You may remember the library as the place where you did research for your school assignments, but there’s a lot more to most libraries these days.

In this post, I share a few free resources from the library that freelancers will find helpful. Most (but not all) local libraries offer these resources to local residents and/or library cardholders.

Resource #1: Books and Publications

It may seem obvious, but the library is a great source of books and publications–many of which have to do with your freelancing specialization. Make a regular effort to spend some time browsing through the stacks to see what books might help your freelancing business.

The periodicals section of the library is largely ignored by many freelancers. However, it contains a wealth of information for the savvy freelancer.

As you probably know, magazine subscriptions are pricey. Most libraries have a periodical section with hundreds of magazines available, ranging from popular publications to professional journals.

Writers who are interested in getting into print publications can browse through the periodical section in the library to get an idea of where to submit their queries. Designers and other creative professionals can find a wealth of inspiration in the magazine section.

Resource #2: Free WiFi

You like to get out of the house occasionally. Who doesn’t? You probably already do make use of many of the free WiFi spots in your area, but you probably overlooked the local library.

Many libraries offer free WiFi on their premises. This can be a great option for the freelancer whose internet went down or who just wants to get out of the house.

As an added bonus, most libraries tend to be quieter than many other free WiFi spots such as local coffee shops (which can be quiet noisy). During the day, you can ask to work in a study room for maximum concentration.

Resource #3: Classes and Meetings

Most local libraries also double as community centers. That means that they often have meeting rooms and classrooms available.

Whether you are looking to gain a new skill or to network, don’t overlook classes and meetings at your local library. Classes are often available to local residents for no cost or low cost.

As an example, a library near me is offering classes for adults on interviewing skills, a resume workshop, and a class on how to find a job online. A larger library (not too far away) has workshops for inventors, a class on how to get a grant, and a wide variety of language and computer classes.

If you’re knowledgeable about a particular topic, you may wish to inquire about offering a class as a community service. This can raise your visibility in the community.

Check your library’s website or give the library a call to see if they have any classes or meetings that you might be interested in.

Resource #4: Borrow eBooks

You may not realize it, but thousands of local libraries now allow cardholders to borrow eBooks for free.

If your library offers this service, you can borrow online from the library’s website if you have a Kindle, Nook, or other device for reading eBooks. (Check with your library for a list of compatible devices).

Borrowing an eBook can be a great option if you think that you won’t need to refer to the book more than once. It can also help you find great eBook resources that you ultimately want to buy and add to your professional eBook library.

Resource #5: The Reference Librarian

The reference librarian is another great resource for freelancers. Most larger libraries have one.

If you need to research something, the reference librarian can give you tips on where to find relevant information. The reference librarian is familiar with the materials available through the library and can often help you find online resources as well.

A good reference librarian can save you a significant amount of research time.

Your Turn

I’ve seen many posts predicting the death of the local library due to the accessibility of the internet and other online resources. Frankly, I think that these predictions miss the point of what a library really is, which is more than just a giant collection of paper books.

The local library may change, but I don’t think it will go away entirely. (At least, I hope not.)

As a freelancer, have you made use of your local library? What services does your library offer that might help freelancers?

Image by ESwift

One of things that I’ve discovered is that there are a huge number of photography resources out there. In this post I’ve tried to pull some of those resources together for you.

I’ve put together a list of some of the most popular and helpful sites about taking photos. I’ve also included a brief description of each site.

Please note, these are not stock image sites. If you are looking for information about using stock images, here are some tips for you.

Helpful Photography Resources

Are you trying to learn more about photography? Look no further. Here are 18 helpful resources (listed in alphabetical order) about photography:

1. 500px.com–This is a social media site just for photographers. If you want to see what good photography looks like and rate others photos, this is the site for you. You can also buy a print of your favorite photo.
2. About.com Photography Site–About.com’s helpful photography site is hosted by an experienced freelance photographer. You’ll find lessons, informative articles, and other tips for photographers.
3. All Day I Dream About Photography–This unique blog with the creative name features a different photographer each week. You will also find tutorials and news.
4. ASMP–This is the website of the American Society of Media Photographers, where you can find a myriad of helpful information as well as a local chapter. If you’re serious about photography, look into the member benefits including some discounts.
5. BetterPhoto.Com®–This is an online member community (with two paid levels) that features photography classes, a forum, and helpful articles. They can also help you (for a fee) create an online portfolio.
6. Cambridge in Colour–At this popular site you’ll find helpful tools such as a variety of unique photography-related calculators, plus well-organized tutorials, and a photography forum.
7. Digital Photography School–This is perhaps one of the best-known photography sites online, created by master blogger Darren Rowse. Here, you’ll find tips and tutorials, equipment reviews, photos from readers, and a forum.
8. The Luminous Landscape–This is a popular and well-liked site. It has articles, photos, product reviews, and tutorials.
9. National Geographic Photography–Over the years, the National Geographic magazine has been known for its spectacular photos. On this site you can also find photography tips. You can even buy prints here.
10. Nature Photographers Online Magazine–This is the official website of the Nature Photographers Network^TM. It’s a great site for inspiration (featuring a member photo of the month) as well as tutorials and forums.
11. Photo District News–This online magazine is directed towards the photography community. It includes equipment reviews, contests, and even classified ads.
12. PhotographyReview.com–This site is specifically geared to review cameras and equipment, but also includes some tutorial articles and forums.
13. PhotoPreneur–Do you want to make money with photography? This site addresses market opportunities available to photographers.
14. Phototuts–A great learning resource for anyone interested in photography. From how-to articles to tutorials to videos, you’ll find a wealth of information here.
15. Pixiq^TM–This popular photography site contains a wide variety of helpful materials including news, equipment reviews, tips and techniques, and more.
16. PopPhoto.com–This site includes a buying guide sponsored by the New York Institute of Photography as well as workshops, videos, reviews, and more.
17. The Royal Photographic Society–The Society, established in 1853 and headquartered in the UK, has a long history of educating the public about the art and science of photography.
18. Strobist®–This is a niche photography site with an emphasis on how to use flash and lighting effects to get the best results. All of the information on the site is free.

