Creatively Self-Employed

2012-02-03T10:32:00.001-08:00

Ilise Benun's Marketing Mentor Proposal Bundle for Designers is a great resource to help you nab projects.

Get 11 Sample Proposals and More

Here's what you get in the all-electronic, immediately downloadable 208-page PDF:

11 Actual Sample Proposals (click here to see what industries and what types of proposals are included)
9 Keys to help you create job-winning proposals yourself
4 Bonuses on RFPs (Requests for Proposal)
Webcast: Proposals that Get you the Job (with Ilise Benun, co-producer of the Creative Freelancer Conference)

I'm going to check it out--you should, too!

Get it here!

2011-09-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

I was listening to some of the sessions at the International Freelancers Day on Friday and the majority of it was very good. There were some useful tips from some cool freelancers like Peleg Top, Steve Slaunwhite and Ed Gandia.

But one of the sessions about pricing raised a few questions for me. In it, the presenter--Shane Pearlman--said that once he decided the type of lifestyle he wanted, he raised his rates to ensure he would have money to support that lifestyle....especially when it came to the daunting task of owning a home! It's a great idea in theory--making sure you review your wages to make sure you earn enough to cover your butt. We should all be doing that!

However, I got to thinking about it, and I think that raising your rates to meet the lifestyle you want could be dangerous advice--especially for newbies out there. Does someone with little experience and a growing portfolio really deserve to earn top-dollar like seasoned pros are making? And, with little to show, can they even get it?

Well, they may not get the chance to; I think if you jack up your rates too high you won't wind up making much. Why? They're ruling out a ton of clients that would pay well and help you build your portfolio. Why? Because they have to show their value first. Too many freelancers are too quick to boost their rates--and yes, many don't charge enough.

Shane was a seasoned pro when he raised his rates to afford buying a house. It was doable because he was experienced and he had the portfolio to back it up. Now, I'm not saying work for peanuts, but please please don't expect to make mega-bucks if you're only starting out. You may turn your back on valuable clients and experiences if you price yourself too high. And don't go too low either, because then you open yourself up to...well, some shady experiences.

(I'm clearly not trying to bash Shane or his advice--just trying to make a point!)

To that end, I say consider the value you bring to the table before simply raising your rates. It's a good idea in theory, but every case is different and you're not going to build the business you want if you only get clients that will pay top-dollar. Instead, work up to earning top-dollar--and then charge it!

2011-08-29T06:24:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a task to do that just can't seem to be done? Few things go undone here--I'm an avid list-maker and get-donner kinda gal.

A few years ago, this spot appeared on my Canon Digital Rebel. After taking it somewhere locally and researching online--and running the internal cleaner--it was discovered that there was a spot on my sensor that could only be repaired by an authorized Canon repair facility. So, what did I do?

Continued to take pictures, photoshopping that darn black spot out of every frickin' photo.

It may sound weird, but this has irked me for years, and today, I have had no more. Why? Because I want to take pictures this fall. I want to explore more, and take myself on "artist dates." Can't do that with that darn black spot--don't want to anymore.

So today, I am settling it. I'm going to send my baby out for repairs. I think in the long run, it'll obviously be better. My real hope, however, is to open up my photography appreciation and be able to shoot more. I think that will do me wonders, creatively, and I think it's worth it.

What never-seem-to-get-to-it task is holding you back, creatively?

2011-08-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed Christine's recent post about business mysteries. She talks about a "business failure" turning into a realization.

"What I need more than anything throughout this process is belief in my own work, my own voice, my own vision. Because most of what I do is not, at its core, wildly unique or earth-shattering. I started Swirly to create a line of inspirational stationery and gift items. Was that the first time that had been done? No. But it sold well because there was something about the illustrations and sentiments I created that appealed to a lot of people at a certain point in time. Was Eat, Pray, Love the first female-authored transformative/”finding herself” travel memoir? No. But it sold well because there was something about Elizabeth Gilbert’s experiences, voice, writing style, and honesty that appealed to a lot of people at a certain point in time." --Christine Mason Miller

I recently had a difficult time understanding what was going on with a client. His expectations seemed to be way too high, and he was kind of rude about things. It didn't help that I had contributed a few beginner's errors. That was the worst, because seeing your mistakes makes you doubt yourself. For an evening, I let this devastate me. As in, I really questioned my abilities professionally--and personally.

But then, my strength came back to me.

Ahhh--haaa. (At last, too!)

Just like Christine realizes the truth was simply that, "the cards didn't sell," I realized that not every opportunity is right for us. And sometimes we have to let go. Sometimes, we have to give things a shot. But never ever ever should we let someone else--especially a work client--define our worth. We're human. We make mistakes. It takes time to delve into something new. It doesn't mean that we're not good at it--for some of us, we just need to be appreciated and nurtured.

True, sometimes it helps to become painfully honest when you realize you're just not good at something. That's okay. It doesn't mean you're not good at anything. It doesn't mean you can't improve. We can't let one bad experience define us or tear us down.

Well, of course this post is kind of cryptic. I just hope it holds the wisdom you need to hear today. Cuz I had my aha moment and I want you to have one, too.

2011-08-03T06:26:00.000-07:00

So here's what's up with this blog:

I'm taking the site down. It's just one less thing to think about. But I'm still going to blog here (http://creativelyselfemployed.blogspot.com/)

Just wanted to let you know. I have debated taking down the blog, too, but I don't think I'm ready to let go. Even though I know I should make more time for it.

2011-07-03T06:37:00.000-07:00

Have you been checking out FreelanceRadio? That's right, we're back. Dickie, Von and I are podcasting again about freelance issues. You can listen at www.freelanceradio.com or check us out on iTunes.

Do you have a question about freelancing? It could be a client dilemma or a question about taxes...we'll answer! Ask it at mailbag@freelanceradio.com.

Be sure to listen in--new episodes are posted every other week!

2011-04-29T08:47:00.001-07:00

Are you interested in exploring a creative career? Then you're probably going to like what OnwardSearch has done with it's new Career Center. (I do!)

The company specializes in creative jobs--but the career center is the first of its kind for digital marketing pros.

Visit www.onwardsearch.com/careers/ to browse offers comprehensive and customized job search advice and career guidance. If you do anything online, you'll definitely find it a useful resource!

2011-04-14T05:24:00.001-07:00

Loved this post on WorkingNaked.com about getting reporters to respond to your pitches. If you're a diehard HARO user like me, this is a good read.

Reporters not responding to you? Here’s why

April 8, 2011 By Lisa

Guest post by Lizzy Shaw

You’ve been submitting like mad to leads you get from free media pitch aggregating services like HARO (Help A Reporter Out), Pitch Rate, Reporter Connection, etc. – but no one’s picking up your story or using you as a source. How come?

One thing to keep in mind is that these services have rules; it’s important to obey them, so make sure your submissions are in line with these – if they’re not, you won’t get a response. Also, these inquiries can elicit HUNDREDS of responses, so it’s hard to stand out.

To help you get a better response, I checked with a few journalist pals to find out the most common things that stop them from using you.

Here’s what they told me:

Read the full thing here.

2011-04-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

Latest loves:

A post by Christine Mason Miller on licensing work. Great tips from an artist out there really making it.
Momentum Gathering: A juicy new blog I am loving. Very simple, mindful stuff here. Perfect if you're into yoga and self-improvement.
Be More with Less: More mindful goodness.
Tiny Buddha: Another blog chock full of wisdom and simple stuff to improve your life.

And something pretty above, by Elise. I swear, just look at her blog and you feel inspired.

2011-03-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

Health-Care Tax Relief for the Self-Employed

This year a new law will let solo business owners fully deduct health insurance premiums for the first time. Here's how it works.

By Karen E. Klein

I heard that I can deduct my health insurance costs because I run my own business. Is this part of the health-care reform bill? How does it work?

—P.J., Pasadena, Calif.

If you are self-employed and your business is a sole proprietorship, single-member LLC, or sole-owner S-corp, you can indeed deduct your health insurance expenses for 2010. This one-year provision is not a part of the health-care reform bill that passed in March, however. It was included in the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act that President Barack Obama signed into law just last month.

"In this economic climate, any kind of bottom line tax savings is helpful," says Kristie Arslan, executive director of the National Association for the Self-Employed, a Washington-based lobbying group. "This is one of the few small business provisions that's been passed where business owners will actually see lower taxes on Apr. 15, 2011."

Her organization has championed the deduction for more than eight years and unsuccessfully tried to get it included in the health-care reform law.

The new provision corrects what Arslan calls a fundamental unfairness: Self-employed individuals cannot deduct the full cost of health insurance premiums as a business expense on their payroll taxes, as other business entities can do.

Although the new law authorizes the deduction only for 2010, Arslan says it's "a foot in the door" for self-employed individuals, who pay both the employer and employee portions of the payroll tax—a self-employment tax totaling 15.3 percent. Employees typically pay half that amount (7.65 percent) and their employers cover the other half as part of their payroll taxes. The new deduction exempts solo business owners from paying self-employment tax on the portion of their income that they spend on health premiums. "This is a step in the right direction. We're hoping to extend it and make it permanent," Arslan says.

Make sure to ask your tax preparer about taking the deduction when you file your tax returns next year. In order to take advantage of it, you must buy your own insurance (rather than relying on a spouse's coverage or being uninsured) and you must pay self-employment tax on business income (rather than declaring a business loss). The deduction phases out above a $106,800 annual income limit. The provision is specifically geared for those who file a 1040 Schedule C business income tax form or a Schedule E earned income tax form, Arslan says.

Another important caveat: The new deduction does not apply to health insurance coverage that you may provide for any employees you have. There is a small business health-care tax credit, part of the health-care reform legislation, that you may be able to claim for that expense. More information on that tax credit is available at the IRS website.

Karen E. Klein is a Los Angeles-based writer who covers entrepreneurship and small-business issues.

2011-01-13T04:46:00.000-08:00

Free webcast Thursday, Jan 13: Creative Professional's Guide to Money

In case you haven't signed up yet, please join Ilise Benun today for a freebie webcast overview of my upcoming 3-part series called The Creative Professional's Guide to Money.
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/996983736

(You'll get the recording if you sign up, even if you can't listen live.)

You’ll hear Ilise tell the story of “Dave,” a creative pro who failed to position his price before blurting it out and paid the price when his prospect recoiled in sticker shock!

She will also be giving one tip from each of the 14 chapters in hernew book (of the same name), with lots of suggestions for language you can use when dealing with money.

2010-12-27T19:05:00.000-08:00

Lovely photos: Courtesy of Elise

It's never good when most of your blog entries start with something like, "I'm alive, I swear." The truth is, it's hard to keep up with a blog. I find that if it's not something I can share my life's innermost details in, it's hard to come up with content. My creative life is personal, and I try not to share too many personal details here. But that does leave room for plenty of content.

But then, time is another factor. Time is the factor. It's not that I don't have time. I'm a big believer that we all have the same 24 hours a day--we all have time. But we don't always make time for the things that do matter a lot. Such is the case with this blog.

My online life is kind of large, but kind of small. I check facebook daily in most cases and try to keep up with Twitter. And LinkedIn. Then I have these two blogs. I have a private journal on LiveJournal, but that's for friends only. I usually don't blog there everyday anymore, either. Right now, I guess I'm less apt to blog as frequently. Sorry for that. I intend to write more useful posts. Sometimes I repost relevant information for creative people.

I guess it's all a part of the natural creative life. You ebb and flow in business. You ebb and flow in everything. But I'm here. I'm still here, I promise.

I'm alive, I swear.

2010-11-22T08:50:00.000-08:00

Freelancers love life! Are happier about their health, financial situation, their prospects…and their wife, husband or partner!

A ComRes survey, commissioned by PCG, published today (Nov 22nd) shows that nearly three-quarters (73%) of the 1,624 polled had actively chosen to become freelancers as a long-term career option in a survey to celebrate National Freelancers Day, the freelance community’s birthday.

The organization that sponsored the poll, PCG, the voice of freelancing, said the results underline that freelancing is a work/lifestyle choice.

PCG members apply their skills in a wide range of sectors including oil and gas, engineering, information technology, management consultancy, marketing, telecommunications and pharmaceuticals.

John Brazier, Managing Director of PCG said: “The results confirm that more and more people see freelancing as a conscious career choice and it is encouraging to see in the poll that their worth, skill and flexibility is appreciated and seen as a necessity by businesses throughout the UK.”

Of the 668 businesses taking part in the poll a resounding majority gave a vote of support to freelancers. 60% of business leaders confess that it would be difficult for their business to operate without freelancers and 55% of business leaders said freelancers were essential to growing the UK economy.

The flexibility of the freelance community was underlined with 64% of businesses approached saying the concept of a traditional ‘9 to 5 day’ was old hat and didn’t apply to those who worked for them. Despite economic doubts 73% of businesses envisage opportunities for freelancers within their organizations to increase or at least stay the same in the next 12 months.

When asked to score how happy they are generally on a scale of 1 to 5, where 5=very happy, out of a maximum score of 5, freelancers score 3.79 for general happiness, while the public score 3.60.

So, if the person across from you this Monday morning on the bus, train or tube looks happy and content, the chances are he or she is a freelancer.

2010-11-17T06:56:00.001-08:00

I love it when you can get really useful resources for your business-completely free. That's the idea behind International Freelancers Academy!

Starting TODAY, you can watch brand new, high-quality training videos that will help you transform your solo business. In fact, the first two training video episodes are available for
you right here: www.InternationalFreelancersAcademy.com/training

This idea was released by Pete Savage and Ed Gandia, the cool dudes behind International Freelancers Day. The Academy will bring you brand new, free videos from some of
your favorite "IFD" speakers every single week. The videos will be available free for 7 days
only. After that, they'll be pulled down, and you'll get another round of training. That's why it's important to come and visit the site every week.

I'm definitely going to be a regular visitor--will you? What other freebies do you love--leave a comment!

2010-11-12T09:30:00.001-08:00

Susan Johnston recently blogged about clients that "just aren't that into you" over at FreelanceSwitch.com, and I have to say--her post rocked. In it, she talks about various types of clients--penny pinchers, disappearing acts, committment-phobes, big talkers, and control freaks that do not really value freelancers.

It got me thinking about our relationship with clients. As freelancers, you're on the outside. Let's face it--if you were at a desk in a corporate office 9-5 everyday as an employee, you'd be told why you weren't selected for the job ("The Disappearing Act"). But as a freelancer, who knows why clients disappear. If you were an employee, you wouldn't be penny-pinched--you'd know straight up what you were getting for a project, or for the hours you'd put into it.

So, essentially, being a freelancer presents its own challenges. I've had all of these types of clients, and it's really frustrating. For example, some give you loads of work and sing your praises for years--and then, nothing. Or some won't quite pin down when they want to start that "super urgent" project.

This is just part of the freelance life. You really can't take it personally when you're a contractor. It's the nature of the job to be mistreated, especially if you do not go the extra mile to show the same value as a company may perceive a regular employee. And even when you do, you can still wind up with clients that, well, just aren't that into you.

