30Jul 2013 by Philippa Willitts

Podcast Episode 48: How to prevent your freelance business from wasting money

Podcast
It's not unusual for a freelance writing business to go through a dry patch. Finding work is difficult, regular clients go quiet, and you are left short of cash. In this podcast episode, we talk about [tweetherder]how to avoid wasting money when you are a self-employed writer[/tweetherder], and look at ways to save some cash. Show Notes Google Drive Open Office Open University OpenLearn Alison.com YouTube Suite101 WikiHow Quora Credit Unions MoneySavingExpert TopCashback Google Calendar Checker Plus for Google Calendar (Chrome Extension) Facebook Events on Google Calendar (Chrome Extension) Send to Calendar (Chrome Extension) Save your local library The Handbook of Non-Sexist Writing by Casey Miller and Kate Swift (UK) / (USA) Philippa's work bookshelf There are several ways to make sure that you don't miss out on A Little…
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16Jul 2013 by Philippa Willitts

Podcast Episode 47: Should Freelance Writers Have Their Own Blog?

Podcast
There is a lot of conflicting advice around about whether or not freelance writers should have their own blog. If they do, what should they blog about? Is it simply a way to show off your writing skills or can it have any further benefits? And should you write every day, every week, or just whenever you feel like it? In this podcast episode I look at these issues, and more, along with some practical advice on how to go about blogging in order to have the most success. Show Notes 10 reasons every freelance writer should have a blog - Michelle Rafter Episode 7: Freelance writing - to specialise or not to specialise? Do freelancers have to blog to get clients? - Carol Tice 5 ways writers kill their credibility online There…
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09Jul 2013 by Philippa Willitts

Podcast Episode 46: How to deal with criticism and negative feedback

Podcast
It happens to the best of us at some stage: a piece of work we send to a client is met with criticism. Whether it is your fault or the result of a misunderstanding, or whether we strongly believe the editor or client is wrong, this is a tricky situation to negotiate. In this podcast episode, Lorrie and I go through different scenarios that can arise, with tips and advice on how to deal with them to maintain your good reputation while not alienating your clients or editors. We also look at clients who are bullies, admitting your mistakes, whether the job title "freelance writer" has a limited shelf life and languages made up of whistles. Show Notes Episode 19: How to proofread your own work Episode 41: The importance of professional…
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02Jul 2013 by Philippa Willitts

Podcast Episode 45: the Gmail hacks you really should have installed by now

Podcast
Many freelancers use Gmail, whether using a custom email addressed based on their URL through forwarding or Google Apps, or directly with a @gmail.com or @googlemail.com email address. One of the reasons for its popularity is how many tools and hacks there are available to streamline your workflow, increase your productivity and manage the ever-increasing numbers of incoming messages. In this episode, Lorrie has found some great Gmail hacks and goes through her favourite examples. I can personally account for most of them, as I would be far less efficient without them! Show Notes   Text Fixer: http://www.textfixer.com/   Rapportive: http://www.rapportive.com   Boomerang: http://www.boomeranggmail.com/   Gmelius: http://gmelius.com/   Boomerang for Android:   http://androidcommunity.com/boomerang-for-gmail-launches-for-android-20130626/   There are several ways to make sure that you don't miss out on A Little Bird Told Me.  …
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