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(Art Credit: Pedro Gomes) If your freelance business is on a significant growth trajectory, congratulations! All of your hard work is paying off, and you may be considering switching your entity type from a sole proprietorship or limited liability company (LLC) to an S-corporation (S-corp) to take advantage of the payroll tax savings and other benefits (you can read about entity selection more fully here). The payroll tax savings related to S-corp entities are a key consideration when deciding whether to form or transition your existing entity to an S-corp. However, if you do so, you need to make sure to calculate whether it is worth doing so from a tax and overall financial perspective. A tax professional can help you with this, and you may want to give engage one because of the potential negative implications if you elect to be an S-corp without fully understanding the structure of the entity (you are an employee, shareholder, and the CEO), new tax obligations, and the reporting considerations of the IRS. Understanding the implications of reasonable compensation for S-corp freelance businesses. Reasonable compensation is one of the key components to calculating the benefits of having your freelance business entity as an S-corp. This is an area few business owners are familiar with, but it is critically important. For example, when you are an S-corp shareholder, the IRS monitors the distributions and wages you receive from your company to ensure they are reasonable compensation, and you should, too. Here is why: As an S-corporation shareholder, you will pay into the federal Social Security and Medicare system based upon the W-2 wages you pay yourself and your employees. S-corp shareholders also pay themselves distributions. Wages are subject to Medicare and Social Security taxes; however, distributions are not. As an owner, you become a shareholder-employee of your entity. This is one of the distinguishing characteristics of an S-corp. In the eyes of the IRS, corporate officers are specifically included within the definition of employees for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA, which funds Social Security and Medicare), Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA), and federal income taxes. All employers must calculate FICA and FUTA taxes and withholdings correctly to avoid serious tax penalties, and the formula isn’t always simple. When corporate officers perform services for the entity and receive or are entitled to receive payments, their compensation is generally considered wages. In most instances when you have an S-corp, you should treat payments for services to officers as wages and not distributions. This does not mean a shareholder-employee cannot receive distributions; however, wages must be paid first then distributions can be considered. It comes down to accurately paying the various tax requirements. Another way to think about reasonable compensation is the reasonable value of the services rendered to your entity, by you. For example, what would you have to pay someone to perform your services if you had to hire from the external market? Other considerations include:
Given all of these factors, how do you begin to determine reasonable compensation? The key to establishing reasonable compensation is figuring out what you, as the shareholder-employee, did for the S-corp as compared to non-shareholder employees and services of other shareholders in the generation of gross income. Shareholder employees should also be compensated for the administrative work they perform in addition to the generation of gross income. Again, if you had to hire an admin to perform the admin duties you are performing, what would this cost? This cost becomes part of your “reasonable compensation.” Distributions should not exceed the compensation shareholder-employees pay themselves. Even if your entity loses money, you may be required to pay yourself reasonable compensation, if you plan to take distributions. A shareholder-employee cannot take distributions in lieu of wages. However, a shareholder-employee does not have to cash infuse the business in order to pay shareholder-employee wages. In summary, if you want to take distributions you must pay wages first, then take distributions that do not exceed your wages. Avoiding potential tax issues related to reasonable compensation in your s-corp freelance business. A key question to keep in mind is, “What happens if I do not pay myself reasonable wages and the IRS comes knocking?” In the event of an audit, the IRS has the option to recharacterize “distributions” to wages for multiple years. The burden of proof is on you, the shareholder-employee to prove you paid yourself, and any other shareholder-employees fair market value or replacement cost for the services rendered to the entity. Should the IRS not agree with you, your recharacterized distributions become wages subject to the taxes referenced earlier. This also means preparing and filing various payroll tax returns and W-2s to the respective tax agencies. The biggest kicker of them all is the penalties and interest assessed on the recharacterized wages and late tax filings. In most instances, the interest and penalties far exceed the taxes owed. The bottom line on reasonable compensation? Play it safe, pay yourself as you would an employee with similar training, education, work experience, and contributions to the business. It is a lot easier to pay into the system on the front end than to pay on the backend. Shareholder employees can benefit from distributions, but not at the expense of payroll tax avoidance. If you are considering transitioning your growing freelance business to an s-corp, be sure to make the decision fully informed of all of the tax consequences, especially those related to reasonable compensation. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2022/07/28/scaling-from-solopreneur-to-an-s-corp/
