By Nettie Hartsock
“The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” (Donald Kendall)
Have you ever considered breaking out of your nine to five and 5-by-5-foot cubicle to become a full-time freelance writer?
As a longtime freelancer whose home office in the past has looked more like Romper Room than an office, I thought it might be good to extol the virtues of working at home successfully and give some insight into how to best stay on track even if your desk and office are somewhat off the regular office map.
This article will help identify some key things to consider if you’re looking to make the home office leap.
1. Consider your surroundings.
If you’re devoted to working out of a home office, then it’s very important that you keep that space your own. Your office should be kept in such a manner that if you did ever have the occasion to host a potential client, your office will shine.
But take note that one of the benefits of freelancing and the ubiquitous Internet and technology advances is that about 80 percent of your clients will never meet you in person, regardless of whether you work out of a home office.
The larger point of having a dedicated office space for your freelancing is that it will ensure you go to the office every day. What I mean is that even though your office might be home-based, you must not lag in professionalism simply because you’re home-based.
In other words, don’t interview folks in your pajamas.
2. Stay spreadsheet- and calendar-happy.
Keep an up-to-date spreadsheet and calendar of all the projects you’re working on and where they are. Be honest with yourself and your clients if you can’t fit in one more project. Don’t take every job that comes your way; only take the ones you have time to do. This will ensure you have more work in the future, because you won’t ever be too far behind on deadlines or promised work.
3. Know your gadgets.
Often in a home office situation you can be tempted to not upgrade the gadgetry needed to do your job. Don’t short-change yourself on tools with which to do your work. And make certain that you stay aware and up to date on all the technology available. For instance, why use an older-model tape recorder when you can invest in a digital one? Why not become an avid Skype user to save on long distance?
And yes, it’s good to IM. It saves time, money and crossing emails.
4. Don’t make your office your home.
Spend the same time at your office in your home that you would spend if you were working at a regular office. What that means is don’t work 80 hours a week simply because you can. Don’t sacrifice important downtime you should spend on family, recreation and exercise for more time in front of your computer.
5. Set and update goals.
Just as important in the world of freelancing from home is to be able to set and adjust your goals every three months or so. Set up your business plan for what you intend to accomplish. Set goals of what you want to earn the next year and how many clients you will have to manage to do so.
6. Cull your client list.
Often it’s beneficial to go through your current client list and calculate the time spent with each client and the money associated with those projects. Make certain you’re getting the optimal ROI in regard to your time with every client and that you’re producing the best work you can for them.
7. Ask the experts… Read their books.
There are several experts out there on freelancing and you’d be surprised at how much you can learn by simply reading one of their books. Folks like Peter Bowerman and Robert Bly have written acclaimed how-to guides on succeeding in the freelance world.
8. Make peace with loneliness.
One of the hardest things as an independent freelancer is that it’s lonely work. There are times when it can seem very desolate. But most often you will find you’re grateful that you won’t be the one always tapped to bring in the Jello fruit salad to the company luncheon. Any freelance writer will tell you that one of the hardest things about being a sole proprietor is that there is not an opportunity to collaborate or socialize with coworkers. If you work better in a group, then independent freelancing might not be for you.
9. Join writing lists and forums.
Network with other writers and find forums that address the issues associated with freelance writing and work. Two years ago when I joined the WhitePaperSource Forum and subsequently became the moderator of the Independent Writer’s Forum, I would have never imagined the worthwhile connections, insight and exposure to other writers that joining has engendered. Don’t join every writer’s list and forum, just join the ones that resonate with your goals and that offer real insight into how to be a professional freelancer.
You will be amazed at how quickly your writing world can grow by virtually reaching out and tapping other writers and resources.
10. Be proactive and be yourself.
By being proactive in going out to get new work, you’ll have a higher chance of succeeding. Don’t wait for the work to come to you. It won’t. And I would urge you to be yourself when you talk to clients and possible clients. Make certain you’re available to them and that you’re honest and diligent in what you’re pitching to them with your services.
DISCUSSION: Discuss this topic at the WhitePaperSource Forum.
