[Jobs] Making LiveOpps Accessible?

[Everett Gavel]

Hello All,

This kind of thing saddens me.  A few people on this
list have asked if this LiveOpps opportunity was
"accessible."  Most basically said, "No," with no
further input.

It's so easy to write-off actual income opportunities
and job opps.  I know it's much easier than actually
finding a way to make something work.  Something that
might be a little struggle in the beginning, even
frustrating at times, with payout/payoff coming later.
So I know many of those who could work here will simply
keep looking, and looking, and looking.  I wonder, how
many here have been on these jobs lists for years,
supposedly looking for work, without ever having
actually tried for even one job that's come through?
Truly tried, I mean.  Not just looked for or thought of
some excuse not to?

Now, I don't know why someone hasn't worked with such a
company as LiveOpps yet, to make them accessible.
Maybe efforts have been made.  Maybe it's them.  Maybe
they don't care to be accessible to the more than
10-million visually impaired persons in America alone,
nevermind globally?  At least, last I checked, that's
the number the American Foundation for the Blind
(www.afb.org) gave for such stats.

Or maybe no one has inquired, to try to help them?  The
NFB has worked with large companies, entities such as
UPS, NASA, and more.  This single company, it seems to
me, would be a better fit for a small accessibility
company.  A company who could work with LiveOpps.com
and help to make them accessible and then both sides
could easily get great PR from it all.  All while
helping a few more job-seekers and workers that are
blind, get jobs.

Now, if LiveOpps.com is just clueless at the moment, as
so many seem to be, someone here could, if they wanted
a job bad enough, go to a company like Freedom
Scientific, or to the numerous JFW lists out here--and
ask around for a Scripter.  There are even JFW
scripting tutorials for those who might think of trying
to do it themselves.  For those who want more out of
life than to just hope an easy job comes through a list
such as this.

Just ask around.  One could probably find a company who
trains people on assistive tech, who is willing to work
on such a project--realizing the opportunity to do some
good, and also get some positive press out of their
efforts to help others.  Rather than simply asking, "Is
it accessible?," one could just as easily not stop
there, and begin to make it so.

But I rarely hear of such things?  What I hear most on
these lists is a short question about accessibility,
and a shorter answer, with no real help or initiative
being shown.

How bad do you want to work, truly?  I'm not speaking
to anyone in particular here.  These kinds of quick,
defeating Q&A's come through here all the time.  It's
depressing, really.  Such a lack of initiative.  Why?
Some amazing opportunities come through this list.  How
many have you passed on, because it might have taken a
little work to be able to, well, work?

For the record, I've done the
"easier-to-avoid-than-actually-try" thing myself.  I'm
not above anyone else.  Perhaps that's the reason it
saddens me so much.  Because I'm so close to being at
that next level, of being able to help others more.
and yet I'm still so far, it sometimes seems.  All I
can do today is try to urge others on, to inspire
others to greater things.  So, please, consider the
simplicity of what I suggest above, with a job such as
LiveOpps.  There may be a chance that custom-scripting
won't work.  But it's more likely it would, if
attempted.  I think it could be done.  It just needs
someone to take the initiative, and hook up the two
entities.  Two companies that will work together , to
ultimately allow a few more blind people to earn an
income.  LiveOpps.com and... ???

God bless your efforts, all who may have read this far.
I hope LiveOpps becomes more accessible.  I also hope
even more that each of you here who truly wants to
work, finds a blessing of a job or career.


Thanks,
Everett
www.everettgavel.com



----- Original Message -----
To: "Jobs for the Blind" <jobs at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, April 30, 2007 5:06 PM



 _______________________________
From: Schopen, Nicole
Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2007 3:12 PM
Subject: Work From Home Opportunity

Good afternoon! I just wanted to drop a note to let
everyone know of a
work from home opportunity that may work well for some
of the clients.
Please pass along to the counselors or clients you feel
will benefit
from having this information.

When I previously worked at West Corporation
interviewing home agents,
many of them mentioned they also worked with LiveOps. I
never heard bad
things about this one. It is legitimate. Keep in mind
when mentioning
this one to clients that it is an Independent
Contractor position rather
than employment with a company. They will basically be
self-employed so
they can control the amount of hours they work and
their income.

This is information from their FAQ section on the
website. You may
further look into the opportunity at
http://www.liveops.com
<http://www.liveops.com/> .


Thanks!
Nicole



The LiveOps Opportunity

Q:  What is an Independent Agent?