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Freelancing has seen dramatic changes over the past few decades, and we have witnessed the evolution and growth of a field that now contributes a significant source of work and income for many. According to an Upwork study, freelancers will make up most of the US workforce within a few years, with almost 86.5 million people expecting to shift towards freelancing by 2027. With the pandemic accelerating this trend, freelancing isn’t showing signs of slowing down. This is mainly because freelancing gives you control of your work, the ability to broaden your skill set, do work that you enjoy, and acquire multiple sources of income while working at home. That said, receiving the positive benefits of freelancing is only possible if you can differentiate your service offerings. The sea of competition is vast, and one can easily get lost. To save yourself from drowning, you should practice a few tactics to stand out from the rest. 7 Ways to Become a Good and Well-Recognized FreelancerIf you have left your 9 to 5 job, and wish to pursue freelancing full-time, know that the journey isn’t easy but worth it in the gig economy. Here are seven ways in which you can differentiate your service so people notice you for your uniqueness. Start With Offering a Lower PriceIf you want to compete with the big giants, the best way to start is by offering your services at a price lower than the others charge. But as soon as you build a solid client base, you can increase the rates to balance the value you may add through your work. While you offer your work at a low price, ensure that the quality provided is consistent and high. People often associate low quality with low cost, but you can quickly blow their expectations out of the water, draw attention to your work, and gain recognition. Provide Convenience to Your ClientWhy would clients choose “A’s” services when they have many similar options to explore? That’s because "A" provides a source of convenience when meeting deadlines, offers assistance, is available every time, and has a systematic workflow approach. "A" provides comfort to its clients, and that’s why they prefer it. Be like “A” to stand out. Many freelancers offer excellent service but fail to package them simply and easily. If you want to be known, let your clients conveniently enjoy your skillset, so they don’t hesitate to pursue you whenever they require a specific service. Another area where most freelancers fail is communication. Lack of common communication skills often comes at a huge cost to talented freelancers. Discover and Solve the Problems of Your ClientIf a client comes to you with a problem, know that they might have got plenty of other issues. In that case, differentiate your services by exploring different ways to help them. For instance, if someone approaches you to get a logo made, look around and see if their social media platforms also require an upgrade or if their images require a professional touch. If they do, highlight these problems to the client, offer helpful advice, and land on a potential sale. Be a Problem-SolverUnfortunately, most freelancers you may find focus on selling their services rather than solving the client’s issues. As a result, they start with a mindset that portrays the things they are good at but fails to offer the value they may add. For instance, if you create YouTube videos, you can pitch yourself by explaining your services and how they can help clients reach their goals. Here’s an example: “I create amazing YouTube videos at an affordable rate that can help you excel in YouTube Marketing. My lead-generating videos can enhance your followers and help you increase many likes within a few weeks.” Follow Up and Offer Excellent Customer ServicesClients like freelancers who offer excellent customer services. Unfortunately, many freelancers tend to forget their clients as soon as they get paid. Don’t make this mistake if you want the client to remember you for future projects. Acknowledge the payment received and also ask the freelancer for any additional help they may require. You can also go the extra mile by giving them advice or special instructions to benefit from your services in the best way possible. Establish a PartnershipAs a freelancer, your ultimate aim should be growth. And to achieve that, you may As a freelancer, your ultimate aim should be growth. And to achieve that, you may have to partner with other freelancers to form an attractive package. If you want to increase your work’s value, plan to solve as many problems as you like. If you don’t have all the skills, there is no harm in joining hands with other experts and forming a union to grab as many clients as possible. This strategy is pretty unique and something that most freelancers fail to follow. Once you have found a partner, draft contracts covering deadlines, compensations, and workload division. Form an explicit agreement to avoid all types of misunderstandings. Team building can help your brand stand out in the market. Moreover, clients often prefer trusted service providers that can handle all their tasks, saving them significant money and time. Walk the TalkIf you are a web designer, before advising the client on a better-looking website, work on your platform first. There are so many freelance content writers that don’t write their own articles. Also, many marketers don't have active profiles on various social media platforms. We won’t advise you to be present everywhere and be an active soul 24/7. However, to stand out, make sure you publicly follow the advice and skills that you offer to your customers. In a nutshell, showcase your experience and approach rather than just talking about it over an email. Learn Search MarketingGoogle is in the business of delivering the best answer to customer queries. Remember that your goal is not only to produce that answer but also to comply with on-page SEO optimization techniques. Learning online by leveraging free guides and resources is an excellent place to start if you don't know anything about SEO. Building on SEO basics will give you an edge in helping you differentiate yourself from your competition. It can also be helpful to use an SEO Checklist to ensure you are not missing any steps to your success. Final TakeawayThe global freelance market’s size is predicted to reach a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth rate) of 15.3% by 2026. This is an excellent sign to enter the freelance industry, differentiate yourself as a freelancer, and earn a client base like no one else. Simply work on your skills, be a problem-solver and offer your services at a low rate to gain attention. Then, once you have successfully established yourself in this competitive market, you won’t have to put any additional effort into beating the competition. However, ensure that you are consistent with your approach, maintain your value, and always be available for your clients. This way, you can develop a unique selling proposition to help you stay on top of your game. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2022/07/26/7-ways-to-differentiate-your-service-offering-as-a-freelancer/
