September 12, 2013

Consistency in work delivered is important

What is consistency in work? It is the ability to apply the same level of performance through out your work without any compromise on quality. Consistent excellence in work will benefit the freelancer. The time frames used for completion and the quality of the work benefits the freelancer getting him more and more work from his employers.

But, when it comes to freelancing why is consistency important? Many times the employers do not see you face to face. Hence, consistency in work is the only way, they can identify with you. They form opinions about you, based on the quality of work you deliver. There are no other measurement techniques applied. It is only consistency in work that will speak volumes about you and your professional capabilities.

Consistency also means accountability. So when there is no one to monitor your activities, you need to prepare your day to day work constructively and deliver results. This enables you to develop responsibility towards your work. Appropriate actions taken at appropriate time schedules will ensure success in work.

How can one develop consistency? Rewarding yourself for work well done is a method used to develop your own self –respect, and pride about the work you do. It takes a great deal of patience to develop the level of consistency that a client or an employer expects. The only way to achieve this is to have a super will power. Getting things done against all odds and rewarding yourself for each achievement will see you good towards your travel for perfection.

Another factor that helps develop consistency is the rules that you set for yourself. Every time you adhere to your set rules, you are accomplishing your set standards. Every time you accomplish, you are nearer to the point of consistency in your career graph. So, have rules that are accomplishable yet smart so that you can adhere to it and notch up the consistency mark.

Consistency also generates confidence in your mind about the work you do. This confidence will see you through many projects. Confidence helps you realize that whatever happens, you will scrape through well with the help of this quality called consistence. It will instill in you, the ability to survive adverse conditions at work.

Will power is also a quality that helps you with the consistency factor. When you have a strong will power to get things done when circumstances are adverse, it is consistency playing its role well. It helps you to do your work at a great speed. With consistency, you develop expertise in work. This means you are able to complete your work faster.

Hiccups are bound to occur while you try to be consistent at work. But these are only temporary. The harder you attempt overcoming them the greater is your success. Sustain on your attempts to be consistent. You may feel pressurized at times. But you will succeed with great will power. Once you have tasted success, you will want to continue being better.

Let us look at another aspect of being consistent. While being consistent is good, one has to be realistic about the goals set. Anything and everything is not achievable by just being consistent. There should be strategic plans that will guide you to doing a task. Such plans will enable you to know whether you will be successful in an attempt or not.

There are quite a few more things that could be written here on consistency. But the message is that while you work, focus on the job at hand, and also adhere to consistency in quality. This should be sufficient to help you run your business ethically and to earn good will of the clients. Keep your mark on the consistency graph and ensure that it peeks with experience. Do not allow your mark of consistency on the graph to go down at any cost.

K Saravana Kumar

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September 6, 2013

Freelancing – Your feedback about the task matters

Freelancer will always have a whole lot of feedback about the job at hand, which needs the attention of the employer. The effort required in researching the subject of work is the first in the list. Apart from secondary sources, which are easily accessible, the project may require inputs from primary sources. There are quite a few primary sources, available, for reference. The freelancer should quickly access the correct source needed for completion of work and provide feedback on requirements to complete the job.

The time required for research gets a mention in the feedback. Even while you zero in on the correct source material, the appropriate content required from the source material to finish the job should be available. There are times when the content on the work is available, but details thereof to complete a specific area with right inputs are missing. Certain times, there are innumerable inputs available on a certain topic, but when it comes to suitability, they may seem improper, for the work in hand. In short, the answers that need an explanation may not feature, in these sources. Here the freelancer has to go back to the client asking for sources of reference.

Then comes the time frame provided by the client, for research on topics. While employers provide few days or hours ahead of work schedule for research, this may not suffice. The freelancer may require more time, solely due to the nature of the subject of work. These are times when the employer need to get to know that more time is required for research as the subject in hand is complex. Accordingly, the time lines for the project changes.

Once the initial research is over, it is time to prepare the draft or the shell of the project. This will include designs and content or even codes required for the project. This may take less or more time, depending on the complexity and detailing required. Accordingly, the employer needs to get intimation.