The key is persistence, and you develop more of it as you go. You have to keep going, keep searching out those great clients. Don't be surprised when clients come and go (the same way guys/gals came and went as you dated.) There may never be that perfect match forever and ever. You may only have a good client for a short time.

This is also the GREAT thing about being a freelancer--because sometimes you're just not that into a client either, and when a relationship goes sour (and your contract is up), it's okay to break things off.

2010-10-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

Freelance workers reshape companies and jobs
By Paul Davidson, USA TODAY

Lancaster Advertising in Lewisville, Texas, used to have 15 employees, two office buildings and a loss on its balance sheet.

Today, the firm has no staff, no buildings and a healthy profit. Owner Ken Lancaster draws from more than 100 freelancers worldwide and works from his house, his boat or coffee shops.

"You don't have to worry about someone coming late to work, and they hate you, and about all the payroll taxes and health insurance," he says.

One of his Web designers, Bryce Davis, 36, is equally enamored of the unfettered lifestyle. Davis juggles five to 10 clients at a time from his Cincinnati apartment. "I enjoy the change of pace," he says. "It gives you an opportunity to be creative ... without stagnating."

Across the nation, many companies are shifting to a more flexible workforce populated by temporary workers, contractors and freelancers, loosening the bond between businesses and employees. The firms, aiming to become more nimble and cut costs, want to boost or cut staffing to meet fluctuating demand or deploy workers with specialized skills for short-term projects.

The trend is subtly reshaping a workforce in which businesses traditionally employed workers through good times and bad, protecting them with benefits and job security.

"The basic bargain at the center of work used to be, employees gave loyalty and the organization gave security," says Daniel Pink, author of Free Agent Nation. "That bargain is kaput."

For workers, temporary jobs often mean less pay — especially for lower-skilled clerical or manufacturing employees — loss of health insurance and other benefits, and anxiety over where their next paycheck is coming from. Yet it can yield fatter earnings for highly skilled workers such as engineers, software developers and top executives.

The expanding use of contract workers, in fact, is partly fueled by some Americans who see more flexibility, and even security, in such setups. Many young workers who saw their parents lose jobs the past couple of years "are taking on a free-agent mentality," says Steve Armstrong, general manager of U.S. operations for staffing firm Kelly Services. "They're saying, 'It's not the model I want to find myself in.' " Contract or freelance work, he says, can bolster job security by severing workers' ties to the fortunes of one company.

Traditional jobs still reign. However, the portion of contingent workers in the labor force has risen to 10% from 8% five years ago and will increase at least at that pace for the next few years, estimates Barry Asin, president of Staffing Industry Analysts, a research group. Analyst Christopher Dwyer of Aberdeen Group believes such workers already make up 20% of the labor force, a figure that will rise to 25% as early as next year.

There's no official estimate from the government, which tracks only temporary workers employed through staffing agencies. Much of the recent increase in contingent workers is fueled by the fragile recovery. Temporary workers are the first to be laid off during a downturn and first to be hired in an upswing. Many employers must ramp up to meet rising demand but hold off hiring permanent staff until they feel confident in the rebound.

Since September, the number of workers placed by temporary-staffing agencies has risen by 404,000, making up 68% of the 593,000 jobs added by private employers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Meanwhile, many laid-off workers, often unable to land permanent jobs, have become independent contractors and consultants.

Employers are expanding a decades-old practice of using contingent workers to meet seasonal or cyclical peaks in demand, says Tig Gilliam, CEO of staffing firm Adecco. And many are turning to transient workers with specific expertise to quickly staff and complete projects, such as a product launch, then quickly shedding the workers when the task is complete, says Jonas Prising, North American CEO of staffing firm Manpower.

Partly fueling the trend are the rapidly morphing tastes of consumers in an age when products are sold globally over the Internet. Companies, Prising says, "have to be more agile."

The province of temporary work, in turn, is expanding. Traditionally, staffing firms found jobs for office, clerical and industrial workers. Today, engineers, lawyers, drug researchers and even senior executives hop among assignments. The move toward transient workers shifts "the economic risk (of down time) from the company to workers," says Upjohn Institute economist Susan Houseman.

It also can strain social services. Fran?oise Carré, a social-policy research director at the University of Massachusetts, says government safety nets are not set up to support a large share of workers who lack unemployment benefits and health insurance. For example, workers who lack jobless benefits could be forced to go on food stamps while those who defer health services could incur more serious problems that raise the premiums of others who have insurance, says Randy Albelda, an economist at the University of Massachusetts.

A survey by Freelancers Union of 3,000 of its members found 18% were forced to give up health insurance last year, while 39% cut back coverage.

Meanwhile, the IRS is seeking unpaid taxes from firms that classify workers as contractors when they function as employees, and a growing number of contractors are suing for unpaid benefits. Those efforts likely will keep the contingent workforce from growing even more, says Garry Mathiason, vice chairman of the labor law firm Littler.

Lancaster Advertising began using freelancers to cut costs after the 2001 terrorist attacks pummeled the economy and its business. On Elance, an online freelance marketplace, Ken Lancaster found graphic artists, Web designers and illustrators for as little as one-tenth of the cost of traditional employees.

By 2005, he had jettisoned his $480,000 annual payroll through attrition and unloaded his buildings and their $3,000 monthly mortgage payments. Revenue is down, but profit is up 50%. "You never have to fire anybody, and if they don't live up to expectations, you just don't use them again," he says.

Davis, the Web designer, expects to earn $42,000 this year, less than the $55,000 he earned as pastor and Web designer for a church. But he's confident he can increase his pay to $60,000 to $90,000 over the next three years. "You can stay someplace and wait five years to get a promotion," or you can advance on your own, he says.

'You can't let these people go'

Some companies are shifting to contingent workers to meet oscillating demand.

Lazy Susan, which makes home furnishings, used to have about six employees at its Los Angeles warehouse. Workers handled lots of shipments for trade shows the first three months of the year and in August, but the workload varied other times, depending on deliveries from plants abroad.

"You know you're going to be busy again in January, so you can't let these people go," says Ramsey Davies, the company's managing director. "You end up over-cleaning the warehouse."

After disbanding its warehouse staff and briefly outsourcing the work, the firm last year began hiring temporary workers through Manpower. Now, it has three managers at the warehouse and dials the rest of the staff up or down based on shipments. Labor costs fell about 30%, and new workers can be added quickly, Davies says.

"I don't need to advertise, spend (resources) on doing interviews (or) background checks," he says.

Liz Campos, 24, appreciates the work, but she's in her third temporary warehouse or factory job in three years and would like to be hired full time at Lazy Susan to earn a higher salary and benefits. "I prefer to work at the same company and not work (only) sometimes," she says.

LiveOps, which provides call-center services, has taken the flexible workforce to an extreme. Its more than 20,000 operators nationwide are contractors who work from their homes. The company posts available time slots based on projected call volumes each day. Operators pick their slots and clients in blocks as small as 30 minutes.

Call centers with full-time staffs either "have people that are idle waiting for volume or, if you hit high volumes, you're not able to handle it all," says CEO Maynard Webb. LiveOps "makes sure there's enough, but not too many, workers ready to go."

Charles Viagas, 46, of Coral Springs, Fla., became a LiveOps operator in March after losing his job as a marketing manager at a winemaker late last year. His wife, Gina, recently got a full-time job, so working from home allows Viagas to take care of their two young children. He typically puts in 25 hours a week, including 4 to 7 a.m. slots on weekdays and longer shifts on the weekend.

Because he earns up to $9 an hour, his pay is a fraction of his former six-figure salary. But the job lets him make his own hours and play drums for local bands. "There are other benefits — not working for Corporate America where I have a boss breathing down my neck," he says.

Pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline illustrates the drawbacks and benefits of a temporary workforce. Several years ago, it had hundreds of temporary sales reps as demand for certain drugs rose and fell. But that created a two-tier workforce, in which supervisors were unsure whether they could include contractors in meetings or training programs.

So the company dropped the contractors and cut its staff during the past 18 months as patents expired. Now, with new drugs launching, Glaxo wants to beef up its sales force but is hesitant to hire permanent workers because of changes affecting the health care industry. For example, the consolidation of physicians into group practices could require different sales skills. So Glaxo is creating a new type of worker, hiring up to several hundred sales reps who will be on staff and get most benefits but who will be limited to a three-year stint.

A leaner financial picture

Many temporary workers struggle. Leonard Lamkin, 58, started doing independent contract work two years ago, after he left his position as head of a Chicago patient-safety advocacy group to care for his ill mother. While Lamkin has juggled two or three assignments at a time — including writing grants for food pantries and training a nursing home's staff — he's also faced long dry spells and is earning less than half his former salary. He had to take $6,000 from his savings to pay bills, dropped his health club membership and can't get health insurance because of a pre-existing condition.

He likes the flexible hours that let him take his mother to the doctor and see his children. And, he says, "I can turn down projects" that don't interest him. But he would prefer a full-time job.

Others favor the itinerant life. Many firms laid off executives in the downturn and have not replaced them, creating opportunities for specialists, says Laurie Young, co-principal of Flexible Resources, which places executives in short-term posts.

Three years ago, Sharon Slade, 52, of Fairfield, Conn., left her marketing job at St. Regis Hotels to take a series of interim senior executive positions. She has redesigned the packaging of a global health care company's product and defined the in-store experience for a luxury fashion retailer, among other projects. Initially, she says, the pay equaled her former salary, even with two-month breaks between gigs. Work has been more sporadic lately.

The jobs have allowed her to work from home more, so she can be with her three children. She also has enjoyed the variety.

"I've worked on things that stretched me," she says. And "You're not caught up in all that stuff, the company culture ... the politics."

2010-10-13T05:05:00.000-07:00

There's something about getting out of a workout class at night. It sucks to pack up my stuff and go at like 5 p.m. but when I get out, the night is mine. The air smells sweeter.

I'm usually a morning workout person, but I've been doing a lot of evening classes lately because some of the ones I like are at night. The only thing that feels weird is driving to class when it's getting dark. That feels like pulling teeth.

So last night, fresh out of an intense pilates class, I came out of the gym feeling rejuvenated and excited about what I do--personally and professionally.

But it's weird this month because I have two month-long projects. Usually everything is "I need this done yesterday" and it's a rush. But this month, everything is self-paced. I'm doing well at working ahead of time on these projects, but still. There are some other fill-in projects to keep me tense, but otherwise, it's a month without tense deadlines. Gives me more time to do marketing. I should make more time for book writing, too. And I'd love to get out in the fall activities before fall gets too cold.

I have been taking more pictures. Just forcing myself to take a shot of anything just to take it. This is a habit I need to get into--not just so my blog has no original art, but just to continue being creative.

2010-10-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

Resume Tips for Creative Professionals

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

When it comes to resumes for creative professionals, resume presentation is paramount, says Adrienne Burke, a senior recruiter who has placed creative talent for the past five years. Burke's employer, Artisan, matches Web/print/multimedia designers, creative/art directors and broadcasting/copywriting talent with the staffing needs of major employers, including Accenture, the NBA, United Airlines and Sony.

"A beautiful, well-written resume is a must if you want to stand out as a creative professional,” says Burke. “Even if you're a writer and not involved in the visual arts, make sure your resume is professionally designed.”

Agrees Marti Stites, "A well-designed, nicely laid-out resume in PDF format is always an asset." Stites is owner of ArtLinks, a recruitment and placement agency specializing in creative talent.

Creative Resume Design Dos and Don'ts

Burke says your resume should generate interest in you. "In the creative field, you have to serve as your own publicist, and your resume should serve as an example of your talent and reflect your personality."

Burke likes to see resumes use a distinctive type style that stands out yet is easy to read. Both she and Stites are impressed by resumes with elegant design and well-organized content. Cutesy graphics, unclear illustrations, cartoonish fonts, lots of colors and slanted type are all signs of an overdesigned resume -- definite resume don'ts.

Content Is Important, Too

Although design is a key factor, it's equally important to avoid falling into the "flash over substance" trap when writing your creative resume, say both recruiting professionals.

"Creative pros have to include quality content in their resumes as well," says Burke. "It can't be just about the design." (See a resume sample for a graphic designer.)

Also, avoid gimmicks. Yes, you're in a creative field, but rolling your resume up inside a balloon or stuffing your presentation envelope with confetti are not the right ways to showcase your talent.

What to Include in Your Resume

A Career Chronology: Show the names of employers/key accounts and dates of employment. "Not including dates or places where they've worked is one of the most commonly made mistakes by creatives," Stites says. She adds that freelancers often forget to include the names of a few clients.

"The resume ‘wow' factor for me comes with work experience," says Stites, who wants to see where candidates have worked so she can evaluate the relevance of their experience to her jobs and clients.

Burke concurs, explaining that when she conducts the initial screening of the average 100 or so resumes she receives each month, "where you've worked is more important to me than what you've worked on." In addition, she advises freelancers to differentiate freelance work from full-time employment to avoid the misperception of job-hopping.
A List of Your Publications and/or Awards: Stites says she is continually surprised by how often creative professionals fail to include these.
Your Education: "A degree in graphic design or anything relevant to your creative field should certainly be highlighted, and this is even more important if you are a recent graduate," says Stites.
Computer Skills: "If these aren't listed, I'm going to assume you don't have these skills versus the other way around," Stites says. "It's also important to include whether your background is Macintosh, PC or both."

Your Portfolio

Although it's OK to include brief project and accomplishment highlights on the resume, Burke and Stites agree that in creative fields, the proof is in the portfolio.

"This is where you prove your value," says Burke. "Portfolios that impress me most are well-organized and well-thought out. A portfolio should tell a story as opposed to being just a random sampling of pieces. You can also design your portfolio as a case study, and this is where you can include your accomplishments, such as outcomes/results of campaigns you've worked on, if known."

Portfolios are so important that Stites advises recent graduates to concentrate first on building their book versus focusing on salary. "Do volunteer or nonprofit work at first to build your portfolio,” she recommends. “Create some real-world samples of your work." Class work or projects completed during internships are also good ways to build an initial portfolio.

2010-09-06T06:46:00.001-07:00

I've decided to try and document the fall. That means I have to lug around my camera.

I have a gorgeous camera that takes FANTASTIC shots...but at the same time, it's bulky.

Still, I wonder what I can capture if I just spend a little time on it.

2010-09-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

More People Are Choosing the Freelance Lifestyle

By Mathew Ingram Sep. 1, 2010, 3:30pm PDT

Freelance work is on the rise, according to a new survey by Elance — a service that helps freelancers connect with employers for part-time employment — and more workers are choosing to live the life of a freelancer, as opposed to finding themselves in the position while looking for a “real” job. The Elance report, which will be released in full next week, found that 70 percent of freelancers surveyed are happier working independently than when they were full-time employees, and more than 60 percent said they would prefer to remain a freelancer rather than take a full-time job. Over 60 percent also said their income has increased in the last year.