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Freelancers know that networking is key to landing gigs. Whether you’re creating a contact list of editors or keeping in touch with recruiters, the hustle never ends. And it often happens that you see a gig that looks good but isn’t necessarily right for you. Maybe it’s not your beat or the pay rate isn’t in your range, but you know someone who might be interested – that’s when it’s time to refer a friend. The freelancing community is tight knit one who often feel in competition with one another, but there’s a way to utilize it to not only further your own career but the career of your peers as well. A community only works if it works together, and referring a friend is an easy way to do so. Think of it as good freelancer karma, a mitzvah, or paying it forward – whatever works for you. There have been times when I know I’m running against a fellow writer who would be much better suited for the job. Rather than going through the whole process to see how far you can get, recruiters and hiring managers appreciate the hot tip on someone who really might stay a while and be happy to do so. Not only does this create a good relationship between you and your peer, but it also leaves a lasting mark on the hiring manager and even the organization itself. These relationships can often lead to your next gig while expanding your network and upping your freelancing reputation. I can think of two examples of when I’ve passed along another candidate, and it worked out for everyone involved. One example -- I was offered a community management job for Lyft at the same time I was offered something with higher pay and more in my wheelhouse. I knew a friend looking to move out of retail and into a more corporate role. I was in good standing with the hiring manager and knew I was the only one he was interviewing, so he was grateful for the recommendation and three years later she’s worked her way up on the team. In the end, everyone landed in the right spots. Another example -- I knew a friend of mine was further along in the interview process for a boutique local company and that she really wanted the job. Again, I had some other more aligned offers on the table, so I told the hiring manager that she would benefit more from hiring my friend. And, sure enough, my friend got the gig. It not only moved my friend away from a previous toxic work environment but shifted her career in the direction where she wanted to go. And I landed a writing role at an agency, which is exactly what my resume was missing. While it is a dog-eat-dog world out there, dogs do run in packs. Seeing other freelancers in your space as a part of your pack rather than competition can only make the whole group stronger. And, if you’re reading this, you’re likely a part of the Freelancers Union pack already so you’ve already got that mentality. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2022/07/25/refer-a-friend/
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(Art Credit: Andrea Hernandez) It's July. My New Year’s Resolution was to write one blog a month. This is my first one of the year. Most New Year’s Resolutions stall or fail because the standard solution is out of tune with your natural rhythm and comfort level or there is too much pressure to jump on it all in January. In other words, the intent was good, but the method to achieve it required too much of a change to a schedule or would have you feeling “out of character.” If just thinking about doing an activity fills you with dread, odds are low that you will get around to it. Save the resolution by giving it a new spin! Blogs, self-help books, and friends all seem to have the answer to the single greatest way to (fill in the blank here) in a surprisingly short time frame. It may be the one way that worked for the recommender, but that does not mean it will be right for you. Your best shot at meeting your business and personal goals is to structure the related activities in a way that you may actually enjoy doing them, and that will fit into the often-unpredictable schedule and work/life balance of a freelancer. Tune into your personality. What makes you feel “In the Zone” and how can you align your resolutions with the conditions that get you there? If you have resolved all of your resolutions, I salute you. You may relate to a woman I know who keeps a daily list and, while she is making the list, will write in items she has already done just so that she can feel the satisfaction of crossing them off! Whether it was landing a new client, upgrading a system or planning a long-awaited trip, enjoy riding the wave of your accomplishments. Since there are 6 months left in the year, consider adding new resolutions, or ones that build upon the original ones. A slower summer can help you focus on longer-term goals. If you enjoy the thrill of closure, try breaking complex goals down into tasks with short deadlines so you can still feel the satisfaction of checking the checkboxes along the way. If you have resolved some of your resolutions, Congratulations! Give yourself a mid-year pat on the back. This is a good time to revisit the ones that didn’t make it and re-examine why. Is it no longer a goal? Did you write down too specific of a solution instead of the goal? For example, if you hate going to the gym, then writing down "go to the gym" is not going to get you there. Variety may be the key. If you can rephrase the intent to “live more health-consciously” it opens up the possibilities and even allows for creative experimenting with new activities and foods so that you achieve the goal cumulatively over the course of a year instead of “in 10 days.” Conversely, if you function better when you have a clear set of instructions, start by researching options, trying a few routines, and keeping the best parts of each one as you work towards a custom solution that you enjoy and can stick with. Either way, your journey, and plan might not be perfect in the eyes of an expert, but if it works for you “good enough” can end up being more effective than perfect. If your list looks the same from year to year, and you make little to no progress on any of the items, its time to ask yourself if these are really your goals, or if this is a list of things you just think you are supposed to accomplish because “that’s what other people do.” No need to feel guilty; you can erase what does not ring true and make your first new resolution to work on defining what activities and personal projects will support the path that you determine will make you a better, well, YOU. You may find that you are already doing some of them, and they can bloom by being embraced and nourished. Be creative! No one knows you better than you, so listen to yourself to find a fresh look at resolutions where you look forward to the process of resolving as much as the result. For example, if you feel more alive around other people, you could join an accountability group or sign up a friend with a similar goal so you can work and support each other in tandem. If you feel at your best when helping the community, can you volunteer for an activity that is in alignment with your new personal goal? If you want more reading time, can you take public transportation instead of driving a few days a week? What can you shift or combine in your life to make room? As for my blogging, I’ve learned to trust my tendency to go on a “slow brew” for a while as ideas incubate in the background and then, one day, suddenly be compelled to tunnel into a project and be massively productive. Routine, schedules, and maintenance are my nemeses. I work best by shifting priorities (and calendar “to do” entries”) continually to meet the needs of life and the requirements of clients while maintaining some type of hiccup progress in my business expansion and personal endeavors. To me, this ebb and flow feel natural. It allows me to maintain a variety of interests and keep both productive and sane within the undulating work schedule of a freelance consultant. That’s my “Zone.” I am signing off now – I’ve got more blogs to write! Good luck with the projects you take on for the rest of 2022. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2022/07/21/new-years-resolution-reboot/