Another aspect which needs feedback, critically and in time, is the need for more funds. The funds usually feature in the remuneration, or on a case to case basis, as and when required, whichever is convenient. Half way through the project if the freelancer realizes the need for more funds, due to the complexity of the project, then the same needs immediate attention and communication, lest the freelancer suffers losses.

Projects require resources of varied nature. This may be in form of manpower or things. The freelancer has to keep tab of what is required, at every point of development, to correctly estimate the resources required. More resource as appropriate will save the day for the freelancer.

Often, the freelancer cannot proceed beyond a certain stage due to lack of expertise. These areas identified earliest, needs communication to ensure that the project is wound up at the appropriate stage and handed over to the Subject Matter Expert who can continue to work till completion.

Whenever there are areas where specific, knowledge is required, this knowledge transfer is done either by SME or any other expert. On receiving feedback, employers can arrange sessions for knowledge transfer and sharing to effectively clarify doubts. Some of the specifics may be technical in nature, which will require a demonstration. The advanced technology of today enables a freelancer at a remote corner of the world, to get a demo of the required knowledge base through video conferencing and other means.

Where the means used for knowledge sharing is insufficient, there are alternate methods which are available and used. A freelancer can capitalize on the blessings of modern technology. The freelancer should be able to suggest and give feedback on what exactly he is looking for so as to enable appropriate means of sharing knowledge. For example when the specifics are not clear during a telecom, then the freelancer can suggest a meeting through video conferencing or even net meeting.

Certain technologies used in other countries may not be familiar to the freelancer. Such situations warrant, an overview of the technology and the processes in use, in that country, together with the country map and areas covered.

Similarly, some of the verbiages used in context vary with each English speaking country. The freelancer has to be aware of such verbiages and can write on back for inputs from the employer. This helps in avoiding confusion or miscommunication while preparing the final output.

Bigger corporations outsourcing work have their websites to provide all the information required. A freelancer who is an outsider may not have access to all the pages on the website of the company. Hence, a feedback can be in the form of a request for access to pages which have crucial information pertaining to the project. It is always good to remember that, the better the feedback, the better the output.

K Saravana Kumar

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September 5, 2013

Understanding the expectations of the client

What is client expectation? If you ask the client, the answer will vary from one client to another. Certain clients may expect you to deliver his work within stipulated time frames and will be keen on keeping with deadlines. Some others may only expect good quality work from you, irrespective of time frames.

So how do you manage the client’s expectations? There are quite a few circumstances that bring up varied experiences on client expectations while working with a wide spectrum of clients. The key to managing expectations is to have a plan and a back up plan for all situations that you may foresee a crisis. However, there are also unforeseen crisis, which one has to prepare for.

If there is a crisis or if there is good news, let your client know immediately. This way he will be confident that you will get back to him, whatever the situation you are in. Let them know if you are away from work or if you are unable to complete your tasks. This should be part of your regular communication plan.

Whenever you are unable to complete the work as per schedule, offering workable solutions to help them, complete the work is a good way to manage client expectations. Guide them on how to complete the pending task or even recommend a few people who may be able to pitch in and save the situation.

Building good rapport helps when the deadline of a project needs extension, especially when the client is far away from you. At any stage, the rapport that you build will help, to even question certain decisions that the client may make. Many times the clients are willing to explain a certain stance or change, elaborating on how it is going to be beneficial for both parties involved.

Having said the above, most clients do not have any expectations around work hours, as far as freelancers are concerned. This because they are aware that freelancers do not abide strictly to the number of working hours due to their nature of work.

Most clients expect quality of work to be topnotch, when they outsource projects for freelancing. Output, irrespective of the number of working hours put in, has to comply very specifically with depth, class, quality, and accuracy. These, freelancers, have to keep in mind while doing his work. The expectation from the client here is a superior job that will earn a lot of appreciation.

There are situations where more than one person is coordinating, with you, for work. There may be three or four people who are co-coordinating with you over a particular work say development of a curriculum etc. Here the SMEs, trainers, managers, sales personnel etc will have their views shared over a telecom or meetings. It is important to filter information that is necessary and crucial to suit the developmental work, the most. The freelancer requires a lot of discriminatory ability to know what should go into the curriculum and what should not.

