Start on projects early.  If you know it’ll take you 5 days, don’t want until T-minus 5 days to start the project.  You don’t know what unexpected interruptions could slow you down, and you’re risking finishing the project late if you only give yourself enough time to finish it under ordinary circumstances.  If it’ll take you 5 days and it’s due in 2 weeks, start now.  You might have it done in 5 days, but you’ve gotten an early start and will probably finish it early.  And you’ve got a built-in cushion if something should go wrong.

If you start the project earlier, you won’t have to rush, which can cause problems.  You’ll be done early enough to be able to revise a little more before turning it in, too. While you might take a certain sense of pride in starting a project at zero hour and getting it done on time, how much better would it be if you’d had a day between writing and revising? 

A freelancer who delivers not just on time, but before the scheduled deadline, will stick out in a client’s mind.  You might benefit by getting more assignments or getting special rush assignments, for more pay, because you’re so reliable. You also might get some referrals from this client, because you started earlier and turned in great work ahead of schedule.

Don’t underestimate the opposite effect, what happens when you turn work in late or in less-than-stellar condition, even if you’ve always been reliable before.  That project that’s a week overdue might be a crucial one with other decisions and their own clients hinging on its completion.  No matter how much great work you’ve given them before, certain circumstances could make that one mistake the last you’ll ever make for that client.

Organizing your freelance life might seem daunting and will take a little time in the beginning, but once you get a system in place, every day will go much more smoothly and you’ll get more done in less time. The more organized you are when it comes to time and money, the more you’re freed up to do the creative work within that frame, and the more successful you’ll be.

Make a schedule and stick to it.  Look at your projects, and block out hours of your work day for certain tasks.  A common freelancing mistake is underestimating the time a project will take, so in the beginning, make a guess and add a few hours of extra time to your estimate just in case.  At worst, you’ll allot too much time and have that left over to do more prospecting or get a head start on another project.

Another common mistake when scheduling freelance work time is to only consider the actual work.  If you’re scheduling your writing or design time, and it’s going to take you 14 hours to do a project, it might be tempting to schedule two days to complete it at 7 hours each, and call those your work days.  But you have many other tasks to complete in a day like dealing with emails or phone calls, prospecting for new clients, billing completed projects and hey, don’t forget those breaks! Schedule all these things at specific times within your day so you have an accurate picture of what you need to do, and it will be easier to stay on track, be more efficient, and avoid squandering away your valuable time.

All freelancers have a few easy clients who assign a project, disappear into the background while you do your work, pay promptly and cause few problems. And then there are clients with their peculiar quirks, who are great in one way and more difficult in others, and of course, the downright picky and difficult clients. Chances are good you won’t know which category a client falls into until you’ve already accepted the job.  You’ll get some who seem to want to make every decision for you, some who give no direction but then complain that what you’ve done isn’t what they had in mind, some who just don’t understand the technical side of things and make suggestions that would basically undermine everything you do. 

When a client insists on backseat driving while you maneuver your way through the project, you can let them—to an extent.  Make it clear that you appreciate knowing exactly what they want, but that you’re happy to do the work without quite so much involvement.  Sometimes a client can be so specific about their needs, it almost seems that they would have been better off simply doing it themselves.  When you come across a client like this, weigh your frustration against your income from the job and decide if it’s worth it to do projects for this client in the future.

Clients who take an opposite approach can be frustrating, too.  When you first start working with a client, you might not know if one who gives little direction will be one who leaves the creative and technical concerns to you and will be happy with your judgement, or they’ll end up upset because you can’t read minds and didn’t deliver quite what expected.  When a client gives little direction, ask pointed questions in the beginning to get as much input as possible, and make sure they’re aware that  changes caused because you weren’t given enough information won’t be included in your original price quote.

Continuing education is a great way to make sure you always know what’s new in your field.  Classes and workshops, of course, are an easy way to stay abreast of the latest search engine techniques or design principles.  But there are other ways to continue your education and keep yourself valuable as a freelancer in an ever-changing marketplace.

