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As a creative person, I often feel a lot of pressure (most of it self-inflicted) to make my work totally original. Immersed in the NYC new music scene as I was for three years before the shutdown, I experienced so much incredible, genius, idiosyncratic work by artists who seemed to have discovered their thing. Some strong examples come to mind: Paul Pinto, Charmaine Lee, Jennifer Walshe, Helga Davis, Dave Malloy, Erin Gee. Each of these artists makes work that is so original, so unique, and so utterly them that it’s impossible to hear one of their pieces and not know that it’s theirs. It’s not that it all sounds the same, but there’s still the idiosyncratic quality, the identifying marker, that gives it away as a Paul Pinto Original™️ (or what have you). As artists, we can get so caught up in the search for originality. We might also call it “authenticity.” The thinking goes something like: Unless I find my thing, right now, then what business do I have putting my work out into the world? People will say I’ve copied someone else’s work, that I’m a hack, that I have nothing unique to contribute. This thinking provides a convenient and seemingly noble place to hide. It’s so easy to convince ourselves that we have nothing of value to contribute, and that we are actually doing a service to the world by keeping that lack of originality to ourselves. I’ve used that hiding place for ages. “Until you have something original to say, step aside and make way for those who do.” The flaw in this logic lies in the fact that, unless we pour ourselves into the creation of unoriginal work at first, chances are we won’t find our idiosyncrasies. It’s in the creation of unoriginal work—yes, of copying other artists (to an extent, and without plagiarizing)—that we figure out how our voice differs from the rest. We learn how our work relates to the genre, and how it differs. Idiosyncrasy is born. In our feverish search for originality, we actually significantly reduce our chances of ever finding it. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2021/01/29/dont-wait-to-be-original/
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Photography is a career that blends technical, emotional, and aesthetic expertise. It is an exciting and fulfilling career, one that can be approached in many ways. However, the most common approach photographers usually take is through freelance or contract work. As a freelance photographer, you get to choose what jobs you take; you have the creative liberty to express your vision; and you have the freedom to travel and explore the world. But there are a few things to keep in mind when pursuing a career as a freelance photographer. Things like finding a particular niche to work within, networking with other professionals, and learning your way around contracts are vital to freelance success. It may feel like there’s a lot to learn, but you can’t go wrong with a few good foundational skills. Find a NicheFreelance photographers today have a variety of niches to choose from. Some of the biggest categories include event photography, social media photography, and portrait photography. Within each of these, there are subcategories as well. As an event photographer, you may want to specialize in wedding photography or live music events. For social media photographers, consider working with a single platform like Instagram, working with promotional materials, or delving into new fields like that of mobile journalism. Each of these subcategories holds its own unique challenges and benefits. Finding a niche can help you build a dedicated following and hone your skills, moving you toward becoming an expert in your field. Although versatility can be extremely helpful down the road, building a solid foundation in a particular style or format can help get your freelance career off to an excellent start. Many artists, photographers included, build faithful clients through word of mouth, and the more you build your expertise within one area, the more clients you can attract. Work SmartBefore you take on any clients or agree to any jobs, make sure that you know the nuts and bolts of freelancing. This includes proper practices for invoicing, having a basic contract that you can lean on, and tracking clients and jobs properly. This can seem all very overwhelming, and rightfully so. One of the biggest challenges of being your own boss is staying organized; without organization, you’ll lose a variety of opportunities. If you want to deal with multiple clients, you’ll need organization skills, especially when using a contract. Contracts should always be used. This sets up expectations between yourself and clients. Additionally, it provides payment schedules and parameters that your client must agree to before you begin work. Working without a contract can result in a lack of payment, dissatisfied clients, and unmet expectations on both sides. Although a contract may seem stuffy to the more artistically inclined, it is a tool that protects freelancers and clients alike. Figuring out how to track your expenses, making sure that clients pay you in full and on time, and navigating your freelance status during tax season is a massive amount of information to process. Reach out to other professionals in your industry to get their recommendations, and learn from their experiences. NetworkNetworking is important for anyone looking to enter or advance in any industry, but it can be especially important with freelancing. Because freelance photographers do not work within an organization, they need to build contacts with other photographers, both for support and for potential work. Professional networking can lead to jobs, apprenticeships, and new clients. A professional network can be especially handy in circumstances when a freelancer must turn down a potential job. Typically in this situation, the