According to the Elance report, the economic downturn is no longer the primary force driving professionals to start a freelance career. Less than 5 percent of those surveyed said they were working as a freelancer until they could find a full-time job, and less than 25 percent said they became freelancers after a layoff. Over half of those who responded to the survey said they began freelancing to be their own boss and work on projects they loved, and almost 80 percent of respondents said the ability to have control over their own work schedule was their favorite part of working independently.

The typical online freelancer is between 25 and 54 years of age, Elance says, and is more likely to be female and educated. About 80 percent of freelancers surveyed by the company have a professional degree or designation of some kind, while just 4 percent have only a high-school diploma. About half of those who took part in the survey (which sampled more than 700 freelancers who have connected with employers through Elance) said freelancing was their sole means of income, while about 30 percent said they do part-time work online in addition to other full-time or part-time employment.

Reposted from GigaOm--read the whole thing here.

2010-08-26T08:40:00.001-07:00

There are so many resources out there to help improve your business that cost a fortune--this is not one of them.

2010-08-04T06:59:00.000-07:00

Today's inspiring image is from Lisa Leonard's blog. She never fails to lift my spirits, and that's mostly just by looking at her pics. Oh, and her fabulous jewelry.

Speaking of inspiring, I attended my first meetup last night. Yes, it was a little nervewracking at first, mostly figuring out how I'd know who the members were in a random coffeehouse. But I was warmly greeted and met some very nice people.

It felt good to get out there. You never know what doors open up, professionally or personally.

I think after the first time networking, things get easier. I haven't been out to an event in a long time. Now, I'm on my way to branching out from behind the screen!

2010-08-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

You know how I'm always preaching about being practical when it comes to a creative career? Well, I'm not the only one!

Check out this article on ABC from freelance guru Michelle Goodman:

I've always objected to the notion that you need to take a year off to write a novel, paint a mural or record an album. Likewise, I'm equally bothered by the assertion that an artist with a day job is a sellout. Eating is a noble pursuit. So is learning valuable business skills you can apply to hawking your own creative wares. Don't get me wrong. I'm all for creative endeavors, be they full time or on the side. But I'm also for living like a grown-up, as opposed to, say, couch surfing or subsisting on Ramen-ketchup casserole indefinitely.

Read the rest here.

2010-08-02T11:49:00.000-07:00

It's funny...the things that inspire me usually have to do with P A P E R!

A Little Hut Blog

2010-07-26T16:21:00.001-07:00

Photo Courtesy: Elise Blaha

I'm here...I'm just enjoying summer.
And working my tail off.

Trying to make time to do all the things I say I want to do this summer.
Been hitting the beach.
And working.
Attending social events.
And working.
And enjoying every precious drop of rain that falls on our dry land.

And...working.

2010-07-06T08:07:00.001-07:00

Photo: Elise Blaha

Even though I'm not the "pusher" I once was, I still get a "high" when I accomplish something.

That thing lately has been a proposal for an article I pitched to a huge women's magazine. The editor liked the idea and said it may be a stretch but I was welcome to send a more detailed pitch. This involved conducting some interviews, which I normally don't do until I've secured a piece and am guaranteed that I'll get paid for the work.

But something inside of me said to go for it Because if I could get this and "break" into this market, that will be huge.

So here's hoping.

I wrote my proposal tonight, proofread it, had my husband proofread it, and will proof it again. Then, it's off. Into the big universe where hopefully, this is it.

This isn't the first time I've had some interest in my work. But last time, my ideas got lost in an editor's inbox, and then another editor came along and changed the "direction" of the magazine...so that momentum seems to be gone. But I'm not giving up hope. I have some contacts and connections there.

And, now, maybe here, at this magazine.

Things have been strange lately. I'm not bogged down with a huge load of work and it's making me feel shaky and unsure of myself at times. I try to push that doubt aside, because I'm fine. I'm making bills and succeeding. And the time not spent on those projects I'd otherwise be bitching about can be spent on the things I really love--books and magazines. So I'm trying to embrace that.

Wish you well, little query proposal. Come back with a big win for mommy!

2010-07-03T15:02:00.000-07:00

One of the things that's so important to me as a person, and as someone running their own business, is balance.

For example, I'd been craving a visit to the beach. A good couple hours to unwind on a day with ideal weather. As such, I wanted to get in the ocean and float around a little.

Well, that finally happened today.

I don't know why it was so hard. My schedule's been a tad crazy lately, yes. So it was difficult to get to the beach. Sad thing: I live five minutes away.

After paying $7 to get on, perfection ensued. (Yep, you have to pay to get on the beaches in NJ during the summer. I never knew this until I left the state and thought I was getting a wicked freebie.)

It was a great day. Sun, tanning, water, the smell of salt, podcasts, and random conversations from nearby beach-goers (I'm so the girl that listens in!)

Now, recharged, I'm moving forward. I came home more inspired than ever to write, and I've been going at it ever since. With two new book projects in the works, it's good to be "in the mood." What can I say? I'm a beach girl. It's not just about tanning or the surf, it's about recharge.

It's about balance.

And I'll pay that silly $7 again and again this summer, in search of what I need. Balance.

2010-06-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

10 Tips for Mindful Work

Not long ago, I authored a post with 10 Tips for a Mindful Home, stirring up quite a bit of unrest over the suggestion that we begin each day by making the bed, a task that doesn't consume more than five minutes of a morning routine. Assuming we can maneuver out of those psychological bedclothes and into the workplace, we have eight or more hours to practice mindfulness doing things we might like even less. Mindfulness, or the practice of non-judgmental attention, is a wisdom practice, and wisdom always leads us in the direction we'd least like to go.

I admit it's been awhile since I've spent 40 or more hours each week in an office, and at no time during the long stretch of my career was I anything but profoundly inattentive. Still, those long and unfulfilling days brought the dawn of a penetrating realization that my work was not the problem. Work, you see, is never the problem. The problem is the way we work.

In that spirit, I offer these 10 Tips for Mindful Work, or What I Would Do Differently if I Had It All to Do Over Again:

Be on time
Self-discipline is the foundation of all success and the essence of self-respect. The habit of tardiness (and face it, it's a habit) is like deficit spending. It bankrupts your future and turns inconvenienced co-workers into your creditors. Set an alarm and become the master of your destiny.
Care
Work is not a distraction from your life; it is not a detour, hindrance or necessary evil. If you think this way it is the wrong view. When you are working, work is your life. Care for it as you care for yourself. Long ago, a Zen master taught, "If you find one thing wearisome, you will find everything wearisome."
Make a list
Start each day with a list of things to do. Lists ease anxiety because they de-clutter your mind and allay the fundamental fear of a multitasker: forgetting. Control is an illusion, however, so wise up and keep the list short.
Forget the list
Do not mistake a list for the thing. Adapt to the flow of real events as they occur. Adaptation is innovation and innovation is genius. Prove yourself when and where it matters most. The unforeseen problem that walks in the door is your opportunity knocking.
Attend to what appears
What appears in front of you is the only thing there is. Respond appropriately as things arise, and crises will not overtake you. Big problems result from small oversights.
Avoid gossip
Viruses spread. Keep your hands clean and cover your mouth. Silence is a prescription for longevity.
Smile
The workplace is a theater, and the drama is make-believe. Everyone appreciates a good laugh. When you can do anything as though you work at nothing, you have the best days of your life.
Give credit
No amount of money is enough. Be generous with your praise, courtesy and thanks. They will always be repaid.
Take the rest of the day off
Do your work, and then set it down. When you are at work, work without guilt or distraction. When you are at home, remember why you call it home.
Do it all over again
Rise and shine. An ancient teacher said, "A day without work is a day without eating." Take every chance to do it differently. Your illustrious future unfolds in the work you have before you right now.

Learn more about Karen Maezen Miller here. It's worth the visit!

2010-06-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

Nine Authentic Career Paths for Writers and Artists

Today's post comes from guest author Ingrid Stabb, co-author of The Career Within You.

Creative people come in all career types--not one personality type has a corner on creativity. In The Career Within You, Elizabeth Wagele and I describe nine different sets of career strengths. To be successful and fulfilled, your work life must reflect your true self, including calling upon the strengths you already possess.

Check out the quizzes and our individualized approach for determining your career type and forging the career path that best suits you: www.careerwithinyou.com. A wide variety of paths lead to successful, creative self-employment.

If you’re the Perfectionist like Meryl Streep, you are motivated to do the right thing and achieve excellence in your work. While almost all artists and writers have a touch of perfectionism, here we’re talking about the person who excels in courteousness, logical thinking, making improvements, meticulousness or responsibility. If you have good attention to detail you excel in roles ranging from actor to photographer to technical writer. You’ll do especially well in self-employment when you score high in responsibility.
If you’re the Helper like Danielle Steele you attend to others’ needs and relationships are everything. You typically find yourself in roles that require interacting with people, and if not, like Steele, you write bestselling novels about love relationships. Your strengths may include expressiveness, people skills, perceptiveness, problem solving or reliability. You’ll do especially well in self-employment when you score high in reliability.
If you’re an Achiever like F. Scott Fitzgerald, you work to achieve a successful image. You’re competitive and as a writer or artist you want to be the best. You stand out by your ability to inspire, your drive to win, your efficiency, your problem solving or your public relations skills. You’ll do especially well in self-employment when you score high in your drive to win.
If you’re a Romantic like Johnny Depp you live to express your individuality. You are the classic “creative type” and it is absolutely necessary to find your voice or medium to find fulfillment. The strengths that make you unique might be your ability to discern, your aesthetic sense, your compassion, your imagination or your sense of meaning. You’ll do especially well in self-employment when you score high in your ability to discern.
If you’re an Observer like Emily Dickinson your aim is to acquire knowledge. Observers abound in all writing fields including journalism, technical writing, lyrics, nonfiction, novels, poems and scripts. Your strengths may include the ability to focus, complex thinking, objectivity, sensitivity or working independently. You’ll do especially well in self-employment when you score high in working independently.
If you’re a Questioner like Dustin Hoffman you work to reduce risk and many of you have incredible wit. Most top comedians are Questioners. You have honed your craft through your carefulness or it comes naturally to you through your intuition. Your strengths may include critical thinking, exactness, identifying with others, skepticism or taking precautions. You’ll do especially well in self-employment when you score high in taking precautions.
If you’re an Adventurer like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, you are always exploring possibilities. You’re likely to combine multiple creative pursuits into one career such as performance art, publicity, painting, journalism and being a talk show host. You shine with enthusiasm, idealism, seeking challenges, social networking, or multi-disciplinary thinking. You’ll do especially well in self-employment when you score high in seeking challenges.
If you’re an Asserter like Pablo Picasso, your goal is to set clear boundaries. You especially enjoy being your own boss. In addition to being the writer or artist, you also make a great agent with your natural negotiation skills. Your strengths may include competitiveness, leadership, logical thinking, protectiveness and self-reliance. You’ll do especially well in self-employment when you score high in self-reliance.
If you’re a Peace Seeker like Garrison Keillor you seek to create harmony and inner calm. For some of you editing or architecture are great fits. Repetition helps you perfect your craft. Your shine with a capacity to repeat, empathy, mediating, ability to synthesize information or teamwork. You’ll do especially well in self-employment when you score high in synthesizing information.

To win a copy of the book, leave a comment with your name and email address. Three winners will be selected by July 15, 2010, and will be contacted before books are shipped by the publisher.

2010-06-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

Photo: Ali Edwards

I'm here. I haven't forgotten you.
I'm just writing something else. Somewhere else. Not online.

2010-06-05T14:14:00.001-07:00

can't wait to read:

2010-06-03T17:07:00.000-07:00

I found this super-interesting so I'm copy/pasting it.

Creative minds 'mimic schizophrenia'

By Michelle Roberts Health reporter, BBC News Artist Salvador Dali is known for his surreal paintings and eccentric personality

Creativity is akin to insanity, say scientists who have been studying how the mind works.

Brain scans reveal striking similarities in the thought pathways of highly creative people and those with schizophrenia.

Both groups lack important receptors used to filter and direct thought.

It could be this uninhibited processing that allows creative people to "think outside the box", say experts from Sweden's Karolinska Institute.

In some people, it leads to mental illness.

But rather than a clear division, experts suspect a continuum, with some people having psychotic traits but few negative symptoms.

Art and suffering

Some of the world's leading artists, writers and theorists have also had mental illnesses - the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh and American mathematician John Nash (portrayed by Russell Crowe in the film A Beautiful Mind) to name just two.

Creativity is known to be associated with an increased risk of depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

The thalamus channels thoughts

Similarly, people who have mental illness in their family have a higher chance of being creative.

Associate Professor Fredrik Ullen believes his findings could help explain why.

He looked at the brain's dopamine (D2) receptor genes which experts believe govern divergent thought.

He found highly creative people who did well on tests of divergent thought had a lower than expected density of D2 receptors in the thalamus - as do people with schizophrenia.

The thalamus serves as a relay centre, filtering information before it reaches areas of the cortex, which is responsible, amongst other things, for cognition and reasoning.

"Fewer D2 receptors in the thalamus probably means a lower degree of signal filtering, and thus a higher flow of information from the thalamus," said Professor Ullen.

Creative people, like those with psychotic illnesses, tend to see the world differently to most. It's like looking at a shattered mirror

Mark Millard UK psychologist

He believes it is this barrage of uncensored information that ignites the creative spark.

This would explain how highly creative people manage to see unusual connections in problem-solving situations that other people miss.

Schizophrenics share this same ability to make novel associations. But in schizophrenia, it results in bizarre and disturbing thoughts.

UK psychologist and member of the British Psychological Society Mark Millard said the overlap with mental illness might explain the motivation and determination creative people share.

"Creativity is uncomfortable. It is their dissatisfaction with the present that drives them on to make changes.

"Creative people, like those with psychotic illnesses, tend to see the world differently to most. It's like looking at a shattered mirror. They see the world in a fractured way.

"There is no sense of conventional limitations and you can see this in their work. Take Salvador Dali, for example. He certainly saw the world differently and behaved in a way that some people perceived as very odd."

'TROUBLED' GENIUSES

He said businesses have already recognised and capitalised on this knowledge.

Some companies have "skunk works" - secure, secret laboratories for their highly creative staff where they can freely experiment without disrupting the daily business.

Chartered psychologist Gary Fitzgibbon says an ability to "suspend disbelief" is one way of looking at creativity.

"When you suspend disbelief you are prepared to believe anything and this opens up the scope for seeing more possibilities.

"Creativity is certainly about not being constrained by rules or accepting the restrictions that society places on us. Of course the more people break the rules, the more likely they are to be perceived as 'mentally ill'."

He works as an executive coach helping people to be more creative in their problem solving behaviour and thinking styles.

"The result is typically a significant rise in their well being, so as opposed to creativity being associated with mental illness it becomes associated with good mental health."

2010-06-03T05:38:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt like you really just needed to get away? I don't think I need to get far away but I feel a strong calling to recharge. To get away to some extent. To be solo--to travel solo--which I haven't wanted to do in years.

