Sunday 12 August 2018

Freelancers - Who Moved My Cheese?

Freelancers, Who moved my cheese?
I am sure you have read the book by Spencer Johnson, if not, click here to readNow, back to my blog. As a freelancer, we encounter situations to find the unfathomable ‘Change’.
Would it not be easy if -
You have a map to guide you through your freelance career?
The same old routine worked wonders – each time and every time?
You did not have to face change, at all?

As a freelancer, we know, Change is inevitable and constant. Our work requirements, work, everything changes.

Situations You Will Face as a Freelancer

  • No work or it isn’t coming as it did. (Double your marketing efforts.)
  • A client criticizes your work. (Find out what your client needs.)
  • Industry changes. (You are still eating old cheese, and not enjoying its taste.)
  • A project requires teamwork. (Even if you love to work alone, sometimes, you may need a team to meet your client requests.)
  • Sudden expenses, more work. (Emergencies can happen, and you may need to take on more work.)

As a Freelancer, What Attitude Do You Need?

Here are five good attitudes every freelancer needs:
  • Confidence.
  • Determination.
  • Optimism.
  • Loyalty.
  • Reliability.

Now, that you know what type of attitude you need, work towards developing them. It will bring you closer to success.

How to Improve Your Attitude?

  • Focus on the good.
  • Deal with things and move on. Do not gripe.
  • Avoid complainers and negative people.
  • Read and program your mind with positivity.
  • Mind your health.

If work – cheese - is important, you will hold on to it. We often become complacent. 
But, Change Happens, someone keeps moving the ‘cheese’. You can become extinct if you do not change. Am I instilling fear? Yes, sometimes fear can be good. It keeps you moving, even to unknown territories. Fear prompts action. It makes you hustle.

You must Anticipate Change and get ready for the cheese to move. How do you anticipate change? Watch around and look for slow signs. Are you finding new clients? New work? Trust your instincts, they are your guide. Stop, evaluate, and act. Make small changes that make a big difference.

Monitor Change to Anticipate Change. Smell the cheese often so you know when it is getting old. Keep a watch, check yourself, and your work. Are you offering anything new? Get going, add some freshness to your work. Learn new skills and improve on your work every day.

Adapt To Change Quickly. The quicker you let go of old cheese, the sooner you can enjoy new cheese. If you have old less paying clients, let go of them so you can find new ones. When your work is not paying you enough, look for other things to do.

Sometimes, you may progress by two steps and move back one step. That is okay. You will face challenges. Moreover, nothing comes for free and this will add some fun to your daily routine. And, you will realise it’s not that bad at all, to look for new work, something you have not tried.

When discouraged, take charge, and do not wait for things to happen. They may never. And if you feel like giving up, is it only because you are afraid to move?

Think about this, what would you do if you were not afraid at all? Stay, not act, and get old. So, it is better to admit ‘your fear’. Are you afraid of going on alone? Or afraid of what lay ahead?

Fear will only make things worse. Take a deep breath, invigorate yourself. Stop being afraid. You will feel good, as you have nothing to lose. And move in a new and different direction.

Imagine, yourself enjoying the new cheese, it will lead you to it. Aha! Law of attraction works, indeed. The more you imagine, getting new work and clients, the more believable, it will get. Imagine your ‘gain’ rather than what you will ‘lose’.

Remember, Change will lead you to something better, so move with the cheese. You must try out different things. Try new work and get better at it. But, Be Ready To Change Quickly and Enjoy It Again. Do not settle down with the new cheese. Why? Because they keep moving the cheese.

Look for opportunities that bring change and enjoy the change! Savour the adventure of new work, clients and enjoy the taste of new cheese! What would you do if your cheese moved? Share your thoughts.