If the situation demands it from a freelancer, it is quite alright to stretch work hours and offer to do a few extra assignments. Going the extra mile will help you gain the good will of the client. You may gain valuable experience while doing these extra assignments. This need not be a habit but, a freelancer should make use of a proper opportunity to learn and get the extra edge over others.

Payment is an area where it is crucial to learn to negotiate. The client may not give in his expectations, but the freelancer can gently remind the client, the amount of work involved in order to complete the assignment thus justifying the charges. But there are certain times when the freelancer can push for charges, for extra work especially, when the work is well over that mentioned in the contract. Whether the freelancer is a tax payer needs factoring in as well. It is advisable to keep in mind that, if much of technical complexities are involved, then, it is only right to charge a steep amount. This way you are ensuring fair treatment as well. And you save the client from being unreasonable.

Last but not the least is something that you, as a freelancer, could do to manage your client’s expectations. Always over deliver while you may promise something less. This way the client will be delighted at the effort put in and will also want to reward you for your efforts. So then, what is that we need to promise? Always promise in line with results expected from you. However, when it comes to output, over deliver and do that little excess to delight the client.

As and when you keep growing in your area of expertise, it is good to give valuable suggestions to clients who are looking for it. This way you act as a freelancer and a consultant as well. The client will then have a one stop shop where he will get all the solutions related to his work. This yet another method of managing client expectations.

K Saravana Kumar

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September 4, 2013

Freelancing – Understanding your project/task

Understanding the task at hand is as important as the knowledge one has to have about the project. The freelancer should know if his skills match with the skill requirement. For this, he may have to have exchanges through emails or through telephonic conversations.

A task that has been outsourced may appear to be simple at times. Such tasks will require only a basic talent from a freelancer to complete it. But at times, there will be hidden complexities associated with the same. Thus, it is always advisable to read through and understand the requirements before attempting to do a project.

When the project is technical in nature, one has to be confident that his or her exposure matches to the requirement of the project. Technical upgrades may vary from year to year. Newer versions of the older technologies are available each year and one has to keep updating on the new technology.

Freelancers who do work in software development need to be up to date with every new aspect of work. The client would want a use friendly interface to be developed. The idea might appear to be brilliant and simple. There will be no introduction manual at times. Understanding the project is of utmost necessity here.

Let us look at the numerous applications that are developed. Every year there are new applications that come into the market. The ones that are popular are the ones easy to operate. Those with too many complications may not survive. No one will take time to hunt down the ones that are difficult to use. The easier applications and the readily available applications have more takers. Freelancer may keep this in mind – What you produce need to user friendly, readily available and easy to use.

Reliability of your output is another factor that points to the understanding of the task. A person who has understood the task, and knows what has to be done, is able to churn out reliable work that will stand the test of time. When a transaction takes a longer time to for implementation, the one reason is lack of understanding among the people who are involved in implementing it. This lack of understanding among people further filters down to lack of understanding of the job itself.

For the freelancer, the best way to know if you have understood the task at hand is to reward your work completed. As and when you complete a work reward yourself and you will know that you are in line with what is expected.

What you have not understood after a discussion with the client needs writing down. This later requires discussion in a forum where you are in touch with experts in the matter. Mentors can also help in a very large way to implement these unresolved issues.

Many times, you may be a part of a larger project that would be break up in pieces and distributed amongst many freelancers. Sometimes you do not get the larger picture until you see the connection of your project to the larger work schedule. In such situations ask for a meeting where all the people involved are at one place and discuss the larger cause. This is give ample insight to the task on hand.

When a task fails to come up the way it has to come up create a back up plan. This can come with experience. Once you know how to create back up plans you would want to do away with them and have the taste of success the first time around.

Having a positive morale and attitude is important to understand the tasks given to you. Certain work may be stressful and you need to motivate yourself about your capability to deliver the work well.