client will ask for recommendations of other photographers whose work they can trust. By working with and developing relationships with other photographers, you can exchange work and build a network of colleagues who are happy to recommend you to their clients. In addition to professional support and creative assistance, networking can help you develop your skills in the back end portion of your business. By cultivating colleagues who have been in the freelance photography industry longer than you, you can talk to them about what has and hasn’t worked for them in their careers. From contracts to attracting clients, building a professional network can be instrumental in building a successful career. Being a freelance photographer can let you build a career that is varied, fun, and successful, but you have to know what you are in for. Freelancing can be hard, but if you set yourself up for success, it can be incredibly rewarding. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2021/01/28/how-to-build-opportunities-as-a-freelance-photographer/
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I’m a morning person. The best time of the day for me is from about 3 am until noon. That’s when my brain is humming... and I get most of my work done. At first, I fought the urge to get up at 3 am to start working. Then I read an article about some very famous and successful people who are like me. · Tim Cook, Apple CEO, starts his day at 3:45 am · Oprah and Michelle Obama start at the crack of dawn And it doesn’t stop with getting up at 3 am... I need to be wearing clothes that make me feel good and work in a specific spot in my house to really get the juices flowing. What’s your recipe for doing your best work? Your what, how, when, and where? You have one, whether you know it or not. The key to doing your best work and doing it efficiently is discovering your individual recipe of what, how, when, and where. Do you work better under a tight deadline? In the morning or at night? In your home, office, or the coffee shop down the street? One of the reasons I work for myself is so I can be in charge of the way I spend my time. As more and more people are working from home, people in more traditional employment scenarios are also being given more flexibility over when, where, and how they do their best work. Whether you work for yourself or someone else, being intentional about your work conditions will change the way you think about work. I structure my day so that my hardest (or most annoying) tasks are in the morning because I know once it gets late in the day I will avoid them if at all possible. When I need to create systems, do research, or plan meetings, I need to be in my office with multiple monitors. When I need to just hunker down and plow through small tasks, I need to be out of my house in a coffee shop. Taking the step to intentionally create the conditions that allow you to do your best work will not only increase your productivity, it will make you happier because you are cultivating a state of flow. “Contrary to what we usually believe… the best moments in our lives, are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times… The best moments usually occur when a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile. Optimal experience is thus something that we make happen.” ―Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience In order to cultivate the right work conditions, consider the what, when, where, and how. What type of work are you doing? Checking things off? Thinking hard? Creating something new? Interacting with others? Really look at the type of work you are doing. I generally categorize mine in the following ways: · Responding: Responding to emails and messages, answering questions, and completing quick one-off tasks. · Reviewing: Reviewing your work or someone else's. · Managing: Directing the work of others · Facilitating: Facilitating processes, conversations, presentations. · Creating: Creating content, products, services. · Planning: Planning for the work that needs to be done - either internal plans for yourself or external plans for the client. · Information gathering: Gathering needed information for completing work. Each of these things needs different conditions. For me, responding needs to be limited so it doesn’t distract me from larger projects. I also need to create larger chunks of dedicated time for reviewing, creating, or planning so I can really focus. Use these types or create your own as the first step to thinking about what conditions will allow you to do your best work. When do you do that work best? Freshest in the morning? Concentrate better after lunch? Have your best ideas at 2am? Like I said above, I’m definitely a morning person. I like to get up before everyone else to really focus on the things I need to get done. I try to prioritize the types of work that need the most focus (creating, planning, reviewing) before noon. I can then dedicate my afternoon to tasks that don’t need as much focus (like checking email) or have focus built in (like calls). I also use this method to build in time for myself in the afternoon. I’m not getting up at 3am so I can work a 15-hour day, I’m using that time more effectively before my family is awake so I can have dedicated non-work time to myself later in the day. Where will you be most productive? Need quiet? Alone with others? In your office? Outside of the house? One of the biggest challenges for me during the pandemic is not being able to work outside of the house. I’ve been working from home for years, even before I worked for myself. This serves me well. And I also need time to be alone with others, outside of the house to be most productive for some types of work. Being able to work in a coffee shop or co-working space gives me the right combination of background noise and time boundaries to be able to tackle tasks that