Note: Many of these photography sites contain a free section and a premium section with more material available for a nominal fee. In addition, most sites require users to register to make full use of the site.

Your Turn

Because there are so many photography resources out there, the previous list is by no means exhaustive.

Are you a freelance photographer? Do you have a favorite photography resource that I missed? If so, share it in the comments and tell a little bit about why you like it.

You know that it’s important to build relationships with your clients and prospects, but to be honest; you have trouble keeping track of them.

What if there was a tool that could help jog your memory about your clients and contacts and keep track of your last contact? That would save you time and possibly help you get more projects, right?

Well, guess what? Such a tool exists (and it’s not a card file or paper address book). In this post, I’ll briefly explain what customer relationship management (CRM) software does and list over twenty CRM options for freelancers.

What Is CRM?

What is customer relationship management and how can you use it? Several years ago, Thursday Bram wrote a great explanation here on Freelance Folder, The Freelancer’s Introduction to CRM.

Be sure to look at Thursday’s post for a more detailed explanation. In a nutshell, CRM software lets you keep a record of information about and your interactions with current and prospective clients. With the right CRM system, freelancers make sure that they follow through on every lead.

Thursday’s post recommended three CRM systems for freelancers:

1. ZOHO CRM. This is a great tool that integrates with many popular software tools. You can easily track leads, prospects, and business opportunities. There are various pricing levels available, depending on the number of users and there is also a mobile version.
2. Salesforce. Another good option for freelancers, Salesforce makes use of the sales cloud to let you find the information you need. There is a special focus on social media. You can integrate your email and pricing levels based on the number of users.
3. Highrise. This CRM tool can also help you to track clients and prospects. It interfaces with popular software. There’s even an iPhone app. It has several levels of service, and it is currently a pay as you go service.

Of course, there are even more CRM options available. Let’s take a look at some of those.

18 More CRM Tools

There are many other great CRM tools you may wish to consider for your freelancing business. In alphabetical order, here are eighteen more tools to consider:

1. BatchBook. This tool was designed specifically for small businesses with a limited budget. You can track contacts and even social media activity. There are currently five levels of service.
2. Big Contacts. Another great option for small businesses. This tool includes mobile access and features a unique contact dashboard. You can import contacts from other software.
3. Daylite. The CRM is designed specifically for the Mac. There’s a calendar and mail integration. There’s also an iPhone and iPad version of the tool for mobile freelancers.
4. Infusionsoft. This is another tool developed with the small business in mind. It’s focus is on CRM, marketing, and e-commerce. It also features strong email marketing tools.
5. Insight.ly. A user-friendly CRM featuring a way to keep track of all of your contacts. This tool is designed around Google Apps. You can also track tasks and milestones.
6. Landslide. This cloud-based CRM tool was recently acquired by j2 Global, so it will be interesting to see what develops. The tool has many features including social and mobile tools.
7. OnContact. This tool features automation and can also be used to improve client support service. There are three different levels of functionality available.
8. Oprius. Keep track of your professional relationships. Includes social media and email. There’s also a to-do list function. Designed for MLM businesses.
9. PipelineDeals. This tool includes contact management, custom reports, email integration. It also integrates with Google apps. Unlike other tools, there is currently one low price.
10. Plaxo. Use the cloud to track your contacts. Works like an online address book. There’s a free mobile interface and the basic version of this tool is currently also free.
11. Sage ACT!. This another customer relationship management option for freelancers. This tool even has accounting integration. It also integrates with other popular software tools.
12. Splendid CRM. This is an open source web-based CRM tool with various levels of functionality. It is a Microsoft Certified Partner.
13. Stride. This tool is geared to the small business person. The tool is in beta at the current time, but the pricing at the time of publication looked very affordable.
14. Stitch Labs. This new tool is geared towards those who sell products, although it could be used by others as well. Track the various channels you use to sell your products.
15. SugarCRM. This is another very popular open-source, web-based tool. Use the cloud, access it through mobile devices, and integrate with social media.
16. Vtiger. This online software application can help with your marketing needs and it’s comparable to some of the more expensive options. There are twenty different modules.
17. Work etc.. This tool integrates CRM, project management and billing from within Gmail. There are mobile and web apps available. It also integrates with Google Apps.
18. Xobni. This tool automates your address book using your Gmail and Outlook email accounts. There are versions for the Android, iPhone and Blackberry.

