Kenya’s got talent!

August 18, 2009 by 2 Comments

I really like the TV show “America’s got talent”. What about you? I am always amazed at all the different people who do so many different things – some crazy and some, to be honest, just plain dumb. But there’s no doubt in my mind that America really does have talent – people do amazing things on that show. What about Kenya, though, do we have talent? Some of the Topic Comic try outs make me think we have close to zero talent :p

Seriously, though, I believe that Kenya does have talent, lots of it. This was confirmed to me by a very interesting few weeks of the Biashara 30 program. As you probably know, the Like Chapaa team is currently involved in a little project to try teach people how to earn money online (without charging them). The pace of the program has been somewhat slow but it’s picked up recently and we’re taking some major positive steps.

We’ve just been going for two weeks but already have several ‘businesses’ in the making, which are 100% original ideas of the Biashara 30 students. Mind you, some of them were complete newbies (they aren’t anymore). So far, we have two online shops (that I fully believe will be successful) and a really interesting idea for an ebook to be written and sold. I admit, some of the B30 students are not interesting (or interested) but there are a few who have a lot of creative energy about them and amaze me with their motivation and creativity. Watch this space, you’re going to see interesting internet businesses come up soon.

What about you? Do you have talent? What are you doing with it? Kenya’s got talent!

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With:

Jobs Available

August 17, 2009 by 4 Comments

More Freelance Jobs

Front-End developer – Collaborate with developers, designers and product managers to produce an advanced, envelope-pushing UI for a Alexa Top 50 video-sharing portal used by tens-of-millions of users daily.

Online lesbian magazine seeks writers – GoGetYourGirlOn.com, a new online lesbian magazine, seeks to expand content and grow our family of writers. Our mission is to uplift and empower the lesbian community (read: we do not gossip, and we are not into bashing).

Freelance logo design – We are in urgent need of a logo more than able to represent our classy yet cool lifestyle concept, targeting the middle class Beijinger, age 20-40. We have several examples of logos we like for your viewing, all sharing the common elements of creativity and originality, often being simple, clean and minimalistic. Some artwork to it would be preferred. We do have a specific idea of our own we’d be happy having developed, but would pay more for a fresh vision.

Data storage writer needed – Writer needed to create content for: External Hard Drive Data Storage, Backup and Disaster Recovery, Comparison of backup technologies (disk/online/tape), Search engine optimization for external hard drive market etc.

Mobile phone programmer – Butterfly Works is interested to find someone who can program and test a game to work on mobile phones in East Africa. We will design the game and send you the specs, it needs to work on all phones with a color screen from different manufacturers.

Web development – Nurses World Publications (NWP) is seeking professional end-to-end services for the design, engineering and development of an enterprise level, blended-model website utilizing the full complement of Web 2.0 technology. This new website is an outgrowth of Nurses World Magazine, a four-color glossy publication in circulation throughout California from 2003 to 2008.

Logo & Poster designer – We are an events company located in England and we need a chic, sexy and simple logo designing, as well as posters to advertise our event.

Freelance writer / Proofreader – Freelance Writer / Proofreader for press/marketing pieces for a prominent game company on the West Coast(USA). Must be well versed in Chicago Manual of Style and a Harvard Alum. Work from home. Couple of hours per month.

Experienced business plan writer wanted.

Personal technology columnist – Mshale Newspaper, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota is looking for a personal technology columnist to comment and write on latest technology trends of interest to its readers. Mshale caters to the African immigrant in the United States through its print edition as well as its online version at Mshale.com. Requirements: Must be a technology enthusiast and able to write in a clear and captivating style that engages readers. Must be able to meet tight deadlines.

Freelance blogger – A few bloggers who can share valuable tips, techniques and ideas on the topics of being a self-employed personal trainer / fitness consultant (eg the people who teach you how to work out), or who can share tips about the business of trade shows. You should have already been writing on either topic for 1 year +.

1% Club manager – Because of the success in the Netherlands we will be launching the international version of the 1%CLUB website by the end of this year. The international version will be managed by 1%CLUB Kenya in Nairobi. Therefore we are looking for a manager to set up the 1%CLUB organization in Nairobi.

Style & fashion writers – Examiner.com, a Quantcast Top 100 website, is growing and looking for freelance content contributors (we call them “Examiners”) to share local insights, knowledge and experience about Style or Fashion related topics. It’s a great way to cover what you love and communicate what’s happening in your city.