The thing that sucks is that every time I see a cool retreat, it's never near New Jersey. I know we have like, tons of smog and ickiness here, but there are normal people who want to get away and breathe fresh air and stuff. Which we have, you just have to go to the northwest part of the state.

I guess it's frustrating because I'm always on the lookout for a cool opportunity. Just can't seem to find one. I'm wondering if I'll have to get creative and go away for a weekend and make my own retreat.

Or maybe I just need to hit the beach. It can be very therapeutic that way and I do only live 10 minutes away, something I never want to take for granted.

Just a ramble.

2010-05-03T16:15:00.001-07:00

Loving this article by Mark McGuinness about viewing yourself as a creative entrepreneur instead of just a freelancer. Not that there's anything wrong with calling yourself a freelancer.But what Mark points out is changing the way you attract and secure business. Not going in circles. Not killing yourself. But instead, constructing a strong foundation that will serve you better in the future--and keep clients coming in with minimal "please hire me" kind of efforts.

Here's an excerpt from "Build a Business, Not Just a Client List":

If you work for yourself, getting more clients is a no-brainer, right? Clients give you work. Work pays the bills. Do good work and you get a testimonial. Do this enough times and you get a great client list... which makes it easier to get more clients in future. It’s a virtuous circle.

Or is it?One problem with approaching your work purely in terms of "getting more clients," is that it means you will always have to get more clients. If you don’t work, you don’t have billable hours, so you don’t get paid. Time off will always feel like money down the drain. If you’re not careful, you’ll find yourself on a treadmill, unable to get off. Spend too long on the treadmill and you’ll risk burning yourself out.

2010-04-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

I love when people share things that work for them, which is why I enjoyed this post by John Soares.

The Ten Best Ways For Finding Great Writing Ideas

I’ve generated the majority of my good ideas when I was walking alone on a trail in nature. I’m away from my normal routine and the myriad stimuli that bombard my brain, and the ideas just start popping up: sometimes an idea for something new to write; sometimes an idea for what to include in something I’m currently writing; sometimes an idea for how to market a product or service.
Long-distance drives are the second-most productive way for me to discover good writing ideas. I typically listen to educational audios in the car, and often something the speaker says will trigger ideas for me.
Number 3 for me is visiting places that are far different from where I live. My home is in a rural area near Mount Shasta in far northern California. So when I go to Ashland in southern Oregon or down to San Francisco, I’m surrounded by sights, sounds, and smells that spark my brain in new ways.
Read books that interest you, especially ones related to your writing specialties and also on marketing and succeeding as a freelancer.
Talk with people. Often a conversation with someone will spark an idea.
Examine what other writers in your niche are doing; look at their websites or visit a bookstore to look at magazines and books.

Read the rest here.

Where do you generate story ideas?

My answer (don't laugh): In the shower or bath. I'm very productive there. True story!

2010-04-08T07:09:00.000-07:00

Photo by http://www.persistingstars.com/blog/

The past few days since my husband and I got home from the Outer Banks have been weird. I'm not swamped with work and it's kind of odd not to be pushed so hard. It's great, on the other hand, because it's given me time to work on those projects that never seem to get done when I am "in the grind."

One of them was my email newsletter. I have two: one for clients, and one for this book. I changed to a new service (CampaignMonitor.com rocks!) and sent out both newsletters. This doesn't sound like a huge task...but I can assure you, these things without deadlines and paychecks can suck the life out of you. Give me a 40-page website to write, a deadline and an attractive contract--things get done. Self-promotion? Always a struggle to make time to do it.

Anyway, I'm glad I did. I'm very thankful for having the time to do things other than "grind work" (like how I've coined that phrase?)

So until the next whopper comes along, I'm lapping it up.

2010-04-05T10:51:00.000-07:00

A friend from ehealth.com sent this to me and it includes some useful info on the new healthcare reform in the U.S., as it pertains to freelancers.

Question: Can I take advantage of the new health reform programs immediately?

Answer: Not all of them. Many reforms are not implemented until 6 months after the bill is signed into law. And many more major reforms will not be implemented until 2014. The following is a summary of reforms and how soon they will be available.

Within 90 days of enactment

· Small Business Tax Credits: Tax credits of up to 35 percent of premiums.

· Access to the Federal High-Risk Pool for the Uninsured with Pre-existing Conditions: $5 billion for people who can’t qualify for insurance to buy insurance from the government (it’s not free).

· Re-insurance for Retiree Health Benefit Plans: establishes a temporary reinsurance program to provide reimbursement to participating employment-based plans for a portion of the cost of providing health insurance coverage to early retirees.

6 months after enactment

· Closing the Coverage Gap in the Medicare (Part D) Drug Benefit: Seniors will be entitled to receive a $250 rebate to cover the prescription drug “Donut Hole”.

· Health Insurance Consumer Information: A government web site where people can search for information about health insurance companies, available plans, etc. Effective beginning fiscal year 2010

· No Pre-existing Conditions Coverage Exclusions for Children: The law indicates that insurers will not be permitted to exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage. It has been reported that Health and Human Services intends to issue more detailed regulations regarding coverage for children and pre-existing conditions.

· Patient Protections: For all new plans. Protects patients’ choice of doctors by allowing plan members to pick any participating primary care provider, prohibiting insurers from requiring prior authorization before a woman sees an ob-gyn, and ensuring access to emergency care.

· Extension of Dependent Coverage for Young Adults: Unmarried young adults can stay on their parent’s insurance until age 26, even if they are not a full-time student. Applies to all new plans.

· “First Dollar” Prevention Benefits: All new health insurance policies must cover preventive care and pay a portion of all preventive care visits.

· No Lifetime Limits on Coverage: This eliminates any maximum dollar amount that a health insurance company agrees to pay on behalf of a member for covered services during the course of his or her lifetime.

· Restricted Annual Limits on Coverage: Eliminates any limits or maximum payouts from the health insurance company.

· Prohibits Rescission. Prohibits rescission when a claim is filed, except in the case of fraud or misrepresentation by the consumer.

· Appeals Process: When a consumer has a problem with their coverage, the insurance company must provide a process for customers to make an appeal.

2011

· Ensuring Value for Premium Payments: The Federal government will audit insurance company revenues and require insurance companies to refund premiums to customers if the insurance company does not spend at least 80% of premium dollars on clinical services and wellness activities (individual and small group market). An insurance company is required to spend at least 85% of premium dollars on the same services for large group market plans. Applies to all plans, including grandfathered plans, but not to self-insured plans.

2014

· Health Insurance Exchanges: States have up to four years to build exchanges where consumers can find, compare and buy health insurance plans.

· Federal Subsidies for Health Insurance Coverage: People buying insurance on their own will get subsidies to help them pay their monthly insurance premiums. Premiums will be allocated on a sliding scale, which will be determined by income. Any individual earning over 400% of poverty ($43,320 in 2009) will not qualify for subsidies.

· Small Business Tax Credits: When Exchanges are operational, tax credits will be up to 50 percent of premiums.

· No Restrictions on Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies are required to provide health insurance to any adult aged 19 – 64 who applies for coverage.

· Requirement to buy health insurance: To prevent people from waiting until they get sick to buy health insurance, all Americans will be required to buy health insurance or pay a fine. The fine starts at $95 for an individual in 2014 and goes up each year until 2016, when the fine will be the greater of either $695 or 2.5% of their annual income.

· Public Access to Comparable Information on Insurance Options

Question: How do I know if I’m eligible for the health reform programs?

Answer: That depends on which programs you need access to.

· Pre-existing conditions: If you’ve applied for non-group health insurance coverage, and your application has been denied, you’ll need to hold on to your records and apply for the access to the $5 billion Federal high-risk pool, which will provide affordable coverage to uninsured Americans with pre-existing conditions.

These high-risk pools are scheduled to take effect 90 days after the bill is signed into law, and coverage under this program will continue until new Exchanges are operational in 2014.

· Subsidies: If you’re looking to access “Federal tax subsidies” to help you afford the cost of health coverage, those subsidies will not be available until 2014 when the new Exchanges are in operation.

If you earn less than 400% of Federal Poverty levels in 2014 (the 2009 equivalent is $43,320 for an individual and $88,200 for family) you would qualify for premium assistance – subsidies – to help you cover the cost of your premiums in 2014.

Question: Can I apply for insurance and get covered despite my pre-existing conditions?

Answer: There are some current and future options for you if you have pre-existing conditions.

· New High-Risk Pool: A provision in the reform legislation provides $5 billion of federal support for a new program to provide affordable coverage to uninsured Americans with pre-existing conditions through a new ‘high-risk pool.” The high-risk pools take effect 90 days after the bill is signed into law, and coverage under this program will continue until new Exchanges are operational in 2014.

However, just because the risk pools are “enacted” in 90 days, that does not mean you’ll necessarily be able to enroll in the risk pool right away. Depending on the volume of applications, it could take some time for the government to qualify applicants and get those who are eligible enrolled in the program.

· Existing state-high risk pools and other public programs: In addition to the New High-Risk Pool, there may also be a number of free or low-cost programs available in your area that you can take advantage of. To access these programs you can contact the Foundation for Health Coverage Education at www.CoverageForAll.org

· Non-group health insurance: Individuals should not assume that a pre-existing condition they have will make them ineligible for private insurance bought on the individual market. It’s a good idea to reach out to a licensed agent and discuss your medical background. You may be surprised at what you will qualify for. By 2014, the government will require health insurers to accept applicants regardless of pre-existing condition.

There are also new consumer protections that will go into effect 6 months after the bill is enacted, including provisions that further restrict an insurance company’s ability to “rescind” your coverage and make preventive care mandatory in every plan sold.

Question: When is the deadline to get a policy before I am penalized?

Answer: The deadline will go into effect in 2014. There is a provision in the legislation called “Promoting Individual Responsibility,” which requires most individuals to obtain acceptable health insurance coverage. The penalty for not having insurance penalty is $95 for 2014, $325 for 2015, and $695 for 2016 (or, up to two and a half percent of income in 2016).

With certain exceptions, you’ll pay whichever is greater - $695 or 2.5% of income - up to a cap of the national average bronze plan premium.

Question: Should I cancel my policy to get this new free insurance?

Answer: There will be no free insurance with this health reform plan, unless your income is at or near the Federal poverty level (under $10,830 in 2009) and you qualify for Medicaid.

· Subsidies: If you’re talking about getting “Federal tax subsidies” to help you afford the cost of health coverage, those subsidies will not be available until 2014 when the new Exchanges are in operation.

At that time you will be required to buy health insurance coverage and if you earn less than 400% of Federal Poverty levels ($43,320 for an individual and $88,200 for a family of four in 2009) you will qualify for premium assistance – subsidies – to help you cover the cost of your premiums.

Question: Should I withdraw my application to wait for the “Obama plan?”

Answer: That depends on what you mean by the Obama plan.

· Public Option: If you’re referring to a “public health insurance option,” where you buy insurance from the government, that program did not make it into the final health reform bill.

· Pre-existing conditions: If you’re talking about “Access to Affordable Coverage for the Uninsured with Pre-existing Conditions,” that is a provision in the legislation that provides $5 billion of federal support for a new program to provide affordable coverage to uninsured Americans with pre-existing conditions.

This provision takes effect 90 days after the bill is signed into law, and coverage under this program will continue until new Exchanges are operational in 2014.

Once the new Exchanges are built in 2014, anyone will be able to apply for private health insurance without fear of being declined for a plan due to a pre-existing condition.

Question: Have the prices for insurance dropped yet, if not when will that happen?

Answer: Non-group health insurance – coverage you buy for yourself – can actually be very affordable. According to data from eHealthInsurance.com, the average national premium is under $170 per individual.

There is also a provision in the legislation that takes effect in 2011, called “Ensuring Value for Premium Payments.” This provision ensures that people who enroll in a plan get value for their premium dollars. It accomplishes this by requiring plans in the individual and small group market to spend 80 percent of premium dollars on clinical services and wellness activities. In the large group market plans must spend 85 percent of premium dollars on clinical services and wellness activities.

Health insurance plans that do not meet these thresholds will provide rebates to their policyholders. This provision does not apply to self-insured plans.

2010-04-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

Stalking the Elusive $100,000 Writing Career (Part 2 of 2)
Earn $60-125+ an hour writing for business and make time for your creative writing

By Peter Bowerman

In our last post, veteran freelancer and “Well-Fed Writer” author Peter Bowerman gave us an insider’s look at the lucrative field of “commercial” freelancing, painting an attractive picture of a surprisingly accessible writing field that both pays handsomely and offers some enviable lifestyle benefits. Read on for more nuts-‘n-bolts of getting started.

Plenty of Work
The sheer volume of potential commercial writing work is mind-blowing. What we see as consumers (e.g., ads, direct mail, consumer newsletters, brochures) is just the beginning. That’s called B2C: business-to-consumer. What we don’t see – except as employees of a company – are two additional gargantuan arenas of work. First is B2B (business-to-business), all the materials created by businesses to market their products and services to other businesses.

The second is “internal communications,” another huge arena of work: all the projects that exist solely within a corporation to communicate with employees: newsletters, sales sheets, web sites, presentations, videos, CD-based training programs, procedure manuals, and the list goes on and on. Much of it is outsourced.

While we can just picture the huge volume of this kind of work within large corporations, imagine the vast number of small-to-medium-sized companies (25-200+ employees) with so many of the same needs. Yet, firms of that size are even less likely to have the in-house staff to execute them, but usually DO have the money to pay for it. They may need more educating – not only as to the very existence of outside writing resources like us, but how to craft these projects as well. But, rest assured, the work is there.

Landing the Work
Given the importance of writing to their business process, these companies expect to hear from writers, yet, according to what many of my clients tell me, few actually do. Reach them by cold calling, direct mail postcard mailings, joining business networking groups, social media sites like LinkedIn and others, by tapping your contact base, or ideally, some combination of all the above. Leverage your past industry experience and contacts and get started by pursuing work in that arena.

First Steps
While you’re still working at another job, focus on building a portfolio of samples by gathering projects you’ve done in current and former jobs; doing pro bono work for not-for-profits and start-ups; or just “creating” a portfolio from scratch, concentrating on crafting more corporate-type samples (i.e., the project types described earlier). In the pro bono or “creation” scenarios noted above, perhaps you team with a graphic designer starting out as well, so you both end up with samples for your “book.” Then load them all up to a web site. Visit www.writeinc.biz, then Portfolio to get an idea of project types.

The Adult Conversation
Starting a commercial writing business is no “get-rich-quick” deal. Your mother was right: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This is no cakewalk. Building a writing business takes a lot of hard work, but know that, 1) there IS a need for good writing in the business world; 2) hiring freelancers over full-time staff makes sound economic sense for companies, and for many reasons, and finally; 3) if you’re a good writer (not even brilliant, just good), you can find your place in this field.

Many writers dream of making their writing mark in a more literary way. Until then, why not get paid well to write and carve out more time to pursue your writing passions? The commercial writing market is big, growing and pays handsomely. As you read this, thousands of writers are landing countless, high-paying writing jobs. Why not you?