Participate in industry forums, message boards and mailing lists.  Before you’re able to find 20 articles online about that new trend in Internet marketing, you’ll hear about it extensively on a business message board. If you’re seeing freelance programmers start to talk about a style that’s taking off with their clients, you’ll know it’s time to look into it for your own business.

Are several of your peers considering taking a certain course or workshop, or learning a specific skill?  There’s a reason for that.  Look into it for yourself so you’re ready when a potential client mentions something that will require those new skills of yours.

Continuing education is valuable for freelancers who want to expand to new areas, too, not just to learn what’s “hot” and “now.”  Take courses in your field to expand your knowledge and make yourself a more valuable freelancer able to do more things and handle projects larger in scope.  If you’re a web designer, for instance, consider learning the basics of writing for the web, so you can take on complete websites in the future rather than just handle the design.  If you’ve only ever written grants, look into learning how to write search-engine optimized articles or sales letters.

And don’t overlook continuing education for you when it comes to personal productivity.  Don’t limit yourself to learning only about your work; take workshops and classes on how to organize yourself, how to keep good records and how to find new clients. If you can learn new skills in business organization and financial record-keeping, it’s time well spent and will let you devote more time to actually doing your work.

It sounds easy enough to decide on an amount per hour that you want to earn, and you should think this way.  But as a freelancer, it’s more likely that you’ll be billing per project rather than per hour, unless you tend to work on long-term projects where you are paid per hour by agreement.  Freelance writers will probably bill per article, press release, grant or other project, where designers might bill by website, logo or other graphic creation.

In the beginning, you could very well end up working for far less than your ideal hourly rate, simply because you underestimate the amount of time a project will take.  If you quote a client a rate of $150 for a project based on your desire to earn $45 an hour, for example, and the job takes you 7 hours, or 12, you’ve undercut yourself by quite a bit.  Those are live and learn moments—it might take doing a certain type of project a few times before you come up with the right quote for the time you’ll be spending. Among new freelancers that’s a common phenomenon.

So how do you decide which hourly rate is reasonable? Don’t pluck the number out of the air. Look at your competitors and other people in your industry, even contact a few and simply ask about how their rates break down per hour, and set your prices accordingly.  Be sure to consider your experience when choosing your prices, but don’t undervalue yourself even if you’re just starting out.  Find a few freelancers in your field with years of experience and some fairly new freelancers. Think of their rates the far ends of the scale, and choose yours based on where your experience lands you in that range. As you gain more experience, your rate can climb the scale accordingly.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s impossible to get into a rut when you freelance.  It might not be as easy to stagnate as a freelancer than in that corporate cubicle job, but it can happen.  When you face new projects with little excitement, or find yourself, in the middle of projects, wishing a particular client wouldn’t call on you again, or even feeling like you hate certain projects, it might be that you’re stagnating as a freelancer.  What do you do? Stir things up a bit.

Prospect for new clients

Of course, you should be doing this anyway unless you’re guaranteed all the work you handle for some time.  But this time, go beyond your comfort zone a little.  Cold call that company you dreamed of working for but never tried before.  Bid on a project that’s different from the ones you typically do, to challenge yourself. Do something different.

Learn a new skill

Get a new piece of design software and learn how to use it.  If you’ve passed on jobs before because you weren’t familiar with a certain type of code or style sheet, take steps to learn that now so you’ll have more diversity in the future.  If you’ve only ever written web content, invest in learning how to write grants, press releases or ebooks so you can take on a larger variety of projects.

Take a break

You could be stagnating because you simply need a little more time away from the work.  Schedule yourself a short vacation in the near future, or loosen your daily schedule a little to allow for more downtime.  If your “office” is actually part of another room, like your bedroom, you’ve fallen into the work-from-home trap of making it seem like you’re at work 24 hours a day!  Consider setting up a separate office so that when you’re in bed or just relaxing in your private space, you’re not faced with the projects waiting to be done.

Nowadays more and more home offices are becoming popular, basically because of the increase of outsourced jobs over the internet. Thus, most of us start to work at home, since this is the place where we are most comforted. But just like the typical office, or home-based job needs equipment that would cater to our home office needs. But what exactly are the things you need in your home office?

