The dos and don’ts of making remote freelancing work for you

lady using her MacBook at home

You’re considering dabbling in remote freelancing to make a few extra bucks on the side. That’s great! But before you get started, there are a few things you need to know.

In this post, we will share the dos and don’ts of making remote freelancing work for you. So whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned pro, read on for tips and advice that will help you succeed.

Do your research

Figure out what companies are hiring remote freelancers and what types of work they’re looking for. Then tailor your resume and portfolio to match their needs.

Next, take the time to create a good work routine. Make sure you have a dedicated workspace where you can concentrate without distractions, and schedule your work hours so that you’re not working all day and night.

And, be patient. It may take a while to find the right fit, but if you keep at it and put in the effort, eventually you will find a company that’s a good match for your skills and personality.

Do give yourself breaks

When you’re working remotely, it’s easy to let yourself get absorbed in your work and spend hours at a time without taking a break. But this isn’t good for your mental health or your productivity.

Make sure you set some time aside each day to take a break and do something other than work. This can be anything from taking a walk around the block to catching up on some lifestyle updates from your favorite content creators. The key is to give yourself a chance to step away from your work and recharge.

Don’t try to do too much at once
man stressed while working on his laptop

Image Credits: smallbusinessbonfire.com

When you’re starting, take things slow and steady. You need to focus on building a solid foundation and creating a workflow that works for you. Trying to do too much at once will only lead to chaos and frustration. So take it one step at a time and don’t overextend yourself. Build your remote business slowly and strategically, and you will be more likely to succeed in the long run.

Make sure you have a fast and stable internet connection

You need to ensure that you have a fast and stable internet connection so that your work doesn’t get interrupted and you don’t lose any time.

If your internet connection is constantly going down or slowing down, it’s going to be hard to make a success of remote freelancing. So take the time to test out your internet connection and make sure that it’s up to the task. If it’s not, then maybe it’s time to invest in a new router or broadband package.

Don’t be afraid to name a high price if you have the skills to back it up

Remember, you’re providing a service that has real value, and you should be compensated accordingly. Sure, there will be people who are trying to undercut you but don’t let them get to you.

Stand firm in your rates, and be prepared to explain why you’re worth what you’re asking for. Quote past projects as examples, or list the qualifications that make you the best person for the job.

In the end, it’s up to the client to decide if they’re willing to pay your price. But if you can back up your skills and value with a strong argument, they’re more likely to be willing to cough up the cash.

Remote freelancing can be a great way to make some extra money, but it’s wise to set up some ground rules for yourself before you get started. As mentioned earlier, do create a schedule and stick to it. Set aside time each day for working and time for other activities. Never overwork yourself or take on more work than you can handle. You deserve a break when it’s due so don’t fall into the trap of working all the time.

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How to Remain Sane When Job Hunting

Adjusting to the motions of life can be overwhelming. It is challenging to muster up the energy to jump into the candidate pool or consider changing careers when you must juggle your personal and professional responsibilities. Incorporating the following tips can help you stay motivated throughout the process.

Start by knowing why you actually want a new job and why you need to secure a position now.

#1: FIND THE REASON WHY YOU DO IT

Why do you do what you do?

Understanding why you are willing to exhaust your resources to get a new job can help you focus on the end goal. It will allow you to enter the job search from a place of clarity and empowerment. Defining why you do it “now” will be your call to action to initiate the first step.

#2: VISUALIZE YOUR TARGET

Close your eyes and sit in a comfortable spot. Visualize a time when you were excited about a new job or when you were happy with your current one. Embrace those feelings and examine whether you still feel the same way now. Then, visualize yourself securing your dream job. Absorb the excitement and energy that comes with it.

Using visualization to identify what is important to you can help you overcome exhaustion or other negative feelings that come with job hunting.

#3: TAKE A BREAK

If you are feeling burnt out and discouraged, step away for a bit. Allow yourself to rest and recharge. Scrolling through listings, submitting online and in-person applications, and going through multiple rounds of interviews can be draining!

It helps if you can narrow down your search. Take some time to discern which position you are looking for instead of just spreading your CV and hoping that someone will see it.

