LinkedIn is Testing a New Services Section in User Profiles

LinkedIn is working on a new addition to profiles which lets users display a list of services they offer. The feature is currently in testing and was discovered by none other than Jane Manchun Wong:

LinkedIn is testing “Services” field in profile, which will pair well with

“Find a Service Provider”: https://t.co/u1S7XESx4j pic.twitter.com/cCkE4Ud8C5 — Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) April 25, 2019 As she notes in her tweet, a services section in profiles would pair well with the ‘Find a Service Provider’ feature she discovered last month. LinkedIn is testing(?) “Find a Service Provider” in post composer pic.twitter.com/oI0DkOVEbE — Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) March 19, 2019

This feature would be especially useful for freelancers and other independent service providers.

As a professional network, LinkedIn could do more to accommodate freelancers. With a services section, freelancers could turn their profile page into a business page of sorts. Employees of other companies could also use a ‘services’ section in their profile to highlight the tasks they perform at their job. It’s possible if this feature rolls out publicly, a services section could also be used to help recruiters find talent. This feature isn’t out yet, but given Wong’s track record I imagine it won’t be long before we see a ‘services’ section in LinkedIn profile.

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How Do I Work With Freelancers to Get the Results I Want?

There are five steps you can take when working with freelancers to get your project moving in the right direction. A solid framework can help you see the results you want for your project and your team.

When you aren’t used to working with freelancers, you can feel a bit like you’re walking blindfolded to get the final deliverable. How can you trust the work of a freelancer you’ve never met?

When you aren’t used to working with freelancers, you can feel a bit like you’re walking blindfolded to get the final deliverable. How can you trust the work of a freelancer you’ve never met?

Many teams start new partnerships with a paid test project —a small project that might be similar to the work to be done or even the first phase of your larger project. This can be a great opportunity to flex your collaboration skills and go beyond a freelancer’s proposal to see what they’re capable of.

After due diligence and careful consideration, at some point you have to have faith in your decision, remember that trust is a two-way street, and start moving forward. A plan that’s structured to help you get the results you want. This may include:

Ensuring a clear understanding of the project from the beginning Confirming mutual expectations
Polishing up your communication skills
Being quick to spot and act on potential problems

Let’s get started!

1. Give talent access to the information they need. A common challenge when you work with remote talent isn’t understanding what information they’ll need to do the work—it’s figuring out how to get it to them. How can you share internal information and data in a way that won’t leave your company exposed to unnecessary risk?

First, consider the level of risk involved. Data can generally be organized into five categories:

Sensitive
Confidential
Private
Proprietary
Public

For instance, the information required for a graphic design project may already be available, which means there’s little-to-no risk if it gets out to the public. However, a sales or customer service-related project may depend on internal customer data that’s much more sensitive and high risk. Sending it by email may not be an option.

Second, confirm your collaboration strategy. What’s the best way for the freelancer to contact you with questions or clarifications? Will they need access to your company’s virtual private network? If they need access to an internal system, how can you set them up with their own unique user ID? Talk to your IT team about collaboration tools and protocols that will meet your company’s security requirements.

2. Agree on your expectations Before your project begins, schedule a kickoff meeting to review details and set clear expectations. The goal: to confirm the requirements, timeline, and deliverables. You’ve likely already shared these details in your original job post , interview, and other correspondence. So use the opportunity to see if you’re on the same page by letting the freelancer take the lead.

Some of the finer points will still be up for discussion, but by Day One a freelancer should be able to explain the broad strokes, such as:

How they’ll approach the work The timeline and key dates you’ve shared […]

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What’s Up With Microsoft’s 365 Freelance Toolkit — And What Will It Mean For You?

PARIS, FRANCE – APRIL 25, 2019: Jean-Yves Art, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at Microsoft, speaks to the Sustainable Brands conference. In December 2018 Microsoft announced it was introducing a 365 Freelance Toolkit for companies to “launch and scale” their freelance workforces. Their rationale was that the gig economy was driving customers toward including freelance talent in their projects. According to the global online marketplace Upwork’s Future Workforce Report , almost 50% of recruiting managers had hired freelancers and 90% of them would consider doing so. Moreover, the great majority of freelancers weren’t open to regular employment – they liked working the way they did . The announcement went on to appreciate companies’ needs “to adapt to new business models to get work done with external talent,” while adding that “the path to transforming existing policies and processes,” aimed at regular employees, is largely undefined. Microsoft and its customers had both been relying on collaboration software designed for their own people with internal clearance to join the conversation. It was time for both parties to catch up with the marketplace. The 365 Freelance Toolkit would provide the way. The Toolkit is described to build on customers’ existing use of Microsoft 365 software by adapting that software for freelancer participation. Specifically, this involves employing current software and providing tools and best practices to help customers scale up their use of freelance programs. The Toolkit also draws on Microsoft’s internal experience in the use of freelancers in four key areas: internal communication, team-wide collaboration, data analytics and workflow automation. First, customers need a space for full-time employees to learn about engaging with freelancers and to share information and best practices with one another. Microsoft provides this through a customized version of their existing SharePoint software. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE This will allow freelancers full access to and participation in relevant team member communications “while ensuring freelancers will not have wholesale access to the enterprise environment.” This will be provided through the Microsoft Teams software system. These will allow administrators to establish, track and respond to key performance indicators, and to integrate employees and freelancers in the analytics provided. This business intelligence would be provided by the Power BI monitoring system. This covers provision, compliance, and monitoring of software, largely automating and thereby enabling g a “frictionless process” for employees to work with freelancers. This will use Microsoft Flow to streamline program activities. Other notable features of the information available so far are guidelines on b est practices based on Microsoft’s own experience, and the announcement that their launch partner for the Toolkit is the global freelance marketplace Upwork. Microsoft’s internal team spoke enthusiastically about the changes the Toolkit can bring. Liane Scult , Microsoft’s first-ever senior freelance program manager, who created the solution that drove Microsoft’s internal freelance program from zero to more than 2,000 assignments, comments: “At first, the freelance program was just a blank sheet of paper. That became a big bet with a clear call to action: build […]

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LinkedIn plans on making the Platform helpful for Freelancers, by Introducing a new “Services” Option!