Comfortable chair

Among other things, you would most be in need is a comfortable chair, since this would serve as your throne as you do your work at home. This doesn’t have to be an office chair, as long as you enjoy sitting on it and that it helps you access your other needs. Your chair must have a good, durable cushion and backrest, since you would be spending most of your working hours in this piece of furniture.

Reliable computer

Of course, this goes without saying. You will be doing all your tasks and assignments via the computer, thus you need one badly. It doesn’t really matter if it’s a desktop or a laptop, as long as its specs cater to all your needs and requirements at work. You also need a stable internet connection so you don’t get delayed in submitting your work online. Remember that you will be dealing with clients from different parts of the globe, so you have to keep up with different time zones.

Post-its, markers and pens.

Online or home-based jobs do not require much paper work however, you will still be in need of office supplies such as the ones mentioned. It sometimes helps in keeping track with your finished and pending tasks when you write them down on paper, so you won’t be delayed on your projects. You can tack your post-its on the sides of your monitor so you see which work assignments do you have to finish today.

Nice desk

Aside from a comfortable chair, you need a highly durable table. This doesn’t have to be like the typical bulky table you find in the office, as long is it can accommodate all your things as well as free space where you can do your other work and non-work related activities. You can opt for a table that has rollers under it, so you can easily move it wherever you want to work.

Mp3 player

Of course you do need to relax a bit. You can’t just stress yourself at work since it will only delay your job. A good way to unwind even while sitting on your office chair is by listening to music. Get yourself a reliable iPod or mp3 player and listen to your favorite tracks during breaks or while doing your work. Music helps a lot in giving us the drive to work, and at the same time prevents us from getting tired easily.
These are only among the few things you need in your home office. If you can think of other tools, and equipment, then you can include them in your list as well.

So how can you keep yourself fit and healthy while working in a desk job? Below are a few effective tips that can keep you stay looking fabulous inside and out even while in the midst of stressful office work:

1. 1. Eat a good breakfast- you must expect that your day at the office will be filled with paperwork, meetings and all other situations which you don’t normally encounter, thus you have to prepare yourself for it. At the same time boredom in the office can actually drain your strength since you would be looking for something worthwhile to do. To prevent yourself from being stressed and restless, be sure that you have eaten a full, healthy breakfast before going to work, since this will supply you the energy you need to last the whole day.
2. Get some exercise-why not take a walk on your way to the bus stop, or stretch your muscles before you take your seat in your cubicle? This way your muscles wake up and become energized as well, and they will take part in keeping you alert and awake all day. They also give you the adrenaline rush during urgent meetings, assignments and emergency situations that would be given to you in the office.
3. Bring in sweets- when working in the office, there are only two kinds of days: the busy days and the lazy days. The busy days are like holidays; you can count them with your fingers. The lazy days meanwhile make up most of the calendar, and during these days when you have nothing to do but face the normal office routine, you get bored and lazy. To prevent yourself from feeling this way, why not grab some sweets while doing your job. Chewing on some gum or candy will keep you awake as you do even the most boring office task, not to mention maintain your energy levels high as well.
4. Get a bowl of salad for lunch. One of the healthiest foods you can have during lunch time is salad. It’s light and filled with nutritious ingredients ranging from vegetables, fruits and meat pieces. Unlike carbohydrate-rich foods that make you sleepy after lunch, veggies keep you on the beat, thus you stay vibrant even at the most boring hours of work. Your cells would feel rejuvenated as well.
5. Feed your mind-it’s not only your body that needs to be kept healthy, but your mind as well. To get away from the laziness, get a book or newspaper and read for a while. This enhances your brain’s strength against stress, and perks you up to a happier disposition as you go along your office job. That would complete a healthy body for you while at the office.

