inflammation of ligaments and tendons, causing them to press on the median nerve in your wrist. This is also known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Symptoms of this include:

• Numbness or tingling in your hands and fingers

• Pain in your wrist, palm or forearm

• More numbness or pain at night. The pain may be so bad it wakes you up. Shake or rub your hand to get relief.

• More pain as you use your hand or write

• Trouble gripping objects

• Weakness in your thumb

Carpal Tunnel can be treated. Aspirin or ibuprofen can help ease the discomfort. Other tips for relieving the discomfort include:

• Prop up your arm with pillows when you lie down.

• Avoid using your hand too much

• Try to use the other hand more often

• Avoid bending your wrists down for long periods

Prevention of Carpal Tunnel:

• Lose weight if you are overweight

• Cut down on alcohol use and smoking

• Don't work with your arms too close or too far from your body

• Hold objects instead of pinching them

• Don't sit or stand in the same position all day

• Take regular breaks from repeated hand movements

For more information:

National Institute of Health
Mayo Clinic

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