A:  An Agent is an independent contractor that develops
and manages
their own business. An Independent Agent contracts with
LiveOps under an
Independent Contractors Agreement to receive calls from
people
requesting products or services from LiveOps clients.

Q:  Does LiveOps certify Agents in every state?

A:  Yes, LiveOps does have certified Agents in the
contiguous 48 states.
However, we make specific certification decisions based
on needs within
a state.

Q:  How much money can I earn as an Independent Agent?

A:  LiveOps engages Agents according to the volume of
work available
from our clients. Also, as an Independent Agent you do
not have a
minimum or maximum of time you need to work.

In most cases, Agents invoice LiveOps per minute of
talk time. Each
program will have a unique rate per minute. On average,
individual
Agents invoice LiveOps $6.00 and $15.00 per hour
depending on talk time
and performance. New Agents typically invoice
$6.00-$8.50 per hour. In
addition, many clients provide additional selling
incentives for certain
products or services. These incentives can dramatically
increase Agent
revenue as Agents become more confident in their
ability to sell the
products and services. As Agents become more skilled
they can invoice
$9.00-$11.00 per hour. This is largely due to more
calls being routed to
higher performing and experienced Agents. Exceptional
teleservices
Agents can invoice as much as $20.00 per hour.

Q:  How many hours can I work?

A:  As an Independent Contractor, you can provide
services as many or as
few hours as your schedule permits.

Q:  How are my Agent fees paid? How often?

A:  Agents submit invoices using an online system.
LiveOps pays Agent
fees by either check or direct deposit. Fees are
calculated from the 1st
to the 15th, and from the 16th to the end of the month.
Fees are paid
(deposits made and checks mailed) on the first business
day following
the close of an invoice period.

Q:  How long before my business generates revenue?

A:  Once LiveOps receives all necessary documents and
all equipment is
in working order, you may begin our certification
process. Motivated
Agents can complete certifications and begin accepting
telephone calls
(thus generating revenue) within a week.

Q:  Does LiveOps have opportunities that are of limited
duration?

A:  From time to time, LiveOps will have programs that
are of limited
duration that require a large number of Agents. These
opportunities are
usually seasonal, and last between one and four months.

Agent Requirements

Q:  What are the characteristics of the most successful
Agents that
contract with LiveOps?

A:  Agents that successfully manage their home based
businesses share
the following traits:

* They are professional and capable of providing a high
level of
service
* They enjoy the freedom that running their own
business allows
them
* They are positive and optimistic
* They are tolerant and accepting of differing view
points
* They are even tempered and handle frustration well
* They are comfortable with numeric reasoning
* They log on on time, and honor all time commitments

Q:  How old must I be to be considered by LiveOps?

A:  If your business is a corporation, partnership, or
LLC, there is no
age requirement. However, the principle in your
business must be 18
years of age. If your business is a sole proprietorship
(self
employment), then you must be 18 years of age or older
to be considered
by LiveOps.

Q:  Do I have to be a legal resident of the United
States?

A:  Yes, LiveOps requires that all contracted Agents
legally reside in
the United States.

Q:  Can I live in Canada?

A:  Unfortunately, LiveOps does not contract with
individuals or
businesses in Canada at this time.

Q:  Will I need a Tax Identification Number?

A:  Yes, as an Independent Contractor you will need a
Tax Identification
Number. If you are a corporation, LLC, or partnership,
you will have a
tax ID for that entity. If you are a sole
proprietorship (self
employed), you may use your social security number for
your Tax
Identification Number. Your state, however, may be
different, so please
check the requirements in your state. At year end,
LiveOps will provide
a 1099 - Miscellaneous Income Form for your year end
tax reporting
purposes.

Q:  Are there minimum hours or a minimum amount of
calls that are
required?

A:  Scheduling time is strictly up to each Agent.
Agents can provide
services as little or as often as their lifestyle
allows. The only
minimum call requirement for LiveOps agents is that a
few calls are
taken within a 60 day time period.

Agent Selection

Q:  What is the process for becoming an Agent?

A:  Simply click on the "Let's Get Started!" Button on
the LiveOps
website. Once the basic information is provided,
LiveOps tests for
reading comprehension. We also require a voice
audition. Depending on
the business opportunities currently available. you may
also be invited
to complete a 45 minute assessment that helps LiveOps
ensure a match
between candidates and the company. When these steps
have been
completed, LiveOps will review your qualifications and
objectively make
a determination based on business need.

If your home business meets LiveOps Agent
Qualifications, you will be
invited to a Virtual Business Presentation. This
Presentation will
provide an overview of the LiveOps business model, the
role of the
Independent Contractor, and all the necessary
information you will need
to determine whether LiveOps can assist you in growing
your business.