**************

Peter Bowerman, a veteran commercial freelancer and business coach in Atlanta, Georgia, is the author of 2010 title, The Well-Fed Writer: Financial Self-Sufficiency as a Commercial Freelancer in Six Months or Less, an updated edition of his original 2000 award-winning Book-of-the-Month Club selection. For more details, and to subscribe to his popular monthly ezine and blog, visit www.wellfedwriter.com. He chronicled his self-publishing success (60,000 copies of his books in print and a full-time living for eight-plus years) in his award-winning 2007 release, The Well-Fed Self-Publisher: How to Turn One Book into a Full-Time Living. www.wellfedsp.com.

2010-03-30T11:06:00.001-07:00

Brace yourselves--I'm actually going on a vacation starting Thursday. So I wanted to still offer content for my readers. I've got something good coming!

Here's the first of a two-part guest post series from Peter Bowerman on creating financial wealth in writing careers. Peter is the author of The Well-Fed Writer books--and he's got tons of great advice. Enjoy!

Stalking the Elusive $100,000 Writing Career (Part 1 of 2)

Earn $60-125+ an hour writing for business and make time for your creative writing

By Peter Bowerman

An eight-page corporate image brochure (~22 hours): $2800. Editing of web site copy (~8 hours): $1100. A 12-page marketing brochure for a global materials handling firm (~45 hours): $5000. A tri-fold sales brochure (~9 hours): $1200. Three direct mail postcards for specialized school (~13 hours): $1800. Crafting of short two-line sales “blurbs” for supermarket displays (~47 hours): $5600. A two-page sales flyer (~6 hours): $850. All projects I’ve worked on and all examples of the lucrative – and surprisingly accessible – world of commercial writing.

And let’s not forget the lifestyle: Work at home, rise when you want (no alarm clocks), take off when you want, earn $60-$125+/hour, work in your sweats. Hey, we’re writers. It’s a lifestyle tailor-made for us, right?

For the past few decades – and even more so recently – downsizing and outsourcing have sculpted the corporate American landscape. Companies everywhere are doing more with less. For many, that includes relying heavily on well-paid freelancers to write their marketing brochures, ad copy, newsletters, direct mail campaigns, video scripts, web content, and a ton of other projects. I hear it all the time from clients: how hard it is to find good, smart, reliable writers who “get it.” Might that describe you?

It gets better. Given the times, many companies that formerly hired pricey ad agencies and design firms are shedding them in favor of more economical freelancers (especially talented designer/writer teams), and discovering they get better work at far less cost.

So, what do you need to get your share of this lucrative work?

Writing Ability?

Let’s get real: no one’ll pay you up to $125+ an hour if you’re lousy. But, there are plenty of fields such as healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, high-tech, and beaucoup others, which have steady, ongoing needs for clear, concise copywriting that doesn’t have to be a work of art. Start studying your junk mail, the little newsletter inserts in your electric bill, the rack brochures at your bank. Could you write that? I’m guessing yes.

Marketing Ability?

Sure, first and foremost, this business is a sales and marketing venture. But, fret not. Marketing isn’t some arcane science understood only by Wharton MBA’s. And it’s NOT about being a slick, pushy salesperson. Marketing is simply letting your market know you (or the clients you write for) are out there, consistently, and in a variety of ways that cut through the clutter. And that can be for YOU as a writer or for your clients.

Get a few fundamental sales and marketing principles under your belt – i.e., Audience (understanding who you’re writing to and trying to “reach”); The Features/Benefits equation (focusing on what’s important to readers, NOT talking about your product, service or company); and USP (Unique Selling Proposition; what you/your client does better than anyone else) – and you’ll set yourself apart from most writers. Not to mention being able to talk intelligently – and write for – just about any client.

In the next post, Peter will explain why there’s so much potential work in the “commercial” writing arena, how you can go about landing it, and the first steps you can take now to start positioning yourself for success in this field.

2010-03-24T05:44:00.001-07:00

Some fabulous creative finds:

What's Under the Hood of Your Web Copy: From Men with Pens
The Vintage Pearl: Gorgeous personalized jewelry.
Job Leads from All Freelance Writing
How Writers Can Stay on Top of Trends and Ahead of News Trends: The Writer
Christine Mason Miller's Blog: Always makes me happy--and there's eye candy!
Liz Lamoreaux's Blog: More eye candy and inspiration.

This blog has moved

2010-03-20T11:01:00.001-07:00

This blog is now located at http://creativelyselfemployed.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://creativelyselfemployed.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

2010-03-01T08:42:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine sent me his new book, and I've gotta tell you--I am only 20 pages in and loving it. The Wealthy Freelancer talks about how to take your business further. It's not really a book about how to get started, but if you're already creatively self-employed, this puppy is a must-read.

There's also a website for the book, which has an awesome blog about freelancing.

Who out there is beyond the start-up point and looking to optimize their business and create true wealth? Not just talking about money here, folks...it's about lifestyle, too! Interested in hearing from those that are already established and looking to go further with their business.

In the meantime, definitely check out the website where you can read the first three chapters free!

2010-02-17T10:25:00.000-08:00

Some eye candy for a chilly winter day.

Photo Courtesy of Liz

Remember spring is right around the corner. don't rush the beauty, even if you don't think it's there.

2010-02-16T09:13:00.000-08:00

I recently posted an article over at FreelanceSwitch.com about ditching clients. So many people are quick to say, "You freelance...just fire that client if you don't like him/her."

But anyone who is freelancing with the intention of building a positive name for themselves knows it's not that easy. Not even remotely.

You don't just quit when things get tough. If they get ugly that's another story. That's just my perspective.

I write about this because I don't have a full slate of golden clients. Some aren't always decisive about what they want. Some continuously haggle over prices. Some just don't know how to craft a polite email. It's easy to want to write people off when you have the power to. But sometimes, you have to "take it." (And yes, sometimes, you don't.) But I hear enough about cutting clients loose--I want to hear more about working through things. That's why I wrote my post.

I'm interested to hear from all you creative freelancers about when you draw the line and ditch a client, and when you decide to suck it up and deal. Why do you do what you do?

2010-02-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

January is over and thankfully, so is Dickie's challenge. I didn't write as often as I should have, but I definitely made progress.

Here's how I know: I took time out to work on more queries today. This shows me that by focusing on this and keeping it visible, I am more likely to work on this.

What hampered me? Aside from emails saying people were "disappointed" in me (who needs that kind of negativity? Delete!), I have been rigorously busy with a long-term project. So to be practical, I could not devote all the time I wanted to writing magazine queries. Simply put, I have to pay bills before spending valuable time on something that doesn't offer an instant payout.

But I'm glad I did it because I definitely wrote more and I feel more apt to delve into query writing instead of my old mentality, which said I needed a full day off to even begin.

Thanks to the FreelanceSwitch.com Freelance Radio panel for giving me tips on this and helping me stay motivated. I may have not written every day, four days a week, but I did write more. And for me, that was huge.

I'm proud of myself!

2010-01-20T09:34:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I like to uses images to spark my creativity--or to help satisfy my need to get artsy without ever pulling out the paint.

Today's inspirations:

From http://christysheffield.typepad.com/

From http://myfourrooms.blogspot.com/

From http://alittlehut.blogspot.com/

2010-01-04T13:42:00.000-08:00

What I'd rather be doing...

So if you've been listening to the Freelance Radio podcast, you'll know that we recently did a show about our freelance dilemmas. Mainly, mine.

One of the panelists challenged me to work on magazine queries 15 minutes a day, Monday thru Thursday. Since I couldn't do much because of December's hustle and bustle, he decided to re-issue the challenge in January.

And here we are.

It's Monday. Still Monday. I've done a ton of things today including wrapping up a huge project for one of my best clients, and working on another project for another fab client. I've made appointments, ran errands. I want to rest. Vege. Hit the gym. Cook. Anything but write.

But here I am, and I'm gonna get to work on it.

2009-12-29T18:57:00.001-08:00

Photo: http://dianereeves.blogspot.com/

To hell with the New Year's Resolution thing...

It's not that I can't complete it, I'm just tired of it. I don't want to set goals, like I said previously. I can attain goals. I'd rather BE AWARE and JUST BE and let myself go. Let go.

I need to do that more than any life-list-check-off thing.

So for this year, a little something different, courtesy of the always-creative Andrea Scher.

"My challenge for you is to answer the following questions and declare 2009 complete. Rituals can be even more powerful when others can witness you. You are welcome to do this exercise privately, but I suggest sharing with a friend and/or posting your lists here. You are in good, safe company.

1. What do you want to acknowledge yourself for in regard to 2009?
(What did you create? What challenges did you face with courage and strength? What promises did you keep to yourself? What brave choices did you make? What are you proud of?)

As far as the resolution to query three magazines per month, I am proud of doing my best to keep my resolution. I held on to it tight all year. I made new connections and planted many seeds in order to get more magazine jobs. I learned that I need to focus more on it and work hard to make it happen--and that the writing isn't hard but making time is. I learned that it's okay not to go head-on because I've had a lot on my shoulders and am not sitting around querying all day because I have a thriving copywriting business--and I'm very proud of it.

There were of course tons of personal things going on that I was challenged by and achieved.

2. What is there to grieve about 2009?
(What was disappointing? What was scary? What was hard? What can you forgive yourself for?)

I'm focusing on my resolution solely here (because there was tons to grieve this past year, especially the passing of my beautiful Bobbie girl). But I am sad that I didn't ink a contract for magazine work but I understand why and I am ready to move forward. And that's a plus because I came farther than I thought I would. I thought I'd crumble if I didn't achieve this big goal and thought I should be "here" and I'm not where I thought I should be, but I learned to LET GO. Huge!!!

3. What else do you need to say about the year to declare it complete?

Okay, the next step is to say out loud, "I declare 2009 complete!" How do you feel? If you don't feel quite right, there might be one more thing to say...

The final step is to consider your primary focus for the year to come. What is your primary intention or theme for 2009? Is it the year of joy? the year of self-care? the year of partnership? Stand up and say it proud, "2009 is my year of...."

2009 is my year of letting go of my high expectations for myself. I am not where I wanted to be but I'm tired of "shoulding" all over myself. I am where I am, and things will happen in God's time, not mine.

Take the Mondo Beyondo challenge in your blog, or leave a post here!

2009-12-28T10:51:00.000-08:00

Photo: From the amazing Andrea Scher

I love this time of year because it usually offers a break. Time to think and reflect. The world seems to stand still. It seems like no one is working and if they are, they're not really too productive.

But this year, at least today, there's not much of a break for me.

I am back into work today, knee-deep in the muck of it. Projects, unanswered emails, phone calls for new projects. Where is that relaxing week where all you encounter is "I'll be back in the office on January 2"? I'm not finding it this year.

But I'm still gonna make time to reflect and to plan.

This year, I've decided that I won't have a resolution. I don't need a big fat whopping goal. I'm an overachiever anyway. I simply need to assess where I am and determine where I want to go next. And if I don't have a destination, maybe I'll just be. Just take it all in and be where I am. Enjoy the moment. The goal setting and achieving has always been so easy for me...but the standing still? Not so easy. Maybe that's where I need to be...without a grand plan or a massive goal. Just to be...and to be aware. That's what I'm focused on.

I just wish I could have a break from work so I could meditate on these things. But I'm taking breaks. A few more hours and I'll be done for the day, I can live with that.

It's hard when you, as a freelancer always worried about keeping the dough coming in, can afford to take a break but cannot.

So whether you're working over this holiday/winter break or just relaxing, I wish you the best. Plan, dream...do and be whatever is best for you.

For me, I'm just gonna BE.

2009-12-07T09:12:00.001-08:00

One of my creative habits is knitting and I finally took a picture of a project that was near and dear to my heart--because it was for my beautiful nephew, Quinnan.

He IS the turkey!!!!!

2009-11-24T06:28:00.001-08:00

Since most creatives are introverts yet still have to promote their businesses, I thought you would like this interview with Nancy Ancowitz, a business communications coach and author of Self-Promotion for Introverts: The Quiet Guide to Getting Ahead.

Listen here!

What do you do to thrive as a creative professional and an introvert?

2009-11-23T16:24:00.000-08:00

Writing queries as a part of my "challenge" didn't go as well as I wanted but I feel like I know what I need to do to "get there" and get the writing done. Set aside a day or half day. Having to get into creative mode four days in a row was too much, it felt too forced.

So I'm off the challenge but more committed to getting more magazine work!

2009-11-13T13:07:00.000-08:00

I just want to tell y'all following this little query letter journey that I wrote another one today. This one, I love. I can see it in glossy paper already with my name tucked next to the title.:)

Other loves:

The new Ingrid Michaelson and Brandi Carlile albums ("Before it Breaks" and "Sort Of" are on an obsessive repeat pattern here)
Gipsy Life's blog--can't get enough of the inspiration
Mmm...paper!
Making these healthy and delightful oatmeal cookies
Swirly Girl inspiring me to put my "junk" in books
The awesome way that Ali Edwards creates a Christmas book so she can document the season (or 25 days of Christmas) without having to get inspired to craft each day

2009-11-11T07:09:00.001-08:00

I was podcasting with the crew of FreelanceSwitch's Freelance Radio the other day (episode will be up soon!) and each panel member will be discussing their "freelance dilemma" on the next few episodes.

I went first, and naturally, I talked about how hard it is for me to make time to do my real creative work: putting out magazine queries. For some reason, I can manage a crazy copywriting schedule but never seem to get into the mode to do this stuff. I guess because it's more creative and I have put a lot of weight on my career writing for magazines. I've been published--but I want to get published in some larger magazines. So that has been my goal. I've been doing alright, but still struggle.

In many ways, I think all creatives have a struggle like this. Especially when it has to do with our most creative work...we can get blocked in many ways. (Check out my article on "creative munchies," which also covers this topic.)

Anywhoo, so then he starts. Dickie. My friend. My nemesis. He puts me on a "challenge." I like the idea; I'm open to it.

Then come the rules.

I am to write my queries and work on them for at least 15 minutes a day from Monday thru Thursday for the next two weeks.

Well, let me tell you--Day One didn't go so smooth. I was out all day and couldn't get to it, so I decided that I will have a Tuesday-Friday schedule this week. I'm OK with that. Dickie won't be...but that dude lives in Oregon--far enough away to keep me safe from a freelance beatdown!

Yesterday went great. I had a big publication want more details about one of my ideas, so I spent about an hour putting together and sending one query letter. I'm doing it!

For the rest of the week, I'll be keeping you posted here and there. My goal is to do one query a day. But if nothing else, at least this challenge has me motivated. It has me moving and thinking and getting things done. It's sad that you need to awaken my competitive side to get me moving on this, but before this, I was making progress so slowly. Sending out a few letters here and there. Now, I'm ready for it...at least for the next two weeks!

Nothing like a challenge to get your creative juices--and your competitive nature--going!

2009-10-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

Fab photo from http://www.gipsylife.com

Trying to get published in a magazine (or to get a book published, for that matter) is like banging one's head on a wall. Even if you're a fantastic writer, it takes work to hit pitches and timing just right. It's kinda like mindreading but no one ever gives you any sort of clue.