LinkedIn is reportedly working on a new “Services” section, in which users will be able to provide the details of services they can offer, which would in turn help them in connecting with employers or companies looking for someone with those services. This option could be quite beneficial for freelancers. Renowned Code Hacker, Jane Manchun Wong discovered the new option. She also posted a screenshot to support her claims and provide users a look at the new field which asks the users to add the services they offer. This would also allow users who visit a particular profile, an idea about what to expect in terms of services offered, user’s capabilities etc. Moreover, the profiles will also be shown if someone searches for freelancers in the relevant field. The option could work in close association with Wong, another one of LinkedIn’s new post options created for making the process of discovering service providers, easier. It shouldn’t come as a shock that LinkedIn has been working quite hard for the past few months to maximize user data, grow its recruitment tool and enable users to easily find the right connections. So, these features would just make the platform more convenient to use. Additionally, the freelance market is evolving at a rapid pace so it was high time LinkedIn would turn its attention to it. Over the last 5 years, there has been an increase of around 4 million American freelancers, bringing the total to over 50 million . Not only in USA, many people around the world have started preferring remote work, due to digital advancements. The number of freelancers and opportunities for them are bound to increase as time goes by. Thus, these features will definitely sit well with LinkedIn users, once they are rolled out. As of now, there is no specific release date but it shouldn’t take too much time. Read next: The Life of a Digital Nomad: Moving, Mingling, and Paying Bills (infographic)

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What You Should Know About Freelancing on Upwork

If you are just now getting started freelancing, you probably won’t have to do too many Google searches before landing at the Upwork homepage. Here’s what you need to know about this freelancing platform.

Is Upwork Legit?

Upwork is one of the most popular and longest-running freelancer websites. It originated as Elance in 1999, but the original company was purchased. It has been using its current name since 2015.

So, if your main question is whether or not Upwork is legit, its longevity in the marketplace should tell you that yes, it is considered a genuine choice for freelancers.

How Do You Get Started on Upwork?

Now that you know Upwork is a legitimate choice to begin your freelancing career, you may want to create a login and profile. The process is relatively straightforward. You will answer a series of job and skill-related questions. You will give details about past employment and education.

While the application process is not complicated, there’s plenty of online chatter about Upwork rejecting their profiles. It may be that Upwork has an abundance of freelancers in a given field and is trying to limit the amount of competition for its current freelancers.

Upwork has 12 different categories of work. They are Web, Mobile & Software Development, IT and Networking, Data Science & Analytics, Engineering & Architecture, Design & Creative, Writing, Translation, Legal, Admin Support, Customer Service, Sales & Marketing, and Accounting & Consulting.

There are many subcategories under each of these primary listings. For example, writers can label themselves as Academic Writers and Research Freelancers, Creative Writers, Editors and Proofreaders, or six other categories.  

Some Upwork gurus suggest that if your profile or account is rejected, it could be because there are too many people with your same skill set in that particular category.

To find out the most sought-after freelancers on Upwork, visit the news portion of their website and scroll to the bottom. Each quarter there is a new article published listing the fastest-growing skills for freelancers.

For example, the top five fastest-growing skills from the last quarter of 2018 were Hadoop, Dropbox API, Genetic Algorithms, Microbiology, and Computational Linguistics.

Do not be discouraged if your Genetic Algorithm skills are not as top-notch as they should be. There are plenty of jobs for regular people as well. It is worthwhile to peruse the list to see if there are any categories that you might be able to add to your profile.

What Happens After Your Upwork Profile is Approved?

After your profile is approved, you find a job. Much like other job searches, getting your foot in the door can be difficult.

Here’s how it works. When you log into your account, Upwork will give you a list of the jobs that were listed in your specific skill categories. If you find a job that you are interested in, you submit a proposal for the job.

Your proposal will tell the client how much you would expect to earn for completing their task. You can either ask for a flat fee, or you could request an hourly rate.

You will then write a cover letter detailing why you are the best choice for the job. This letter should not be a repeat of your profile information. Instead, you should highlight how your skills and experience can help the client.

Although it takes a lot of time, each cover letter should be unique to the job. In fact, some clients will ask for you to include a keyword or phrase in your cover letter so that they can make sure you read all the details of the job posting.

Before you send the cover letter to your client, it is wise to include attachments of previous work you have completed. If you have not completed any freelance work before, you should probably consider creating samples of your work to provide to clients.

Depending on the popularity of your skill set, you may need to apply for dozens of jobs before you hear back from a client. This can be frustrating because although you are sitting in front of your computer for hours at a time, you are not earning any income.

What Happens When You Hear From a Client?

Then that magical day occurs when you finally get a message from a client. Before you accept the terms of the final proposal, it is essential that you make sure you understand the scope of the work.

How Do You Get Paid?

Once you have completed some jobs, you will see the amount of money you have earned gradually increase. Unfortunately, since Upwork takes 20% of your earnings that amount will not grow at the rate you would hope.

Overall, Upwork is a decent place to get started as a freelancer. It gives you practice knowing what is standard in your industry and gives you practice interacting with clients.

This article was originally published by FreelancingBuzz.com

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Freelancing jobs on the rise in Washington County

Photo by Michael Kelly Linsee Thomas works in the first floor common room where she operates a single-person enterprise, Thomas Virtual Services, out of a workstation in the building. She is one of more than 3,700 people in Washington County who run non-employer businesses in Washington County, some of which, like hers, serve a geographically widespread client base on a digital platform. MARIETTA — Sara Bir admits she has an unusual set of skills. Liberal arts studies and culinary expertise, a passion for education and a gift for writing don’t fit the description for many jobs available in small towns. She realized more than a decade ago that she could choose to work in a major metropolitan area or return to her hometown, Marietta, and create her own job. She chose the quality of life and low cost of living in Marietta. Bir is one of many residents who have chosen to take control of their destinies by creating a business enterprise of one person. Bir writes, offers culinary workshops on techniques ranging from bread baking to yogurt making, and does professional test-kitchen recipe runs. She’s published two books, “Tasting Ohio Favorite Recipes from the Buckeye State” and “The Fruit Forager’s Companion: Desserts, Main Dishes, and More from Your Neighborhood and Beyond,” along with a small handbook on paw-paw recipes, and provides editing and copywriting services. Her clients are both local and out of the area. Bir, 43, moved back home from the West Coast several years ago. “As a person who grew up in Marietta, I always thought I would move to a major city and never come back,” she said. “But as a freelancer I can work anywhere, and Marietta has a low cost of living, and it’s a place where I feel valued, a place where I can thrive doing what I’m doing.” She began freelancing as a writer and cook educator about 15 years ago, she said, and reached a point at which she realized she could make more money on her own compared to working for a wage. Now, about half her income is realized from events, such as workshops, where she has to be present, and the other half comes from remote, online work. “The first couple of years was hard. I didn’t make much money but I was able to get through it with the emotional support of my family and my many friends, and I knew how to navigate the landscape of Marietta,” she said. “Now, I’m very happy doing this, and I just wish there were more different kinds of work for people in this area, not just factory work, although that’s important. But I realize not everyone can do what I’m doing, and I love living in Marietta and seeing it thrive.” Linsee Thomas, who just turned 30, holds a bachelor of nursing degree, but she found the shift work and random hours interfered with her family life. She and her husband have four children, ranging in age from […]

