As if working for yourself as a freelancer didn’t offer you enough of a challenge, one of the ones you face daily is the question of where your next paycheck is coming from.  Most freelancers find themselves with gaps in time and wonder how they can capitalize on that time and still make ends meet.

If you are a freelance writer and you are wondering what you can do between writing jobs, there are actually a number of options for you.  None of these are get rich quick schemes and none of them will make you a millionaire overnight.  These things should be used to supplement your income, not necessarily used as a dependable means of income.

1.  Your own blog – One of the best ways to get your name out in front of new clients is your own blog.  Your blog not only helps you establish your credibility as a writer, but you can earn some extra money while you are between freelance writing jobs. AdSense is a great free tool offered by Google and allows you an opportunity to earn a few extra dollars on your blog.

Words of caution

a.  If you are trying to use your blog for the purposes of getting your name out in front of prospective clients there are some things you should avoid. I am a firm believer that sex, religion and politics should stay out of “business” blogs.  Why risk alienating a potential client? I won’t belabor this point as this is a matter of personal preference for many.

b.  Keep your blog professional looking and make sure that you are advertising wisely.  It will do you no good to have advertisements for diet pills, body creams, makeup on your site!  Create filters to make sure that ads that are inappropriate don’t land in your blog without your knowledge.

2.  Squidoo – Squidoo lenses can be your friend. Not only are they a great way to create one page “sites” but they can also highlight your skills as a writer.   There are many affiliate programs that work well with Squidoo and you could earn a few extra dollars a month from them.  Experiment with Squidoo and write about your favorite topics.  Again, avoid any pitfalls that would result in a client being “put off”.  Your AdSense can also be used in Squidoo lenses.

Words of caution

a.  Lenses are like little children and need nurturing.  Do not make the mistake that so many make and put them up there and forget them.  Re-vist them from time to time and update links, add new information and above all else, promote them!

b.  You are responsible for “broadcasting” changes to your Squidoo Lenses.  Squidoo has now added several social bookmarking options (including Twitter) directly to the dashboards making this easier than ever before!

Hub Pages – Based on a similar theory to Squidoo, Hub Pages also allows you to post single topic articles and earn money.  Using your Google AdSense account as well as other revenue generating options, you can supplement your monthly income using HubPages.  Exactly like Squidoo, your Hubs need TLC.  Like any other online efforts, the more you devote to it, the more likely you are to find success.

Summary

These are only a few of the possible money making opportunities you can take advantage of when you are trying to fill the gap between freelance writing jobs.  Future posts will be devoted to various options that are available.  It’s a great idea to use multiple sources of potential revenue.  Not only does it help fill the gap between freelance writing jobs, but it helps you develop your own online persona.

Read more in Online writing jobs: What’s the truth behind the hype?

Most internet based and home based businesses are small businesses and as such have unique problems which only others who have a small business can understand.

Since there are such a variety of business ventures that rely so heavily on the internet today, chances are you can build a network of others who you can get advise from and you can share your knowledge with.

Since home businesses are typically (but not always) a one person operation, we don’t always know where to search (or how to search) for advise! There are thousands of people out there just like you!!

I’ve always been of the belief that in a global economy there are many ways we can work together (even in the same industry) and still get things accomplished. Networking is one of the biggest tools we all have in our toolbox. If we aren’t afraid to ask someone else for assistance in our business, chances are they might need our help down the line.

We don’t need to ’sell’ our business ideas to everyone in our network (or give them away for that matter) but if we can change the way we think about the people in our network. What if you have 3 people in your network who all do the same work you do?? And what if you have additional business that you know you can’t produce in a timely manner. Isn’t it a better idea to ‘contract’ that job out to someone so it can be completed in the agreed upon time than lose future business with that customer?

Business is all about relationships – those we have and those we come to have. Building a strong relationship (even with a competitor) can have advantages. What if you decide to take a vacation? If you’re a single person operation this can be difficult. Utilizing the relationships you have built in your business would allow you the luxury of that time off without having a negative impact on new business that might come in while you’re away. Brand building is one way to develop relationships. If your network is aware that your ‘brand’ is unique, they may be more inclined to refer you to someone if they have a task they’re not able to handle.

Don’t treat everyone as if they’re competing with you for the same market sector!! There are plenty of opportunities for you to grow your business and continue to maintain solid relationships with the people who today you may find competing with you. Most often you’ll find that sharing with others in your network will lead you to additional business.

No Internet Access No Land Line

When searching for positions to work at home you first need to determine what your workspace is going to be.

Though in this day and age I have difficulty imagining anyone without internet access, I suppose it’s not beyond the realm of possibility. As far as no land line, that’s not as uncommon as many of us now use our cell phones as our home phone (me included and I work at home).

Recommendations for possible jobs:

Pet Sitter/Walker: Find out who in your neighborhood works all day and offer (for a fee) to take care of their animals.

Sewing/Seamstress: Are you handy with a needle and thread? Take in sewing which can be very lucrative. Find out what seamstresses in your area are charging and charge just slightly less.

At home laundry service: Do you have a super heavy duty washer and dryer? Consider a ‘drop off’ laundry service – again advertising in your neighborhood. Find out what your local dry cleaner charges for this type of service and charge just slightly less.

Day Care: Since you already have children at home, find out about becoming licensed to do day care. Adding one or two children at home can be a very lucrative business.

College Papers: Do you have the ability to type? Do you have access to a typewriter or a computer and printer? Post notices at your local colleges and offer to type up term papers.

These are some of the options that might be available to you.

Most small businesses are run by entrepreneurs who are excited about going out on their own. The most successful entrepreneurs find a niche in the market – usually a service that hasn’t been met – and they offer it to consumers.

Not everyone is willing (or able) to ’strike out’ on their own. There are many considerations to look at.

First, you must honestly assess your ability to ’stick with it’ one you get started!

A) Are you willing to commit at least forty (40) hours per week to your new venture?

B) Do you have a business plan?

C) Do you have the financial means to attempt this venture (with no guarantee of income for the foreseeable future?

D) Do you understand the market for your product or service?

E) Have you developed a network of contacts that can assist you?

F) Are you aware that most new businesses fail within the first year?

G) Have you checked local zoning requirements (and if you’re working at home have you checked with your town to see if there are any special requirements)?

Once you have dealt with these preliminary questions, you will have a long way to go but this is a good starting point.

Self-employment can be referred to a person who works for himself/herself instead of as an employee of another person or organization, drawing income from a trade or business.  This person may additionally be referred to as a freelancer or by other ‘common’ names.

Self-employed persons are sometimes eligible for more deductions than an ordinary employee. Travel, uniforms, computer equipment, cell phones, etc., can be deducted as legitimate business expenses.  There are a number of tax laws that affect those who are self employed, contractors, freelancers – remember you’ll be responsible for paying all of your own taxes, paying your own medical insurance and you’ll have to be familiar with the tax laws that apply to you.

The advice of an expert may be worth the money it costs.