You can also find even more CRM tools listed in this post at Spyre Studios.

Your Turn

Do you use one of these CRM tools? Which one?

Did I leave out your favorite CRM tool? What is it?

Share your answers in the comments.

Image by klynslis

We’ve written plenty of posts about resources for freelancers. A few months ago, however, we asked you to share your favorite software tools. Many of you did just that.

In this post, we list those software tools that you said you loved in one convenient place–over 35 of them! We also invite those of you who may have missed the original open thread to once again share your favorite software with us. (Note: Some of these tools are open source or freeware although some do cost money. Where possible, I’ve identified the free tools.)

Administrative Tools

These software tools can help you run your freelancing business:

1. Basecamp–Allows you to manage projects using online collaboration tools.
2. curdbee–Helps you with invoicing and billing. The lowest level package is free.
3. Quoterobot –Helps you to create quotes and proposals.
4. WORKetc–Allows freelancers to manage projects, bills, and more.

Blogging Tools

Since most freelancers have a blog, these blogging tools can help:

1. LiveJournal–Site allows you to create a journal for free. You’ll get the chance to interact with thousands of other LiveJournal participants.
2. Windows Live Writer–Create blog posts and preview them online.
3. WordPress–Can be loaded onto your own site. You can also blog directly on the WordPress site at WordPress.com. WordPress is free.

Design Tools

If you’re a freelance designer, you may be interested in one or more of these tools:

1. Adobe Suite and Design Premium–The suite packages of Adobe apps was at the top of the list for many.
2. Adobe Illustrator–Allows you to draw and to modify drawings.
3. Adobe Indesign–Page layout tool for online publishers.
4. Inkscape–Open source tool allows you to edit SVG graphics.

Development Tools

These software tools are of particular interest to web developers and programmers:

1. Aptana Studio–Development tool for open source IDE development.
2. E Text Editor–Use this text editor to manipulate files quickly and easily.
3. Firebug–Open source tool to help you debug HTML and JavaScript.
4. Geany–Text editor based on GTK2 toolkit. This software is licensed under the terms of the GNU General Public License.
5. Greenshot–Open source tool that allows you to make screenshots.
6. Netbeans–Lets you develop Java, PHP, and C/C++ apps. This package is open-source and free
7. Notepad++–Free source code editor.
8. Zend Studio–Development and debugging tool for PHP applications.

Email Tools

Every freelancer needs an email package to stay in touch with clients and colleagues. Here are your favorites:

1. gmail–Google’s email package.
2. Yahoo! Mail– Another favorite email service.

Miscellaneous

These software tools didn’t fit into any particular category:

1. 1password–Helps you track and manage your passwords. Includes a version for Mac, Windows, Ipad, Ipod, Iphone, and Android.
2. Excel–Spreadsheet application is great for crunching numbers or keeping metrics.
3. Keepass–An open source tool to help you remember your passwords. This tool is open source.

Operating Systems & Web Browsers

This browser and this operating system are your top choices:

1. Chrome–Web browser from Google.
2. Ubuntu Linux –Top-notch open source operating system.

Photo Manipulation Tools

For photo manipulation, you liked these software tools:

1. Adobe Photoshop–Digital imaging and photography editing.
2. GIMP–GIMP is a free tool for image composition and photo retouching.
3. Photoshop Lightroom–Helps you to manage, edit, and manipulate photographs.

Productivity Tools

Every freelancer needs to work more effectively. Here are your favorite productivity tools:

1. Dropbox–Allows you to access files from multiple computers by storing them online. This tool is free for Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile use.
2. Evernote–Helps you to save ideas and find them when you need them. This app is free.
3. Focus Booster–Free online timer helps you to use the pomodoro technique to finish your tasks.
4. OS X: Launchbar–Tool for the Mac that acts as a super efficient file manager.
5. DragThing–Another Mac tool to help you organize your files.

Word Processing

These were your favorite word processing software packages:

1. Google Docs–Google tool lets you create and share documents online.
2. Microsoft Word–Popular word processing tool from Microsoft.

Your Turn

We freelancers need our software tools, but I’m sure this list is not complete. Did you miss the original post? Is your favorite software tool missing?

Why not add your favorite software tool (and a brief description) in the comments below?

Image by Brett Jordan

Because there are already several articles at Freelance Folder featuring established productivity tools and software, today I’ll introduce ten new productivity tools that were launched in 2011. Some are cool, some are trendy, some are fun, but all of them can be of great help in the right hands.