Understanding what goes first also is vital for success. Every freelancer who understands his task will know what goes first. For example, some who write a story for children will have to know the age group of the target audience first. They need to know the background of the target group. Then he should know the language the children will speak and read. The moral that has to reach the target group and the emotions that make the story fall in place. Finally, any input to make the story interesting for a child is clearly made note of. Some marketers would also ant their part to be taken care of – the story should sell!

K Saravana Kumar

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September 2, 2013

A tribute to freelancing veterans

Freelancing veterans remembered here are the people who have sown the seeds for this area of work to develop to what it is now. Many years ago when freelancing was not very popular, few people would have had an idea of starting a new trend. They must have struggled to get themselves interviews and audience with employers who are likely to offer them work.

This is the time when we need to remember them and thank them for the effort they put in to legalize freelancing. Today, they have enabled employers to lead to a large workforce working at different places and different time zones adding value to work done in office spaces and elsewhere.

It is good to know a few veterans, if you are into freelancing. They are sources of much experience and exposure and can guide you well in your work. All this while we were speaking of talent and skills that will make a good freelancer stand out. But, somewhere we have forgotten to mention the experience that a veteran would have to offer. All the training that you may attend may not match up to the experience a veteran can share, to help you learn a few ropes in the freelancing arena.

Most of them must have worked their way up from a very young age. Talk to them about the challenges they have faced at the beginning. They would have valuable lessons to share. Many willingly share their stumbling blocks and learning, so that it sort of guides the new comers.

There is quite a bit to learn on how these veterans would have done their marketing for themselves. Many would have used methods which are outdated now. Careful thinking can revive some of those techniques to adapt to the new world and new generation of freelancers.

What else can veterans offer from their experience? Veterans can offer insights on different styles of work. Some of the older methods may not be prevalent now, but one can revive a few of their styles of work in an innovative way to suit today’s need.

Many of the veterans would have a winning streak in them, which is the reason for their success in work. It is important to learn how they have coped with the demands of their job. The humane element which is missing these days was present during their times. Suggest that the younger generation learn these traits from the veterans. They will give you enough stuff to remember for a life time!

Veterans will have lessons to share on self assessment and evaluation of oneself. They will share with you details on how to keep records of your work. They will also tell you how to plan and construct your career path.

Another area where veterans can provide insight is on pricing. They will share valuable lessons on how you may quote for your work. The present generation is not aware that a good reputation far outweighs the financial status of a person. Hence, try to learn these age old values, which these veterans practiced. Not that they did work for free, but some of them actually was not materialistic or even greedy.

What else can a veteran share about freelancing? He will share lessons on how to balance life and work. He will tell you lessons about how he enjoyed his time with family and friends. He will have stories and funny events that happened in his life during his younger days. Memories of moments that the younger generations miss out due to their involvement in the rat race of life! The competition that is prevalent among younger people to show off and to become winners all the time. Talking of this, yes, the veterans will teach you to take your failures in your stride. After all, life is about winning and losing. It is all in the game.

While you go through the glossary of their life, you will realize that there is no good or bad work. Any work that a person does is honorable. One has to be sincere towards the work he does. That is what veterans in freelancing or any other industry will teach you. That is what the great Indian leader and freedom fighter, Gandhi, says. This is the message that resounds all over the world, even as centuries pass by. The ultimate truth that the next generations will watch and learn from their ancestors and from their experience!

So here, I am saluting those veterans once again. You have shown us the path and we are grateful for it.

K Saravana Kumar

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September 1, 2013

Exchange of ideas among freelancers

Idea exchange is a vast topic where freelancers can make use of an idea at a higher level to bring about great output at work. These ideas help differentiate your work and product from others’. The success of an individual freelancer depends on the unique ideas he brings forth in his work. Once these ideas get acceptance he can continue to innovate at his work. I am sure more people would want to hire such a person for his uniqueness. Such uniqueness eventually ensures profit in business.

How so ideas strike a person? The answer lies in effort put towards adding value to ones work. If a freelancer can constantly think of bringing about value addition in work, then he may end up thinking of new ideas which are workable and innovative.

How does one add value to work? The answer lies in the critical thinking of the person. Once you analyze the requirements and critically try to meet each task, then the task of adding value is complete. Now, the next step is to think about how to work, away from the conservative frame work.

