It’s a weird time…especially now that the big “R” word is floating around. (Recession, that is.)
Lately, I’m feeling the same way I did about two years ago when the world was shut down, and I was debating whether or not I should get a PPP loan.
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Every so often, it's a good idea to set aside some time and map out what your ideal workday looks like.
The reason: You can't work toward that ideal until you know what it is. Sit down and write it out, hour by hour. Every time I do this, I'm surprised by what I learn.
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I recently asked this question on Twitter: What would you tell someone making the switch from part-time to full-time freelancing? The following tips are lessons that both other freelance writers and I want you to know before going from part-time to full-time.
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I’ve had some questions on how my freelance business is doing during COVID, so I’m here today to shed some light on my personal experience and to spotlight the freelancing industry as a whole during 2020 and beyond.
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Last week after I did a live Q&A session, I realized it’d probably be helpful to pull together a FAQ of sorts that puts answers to common freelancing-related questions all in one place.
Honestly, I don’t know why I hadn’t done this already. UGH.
So, without further ado: Here are my quick, short-form answers to common freelancing questions and links to longer-form reads that answer these questions more fully.
I hope you bookmark this page and share it with others.
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No writing lesson today guys. This one’s a bit more general.
Recently on the Creative Class Podcast (the one for freelancers I co-host with Paul Jarvis), we tackled a topic that’s been bouncing around in my brain: Are people who work for themselves and sell things *really* the enemy?
Paul and I both sell digital products online, and even though it’s new to me, I find myself feeling caught in the crosshairs of this conversation.
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The other day I took a long walk on one of my favorite paths. The sun was shining, the air was fresh, and I actually felt warm. On a day like that, I found myself going back to a thought I’ve had many times before:mSometimes I just wanna mow lawns.
But...then I played this scenario out a bit in my head a bit more. I've come to some conclusions.
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I decided I’m going to reflect on the past five years with you guys. Okay? You don’t even have to buy me lunch.
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Following up, checking in (whatever you wanna call it) has helped keep my business sustainable (and growing!) over the past five years. And it only takes a few minutes to do.
So how can you do it, too? Even if you have the WORST memory or hate spreadsheets?
There are a few pretty simple options that are free (shoutout to my fellow cheap people!) Let’s look at ‘em.
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For some, the focus is fast growth, authority-building, #MAKEthatMONEY--all the time. Don't get me wrong: I, too, like to #MAKEthatMONEY.
But for me, I want to work efficiently, with clients I really like, on projects I enjoy--and really, that's it. I don't want ALL THE JOBS. Because I still want some time for "me" stuff.
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This post is a teensy bit longer than usual--and it’s not about writing. If you want writing-related content, perhaps check out this post: The Cure for Crappy Copy. It’s a good one.
Otherwise, settle in and keep reading.
A few weeks ago, I shared a master list of everything that’s helped me freelance and write for the past four years on Twitter.
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The story of how I helped Paul Jarvis revamp The Creative Class, a course about the business side of freelancing. Currently open until 10/17.
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Several readers have asked about my daily writing routine, so today, I wanted to share it with you.
Now, keep in mind that just because this routine works for me, it doesn’t mean it’s going to for you.
Sometimes I see these types of posts and it gives off the impression you have to mirror another person’s routine to achieve the same results. Not so.
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I got a little behind on posting this, and I haven't done that for more than a year. Writing here is important to me, so I always try to work ahead and schedule things out...even if I'm going to be away.
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When I was getting started with my own freelance writing business, I wanted those questions answered, too. The trouble was: I had no one to ask.
I tried different courses and eBooks, but my issue was that nothing felt like it was exactly suited for what I was doing. There was a lot of generalized information to learn from, but what about my questions? I just wanted someone to talk to that could help me find my way and share what they’d learned, too.
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This week, I want to talk about the importance of community for writers, freelancers, and really, anyone who works from home.
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In September, I tried something new.
I attended my first business-related conference (SumoCon, hosted by AppSumo.)
The thing was: I wasn’t really sure if conferences were for me.
I’d been to my fair share of work-related conferences in the past (and at this point in my freelancing career) I went in knowing that it very likely might not become a habit.
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This is kind of embarrassing.
When I started freelancing, I did some things that, looking back, I wish I wouldn’t have.
But…you live and you learn. So, I’m gunna share this with you today so you can have some lols and hopefully learn from me too. Don’t lol too much, please.
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Remember a couple of weeks ago when I talked about freelancing and loneliness?
Well, there’s something else I’ve been wrestling with, too.
It’s competition.
Not competition with my peers—competition with myself.
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