Wednesday 17 January 2018

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Freelancing

Things I knew before freelancing

Having lived a corporate life for 15 years, I believed it would be great to be my own boss and set my own work times. I thought of testing waters as a freelancer after tying the knot as I wanted to ensure I spent enough time at home.
Though I made the decision to freelance, based on the little I knew. It was not a well-planned move. Surely you must have done something like that; else you would not be reading this.
I did not know the number of hours required to complete a job, or the payment terms, as I was content getting projects. Without a mentor, things were difficult. Lack of information made things difficult and jumped in unprepared. Here are the 10 things I wish I knew before freelancing.
  • Mentor or guide
Initially, I knew a few things about freelancing; not knowing how to withdraw funds from PayPal or Skrill (never required it during corporate life). Clients often ran away with payments for the assignments completed.
I sought advice from my husband regarding a few things or at times when I was low and needed some motivation. It is best to research and seek a mentor who can be your guide.
  • Padding work hours
I constantly placed bids and struggled, completing jobs without contemplating each job had a different workflow and may require some extra time to accommodate proofreading and a few other things that were unpredictable.
Over time, I began projecting extra hours to account for the unpredictable. This helped me and the clients to set the right expectations and an achievable timeline.
  • Never work for free
When I began working, I wrote sample articles wherein some clients did not pay for them. They claimed the articles were not up to the mark or they simply did not want to pay. Some suggested articles would spruce my portfolio.
I happen to search Google for my articles, this helped me to get the pay for those published (though they were not in my name).
  • Set work hours
Having a number of jobs and working relentlessly for up to 18 hours a day, jumping from project-to-project without focus, burned me out most of the time. I began refusing a few well-paying clients and took a few days off work. However, this did not work. I was busy, but not efficient or productive.
As a freelancer, I overlooked the leverage to work out my day and choose the number of clients I wish to work with. It is best to say ‘No’ to be efficient and productive. Now, I work a few hours every day and split my time 4 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the evening.
I heard about the Pomodoro technique of time management which helped me a lot.
  • Charge more; ensure you are comfortable
Talking money makes me uncomfortable. Charging less will be an injustice to other freelancers. I did a constant research on the prices freelancers were charging. Constant encouragement and advice from my partner helped set a price based on my skills. I increase the rates every year now as I get new clients.
  • Do not work, until the client makes a bank deposit
Ensure the client will make a deposit in your bank account before you begin work. Make sure your bid/contract stipulates that you will not begin work until an initial deposit has been made in the account. It is important to be protective of your work and time.
  • Use bookkeeping and invoicing
Bookkeeping will help you manage your projects and forecast your goals, ensure your payments from several clients. With the tools like Excel and software in place, you will spend less time managing it. It frees up your time to work better.
  • Carve time for your own projects
Give time to your own projects; experiment, read or learn new things. Free up your time to build a personal website and manage it or create a professional looking LinkedIn profile, as it may serve as a great resource for jobs.
  • Work with freelancing job sites
Look for freelance jobs on sites like Upwork or Freelancer, it was a great experience. Initially, I was hesitant, however, the secured payments boost my confidence.
The process may seem frustrating, however, there are several tips to win the bid. It is important to follow instructions mentioned in the project, pick projects carefully and choose the ones that excite you, not anything at random. Add some personality to your bid and covering letter, add proof and samples, bid higher.
You must try new projects and it is a great way to test the waters and learn more, however, do this with caution; do not overdo this. I believe in taking action, even if it is imperfect.
  • Do not depend on one client
Work with several clients instead of just one. Today, though there are several different clients I work with, it is dry occasionally. It is a good practice to look for new projects and work on them, even if they are minor projects. Let go of low paying clients, do not fear losing work at the cost of quality.
You will have to find new different clients all the time who pay better to ensure you get a steady paycheck. Line up work constantly so in case a contract ends you still have projects to work on.
A time came when I realized my mistakes and understood the difference between being productive and busy. I learned to focus on just three or four things on my to-do list and found it was difficult to multi-task as it took longer to complete the tasks. Now, I focus and get things done, giving 100%, take my nap and get my 8 hours of sleep. I have set my priorities. How about you? This is everything I learned. Did you experience anything different and would like to add.? Share in the comments.
Recommendation
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one and complete a purchase, I will earn a commission. (Thank you for that!). However, this monetary relationship does not in anyway sway my recommendations, it’s something you should be aware of on this site and others online. As always, you should do your own due diligence before making any purchase decision.
Today you can get help is here, consultants, independent contractors, the self-employed, “solopreneurs,” and everyone else living a freelancer’s life will never be unknown. Be a part of a strong and vibrant community. I recommend you buy and read the book by Sara Horowitz. It’s the one-stop, all-encompassing guide to the challenge of being a nimble, flexible, and successful freelancer: the three essentials of getting clients and the three most important ways to keep them happy and achieving financial freedom.
Here is another book worth reading if you want to be a freelance writer. This essential guide by Zachary Petit will work as a road-map to a fruitful and rewarding freelance life.

Wednesday 10 January 2018

Spend or Save? How & Why You Should Do Either


Have you thought about how you handle money the way you do? I am a ‘saver’ and feel immense pleasure in knowing the amount saved and feel discomfort when spending. On the other hand, you may be an impulsive shopaholic and pay little attention to the future needs. Saving and spending are two sides of the same coin. This is a tricky dilemma for many, as our fathers and forefathers tell us to save for the rainy day.
However, it is okay to spend a little and enjoy the short life we have. Most people are nervous about spending money and outliving their money. According to Warren Buffet, “Spend what is left after saving”.

