Wednesday, June 28, 2006

The 5 Effective -- and Profitable -- Habits of Successful Freelancers

Continuing in my quest to cover all the topics listed in the May 25th post, next Wednesday's topic will be . . .

The 5 Effective -- and Profitable -- Habits of Successful Freelancers
(Okay, as I went back thru my research, I realized there were 7, so . . . )

EXCERPT

I've been in publishing since 1987, have been a freelancer since 1993 and ran an editorial staffing agency in New York City from 1996 through 2004. Over the years, I've noticed that successful freelancers, eg, those who make their living entirely from freelancing (writing, editing, copywriting, web design, etc.), have the following seven traits in common.

1. Write/design every day: Many freelancers are drawn to their particular career because they love it. They love to write, design, draw - whatever it is, they would do it for free.

Once they decide to freelance full time, most work at it every day. They write articles, design sites, doodle illustrations, etc. In other words, they don't stop working on their craft just because there is no paying client.

Benefit to their career: These professionals always have a body of work to sell, show, update their portfolio with, etc. Beyond that, it keeps their skills fresh and allows them to work that much faster once they are being paid for a project.

As a personal example, when I first started to write articles to promote my business, it would take upwards of two hours to complete one. Now, I can knock one out in 30 minutes if I have to.

Side Note: I have run across more than a few freelancers who don't exactly love what they do. BUT, because they like the life of freelancing, they discipline themselves to do what it takes, eg, (work at it steadily) to make a living at it.

Stay tuned for full account next Wednesday, July 5th!

For my American counterparts, Happy Independence Day! Vive la France -- Happy Bastille Day (July 14)!

A little "Independence" brain food: The French Revolution and American Independence are different results of the same philosophical and societal evolution. The original storming of the Bastille took place on July 14, 1789. The storming of the Bastille was a huge step in the French revolution, symbolizing, liberty, democracy and the struggle against all forms of oppression. To everyone in France, Bastille Day today represents the solemn military parade up the Champs Elysées in the presence of the head of state. It is also a holiday on which each commune holds a local dance and fireworks.

Editorially yours,
Y. Black, Publisher
InkwellEditorial.com
InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com
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