So that's where I am creatively. I am making more time to do the things that I enjoy and making time to focus on the creative work in my heart (magazine writing) but still hitting walls. I have had a couple of breakthroughs, some great contacts and now I wait to see if some pitches can make it to Round 2. At least I've made it to Round 2. A few years back, I couldn't get an editor to even respond.

Still, this work is hard. Hard because I must have my scheduled clear to brainstorm and write out the queries. The queries don't take long to write at all, and a big mag editor says mine are great. It's the time to come up with ideas, finding time to sit down uninterrupted and taking time to blast out these letters.

It's frustrating.

I'm making it happen, but it's frustrating.

What aspect of your creative dream is challenging you the most right now?

2009-10-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

From Elsie's Blog, A Beautiful Mess

I waited too long to peruse Elsie's blog and found myself reveling in all of her creations. I had been thinking about how much I wish I had more money and decorations for my house to continue making it my own--but she does wonderful things inexpensively. Totally inspiring. My first thought is, "Why can't I do that?" but the truth is, I can. We all can. We just have to make time. And if you're not too imaginative, it's okay to draw inspiration from others. That's part of the creative life.

Here's another thing that's getting me lately: I am wondering if blogging more regulary and just about simple things would help me feel like I'm capturing life more. I already feel alive but sometimes I see blogs and they inspire me and I wish I had that record of those simple little things that happen. You know what I mean?

Having a personal blog hasn't always worked out so great for me in the past. I have friends on LiveJournal and use that but otherwise, I wish I could put out something public and just let it be. And capture my life more. I don't capture enough. Do you bloggers find it's hard to catch up and keep blogging especially when it's just for you? Does the challenge of it keep it fun? I'd love to hear from you--leave a comment.

From Madelyn's blog, Persisting Stars

More from Madelyn, she's that inspiring! (Photo by David Pohl)

Inspirations:
Boho Girl...always
Creating Wings...something new
Persisting Stars...gorgeous
Gypsy Life...honest

2009-10-06T10:41:00.001-07:00

The job market is changing – and so are salaries for creative and communications professionals. The Creative Group 2009 Salary Guide provides starting salaries for about 100 creative, advertising, marketing, web and public relations positions, and a formula for localizing salary levels for major markets.

Additional features include:

An overview of the job market and major hiring trends
Positions and skills in demand
Popular recruitment and retention strategies
Tips for attracting Gen Y Professionals
Staffing strategically in the current economy

Contact The Creative Group office nearest you or call 1.888.846.1668 to request your free copy of the guide.

Job Descriptions for Positions Listed in the Salary Guide:

2009-09-17T06:21:00.000-07:00

oDesk recently compiled a list of top blogs for freelancers. Check out these great picks:

FreelanceSwitch
The Urban Muse
Rock Your Day
Copywrite Underground
Computer Zen
Guerilla Freelancing
Escape from Corporate America
Web Worker Daily
Smashing Magazine
Freelance Copywriters Blog
Pro Blogger
The Renegade Writer
Podcast for Freelancers

2009-09-10T04:56:00.000-07:00

(photo by karen walrond) from Kelly's blog

I've been thinking a lot about something that Andrea told me. I had responded to one of her posts about time away with her girlfriends, and how I wanted to know how she forged those bonds. She directed me to a post by Kelly Rae Roberts about how they created their "tribe."

Finding a support system is hard enough; but finding people who understand who we are creatively is a huge struggle for many of us, including me. It all seems to easy when it's blogged about and there are pictures of people collaborating on art. But even those relationships had to get their start, and in Kelly's situation, they simply started online.

I really want to find a group of people like this; the hardest thing about it is that it takes work. Like anything else. Like all adult friendships.

I don't have children so it's hard for me to meet adults at playgrounds and PTA meetings. But even if I did, I doubt they would be creative individuals who take time to nurture their souls like these women do. What gets me about Andrea's group is that they all see the need for this nourishment and will take time away from their family and kids to lap it up. That makes for a balanced person!

How have you formed your own creative groups? I would love to hear from you!!!

2009-08-28T09:12:00.001-07:00

There's nothing like one of your best freelance gigs drying up to deflate you.

I recently got news that one of my steady gigs is going wayward in two months. As a huge advocate of steady gigs, this is a huge disappointment.

When I think about it, this job wasn't creating my most riveting prose. Likewise, I usually didn't put as much into this content as other things I write. But it was a lucrative steady paycheck. A paycheck that will soon be gone, gone, gone.

I know that new things come up...that you have to close a door to open a new one. I know that I could focus those efforts on what I really want to do (more magazine article writing). But today I am bummed. Today I am feeling all those feelings I felt when I began my freelance career...that the well was tapped out and nothing good will come along.

Today, I'm going to feel it. I'm going to hit the gym and pound out my frustration on several cardio machines. Tomorrow I will start making something good come out of something bad. Because I always like to create a happy ending. It's one of my goals in life--to always make something good out of something bad that happens. It doesn't just happen. It takes action. And as I've been reminded from some very nice fellow freelancers, I'm just the girl to take action and make things happen.

But nothing wrong in acknowledging when something, simply put, just sucks. I hope my honesty can somehow make freelancers feel a little less alone in this complicated but fulfilling journey--that's why I share my feelings...that's why I wrote the book. That's why I'll continue to share my journey with you.:)

2009-08-14T05:35:00.000-07:00

I was reading this post by Jennifer Margulis about becoming a freelance writer. She offers some great points about getting started as a freelance writer.

As a freelance writer, I wanted to add to her article. Freelance writing as a whole doesn't just include magazines and newspapers--it can include copywriting, too, which is what I do. Copywriting can be more lucrative in most cases, and when a copywriting business is established, it can provide a viable salary. There are low-paying markets in both fields, so the key is to build up and get the better clients and markets. (Copywriting is writing business marketing collateral...websites and brochures, etc.)

But whatever aspect of writing you get into, Jennifer's advice holds true. Not everyone can be a freelance writer. You have to have some writing talent. And, like she says, it does take time to build up a writing career.

And, I think, if you want it to be a business it needs to be treated as such. Maybe that's because I do more copywriting than journalism, but business basics are needed if you venture into this exciting field.

So if you're looking to break into the exciting world of magazine and newspaper article writing, identify and hone your skills--and enjoy all the perks!

2009-07-30T07:01:00.000-07:00

Some cool reads for savvy freelancers:

Budgeting for Irregular Incomes over at Get Rich Slowly
10 Tips for Kicking Ass as a Freelance Writer by Copyblogger
Creative Play Workshops over at Artizen Coaching
Online Tools to Make Freelancing Easier over at Freelance Folder
Staying Motivated at Rock Your Day
...and wanting Where Women Create magazine

2009-07-14T04:26:00.000-07:00

A great article with some good basic information...

Freelancers’ Guide to Getting Paid—on Time

By DIANA MIDDLETON

To get paid, freelance workers may have to become collections agents—especially now. As some companies struggle to pay full-time employees, freelance invoices can get easier to ignore.

Seventy-seven percent of members of Freelancers Union, which has 120,000 members nationwide, have had clients that didn’t pay at least once, says Sara Horowitz, executive director. Worse yet, more companies are trying to renegotiate lower prices with freelancers after work has been delivered, says Gary Swart, chief executive of oDesk, a freelance-management Web site that acts as a liaison between freelancers and clients.

“Collecting payment is a big issue that’s been compounded by the economy,” Mr. Swart says. Here’s how to get your payment.

Get over the embarrassment. Don’t be uncomfortable with asking about money—everyone works with the expectation of getting paid. If you worry you are being a pest, try blaming a phantom accountant, says Tory Johnson, chief executive for Women For Hire and author of “Will Work From Home: Earn Cash Without the Commute.” She suggests saying “your accountant” is pestering you for your pay stub for tax reasons.

Deal directly with payroll. If you’re constantly getting the runaround from your main contact, cut out the middle man and ask to talk with payroll. That way, you eliminate tensions with your manager and can deal directly with the person who administers payment.

Withhold work, if you can. Just like a cellphone provider drops your service after months of unpaid bills, it is acceptable to withhold projects when you are not getting paid in a timely fashion, says Ms. Johnson. To soften the blow, tell the client you are still continuing work, but won’t deliver projects until payment is received.

Offer the company some flexibility. Offer to come up with a bi-weekly payment plan, for example. If the company is local, offer to go to the office to pick up your check. Face-to-face meetings are harder to ignore.

Consider adding late fees to your contract, or a prepayment clause. Some freelancers opt to include late fees in contracts, Ms. Johnson says. You could also ask to get part of the payment in advance. But beware of appearing too demanding, especially if you don’t have a comfortable relationship with the client. In this market, you might be skipped over for another freelancer deemed lower maintenance.

Consider working with freelance-liaison firms. At Guru.com, clients put money in escrow; it is released to the freelancer upon a project’s completion. On oDesk, employers can track freelancers’ work via screen grabs of work in progress. It enhances freelancers’ credibility and confirms billing hours, oDesk’s Mr. Swart says.

Sue the company in small claims court. Before heading to small claims court, send a demand letter by certified mail to the employer. Search the Web for examples of the form and tone. Give a deadline for payment, and say that you will file suit if the deadline passes.

The article is available here...

2009-07-01T11:16:00.001-07:00

The 2009 Creative Freelancer Conference, presented by HOW magazine and Marketing Mentor, is coming to San Diego, August 26-28. Freelance designers, copywriters, illustrators, photographers and other solopreneurs will get the tools they need to drive their businesses forward from an expert panel of speakers led by Marketing Mentor's Ilise Benun and Peleg Top. Topics include:

. How to create compelling presentations

. The ins and outs of social media

. How to plan for estimated tax expenses

. And more

Plus, the opportunity to network and connect with other creative solopreneurs before, during and after the Conference will prove invaluable to the growth of any freelance business.

For complete program details and to register visit www.CreativeFreelancerConference.com. Freelancers who register by the July 15 Early-Bird deadline will save $50!

2009-06-30T05:03:00.000-07:00

You've probably heard of the term "life lists." I had (I believe on Oprah), but I hadn't really considered one until I took Dream It. List It. Do It! out from the library.

The book is filled with goals that the authors collected from various life lists. It's a fun kind of read where you don't have to read cover to cover...you can just flip through.

It got me thinking about making a life list, and also maybe making a creative life list. You know, to solely focus on everything in my creative life. I am not sure if I'll make two lists or one.

But I'm bringing this up because I wanted to know if you've used the "life list" sort of technique to help you attain your personal goals. I really haven't, which is odd because I'm a list fanatic. But as far as jotting my goals down on paper, I don't think I've done so since I was a teenager or something. It's something to think about, because I think writing down your goals in life--or in your creative life--at least, can help you move forward to attaining them.

Do you have a creative life list? Do you want to share it here? What is one thing that would be on your list if you don't have one already?

What's holding you back from making a life list or a creative life list?

2009-06-26T05:07:00.000-07:00

Many of us rely on the home office deduction when it comes to taxes. But actually, many don't. A new bill would create a simple home-office deduction standard. Check out more information here.

Do you deduct your home office?

2009-06-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

Many creatives are very hesitant about marketing themselves. But if you want to market your business and stand out from the rest, marketing is imperative. So's public relations.

But how can you relate to the public when you don't have the budget to hire a fancy PR agency? It's simple now--there are no excuses not to promote yourself.

HelpAReporter.com offers free leads mailed directly to your inbox. You simply read the leads and see if they apply to you. There are many calls for people who are self-employed in creative careers. Then you respond to the contact listed. He or she may select you to be featured in a radio interview, a news article or even on TV.

I have had a lot of success using this service and highly recommend it! Not only can I get new avenues to promote my business and my books--I have also passed along leads to clients, and they appreciate the thought and my drive to promote their businesses. HARO is a win-win for everyone. And best of all it's free.

Give it a shot--and get ready to get noticed!

2009-06-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

I couldn't be happier for Christine Mason Miller. She's working with Demdaco for a beautiful line of wall art: The Christine Mason Miller Collection. With images and sentiments taken from and inspired by Ordinary Sparkling Moments, the designers at Demdaco have brought together a line of full color, uplifting ready to hang prints with 24 images to choose from. Contact Demdaco customer service at 888-336-3226 to locate a retailer near you with these awe-inspiring pieces.

2009-06-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like you're not doing enough?

I know that we all achieve things in our own time, but sometimes I feel like I'm letting the world pass me by. I get so exhausted just keeping business going and find it hard to have energy to pursue other things. Maybe I'm burned out.

I hear about other people doing exciting things like taking classes and vacations, and I do neither. I work. I watch TV. I spend time with my husband and my cat. I work in my garden sometimes. I go to the gym.

Sometimes when I hear what other people are up to, it just makes me feel like I'm missing out or not doing enough. That "Book #3" I want to work on? I finally got a day off and I don't feel like writing. But if I spent more time on that I couldn't pay bills because I have to work.

Point is, even when you have your dream job, it's not all a cup of tea. Sometimes I just have to remember to sit back and remember that I'm exactly where I need to be. I may not have time to do all these exciting, creative and whimsical things, but that's okay.

Say it with me..."I am enough."

I am enough.

2009-06-09T15:53:00.000-07:00

If you're not tweeting, you may be missing out on important business networking opportunities. I love Twitter because I can share resources and "meet" others that have come to me to use my copywriting services.

That's why I've compiled this list of cool creative people on Twitter. Check out some of my tweeples and make them your own.

Aaron Lindberg, Photographer
Marisa Haedike, Artist
Alena Hennessy, Textile Artist
Ali Edwards, Scrapbooker
Von Glitschka, Illustrator
Anthony Fisher, Graphic Designer
Christine Miller, Artist/Author
Jen Louden, Author/Creative Soul
Susannah Conway, Photographer
Curtis McHale, Web Designer/Developer
Katrina Martin Davenport, Writer
Elsie Flannigan, Artist/Scrapbooker
LindaLee Tritton, Jewelry Designer
Jeff Fisher, Designer/Author
Bill Harper, Writer
Michelle Goodman, Writer/Author
Donna Downey, Artist/Author
Calvin Lee, Designer
Amberminty Designs, Designer
Laura Roeder, Web Designer/Developer
Tim Wasson, Web Designer/Developer
Drifting Creatives, Designers on the Go
Lori Widmer, Writer
Holly Becker, Blogger
Jacob Cass, Designer
Niki Brown, Graphic and Web Designer
Emma Taylor, Designer
Dickie Adams, Web Development
Deb Ng, Writer/Blogger
Leonie Allan, Creative Gal
Steve Slaunwhite, Copywriter
Kelly Rae Roberts, Artist
Brene Brown, Blogger
John Brougher, New Media Guru
Kristen King, Writer
Evan Calkins, Web Designer
Jen Wilson, Photographer
Claudine Hellmuth, Artist/Author

Are you on Twitter? Send me a link to your Twitter site in the comments below!