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New on 1st of May – 10 days of paid paternity leave for freelancers

Self-employed workers will have the right to 10 days of paid paternity leave from the 1st of May. This new leave is designed to help self-employed people balance their professional and private lives. It will also mean salaried fathers and co-parents will no longer be treated differently to self-employed ones when it comes to social security allowances. These 10 days of paternity leave (divisible into half days) can be taken voluntarily in the four months following the baby’s birth, the same as maternity leave. They can also choose to temporarily pause their professional activity for a maximum of eight days, but receive 15 free service cheques. It is estimated this new measure will cost 11 million euros a year. Sarah Johansson The Brussels Times The European Union granted more than 330,000 people asylum in 2018

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5 Top Ways to Boost Your Productivity as a Freelancer

Productivity is the key to launching a successful freelancing career . Being able to work through tasks efficiently, take on new projects, all while balancing life and free time are essential to establishing your freelancing business. All of these advantages can help you to do a better job on projects, win more clients, boost your reputation, and lead to a higher income. As a freelancer, you may already be working hard as-is, but wouldn’t you want to be even more productive? This article outlines the best ways to boost productivity as a freelancer. Read on to learn how you can become the most highly productive version of yourself! Use a Scheduling Tool to Keep Track of Appointments Knowing when to work and when not to work is an extremely important part of being a productive freelancer. You need to have clear-cut time boundaries as they allow you to prompt your mind as to when it is time to focus on work, and when it is time to relax. To create this balance, you simply need to define your work hours and your personal time and then stick to them. A proper schedule is very important whether you are doing a job or working as a freelancer. To simplify the process, use a scheduling tool to create a weekly or monthly schedule. You can then also use this to keep track of your appointments. Alongside this, you can create a to-do list on a daily basis as well. Then, to set yourself up for success the next day, create the next to-do list at the end of each day. This will help you stay focused on your work. Stick to your schedule strictly to see the best results. Keep Your Home-Office Organized Getting organized is extremely important when it comes to improving your productivity and workflow as a freelancer. Imagine trying to find the project description of a certain client from a pile of unorganized papers on your desk. Not only can this be a real headache, but it can also be time-consuming. If you want to be more productive, then you must keep your home-office organized as it will allow you to easily and quickly find everything you need. Simply clean and declutter your room, standardise your contact list, clean out your computer’s desktop, and organize your desk. All of these subtle forms of organization will go a long way to improve your efficiency and productivity. You will be finding the required things more easily, there will be clarity in your workflow, and your productivity in your freelance work will significantly increase as a result. Book Time Off for Yourself A lot of full-time freelancers work too much and don’t take time off throughout the day. Most such freelancers think that if they work harder and take fewer breaks, they will be able to get the work done relatively more quickly and find more free time at the end of the day. In reality, this can have an adverse […]

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What You Need to Know About The Sims 4 Freelancer Update

Share Share on Pinterest Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Have you ever looked at The Sims 4 and thought, “You know what is missing here? A job where you work from home.” Neither have we, but the devs behind The Sims 4 did and, in a nod to the changing conditions of the modern worker, have added a work-from-home freelance option in its latest update. This is kind of a big deal in a way. Ever since The Sims debuted, your miserable little Sim would have to leave the house to disappear into some abyss to make money and him or herself. Of course, subsequent games and updates tried to make this more interesting and they largely succeeded. But most of them involved your Sim leaving the house during the day. No more: Now your Sim can live the heremetic, monkish life of a freelancer and never have to leave their home again. You’ve got three career options available before you: Writer, artist, or programmer. Like freelancers do now, you will have to trawl an online agency to get work. You’ll be allowed to select tasks and, upon completing them, earn money. But, just like in the real world, your clients can request revisions and this can cause a delay in your money payout. It’s miserable like any other job, just in new ways. Mechanically, the freelancer job is similar to the acting gig offered in previous updates. This update is the latest in a string of updates that are meant to reflect the modern economy that many of us live in now. Your Sims can livestream and even become “style influencers.” As with any of the professions on offer in the game, the freelancer job has its pluses and minuses. In terms of simulation, however, it is a timely and sensible addition to the list of career paths available to your Sim. All of this comes ahead of a major update teased by Maxis that is scheduled for deployment later this year. As anyone who has played The Sims knows, downloadable content and perpetual updates are the lifeblood of the series. There’s no sign of that slowing down any time soon. Maxis hasn’t really delved into what exactly the next big update for The Sims 4 will be but they have promised that it will be big. While that’s not a lot to go on, that’s all we have at the moment, but it is more than enough to keep our hopes high . Gaming Gaming

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Stories That Pay Off: How to get paid for freelance work on time, every time

If you’re a freelancer, no matter the industry, chances are you’ve dealt with late payments at least once in your career. But whether that check is a week, month, or year late, if you’ve done the work and filed your invoices, that money belongs to you. So how do you get it? This week we took a look at some of the best strategies for getting what you’re owed — as well as a music video that captures exactly how it feels. We also explored what Elizabeth Warren is proposing to do about college tuition and student loans if she’s elected in 2020, because it would mean big things for anyone still paying off their education. We also talked to the co-founder of Blueland about how reusable bottles and eco-friendly tablets can completely shake up your cleaning routine. Finally, we got the rundown of the best screen protectors for your phone — and they’re much cheaper than replacing a cracked iPhone. Source: Makistock/Shutterstock Chasing payments? Here’s what to do when your invoice should have been paid a while ago. Source: Elise Amendola/AP/Shutterstock The Massachusetts senator wants to make almost all student debt a thing of the past. Source: Courtesy of Blueland Step away from the spray bottle and check out what Blueland is doing to make cleaning products more sustainable. Source: Nor Gal/Shutterstock These will protect your phone from smudgy fingers, dust, dirt and anything else that threatens your screen clarity.