10 Productivity Tools

Here is a list of recently launched productivity tools for freelancers and others:

1. Filegoose is a web-based document management system that suits all kinds of users, from freelancers to large companies. It was designed for multiple users, allowing teams to share all types of documents, as well as to discuss files in real-time, view detailed statistics, and much more. There’s a handy savings calculator on site that shows you just how Filegoose can benefit your business through increased productivity.
2. SocialFolders is another document management platform with added functionality. The tool helps you share content anywhere between social sites like: Flickr, Facebook, Box.net, Google Docs, Instagram and many more; or copy between sites. The content is synced automatically daily, and you can even sync your SocialFolders across all your devices.
3. Sniget is a free business platform that helps you perform all your daily tasks. It features a bundle of productivity tools including: to do lists, a browser-based spreadsheet creator, a data collection tool for applications, questionnaires, and surveys, and much more.
4. The Interviewr is a brilliant tool for those who need to schedule and conduct, you guessed it, interviews. From journalists to bloggers and even human resources departments, there could be many uses for this particular tool. Interviewr is free, and you can use it to schedule, manage and record all your interviews. You can add notes, files and links that are relevant to each specific interview, and you can even set up alerts to remind you of the date and time of the interview as well.
5. Moredays is an image-centric calendar and planner, with scrapbook functionality. The innovation consists in that that your notes will be turned into “doodles” or “graphics” and that, instead of “tags” you’ll be using visual “stamps” to categorize your content. Moredays’ Sketcher saves all timely information about a new note, helping you better keep track of your actions. You could use Moredays to record the details of a meeting with a client and potential business partner.
6. SpiderScribe is a free online mind mapping tool, that can be used to collect files, notes, events and locations, and then organize them with a relevant mind map. Things get better. You can choose to share your mind map and brainstorm collaboratively with your partners. You can even edit shared mind maps simultaneously. The maps are stored in the cloud and can be accessed from anywhere.
7. Comunitee is a twist on social news networking. It allegedly learns from your behavior what news you like to explore, discover and share, and then it automatically shares the news with your friends and followers. There’s no need to connect your Facebook or Twitter accounts or click Follow, Tweet, Like, and Share for every story you find interesting.
8. Present.me is an excellent tool to record and share PowerPoint presentations. It’s ideal if you have to give a presentation, but cannot be there in person. You present your proposal into your webcam, clicking on the slides as you would if you were presenting to an audience. Present.me splits the screen in two, showing the slides at the left, and a video recording of you at the right.
9. Nimble is a nice, clean platform that combines a series of productivity tools, with social media monitoring and engagement tools. You can use it to manage existing contacts, but also to identify business critical influencers from the most popular social networks, and import them to your Nimble UI. Nimble also connects all your contacts, calendars, and conversations into one web-based interface, and lets you monitor and manage social media conversation from within the same platform.
10. Tree.io is the ultimate suite of productivity tools, and it is free for up to three users. It includes a project management platform, automated service support, sales management, messaging, contacts management, finance management, document storing and sharing, and calendars and reports. It is compatible with all browsers, and what’s best… Tree.io Mobile* works well on all popular smartphone and tablet platforms, such as iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, Bada, Palm WebOS, Symbian and MeeGo.

Your Turn

Are you using any of these new productivity tools? What is your favorite productivity tool?

Image by jimw

You can also use telephone or video conferencing to collaborate with clients and other outsourced staff on joint projects, such as a website, an article, or even a logo design. You can even set up training through a conferencing application.

Below are ten great conferencing apps for freelancers. Dozens of audio and video conferencing apps are available, but I’ve picked those that are either free or extremely affordable to make it easier for freelancers to use these tools.

4 Telephone Conferencing Apps

The following allow you to have an audio conference using either a regular phone, cellular phone or VOIP.

1. FreeConferenceCall.com is a free telephone conferencing service that uses regular phones. While the service is free, standard long-distance charges apply. Personally, I don’t like speaking on the phone. But you can’t beat telephone conferencing in simplicity. All you need is a telephone and you’re all set. Participants don’t need to be in front of a computer with a microphone or headset. Good ‘ol telephone also provides the best sound quality.
2. Leader Phone is available either free or paid depending on the features you want, provides audio conferencing only. Its simplicity is its best feature. After signing up for a free account, you get a dial-in number and PIN, and you can start an audio conference right away.
3. With Free Conference Calling, you can have free conference calls for up to 1,000 callers. Features include recording and an online conference manager. Attendees can dial in using a regular phone, a cell phone or VOIP.
4. BlackBerry Mobile Conferencing is a free app for Blackberry users. It makes audio conferencing extremely easy. Plus, you can have a telephone conference on the go.

6 Video Conferencing Apps

If you’re like me, you prefer to see the people you’re talking to. You may also want to share your computer screen or documents. If that’s the case, you’ll find these video conferencing applications useful.