2009-05-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

Today's gem comes from Gail McMeekin, the author of The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women. I think this has some great tips on getting publicity for your creative business!

Success Strategies for Creative Souls #98: Tips for Great Publicity

I have been blessed over the last 9 years with lots of publicity. I've been quoted in the Sunday New York Times, Redbook (4 times), Self, Woman's Day, Shape, Woman's World, The Boston Globe (twice), Boston Magazine, The Improper Bostonian, Investor's Business Daily (twice) and the list goes on.

I've also done lots of radio and some TV and I have 2 new radio clips posted in my Pressroom on my website now: My Website. The two radio spots are about creativity and what you need to do to be successful with it, so you might want to give a listen.

I have read many books and could write a book about getting publicity, but that's not in the cards. But I do want to share with you some key strategies that have worked for me so that you can develop a PR campaign for yourself or your business now:

1) Send out regular press releases about something new that you or your business are doing. Let them know about new groups, e-books, media appearances, new products or services, awards, memberships, etc. Use Bacon's Media Directory as a resource and check with your library to see if you can access it online. Go to http://www.prnwire.com for their best deal to mail out a release for you.

2) Your local media are always looking for good stories. See if your local media will do a story about you and your business and watch your local cable TV station to see what show might be appropriate for you to be a guest on. I was once the co- host of a show called Professionals in Transition and we got great exposure plus we all got TV reels.

3) Social Media--Decide which social media you want to frequent and post helpful information regularly as well as publicize your events, appearances, new blog posts or articles, research in your field, etc. Again, try to form relationships with people that are mutual and collaborative. Don't post constantly with nonsense--be thoughtful.

4) Direct mail still works. Try mailing postcards (I use http://www.modernpostcard.com) about your business and mail them out to your target market as well as pass them out to people you meet. Collect snail mail addresses when people go to your website, when you speak to a group, and mail cards out to friends and colleagues as well so they know what you are up to.

5) As you read magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc. identify key press people in your niche market and begin to email to them regularly or post on their blogs. Invite local press people to your events and always ask how you can be helpful to them as a resource.

6) If you enjoy writing, start a clever blog or newsletter, write a column for a magazine or post articles on your website. This will give your credibility and create ongoing new material to use. Try to get your articles posted on other websites like http://www.ezinearticles.com .

7) If you want to do speaking and are a novice, check out Toastmasters or a speaking class or get a coach. Put together a press kit and a workshop/seminar flyer and send it to adult education centers, workshop centers like Omega in NY, networking groups, local Chambers of Commerce, conference planners, etc. Make a DVD of you speaking as part of your press kit.

These are just a few of many ideas about getting publicity. I always advise people to do things that interest them and showcase their best talents. You won't be consistent if you don't enjoy what you are doing. Have fun!

Article by Gail McMeekin

Executive/career/creativity/life choices coach and expert; Author of The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women, The Power of Positive Choices and Boost Your Creativity, Productivity, and Profits in 21 Steps. Sign up for the Creative Success email newsletter at http://www.creativesuccess.com
Phone: 617-323-1442
Fax: 617-323-1963

2009-05-21T07:25:00.001-07:00

There are so many wonderful creative books that I've been reading, or been meaning to read, lately. And yes, they're of the female persuasion but have practical advice for all creatives. I love a spunky book that doesn't offer the technical textbook look and content. Here are a few I like!

My So-Called Freelance Life by Michelle Goodman offers a candid look at freelance life, but she puts in a lot of practical information as well. I love this gal's conversational--and sometimes sarcastic--tone.

The Boss of You by Lauren Bacon and Emira Mears: I haven't read this one yet--next on my list. They have a tasty blog for women in business with plenty of cool resources--check it out!

Escape from Cubicle Nation by Pam Slim seems like a great book for those who are itching to start their own business.

Career and Corporate Cool by Rachel Weingarten: Looks like a humorous read and got snaps from Entrepreneur.

What resourceful business books are you reading? Please share!

Oh, and find me on GoodReads.com so we can share resources!!

2009-05-19T12:37:00.001-07:00

Artwork by Christine Mason Miller

I was so excited to hear Christine Mason Miller talk on Kimberly Wilson's Tranqulity du Jour show (formerly Hip Tranquil Chick!) Christine is a friend I made through writing my book and she's remained such an awesome creative friend. I love watching her journey because it's so very inspiring and I hope you find inpspiration from hearing her, too.

Check it out--Christine talks about all of her creative ventures!

2009-05-08T05:20:00.001-07:00

You know I'm a sucker for the honest and the raw--that was the whole impetus behind releasing Creatively Self-Employed.

So when I saw a recent blog post by Ali Edwards, I had to feature it. She talks about creative fears: You know, those insecurities you may never want to fess up to because you feel grateful enough to be doing what you love.

Some of her fears include:
1. Messing up.
2. Thinking this is the one and only chance to tell this story so it simply must be perfect.
3. People not appreciating what we create.
4. Being seen as selfish or extravagant for indulging yourself in your creative endeavor.
5. Not getting anything done.

So I decided to make my own Top 5 List of Creative Fears...and here goes:
1. Not accomplishing my goal of getting published in a top womens glossy magazine. Being ripped up and red-penned when I do get published in said magazine.
2. Losing steam and letting my entire business fail. (But really, how can I lose steam?)
3. Having clients not like my copywriting work.
4. Not being able to get a solid idea to publish my third book and not publishing another book. Being thought of as a failure for not continually putting out books.
5. Not having time to do creative fun things (painting, beading, art journaling) and becoming uninspired.

It's liberating typing out these fears. It really is.

So I dished. Ali dished.

Now it's time for you...what are your creative fears??

2009-05-04T19:38:00.000-07:00

I just wrote another article for www.freelanceswitch.com and it really helped me get a lot off my chest. Generally, when I write for them, I try to draw upon my own personal experiences. Often times, I can be a little rigid in what I say--but always practical. This was one of those posts.

The topic was setting boundaries and I can't stress this enough. Whether you're just painting on the side or you're a full-time writer, if you want your creative talents to turn into profits, you have to be business-like. And since you're on your own as a freelancer, you'll have to rely on yourself to set and enforce these limits.

I wrote about exploring setting boundaries in the following areas:

Meeting on time.
Turning in work/revisions and completing projects.
Setting your rates.

There are, of course, a million other areas that I can address when it comes to setting boundaries. This can be hard--especially if you don't like confrontation. That's why setting good business rules and relying on your intuition comes into play. And we only learn that, I'm afraid, through trial and error. I've gotten burned by a few clients who have not shown up for meetings, waited a few months to finish the project and tried to get me to work for peanuts. (That's why I focused on these areas.)

I'll let you know when the post is up, but I wanted to pose this loaded question: What kinds of boundaries have you had to set with your clients? What happened when you didn't stick to them? What were the outcomes when you did? Why is boundary-setting vital for those who are creatively self-employed?

2009-04-27T05:17:00.000-07:00

Need to get creatively sparked?

Check out this blog (http://www.yourcreativespark.blogspot.com). She's interviewed plenty of creative bloggers and this includes many people in the book such as Christine Mason Miller and Andrea Scher! There's 2 hours and 57 minutes of audio, over 100 pages of full transcripts and plenty of bonus material!

2009-04-26T04:49:00.000-07:00

So, here's an update about my quest to get published in bigger magazines.

I've been sending out queries and my gosh, it can be so frustrating. Just the act of tracking down the current names of editors, and sending things to the right editors. Spending my time attaching clips and customizing query letters. Only to be told--yet again--that the idea is spot on but they just covered it, or that it doesn't suit their readers. (I think these magazines want the same ideas regurgitated because they don't like anything too focused; and I read some of these mags and would love to see some of these ideas covered.)

I told my husband the other day that I felt like a failure. I just wanted it to happen so bad--but I am confident it's just a matter of time. So the real problem is that I'm impatient (I knew that!)

So it's a waiting game.

But I'm armed. I've been churning out a few query letters each month and have a massive golden rolodex ala Excel constantly being added to. It's making the query process much easier.

I'm wondering what types of creative dreams you have, and what aspects of them drain you?

2009-04-14T07:26:00.001-07:00

ONLINE SEMINAR: Cold Calling is the Brussels Sprouts of Marketing

Done wrong, cold calling is every bit as loathsome as the vegetable we all grew up hating. But just as with the humble sprout, if you approach it the right way, not only will you enjoy the benefits to your business from reaching out to total strangers, you'll actually come to enjoy the process itself. Marketing pros Ilise Benun of Marketing-Mentor.com and Colleen Wainwright (a.k.a. the communicatrix) will teach how to make this invaluable tool work for you via stories, role-playing, and actionable information.

Want a preview? Listen to this short, short audio tidbit:
http://www.audioacrobat.com/play/WHBh1xy7

WHEN: Tuesday, April 28, 7:00 - 8:30 pm EST
WHERE: Your computer and phone
PRICE: $30 Freelancers Union members, $40 non-members

(and membership is free! so you do the math)

2009-04-10T07:04:00.000-07:00

I was happy to see a post on The Renegade Writer Blog about the topic of "extreme self care." If you don't know what that is, it means putting yourself entirely first above everything on a regular basis and making time for yourself frequently.

This can mean doing something as simple as taking a walk to your favorite outdoor spot, taking a bath, getting a massage, or going on a vacation. Whatever appeals to you, it's important to do it and do it regularly.

Why? Because as creatives, we tend to burn out. No one wants to admit it because we adore what we do -- but if you do anything extensively you'll get fried from it. And building a business certainly constitutes a case for burnout.

I just finished rereading Take Time for Your Life by Cheryl Richardson, a life coach who has written extensively on extreme self-care. I am starting to read her newest addition The Art of Extreme Self-Care and encourage you to do the same.

How do you practice extreme self-care? Why do you think it's important? How has doing so helped your creative business?

2009-04-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

I know that many creatives out there use the Web to propel their business. My website, www.kristenfischer.com, features a portfolio of my work, an explanation of what it is like to work with a copywriter and how I do business, as well as a bio and listing of press clips.

I'm wondering what you feel that a website for a creative business should entail. Do you think you need your own domain? Do you put your resume online? Do you feature rates for your work? Share your link and let's chat!

2009-03-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

You know that I'm a sucker for link lists--and here's one that you've gotta check out!

100 (Non-Design) Blogs that Every Web Designer Should Read

It's packed with everything from technical tools to blogs on the freelance life. Yes, this one is included, but there are 99 just-as-fabulous links on there too. Check them out--even if you're not a designer there is some good stuff included!

2009-03-13T13:49:00.000-07:00

Artwork by Tine Wiggens

If you ask me, inspiration is everything. Sure, I run a creative business. But I need the fuel to keep going, because as many of you know, not all projects are quite motivational. As a copywriter, I have to write about not-so-fun stuff sometimes (medical devices, lawn care, construction, the economy...you get the idea).

That's why I'm huge on drawing in the good stuff. And having the ability to redo my office has perked me up when it comes to inspiration.

What's on my magnetic strip right now:) (That's a tickets to see the Pats play the Jets--not a Jets fan!!!)

It all started with the perfect shade of green. Then choosing the right shelving. Collecting artwork for the walls (can't wait to hang up my artwork of Tine's soulbirds!!), and most recently, the magnetic strip. The room isn't done, but it's on the way. My favorite thing is that I've designed it so I can feature my ever-changing inspirations.

Inspiration comes in all forms, doesn't it? But I think we often forget to fill our creativity tanks. And we let the rest of the things in our lives drain them.

That's why perusing this list of creative books coming out in 2009, for example, is a great help. Or visiting an inspirational place you love, such as a gallery or a greenhouse. You can visit the blog of your favorite artist. Or sitting in the sun. Whatever works for you to relax you or motivate you.

What inspires you? How do you keep your creative tank full?

2009-03-05T04:43:00.000-08:00

Credit

I love what I do -- until it starts draining me.

That's what's been going on lately. I'm working my tail off on several projects and on two steady jobs that I love. But there's not time for much of anything else. I work late, go to bed, get up and literally go back to work. I have to right now.

The good thing is that I seem to come out of these work comas. I make time to relax and do more things I enjoy. I free up my schedule and stop piling work on myself. But it can take a while. Let's be practical: sometimes you need a paycheck and that's your focus. Sometimes when you have a chance to work, you want to take on a million things. Or just one time-consuming one. And that's okay.

But I am curious to hear what you all do to get out of a work rut. Not a creative rut, no. The kind of rut where you're working your tail off (on something creative or not) and exhausted. YOu know you just have to hang on a little longer and things will be alright.

Do you do anything to get out of the hard times? Is it more difficult to have a work rut happen because you're used to being a free bird and not held down by mandated work and work times?

2009-02-27T06:15:00.001-08:00

I resurrected the age-old debate about lowering rates over at FreelanceSwitch.com. But it's different than the debate over working for lower rates consistently. Still, the post opens up a wide range of discussions. (I was glad to see that the discussions were kept polite, too!)

See, a client of mine asked me to lower our standard rate when he misquoted it to a client. In this case -- awesome client who gives me regular work -- the reduction wasn't that big of a deal. It would save him from going back to the client to jack up the price. It was his mistake, but I didn't mind taking a few bucks off the price because this guy's good business. In this case, I didn't lower my rate due to the economy. But I have in other instances -- or I haven't jacked them up as high as I could.

The article does open up a broad spectrum for comments on the topic of lowering rates in our current economy. What happens when you get a client who wants to see if you can go a little lower? Well, that depends on you. But you have to look out for yourself, too.

Have you lowered your rates due to the economy at all? Or for a client on a one-time basis? What were the results?

2009-02-17T06:39:00.000-08:00

Greetings from a very cold (again) New Jersey. While we had some spring weather, for like two days, it's back to nippy...but at least there is sun.

My moods seem to go with the weather. So right now I'm in that winter doldrum where you're dying for the first peek of spring. A scent in the air, or a brush of warm air...everything outside affects me. So when it's a little dreary, I try to stay busy with some cool creative projects inside.

You may or may not know that my New Year's resolution was to query three magazines a month. I made certain not to make the goal to get published in a major womens magazine...because that's kind of out of my control. But what was in my control was to think up great ideas and put them into queries and send them out. I've been doing it--and let me tell you, I know that getting published in a bigger magazine is right around the corner. I've got contacts, and these contacts are giving me tons of positive feedback. I just need to get the topic in tune with what they want. If you're a writer, you know that's sort of like mind-reading. Editors are picky and want you to hit juuuust the right spot. Annoying. But like I said, I'm getting closer. And I'm in touch with some helpful people. I'll keep you posted.

I'm also painting my office. I'd rather do it instead of being stuck inside when it's nice. So my makeover is underway. Bye bye beige. I can't wait to have a nice office that's all mine. Since we moved here two years ago I never got to paint the office because my husband and I were so busy with kitchens, bathrooms...everything. So now it's time to make this office inspiring. I've selected an apple green that is quite a shocker on the walls, but I think we'll get along just fine.

I've picked up some new writing gigs. That's great, as always. Work is moving along just fine and I'm grateful for it.