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13 Best Gig Economy Jobs to Make Extra Cash

Some of the links included in this post are from our sponsors. Read our disclosure policy. Are you taking advantage of the “gig” economy? In today’s world, gig economy jobs (short term, often independent contractor type jobs) are all the rage. After all, what better way to earn some extra cash than to find a quick, flexible avenue? Check out these gig economy jobs to see if one (or more) might be right for you. Driving and Delivery Gigs If you like driving, you’ll probably be happy to hear there are a few different ways you can get paid for driving your car. Driving and delivery gigs are a popular part of the gig economy job sector. 1. Deliver Restaurant Meals In today’s busy world, people often turn to restaurant delivery to eat a good meal. Doordash hires “dashers” to bring restaurant meals from restaurants to customers. When you sign up to be a dasher with Doordash, you drive your car and deliver food to customers. In some markets, Doordash even allows scooters, bicycles and walkers. After you sign up and download the Doordash app, you get notifications of available deliveries. Pay is based on the order, and Doordash will show you the pay amount (not including tip) before you accept or reject the order. If you earn a tip (many dashers do) for good service, you keep 100% of that tip. 2. Drive People Around Another way to make money with your car is to deliver people to their desired destinations. Similar to a taxi service, companies like Lyft provide personalized ridesharing service to clients. As a rideshare driver, you’re responsible for giving clients a safe, comfortable and enjoyable ride. As with Doordash, rideshare driving companies tell you what the pay is before you accept the ride. The pay depends on where, what time of day and how often you drive. Drivers typically get a designated pay amount for the trip, and often earn tips as well. Related Post: Can You Make Money Driving for Lyft and is it Worth it? 3. Deliver Groceries As a Full Service Shopper for Instacart , you’ll get groceries for people and deliver the groceries to them. You get paid based on the specifics of the trip such as the order amount and distance traveled to delivery. In addition, many Instacart shoppers earn tips as well. If you like the idea of shopping for and delivering groceries to people, this might be a great way for you to make extra cash. Work From Home Gigs Do you like the idea of earning cash without leaving your house? If so, check out these legit ways you can make money from home . 4. Complete Surveys One popular work from home gig is completing surveys and doing other get-paid-to (GPT) tasks. These gigs don’t pay as much money as some of the other options listed here. However, they have other benefits. The tasks are usually quick to complete, and you can do them in […]

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How A Vacation Turned Into A Freelance Career in Mexico

©iStock/javarman3 “I came to Mexico for a two-week vacation in 2003 and still haven’t left,” says Toronto born Kelly McLaughlin. “At the time, I was getting divorced and we’d sold our house. I decided to travel a bit with the money. So, I spun the globe, closed my eyes, and my finger landed on Cozumel. I had never even heard of it.” As Kelly discovered, the island of Cozumel is in the Caribbean just a short ferry ride away from Playa del Carmen and Cancún, Mexico. Famous for its white-sand beaches, palm trees, blue skies, and scuba diving, Cozumel is a beach-lover’s dream. However, it wasn’t to be Kelly’s forever home. Fast forward to 2019 and she now lives with her teenage son about two hours from Cozumel in the city of Cancún. Known as the gateway to the Riviera Maya (Mexico’s Caribbean), Cancún draws about 22 million people through its airport each year. And while it’s perhaps best-known as ground-zero for the spring break set, there’s more to the city than its glitzy resorts. “My neighborhood is typical of Mexico,” says Kelly. Far from Cancún’s touristy Hotel Zone, the residential area has quiet streets. Her condo comes with a shared courtyard with a garden and swimming pool. “It’s a four-story building and we live on the top floor. I call it our tree house of love. It feels like living in a treehouse because we’re surrounded by palm and ceiba trees. It’s quiet, and at night I can hear the coconuts falling.” Her rent is $309 per month and she has a weekly grocery delivery (about $50 worth) and a cleaning lady. Her electricity ranges from $25 every two months to $150 every two months if she uses the air conditioning a lot. Her high-speed WiFi is $15 a month. Kelly is a former television producer turned freelance writer and social media manager. She even started a blog about living abroad, where she chronicles her adventures in Mexico. As a freelance writer, she spends her mornings writing web copy for area businesses and her afternoons going on adventures with her 14-year-old son. They both love zip lining, riding ATVs, snorkeling, and visiting Maya ruins. “I love to float for hours in the Caribbean. My son windsurfs, kitesurfs, and works as a lifeguard. We also enjoy camping and road trips.” Kelly also has a soft spot for cats. She volunteers with the Stardust Kitten Rescue. “We find abandoned kittens and bottle-feed them until they can eat on their own and then we find homes for them.” Kelly and her son enjoy sampling the different restaurants in town, including the local taco carts. “We have excellent neighborhood restaurants. There’s an authentic Italian restaurant I go to at least once a week, Le Fate Ristorante Italiano. I also like a buffet place that serves food from the Jalisco region, which is on the other side of the country. And I love Yucatán food, especially the queso relleno, which is Gouda stuffed […]

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The Freelance Writer’s Struggle on Take Your Daughter to Work Day

“Why do we have to leave the room when you do an interview?” my 5 year old daughter asked. “I need it to be quiet.” “I can be quiet,” she told me. It dawned on me she didn’t know what I did. “Do you know what an interview is?” “Yeeeeah. You talk on the phone with someone.” “I have to ask them questions and listen to what they say and write it down, so that I can make a story out of it.” And since April 25 is Take Your Daughter to Work Day and her Mom works at a mental health clinic with strict patient confidentiality, I realized it was up to me to get her out of Kindergarten on a Thursday. And to start her schooling I conducted her first interview with me in the bedroom and her in the living room using her Mom’s phone. Jitney Books: What’s your favorite food? My five year-old daughter: You know what it is. My favorite food is pizza. When do you like to eat it? Lunch. Where? At home. What’s your favorite color in the rainbow? Purple, yellow, blue and green. This is easy. Have you ever seen a rainbow? On the big bridge. How did that make you feel? Happy. Excited. What else makes you happy? When I get a toy and candy. What toy makes you happiest? LOL Dolls. How about what candy? That giant lollipop is the best candy I got. I want to buy more. Buy me more! and with that the interview was over.