5. iVisit allows you to video conference with up one other person with a free account, and up to 8 users with a paid one. It also offers screen sharing and document sharing. If you want to use your Windows mobile device, you’ll need a different subscription.
6. BT Engage Meeting & Mobile lets Android phone users run video meetings with their phone or tablet using this app. However, you must already be using one of BT Conferencing’s many services, which include audio conferencing, web conferencing, and video conferencing.
7. ooVoo is an easy-to-use video conferencing app. It has a desktop version, as well as apps for several mobile devices (iPhone, Android, windows, Mac, iPad, ThinkPad, etc). With a free account, you can have a video chat with up to six people, share documents and photos, and send files. You can also record your video conferences. I’ve been using ooVoo with my mastermind group partners to record weekly updates. It takes us all of 30 minutes to record and upload the video to YouTube.
8. vBuzzer offers either a telephone conference or a web conference. For $10 a month, you can have unlimited telephone conferences. The site was unclear on how much web conferencing costs.
9. Open Tok provides several free apps you can use to embed video chat rooms on your website or blog. There’s an app for WordPress or any HTML site, Drupal and more. You can also embed a TokBooth and let visitors send you video messages through your website. Depending on your market, this could be an exciting way for your prospects and clients to send you their questions, give feedback, or ask for support.
10. PalTalk SuperIM URL lets you share your URL with others, and you can have a voice and video chat with up to ten people for free. All they need is a computer with a web browser, mic and webcam. Your participants don’t even have to download the app. This may be the best option if you need to have a video conference with clients who can’t be bothered to figure out how to install apps.

Your Choice

These are only some of the options available right now, if you need to get several people on a conference call, want to see people you’re chatting with, or collaborate on a document together in real time, without emailing it back and forth.

Because of all the apps available, I may have missed your favorite. Do you use telephone or video conferencing in your freelancing business? How? And which app do you use?

What is an office productivity software suite? Simply put, it is a group of business-oriented software packages that are bundled together for distribution. The most common bundles include word processing and spreadsheet software, but other bundle configurations exist as well.

Office productivity suites used to cost businesses hundreds of dollars, but freelancers should be aware that many low cost and even free options are now available. In this list, I’ve included 13 of the most popular office productivity software suites.

13 Office Productivity Suites

In no particular order here are thirteen choices for office productivity software:

1. Google Apps for Business. Google’s office suite includes a selection of office productivity tools including enhanced-for-business versions of Gmail, Google Talk, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Sites, and Google Video. Several pricing options are available, based on the size of your business, and limited-time free trial is also available.
2. LibreOffice Productivity Suite. This free office productivity suite comes from the not-for-profit organization, The Document Foundation. Applications include Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Base, and Math. Because it’s free, support comes primarily from the community of users and the developers. The license for this suite is LGPL, meaning it can be customized as needed.
3. OpenOffice. Another free office productivity suite. The following are included in this suite: Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Base, and Math. Oracle is the primary contributor of code to OpenOffice, but other major companies also contribute. For technical support, they offer a forum and a FAQ site as well as a user guide.
4. Microsoft Office. The Microsoft Office Suite has a variety of configurations from home use to student use to use by various size businesses. Depending on the configuration, the applications included in the suite can change, but it usually includes at least Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. The suite is not free (although some versions may have a free trial), but there are a huge number of free templates available on the Microsoft site.
5. WordPerfect Office X5. Another office productivity suite that offers multiple configurations based on the customer need. The home and student version includes software for word processing, spreadsheets, slideshows and presentations, and a digital notebook. Free trials are available although the productivity suite is not free. Some templates are also available. Support plans are available and there is also knowledgebase of frequently asked questions.
6. Zoho. Zoho offers a large number of productivity software tools, but as far as I could tell they are not packaged together in a suite. As of the time of publication, Zoho products were free for personal use, although the site stated that business and corporate users may be charged. Some Zoho tools that may be of particular interest include: Writer, Sheet, Show, and Calendar. Support is available.
7. Quickoffice & OfficeSuite Pro5. While these are technically not office suites themselves, these apps give the capability to access your Microsoft Office files from your mobile device. For the freelancer on the go this means mobility. OfficeSuite Pro5 is specifically for the Android Market. Quickoffice can work with a variety of mobile devices.
8. PlusOffice Free 3.0. A freeware package is based on OpenOffice. Use this on Windows 7/Vista (I did not see a Mac version). The suite includes a text editor, spreadsheet, presentation package, and more. Compare with commercial packages.
9. IBM (r) Lotus (r) SmartSuite (r). This suite will cost money, but the product also has the support of IBM. It includes Word Pro (r), Freelance Graphics (r), and Approach (r). Additional software options are available for an added cost.
10. ThinkFree. This office productivity prides itself on being compatible with MS Office. Use it for word processing, creating spreadsheets, and presentations. There are many versions of this suite available, including one for the Windows, the Mac, Linux, and even Android operating systems. Even though this suite costs money, you can download a trial version.
11. KOffice. This is another free office productivity suite alternative. It includes KWord (a word processor), KCells (a spreadsheet) and Showcase (presentation software). Because it’s free, it largely depends on volunteers and users to maintain and update it. There is a Userbase and forum.
12. NEOOffice. This is an office suite specifically for MAC OS X. They’ve even included a mobile version that can be accessed remotely. It is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL). It is funded entirely by user donations.
13. Softmaker. This office productivity suite includes TextMaker (word processing), PlanMaker (spreadsheet), and Presentations. There are multiple versions available including a mobile version. This package does cost money.