Freelance web designer – In continual need for talented web designer/ UI expert who can take the most minimalist brief and turn into quality design concepts. The ability to code to valid W3C standards a bonus but not ultimately required at this stage.

Finally, Some Hot Freelance Jobs


Need help?
How to get an online job.
How to avoid online scams.

This post is a weekly feature – we post a list of online, work-from-anywhere, jobs every single week. Be sure not to miss the next list of jobs. Subscribe to Like Chapaa today, or sign up to receive free email updates.

Filed Under: Online Jobs Tagged With: , , ,

That word again…

August 15, 2009 by 2 Comments

Overheard at a bank (the dreadful KCB):

Customer: Could you give me a KCB pen?
KCB employee: I don’t have pens sir.
Customer: But you work here, could you get me one?
KCB employee: I’m sorry that isn’t in my job description..

What the hell is going on here? Not in your job description? Please. it’s called customer care, honey. See, it doesn’t matter what is in your job description – when dealing with a customer your job description is to make him/her happy! Sheesh. If I was the employee’s superior I’d seriously consider firing her. On the spot.

Customer care people, customer care.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With:

The Best Job Advice You Will Ever get

August 14, 2009 by Leave a Comment

Charlie Hoehn has written a thought-provoking ebook on how to get your dream job: something you do because you love doing it but also get paid to do so. it’s an interesting read and may change what you think about jobs. Find it below:

Recession-Proof Graduate

View more documents from choehn.
Filed Under: Tips Hacking and Reviews Tagged With:

Freelancing – The Art of Making Money Online By Using Your Skills

August 12, 2009 by 5 Comments

If thoughts of freelancing have already been making rounds in your head for some time now, it’s time to give it a definite shot! One of the biggest advantages of freelancing is that it can be done from any part of the world as long as you have Internet access. From Kenya to India, and from Philippines to Mexico, as companies cut back on their expenses and staff numbers, they are increasingly seeking help from outside-freelancers. So, if you have expertise and experience, then it’s time to make the most of it by starting to sell them.

If you are now ready to read more…Congratulations! Let’s get started.

So, what are you planning to sell? That’s the first question you need to answer. What skill(s) can you sell you earn money? Whether you are good at marketing, advertising, web design, programming, ghostwriting, candle making, interior decoration, photography, child care, pet care, etc, etc…start planning your freelance business now.

If your skill matches the demand in the market, you should be off to an easy start. However, if you have a unique skill, you may have to struggle a bit at the start to create a demand. Once the demand is generated, you should be able to maintain dominance and expand your freelance business with patience and focus.

Ok, you have the skills. Now what about the set up? Much like most start-up businesses, you’ll need to get some basic things together. Some of the most important tools for freelancing include:

  1. Computer/Laptop – We live in a technology driven world. Not being able to use a computer is frowned upon from Kenya to China. So, get a decent computer to maintain records, correspond with your clients, and do research related to your niche.
  2. Internet connection – This for sure is one of the most important things to have. For Kenyans wanting to start freelancing, a hi-speed Internet connection is indispensable. It’s the BEST way to look for work, research for it, and deliver it. Even if you have a field business, you would require a reliable Internet connection to communicate with your clients.
  3. Website or blog – A website address is like an office address in the virtual world. Nowadays, having your own website is as important as having a business card or a telephone. There is simply no reason why a freelancer should not have a website. Can you do e-commerce if you are not online? No. Can potential customers who hear about you check you out later on the internet if you do not have a website? No again. Can current customers find out what your new offerings are if you lack a website? Not easily.
  4. Telephone/Mobile Phone – Get a new telephone number for your freelance business. This will ensure that your personal calls and business calls are segregated. Also if you don’t already have a mobile phone, this would be a good time to buy one so that you can stay connected with your clients even on the move.
  5. Printer – Being able to print emails, financial records, information etc easily, can be extremely helpful to you as freelancer. So invest in a good printer with decent print quality. The AIOs (All-in-Ones – Printer, scanner, and copier) can really help you run your freelance business efficiently.

Finally, you’ll need to learn how to get an online job! That’s it, you’re ready to start!

I cannot stress enough on the importance of a website, however simple, as you set forth freelancing. And is a website hard to get? No. You can get one very suitable for freelancing at just 100 Kenyan shillings. Go for it!

Filed Under: Make Money Tagged With:

Grab Them HOT!! Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

August 3, 2009 by Leave a Comment

More Freelance Jobs

Flash developer – Spitball is looking for a Flash Developer with skills that will knock us (and our clients) off our chairs. We are seeking experts in Flash design, development and integration for a variety of projects. These projects will range from the latest online marketing to full Flash website experiences.