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How to combat freelancer loneliness

When I first went freelance, I was determined to go it alone. In the beginning, this was empowering; I set my own hours, worked only with clients I wanted to and generally had more professional satisfaction than I had in office jobs. The very sharp double-edged sword of working for yourself, however, is dealing with something else that comes with working on your own: loneliness. I notice that I’ll start to feel miserable if I’ve been working from home for a while The self-employed sector now accounts for nearly 15 per cent of the UK’s workforce. As this group continues to grow at an increasing pace – the number of self-employed workers over the age of 65 has nearly tripled since the recession – the unique set of challenges independent workers face need to be addressed, starting with freelancer isolation. How co-working spaces can combat loneliness I’m not alone in feeling alone as a self-employed worker; a 2018 survey by Epson found that nearly half (48 per cent) found it lonely. So I spoke to other self-employed workers and industry experts to find out how freelancers can solve loneliness and isolation. “Freelancing is a liberating and flexible way to work, but it’s not without its challenges,” says Chloé Jepps, deputy head of research at the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE). According to Ms Jepps, co-working spaces can be a solution for freelancers who want to recapture the support and camaraderie of an office environment. “Co-working spaces are also a great opportunity for the fruitful collaborations that fuel the dynamism and creativity of the flexible economy,” she says. Caroline McShane, independent social media consultant and member of Growth Hub in Cirencester, says: “We all support each other by acting as sounding boards or offering advice when asked. I would go as far as to say there are more experts here than in any other office or business I have worked in or for. I guess you could say we all work alone together.” The impact of freelancer isolation on mental health Finding a way to combat loneliness is more than a productivity issue, it’s also a pressing mental health concern. Matthew Knight, independent strategist who works on freelancer mental health campaigns, says: “While those who switch to a freelance life generally report they are happier, it’s the unique set of challenges a freelancer faces that put independent workers more at risk of dropping into poor mental health.” Mr Knight says that there are many small things which freelancers can do that will not only help combat loneliness, but also keep their mental health in shape. These include joining a community, but also maintaining a schedule that works for the individual, looking after physical health and talking to clients about the stresses of freelancing. “From reducing your payment terms or just letting you work from their space, there are plenty of things which those we work with can do to support us,” he says. Virtual spaces helping freelancers […]

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How to Create Your First Freelance Invoice

Before you start working on a task, you should first set-up an invoice. You can use an invoice generator to make it easier for you. ( Newswire.net — April 24, 2019) — Congratulations on landing a client in the freelance world. You’re one step ahead those who are still looking for their first client. But then, what would you need to do next? Before you even start working on your task, you should first set-up your invoice. You can use an invoice generator to make it easier for you. Follow these steps to get you started. 1. Get the details of your clients first Will your client be paying you through PayPal or directly through bank deposit? Whatever it is, you’d have to know your clients’ mode of payment. Get the business email of your client to which you will be sending your invoice. You may also get some personal details of your client like their name, business name, and business address. 2. Put in the work you’ve done After setting up the needed information, you’d now have to put in the items you have provided your client. Indicate the project title, add some descriptions, and include the date when you have submitted the project for your client’s reference. If you have submitted your work through cloud storage, you can add the link in your invoice as well. 3. Place your rate and quantity of items The rate that you put in the invoice should be the rate you have agreed on with your client before starting the project. You should also make sure that the number of items you have declared in your invoice matches your actual output and what the client needs. Most freelancers take advantage of setting up their invoices by declaring different prices and altering the number of outputs done. Pro tip: don’t do this! Freelancing is all about gaining your client’s trust and building rapport. Also, if you’re just starting, you would want to get good testimonials from your clients. 4. Send the invoice to your client The last step is for you to send the invoice to your client. You can send the file or link through email. Creating your invoice may be hard the first time around. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll surely have it easy with your succeeding clients.

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Unique Ways to Make Money Online in 2019

Thanks to the internet, there are several unique ways to make money online. As long as you have a computer and reliable internet connection, you have the opportunity to make a part-time or even full-time income. If you’re looking a flexible side hustle, you’ll definitely want to consider online work. Most shot task sites or online contract work opportunities will allow you to set your own hours and work when it’s convenient for you. This is ideal for moms, students, retirees or just anyone who has a busy schedule. Check out this roundup of unique wants to make money online in 2019. Focus Groups Focus groups are a form of market research that provide a way for companies to get an audience opinion on a product or even an advertisement they are running. A consumer’s opinion is very important to these businesses because that’s who supports and buys their products. The best thing about focus group jobs is that all you need to bring if your opinion. Plus, they also pay pretty well. The average focus group pays anywhere between $50 to $150 for around an hour of your time. Most opportunities will require you to discuss the topic in person but some sites post virtual focus group opportunities. Check out sites like Mind Swarms and Respondent for focus groups that you can participate in from home. After you answer a questionnaire you will then be contacted to find out if you’re the right person to help the company find the answers they are seeking. Test Websites Another way to get paid for your opinion is to test website s online for extra cash. Everyday new websites and apps are being developed and it’s important that people share their honest opinion about them. Some website testing projects take as little as 10 minutes and others require more in-depth process and require up to an hour of your time before you are paid for your opinion. Teaching If you have any teaching or tutoring experience you can land an online teaching job. Some apps and sites will even pay you to teach English online to students in other countries. Teaching online is flexible because you can set your own schedule depending on the program and some apps even provide lesson plans and other materials. You can make up to $22 an hour with sites like VIPKid . Learn about more ways to teach online here. Freelance Writer Build your own brand and business by creating a blog or becoming a freelance writer . You don’t have to have a degree in writing or even prior experience as you can grow your skills on your own. Plus there are so many different niches out there for you to dive into like fashion, sports, personal finance, food, travel, parenting and more. Once you get your foot in the door and established people might see your work and ask you to produce content for them and in most cases will pay you. Check […]