I’ve been avoiding or spend dedicated time creating something new. There’s something about being surrounded by strangers that forces me to get things done. This may or may not be true for you. It is just one example of being intentional about the where. Think about the different types of work you do and where you do them best. This might mean creating a separate space in your house, getting out of the office, or going outside. How do you do that work best? No interruptions? Background noise? Multiple screens? Pen and paper? When I’m writing, I need to be focused just on my work, so I unplug from my external monitors, sit somewhere away from my desk, and turn off my email, Slack, etc. When I’m creating something visual like social media collateral, or a project plan, I need to have background noise that has words, like a podcast. When I’m creating something content-based like a course or workshop, I need to have background noise without words, like classical music. When I’m trying to focus on a large group call (when I’m not in charge of facilitating), I need to be doing something that keeps me busy but doesn’t distract me, like folding laundry. This helps me to be present instead of getting distracted by my email or other things on my computer. For each type of work you do, how do you do that work best? What are you using to do that work? What usually distracts or interrupts you? What helps you cultivate that state of flow? As more and more of us are either working for ourselves or just gaining more flexibility over our work conditions, we are being given the opportunity to control how we do our best work. This is a gift, don’t waste it. Intentionally creating the conditions that allow you to do your best work will help you to prioritize your work to get more done and be happier while you do it. © Fruition Initiatives 2021 Fruition Initiatives is not a mental health professional, attorney, doctor, tax accountant, human resources expert, or financial adviser. This information and information contained at www.fruitioninitiatives.com is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, professional advice. Please seek professional advice, that is specific to your context, as needed. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2021/01/26/set-the-stage-for-your-best-work/
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For the last two months, I’ve been working at a law firm in my Iowa hometown, as an assistant for an estate planning attorney. Displaced from NYC due to pandemic-related job loss, I am incredibly lucky and grateful to have landed any job at all, let alone one that I enjoy. That said, it’s the first time I’ve worked a desk job like this — actually showing up to an office, 9-5, having a desk, not wearing jeans — since high school. And while the work is enjoyable, that new daily structure has taken some getting used to. There are a few lessons I’m learning as I work daily to answer this question in new ways: How do I preserve and honor my artistic/creative self in this new administrative context? I think a lot of artists are asking themselves this question these days, as COVID has limited the overtly arts-related paid opportunities that used to sustain us, and we find ourselves trying to blend into other industries in order to get by (cue the major imposter syndrome). Here are three ideas: Creativity and art are not reserved for “the arts” alone.I have found myself in as much a state of creative flow building a system to track and manage trust-funding processes as I have learning a new aria. The art certainly looks different, and it reaches a different “audience,” but the act of creation — bringing something into the world that did not previously exist — is exactly the same. Any work can be generous, if we choose.Attitude is everything. If I show up to this job with the sole intention of earning an income, doing just enough to meet expectation and earn the paycheck, it is not a generous act. If the only reason I show up is so that I can pursue my real passions outside of working hours, it is not a generous act. But if I show up and realize that, even from my little cubicle, I can make a real difference in someone’s life—then it has the opportunity to be a generous act. The “what” doesn’t matter so much as the “why.”I began Becca Brunelle’s month-long Purpose Seeker Training Program the week after I started my new job, and the timing could not have been more synchronous. The program was a daily reminder that the “what” — the job, the product, the thing that we do — doesn’t actually matter so much, as long as it’s rooted in our “why.” Our purpose, the change we seek to make, whatever that may be. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2021/01/21/you-can-find-creative-fulfillment-in-any-job/
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With 2020 officially in the rearview mirror, hopes are running high that 2021 will be a better year all around. As a freelance writer, you can help ensure that’s the case for your business. You may already have a full plate between crafting content, keeping pace with client deadlines and looking for your next gig. However, there’s one business move that can make a true impact on your bank account and your professional brand, warranting a spot at the top of your 2021 to-dos: getting freelance writer insurance. Why does this take the cake? There’s a high level of professional risk inherent in being a freelance writer. It’s hardly limited to journalists covering high-profile news and events. Defamation, copyright infringement, misrepresentation, errors and plain old mistakes are all very real risks that fall squarely on your shoulders. They can present serious lawsuits, mind-boggling fees and fines, and wreck your reputation — even if you’re not at fault — if you’re not properly protected. Writer insurance opens the door to new business opportunities. Professional