Photoshop tutorial designer – Are you a master at photoshop and can write tutorial type posts? We are looking for new writers to contribute to our design tutorial blog. The applicant will need to create very high quality photoshop tutorials based on effects, design and web design. Tutorials will be written in a step by step process with screen shots walking the viewer through.

Freelance online writers and photographers – Examiner.com is looking for talented freelance photographers & writers to cover food/restaurants and other topics. Please click here to read our description.

Blogger – Jobacle.com, a popular career advice blog and podcast, seeks fresh bloggers who can work autonomously. We’re all for collaboration, but we need a self-starter who can be assigned a project or just as easily come up with their own and then write!

Freelance writers wanted – Do you like sharing ideas and writing on your own schedule? If so, why not team up with Textbroker.com? Textbroker.com is a free service that allows you to earn money for the articles you write. Acting as a mediator between writers and clients, Textbroker lists requests for freelance writing jobs on topics as varied as literature, family life, news, shopping and more. Ultimately, you have the power to choose what to write—and get paid for it.

Remote web designer – Are you a passionate, multi-talented designer with a desire to help be involved in an exciting new organization dedicated to entrepreneurial innovation? Are you that rare type of professional who possesses an equal ability to design incredible websites and brand identities? Do you want creative freedom as well as the chance to collaborate? If so, Grasshopper Labs wants you.

Site editor – Painsolutionsmagazine.com, the online home for the national, quarterly magazine, Pain Solutions, debuting this September, seeks an editor to lead our about-to-be-relaunched site and grow the Pain Solutions online community into a vibrant gathering place for those dealing with chronic and acute pain. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in launching and growing online communities, especially those related to health, and a deep understanding of social media and social networking.

Arabic engineer – Looking for an Arabic software engineer to work with on a start up idea.

Writer for golf website – Demand Studios offers you the flexibility to claim and work on multiple assignments at a time, allowing you to work at your own pace, from any location, and earn money around your schedule. As a Demand Studios Golf writer, your articles will be available to over 2.5 million people a month. All writers receive a byline on each piece written to help build exposure and credibility for you and your writing.

Talented freelancers wanted – Suite101 is looking for talented writers who can write a minimum of 3 non-fiction articles between 400-600 words each month. As a Suite101 writer, you can enjoy the freedom to write what you want, when you want and earn a competitive income off your articles over the lifetime of your career – even if you decide to stop writing for us.

Write about dating – We’re looking for a few good men to blog about their dating life on a dating advice site for women so the women in our community can get better insight into how men think. If you’re a single man between the age of 30-60 we’d love to hear from you. By single I mean not currently married. If you’re divorced we definitely want to hear from you.

Copywriter – Young ambitious copywriter needed for new non-profit start up. Looking for someone to write web and blog content, donor communications, and advertising. Need to be familiar with social networking/marketing including facebook, twitter, etc. Work is volunteer during start up phase and will eventually become PT or FT. Be involved in a breakthrough non-profit start up and join a team of dedicated folks to help do something positive that will make a difference in people’s lives.

PHP developers for Ushahidi – We’re constantly looking for great PHP developers who can help us build the best software around for crisis and disaster information. Ushahidi was born in Kenya during the post-election fallout in January 2008. We’re a small team of dedicated software developers, bloggers and designers working to make an engine that can be used anywhere in the world to gather information from ordinary people.

Finally, Some Hot Freelance Jobs


Need help?
How to get an online job.
How to avoid online scams.

This post is a weekly feature – we post a list of online, work-from-anywhere, jobs every single week. Be sure not to miss the next list of jobs. Subscribe to Like Chapaa today, or sign up to receive free email updates.

Filed Under: Online Jobs Tagged With: , , , ,

Create An Online Shop In Three Easy Steps

August 1, 2009 by Leave a Comment


Indeed there are many many stories of people who have made millions on the Internet and become fabulously wealthy by establishing online businesses. With billions of people surfing the Internet daily, surely one particularly attractive ‘type’ of Internet business is an online shop, right? Just look at the likes of etsy, Amazon and eBay.

Setting up an online shop is easy, with very little bars to entry. And it just got easier! If you’ve ever wanted to sell anything online, you can do so with Google’s new online store widget in THREE easy steps. Now there’s no excuse 😛

Here’s a comprehensive guide to building a successful online shop.

Filed Under: Small Business, Tips Hacking and Reviews