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Hunting for Work? 15 Tips to Track Down Freelance Writing Jobs

Are you on the hunt for freelance writing jobs? If you’re not looking in the right places, you might spend a lot of time chasing tracks that lead to nowhere. Maybe you’re in a barren client landscape. Or you’re surrounded by hoards of other hunters looking for freelance writing jobs. Or maybe you took a wrong turn, and you’re completely lost. It happens. But don’t panic. All you need to do is reorient yourself and get back on track. If you haven’t seen any well-paying freelance writing jobs lately, it doesn’t mean they’re not out there. In fact, there’s more than enough to go around in almost every niche. So how do you track down good freelance writing jobs? Use these tips to find work. Happy hunting. When Matt Seidholz started looking for freelance writing jobs, he went hunting in all the wrong places. He was nearly starving and down to bare bones rations. In order to survive, he had to rethink his hunting strategies to find better clients. Here’s how he did it. What’s the different between a letter of introduction that lands you a new client and one that fails? The recipe you’re following and the ingredients you’re using. Make a Living Writing blog editor Evan Jensen shows you how to write a tasty LOI to find work. Ever felt like your prospecting efforts are like panning for gold in a river or rock bed without any gold? That’s a complete waste of time. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Freelance writer Charles Owen-Jackson shows you how the right prospecting efforts can lead to to pay dirt. Are your freelance writing efforts a little overweight and out of shape? If you’re feeling like you’re not getting the results you want, get off the couch and whip your pitch skills into shape. Freelance writer Jen Theuriet shows you how to hustle to get better freelance writing jobs. 5. Networking for Introverts: The Terrifying Mistake That Created More Freelance Leads When self-described introvert and freelance writer Julie Johnson made a simple mistake, she found herself face to face with one of her worst fears. Instead of running away, she decided to stick around. And it turned out to be a great way to find more freelance leads. Here’s how. Hunting for magazine writing assignments? You can sift through writer’s guidelines for hours, but until you do a few specific things, you’ll have a tough time landing an assignment, says Carol Tice. Use this checklist to write a killer query letter and land your next magazine assignment. They’ve got questions. You’ve got answers. If you’re looking for more freelance writing jobs, there’s a curious way to find clients that not everyone knows about. Freelancer Beth Casey shows you how to use this Q&A strategy to reach more prospects. How do you track down big-game clients ready to pay you pro rates? Look in the right places, target the best niches, and watch for clues to help you avoid […]

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21 Ways To Earn $100 Every Day Online

I’ve been a financial advisor and entrepreneur for many years, and I have had some big successes along the way. On days where I receive a big payday or one of my ideas works well, it’s hard not to be completely overwhelmed with pride. Still, none of my earlier successes compare to the first day I made $100 on the internet within a 24-hour period. Something about getting a $100 check from Google just blew me away — even though I was earning well over six figures in my career. It was a game-changing moment for me since this realization helped me begin this amazing online journey that I am so grateful for. 21 Ways to Make $100 or More Online in a Single Day While it’s been a long time since I had my first $100 online payday, I have learned about a ton of different strategies to earn money online since then. And I want to share them all with you, one by one. But first, let me give you a little context about me and my story. Around ten years ago, I started a blog called Good Financial Cents . While my website makes tons of passive income now, I initially built my blog as a marketing tool for my financial planning practice. At the time, I didn’t know anything about online marketing, social media, or SEO. In fact, I was oblivious about the fact you could make money online . Fortunately, I met some mentors along the way that showed me I could use my online presence to earn real money. This was such a huge mindset shift for me since, until then, the only way I knew how to earn money was by going out and getting more clients. I didn’t know it at the time, but I would eventually replace my full-time job with blogging income alone. Now that you know my backstory, it’s time to dig in to some of the ways you can start earning passive or active income with the internet. If you’re interested in earning money online and in your spare time, check out these 21 ways you can earn $100 or more per day: #1: Google Adsense When I started my blog, I faced a lot of restrictions as a financial advisor. As a result, one of the only ways I could monetize at the time was by using Google Adsense. With this income-earning strategy, you simply sign up and Google gives you a code to copy and waste onto your website. From there, Google does the rest and you get paid any time someone clicks on your ads and/or makes a purchase. When I finally added Google Adsense to my website, I was able to earn my first $100 payout within around three months. This is pretty cool, but a lot of people have asked me how I earned so much with Adsense at first. You have to keep in mind that, as a financial advisor, most […]

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10 time tracking tools for productive freelancers, entrepreneurs

Part of today’s culture is seeing how much one can get done in a day. We’re always so “go, go, go” and we treasure productivity. This is incredibly true for freelancers, and, as such, it makes total sense that app and software technology would capitalize on this need. The following apps and programs are designed to help you save time and/or increase productivity. 1. Timeular : This app is designed to visually show you how you spend your time and, as a result, become more productive. Instead of wondering where your time goes every day, you’ll see it visually. This is done through a physical time tracker, where you can define what you want to track and customize your Tracker. You then connect via Bluetooth and place the Tracker face up with the task that you are working on (if you’re taking a phone call, the symbol facing up would be a phone). It then tracks all of your tasks into a color-coded visualization of the day’s activities. Dangerous for people like me who waste a lot of time on Instagram… 2. Bonsai : This bad boy is time tracking for freelancers. You can break down each project and track time individually in order to see where your time is going and how much is being spent on each entity. You then are able to automate invoices based on the time spent. Genius! 3. Tasks Time Tracker : Say that three times fast. This is a phone app that has multiple timers so you can track more than one thing at a time. This app gives you the option to input billing rates to easily track your earning. You can then export all of the info in a CSV format. 4. Azendoo : Everything in one place. This is a time-tracking service that assists your team’s needs and workflow. It puts project organization, team collaboration, and time reporting all in one place. A cool feature on this is you can input how much time you anticipate spending on a project, and then Azendoo compares that to how much time you actually spent. 5. Continuo : Similar to Timeular, you get to see all of your activities in a color-coded format on a calendar. This lets you easily breakdown how much time is spent on each activity and allows you to plan for the future. You are able to see your progress over time, and see how you’ve gotten faster and more productive. 6. PadStats : Described as “a simple app will help you to learn more about yourself”, PadStats will help you track and analyze your daily activities or daily routine. This app includes more quanity-based tracking, allowing data to be more user-oriented and stats to be more accurate. 7. Pomo Timer : This productivity boosting app is a “Simple and convenient pomodoro timer based on the technique proposed by Francesco Cirillo in the distant 1980s made in a simple and clear design,” according to iTunes. For those who […]