#4: REVAMP YOUR CV

Simplify your resume to garner more attention. Look at the job description and make sure that there is a connection between you and the text. Lastly, pinpoint where you might have some weakness and improve on those areas.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#5: GET SOME HELP

Having a connection within the organization can increase your chances of landing a job, so expand your network. Maximize your connections by reaching out to former co-workers, mentors, lecturers, friends, and family members. Get the support you need to help you maintain your sanity!

#6: BE AN EARLY CANDIDATE

If you find a job posting that matches what you are searching for, do not waste your time and apply. Submitting your application immediately after the job is posted can help boost your chances of being noticed. Timing is everything!

If you apply in the first week that a job is posted, you have a much higher chance of getting the job and having your CV reviewed. Many hiring managers and companies look at applications that come in early.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

BOTTOMLINE

Whether you are looking for a new position in a different company or have been unemployed for months, looking for a job can be challenging. You may not be able to see positions that interest you or your efforts in connecting with the hiring manager can fail miserably.

No matter where you are in the process, job hunting can be exhausting. However, you cannot give up! You have to push through the highs and lows. Keep at it until you see the end in sight in the form of a coveted new role.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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How to mentally prep for impromptu 1-on-1 meetings with your manager

colleagues in a meeting

Did your boss just text you to schedule a last-minute 1-on-1 meeting?

Don’t panic! This can be a great opportunity to discuss things candidly and build a stronger working relationship with your manager. But, it’s important to mentally prep for such meetings so you make the most of the time you have.

In this post, we will share some tips on how to organize yourself for an impromptu 1-on-1 meeting with your manager.

It’s normal to feel nervous before a 1-on-1 meeting

It’s normal to feel anxious but there’s no need to fear. The best way to approach it is to go in with an open mind and be prepared to listen. Your manager is probably going to have some feedback for you, so be sure to pay close attention and take notes.

Understand the purpose of the meeting

Is your manager just checking in with you? Is he or she giving you feedback? Is this a more formal meeting to discuss your goals and progress? Once you know the purpose of the meeting, you can start mentally prepping for it.

If it’s a check-in, for example, then you might want to review your recent work and prepare some talking points. If it’s a feedback meeting, then you will want to make sure that you have specific examples of times when you went above and beyond or made a mistake.

No matter what the purpose of the meeting is, always be ready to talk about your work and what you’ve been up to. And most importantly, stay calm.

Be aware of your body language
a man crossing arms during a meeting with his female colleague

Image Credits: betterup.com

Remember, your boss is going to be reading your nonverbal cues to get a sense of how you’re feeling. So if you walk in with your shoulders slumped and your head down, they’re going to think that you’re not confident in what they have to say.

On the other hand, if you walk in with a smile on your face and your head held high, they will know that you’re ready to have a productive conversation. So make sure to put your best foot forward and show them that you’re open to whatever they are about to throw at you.

Come prepared with questions

Coming prepared with questions is one of the most satisfactory ways to make the most out of any meeting, whether it’s planned or impromptu.

When you have questions ready, it shows your manager that you’re taking the meeting seriously and that you’re interested in having a dialogue. It also allows you to learn more about any new company developments and your role within them.

Plus, if there are any issues or concerns you would like to discuss, having questions ready will help make sure that those are covered during the meeting. So, make sure to come ready with queries for your next 1-on-1 meeting with your manager!

You’ve been called into a meeting with your manager, and you have no idea what it’s about. Don’t worry. Relax and take some deep breaths—you want to appear confident, even if you’re feeling anything but that. And most notably, don’t forget to listen. One of the smartest ways to make the most of a 1-on-1 meeting is by actively listening. You can always follow up with your manager after the meeting to clarify any unclear points if necessary.

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Surviving sexism in the workplace: What you can do to fight back

lady experiencing sexism at the workplace

You might be feeling angry, frustrated, or powerless after experiencing sexism at work.

You might not know what to do or who to turn to. But we want you to know that you’re not alone. And you have options.

In this article, let’s talk about what constitutes sexism in the workplace, what you can do if you’re a victim of it, and how to create a support system. We hope this information will help empower you to take action and fight back against sexism in your workplace.

Defining sexism in the workplace

Sexism in the workplace can take on many different forms. It might be as blatant as being passed up for a promotion because you’re of a specific gender, or it might be more subtle, like being ignored in meetings or being talked down to by your colleagues. But whatever form it takes, sexism in the workplace is never okay. And we mustn’t brush it off or ignore it.