Whichever package you choose, always make sure that you understand the licensing agreement (and any limitations) that comes with your software.

Your Turn

Do you have a favorite office productivity software suite? What is it?

Share your favorites in the comments below. If you know of any packages we’ve left off the list, share that too.

Image by ford

The choice is so great that sometimes you just don’t know which tool to add to your writer’s toolkit first. This post should help with that problem.

However, it’s also worth noting that only a few of the software tools and other resources that are out there are unique. Most software packages are variations of already established solutions.

In my opinion the following list, grouped by categories, showcases some of the most useful resources of their kind. Some of these resources are even free!

Office and Billing Tools

To start off our list, here are some office and billing tools:

1. OpenOffice. The free alternative to Microsoft Office, it provides all the features and tools you need as a professional writer. Don’t be discouraged by the fact that it’s open source: it’s well worth it. Also consider LibreOffice, which has branched off of OpenOffice.
2. RightSignature. Use it to get your clients to electronically sign invoices or contracts, without having to rely always on fax. It’s also available as an iPhone app.
3. Timeloc. This is a light tool that helps you keep track of ongoing projects done for different clients, with different billing rates. It includes plenty of useful little features like sound alerts.
4. Ora Time and Expense. This tool lets you keep a close account of current and completed tasks, run a timer, and track expenses.
5. BillMyClients.com. A powerful invoicing tool, BillMyClients allows to you save invoices whenever you want. It lets you customize the invoice template, and have invoices done automatically on set dates. It works with PayPal.
6. InvoiceMachine.com. This package helps you create invoices that look professional by letting you use colors and logos. It is a useful tool because it can save invoices as PDFs.
7. InvoiceJournal.com. InvoiceJournal lets you send invoices through the mail or email while using different currencies. Free.
8. GetHarvest.com. One of the best tools out there for tracking time spent on projects, it can be integrated into WordPress or used with the iPhone.
9. Rates Calculator on FreelanceSwitch.com. This helpful little calculator gives you an idea of how much you should charge for your work. After answering questions about your skills, goals, and qualifications, you get an approximate price per hour.

Storage Tools

Here are some tools to help with your storage needs:

10. DivShare. A great alternative for storage, it also offers 5GB storage for free.
11. First Backup. Powerful hard-disk backup tool, it helps you keep your essential working files protected. Different account plans are available.

Communication

The following tools can help with your communication needs:

12. Gizmo5 (now Google Voice). This tool helps you make international calls that are up to 98% cheaper than those offered by your network operator.
13. Skype. Skype is probably the most accessible tool for calling clients directly from your computer and discussing the projects with them.
14. Yugma. Yugma is amazing since it lets you video chat online for free.

Fonts

Are you you looking for more fonts? Look here:

15. Better Fonts. BetterFonts is a great resource for fonts. It provides thousands of fonts that are great for your documents.
16. Dafont. Dafont is another great online resource for fonts (probably the best?). It provides thousands of free fonts, in all shapes and sizes.
17. Urban Fonts. This is an alternative to Dafont. It features a smaller, but more provocative, selection of fonts.

Stock Photos

Writers often need stock photos. Here are some great sources:

18. Stock Xchng. It offers tons of free photos that you can use in your articles or blog posts.
19. Flickr. Of the many photos available for use on the Web, the ones featured on Flickr are some of the best you can get for blog posts. (Be sure to check the licensing since it may vary depending on the photo.)

SEO Tools

Here is an SEO tool freelance writers may wish to consider:

20. WordTracker. This is a potent tool that you can use to look up the keywords you plan to use in your next SEO articles.

Your Turn

This is just a partial list of the resources out there, made up of some of my favorites.

What are your favorite tools and resources for freelance writers? What’s in your writer’s toolkit? Share your answers in the comments.

Image by Neil T.

As you’ll see below, various apps will help you perform various aspects of writing, from researching to brainstorming, to actually writing, and tracking your work.

This has big implications for you, if you’re a writer (or a blogger) with an iPhone. It means no moment need be idle. No bright idea needs to be forgotten. No snippets of your next, or first, great novel need go unrecorded. Even if it appears in the middle of the night. You can, with your handy, dandy iPhone, capture it.

Don’t have an iPhone? Most of these apps can be used in an iPod Touch and iPad as well. Others have versions for other smart phones, so keep reading.

Research

Much of writing does not wait for inspiration. Rather, it’s fueled by research. Your iphone can help you find information when you need it, and record it for easy reference when you’re ready to write.

