Letting Go Of Productivity Killers

With no one looking over your shoulders, one can easily slip down the valley of non-productivity. This is one of those pitfalls that are usually hushed in the freelance corridors. I tend to be hyperactive and the slightest distraction can throw me off tangent for a very, very long time. Consequently, this means I have to go into overdrive to make up for the misused seconds, minutes and hours.

Do You Have A Freelance Agreement?

Agreements and contracts are often found in the legal corridors and hallways of big companies and multinationals. My stint in the bank made me realize the importance of such agreements. Any form of relationship that was entered between the bank and a member of the public was almost always followed with one appending their signature on a legal form. Many signed off on these forms without actually reading the fine print (read terms and conditions) of the said agreement. My perusal of the terms and conditions revealed a skewed tilt that tended to favour the bank.

Dealing With Non-Core Activities of Freelancing

 One of my biggest freelancing flaw is avoiding ‘business’ tasks that are crucial to the growth of any business. What am I on about? Marketing, book-keeping, administrative tasks and chasing clients for your payment puts a damper on my otherwise high spirit that I get from writing. In a previous post, I talked about using SWOT to weigh one’s strengths and weaknesses and gauging them against the future prospects of your freelancing endeavors. This analysis is important in identifying the weak spots in your personality that can be detrimental to your success.

Tujuane Seeks Freelance Writer

For those not aware, my first writing gig was with Tujuane (still write for them). The opportunity offered, has taught me a great deal about freelance writing. Currently, they have an opening for great writers and talented wordsmiths out there. Tujuane Network is part of Nairobist Media Ltd, a networking platform for entrepreneurs and professionals around East Africa. This networking extends beyond the confines of the internet to include their regular Tujuane Mixers where members get a chance to meet, interact, network and share on a face-to-face basis.

A Precarious Balancing Act

For the past month or so, I have been buried neck deep by a client’s project (not that am complaining :) and this has made me realise the essence and importance of having your time off from work as a freelancer. Granted, you could be pressed by a deadline and maybe you are handling a large project alone but how does one ensure they do not run amok with work?