Here are 3 reasons why you should ‘Save’.

Financial Independence

For many people “being rich or wealthy” means having financial independence. It means a heart and mind free from all ‘What-ifs’ of life and savings to depend on. Financial freedom means having the liberty to make life’s choices and remaining wealthy. This is possible with the knowledge about money.
For some, it could mean the ability to go on a vacation whenever you want or have the option to leave work and go back to school or start your own business. For me, financial independence means having the potential and capability to invest in someone else’s business. To someone else, it may mean taking up a less financially beneficial but a satisfying job. It would mean retiring with a less stressful, secure life with enough reserves for the future.
Financial independence does not depend on a paycheque. It makes you feel rich beyond imagination. Moreover, it gives you the ability to live a lifestyle you desire. You would not need to rely on anyone for money or work for it.

Unforeseen Expenses & Emergencies

The savings often come handy at the time of emergencies or unforeseen expenses like car repairs, home, and appliance repairs or illness. A recent study by Bankrate suggests, 41% people turn to savings in case of sudden costs. They do not rely on banks to lend them money for such expenses. It is often better to anticipate and prepare for such situations. As many as 28% of the silent generation take care of surprise expenses and use credit cards to pay for it.
Emergencies happen and are usually untimely. For example, A member of the family may fall ill, you may need to travel, harsh weather conditions may cause damage to property or a funeral. These emergencies are big-ticket, and so it is better to equip ourselves, be self-sufficient and self-reliant if possible rather than become a target.

To Have a Good Life
Living from day-to-day or paycheque to paycheque is stressful - emotionally, psychologically and physically. When people don’t save, it is imminent, they often run from “crisis” to “crisis.”
Happiness comes from organizing and planning. However, it does not mean that just organizing everything will make us happy, nevertheless, it helps. When the future is uncertain, putting aside savings, taking charge of future and any financial apprehensions are organizing. Saving will make you better off in the future.

Here are three reasons you must ‘Spend’.

Make More Money

Spending money is imperative and when you spend intelligently you can earn more money. More earnings help in saving more. It is a cycle. You do not need to spend all your earnings, that will be foolish. We save to spend and enjoy life so the main idea is to save and spend wisely. Spending money on important things is imperative, like buying a house.

Live Life’s Experiences

We earn money to spend, but it depends on what you would choose to spend on. Many people spend money on gaining life’s experiences. This could be by traveling, cruising or adventure sports and creating wonderful memories, like photographs and souvenirs.

Living life ‘Today’

Most important of all the reasons to spend is the reason to live life ‘today’. You will save for tomorrow, how about spending money for today? Living life 'today' is important. Life is knotty when lessening debt - ‘cut expenses, spend small, save more’. However, that does not mean you will not spend money to live a penny-pinching life. This necessitates spending on today and preparing for tomorrow.
When you take steps to spend wisely, you will make more money to save more. If you begin today by keeping aside some money from each pay cheque in a savings account, you will have reserve funds up to $1,000 and more with time. Put aside bonuses and refunds as savings and as life transpires, funds may dip. You need to build it up with some work.
Spend and/or save enthusiastically and welcomingly, else you will miss out on the great benefits of saving and spending wisely.

Recommendations

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one and complete a purchase, I will earn a commission. (Thank you for that!). However, this monetary relationship does not in anyway sway my recommendations, it’s something you should be aware of on this site and others online. As always, you should do your own due diligence before making any purchase decision.

Here are a few banks you can buy and save for almost every occasion. 
 You can get this black Prinz Rainy Day Bank with an exclusive design and slot for money on the top.

 I am sure you would love this Engraved Honeymoon Fund Shadow Box made of Blackwood when you are saving for your honeymoon. You can even personalize it with your names.


If that is not your style, here is Young's Adventure Fund Suitcase Buckle Wooden Travel Savings Bank. I am sure you love this one, especially if you are saving for an adventure trip.

Here is one I recommend if you are saving for education, Prinz 'Tuition Donations Accepted' Wood bank.

This mini lock box is great! If you are looking for a small compartment to stash money from your yard sale and save it for later.

Make saving for your next big purchase fun with Cypress Home Family Vacation Wooden Shadow Box Bank.

Teach your children to great money habits with this  Save Spend Share Piggy Bank for Kids.

References
http://cashmoneylife.com/spending-money-is-good/

Saturday 6 January 2018

9 Ways You Can Manage Time & Stop Losing It

It is the beginning of the year and time for New Year resolutions. I am sure you have made some resolutions like I do every year. As a freelancer, each year I try to ensure I manage my time and balance my work-life better.