liability insurance is finally designed to meet the needs of freelance writers. Having professional liability insurance has always been important, but until recently, it hasn’t provided the coverages or been offered at a price point that’s freelance writer friendly. Now that Freelancers Union has partnered up with our team at Dinghy and NSM Insurance Group, professional liability insurance just for freelance writers is here. It’s a relatively minor investment for major protection. Honestly, it’s really easy to do. In the words of one freelance writer, “I'd put off applying for professional liability insurance for years because I thought it would be a hassle to apply and I didn't think many insurance companies would understand what I do. I was amazed at how simple the Dinghy application process was! Within minutes, I had the coverage I needed.” Forget loads of mind-numbing paperwork and trying to get through to an agent that barely understands what you do, much less the protection you need. You can get a free quote and buy a policy online in minutes by answering a few basic questions about your business. There’s no better time than the start of a new year to proactively protect your business and set yourself up to win new work. Take advantage of this fresh start and get a jump on making 2021 a productive, prosperous new year. Freelancers Union is partnering with Dinghy and NSM Insurance Group to introduce first-of-its-kind, affordable professional liability insurance crafted exclusively for freelance writers. Learn more and get a free quote online. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2021/01/21/the-smartest-business-move-freelance-writers-can-make-in-2021/
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When I was learning to ski I had a ski buddy. When I learned how to speak Spanish, I had a learning buddy. The benefits of having a buddy were many: you could share best practices, learn from your partner, spitball new ideas, and compare your thoughts and reflections. Moreover, having a buddy kept me accountable. In the era of remote work, having a buddy is not just a great idea; it is an idea that can empower you to be better at what you do. Having a buddy, at its core, is a nudge. It is a nudge that points you in the right direction and enables you to be more impactful because you can get real-time feedback. Just like with a ski buddy, a work buddy can help you stay focused, stay in the loop, and be there as a guide and friend. Many people I have spoken with who excel at remote work have some form of buddy system in place, even if it is just an informal arrangement. A buddy is different from a mentor or boss. A buddy is an equal or peer who can exchange notes, swap ideas, and help you stay focused. The buddy system is so important that many companies are now formally bringing new hires on board with a buddy in place to help with onboarding. Let me explain how my work buddy and I interact. This will help you see the benefits of this approach and will hopefully help you cultivate a work buddy of your own. I swap daily schedules with my work buddy. We check in every 3 hours during the workday to make sure we are on track and hitting our actionable, discrete, and focused micro-goals. At the end of each week, we recap what we did and why it mattered; this process of joint accountability helped us focus and greatly reduce procrastination. My buddy and I strive to:
Now, you might ask: How is this different from a relationship with a boss? In reality a buddy is similar to a boss, but the zone of engagement is intended to be judgement-free. My buddy and I can speak frankly and openly about challenges, what is working well, and make fun of things off the record to keep our spirits high. So are you excited to find a work buddy? If you have read this far and still are not convinced – or think that the advice mentioned here doesn’t apply – let me give you one further example. Think of your favorite athlete. Perhaps you love tennis, as I do, and admire Roger Federer. I recently learned that he has 5 different coaches and people responsible for his physical and mental health and tennis performance. He pays 5 people to help him win more tennis tournaments. Now ask yourself: How many trainers, coaches, advisors, and buddies do you have? If you are like many people, the answer is none. That is too bad. But the reason you likely don’t have these coaches to help you obtain elite performance is because you can’t afford them, or don’t value them the way an elite tennis player might. And that is OK. But you can still extract the benefits of a coach, friend, mentor, and helper all in one by implementing a buddy system for yourself and your peers. If you want to have a buddy relationship, proactively reach out to the person (or small group of people) who can best help you. Tell them that you value their perspectives and want to emulate their behavior. Most importantly, let them know you feel like you'll both be able to do a better job if you interact in a more structured way. It is very hard to imagine a situation in which a person says “no” outright. So take the risk and push the limits. Think of yourself like Federer: get coaching (but on the cheap) and companionship in your work. You might not win 20 Grand Slams, but you will be better prepared to tackle your day and week ahead. And that is what the Buddy System enables most of all. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2021/01/20/get-yourself-a-work-from-home-buddy/