There are quite a few inspirations that one will come across during idea exchange workshops. Brain storming sessions will help unlock the imagination of the freelancer. Collaborative ideation will enable global changes and improvement.

Mentors who have relevant experience can moderate the ideas generated. This offers great help since mentors know for sure, as to what will work and what will not. Thus, the vetted ideas can further develop into healthy output, which is new and more effective.

Ideation enthusiasts always have a “big question” in front of them. This question will eventually lead them to explore and learn about new things. And the ideas they generate helps them to overcome the challenges they face. Collecting samples and sharing experiences are the best way to gain insights about the work at hand. Ideation workshops are a platform from which you can collect such relevant samples and experiences.

Small businesses also may do the ideas exchange program. These ideas have the power to encourage people to go on with their dreams. They also enable people to realize their dreams.

How do freelancers exchange ideas? There are many methods to do this. Some of them get a mention above. Through workshops and other collaborative efforts, one can gather new ideas. Creating blogs is a less expensive way to get ideas and discuss about them, keeping in line with the new trends. Blogs can help generate discussion topics and also get people to share their opinions about a certain topic. Opinions aired by groups and individuals can create a new thought process and this can generate new ideas as well.

Reviewing the actual workability of the idea is a good way to assess the functionality of the ideas shared. This needs vetting and testing, by knowledgeable people. Surveys can also bring about the truth behind the workability of a new thinking process. The more approvals gained the better the idea and the workability of it. Groups which focus on generating and taking up ideas, to develop and implement them, can help in such activities. This way, idea sharing will base itself on the target it is supposed to achieve.

Collaboration with critics also will provide ideas as to how to bring about more changes to the product in hand. There are critics who will point out the right issues at the right time. Such feedbacks can stimulate more ideas to enable extraordinary ways of implementation success

Implementation plans can further enable us to develop the idea that already exists. Resources required needs identification during the initial stages of idea exchange. The correct amount of resources will lead to accurate implementation and success of the idea. Idea exchange can increase the morale of the people involved. It also helps increase the knowledge of the people involved.

It is always a good idea to share “ideas” when you have a large group to support and hear to what you have to say. Forums, in any form, thus are to gain importance for a freelancer to effectively gather and build is ideation techniques.

Let us start a new movement from today. Let us be part of this team, who ideates and also shares their experiences for others to learn and improve!

K Saravana Kumar

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August 31, 2013

Helping freelancers get better and better while working for you – For the client

Every employer would like to have a freelancer working for him and also him to work better and better. With every work assignment that he gives, the client would like to see improvement. The challenges that are ahead are quite a few, to get this done. The freelancer has to learn, work, contribute and stay on and continue to do better.

The usual method of providing internal trainings imparts the knowledge required to understand and do the work accurately. Such training will pertain specifically to the type of work the freelancer is involved in. This training goes a long way to help upgrade the knowledge about the new trends and innovations pertaining to the work.

Yet another method of getting people to do better is by providing training in related fields of work. Thereby the employee gathers new techniques and uses it to do better at the current one that he is working on. Incorporating certain techniques from related fields of work will add value to the output, since the knowledge base of the freelancer enhances thus.

Another necessary training, on the agenda, should be in time management. The freelancer is then better equipped to handle assignments to keep up with the time lines for delivery of work. Spending time procrastinating can cause discomfort to both parties involved. Even training in yoga and mind control helps.

There are other means to get better as well. This will include using mental techniques to kick start the day. Using energy management to control the mind and body enables an individual to be in control. “To do” lists help a lot. Listing tasks such that they enable you to complete them one by one by not stressing you up is a great way to finish work well.

It is important to learn not to over commit. This way one takes on work that one is capable of completing within a stipulated time.Employers can guide the freelancer to assess the work that he is undertaking. This will improve productivity of the individual bringing about better output.

Giving appropriate feedback also is a training that helps gear up the productivity of the freelancer. A freelancer should know what is right and good about his work. Accordingly, he can garner his skills. Not knowing about the other person’s view of the work done can only plunge him into darkness. He needs this guidance as well!