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(Art Credit: Kathryn Sheldon) All the reading time is my favorite part of vacations, especially beach vacations. Nothing is more enjoyable than the sense of having nothing to do, nowhere to go, or any actual obligations. Merely relax in the sunshine while immersing yourself in a good book, preferably while holding a tropical beverage. Here we are with three books on freelancing and three fictional novels that are all ideal for your next beach trip! Books on Freelancing: The Freelancer's Bible, written by the Freelancers Union's founder, is a thorough guide on establishing and operating a freelancing business. Sara Horowitz shows novice freelancers the ropes in this book, covering how to select health insurance, arrange office space, find and keep clients, fire clients, determine rates, draft contracts, bargain skillfully, and more. 2. Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen Your productivity determines whether your independent business succeeds or fails. However, being under a lot of stress will hinder your capacity for productivity. David Allen offers insightful advice on organizing and increasing personal productivity in his book Getting Things Done. The book includes a tactical system to assist business owners in streamlining their work and completing tasks with the least amount of stress. Although Allen knows that no one productivity strategy works for everyone, his approach may be adjusted to meet individual requirements. 3. Freelance To Freedom by Vincent Pugliese As photojournalists for a newspaper, Vincent and his wife made $30000 a year. They realized they couldn't maintain their way of life for very long with their expanding family. This book tells the tale of how they built a side business photography weddings on the weekends, which allowed them to pay off more than $100,000 in debt in just three years. Now that they have both quit their careers, they travel frequently with their four children. Best Beach Reads of 2022 to Help You Escape: Julie, a graphic artist, is the main character of Laura May's first LGBTQ romance book. Julie's life and her relationship with her partner Mark are routine in every way. That is until she meets Ann. Ann is a kind and sensitive woman who works as a web developer. Julie's feelings for Ann are undeniable. The flame is genuine as their history and presents reunite in Barcelona. Julie must choose between her love for Ann and her devotion to Mark when disaster hits. Will the passage of time fracture true love? You'll discover it in The One Woman. 5. What Time is Love? by Holly Williams How do you tell if something is meant to be? If you're in a new relationship, Holly Williams' debut novel might just help you find the solution. The book imagines what may occur if a single pair met in 1947, 1967, and 1987, respectively. Violet and Albert are always 20 years old when they first meet, but their circumstances and the changing times they are experiencing have an impact on how they fall in love. Throughout the decades and between them, the narrative shows how Violet and Albert deal with variations in class, gender, privilege, and opportunity. If you met your significant other in a different century, would you still fall in love? 6. Lucie Yi Is Not A Romantic by Lauren Ho A funny tale about enjoying your life first and putting other people's expectations second. Finding Mr. Right is a fallacy, according to Lucie Yi, and finding Mr. Right-enough-to-have-children-with is your best bet. It so feels like she has found her own kind of happily ever after when she meets laid-back Collin on a platonic co-parenting website. Lucie must determine how much she's ready to give up when they return to Singapore, where her traditional family and ex-fiancee are waiting for them. What book do you plan to take with you on vacation this summer? via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2022/07/20/6-books-freelancers-should-read-on-vacation/
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(Art Credit: Karen Fischer) Marcus Sheridan believes in bucking the trend. As the owner of a pool-installation company, he’d encountered the same question from customers over and over again: “How many arms and legs is this gonna cost?” His competitors wouldn’t divulge a price without first having a conversation with the prospect. As Marcus recounted: “Pool installers are like mattress or car dealers — we hate talking about how much a pool costs until we have you in person, because there are so many options and accessories we want to sell you. As a result, pool companies never mention price on their websites.” Marcus thought differently. As an entrepreneur, he knew that if he could provide something his competitors would not, that difference would pique people’s interest. So he wrote a blog post titled “How Much Will My Fiberglass Pool Really Cost?” Soon, the post appeared first when people Googled questions about the price of a pool. To be sure, Marcus didn’t quote an exact figure. But the fact that he identified figures at all, including figures for the most popular options, saved his company from the brunt of the 2008 recession. The Cons of Public Pricing And yet, almost 15 years later, Marcus’s method remains the exception rather than the rule: Most businesses — especially freelancers — remain adamantly opposed to making their prices public. Ask around, and the reasons run the gamut. Here are mine: 1. Competitive Advantage I don’t want to help my competitors undercut me. If it’s well-known that my hourly rate is $250, then Bob may well lower his to $240 — and then cite that difference when wooing a client. 2. Sticker Shock I want to demonstrate value before presenting a proposal. Some people don’t realize how much time or expertise their project requires, and because I charge a lot, I’m happy to give away a little free advice first. Indeed, providing this education is part of my unique selling point. Not only do I enjoy the work; I also enjoy helping clients understand the decisions I made in the process. This added value (another term of M.B.A. art) helps justify the cost of hiring me. 3. Bedside Manner I want to see if the person will be a pain, so I can charge them a PITA fee. In connecting with someone new, I enjoy the dance of getting to know them. For example: If I ask two questions, do they respond to only one? How quickly do they respond? Is their tone curt or chatty? If they ask for a call, do they provide multiple times they’re available? Do they send over a calendar invite? Do they show up on time? Every signal informs my estimate. 