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Freelance Platforms Market Report, Growth Forecast, Industry statistics Till 2024

The report presenting a comprehensive exploration of the global Freelance Platforms encloses the rate of growth of the market over the projected duration. Providing a concise synopsis, the report determines the valuation and size of the Freelance Platforms industry in the near future. It also includes the major contributing factors to the growth of the global Freelance Platforms as well as the dominating players in the market coupled with their market share. The Freelance Platforms market research study focuses on delivering an intensive analysis of this industry, projecting the business vertical to accumulate substantial returns by the end of the anticipated duration, while recording a commendable growth rate over the forecast timeframe. The report elucidates an in-depth outline of this business sphere, including pivotal details with respect to the remuneration currently held by the Freelance Platforms market. The study also encompasses the industry segmentation in exceptional detail, alongside the various growth opportunities that this vertical is indicative of. Request a sample Report of Freelance Platforms Market at: https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/1757445?utm_source=MSF&utm_medium=VS Elucidating a succinct gist of the Freelance Platforms market report: What does the Freelance Platforms market study enumerate considering the competitive spectrum of the industry? The research study on the Freelance Platforms market analysis provides a detailed brief regarding the competitive spectrum of the industry, that is inclusive of companies such as Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer.com, Envato Studio, PeoplePerHour, Toptal, Guru.com, DesignCrowd, Nexxt, DesignContest, TaskRabbit, crowdSPRING, Hireable.com, WriterAccess, 99Designs, Catalant, Designhill, Skyword, Bark and Gigster . Detailed information with respect to the distribution and sales area parameters have been provided in the study, and other details about vendors – such as the firm profile and numerous manufactured products, have also been delivered. The report mentions the aspects of product sales, price models, revenue accrued, and profit margins. What does the Freelance Platforms market study enumerate considering the regional spectrum of the industry? With regards to the geographical scope of the industry, the Freelance Platforms market growth has been segregated into Americas, APAC, Europe, Middle East & Africa by the report in question. Substantial information about the product consumption across the numerous regions and the valuation accrued by these geographies has been mentioned in the study. The study concentrates on providing details about the consumption market share spanning these regions, not to mention, the market share held by every geography and the growth rate of product consumption as well. Ask for Discount on Freelance Platforms Market Report at: https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/1757445?utm_source=MSF&utm_medium=VS What does the Freelance Platforms market study enumerate considering the segmentation of the industry? With regards to the product landscape, the report segments the Freelance Platforms market into Cloud Based and Web Based . Substantial details about the market share accounted for by each product type and the estimated remuneration of the product segment have been mentioned. The report is inclusive of information pertaining to the product consumption and product sales price. In terms of the application landscape, the Freelance Platforms market study segments the industry into Large Enterprises and SMEs . The reports […]

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Top Productivity Tips for Freelance Business Leaders

If you work as a freelancer, then you know just how great that lifestyle can be. After all, you can schedule work whenever you want to, and work for yourself, instead of a boss who’s constantly checking up on you. You can work from home, or you can work from the beach, tethered to your phone. It seems like a dream, and lots of your friends envy your lifestyle. But the fact is, being a freelancer, especially if you’re doing it full-time, can be frustrating, too. It can be hard to stay productive. Because your amount of work can vary, and you don’t have an actual office you work from, it can be easy to get too burned out or distracted. Luckily, there are some great strategies you can use to stay productive. By trying out the tips in this list, you can find out what works best for you and stick to those strategies. Use the Pomodoro method Sometimes, all you need is just a little bit of structure to feel like you’re working. But when you’re working remotely, you don’t have a structured workday like you might a nine-to-five office space. That’s what’s so great about the Pomodoro method. Created in the late 1980s, this simple method cuts your work up into small intervals. That way, you can keep the momentum but take the breaks you deserve, too. You work in 25-minute sections, taking 5 and 10 minute breaks in-between. Check out the free TomatoTimer website to see if it works for you. Considering that employee stress was on the rise at the beginning of 2019, taking breaks when you need them is a great way of avoiding burnout when you’re also committing to getting a certain amount of work done. Stay off of social media (and your phone) Telling a freelancer to stay off social media is almost as cruel as telling a teenager that they don’t get to use their phone for a week. But the fact is, social media is distracting. Unless you’re working as an Instagram expert or social media manager, wean yourself from these websites. If you’re more of a news junkie, use a site blocker so that you’re only using websites necessary for your freelance work. And don’t forget to put your phone on airplane mode (or in another room). Americans were checking their phones more than ever, with 63 percent trying to cut back their screen time, according to a 2018 survey , which goes to show just how addicted we are to these tiny screens. Get some exercise Since you’re a freelancer, and you can schedule your work when you want to, it’s a great idea to make time for exercise. Most nine-to-fivers are forced to exercise early in the morning before they’ve even had their coffee or after a grueling day at work. You have the freedom to hit the gym or pavement whenever you want, so go for it. Whether it’s something you do at the beginning […]

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Kickstarting Your Career as a Freelance Graphic Designer