1. Wikipanion. This is the app that brings Wikipedia to your iPhone. With font size controls and other features, Wikipanion is a much easier and more pleasant way to access Wikipedia than by using your phone’s web browser.
2. Evernote. If you already use Evernote on your desktop computer, you’ll expand its usefulness by having it on your iPhone as well. This app syncs with your desktop account, so you can record information on your iPhone then access it later on your desktop.
3. Google Mobile. Sure, you can always use Google on your web browser. But then you wouldn’t be able to search by using your voice or pictures. Pretty neat, huh?
4. Voice Memos. This app comes preloaded in newer iPhones and allows you to record any audio. It’s perfect for recording audio reminders, snippets of text that come to you when pen and paper aren’t handy, and for many other uses.
5. Dragon Dictation. This voice recognition app records your speech and instantly transcribes it. You can then edit then copy and paste into an email or other application. You gotta admit, speaking is faster than typing, especially on the iPhone’s very tiny keyboard.
6. Camera. Your iPhone’s camera can help you capture images that inspire you, take pictures of people you interview, or make a visual record of an interesting place or object you want to write about later on. You probably always have your phone with you, which means you’ll never miss a photo opportunity again.

Brainstorming

If you need help to brainstorm ideas or topics, you’ve got plenty of apps to choose from:

7. Idea Generator. This app is super simple, but it’s ultra useful when you’re brain-dead but have to write. Right now. It generates three random words, which will hopefully get your writing juices flowing. But it doesn’t stop there, you can select the language and customize it other ways.
8. Method Cards. This app gives you cards, which you can use to generate ideas, look for inspiration, raise questions, get a different point of view on something… the possibilities are endless (especially if you get the paid app with 51 cards. The free version has only 8 cards)
9. Creative Whack Pack. With this app, you get 84 creativity strategies and workshops designed to “stimulate your thinking.” Watch out, you’ve got no excuse for your writer’s block now.
10. iStop WritersBlock. If you write fiction, iStop WritersBlock will help you get ideas for plots, plot twists and even characters. It’s even got writing challenges and other features to get you to the last page of your novel.
11. Mindjet. I don’t know about you, but mind mapping has become an indispensable writing tool for me. In fact, this post started its life as a mindmap. Mindjet lets you create visual maps on your cellphone so you can map out ideas, outlines for articles and many more.
12. iBlue Sky. Another mindmapping software that allows you to, not only brainstorm, but also to plan tasks, analyze, summarize, solve problems and so much more.
13. Writing Prompts. Writing.com gives you an app, which generates prompts for anything from words, colors, genres and writing types. Plus, you’ll get access to the 600 creative writing prompts from the site. It also lets you save your favorite prompts.

Writing

Your iPhone may be a tiny device, but yes, you can actually write in it! These apps make it easier:

14. My Writing Spot. My Writing Spot provides a clutter-free writing environment on your iPhone, so you can write on the go. You’ll also have access to a dictionary and thesaurus, font controls, autosave, and word count.
15. Office.² If you prefer to write using Microsoft Word, Office2 will let you edit your Microsoft Word and Excel documents. It’s also compatible with Google Docs and MobileMe, so you can access your files from your iPhone. You’ll even be able to do text and paragraph formatting.
16. Writer’s Studio. With this app, not only can you write, you can create an entire book! Format text, add images and graphics, lay out the pages–even embed music and a voice recording!
17. TextGuru. Another app that lets you create and edit documents on your iPhone. It supports all kinds of documents, including HTML! You can even preview web documents. I may not need to sit in front of my desktop to edit sales pages, after all.
18. EasyWriter Pro. Made originally for writing emails on your iPhone, EasyWriter Pro gives you a wide keyboard for easier typing. You can also use text clips and autotext to type faster. Spell check increases your accuracy. Its uses don’t have to be limited to emailing.
19. Word Count. A simple app for a simple task. Need to know how long your written piece is? Copy and paste it into the app, and it gives you the number of words, characters (with and without spaces), lines, and paragraphs.

Blogging

Freelancers who are also bloggers need some type of blogging app. I wish there were better options than the ones listed below, but I haven’t found any.

20. WordPress. Write and publish blog posts, moderate, edit and reply to comments, add photos to your posts on your WordPress blog. All of that is possible on your iPhone with this app.
21. BlogPress. This blogging app supports, not only WordPress, but also Blogger, Movable Type, TypePad, LiveJournal, Drupal, Joomla, tumblr and Squarespace. Aside from writing and publishing posts, you can also insert photos and YouTube videos, and use simple HTML to make links and format your text. It even lets you announce your new posts in your Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Vocabulary

Good writing is all about using the perfect word to express what you want to convey. These apps will help you do that.

22. Dictionary.com. With this free app, you’ll have 1 million words and 90,000 synonyms and antonyms on your fingertips. You’ll also have access to the website’s Dictionary of the Day feature, so you can learn even more words.
23. Concise Oxford English Dictionary. When I worked in UNICEF, this dictionary was our deciding authority on how to spell, pronounce and use words. If you rely on it too, you’ll want to have this app.
24. WordBook English Dictionary & Thesaurus. WordBook is one of the bestselling dictionary apps on iTunes. It’s a dictionary and thesaurus in one, and also includes pronunciation guides, word links, vocabulary builder, and the ability to supplement its contents with web dictionaries.
25. Vocabdaily. If you like Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day, then this free app is for you. It pulls the most recent words from the Merriam-Webster site, so you can learn new words, hear the correct pronunciations, and bookmark your favorite ones.
26. SAT Vocabulary Builder. You don’t have to be a 12th grader to appreciate this app. This app brings you the most commonly tested vocabulary words on the SAT and ACT exams and gives you four different ways to learn them. This app is designed to help you learn and memorize words quickly.
27. Word of the Day. No-muss, no-fuss, you get a new word and its definition every day.

