Freedomlance Inc.

You have been on a roll turning out writing projects consistently and suddenly hit the wall of writer's block, what do you? While this can happen to the best of writers, just know it's not the end of your freelance writing career, even though it may feel like it. 

Being at the top of your game, you may have a tendency to subconsciously take advantage of that. This is not a bad thing, it's your livelihood. You take it seriously,...and you should! There are many hats to wear being a writer. Whether you work alone, or have a team, there is a lot to accomplish in addition to completing writing projects, and just like when your body lets you know when you need to slow down, your mind will do the same.  

If you have reached your plateau and are just plain tapped out...step back! That's right. Walk away for awhile. Clear your mind to allow yourself some space. Doing this encourages you to regroup so those wheels of ideas can start spinning again. 

Some ways to break free from writer's block:

• Go for a walk/run. Getting fresh air does wonders
• Meditate with taichi or yoga 
• Take a bubble bath
• Get a massage
• Meet a friend for lunch
• Read....and read some more

These are just a few ways that can help. How do you handle writer's block?

What would be the best way for you to grow your reading audience? Now just think about that for a moment... You may have come up with several answers. Basically there is no one correct answer. Depending on the goal you are working toward, it could be a combination of things. Not to mention, all of our responses will be different. The end result is to having fulfilled the need. 

Going back to basics is the framework for the content that we create. Providing an overview, a beginning to address the subject, the middle to provide details and answers to questions, and an ending to wrap it up. It's what we put inside the framework is what will essentially make or break the connection with our readers. Providing viable information and extending it in a sincere tone can go along way. Coming off fluffy, over flattering, or self-indulgent removes the human factor. Whether writing on the web or in print, we are still writing for people. Individuals that have taken the time to reach out to our words. This is cool. But what makes it even cooler...is when we reciprocate on that emotion by engaging the reader so he, or she, knows we're genuine in making them a part of what we do. 

We are among some outstanding writers. Writers that have turned out a style all their own that speaks volumes in their content. If you are in the primary stages of developing your swagger to engage, and keep, an audience, build upon the framework with sincerity and personality. Put "you" in unique. 

As we know, the most esteemed position in the NFL belongs to the quarterback. He has to make sound decisions for the team to come out winning. Once the ball is snapped, will he pass or attempt to carry in another play? Win or lose it's in the hands of the QB. 

After you snap up a developing, writing, design or IT project, the interplay between you and the defense of challenges begins. As a star player you know what obstacles you may face. Your game plan should include alternative plays to keep the team on course toward the goal continuously making the necessary adjustments to score the touchdown (getting paid for providing quality service, completed on time). You call the winning shots until the ball is dead. 

Studying and scrimmaging the plays in your niche are vital to become a star freelancer. Even when you experience the loss of rejection, or a blitz, you recover and stay in the game learning from your teammates as well opponents to increase your abilities and credibility to perfect your position. Commitment, perseverance, and the mindset of winning are also a part of getting and remaining in the star playing position. Your mind is your most powerful tool. Continue to keep it healthy and focus to prevent from going out of bounds. Uhmm...sounds like the making of an MVP. 

With so many genres of writing, it can be a challenge figuring out your niche when starting out. The key is knowing what works for you. If you make an honest attempt at technical writing and your knowledge base is travel writing your message is not going to flow. Sticking with content you are comfortable with is the best way to go in the beginning. I like a little writing variety such as health and business topics. After working in the insurance industry for almost six years in commercial claims, health coverage for families, individual and state sponsored programs, this knowledge helps me to better inform. When researching familiar topics it is easier to spot any updates and changes in the industry. 

Start with your expertise and focus on your knowledge base. Keep it simple but interesting. Engage readers by including them. Being among friends, just kick back and chat about the current topic. Ask questions, share experiences, provide information, and even ask advice. Grow your knowledge base through connecting. 

After reaching that ultimate comfort level with your writing niche that may a be a good time to branch out. You will know when the time is right. Incorporating another niche into your website or blog can be an excellent move. In doing this you can  can continue to grow your online community. Provide your readers with viable content they desire. Yes, by making that connection. By extending a central location saves users time from sifting through various listings of items that may not be relevant to a search. You're the source. 

Do you remember when you first decided to start your own business? Maybe you were still working a traditional 9-5 until you got things off the ground. Or you were near the end in school and knew this is what you wanted to do. You were so geeked your natural impulse was to share your plans with family, friends or colleagues. The majority of us didn't get the reception we anticipated. You may have heard things like, "Do you really think you can handle starting a business and work full-time", or "Don't you think you should get a real job, so-and-so is hiring". Did the response kill your spirit or motivate you?

I'm a firm believer in pursuing what hypes your enthusiasm, ignites that passion in you to blast ahead. In order to follow through, this means eliminating dead weight from your path to success. As we are moving toward our goal with a winning mindset, something, or someone, will suddenly drop some poundage of "can'ts", "buts", and "maybe's" to throw off our game. It's usually not intentional because what you are doing is out of the range of traditional thinking of how life occurs for most. 

To stay inspired and motivated to achieve the degree of success that belongs to you, this means removing dead weight in the form of thinking. Learn from those that have made it to where you're going by reading, asking questions and listening. Foster relationships with like minded individuals to share ideas and network. This is the foundation that helps maintain that drive to get where you're going. And as you begin to progress don't be surprised of the influence you begin to have on those that once thought that starting your own business was a pie-in-the-sky idea. From here there's no where to go but forward.  

I've been thinking about the many advances in technology we have at our disposal. Staying out of an information fog should not be an issue for any of us. Since the birth of the ATM machine, in 1977, I'm sure we can agree that technology has taken us places we thought may not be seen as it is now. Entrepreneurs and small business have the same business advantages as large corporations.  