Most of the time, we find that there are online training offers for freelancers who take up a certain kind of job. Questions about the effectiveness of these remain unanswered. Generally, the ineffectiveness of such online random training is a truth never discussed since many do not want to share or discuss unpleasant experiences they have undergone.

On the contrary, there are quite a few resources available on line which will enable a freelancer to get up-to-date information from a variety of business leaders and thought leaders. There are also courses available online which when used will help brush up existing knowledge and skills. Some of these courses are available as videos to enable the student understand better. A freelancer could go through any of these to understand more about his area of interest.

Women are at a great advantage when running an entrepreneurship is concerned. In developing countries, there are quite a few organizations which the Government promote to ensure job security to women. There are loans available and proper guidance ensuring that women gain success in the world that is getting more and more competitive as days go by.

The success of a freelancer is in running his own business of freelancing, well. What is required is a focused effort on the work. Training may or may not help. Many times people opt for freelancing after a considerable stint in corporate world. Hence, they already will have the training and development done during their career.

Getting a business degree will help in boosting your image, as far as clients are concerned. They would want to know your educational back ground in order to assess whether you can promote their product. A qualification from a reputed university goes a long way in building the trust that is required to bring forth a business deal.

And last but not the least are training workshops which bring together freelancers from various industries thus enabling exchange of expertise on a common platform. More of such learning helps the freelancer to contribute better, with time.

K Saravana Kumar

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August 28, 2013

Remembering where to find topics on the subject you write about

Remembering where to find topics for your subject is a major challenge most freelancers face. Many times the editor or the employer just introduces a topic to the writer, to develop content on. Many other times, and in most cases, the writers get the opportunity to determine the topics by themselves.

To have a general idea on the topic in hand is good. This then is broken down to subtopics or paragraphs, to cover the overall subject matter that needs representation. Finding subtopics for creating output can be easy. Jotting down the points as when it comes to your mind helps. But in most cases, this may not be sufficient.

So one has to do a little bit of research while determining what goes into the article or book. There is a wide variety of methodology available today. One such is the internet. The theme can look upon or researched on the net and zeroed upon. One has to use imagination and creativity to ensure that the output created is interesting enough to keep the reader asking for more.

Yet another method of researching is to examine books available in the local library. After going through the print material, your conventional ideas can further develop to suit the topic of interest that the writer is writing on. This also leads to augmented knowledge on the topic in hand. Again, books and the internet can only guide you to certain extend.

Apart from the above, life’s experience of the writer will help create more thought provoking content. Each individual is different and each individual will have his or her own experiences in life, which are different from others. So writing personal experience will command more bonus points since it appeals to the editors as well. More appreciation comes forth for the work thus done and this will see the writer blooming well into his career.

Every situation that we come across has a story in it. A creative writer can generate a full fledged page of article from simple life situations.

When it comes to topics related to science and technology the above may not apply. Here one has to really understand the subject matter in detail to attempt writing. But understanding such subjects is easy as well. Most of the time there is a logical step to follow. The writer has to discover the logic and grasp the topic and he will easily find a way through to write about the same.

Comparing the work done by others and translating it to simple understandable work is one domain of expertise where writers can test their knowledge and creativity. Similarly, agreeing or disagreeing with thought leaders is another way of kick starting a new thinking process. Such writing activity done on a regular basis ensures that the writer’s thoughts are active and captivating always.

A writer can generate topics of interest, to write about, from friends and acquaintances as well. While in a conversation, or during an activity, numerous themes of interest appear and opportunities to write about them arise. Which means if there are two or more people interested in the same subject, it is worth writing about. Some of these appealing trends might only last for a few years but it is worth following the story to know your capabilities, on generating public interest on a topic. Here capabilities also point to your effectiveness in writing about a current topic and scoring on readership as well.

Keeping your own journal of topics, on where to find them is helpful. When asked to write about topics which are not current, but from the past, this may be of a huge help.

Finally, researching and reading on subject matter can only help in understanding the topic in hand. But the writer has to have talent to recreate an output which is appealing to the audience and should think of what might impact writing in a positive way. What is more – having the right words and context while you write is important. It helps harness the right audience to view and read your work.