The impact of sexism in the workplace

Sexism in the workplace can have a major impact on your career. It can make you feel like you’re not good enough, or that you don’t deserve to be where you are. It can make you doubt yourself and your abilities. But it’s crucial to remember that you’re not alone. There are plenty of other people out there who have faced the same thing. And there are ways to fight back.

How to counter sexism that manifests
a woman journaling

Image Credits: unsplash.com

First, try to document what’s happening. Keep a journal of all the instances of sexism that you experience, including the date, time, and witnesses (if any). This information will be helpful if you decide to take any legal action down the road.

Second, talk to your supervisor. Let them know what’s been going on and see if they can help. Chances are they’re not aware of what’s happening, but they may want to know the details so that they can address the issue. Third, get support from your peers. Lean on your friends and other colleagues for strength and solidarity and know that you’re not unaided in this fight.

How to report sexism in the workplace

If you’re a victim of sexism in the workplace, don’t suffer in silence. Speak up and report it. You have the right to be treated fairly and without discrimination at work.

There are a few ways to report discrimination, and the best way to find out which one is right for you is to speak to an employment lawyer. However, if you’re not ready to part with the money, some of the most common ways to report sexism in the workplace include making a formal complaint to your HR department.

No one should have to put up with sexism at work, and you don’t have to. If you’re experiencing any form of workplace sexism, whether it’s overt or subtle, there are steps you can take to fight back and protect your rights. First, document everything. Then, speak out. Don’t be afraid to call out sexism when you see it. People need to know that this kind of behavior is not acceptable and that it won’t be tolerated.

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Is an in-house SEO specialist or an SEO agency right for your business?

colleagues in a work meeting

You’ve been tasked with scaling up your company’s SEO efforts, but you’re not sure if you should hire an in-house specialist or engage an SEO agency.

What’s the right decision for your business? Well, that depends on a few factors. If you decide to hire an in-house specialist, you need to make sure that person has the experience and knowledge to get the job done. They will need to be up-to-date with all the latest changes to the algorithm and have a strong understanding of how search engines work.

On the other hand, if you decide to engage an SEO agency, you can rest assured that they will have years of understanding and wisdom in the field to know all the updated shifts to the game plan and be able to help your business achieve its SEO goals without a hitch.

Pros of an in-house SEO specialist

An in-house SEO specialist will be more familiar with your website and your business changes. They will know your target audience and what content works best for them. This insider knowledge can be incredibly valuable when it comes to SEO.

Pros of an SEO agency

An SEO agency, on the other hand, has a team of specialists who will work with you to develop a comprehensive SEO strategy. They will have access to the latest trends and techniques and are likely to be up-to-date on all the search engine ins and outs.

Cons of an in-house SEO specialist
an interview with multi interviewers

Image Credits: livecareer.com

If you’re not 100% sure that you’re going to need an SEO specialist for the long term, it might not be the best investment. They might also be limited in their abilities when compared to an agency. During the hiring process, make sure that your web development team gets to sit in the interview too. If there’s tension between these two, you will probably be expecting challenging times ahead.

Cons of an SEO agency

An SEO agency can be expensive so if you don’t have the budget, you might only be able to engage their services for the short term. Also, since they aren’t your employees, chances are that you may not have as much control over your campaign as you would like. Depending on your account manager, some may not be able to tailor their services 100% to match your specific needs.

How to choose the right fit for your business

First, think about your budget. An in-house specialist will likely be more expensive than an SEO agency in the long run. Second, consider your time constraints. An in-house specialist will need time to learn about your business and its website, whereas an SEO agency will come with pre-existing knowledge and experience.

Third, think about your goals. An in-house specialist will be more focused on achieving your specific goals, while an SEO agency will have a broader range of services that they can offer. Finally, ask around. Talk to other business owners and get their opinions on the best way to go about scaling SEO for your company.

There are pros and cons to both hiring an in-house SEO specialist and working with an SEO agency. An in-house SEO specialist can be a great investment for your business, but only if they have the right skills and experience. On the other hand, an SEO agency can provide you with access to a team of experts who have a wealth of experience in SEO. They will be up-to-date on the latest changes to the algorithm and will know a range of different industries. Weigh your options before you part with your money.

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