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Branding the Self     [Report Abuse]   

Posted by: Creatework     
Every successful business has its own individual branding and this is something that many freelancers overlook. Whether someone is working alone or as the head of a large company, a brand can help to build up a reputation and identity that will have huge benefits. A good brand involves many aspects other than a good logo. Branding helps to make a person or company memorable to their clients. It also adds a certain amount of credibility to the service that is being offered. A suitably created brand will help to match-make the service being offered with clients that are looking for that precise product. A good brand should do a great deal of the work before the freelancer even needs to get involved.Image By: Criterion
Before deciding on a brand and designing the logo a certain amount of self-discovery is needed. What exactly are the goals of the company? Short and long term goals need to be laid out into a detailed business plan. This will help to decipher the perfect target audience and style of the company. The target audience is what helps to form a great deal of the style and the two work hand-in-hand. While the style of the logo, website and business cards should be a representation of the freelancer, it also has to appeal to the target audience. Many people make snap judgements based on company names and logos before looking in to what a company really represents and this needs to be taken into consideration.
Once the business plan and ideal goals have been laid out and the style has been settled on there are two main elements to perfect. The logo and the brand name are the first. The freelancer's name as a brand suggests a personable experience, but is not suitable for a company that is likely to develop into a large-scale business. The website operates as an online CV for the freelancer and should be word perfect and error-free. It should not be overloaded with information as prospective clients may be put off. One of the most important aspects of the website for a freelancer is the ‘About' section. Work out a 1-minute pitch that explains exactly what the company does. This is the ideal way to capture the target audience and make them shout out, ‘Yes, this is the one for me'.

Tags: Brands, freelancer, business plan, logo
  

Defeating the Competition     [Report Abuse]   

Posted by: Creatework     
CImage By: Generationbass.comompeting in a freelance market can be difficult at times, especially if the competition is not obvious or well known. In order to promote the product or service the first and most essential task is to ensure that it is the best service available. Know that it is far superior in quality to any competitors and have pride in what is being done. Without self-pride the competition will always win.
Confidence is key in any business and freelance work is no different. Before bidding on a project or agreeing to do some work ensure that the exact requirements are fully understood. Losing business because of a poor job is far worse than refusing a project because it is not suitable. Confidence comes with a good understanding of the project that needs to be done. With confidence there will be no fear about the 100 other applicants for the project as the ideal person for the job will be obvious.
Experience and practice will cut down the timescale. Businesses will always go with the quickest and cheapest option so long as it does not mean a compromise on the quality. If it is a freelance writing service that is being offered then touch-typing and quick reading skills are essential to cutting down writing times. Whatever field of work it may be, practice and experience will enable the worker to lower the amount of time spent on a product, without cutting on quality, and therefore increasing productivity and defeating the competition.
Knowing the competition is key. Either make friends with local people in the same line of work or follow their websites and blogs. They may have tactics that can be used or they may want to share stories and information. Competition does not always mean working against someone. At times it can be lucrative to work alongside the competition. Sometimes in business it really is a case of better the devil you know.

Tags: Freelance, business, competition, confidence, pro...
  

Multilingual Success     [Report Abuse]   

Posted by: Creatework     
As many freelancers use theImage By: quinn.asnya Internet to search and bid for new projects they increasingly find that they are working in a global market. With the help of broadband crossing borders is no longer an issue, but does this mean that freelancers need to learn a second language? While it may not be essential to completing a project, multilingualism can help to build professional relationships across the globe and broaden the freelancer's reputation. Speaking a client's language will put them at ease and help them to look favourably on the freelancer.
One of the benefits of being a freelancer is that the office can be anywhere in the world, and many freelancers use this as an opportunity to travel. In this case learning a second language would benefit more that just their work life. Understanding the first language of the country while inhabiting it means learning more about that country and in greater depth. For many freelance jobs knowledge is key to productivity, so learning a second language could help to expand the work that a freelancer is capable of doing. For those that are fluent in another language this opens up the possibility of producing work in that language. This will open up a multitude of opportunities and a greater variety of work.
Learning a second language is easier for some people than it is for others. Some have a natural ability to understand other languages. The easiest way to learn any language is to be submerged in it. To live in the country where that language is spoken will teach the freelancer how to think in that language. For those that are not able to move countries or go travelling, finding a foreign pen pal will make the process a great deal easier. Learning from a native speaker makes the transition seem much more natural and is an ideal addition to a language course.