Optimization of work helps in building better readership and more and more work will follow. Content authors to get the readers appreciate their work by ensuring original output each time they write. Here the subject and output need to be synchronized to enable the reader to relate to what is written

A happy client is what we need at the end of the day. A well documented article is a reference point for future. So everytime you write, ensure that your writing is an example of good work for future reference.

K Saravana Kumar

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August 26, 2013

Why do many writers prefer freelancing

A question worth pondering over is why do writers prefer to freelance? In today’s world, writing is a hobby or a vocation for many who are educated. While some write while at work, as part of their key result area, some do it as a hobby to showcase their creativity. There is another section of writers who publish the articles or books written by them. Yet another section uses their creative talents to do the work that interests them while also earning remuneration.

Yes, doing work that is interesting to oneself is the sole reason why an individual writer chooses to be a freelancer. While writing on any topic of interest, it is convenient to choose the area of expertise and join groups which require skills of similar nature. This results in growth of the writer, in the respective area of interest in terms of knowledge, experience, and exposure. Here the freelancer focuses only on a few known and interesting sections of writing.

Choice of language is a criterion which most writers are choosy about. While many are comfortable writing in English, there are quite a few who have flair in writing in their own local language. Translation related work – from one language to another – is one such area which offers real challenges to experts in vernacular language. Here again a writer freelancer who prefers to work on a particular language, as a specialized writer, benefits.

Education is another vast area of where experts in the field, as writers can contribute effectively. The role here is that of a Subject Matter Expert, developing content for curriculum. Good quality educational content will contribute to development of the intellectuals who are capable of creating a better world. Educational content has the power to influence children of a very young age, to mould their character. Imparting lessons and moral stories are a great way to inculcate values in the younger generation. So, here’s another specialized sector for freelancers to choose to work and showcase their expertise.

Opportunity lies in the translation of epics and religious books into languages which are popular. Epics have a lot to convey and someone who understands the complexity of the language used can do a very good work here. Again, the challenge present here, is to capture the accurate meaning of the word in the context of the situation, to deliver an effective translation. Here again freelancers and publishers compete with each other to write and publish abridged versions for the benefit of the readers.

What more can be said on freelance writers and writing? The above and more reasons contribute, to decision of the writer, to choosing freelancing as the preferred area of work. As you can see, if you have the expertise and knowledge to be independent and to contribute effectively, and ample creativity to support these, there are enough and more you can do, as a freelancer.

Some of the other decisive factors for a freelance writer does not concern the area of work as such but contributes to determining what the best option is.

Since a freelancer does not have a regular work schedule, he is free to manage his time effectively to get the best result. He may choose a convenient time to work, even have breaks whenever he feels up to it. All this without supervision and hence he is forced to be responsible for each of his action which directly impacts his creativity, his stance with his clients, and his success as freelancer.

As long as work is completed and delivered, there are no clear check points in this field of work. Complying with schedules set by the writer for self, and delivering quality work is important. But there are no set processes that will tie a writer down, except self discipline.

Talking about discipline, a disciplined worker can easily complete his work without much hassle. Whether he works as a freelancer or as a regular employee does not affect his decisions and determination to excel in his are of work.

Whether you are an accomplished writer or a beginner does not matter when it comes to output that you are creating as a freelancer. In any area, be it writing or development of software or photography etc, a first timer has the same opportunity as a veteran to showcase his abilities.

Hence, the trick is to try to give the best shot in whatever you do. Information pertaining to what needs to go into the output has to be top priority for a writer. The topic of interest of the reader needs top priority in the mind of the writer, as the most important guideline. Now, some readers may be choosy about the information that they are looking for. But as long as the writer is able to keep the interest of the mass, he is termed to be popular and effective!

Are there any guidelines to writing? A freelancer can enquire into this as well. There are guidelines to effective writing. As mentioned above, there are guidelines as to how to keep the interest of the readers. There exists a guideline on effective the communication and how it happens. Well, we shall cover all those topics one by one in the next few articles.

