3 No-fail Tips For High-profit Freelance Writing

By Author: Ronald Bell
Total Articles: 35
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The best thing about being a freelancer is the time freedom of our lifestyle. No more punching a time clock, or being chained to a desk. No more being lectured to about personal calls or saving a doctors appointment for weekends only.
But once we become a freelancer, we quickly learn that we often have to answer to an even tougher boss-ourselves! And as you strive for a better income and greater success, you realize that neither will happen without strict discipline on your part.
Sure, it's tempting during periods of writers block to do that extra load of laundry, or check out the handbag sale at Macy's. But this non-productive time is eating away at your all-important bottom line. Remember, you don't get a paycheck any more. And time is money!
Here are 3 expert ways to keep your business on track:
1. Dress for Success, even though you're at home! OK, maybe you can ditch the suit and the wool gabardine skirts. But you should still stick to a work routine. Shower, dress, wear makeup, and put the bathrobe in the closet. Follow the same routine you had when you traveled to an office - the only difference ...
... now is that your commute is shorter. If you can't get started without the morning cup of coffee, have some. This is not only a morale booster but gets you in a serious business mode for the rest of the day.
2. Keep regular business hours. 9 to 5, 8 to 4, or whatever you feel comfortable with. If you do your best writing while burning the midnight oil by all means, do it -- but make sure you're accessible to your during regular business hours, too.
Back in the days when I worked on staff, part of my job was hiring freelancers. One writer we used also worked nights as a musician. We were told not to call him before 2:00 in the afternoon, when he got up for the day. However, his schedule caused problems when we needed quick turnaround on changes, or an immediate answer to a question. While "Paul" was a great writer, in the end we decided that his lack of accessibility during normal business hours was too inconvenient for our needs. So, we dropped him.
What about time zones? It doesn't hurt to "train" your clients regarding your schedule, too. If they're in California and call you when it's 8:00pm your time, let them leave a message. Your business day is over, and you need your downtime. Send them an email in the morning acknowledging their call and suggest a time that you can speak during the day. Likewise, if you're on the West Coast and your client is in Boston, be at your desk a little earlier each day so you can attend to their business needs before their afternoon begins.
3. Create a production schedule of every project. Decide which hours are your most productive ones, and stick to them. Create a task list. Schedule those projects to be completed during these hours. Do not take a friend on errands, do laundry, or waste time with non-productive tasks. These are your prime money-making hours. Use them wisely!
Remember, be professional, act professional-and your clients will respect you for it. Which means bigger, better-paying assignments. And that's the whole point, isn't it?

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