Build Freelance Writing Success With Effective Time Management

©Cheryl Wright – All Rights Reserved

Owning a home-based freelance writing business is a great way to earn a living.

Not only do you have the benefit of being able to work from anywhere in the world with only a computer and an internet connection, but you also have the freedom to plan out your day however you choose.

Most freelancers take the time to set up book-keeping systems and arrange ways to find new clients or source a stream of markets. These tasks will get your business up and running, and you’ll soon see income flowing through your accounts.

Unfortunately many newer freelance writers tend to jump feet-first into their new business without taking time to adequately plan out a time management schedule.

Time management becomes a vital skill that every freelancer will need at some point in the growth of their business. Some writers will find that as more work assignments begin to stream into their inbox, finding enough time to get everything done becomes more difficult. Simple distractions, like checking emails or visiting your favorite sites, can be a huge drain on your working time.

Other writers could have different issues with organizing their time. It may be that family and friends are all too willing to take advantage of your sudden availability. After all, if you’re at home all day it could be that people think you must be available for a chat, or a coffee, or even a surprise visit.

All these distractions reduce the amount of working hours you have in each day.

If you’re serious about growing your freelance business into a profitable and lucrative income stream, you will search for ways to manage your time effectively. The catalyst that should get you searching for ways to squeeze and extra hour or two into each day is usually when the distractions begin interfering with your productivity levels.

Unfortunately you can’t afford to allow your growing business to be sidetracked while you learn this mistake the hard way. You have the opportunity to avoid this happening before it even begins -- by learning a few simple time management techniques.

An organized writer is a productive writer, and a productive writer is a profitable writer. If you’re really serious about earning your living from writing, then finding a way to actively create a time management schedule for your working day is vital.

About the Author: Cheryl Wright is an award-winning Australian author, freelance journalist, and editor. In addition to an array of other projects, she is the owner of the Writer2Writer.com website and the Writer to Writer bi-weekly ezine for writers. Her publications include novels, non-fiction books, short stories, and articles. Her recent release is The Writer's Guide to Time Management: How to Boost Your Productivity and Earn More! Check it out here

Getting Social

Whether you are a freelance writer, designer, consultant, marketing affiliate or IT pro there is one thing all freelancers have in common…all are continuously seeking opportunities. Many newbies focus on an opportunity as landing a paid gig. There is nothing wrong with feeling this way. We all want to earn a living. But broadening this focus beyond just landing a job can lead you to great places and be in great company.

Social websites such as Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook have become integral parts of today’s entrepreneur. Though some will pay you to socialize, like Yuwie, these websites allow its members to do more. Some of the most successful and creative individuals can be found tweeting knowledge and twittering with others around the globe. Much can be learned from just getting involved. But just as important is sharing your knowledge and being open to new ideas while fostering professional supportive relationships in the process. So expand your focus while building your brand. Get connected, get social!

Fear Is Good

Recently, I was talking with a friend about making air travel plans for a vacation. He revealed to me that he has a fear of flying, and has never been in an airplane. This was puzzling to me. Not being able to conceive the concept of fearing something you have never done before I asked why. He said being scared of heights there is a possibility of the plane crashing. I agreed that is a possibility, but there is more of a possibility of an auto accident. There are also the possibilities of getting hit by a bus, falling, breaking your ankle or a heart attack. On the other hand what about the possibility of being successful, happy and fulfilled. Make a choice.

To fill your thoughts with fear means to live in fear. This is wasting emotion and time. Fear can keep you from living to your potential. If you don't branch out in your freelance career because of fears you are limiting yourself of the chance to succeed. Even if you fail at something new, so what! Just keep it moving to the next phase. This is part of the journey. Challenge your fears and come out winning.

Knowing success is knowing failure, but fear knows nothing.

Freedomlance

So You Want To Be Free?

You have been wondering if you can make it as a freelancer. Being passionate about your craft, focused, knowledgeable and deadline driven are just a few of your qualities that make you a good candidate for branching out. Whether you are a writer, consultant or designer there is an open market to become successful on your own. If you are new to freelancing and serious about making it happen...stick to it. Work at building your portfolio and online presence by working at it. Join a forum or group of like minded individuals. There are wonderful professional websites that provide great tips, information and job leads like Freelance Writing Gigs and ProBlogger. Becoming familiar with all that is going on in freelancer is inspiring and supportive to your growth.