If you are a freelancer or are just beginning your career as one, your top concern must be - how to balance it all. You work full/part-time and need to have a life, take care of yourself (and a family if you have one) both mentally and physically.

I am no exception, with a small family. It is important to manage a social life, get enough sleep, read a book to my kid every night and lose the extra fat I keep gaining. At first, it felt like everything falling apart, but it was important to maintain my sanity. Balance means to make choices and enjoy it so here’s how I balance my freelance career.

  • Maintain a to-do list
I do this early morning before everyone wakes up. It helps me manage my day better. Every day create a to-do list. It helps in prioritizing tasks based on deadlines and urgency. The more you work, the less effective and productive you will become - short and long-term.
I recommend you try these To-do lists, not only do they look cute, but help you set priorities. You can easily keep up-to-date with daily tasks.
Image courtesy Amazon

  
  • Write your priorities and goals
I have a list of goals, resolutions, and priorities, whatever you would like to call it. It keeps me on track. You can decide how to best manage your time.
I recommend making use of the Lucky life planner to set goals, get things done, as a productivity planner and balance your life and be accountable. That is our main aim. You can use it to handle common life challenges with innovative tools such as the Habit builder, Decision maker, Mood booster, Creativity booster, Belief Changer and much more.
  • Plan and protect your time
I dislike spontaneous plans. Though they are fun; they are productivity killers. It is better not get into the habit of making spontaneous plans. This does not mean you should work overtime, it will also kill productivity. If you work 6 hours daily, shorten your work week to 5 days to increase productivity. It will also give you time to do other things you are passionate about (side hustle) or even spend time with your family.

  • Stay accountable
You can do this alone or with like-minded friends. Talk and discuss progress made and set the goals for the next month. This will help you imbibe habits from friends to stay accountable to your goals.

  • Know your most productive time of the day
I am most active early morning, so I wake up 3:30 AM and work until 6 AM. It helps me concentrate better sans distractions. Track and pay attention to when you are doing your best work. This is your best weapon in time management arsenal. You just need to work smarter. However, this does not mean I do not get my 8 hours of sleep and a power nap.

  • Create a system that works
Make use of apps, productivity-planners, to-do lists, systems, and ideas to get you through. Once you have tested it all, perfect it. Make it work for you. I make use of the 80-20 rule; avoid tasks that bring low or almost no results. Take in less work and produce better results (better pay) rather than taking in more work and getting lower results (and pay).

Automate tasks whenever possible. Nowadays, when I do something more than 5-6 times every day or week, I look for a program to do it for me. Hire experts, use apps and the Pomodoro technique to get you there. Time is money (most valuable commodity); spend money to make money. A bad system will kill you.

I recommend you use an hourglass sand timer. With the timer, it gets easy to track your work, measure your progress, and prevent burnout. The timer times you for half an hour of work and a solid 5-minute break so you can stay focused and productive for longer.
  • Scheduling/ mapping work
Map out your week on a Sunday or first thing Monday morning so you will know what the week is like. If you’re a beginner, create a “default template” with everything you do every week. Stop doing everything yourself, seek help when you need it. In my default template, I had:
  1. Breakfast/ lunch/ dinner cooking
  2. Cleaning (alternate days)
  3. Food shopping on Wednesdays
  4. Working
  5. Commuting
  6. Exercising/working out (twice a week)
  7. Reading
  8. Add appointments, engagements, and meetings once you know what your week looks like.
  • Build in time
Create time to work on your side hustle, goals, and priorities. Keep track of time, so you can steal some for yourself and pencil it in. I usually work on my side hustle once a week, usually Saturday/Sunday mornings. Snatch time to read; I do it after lunch when my kid is asleep and use my smartphone to share on social media.

  • Have a do-nothing time
I make sure to spend time with my family, call family once a week (it's a ritual we follow). Allocating time to each area of my life and following it helps me balance work and life better. Life does not get done with somehow; you will have to work it out.

Essential time management apps and tools
Time management apps and tools
With the right combination of all apps and tools, you can manage your time better. You must experiment, prioritize, focus and stay accountable to manage time and stop losing it. Time is non-refundable and there is no way out but to manage it intentionally. Change your relationship with work. Unless you manage time, you can manage nothing else. Get to work today and make time work for you. How do you manage your time and live life? Share in the comment section.

Freelancers - Who Moved My Cheese?

Freelancers, Who moved my cheese? I am sure you have read the book by Spencer Johnson, if not, click here to read .  Now, back to my b...