1. Odesk.com – Odesk is probably among the most popular job boards that offer freelance projects for content writers, web designers and other online jobs. Work here comes cheap; however you do get to exercise your skills through the various opportunities that you can avail of. Most jobs offered are web designing and programming, so if you belong to this field then this is the place to go.
2. Craigslist.com – Another job directory most freelancers go to is Craigslist. Craigslist is an all-around classified ads site which you can go to in search of people, things and services. Craigslist offers a list of freelance jobs as well, such as medical transcription, writing, web designing and programming, and other online projects. You must be aware though, that unlike other job boards Craigslist doesn’t have to do anything between you and your client, so be extra careful when getting projects from them.
3. E-lance.com-  If you want to get quality jobs from trusted clients, then E-lance is the site to go to. E-lance.com is the hub where serious clients and freelancers meet; and is as well as the place where real projects are available. E-lance observes high standards and quality among its registered freelancers, so you have to be at your best when getting projects otherwise you might be banned from the site.
4. Guru.com – One of the safest places to find freelance jobs is Guru.com. You can find a wide variety of jobs ranging from web design to writing to database. Guru.com also protects you from scams via its escrow payment system, so you are assured that your clients will pay you.
5. Sologig.com – Meanwhile, to those who are looking for one-time but big time projects, then you can check out the listings at Sologig.com. Here you can find good listings of freelance jobs, most of them part time or immediate projects. There are also full time positions as well.
6. GetAFreelancer.com – GetAFreelancer.com is among the most popular job directories for freelance writers, web designers, programmers and the like. You can find a long list of different freelance jobs which you can avail of. You do must be good on the bidding process so you can get the job.
7. Jobs.Freelanceswitch.com – If you meanwhile want to check first on the job description before taking it, then the Freelance Switch Jobs Board is the place you should visit. The site offers quality work with detailed project descriptions to help you decide before taking it. You also have the option of becoming a premium user, where you have to pay $7 to know where to directly contact your prospective clients.

The style in which you present yourself at work clues your employer in on both your personality as well as your work ethic.  Unless your job requires you to wear a uniform, choosing work attire becomes more than a simple task of picking out clothes.  It is ultimately a way to make a statement. Follow the key pointers listed below to ensure you are making the right statement before you head out the door in the morning.

Casual Doesn’t Mean Sloppy
Dressing casually to work can be confusing as to what is accepted and what is not. Whether your company is lenient enough to allow casual dress throughout the year or simply once a week the policy can be baffling.  When a casual dress code is allowed, some key factors should be kept in mind.

• Casual dress needs to accompany good hygiene and your clothes should be neat and clean.
• Your hair should be neatly styled and women’s makeup should always be subtle.
• Although some companies may allow jeans, khakis are a safer way to go.

High-Powered Garb

If you are in a no-nonsense line of business such as a freelancer, financial analyst, a business consultant, or a legal associate, the way you dress must inspire confidence in both your clients and colleagues.  A professional dress code is a little easier to follow than its casual counterpart being that there is a clear perception of what a professional should look like.  For men, suits should be worn in dark blue, gray, or black as well as be well tailored and pressed.  Women should wear pant or skirt suits in the darker colors referenced above.  Crisp blouses can complement the suit in any array of colors.  In warmer climates, suits can be worn in lighter colors such as white, beige, and light gray by both men and women.

Complimentary Colors

The colors you wear can be a subtle way to express to your employer and colleagues how you are feeling on any given day.  For example, the color blue produces a calm and collected feeling amongst your peers.  A blue shirt or tie can be worn on days when your attendance is required in a high-pressured meeting to connote your personal ease with the situation.  Alternatively, if you were required to speak at said meeting, black would be the perfect choice.  The color black signifies power and sophistication.

Wear Your Smile

Wearing the appropriate attire to work can prove become a doorway to success.  However, wearing the right suit isn’t the only key to a suitable appearance.  First and foremost, wearing a smile shows your employer that you are happy to be there.  It also signifies that you are an easy-going individual ready to take on any new endeavor they may present to you.

Appearances do matter in the workplace because it lets your employers and/or clients know that you mean business.  Even on casual Fridays, it is important to remember that what you wear reflects who you are and what you want to become within your company.