Q:  How will LiveOps contact me if I am selected to
attend the Virtual
Business Presentation?

A:  You will receive an email from LiveOps with a web
address and pass
code for attending the Virtual Business Presentation.
Once you receive
this email, you will have 7 days to attend the online
presentation, and
respond to LiveOps indicating an interest in moving
forward to the
Certification Process.

Q:  Is there a contractor's fee?

A:  At this time, LiveOps does not charge a
contractor's fee; however,
LiveOps will require a $30 non refundable check or
money order to cover
a routine background and credit check for all
candidates indicating an
interest in moving forward in the LiveOps Certification
Process after
the Virtual Business Presentation. Certain short term
and temporary
business opportunities that do not involve access to
caller personal or
credit information may not require a background and/or
credit check. If
that is the case, candidates will be notified in
advance, and will not
be asked to pay for the background and credit check.

Q:  Why does LiveOps require a $30.00 processing fee
for a credit and
background check?

A:  LiveOps maintains the highest Agent standards in
the industry. As a
result, candidates to become Independent Contractors
for LiveOps must
pass rigid credit and background requirements. The
$30.00 fee covers the
cost of a thorough review of a candidate's background.

Q:  Why does LiveOps run background and credit checks
on their potential
Agents?

A:  Sometimes LiveOps Agents have access to private
company or customer
information, so LiveOps does this as a precautionary
measure to help
protect the security of information from both our
callers and the
clients who contract with LiveOps to take their calls.

Q:  If LiveOps receives an low credit rating for me,
will I still be
considered to become an Independent Agent?

A:  A low credit rating will not automatically
disqualify you for all
call types. LiveOps will contact you personally if a
major issue arises.


Technical Requirements

Q:  What are the minimum equipment requirements?

A: Offering services through LiveOps will require the
following computer
and software set-up:

* A personal computer with at least a 1GHz Pentium III
processor
or better.
* A minimum of 512 MB of RAM Memory.
* Windows XP ( we do not recomment Home Edition), or
Windows Vista
(see important information below).
* Internet 6 with Service Pack 2.
* Java 2- Version 1.5
* A minimum of one USB port (USB version 2)
* System configured in accordance with Microsoft's
recommendations
as outlined on their 'Protect Your PC Web Site." These
steps include:

* Windows Update module enabled and configured to
update
automatically
* Windows standard firewall enabled on systems where it
exists
* Anti-Virus software installed and configured to
automatically update (please refer to Microsoft's web
site for
instructions on securing your system)
* Microsoft also has free anti-spyware that is very
effective in killing sypware. It can be downloaded for
free at
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/
software/default.mspx
<http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/softw
are/default.mspx>


* Ad-Aware installed and run at least once per week.
You can get
this tool at no cost at www.lavasoft.com
* A monitor capable of displaying at least 1024 X 768
pixels
* A sound card installed
* Speakers or headphones

Important information aboutWindows Vista :
Although Windows Vista is compatible with the LiveOps
system, there are
some VPN issues which our vendors are addressing. This
means that as an
Agent, you will be able to participate in most ( about
95%) but not all
Programs. The hardware system requirements for running
Windows Vista are
higher than XP (see below for detailed hardware
specifications for
running Windows Vista).

Q:  Can I use a MAC computer?

A:  Macintosh computers are not compatible with the
LiveOps system.

Q:  What are the internet connectivity requirements?

A:  LiveOps requires either a DSL or Cable broadband
connection. LiveOps
will not support a satellite or dialup connection at
this time.

Q:  Can I use my home telephone to receive calls as an
Agent?

A:  No, a separate landline telephone that is dedicated
to your home
business will be necessary. This line must only be used
to receive
LiveOps incoming calls. This line cannot be used for
any other incoming
or outgoing personal calls. LiveOps does require you to
provide to us a
separate contact telephone number (i.e. your home
telephone or cell
phone number).

Q:  What is a landline?

A:  A landline is a telephone line that is connected to
your local
telephone company. LiveOps will not support a phone
line from a cable
company due to the digital signal. LiveOps will not
support satellite
signals (eg: VOIP) for similar security reasons.

Q:  What are the specific requirements on the dedicated
landline
telephone?

A:  The telephone must be corded, and be free from all
features such as
call waiting and voice mail. Cordless phones are not
allowed.

Q:  Will I need to call long distance?

A:  Long distance will not be necessary.

Q:  Can cell phones be used for incoming calls?

A:  LiveOps will not support cell phones due to
security reasons.

