In Their Own Words. Arise Certified Professionals.
Inspiring Role Model - Katie
Katie McKay from Witton in Blackburn is an inspiring role model for young people combating the recession. Despite having a full time day job in a busy call centre, Katie works from home in the evenings to build a secure nest egg for her future.
Hard working Katie and her partner had just bought their home late in 2007 when the recession hit. Witnessing major changes and reshuffles in her day job, 25 year-old Katie heard about Arise Virtual Solutions and took the initiative to earn a second income with a home based business.
Read about how Katie is earning an extra income working from home.
Leap of Faith - Andy
Despite a long and painful medical history, Andy Dovey, from Seaford, between Brighton and Eastbourne in East Sussex, took a leap of faith from the security of benefits and decided to start a venture with a company that encouraged him to build his own home based call centre.
For more than a decade Andy has endured tremendous pain and suffering, yet he is still positive, refusing to allow his entrepreneurial spirit to be dampened.
It all started before the millennium when Andy was diagnosed with a tumor in his foot. At first he rejected the idea of operations and continued working as a financial consultant. As the years slipped by, Andy could no longer walk and eventually had to accept defeat and throw himself at the mercy of the NHS.
Read Andy's story about his home based call centre.
Life Changing Opportunity - Cheryl
I had been suffering due to my health, and my ruptured disc prevented me from living the active life I had been used to. This, inevitably brought on depression. Then, I saw an advert for Arise. That was when my life changed.
Yes, I still suffer from my health and that probably won't change in the near future, but Arise have given me my life back. More than that, they have given me hope; hope for the future.
Cheryl
A New Start, a Bright New Business - Sarah
When I moved to the United Kingdom from the United States, I was unable to work for a few years due to immigration laws. When I could begin working again, I found that I more or less had to start over career-wise.
I first heard about Arise through a friend of mine in the United States whose Virtual Services Corporation provides service for some of their clients and highly recommended a business partnership with Arise. I found the certification process very enjoyable and informative. The Arise certification instructors are incredible people, very approachable and sharp, and the e-learning was easy to follow and very streamlined.
In terms of setting up at home, I didn't find it to be difficult at all. I already had a limited company formed, as well as a laptop available to use and a broadband Internet connection. All I had to purchase was a headset and a business phone line, neither of which were difficult to obtain. I was actually quite surprised at how simple the whole process was!
I currently work anywhere from 20 to 35 hours each week. Because you can schedule the time in half hour increments, I find it incredibly easy to fit into my life!
The most rewarding aspect is definitely the people. Not just the customers, who are an incredibly lovely bunch of people on the whole, but the other Arise Certified Professionals and Arise corporate employees as well. It's great to spend every day interacting with people in a positive way. It really leaves me feeling great about my business and I find it to be fun and enjoyable.
Sarah
Supplementing a Full-Time Job - Catherine
During my career, I have focused on customer service within the financial services arena.
I first heard about Arise on the Internet, while looking for opportunities for part time and working-from-home opportunities. Other opportunities did not have the flexibility that Arise offered.
The certification was very straightforward with a good mix of self-study and virtual class-based sessions. It was fascinating to know that there was a whole group around the country preparing for the same role with our instructor in Florida. It really brought home what modern technology can be used for.
I aim to do a minimum of 20 hours a week, and trying to increase it to 25 when family commitments and other job responsibilities allow.
I find it a much less stressing role than my main occupation, and I also enjoy the interaction between myself and the customers.
Catherine
