The end of the year can be a hectic time for freelance writers. In addition to the holidays, you must take the time to look back at the past year while also looking forward to what the future holds. Although this may sound stressful, it can actually be quite exciting.
Here are three year end financial tips for freelance writers:
1. Begin to gather all appropriate tax information for 2011. While your final return is not due until April, this will sneak up on you in no time at all. There is no better time than now to begin the planning process. If you work one step at a time, you will slowly but surely get together everything you need in order to file your return.
2. Look back at 2011. Did you reach your financial goals? Did you come up short on some of them? It is important to review the past 12 months to ensure that you are moving in the right direction when January finally rolls around. This will put you in better position to focus on new goals while helping avoid issues that may have held you back during 2011.
3. Write down what you expect from yourself and your business in 2012. Are you attempting to reach a particular level of income? Are you looking to save more money? Every freelance writer has professional and financial goals. It is important to make note of these before the new year begins.
It is important to focus on growing your freelance writing career. Just make sure you keep at least one eye on your financial situation as well.
As November comes to an end and we enter the last month of 2011, it is important that you begin to think about the new year. What goals have you set for yourself as a freelance writer? How are you going to achieve these goals?
Last year, I had a record number of students join my freelance writing course during the months of November and December. The reason for this was simple: these people wanted to get off on the right foot when the new year finally came around.
At this time, there are three available spots. If you want to join me, as well as 20+ other students in working towards your goals in early 2012, contact me as soon as possible. As always, I don’t expect these openings to last much longer than a day – if that.
Even if you don’t come onboard, remember to start planning for 2012 today. It will be here before you know it!
As a freelance writer, most of your life is built around deadlines. One project is due today, another is due tomorrow, and a third one isn’t due until next month. Keeping all of this straight can be a pretty big task in its own right.
Like every writer, I do my best to meet every deadline – no matter how tight it may be. However, there may come a time when you overlook a deadline for one reason or the next. If this happens, follow these three tips:
1. Contact the client as soon as possible, making them aware of your situation. Chances are that if you miss a deadline altogether that the client is going to follow-up with you. Regardless, it is important that you stay in touch with the client. You don’t want to give the impression that you are being lazy or putting them off.
2. Offer to get the work done as soon as possible. If you miss a deadline, you should push the project to the top of your to-do list.
3. Go above and beyond. For example, you may offer a discount on the completed piece. Or maybe you can offer to write another article for free. This is not something you want to do but it can go a long way in keeping the relationship in good standing.
No matter if you know you are going to miss a deadline or it has come and gone, the above tips can help you smooth things over.