4. Profit Maximization I want to see whether the person is insensitive to price, so I won’t leave money on the table. For example, if their first message mentions money, or they say they’re in contact with other freelancers, then I know they’re wary of overspending. By contrast, if they don’t ask about a budget until after they’ve said they want to work together, or if they say their employer is footing the bill, then I know I can quote them my top-of-the-market rate. Ditto if they’re a member of the C Suite; these folks are accustomed to dealing with big numbers. 5. Clarification One reason people hire freelancers is that they can’t perform the work in question themselves. Or they can’t do it as well. Or they can, but they don’t want to. In any case, when someone hires you, they do so because you know things they don’t. This disparity has several consequences. For example, consider an op-ed. Someone emails you and asks how much you charge. Before you give her a number, you conduct a call; that’s when you discover she doesn’t need an op-ed but rather a self-published, self-promotional article. To her, the difference is semantics. To me, the difference is one of workload and thus price. (It’s easier to put something out on LinkedIn than it is to pitch the New York Times.) Had I provided a quote without first having a conversation, I never would have signed this client. The Pros of Public Pricing Yet the arguments in favor of opening your kimono are equally compelling: 1. Cheapskates You weed out people who can’t afford you. There are few things more awkward than when you tell someone your fee is $10,000 and they tell you their budget is $1,000. Ouch! 2. Browsers You weed out tire kickers and freebie fishers. This cohort can be equally exasperating. For one thing, they rarely divulge their status. For another thing, browsers rarely turn into buyers. 3. Simplification You simplify your life. Let’s face it: Trying to suss out a buyer’s wherewithal is a pain. And keeping track of different quotes for different people? That only twists these knots tighter. As anyone who’s sustained a lie knows all too well, over the long run, it’s much easier to tell everyone the same version of the truth. Similarly, a rate card simplifies things for your prospects. Sometimes, people just want a bottom line — not because they’re not cheap, but because they’re busy. As freelancer Maddy Osman points out, “The easier you make yourself to hire, the more likely you are to be hired!” 4. Focus While salesmanship is part and parcel of freelancing, making your prices public lets you focus less on business development and more on client work. After all, those who contact you already know your fees, so you can shift your attention from qualifying a lead to closing the deal. 5. Ranges Still doubtful? Instead of providing fixed numbers, feel free to offer ranges. Maybe also specify a minimum for working together. Your goal is to establish expectations; precision comes later. What if your pricing is complex? Then go ahead and include caveats. For example, want me to pitch that op-ed I ghostwrote? Additional labor requires additional money. Want me to test two dozen headlines to see which one draws the most readers? That, too, will cost extra. 5. Goodwill The final benefit is perhaps the biggest: No one wants to be gouged. Put another way: People appreciate transparency, and by being upfront with someone, you create trust. What’s Best for You? So which approach is better: The assembly line, or the bespoke suit? The answer depends on your business model. If your rates are relatively low, then it makes sense to go forth and publish. What you lose in margin, you make up in volume. By contrast, if your rates are high, then it makes sense to protect your proprietary info. Most people can’t afford you anyway. Finding a Middle Ground What if neither approach is quite right for your clientele? In that case, here are three middle-ground tactics you can try: 1. Templatized Reply When a prospect contacts you, send back a standardized response that provides pricing parameters. (This is what freelancer Kat Boogaard does.) 2. Contact Form If you have a “contact” form on your website, you can require visitors to specify their budgetary ballpark before they click “send.” (This is what freelancer Kaleigh Moore does.) 3. Survey Finally, you can create a survey that asks visitors about their project. For example: Do you want one camera, or three? Do you want interviews, or only B-roll? (This is what 4Site Interactive Studios does for video shoots.) My Approach Which approach do I favor? Before writing this article, I was adamantly opposed to sharing a rate sheet. In fact, I didn’t even want to offer a range. Here’s the explanation I use on my website for Wikipedia projects: “Let’s say I quote you $50 – $100. Well, most people focus on the $50. Some people assume $75. But no one thinks $100. As a result, if the actual cost is anything above $75, you feel you’re getting squeezed. That said, I know price is important, so here’s what I can tell you: Wikipedia work is expensive. It requires specialized expertise and is an investment in your digital reputation.” This answer has always felt like I protested too much: Even as I was apologizing for being cagey, I was trying to persuade the reader to appreciate that caginess. Now that I’ve researched the issue, I feel differently. Though I’m not quite ready to publicize my prices, I am ready to let them out from under lock and key. In other words, if someone asks me for an estimate, I’ll go ahead and give it to them. I may sacrifice a few bucks, but I’ll gain the most precious asset of all: Time. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2022/07/18/should-freelancers-make-their-prices-public/
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Did you know 80% of pet parents feel less lonely due to their pets companionship? It’s no wonder so many people love being around their pets as much as possible – especially during times of isolation due to the coronavirus. More than 23 million American households — nearly 1 in 5 nationwide — adopted a pet during the pandemic, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). With the number of pet parents working from home, our four-legged friends have been reaping the benefits of love and attention more than ever before. However, with the world returning to the office, more owners are experiencing the side effects of their “pandemic pets” – including codependency and separation anxiety.
