As a freelance writer it is often times entirely too easy to settle into a groove. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can be if you begin to avoid change at all costs. There are sure to be times when a change here and there is a good thing. It is your job as a freelance writer to decide when these times are, and then deal with them accordingly.
If you need a little push, consider these changes that I and many others have made over the years:
1. Change your hours. Have you been sleeping in too late? Working into the evening when you shouldn’t be? If you want to change your career this is one of the easiest ways of doing so. I have found that a change to my working schedule is a great way to increase energy and productivity.
2. Change your rates. Obviously, this is something you have to be very careful about. Changing your rates is not something that you do on a whim; this needs to be a calculated decision. Although this type of change can be difficult to make, it is one that can greatly increase your freelance writing income and in some cases help you attract more clients.
3. Change your marketing approach. I strongly suggest that you consider this point if you are not finding enough work or have hit a rut. Sometimes adding a new component to your marketing strategy can give your career a huge boost.Â
Are you the type of freelance writer who thinks that all change is bad? If so, consider the above information. Hopefully you will begin to see that some changes can work in your favor.
Some people say that they want to achieve freelance writing success. But guess what? Not all of them mean it. It is easy to say that you are searching for this, but when it comes to making it happen you are playing in an entirely different arena. In other words, there is a big difference between saying and doing.
If you are totally serious about achieving freelance writing success you will do whatever it takes to reach all your goals. This may mean working extra hours, making extra phone calls, or spending more time at your desk. Of course, there is a fine line between doing what you can to achieve success and going overboard. You need to know where to draw the line between just enough and too much.
One thing I like to tell people is that once you get a taste of success there is no going back. For instance, aspiring freelance writers who have never had a paying client often times get frustrated. But once they land that first job and receive a payment everything changes. At this point they realize that they can earn money as a freelance writer if they put their mind to it. Sometimes all it takes is one break or one development to help you become more serious about your career.
If you are serious and devoted there is nothing standing in your way. Those who quit before they reach success never wanted to make it to the top in the first place. Only you know how serious you are. Hopefully you are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve freelance writing success as soon as possible. Once you reach some of your short term goals there is nothing stopping you as the future unfolds.Â
With only one month left in 2009, it is time for everybody, freelance writer or not, to start thinking about next year. One question that is surely on the mind of many of you is: should I start freelancing in 2010? Now may be the best time for you to take your career to new heights and branch out on your own.
Before we go any further, remember that you do not have to start freelancing at the beginning of a year. This may make sense for you, but there is no rule saying that this is how you have to do things. Simply put, you can begin your writing career any day of the year, regardless of the month.
If you are going to start in 2010 now is the time to get all your ducks in a row. In other words, give yourself the entire month of December to determine what you are going to do when the new year hits. You have a much better chance of success if you are prepared for the future.
Only you know if starting a freelance writing career in 2010 is a viable option. For some, January 1 is going to be the first day towards a better future. For others, starting a new career early in 2010 is not the best idea. I cannot sit here and tell you that getting started in January is the right thing to do – only you know if this is true.
Every year around this time I receive a lot of emails from aspiring freelance writers who hope to take their career to the next level in the new year. It is great that so many people are aspiring to take control and follow their dreams. If you are in this position, start to plan your route today. After taking a closer look at your personal and work situations you will know for sure if now is the time to get serious about freelancing.