So, if you have chosen to be freelancer, here’s wishing you a great career!

K Saravana Kumar

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August 25, 2013

Creativity – a freelancer’s path to success

Creativity is an art. The way you project yourselves on the things you handle in everyday life to the tasks you do requires creativity. Its the key criterion to compete and remain successful in freelancing career.

Creativity comes along with experiences. There are many ways to be creative, to get new clients or to make better use of equipment and office space.

Some tips include using a different device like ipad or a computer to split the work you do just watching tv or can be to upgrade an existing system if you can’t afford a new one. Recreate the area where you work, keep changing the screen or paintings rent a different place to work,working along with tour group of friends once in awhile. Marketing yourself also shows how creativity you are. Make variety of cards to let your friends and relatives know the services you offer so that they could depend on a reliable person instead of a stranger.

The options are many, all you need is to try think a bit out of the box.

These examples help you grow as a freelancer.

Having known the inspirational quote of Pablo Picasso,

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.

We should stick to the creativeness we own. At every moment one must remember to be unique. There are many people who can do the same repetitive task with training. To make a difference as a freelancer and to be the first pick for the people outside, the art must be mastered.Never lose the uniqueness.

Give customers gift

To attract customers and to succeed in business you must use creative approaches. One such would be gifting your regular customers.The market trends keep changing with time and is often difficult to meet the customers expectations. Offer free services every now and then. This will help retain your customers for the second and third time.Send them your brochures along with goodies on special occasions . in big companies they have people to monitor and do these but as a freelancer it’s your responsibility to track your customers. When You feel low and when the number of clients are getting less these techniques help you boost your freelancing career.Use your fantasy and implement these things into your business plan. Make customers want to come back and you will have the best possible chance to survive.

Reward!

Own a website or a blog and keep updating your recent work. This will increase the number of readers visiting your site.Giving something extra to the visitors on your website always is a good thing. As a freelance blogger help people with tips that can help them gain more hits. Gift a new member who joins in your portal. Conduct quizzes more often. This helps you get more contacts with the interaction you do.Post some useful suggestions on how are to present a particular information. This will potentially give more clients for you.

Treating your clients

Clients are more valuable for one to be successful. Giving existing customers good offers as mentioned in the previous tip is important. But remember to be service minded.Maintain your limits to satisfy the customers. The attention you pay to the customer is important it will make him feel he is important and make him more loyal. Use positive language when you talk or write to him. Remember to let him know that his feedback is always appreciated. That way you can keep making your services more and more attractive and get happier clients. Don’t forget that existing clients can be the best advertising you ever get!

Feedback

In Order to become a successful freelancer getting feedback is critical. You can ask your friends or family to improve the services you provide.Not only should you have comments enabled on your website for feedback but should remember that you work towards to achieve it. . Most important of all, every time when you have finished your project – ask the client what he thinks.This attitude makes your client feel the client important. Getting someone else’s opinion is always good and this will help you to become even more successful and have a fresh mind.Having a fresh perspective of doing things is always essential to succeed. when your share your thoughts and ideas it will kindle the thoughts of others as well and hence the combined result based on these ideas help you provide a better product.

Steve jobs has given to us a wonderful quote based on this synthesizing which leads to an amazing creative product which is ,

“Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That’s because they were able to connect experiences they’ve had and synthesize new things.”

Take the time you need!

At the early stage of taking a work, we might be very enthusiastic to execute but as time goes we might lose the interest to perform. Its our responsibility to stay motivated and give a better service to the client as promised. Don’t compromise yourself to postpone any job you take. Its creativity which makes you do things better. When you get a task or commit yourself to take a job make sure you give the timeline to yourself.This not only helps you to complete the work but you will have ample space to think about the task the ways to implement it, the enhancements you can do while working on this.

You need to have a strong impression created that each days work is not dragged to the next.

This is so important, it can’t be mentioned enough. Same as with the tip about learning to say no.

A successful freelancer is one who manages time and handle the project effectively. Reputation matters for a freelancer. Make sure your clients don’t go to anyone else other than you.

Hope these tips helped you to bring back the creativeness!

K Saravana Kumar

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