freelance jobs, writing, design

Happy Halloween!

Posted October 31, 2007 in News Add Comment »

;)

Improve Your Professional Productivity - Get Rid Of Distractions

Posted October 30, 2007 in Productivity 9 Rockin' Comments »

Do you often feel that you are doing everything under the sun but the actual work? You know, the activity that gets you money? Distractions can be a big problem when you work on your own: although you have deadlines and commitments there is nobody breathing down your neck to see what you are actually doing.

You never realize when you stop your work and start playing an online game, chatting with someone you know, reading “interesting” stuff on various blogs and leaving prodigal comments, conversing over the phone, discussing politics with your spouse, or doing any of those hundred things that help you spend your time but don’t give you any real return.

I know a client who until a couple of years ago was running his online business from his basement (now he has an office); most of the time when his wife thought that he was promoting his work or processing client-queries he was playing online games. And he knew he shouldn’t be doing that because he repeatedly used to confess to me whenever we interacted while doing work. [Click here to read more →]

7 Painful Reasons Your Customers Break Up With You

Posted October 29, 2007 in Business, Marketing 16 Rockin' Comments »

You’ve heard it before: “It’s not you: It’s me.” Or perhaps you heard nothing at all, and the regular stream of customers who were once hot for you has slowed to a trickle.

But the truth of the matter that it is you, and unless you take immediate action to rekindle the flames, your customers and subscribers will move on to greener pastures. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Read on to find out why your profitable customers dump you, and what you can do to turn the tide. [Click here to read more →]

2007-10-28 Sunday Links Folder

Posted October 28, 2007 in Uncategorized 9 Rockin' Comments »

Sunday is here again (beautiful day here), time for a short break from “doing as much work as I can before Monday “. I read some really great posts this week, and I would like to share some of them with you folks.

Before you go read these posts, did you know that “Teaching Sells” is now live? This was created by Brian Clark and Tony D. Clark (they’re not related). There is also a free report available for download.

Now, on to the list :)

[Click here to read more →]

25 Reasons You Didn’t Get The Gig

Posted October 27, 2007 in Business, Marketing 33 Rockin' Comments »

These are some personal observations, reasons I probably would click away, not hire someone, not call back.

Combined with some personal experiences, and some reasons I believe I didn’t get a gig at some point. Gotta learn from our mistakes. :)

1- Your online portfolio is full of Adsense ads

This can be a huge turn-off. Someone does a search on Google, finds your site, clicks, sees the ads, and then leaves. It is possible to run Adsense on just about any website, but on an portfolio site (which is for you to showcase your work and get potential clients to contact you), Adsense may not be appropriate.

2- Where are the testimonials?

It is really ok to ask clients for testimonials, I rarely got a “no“. It definitely helps get the attention of first time visitors to your site. Sometimes you don’t really need to “shamelessly promote yourself“, let your previous and current clients speak for you. [Click here to read more →]

The Three Vital Rules of “Free”

Posted October 25, 2007 in Marketing 4 Rockin' Comments »

“Free.” What do I mean by that?

What I’m talking about is a popular marketing tool. A powerful tool, but often abused.

To be specific, I’m talking about when you give something away with the hope of gaining (or keeping) customers. It’s often risky to use this tool, but it can be used safely and effectively.

One of the best (and most commonly cited) examples is that of the Eastern food vendor at the food court in the mall. You probably know exactly what I’m talking about. You walk into the great circle of vendors… and are surrounded by a dozen choices. Each vying for your attention. You’re starving, but you can’t decide if you should get a salad or a hamburger.

But your state of indecision is interrupted by a polite young server, offering you a sample of the food from the Eastern vendor you’re standing next to. You take the sample, and before you know it, you’re at the counter. Ordering lunch. That’s the tool of “free” being used successfully. [Click here to read more →]