Teahon-Freelance writer For all writing services and advice.

Tips for freelancing

One of the great benefits about going it alone is also one of the downsides, and that is you work when you want to.  The downside comes as very often you realise at the end of the day you did not do any work.  And if you don't work you don't get paid, simple as that.  So following on from my previous post, here is an expanded version of those tips.

• Schedule.  Make a pact with yourself about what hours you are going to work, and stick to them.  Once you have done this, make sure you have washed, had breakfast and dressed.  This will put you in the right mindset for a days work.  Sitting in frot of your computer in your pyjamas is appealing, but it wont give you that push to get on and do some work.
• To do list.  Make a to do list, which includes both long and short term goals.  You will find your long term goals will shape your short term goals.  Be realistic about your long term goals, and specific about your short terms ones.  So instead of writing work on this for two hours, say what you are going to do, it will help provide you with focus.
• Make sure your work area is organised and personalised.  The work space is yours now, and so are the rules.  Music, open windows are all you call.  Make the most of setting a good working environment.
• Look to outsource accounting and administration.  The time you save and can devote to working on projects will pay for the costs.
• Though the myth of multitasking is very much alive and quoted often, the reality is it's rubbish.  Stick to one task at a time and you will find this far more productive than flitting between several tasks and completing none of them. 
• Take breaks.  Make sure you have half an hour for lunch, and that you try and ignore the temptation of working right through the day.  This way your concentration levels remain more focused and make you more productive.  A good thirty minutes is better than an average hour.

As you can see, these tips are largely about focus and mindset.  See how you get on.  If you have any more tips feel free to leave a comment about them.