The beginning of a new year is a natural time to take inventory of what you’ve done well for your freelance writing business, as well as your mistakes. Figure out what you did wrong, and figure out what you could do better.
Did you take on too many clients in 2007? (I did.)
Did you under-estimate your self-employment taxes? (I did.)
Did you invest several hundred dollars on books related to your field but never take time to read them? (I did. You should see this pile of books…)
Were you too slack in collecting on invoices? (This was a 2006 issue for me, which I happily beat in 2007.)
What are you doing to start 2008 as a better freelance business person?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This year, I will not make the mistake of getting too comfortable with specific clients. Long-term assignments eventually end, and without other prospects, your income can take a big hit. I make it a goal to continually check the job boards and apply for jobs on a regular basis…it’s better to have too much work than not enough.
Freelance Writer’s World
Telecommuting Diva
Learn and read more, as I see it’s the only way I can understand more and do better.
If only I’d started earlier. This is difficult for a mind that already is
showing signs of cobwebs in the brain.
I’ll not give up..
Dorothy from grammology
remember to call gram
http://grammology.com
Hey, Amy! I’ve awarded you a Roar for Powerful Words, and tagged you for the meme. My post is here.
Valencia,
Great point. That’s a lesson I learned the hard way, too. Now I’ve got the opposite problem — taking on too much work from too many clients! Guess there’s a happier medium someplace. Trying to find it in 2008…
Dorothy,
I’m hoping to add some more learning and reading to my year, too.
Katharine,
Sounds interesting… Thanks for the tag.
Leave a Comment