Back to the OfficePicture it: you are finally going back to the office. You’re excited to see your coworkers and get back into the swing of things! Yet, you’re not as happy since you’ll be leaving your animals home alone. What can you do to prepare your dog or cat for the new routine? Transitioning Your ScheduleIt’s important to acclimate your animal to the impending changes in routine. When working on your pet’s independence, here are various steps to consider:
Separation Anxiety AwarenessIdentifying separation anxiety in your pet is the first step to conquering their codependence. If your dog is having a hard time decompressing when you leave the house, they may have separation anxiety. Other symptoms consist of vocalization, destructive behavior, and accidents in the house. Never fear! There are ways to help a dog conquer separation anxiety and leave you feeling confident in going on trips outside the home. While their signs, symptoms, and treatment vary from dog-to-dog – separation anxiety in cats has proved to be a relevant issue, as well. It is just as vital to help them decompress in your absence. Some of the more serious consequences stem from the destructive nature separation anxiety can trigger. A dog or cat’s anxiety can turn into compulsive behaviors. These obsessive tendencies can turn into an emergency vet trip if pet parents aren’t careful. Foreign body ingestion, toxicity from lethal foods, and other household dangers can pose a threat to pets – and your wallet. Ensuring that your pets are protected and comfortable enough to be left alone is the foundation for good pet ownership. Embrace Pet Insurance believes in preparing pet owners so that they can be the person their pet thinks they are: the best. Embrace is ranked the #1 pet insurance provider by Forbes and offers nose-to-tail coverage for cats and dogs. Whether it's accident, illness, or a wellness visit, their customizable plans work for any budget or lifestyle. The old saying “a tired dog is a good dog” rings truer than most! Animals that receive adequate mental and physical enrichment are more likely to be happier and well adjusted. It can be hard to maintain your pet’s normal stimulus when you’re back at the office. For dogs, enrolling your pup in a local doggy daycare for one or two days out of the week can be a real game changer. At a proper daycare, your pet will have consistent training, safe exposure to other dogs, and come home tired from a long day of playing. If daycare isn’t in the cards, there are plenty of enrichment options to keep your cat active as well as your dog mentally stimulated. Cognitive challenges, such as puzzle feeders or treat dispensers, are the ideal choice. The Importance of Quality TimeAnimals thrive based on the bonds we form with them. These bonds are forged through the care, training, and time spent between the pet parent and their furry companion. Spending lots of quality time with your pet when you are home will help solidify the love and trust between you. Cuddling, grooming, and steady training are pillars for a happy, healthy, well-balanced dog. Healthy attachment styles, coupled with consistent training and set expectations for when you’re gone, will have you and your pet adjusted to your new routine in no time. There is no doubt that we love being home with our animals as much as they do; nevertheless, instituting these boundaries will help set you and your pets up for success – And as always, Embrace has your back. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2022/07/13/back-to-the-office-tips-and-tricks-to-help-acclimate-your-pets-to-their-new-normal/
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This post is provided by our partner, MetroPlusHealth. Find affordable health plans for New Yorkers of all ages from MetroPlusHealth. Freelancers often deal with work-specific worries. However, anxiety, and stress can be more than distractions. Constantly replaying in your mind daily problems and fears can affect your mental and physical health. Controlling your attention as you meditate can help you feel more relaxed and at peace. And this peacefulness often lasts far beyond the meditation itself. So when stress appears hours later, you have the means to redirect it. Meditation lets you become more aware and more purposeful about your actions. It teaches you how to respond, rather than react, to situations in your life. Meditation sounds simple. But it takes discipline to remain still in body and mind. You have to block out the world around you and quiet your thoughts. You also need to practice at least 10 to 20 minutes a day to get the most out of your meditation. Some healthcare providers include meditation as part of the treatment for many conditions. The benefits of meditation include:
There are many theories about how meditation may improve your physical and mental health. One theory is that it reduces activity of the sympathetic nervous system. This leads to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure, slower breathing, and muscle relaxation. Mindfulness meditationMindfulness meditation helps you zero in on your thoughts and images as they appear to you. You focus on an awareness of the present moment. You start with a single central point, such as your breath. Then you expand to include thoughts, emotions, and sensations. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you meditate: Find a quiet place with few distractions. Sit in a chair or on the floor. Be aware of your breathing and focus on the sensation of air moving in and out of your body as you breathe. Feel your belly rise and fall and the air enter your nostrils and leave your mouth. Watch every thought come and go. When thoughts come up, don't hold them back. Simply note them and return to your breathing. As the time comes to a close, sit for 1 or 2 minutes, becoming aware of where you are. Get up slowly. For best results, try to meditate every day for 20 to 30 minutes. Moving meditationFitting an extra 20 to 30 minutes of meditation into your already busy day may be hard. Another option is to try a form of exercise that combines fitness with meditation. These include:
via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2022/07/12/the-power-of-meditation/
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(Art Credit: Sisi Recht) If you’ve ever worked at a traditional job, whether it’s in the service industry, an office job, or something else, you know that having a great boss makes all the difference. On the other hand, you could be working your dream job naming colors for Crayola crayons, but if your boss is a nightmare, you may fantasize about quitting. A good boss is everything. You Get to be a Cool BossWhether you're just getting into the freelance game with big goals of working for yourself, or you’ve been successfully running your own business for years, I want to remind you that you always have the opportunity to be a cool boss. The wild thing about working for ourselves is that we dream about how ideal it will be while we work our 'regular jobs', and then when we finally become self-employed freelancers and quickly get caught up in the grind of making a livable wage. We forget how to treat ourselves as an employee. Today I’m sharing some things that you can do, even in the beginning stages of your business, to keep yourself on the World’s Best Boss List: 1. Disconnect from WorkIf your office boss demanded that you check your work email at every waking moment, respond to requests within minutes, work nights and weekends, it was probably an amazing day when you finally left to become a freelancer. Still, we often feel like our business depends on our immediate response to all inquiries, insane work speeds, and non-stop hustling. But this just isn't true. Working constantly with no breaks to recharge does not make you more productive or more money. In fact, it will burn you out quickly. Set healthy boundaries with your business right from the beginning. Determine the hours that you are available to respond to work requests and when you are not. Make those boundaries clear.I tend to work quickly and personally like to get things done immediately if I can. I don’t always follow my own advice, so I’ve been known to answer emails and do work at night, especially in this past few years when my boundaries were shattered due to the pandemic. Still, when I complete a project or respond to an email at 10 pm, I do not want to set the expectation that this is a normal response time. In these cases when I’m working late at night, I use Google's ‘send later’ function so my emails go out the next morning. Turn off all your notifications on your phone so that you are deliberate about when you look at email and social media.If you find yourself checking your work email the second you wake up at 7 am, check your phone settings for Digital Wellbeing (android) or Screen Time (ios) and set parameters around when and for how long you can open certain apps like Gmail and Instagram. Inform clients of vacation time and stick to it. Use an out of office message while you’re gone.I used to individually email clients when I was taking time off, now I usually just put it in my email signature a month in advance and then set up an out of office email. This simple hack has made actually taking time off way more seamless. 2. Take Time to CelebrateDid you used to live for an office birthday party? I’m not saying it’s as good as a real party, but the chance to get away from your screen and get some free cake is undeniably appealing. I remember one Valentine’s Day early in my career when my company randomly invited everyone up to another floor of the office where a candy buffet was set up, complete with little bags for all the employees to load up. Those kinds of random breaks from the regular day-to-day are what makes work fun. How can you inject this into your business?When I celebrated my 8th anniversary of self-employment I sent myself chocolate-covered strawberries, which I wrote off as a business expense. I also held my own ‘office party’ for the holidays, which really meant I got some good takeout food and took the afternoon off. Schedule in some funEven if you don’t have the extra budget to buy special work treats for yourself, what can you do for fun? Can you put some random days in your Google calendar for this year and mark them as Best Boss days, and then pledge to take them off when you get to them? How about writing out a few cards to yourself saying what an excellent job you’re doing or wishing yourself a Happy Birthday, and asking a friend or partner to drop them in the mail at scheduled intervals? Or, you might use the aforementioned Gmail scheduling tool to write yourself emails from your personal account and schedule them for months in the future to be delivered to your business account. I know it sounds kind of silly but how fun will it be to get a message from your past self cheering current you on? Self high five! ✋ 3. Give Yourself a RaiseMaking good money is not the only way to judge whether a job is good, but it sure does help. If you’ve been in business for a while and haven’t raised your prices with clients, it’s time to do it. In regular jobs, we usually expect to get at least a small raise each year. As our own bosses, we have to advocate for ourselves and our worth and ask for more money just as regularly. With each new client, you should be edging your pricing up, and even with your repeat clients, you need to raise your rates after you’ve been working with them for a while. If you’re just starting out, the pricing and negotiating can feel overwhelming, and asking for a fair market price can be really intimidating. Remember that it’s a learning process. The advice I give is to start where you feel comfortable but be sure not to stay where you feel comfortable. I don’t want you making entry-level money when you’ve been freelancing for 3 years. 