Tags: Second language, freelance, business, multilingual
  

2nd Language Opens Doors     [Report Abuse]   

Posted by: Creatework     
Freelancing usually allows those working from home to allot some time to themselves. This is the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill or brush up on old rusty ones. Why not practice a new language that would open up and enhance your freelancing opportunities?
Image By: Mr WabuSimply put, being fluent in a second language opens thousands of opportunities. Employers who need language skills automatically put language speakers to the top of the list, executing your chance at the assignment much more quickly. Many freelance positions entail translating documents and interpreting over the phone. These two skills alone are very profitable and much needed in government, healthcare and legal sectors of any industry.
Freelance positions may entail teaching, a universal trait of many second language speakers. Universities, community colleges and independent schools look for teachers to lead online classes. Online classes usually involve open chat forums and/or phone instruction with varying schedules. Especially in large cities, freelance teaching is valued among immigrant populations, like English as a Second Language Instruction.
Learning a language is not an easy feat and requires much discipline. Choose a language that is appealing to the ears. Maybe a rough German accent sounds attractive, or the smooth romantic sound of a Spanish tongue. Seek friends that teach in order to learn through an open, communicative approach. Having instruction, even through an online program, enables effective private practice. Private practice can be done anytime of the day through grammar worksheet drills, singing in songs, writing open essays, reading the news, and listening to podcasts or television. Learning a language is fun and knowing it can be applied to future freelance assignments is a great motivation booster.

Tags: Language Skills, Freelance Positions, Second Lang...
  

Crave the Way to Success     [Report Abuse]   

Posted by: Creatework     
When working from home for long periods of time, the mind tends to linger towards what is in the fridge. Sugary and sometimes temping, these foods are unhealthy and the habit of eating them lowers the energy to work. Since freelancing requires much needed energy in order to keep up motivation and stress down, try some of these healthy snacks instead.
The key is to include snacks that are going to keep up positive bodily energy, as oppose to an oily treat that will only make the body tired. Eat complex carbohydrates for quick energy and proteins for longer lasting energy.
First things first: image By: pviojoAlways drink water. Lack of drinking water creates dehydration, slowing down the body and confusing it with hunger. Drinking water all day sustains energy levels.
Start off the day right. Yogurt is a great breakfast with any fresh fruit. Try all natural yogurts with any version of cereal and all natural honey.
Apple and Peanut Butter. The classic apple never fails to satisfy a sweet craving, combined with the saltiness in peanut butter is divine.
Oatmeal. Can be enjoyed anytime of the day. Try a flavourless variety and add your own favourite combination of fresh fruits, like strawberries or blueberries with a drizzle of natural honey.
Always rely on fruit. Fruit gives a quick rise in energy levels and can be eaten throughout the whole day. Pick your favourite, seasonal favourites like fall pears or spring strawberries. Go tropical with a mango or pineapple.
Hummify. Hummus is a great, traditionally Middle Eastern garbanzo bean spread that is consumed in many different low-fat flavours. Most super markets carry all natural varieties from plain original, garlic or sundried tomato, alternatively, it is incredible easy to make your own. Enjoy with multigrain pita bread or crackers.

Tags: Working from Home, Longer Lasting Energy, Fresh F...
  

A Rockstar Freelancer     [Report Abuse]   

Posted by: Creatework     
Sometimes advice should be taken with a pinch of salt but other times it is welcomed, especially when taking big decisions. Changing your working lifestyle to that of a freelancer is a huge step and finding the right advice is essential. This book is particularly informative since it gives advice on different situations a freelancer faces. How to Be a Rockstar Freelancer is a great ebook buy, especially for those on the run.
Image By: seriousbriThe writers happen to be freelancers themselves, Collis and Cyan Ta'eed and write for FreelanceSwitch.com. This blog style website gives solid advice; like about why having a mentor is important or cheap office solutions. One chapter, The Working Day, deciphers the pros and cons between working at home or at the office and how to make your workplace happy. It even extends to speak about the importance of an environmentally friendly workplace. There is no harm when care for the environment is in a freelancer's interest.
One reviewer of the book boasts about how it speaks a lot about pricing and how this is an important aspect in the freelancing world. There are two: high and low pricing strategies that newbies could try out. Keeping prices low at first is good because it could attract clients, thus leading to referrals. A high price is attractive because it gives an ‘elite appeal', thus giving consumers the allusion that your product or service is the best.
The same reviewer discusses the importance of contracts and the importance of always having one. The book states that a lawyer should always review both contracts. As a rule of thumb: always read the contract and sign before the start of a project.

Tags: Rockstar Freelancer, Workplace, Attract Clients
  

Value of Freelance Writers     [Report Abuse]   

Posted by: Creatework     
Being a freelance writer can be a lucrative profession – but only if you make the most of your talents and resources. Today, the most effective way to do this is by carrying out a PR campaign instead of carrying out assignments individually. A campaign may initially cost more for the client but it produces better results and is more cost-effective in the long run. The freelance writer in turn receives bigger payment and has a steadier source of income.
Image By: CrazysphinxTo multiply one's writing sales, a freelance writer needs to convince their clients of the advantages of conducting a PR campaign. The most effective way to do this is by explaining the short-term and long-term benefits of a PR campaign. Clients often request for individual assignment because they want instant results, but this can also be done in a campaign. For example, the freelance writer may write an ad copy – which can be used immediately – and then follow it up with other promotional materials that are part of a campaign.
A freelancer can also get more writing sales by offering to provide a full campaign that covers all phases from conceptualization to completion. In this way, the freelancer doesn't serve only as a writer but also as a marketing consultant and overall service provider. If there are tasks within the campaign that a freelancer can't do himself (such as the tie-in services), he can simply outsource it to other freelancers. This is one reason why maintaining a wide professional network is necessary for freelancers.
Additionally, a smart freelance writer will use their knowledge to provide suggestions on how companies can make the most of a PR campaign. They will be able to explain and recommend novel marketing concepts and turnkey solutions that will not only ensure the success of the campaign but might also be able to improve their clients' business. This service will normally be separate from the work they do as a writer, but they can also choose to make it part of a package deal.