Today's technology has provided higher business intelligence for accuracy, efficiency, and more productivity. Principle tools, such as management information systems, support decision making in the efforts that give the best possible solutions are provided for communication, administration, analytic, scientific, environmental, and social structures. 

For business survival, technology is a must have no matter what your grind is. Just staying on top of recent developments with internet and mobile technology allows entrepreneurs more choices and flexibility in how and when they run their business. This boils down to being able to deliver valuable goods and services with proficiency to grow. 

We know it is vital to make the deadline. Writing fast is good, as long as the grammar and punctuation are correct. I have seen several ads that require 20-30 articles with a minimum word count of 500 per day. I am not saying that it is not possible. This may be easy for a very select few. I'm not one of them. But producing these numbers five days a week presents an opportunity for errors. As a writer, there are many other tasks that have to be completed if writing is your bread and butter, not to mention if you work solo. For many of us that are sticklers on quality, a gig demanding those numbers would not be appealing.

Actually, writing speed increases naturally the more you do it. There is some truth in the old adage, "practice makes perfect". Well in this case practice makes (you) faster. Challenging your writing also helps. If your goal is one post per day, complete it then do the draft for the next post, or at least start it. This keeps you ahead of the game allowing time for editing and other projects. You can even finish the draft and just save it until it is time to post it. The main thing is to maintain a minimum amount of writing daily. Before you know it, you have developed a habit that you continue to build on. 

These days the majority of PC owners have a laptop. Besides looking good with sleek designs and endless features, they are convenient, save space and are portable for work and school. With all that you get, the one important thing that can help in the long run are ergonomic safety tips. As I mentioned in Pt. 1, many companies have included ergonomics in their wellness programs. This proactive approach has been in the effort to prevent Eyestrain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) in the workplace. Though these conditions still occur, they have been significantly reduced. 

As a freelancer or student, you spend long hours at your computer writing and designing along with other repetitive activities. These activities have an impact on your productivity, but most important your health. Laptop PC's play a major role in this growing health issue. Your shoulders are hunched, head in a downward position and arms reaching out to the keyboard is putting major strain on your upper body. The lower extremities can be affected as well if you are not seated properly. And the longer you are in this position to get your work done, the stiffer you get and may feel pain at times. Individuals at any age are affected. Just making an effort to change a few habits can help you feel much better. 

After working for a Fortune 500 company that implemented proper ergonomics, I noticed what a difference it made for everyone. By customizing workstations and sending electronic reminders for ergo-stretch breaks it not only sent a message of the importance of health and wellness, but people looked forward to this time to rejuvenate and give their bodies some normalcy just by moving around. I've since been an ergo-fan!

So to stay productive and feeling good, take a little time to check your work area. Make sure your seated at the right height and the monitor is at eye level. If you are going to work extended hours or do most of your work on a laptop anyway, get a stand to raise the monitor and attach an external keyboard. You can disconnect them when you're on the go. Your neck and upper back will forever thank you! 

To get more details about setting up your work area with the right height, distance, ergo-stretching, hand flexing, eye relaxation,  and other tips, just expand the Healthy Computing ebook below to full-screen here and click on the arrows to move the slides. I hope you find this helpful for your freelance wellness program! If at anytime you be experience adverse effects such as pain, seeing your doctor may be in your best interest. 

"Keep your body moving"!

Ahh...nothing is better than working at home, being your own boss and kicking your feet up while you crank out the work. I don't mean that literally, but many individuals that spend most of their time on the keyboard want to be comfortable and sometimes stretch out their legs on the couch with their laptop or place themselves in awkward position while sitting at their desk. I have to tell you that this may do you more harm than good. 

While many companies are making good ergonomics a part in their employee wellness programs, as an entrepreneur you can do the same thing. Being proactive can help your productivity and save you trips to the doctor or chiropractor. You will find that sitting in the proper position will help alleviate some of the tingling, aches and pains in your arms, upper back, neck and legs. If you are starting to experience these types of sensations it may be time to make some minor changes in how you work. Having the right chair makes a world of difference. Periodic stretching will keep your muscles from tightening causing discomfort or pain. It is good to do this approximately once an hour for a few minutes. Just by standing and outstretching your arms up and down, squeezing/releasing the hands, rolling your shoulders, flexing the upper back can help keep you in top shape to produce good work. 

Below is a video for a chair review, but it has some helpful tips on sitting and proper positioning. Though this particular chair is very nice, it is pricey. The Human Solution is one of several websites that has a large selection of chairs at affordable prices. 

Be sure to check out the next post on laptop ergonomics!

With unemployment expected to rise to 10% before the situation improves, many individuals are taking advantage of the time off work to expand their academic credentials. While obtaining another degree or completing one does not guarantee job placement, it greatly improves the chances for employment and business opportunities. 

As technology continues to advance, those that have been away from the classroom for a while feel confident in the choice to return to school. Individuals that may not have pursued a formal education beyond high school are also seeing the favorable effects that continuing their education can have. In order for any business to survive today advanced technology plays a major role in its function. Large companies depend on information systems to handle data for sales, procurement, transportation, accounting, and manufacturing needs. Smaller businesses and entrepreneurs have implemented Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to impact performance and improve profitability. 

Making the decision to return to school to earn a degree, get a career diploma or just to take a few classes is a win-win situation. As the economy pendulum continues to swing uncertainty over unemployment, opportunity remains present. This is time that calls for making moves to adjust to the current circumstances to turn a negative situation into a positive one.