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This is a post from our partner MeetFox. Book meetings, host video calls, and bill for your time all in one place with MeetFox. Freelancers Union members get 90 days free with the code kickstart. Sign up here. As you get ready to make this your most productive year ever, we're sharing our best tips and tools to help you on your way. Today, we're sharing the top 4 tools for freelancers to use in 2021. These are the easiest tools to use, even for non-tech-savvy individuals. NotionAre you still writing down your notes in a notepad? Notion offers you a way to integrate all your tasks, documents, activities, habits, ideas, and creativity in one place. You can create your very own layouts and toolkit to get work done; it is particularly helpful if you are in a meeting and you want to access specific pieces of information. It provides a space for you to visualize all your thoughts and plans in one centrally organized location. It is a great place for collaboration should you wish to communicate this information with a group of people too. Notion works like an advanced version of Word, Google Drive, and your calendar all in one easy to use platform. A lot of freelancers find it a useful place to organize resources as they go along. It is a great place for creative thinkers who want to map out their ideas and tasks. GrammarlyGrammarly helps not only with spell checking but also with making any content more understandable and professional. It can also be integrated into your web browser by downloading the extension. A single spelling mistake on your social media can cut online sales by 50%. Grammarly offers a host of features that are incredibly helpful in editing any writing piece, whether a social media post, a blog, or an email campaign. It scans the whole document for any mistake, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Grammarly can also help you with your writing tone, ensuring you present the right image to your clients. BufferBuffer is a free tool that allows you to manage all your social media accounts in one central place. Have you ever been in a position where you have been too busy to post content? Buffer enables you to schedule your social media plan far in advance, so if you get distracted or are not near your computer, you can be certain that your social media presence will continue. And this is an area that freelancers often need to work on improving. Irregular posting is more damaging to your social media presence than not posting at all. So, in a social media world, Buffer is the most essential tool. MeetFoxWe may be biased, but MeetFox offers a seamless service, enabling you to schedule, remind, and host video meetings with clients all in one place while at the same time automating your billing process. Billing and all the associated admin takes up to 25% of your working week. Can you afford to waste that much time? The platform allows clients to select free time slots on a calendar, maximizing your time and money. And now more than ever, video meetings are a great way to meet clients; it is approachable, easy, and flexible. With MeetFox, you can conveniently integrate meetings with your website, social media, and emails, making the user experience hassle-free. MeetFox provides you with whatever support you need. 2021 is going to be an exciting year for freelancers and the gig economy. As you plan to grow and develop in the year ahead, make sure your goals are S.M.A.R.T., and that you hold yourself accountable. Once you have set yourself up for success by setting these targets, make sure you tell your story on social media. Use our recommended apps and tools to help you cut your workload and reach out to a new pool of clients. The new year offers you so many opportunities, and you are now one step ahead of everyone else. By James Eyermann, MeetFox via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2021/01/19/4-tech-tools-you-need-in-2021/
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There’s no sugarcoating it: Challenging times are confronting and confusing. In the midst of such times (ahem, 2020, I’m looking at you!), you could be forgiven for thinking you're in a never-ending (and not very fun) game of dodge the curveball. If you’ve done any of the following last year…
…you’re not alone. But here’s the beautiful thing about challenge: It can be a great catalyst for positive action and change – if you choose to pick up the gauntlet. It’s not for the faint-hearted, to be sure. But if you’re reading this, I know you’re up for it. If your will is there, but the way isn’t clear, don’t despair. I’ve got you! Ready to build or evolve a freelance business that is aligned with your values and vision for a more just, safe world? Great! I’m going to share how to frame your process and next steps. 1) Do an audit of this year’s events and your response to them.Go ahead, list all the events of last year. From the pandemic and all its related fallout to the climate crisis, civil uprising, justice system, and democracy. I guarantee your list will give you plenty to work with! Now, circle what really resonated with you. It can be something that fanned the flames of your purpose or passion, or something that made you so mad or upset, you had to do something. 2) List the actions or decisions these events inspired to take.For example, these are just a few of the decisions and actions I took:
Bonus: As you do this exercise, some actions you could have taken may come to you. This is a process, and it’s never too late to add them to your list. 3) Identify and enhance why the events you circled matter to you.The enemy of action is apathy and comfort. As immediate crisis passes, our tendency is to slip back into comfortable routines and habits. If we’re truly going to integrate and learn from the events of 2020 and use them as fuel for something better, we need to sustain our attention. In order to do that, we need to add personal meaning. Because where there’s meaning, there’s action, even (especially) when that action requires us to put our neck out and do hard things. Try using the following prompts as a journaling exercise:
What’s coming up for you? Do you feel inspired by something? Scared witless? Committed, but unsure about next steps? Good, that means something good is brewing! via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2021/01/18/who-or-what-are-you-committed-to/
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This is a post from our partner MeetFox. Book meetings, host video calls, and bill for your time all in one place with MeetFox. Freelancers Union members get 90 days free with the code kickstart. Sign up here. Are you looking to reach more clients? Chances are that you are not fully using your social media presence. There are currently 3.8 billion social media users in the world, and, thanks to the explosion of the gig economy, that number is only going to rise. As you get ready to make this your most productive year ever, we're sharing our best tips and tools to help you on your way. Today, we're sharing how to revamp your image in 2021, while reaching out to new clients. PlatformsBefore we even start talking about what and when you are posting, the most important question is: where? As you are aware, social media is a cheap and easy way to get your name out there. But you probably don't have time or the resources to use every platform. A better idea is to choose one or two platforms to focus your energy, depending on your particular goals. Here's how they break down: ● Facebook is an all-around favorite for all types of freelancers. Facebook is the largest social media platform globally, so it is essential that you at least have consistent content on this platform. If you want to boost any of your posts, Facebook works out to be the cheapest based on price per click and gives you a lot of options to tailor ads (~50 cents per click). Facebook has loads of niche groups that you can target and use for free market research. ● LinkedIn/Twitter: These platforms are the most effective for freelancers offering services directly to other businesses or professionals. It provides a space for you to showcase your qualifications and experience, so make time to add all your details to your profile. 85% of small to medium businesses use Twitter for some form of customer support or advice, while 45% of LinkedIn users are in upper management, giving you an idea of the market. The most effective content you can post on these platforms are blogs and helpful articles, as they get the most clicks per post. ● Instagram is a great platform for more creative freelancers (e.g., graphic designers, content creators, etc.). The platform provides an excellent place for you to show your story and differentiate yourself from other freelancers. However, Instagram works out to be one of the most expensive platforms per click if you are looking to boost a post and often is the most time consuming due to the detailed photo editing required (~$1.25 per click). Timing and ConsistencyAs a freelancer, your focus will always be on providing a service to your clients. However, the best way to reach new clients is to have a consistent message and posting strategy. You can boost your page traffic by 90% by simply sticking to a strategy of posting once a week at the same time. Irregular posting confuses clients and leads to a negative impression of you. Set yourself a S.M.A.R.T. goal about posting, remembering that one regular post is better than three randomly timed posts. You can find out other useful information on when to post here. The most effective times to post on social media have shifted since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Now, they are: ● One weekly post: Thursday midday ● Multiple posts: Wednesday, Thursday, Tuesday at 5 pm ContentYour content is the key to revamping your image in 2021. Around 62% of people use the internet to find out information about a service, so optimizing your social media is the most effective way to ensure you are at the top of a client’s list. A trend that will continue into 2021 is businesses advertising the story behind the people within their company. A lot of freelancers are not making the most of this trend. Most freelancers are also seriously underutilizing the “stories” function on Twitter/Facebook/Instagram, which is a great place for you to engage with your clients. Stories and social media allow you to make a personal connection and show off your unique offering. Remember, most clients choose a freelancer based on their personality, so don’t waste this opportunity to connect with them on social media. This gives you a real advantage over larger companies, so really sell this aspect of your business as much as you can. If you are unsure how to tell your story, why not try using this guide on “storytelling” as a freelancer? Another way you can make a real impression in the market is to invite guest speakers on podcasts, have panel discussions, write guest blogs, and share your experience with everyone. Having a blog, for example, can almost double your site traffic. When people can see your work and skills, they are far more likely to choose you over a competitor, and it often doesn’t take you any more time. People want to see the person behind the freelancer, so try your best to show this on your social media. By James Eyermann, MeetFox via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2021/01/14/give-your-online-image-a-revamp/