Tags: Freelancer, Create Work, Writing, PR, Assignment
  

Online Project Management      [Report Abuse]   

Posted by: Creatework     
Many companies are now operating through the collaboration of different divisions that may be thousands of miles apart, even from different countries. This is the result of innovations in the Internet that is the major force behind globalisation and offshore outsourcing. Today, a campaign may be divided into different projects, each of which may be carried out by teams from all around the world.
But these advances still have some problems, of which one of the biggest is how to manage each project from a distance. Fortunately, this is now easily addressed by online project management tools and systems. Even when a project manager oversees a project only through the Internet, the management tools ensure that each business process is performed according to plan. Some of the necessary qualities of a good online project management tool are:
• Help in planning while being flexible. Online project management systems can serve as a guide when drafting a plan for a project. Each system follows a procedure that may also be applicable for the project at hand – this makes both planning and execution easier. However, the management tool and the manager should be flexible and able to adapt to unexpected changes in the execution of the project.
• Make the execution of the project more efficient. All projects have three dimensions – time, budget and quality – that need to be employed to create the best result. Good organization and utilization of resources is necessary for the success of all projects and it is up to the manager to decide which management tool will best make that happen.
With the right online project management tool, a manager can create a “virtual office” that can be more efficient than the traditional office in completing projects. Furthermore, it can make the activities and deliverable easier to visualize so projects are not derailed by uncertainty and are easily checked to be on the right track.

Tags: Virtual, Projects, Online, Project, Management
  

Worth of Project Management      [Report Abuse]   

Posted by: Creatework     
If you're a project manager, you probably have had the problem of not having enough resources for your project. In particular, getting enough people (and the right ones) to do the work can be very difficult, especially if you have to compete for the budget for hiring them. Here are some tips you can convince the upper heads to give you the necessary means to get your project going:
Setting the Value of Your Project
You have a high priority project. The priority of a project is largely set by the company executives. So if your project aims to achieve the goal of the company owner or president, you are more likely to receive funding or bring in the most competent people to your project.
• Many people will benefit from your project. People will be more willing to give you what you need if they will get something in return upon the success of your project. Most managers will help you if your work will lift off some of their own loads or make their work easier.
• Your project will have a big impact on the company. You can also get the resources you need if you show how your project will improve the company. You can even reallocate resources from less profitable projects, and use it in yours where it will create a much more positive effect.
Approval through Other Means
• Showing a cost/benefit analysis. When company executives see that it will cost the company more to not approve your project, then they will sensibly get you the resources you need.
• Using personal relationships. If you can't convince resource providers of the value of your project, but fully believe that it will benefit the company, you can try to use your personal relationships with higher ups to approve your requests. Just make sure that you're working for the company and not for just personal gain.

Tags: Projects, Resources, Company, Business, Management
  

21st Century Job Hunting     [Report Abuse]   

Posted by: Creatework     
For most people, the old way of job seeking – going to different offices and personally handing your resume – has become so inconvenient and impractical. It requires people to spend a lot of time and effort travelling and dealing with application personnel (it's worse even for parents who still have to hire babysitters), and it's not even that effective. But all that is circumvented in the new way of job seeking – going online
Job hunting on the internet is fast, requires little resources (just a computer and an internet connection) and applications are quickly returned so applicants don't have to wait long wondering if they'll be hired or not. Online job seeking is also preferable as there is hardly ever a shortage of job posts for anyone working in any industry, plus job posts are regularly updated, allowing for more timely applications.
Nowadays, there is a multitude of job search, employment and career sites on the internet, some of the largest being CareerBuilder.com, SimplyHired.com, and Monster.com. It's easy to sign up on these sites and membership is usually free. The advantage of joining these sites is that they post vacancies on all position levels, on practically all fields, and offers part-time and full-time jobs.
Another option for people who want to work freelance is to join freelance sites like oDesk.com, eLance.com and RentACoder.com. In these sites, companies, agencies or even individuals post jobs, which the freelancers can bid on. These sites usually either charge a membership fee or take a percentage of what members earn from each project.
People looking for a specific job or position can also try joining forums, related websites or making specific search engine queries. Using a search engine, such as Google, to search for a particular job (e.g. “IT specialist Somerset”) will direct you to other sites posting such a job. Joining a forum or a website on the particular industry you want to work is also good as they are usually the first to post any job vacancies.
There are other ways to look for job openings in the internet – you can also use Craiglist, follow the site of a target company, or build a professional profile in a networking site – but the above suggestions should already help a lot. For a higher chance of getting hired, it's necessary to have an impressive virtual C.V., good recommendations and, if possible, an online display of sample works.

Tags: Work, Online, Job Seeking, Applications, Freelance
  

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