So that's what's keeping me busy for the next few weeks. What kinds of things are getting you through your winter doldrums?

2009-02-06T14:34:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard the term "accidental freelancer," you probably will hear more and more of it. With job losses due to the recession, more and more people are looking into--or falling into--freelancing.

So if you've got some creative talent and want to explore freelancing while you're out of work, here are some resources to help you navigate creative freelancing and creative self-employment:

The Gig Economy: This article talks about how high-paid and low-paid people are turning to freelancing, and the pool is getting crowded!
The Accidental Freelancer's Survival Kit: Author Michelle Goodman's take on what you need to start a freelancing business--even if it was never in the cards for you.
Getting Started as a Freelance Web Designer: From about.com, a great guide to seeing if web design is for you--and making a freelance career in it happen!
7 Productivity Tips, Plus Tools for Freelancer and Web Workers: Mashable covers some fantastic resources for freelancers, plus tools on staying sharp.
FreelanceSwitch: Finally, the tool that you can't live without. This blog is packed with useful articles, resources and even a job board.

2009-01-29T09:02:00.000-08:00

Deb Ng has a great post going over at FreelanceWritingJobs about that not-so-awesome mentality about working at home. In the post, she shares how many people think writing is a work at home job.

Can anyone write? Of course. But not everyone can write well.

And not everyone starts writing just so they can be home. But a lot of people think writing, for example, is akin to those envelope-stuffing jobs.

Woah.

It gets me thinking about all the eye-rolling I've experienced. I didn't start writing to work at home. But because I do work from home, many people think I don't make a good living. Or that I don't have to work at home. Or that I write poems all day.

Not so--I took the practical route of copywriting and supplemented my income book and magazine writing, my real passions.

I think a lot of creatives--writers, artists, etc.--deal with this sort of thing constantly. You get told, "Oh you're a painter? I want a work at home job, too."

For some industries such as ours, many with low overhead, working from home just makes sense. But can anyone do it?

I don't think so.

What do YOU think?

2009-01-27T15:10:00.001-08:00

I think it's vital for creatives to treat their businesses professionally--and that includes using social networking to help boost business leads and your image.

I've created a LinkedIn group for CSE. So if you're on LinkedIn, why not stop by and join? You can talk about pertinent topics related to creative self-employment, or just connect with other cool people!

2009-01-20T18:41:00.000-08:00

Photo by kirk.

Many of you know how I feel about running a creative business first and foremost as a business.

That said, it's tax season. And my writer pal Deb Ng posted some great resources at her blog.

Taxes and Freelancing - About.com
50 Tools and Resources for Freelancers During Tax Season - BootStrapper
Tax Tips for Freelancers - The Huffington Post
Turbo Tax’s Tips for Freelancers
Freelance Tax FAQ - The Anti 9 to Guide
Tax Tips for Freelancers - Absolute Write
Planning for Next Year’s Tax Bill - Freelance Switch
Five Things To Do To (or For) Your Accountant at Tax Time -Freelance Switch

For more, click here.

2009-01-19T10:03:00.000-08:00

How to Improve Your Business Development Prospects

Business development is key whether you work at home alone or you work for a large company. Not only can you improve your current business, but you never know where a good lead can take you over the course of your career. You'll want to check out these tips on improving your business development prospects!

Read the rest of the article here.

2009-01-12T10:06:00.000-08:00

Bob Bly, who I like to refer to as the godfather of copywriting, recently listed 25 tips to freelance copywriting success.

Here they are, courtesy of Bob!

1- Work with clients whom you genuinely like - or at least have good personal chemistry with.

2-Your freelance copywriting business exists to serve your clients. Without them, you’d starve.

3- If you want to have the final say on your copy without being told what to say and how to write it, market your own line of products, and make yourself your primary copywriting client.

4- Do not promise your copy will generate a specific result. It is unethical and not true: no one can guarantee a particular response rate.

5-Proofread every piece of copy before you send it to the client. I recommending hiring a freelance proof-reader; it is difficult to proof your own copy well.

6 -When can you raise your fees? When you have so much business that you can afford to lose clients who are not willing to pay the higher fees.

7- Use a standard PC with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint,and other standard software packages. Don’t write on oddball word processors, use antiquated software, or send nonstandard file formats that your clients can’t open and read.

8 -Number each page in your copy manuscript, so that if the pages get separated, you can easily put them in order. Also, in a discussion, it lets you and the client reference sections on specific pages.

9- The easiest way to prevent yourself from getting ripped off by deadbeats is to get half your fee in advance before you even start the job.

10- Never work without a written contract that the client has signed off on. Verbal go-aheads are not enough.

11- Trust your instincts. If you have a bad feeling about a client or a project, turn it down. Your gut feelings are right 95% of the time.

12- Be humble, not arrogant. If you are a nice person and your copy doesn’t work, the client will give you another chance. But if you are a jerk and your copy flops, you’re out.

13- Find a peer or someone else whose judgment you trust. Give the headline and lead of every promotion you write (the first page or two will usually suffice) to that outside reader for a second opinion. Never send out copy that at least one person other than you, even your spouse, has read and commented on.

14- Use more charts and graphs in your copy to support your key claims. Even when the reader doesn’t really understand a chart or graph, the fact that there IS a chart or graph helps convince them that what you say must be true.

15- Keep up-to-date in your field - both in marketing as well as the topics (e.g., health, investments) you write about.

16- The only way to become a better writer is to read and to write. Read and write every day. Read magazines, newspapers, and books during your leisure time.

17- Get up early and dive into your toughest copywriting assignment first thing in the morning, without delay. Work until you tire. In the afternoons, you can tackle less demanding tasks like reading background material or answering e-mails.

18-Create a workspace that is comfortable, isolated, and quiet. Barking dogs, ringing door bells, TV in the background, and screaming kids all harm your productivity.

19- Give yourself small rewards throughout the day for accomplishing various work-related tasks; e.g., going out to a coffee shop for lunch instead of eating at your desk.

20- While negotiating the work agreement with your client, ask for at least a week more than you need. As a corollary, never accept jobs that must be started and finished overnight.

21- Don’t take it personally when a client calls and says “I don’t like the copy.” Instead say: “I want to make it as strong as we can. Tell me your thoughts and suggestions.”

22- Should you argue with changes your client suggests if you think they are wrong? Only if you think they will depress response. If the client does not change his mind, acquiesce pleasantly and make the changes. But send a polite e-mail noting your objection and keep a copy in the file.

23- Get adequate rest. If you are not rested after a night’s sleep, start going to bed an hour earlier. You need to be mentally sharp to write copy, and you won’t be if you’re tired.

24 - Read your copy aloud at a normal speaking pace. Doing so will reveal awkward constructions that you would otherwise gloss over when reading copy silently.

25 - Write in a conversational manner, using words that your prospects would use to help create rapport with the people you’re selling to.

2008-12-26T05:37:00.000-08:00

I really love positive news. So when I read on the Creative Freelancer Blog that FunctionFox released survey results from the Creative Industry Outlook Survey, I was happy. The survey found that people in our business are optimistic about 2009.

I had to share the good news. Because we need positive news. Not everything is doom and gloom. Despite what we see in the media.

In fact, the survey says that 72 percent of respondents expect revenues to grow or remain steady despite the downturn. And 23 percent expect to increase their staff in 2009, while 61 percent say they will maintain their current staff size. Thirty-three percent of firms feel positive about their abilities to refocus their approach and positioning. Finally, 20 percent see new media, such as social networks, as their greatest opportunity in the new year.

Also from the blog:
Ad agency Ogilvy & Mather, cite a recent AdAge headline declaring,"Remarkable innovation occurs in marketing and media in the worst of times." They've launched a website to help marketers think and act strategically, which provides four position papers on tapping PR, making the most of creative assets and more.

Maybe it's time to turn off the TV. Just for a little while at least.

2008-12-24T06:35:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays, creative ones!

I'm putting together a list of goals for the new year. While I probably won't post that here, I think it's good for all of us to take time and think out some things we want to accomplish in the new year.

So take a time to put down the cookies and wine and come up with some goals to help make 2009 a great year for your creative career. And if you'd like to share those goals here, by all means...

2008-12-22T04:56:00.000-08:00

Even creatives need to be good copywriters--because they need to sell their services and themselves! That's why I'm loving this post of great copywriting resources. It includes:

“The Secret of Writing to be Read” — Seth Godin
“Six Types of Words That You Should Axe in Business Writing” — Bizcovering
“5 Simple Ways to Open Your Blog Post With a Bang” — Copyblogger
“How to Attract Links and Increase Web Traffic — The Ultimate Guide” — Copyblogger

2008-12-09T08:51:00.000-08:00

Contest!
Enter Communication Arts magazine's 15th Interactive Competition. Judged by the who's who in interactive media, the jury's selections will be published in the 2009 Interactive Annual and on the Communication Arts Web site, assuring a prominent place on the industry's premier stage.

Deadline for entries is December 15, 2008.

Any project—interface design, educational and entertainment programs, interactive product display, self-promotion—created for digital distribution is eligible:

* Web Sites
* Interactive Kiosks
* Handheld Devices
* Online Services
* CD-ROMs

Enter Online NOW:
http://www.commarts.com/competitions/interactive

And check out this site--I'm loving it!

http://biznik.com/

2008-12-02T15:37:00.001-08:00

Cards--Courtesy

I'm behind (not far, though) on what to do for my clients this year. I usually do an inexpensive but cute postcard. Should I send regular cards? Am I giving any gifts?

I don't know. I'm feeling so overwhelmed about the holidays, and most of my shopping is done. But for me, it's in the details. I want to do some crafty stuff and add some nice touches on our house this year. I think I'm into that because we're hosting New Year's. Without guests, I'm like, who cares?

But really, I'm kinda excited about the holidays. My mom and sister, who were away last year, will be home and I won't be taking that for granted. My in-laws are fabulous and I can't wait to spend time with them. Oh and I'm married to an absolutely fabulous man that makes me just want to lie under the tree with him all day.

Oh yes, and I've got to get a tree up, too.

The list seems endless.

What are you doing for your clients for the holidays?

2008-11-25T09:21:00.000-08:00

Some fabulous creative blogs to check out!

Love Life Inspirational!
Marta Writes: Her designs are lovely
Bread and Honey: If you're a foodie!
SouleMama: She takes gorgeous pics
Heather Bailey: She's gotten some great press for her creative designs

2008-11-24T08:29:00.001-08:00

I was in a little bit of a work funk today. Feeling like life is a little monotonous working at home. Then I had that, "What if I go get a regular job?" thought and cringed.

After a trip to the bead store, I was reminded how interesting solo work can be. I was greeted by the bead lady and her huge dog, George. The shop was quiet and I remembered that even "regular" jobs can be slow. At least I'm not "trapped" behind a schedule. When I'm in a funk, I can leave and go do something else. Beats the heck out of being stuck in a time-constricted job.

Still, she was content running this shop that wasn't overly busy and she was making a living doing what she loved. Just like me.

Instant gratification.

2008-11-19T08:23:00.000-08:00

Breakin’ In the New Guy

Kristen Fischer

It’s inevitable that many freelancers will watch the people in the companies they work for come and go. You know, turnover. But as a freelancer, you may be the one sticking around while others leave, and the transition can be difficult.

That’s because many freelancers love an ongoing gig—so when you get a new contact at a company, the shift can be unsettling. What if they use another freelancer? Will they communicate as well as your old representative did? What can you do if they’re not performing well? Is it your job to intervene when you’re a contractor?

As you watch a client’s organization change as a freelancer, you’re not always privy to the who, what, when, where, and why of it all. Who knows why Chuck left the company—he may not even send you an email to let you know that he’s moved on. You may not hear from him for months and contact the company only to realize that he’s left. The worst is when he doesn’t pass along his freelance contacts to his successor. Then you could get lost in the shuffle and you could lose the client!

While you may be happy to be the veteran when a new contact comes on board, the change can also make you feel a little on the offense (or defense). It’s crucial to approach the new contact with caution and not let your emotions about the shift affect the new relationship you’ll need to forge.

Here are some things to consider when you meet the new replacement.

Be polite

Whenever I hear that my contact at a client’s office is changing, I am always polite to the new person. Whether they email you an introduction, you send them a note, meet in person, or talk on the phone; it’s best to be respectful. I always stay away from telling them things I didn’t like about their predecessor. If asked I can offer feedback and am more than happy to tell them how things worked with that person in the past and how we can improve it, but I try to give them time to show me how they operate before I rush into anything. Most importantly, being courteous is a huge first step. Chances are that new person will appreciate you giving them time to assimilate.

Accept change

The new guy will never do things exactly like your old contact did. You’ll either find the new person is swamped and overloaded and unable to handle the workload, or you’ll find that they’re 110 times better than your last contact and you’re happy about the change. In many cases, you may not get the best vibe at first, but you’ll eventually mesh well and the new person won’t be worse or better—just different. Regardless what kind of relationship you have with any new company representative, you should expect some change. Hopefully the switch is as smooth as can be.

Observe their form

It’s easy to say that you want Mary to come back, but Mary’s long gone and you’ve got to move forward. The best way how to gauge the new guy’s manner is to observe. Does the new contact email you when projects come in, or will you need to call? Is he or she better reachable by phone? Will she let you interact directly with their customers? Is he or she a micromanager? Do they fill you in on why the company does certain things that affect your job? What needs to be done to make working with him or her easier? Before you can figure it out, give the person a chance to show you how they operate.

Step up, nicely

So, in the case that the new guy isn’t working out to well, it’s time to step in or you could be phased out. For example, if your new contact tells you about things last minute when Mary used to give you two weeks notice, it’s okay to ask him or her for more notice. I wouldn’t mention how kind Mary was, but I would politely ask if it’s possible to give you more notice so you can be sure to accommodate the project. In one instance, I had a “newbie” come in and cut out half of my work. After a few weeks, I had to gently ask her what was going on. I simply let her know how many hours I previously had and asked if I could expect the same—they soon after resumed and it turns out she wasn’t sure how much she was allowed to give me. Point is, don’t rely on Mary to have relayed everything to your new contact. Once you see how they work, you’ll have to ask for the adjustments you need.

If your new contact person isn’t all that you’ve dreamed of, try not to fret. With a little thoughtfulness, time and professionalism, you can most likely pick up your regular working relationship where it left off—and hopefully make this one even better.

2008-11-15T16:17:00.000-08:00

As thanksgiving approaches, most of us tend to think of what we're grateful for. One of the things I constantly remind myself of is how lucky I am to have a creative career.

Not only do I love what I do, but I get to work at home. And although I tend to get cabin fever almost daily, it doesn't take me more than a second to remember that it sure beats the heck out of a daily commute and cubicle rot. When I think about all the time I used to waste during a shift, it amazes me. Now, even though I can work more than eight hours a day, I usually don't have to because I'm pretty efficient when I work. I'm focused on the jobs at hand, mostly because I'm doing what I enjoy for clients I appreciate.

What little reminders help you to stay grateful for living the creative life?