4. Make a Cool Workspace for YourselfMy partner used to work at Google in New York City, so I’m well aware of what an unlimited budget can do to make an office space cool. They had fully-stocked snack bars every 20 feet, a full-service free cafeteria, ping pong, video games, conference rooms that had New York City neighborhood themes, a library featuring a digital wall of books, and custom uber-cool wallpaper and art. Your business may not have a Google budget, but you can still create a cool, inviting workspace for yourself that makes you happy to sit down to draw each day. Even if it’s just a corner of your dining room - a nice lamp and a potted plant or a fun art print on the wall in front of you can do wonders. Honestly, something as small as a fresh desktop wallpaper can lighten the mood and make opening your computer feel refreshing. Do what you can to add some little touches to your work area to make you smile. 5. Don’t Forget to SocializeA work happy hour or chat with coworkers in the break room can be the best part of your day, but working alone you don’t get that opportunity. Making connections with other designers is an integral part of entrepreneurial success and I recommend you set aside time in your week to connect with other artists and talk shop. Not only will you learn a lot about how others do business which may help you improve your own, but you’ll get a chance to bounce questions and vent client frustrations and take off that SOLO edge of being a soloprenuer. So there we have it. Now is a perfect time to commit to being your best boss ever this year, whether you’ve been freelancing for ages or are still looking for your first paid gig. Which one will you implement for yourself today? via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2022/07/11/5-easy-ways-to-be-your-own-best-boss/
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(Art Credit: Sisi Recht) This article is posted with permission from our partner Lili and originally appeared on the Lili blog at: https://lili.co/blog/lgbtq-financial-resources Get the digital bank account designed for freelancers with Lili and manage your business expenses, estimate your taxes, and save for a rainy day all with zero account fees. Start a Lili account today. When it comes to finances, members of the LGBTQ+ community face many unique challenges, often as a result of discrimination or bias. According to a 2018 survey by Experian, 62% of the LGBTQ+ individuals surveyed expressed that they had experienced financial difficulties because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Among others, these difficulties included:
In addition, LGBTQ+ individuals often have unique financial needs, such as medical expenses for surgery or hormone treatments, a sudden loss of financial support from parents or guardians, and so on. While progress continues to be made, discrimination and prejudice still permeate many social and economic sectors. Fortunately, there are a number of resources, organizations, and financial tools available that are specifically designed to help LGBTQ+ individuals navigate financial challenges. From free personal finance advice to scholarships and grants for those advocating on behalf of LGBTQ+ human rights, here are some examples of the resources that are available. Keep Finance Queerd PodcastHosted by finance educator Ellyce Fulmore, the Keep Finance Queerd podcast offers tools, strategies, and advice on personal finance, directed to a young, queer audience. Through topics like “Intersectionality, Identity and Money,” “Advocating for Yourself & Financial Advisor Red Flags,” and “The Cost of Being Queer,” Ellyce and various guests explore the relationship of identity and money for a smarter, healthier approach to personal finances. Point ScholarshipPoint Foundation’s scholarship programs offer qualifying LGBTQ+ students not only financial assistance, but also mentorship and leadership development opportunities. The program’s purpose is to cultivate upcoming generations of LGBQT+ leaders who will continue to advocate and act for positive change in their local communities. Scholarships available include the Flagship Scholarship for accredited four-year universities and the Community College Scholarship for local community colleges. LGBTQ+ Real Estate AllianceThe LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance is a 501(c)6 non-profit member organization committed to helping members of the LGBTQ+ community on their journey to homeownership. In addition to assisting with home buying and selling, the organization also offers resources for all aspects of home ownership and advocates for better real estate and housing policy to eliminate discrimination. Dignity for All: LGBTQI+ Assistance ProgramThe Dignity for All: LGBTQI+ Assistance Program, run by a consortium of international human rights organizations, provides support to human rights defenders and civil rights organizations (CSOs) who are under threat or attack because of their work on behalf of the LGBTQI+ community. The program supports these individuals and organizations through:
Accessibility Is KeyPersonal finances can be daunting, especially when one’s financial state is exacerbated by outside forces like discrimination and extra costs. Access to safe, accurate financial education and resources is essential for empowering future leaders and protecting vulnerable individuals. Because, ultimately, greater access to information creates a safer, more inclusive society for all. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2022/07/07/4-financial-resources-for-the-lgbtq-community/ |
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
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