Q:  Does LiveOps provide Agents with the physical tools
to perform
services?

A:  As an Independent Agent, you are responsible for
providing and
maintaining all equipment and outside services
necessary to provide
contracted services to LiveOps.

Q:  Does LiveOps charge agents to use their technology?

A:  At the present time, LiveOps does not charge Agents
to use the basic
Contact Center technology.

Getting Started

Q:  What deadlines should I be aware of?

A:  Candidates businesses selected to join the LiveOps
Business
Presentation will have 7 days from the date of the
invitation to view
the online presentation.

Candidates that attend the online Business Presentation
will have 24
hours to contact LiveOps via email if they choose to
move forward.

Once candidates have returned required documentation to
LiveOps,
certifications must be completed within 30 days. (All
certifications can
be easily completed within a week.)

Q:  What topics are covered in the Virtual Business
Presentation?

A:  The 30 minute LiveOps Virtual Business Presentation
will cover the
necessary documents required to become an Independent
Agent, and
reinforce equipment and software requirements that are
noted on the
LiveOps FAQ page. The Presentation will also provide
Candidates with an
overview of the business opportunities currently
available through
LiveOps, detail our Certification Process. It will also
cover how Agent
self scheduling system works, how Agents will invoice
LiveOps for
services rendered, and the resources available to
Agents to build
revenue for their home based business.

Q:  How do I schedule time to accept telephone calls?

A:  LiveOps issues scheduling opportunities for new
agents twice a week.
As an Independent Agent, you can commit to half hour
time slots that fit
into your schedule. The scheduling process will be
covered more
thoroughly in the Virtual Business Presentation.

Q:  I am a former LiveOps Agent. How do I reactivate my
independent
contractor status?

A:  If you were an active Agent with LiveOps during the
last 6 months,
please contact agentonboarding at liveops.com, and your
records will be
reviewed. If you left in good standing, your old
account will be
reactivated after completion of a certification
refresher. If six months
have passed since your last activity (accepting calls),
you must reapply
for certification.

Life as a LiveOps Contractor

Q:  Can other people take calls under my LiveOps
account?

A:  Yes. But, for security and contractual reasons, all
individuals
receiving calls must be certified. Therefore, all
certified individuals
may take calls on your account. If you take an extended
vacation, you
may change your dedicated phone line provided all
LiveOps land line and
telephone requirements are met. All individuals
receiving calls must be
certified and over 18.

Q:  When is the heaviest call volume?

A:  For new Agents handling food service calls, the
most opportune times
to generate revenue are between 5:30pm and 10:30pm
across all time
zones. As you might expect, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
typically have
the heaviest volume of calls. Other types of calls
drive heavy call
volume during different time slots. For example, Direct
Response calls
are heaviest during Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Q:  Can I work when I travel or while I am on vacation?

A:  LiveOps requires that Agents receive calls only on
the dedicated
business line. Calls will not be rerouted to any other
number

Q:  I will not be able to take calls for an extended
period. Will I lose
my status?

A:  Your IC account will remain active until you have
not taken a call
in 60 days.

Q:  Does LiveOps reimburse Agent expenses?

A:  No. LiveOps contracts with Independent Agents to
provide services.
It is the Agents responsibility equipment and materials
to maintain
their home business.

Q:  Do all agents receive the same call volume?

A:  The volume of calls that an Agent receives will
vary based on a
variety of factors. Agents that "commit" to being
available during peak
television infomercial and commercial time slots will
obviously have a
much better opportunity to receive additional calls.
Additionally,
LiveOps has a proprietary call routing system which
routes calls based
on, but not limited to, Agent's schedule adherence,
talk time, and
average order.

Q:  How can I generate additional revenue?

A:  Agents have much control over how much they can
invoice LiveOps. As
noted above, schedule adherence, efficient talk time,
and increased
average order size will probably receive more calls.
LiveOps will offer
sales fees and /or performance incentives for specific
time periods.
Finally, some clients provide Agents with additional
sales opportunities
with enhanced earnings potential. Agents can
self-schedule themselves to
programs matching their program skills.

Q:  Is it possible to lose my certification?

A:  Agents can lose their certification and have their
Independent
Contractor Agreement cancelled if the agreement terms
are violated.

Q:  Can LiveOps unilaterally terminate my Agent
relationship?

A:  An Agent's Independent Contractor Agreement will
not be terminated
by LiveOps provided the terms of the Agreement and the
published
standards are fulfilled, and as long as an Agent
remains active. LiveOps
determines "active" to mean taking a minimum of two
calls every 60 days.