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Freelancing: Financial goals and payment dates

One of the challenges of freelancing is budgeting your money and understanding when you are going to be paid for doing work. It is important to make a chart of sorts so that you can keep an accurate record of when you are going to be paid for work. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the sites we have reviewed in the past and how they pay writers. oDesk – oDesk has a unique payment cycle among sites that you can obtain freelance work, though chances are that other freelance sites work similarly....

Earnings challenges: We all are facing them

As Google rolled out their latest Panda update, content farms are facing more pressure than ever before. Demand Media, Helium and Suite 101 are among the casualties (again) of this update. It is becoming even more challenging to earn a living writing online. However, that does not mean that all hope is lost, it only means that writers need to pay more attention to what they are doing and work smarter. For beginners, freelance writers should be exploring every opportunity that is available to them. I’ve given up on many of the sites I was writing for but, I...

For those who maintain their own blogs, chances are that you have discovered that the income from those blogs tends to be very erratic. It seems that regardless of how frequently you post, how rich in keywords your posts are or how well written your blog is that there is simply no rhyme or reason to your earnings. In some cases, this is not only frustrating but, it can also feel like you are wasting a lot of time working on your blog (or blogs) for very little return. Because most blog income is a result of page views,...

At some point or another every person faces challenges in their careers. These challenges range from demotions to promotions, battling middle child syndrome or considering a career change. Not everyone handles these challenges the same way and in some cases, they are more challenging to overcome the older you get. Having the tools and information that you need to make the most of the challenges that you may be facing during career changes can be helpful. This series of articles provides some general tips that can help you better deal with career challenges and help you set goals. Tweet...

One year ago at this time I was averaging about $1,100 a month from freelance writing online – mostly on content sites. This month, I’m well on track to earn a whopping $500. This is a staggering drop in income and some of it I have no control over; other aspects I do have control over. Failure is simply not an option. Part of the problem is that nearly all of the writing sites were hit during Panda. The other problem is that many of these sites have changed their strategies making it harder than ever to earn money....

Some of my most popular work

Since this week was disrupted so heavily by Hurricane Irene, I have not had as much time to contribute as I’d like. Instead, I’m going to cheat a little and show off some of my most popular work. So, here’s a rundown of some of my most popular titles on writing sites: Bright Hub Learn the Ins and Outs of VC Investments Defining and Understanding Redemption of Shares Can You Sell Your House to Your Children for a Dollar? DIY Steps on How to Do a Title Search Yourself Fannie Mac & Freddie Mac Rules: What Are the Major...

Most of us have a day when we simply cannot find the strength or the energy to write a blog post or come up with one more article. For whatever reason, our brain goes on hiatus and simply refuses to cooperate. Instead of forcing yourself to churn out an article that simply does not want to come out, do some other things that can help make your next work day(s) more enjoyable. In spite of what most people tell you, procrastination is your friend provided you make the most of it! How is your computer working? One of the...

Freelancing and ethical treatment of non paying clients

Unfortunately, not every freelance job is going to result in that often long awaited day – the day you are paid for your services. This is a fact that most freelancers accept as part of their commitment to running their own business. The Slow to Pay or No Pay Client The Right Path All too often, we allow our emotions to get the best of our better judgment when we are attempting to be paid for a job that we did according to our clients instructions. It’s often difficult for us to step back, take a deep breath and...

Today, in spite of a slow job market, more companies are offering telecommuting opportunities. Too frequently, people mix up telecommuting and a small home business. These are not the same types of work at home opportunities, but both have significant advantages to them. The Primary Differences: Home Based Business vs. Telecommuting Comparing differences There are some key differences between a home based business and telecommuting. Some of these are easy to identify, and others may seem rather blurry. Here are the similarities of telecommuting and home based businesses: * Both allow you to work at home * Both allow...

Even though you are not applying for a “job” freelancing opportunities still require you to bid on a gig. Making sure that you know what works and what does not work can help you land more gigs. Knowing the competition Cover Letter If you are active on freelance sites such as oDesk or Elance or one of the other hundreds of options available for freelancers, you might be wondering how you can possibly compete with the hundreds of other users that might be bidding on the same job that you are. One of the biggest mistakes that new freelancers...

One of the challenges that face writers is understanding the models that are used by sites for payment purposes. Freelance writing is not for the faint of heart, it can be boring, tiring and mean long hours. If lay out a sensible plan, you can make a great living as a freelance writer, but before you do, you need to understand what sites can do what for you. This guide will walk you through some tried and trusted steps and help you understand the value of each of them. Disclaimer Disclaimer I would like to include a disclaimer here...

Nearly anyone who is involved in freelancing as a career choice will tell you that at one time or another they have been unhappy with their rates. This is an even more common complaint among those who freelance using online marketplaces such as oDesk. However, in many cases, this is more a mindset of the freelancer and not necessarily indicative of how most solid buyers treat freelancing as a whole. Understanding Business Freelancing professionals have a business to run. As with any other type of business, a plan is necessary to fully reach your potential. Even the brand new...

This is really an “old” gripe, I used to do most of my freelancing through oDesk. I left oDesk about 8 months ago, because of changes to their terms of service. Here’s my story. Make sure that you understand freelancing terms before you begin your freelance career. Don’t get overwhelmed! This is an example of one site that named clients “employers”! When Freelancing Terminology Matters! Definitions matter There is an ever-growing cry for proper terminology for freelancing professionals. In fact, some of the popular freelancing sites like oDesk have recently changed their terms to help clarify some of the...

Freelancing Risks: What happens when weather gets in the way of productivity

Weather happens! No matter where you live, no matter what country, continent, city or state, we all have challenges with the weather. Cold days, sunny days, rainy days and snowy days can often change how productive we are and can have a serious impact on our mental state. Our mental state will typically define how productive we are on any given day. Most people don’t suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) but some do, although weather still plays a role in how we act, react and how productive we are. Here are some of the interesting reactions to weather....

Freelancing Risks: What to expect and solutions

Do not be lulled into thinking that freelancing is all sunshine and roses. As mentioned in our previous post about what to expect and solutions, freelancing is fraught with hazards. Our first post focused on non-paying clients and time management issues that are commonly faced hazards for all freelancers. But what about some of the other things that are typical for freelancers. Let’s talk about freelance writers and some of the challenges that they may face: Hazard – Lack of work – Make no mistake about it, being short of work is not only frustrating but it is also...

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All Business

Freelancing: Financial goals and payment dates

Earnings challenges: We all are facing them

Blogging and income

Career challenges and goals

When failure is not an option

Some of my most popular work

Procrastination is your friend

Freelancing and ethical treatment of non paying clients

Home Based Business vs. Telecommuting

Freelance Marketplace Cover Letters

Freelancing and Business Plans

Proper Freelancing Terminology

Freelancing Risks: What to expect and solutions

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