Productivity

Because we write for a living, it’s imperative that we’re able to write–and write well–in as short a time as possible. These apps help with productive writing.

28. Meditate. This app was created to time meditation, but who says you can’t use it to time your writing sessions instead? If you’re more productive when writing in timed bursts, then you’ll find this app useful.
29. Pomodoro Time Management. Remember my post about Pomodoro Time Management and how it can help you become more productive? Well, there’s an app for that.
30. WriteChain. WriteChain is a word count app, but it’s more than that. It tracks the amount of writing you’ve done, creating a chain every day you write. When you miss writing for a day, the chain is broken. In short, it motivates you to write every day, because, you know, writers write.

Work Management

These apps help you manage your written work.

31. Dropbox. Dropbox is one service I use every day. Not only does it back up your files in real time, but it syncs them and keeps 30 days worth of versions. It’s great for accessing your files anywhere, and lets you sleep soundly at night, knowing your precious writing is safe and sound.
32. SaiSuke. This schedule management app helps you keep track of writing deadlines. It’s synchronizes with Google calendar, so you can see and modify events on your desktop as well as on your phone.
33. WorkLog. WorkLog is a handy tool for writers who charge by the hour. Track your work time, calculate fees, generate reports for clients, and export to a variety of calendars, such as Google, iCal and Outlook.

I hope this post has given you ideas for getting more writing done with your mobile devices.

Tell Me

Did I miss any of your favorite writing tools? If so, share them with our readers in the comments below.

We’re always on the lookout for tools that will help us do our work better and more easily as freelancers.

Image by Johan Larsson

In this post, I’ll discuss what crowdsourcing is and explain how the new hybrid crowdsource agencies have evolved away from the spec model. I’ll also provide examples of four of those new agencies.

What Is Crowdsourcing?

Crowdsourcing as a set of principles, processes and platforms isn’t all about doing spec work. Spec work can be an element of some creative contests out there such as design and naming, however, for the most part, crowdsourcing companies are compensating workers for work and workers can bid on jobs without having to turn over a nearly finished product.

Nowhere is there a “rule book” that says crowdsourcing should translate into getting work done for free. Crowdsourcing starts with an online crowd, an open call that goes out to the crowd, and a system for receiving and managing input from the crowd. Crowdsourcing happens because of the Internet and Internet technologies that allow companies to cast a wide net to reach workers and participants. After that, it is up to the crowdsourcing company or site and the workers themselves to agree on–or accept–the terms.

There are more and more hybrid creative agencies forming that carefully vet their crowd, meaning that they only allow people into their crowd community who have specific skills rather than allowing anyone to participate. They hand-pick workers for a project based on a proposal in response to a client’s creative brief. Then they pay members of their crowd community for work rendered.

Four New Model Crowd Source Agencies

Here are some agencies that bring freelancers into vetted and managed communities, particularly creatives and marketers, and that use a more typical bidding approach where the best proposal wins the job or a portion of the job.

• blur Group–This UK-based full-service “integrated creative agency” leverages crowdsourcing to create a “services exchange” that taps into solo creatives and smaller agencies as their “crowd.” They gather and manage five specific crowds: designers, writers, marketers, photographers/videographers/artists and innovators or entrepreneurs. As an agency, they work closely with clients to develop creative briefs that are put out as an open call to the relevant crowd. Then they help narrow down the choices to find the right person or people for a particular job. Compensation is pretty much market value and being part of their communities means you are privy to multiple open calls each month.
• GeniusRocket–Focusing on video content production for television and Web as well as animation and motion graphics, GeniusRocket holds creative contests, but with the assurance that creatives are paid. They call their model of carefully vetting participants Curated Crowdsourcing and their crowd members can pitch ideas first rather than doing work on spec in the hopes of winning the contract. Participants submit their ideas privately and they retain ownership of any ideas they submit.
• Victors and Spoils–This is an ad agency that works with top brands such as Harley Davidson, Gap and Levi’s. They have account directors, strategy directors and creative directors on staff, but they are also “built on crowdsourcing principles” and manage a carefully vetted creative community of writers, artists, art directors, designers, producers and strategists. They match creatives to the right creative brief and manage and pay them for the work they do or for ideas the client buys.
• Whinot–What began as a marketing and business consultancy with a crowdsourcing component is morphing into a more sustainable model that may become closer to “Expert Sourcing.” The new site and business model is still under wraps, but it is worth reading about the lessons the company learned from its first iteration and finding out more about their new direction.

Your Turn

For freelancers, being a part of agencies with a crowdsourcing component can be like having a business development department drumming up work opportunities. Sure, you still have to win the business, but you usually don’t have to create work on spec in these work eco-systems, and when you win the business, you get paid.

Do you know of any other new hybrid agencies that don’t require work on spec? Share your answer in the comments.

Image by IAN RANSLEY DESIGN + ILLUSTRATION