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How did you use your time last year? Do you feel like you got the most out of each day? OR did it seem like you were spending too much time on things that you hate? …things that didn’t make you money? …things that someone else could have done better? Many freelancers, consultants, and small business owners have a hard time defining the highest-leverage ways to spend their time…and, honestly, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. There is plenty of advice out there on how to make more money. As a solo entrepreneur, using your time effectively WILL make you more money, but there is more to it than that. I believe you should be spending your time on things that you love AND things that drive revenue – sometimes those things are the same, and sometimes they aren’t. When they aren’t the same, you need to think very carefully about your priorities to decide what you should be focusing on. This is an iterative process because you and your business are constantly evolving, so what works for you today probably won’t be the same thing that works for you next year or even next week. Ultimately, you went out on your own so that you could have more control over your time, work, and life – so you didn’t have to spend all of your time doing what other people wanted you to do. Somewhere along the line, that goal started slipping away. You’re spending more time than ever trying to meet the needs of your clients and doing everything else you have to do to keep the lights on. Being a solo entrepreneur is hard because you have to do all of the things, wear all of the hats, solve all of the problems. The thing is, there is a formula for using your time effectively, and it is not just about making more money (although it does that, too). It is also about taking back control and actually being the successful entrepreneur who is in charge of your time, work, and life. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to use your time more effectively so you can do more, make more money, AND have time to live your life, take a moment to think intentionally about how you are spending your time so you can build your business around what you love. Identify ways you are spending your time that:
The beauty of working for yourself is that you can constantly redefine your business to fit who you are and where you are in your life at this moment. Anything that falls into these categories is getting in the way of you controlling your time, work, and life – that means you either need to rethink your business model or find a different way to get these things done. Here are four ways to do that: Let it goReally think about whether it is crucial to your work and business model. Often, we spend a lot of time on things that aren’t actually crucial to the way we do our work, bring in clients, or make money. This could be because someone else said you needed to do it, it is a strategy you tried but just isn’t working, or it is something that used to be crucial to your business but things have shifted. Can you restructure your work so that you don't have to do it? For example: You spend a ton of time creating and updating your website, but you get most of your clients through referrals who never see your website. Can you let go of your website? Limit itThere are things we all have to do as business owners that take up a ton of time. These things are crucial but might be non-billable work or work you’re doing in a way that just takes up too much time. Can you place limits around how you do it so that it takes up less time? For example: You spend a lot of time here and there throughout the day checking email. Can you limit your email time to 30 minutes three times a day? Structure itOrganization is key to running a solo/small business. You don’t have a million other people to do things, so you need to make sure you’re using your time most effectively. Organization doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and that’s OK. You can use tried and true methods to build replicable systems for your work so you can do more in less time. Basically, if you are doing something more than once, it should have a replicable structure so it is easier for you to do it AND easier to delegate (see next step). Can you build a structure so it is replicable and takes less time? For example: It takes you forever to create proposals. Can you create an intake form for clients so you’re getting the needed info upfront and a proposal template with boilerplate language so you’re just plugging things in? Find someone else to do itFor those of us who are solo entrepreneurs, this is especially tricky. You are trying new things (awesome!) and learning as you go, but you can fall into the trap of trying to do everything yourself. Especially when you are just starting out, it is hard to figure out the right things to spend your time and money on. When margins are tight, it can feel scary to invest in expertise. The thing is, finding the right experts is crucial to making life manageable. Something that may take you hours of Googling, reading, and making mistakes would probably take an expert 15 minutes. And, honestly, you might be surprised at how affordable an expert might be. Can you find someone who can do this better and faster? For example: You spent an entire week researching how to run Facebook ads, invested a bunch of money, and saw no results. Can you hire an expert who can do a better job in less time? The last step is to build in a reminder to do this intentional analysis of your time regularly. Life moves fast and things change constantly. If you’re not regularly rethinking how you are using your time and designing your business model, your work is going to get stale and you’ll be back where you were – focusing on the wrong things, hating your work, and not making the money you deserve. © Fruition Initiatives 2021 Fruition Initiatives is not a mental health professional, attorney, doctor, tax accountant, human resources expert, or financial adviser. This information and information contained at www.fruitioninitiatives.com is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, professional advice. Please seek professional advice as needed. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2021/01/13/4-ways-to-reprioritize-your-work-in-2021/ |
AuthorI have 5+ years experience working as a medical transcriptionist. When I am not working, I enjoy sports like playing basketball or judo. I love making friends and connections. Archives
April 2023
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