Freelancers are like the hunter gatherers of graphic design. Yes, they’ve mastered the principles of design , and they know how to use the right programs. But unlike working in house or at an agency, freelance graphic designers are not permanently employed by one person and surrounded by others. Instead, they have to hunt down and then maintain a client base all on their own. Venturing into a job as a freelance graphic designer Working as a freelance graphic designer sure sounds dreamy: picking your work hours, choosing your clients, and working from home. Why aren’t we all freelancers? What is a freelance graphic designer? A freelance graphic designer is an independent graphic designer that does not work for one particular company. Instead, they can work on multiple projects for multiple clients simultaneously. Freelance graphic designers are responsible for writing their own contracts, establishing their rates, setting their work hours, and finding their clients. Being a freelance graphic designer isn’t just about being a graphic designer. As you start off on your own, you’re going to have to be a salesperson, a marketer, a bookkeeper, and so much more. It takes hard work, time management, and some serious networking. Here are some things to do as you’re beginning this new journey. Let’s get into a little more detail. Check your savings Your safest bet isn’t going to be diving head first into this. Don’t quit the job you have now unless you have a very hefty savings account. Keep in mind that, as a freelancer, you’ll be on your own when it comes to finding work. And there will be times where you won’t find work. While pursuing a new career is exciting, it’s important to consider realities like financial stability. This gig may be something to start part-time until you feel like you’re really on your feet. Make it official If you’re really serious about doing this, we need to talk business. I mean it. Do some research and learn about whether or not you need to register your business. It may be as easy as registering your business name with local governments and the state. In a full-time office job, employees are provided with computers, printers, and other necessary materials. Freelancers have to use their own equipment to get the job done. This is one of the many reasons that you should think about meeting with a tax accountant or studying up on tax laws for freelancers. There’s an abundance of things to consider when it comes to filing your taxes, and you’ll want to make sure you’re not missing anything. Small businesses should be able to keep track of their finances, even if a small business is just you. If you’re bouncing around between clients and projects, it’s important to be able to keep track of all of that, financially. Use folders, use tabs, use colors, or just keep really neat with some super-helpful small business accounting software. Have an existential crisis (and develop your brand) […]

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Freelance Interior Designer / Project Manager

Amir Khamneipur Design seeks freelance Interior Designer / Project Manager. The candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in residential interior design and excellent presentation and drafting skills. The designer will work on projects from schematic designs to installations. SUMMARY OF KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & SKILLS: Research and analysis of the client’s goals/requirements, and development of documents, drawings and diagrams that reflect those needs. Ability to interact effectively with the design team on multiple projects. Formulate preliminary space plans, two dimensional design concept studies and sketches that integrate the client’s requirements. Assist with the implementation of interior design solutions for each project from schematic through installation. Select colors, materials and finishes to appropriately convey the design concept. Manage the interior design resource library and maintain vendor contracts for interior furnishings, fixtures and finishes. Select and specify furniture, fixtures, equipment and millwork, including layout drawings and detailed product description; facilitate pricing, procurement and installation of furniture. Prepare specifications and schedules with accurate product information for all furnishings. Prepare plans, elevations, details and specifications. Ability to field measure and document building conditions. Coordination and collaboration with other design professionals who may be retained. Observation and reporting on the implementation of projects while in progress. Prepare project cost, fee analysis and proposals. SKILLS : Degree in Interior Design Minimum of 5 years interior design experience Excellent presentation skills, including space planning and drawing Experience selecting and specifying furnishings including lighting, hardware, floor/window coverings, materials, and finishes. Ability to interact effectively with the design team on multiple projects Experience with purchasing and budgets Knowledge of trade resources and vendors Proficiency in AutoCAD Ability to create drawings, specifications and schedule Ability to create and manage Excel spreadsheets Knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop Knowledge of and/or ability to learn time-keeping and billing software View your Application History

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Five Advantages to Hiring a Freelance Writer

Admit it. You’ve probably sat around trying to figure out how to convey an idea to a customer, but couldn’t come up with the right words. Even worse, you may have only gotten a few words on paper before you were ready to yank your hair out. Well don’t fret. That’s what freelance are for. And here a some key ways in which they can help you. Save Money Freelance writers will save you money in the long run. For one thing, you don’t have to hire a writer and pay them a salary and benefits. You’ll also know the writer’s hourly rate in advance and may even get a price break if you have multiple projects for her. Produce More Work Outsourcing Freelance Writing ServicesMiami FL will get your blog or article done much faster than if you tried to slog through it yourself. That means you’ll have those pages available that much sooner to insert on your website or include in a direct mail promotion. Frees Up Time Along the same lines, getting Freelance Writing Services Miami FL onboard with your team will free you up to complete more crucial tasks. This is especially true if you’re a small company and don’t have many people to whom you can delegate work. Cover Variety of Topics Though you may have the expertise to write some pieces, based on your experience, you won’t be able to produce the variety of content that a freelance writer can. That’s because freelance writers are experts at researching and completing their writing assignments on time. After all, that’s how they earn a living. More Leads and Sales Your Freelance Writing Services Miami FL representative will know how to phrase certain words that get the attention of your target audience and current customers. This will help you increase leads and sales in the long run.

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Freelance Daily Artist

Location: New York City, New York (US) Category: Role: Level: Experienced (Non-Manager) Duration: Part Time Salary Description: Commensurate to Experience As a Freelance Daily Artist, you are responsible for producing creative and visually compelling graphics to support daily editorial content on Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, and Fox Nation. You thrive in a live news environment and have the right attitude. You are willing to learn and understand the level of commitment needed for a quick turnaround. This is a temporary position. * In order to be considered you must submit a link to your portfolio. * A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES Fulfill quick-turnaround requests for charts, maps, logos, and other custom topical images based on show needs Typeset and proofread text-based artwork such as promos, factoids, and info-graphics Animate full screen graphics including scrolls, text tears, diagrams, and maps Cut out and retouch head shots Create logos and custom elements for upcoming news events Work with management and editorial to determine the best way to tell each story Pitch and storyboard concepts for new shows and specials Build out elements for broadcast, print, and digital based on established brand guidelines or animation packages WHAT YOU WILL NEED Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator on both Windows and Mac with experience working in a live TV or OTT environment Ability to fulfill a high volume of daily graphic requests while conforming to established network-wide and show-specific design standards Ability to organize information (layout design, infographics, general composition) Strong understanding of design principles, layout, typography and color theory Knowledge and awareness of current design trends in graphic design and typography Excellent time-management and multi-tasking skills to keep on deadline without sacrificing accuracy or quality of work; must be able to handle multiple concurrent projects Ability to receive assignments and feedback from team members at all levels while maintaining efficiency under pressure Knowledge of AfterEffects, Curious Maps, Google Maps strongly recommended Knowledge of Maya, Cinema 4D, Vizrt, and other industry technology is a plus Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include weekends or overnights Fox News is committed to delivering news as it happens. We love what we do and we’re looking for passionate, talented people to help us lead, grow and achieve our goals. Work With Us

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Help Wanted: Freelance News Reporter

TAPinto is in search of qualified reporters with experience and an interest in covering local municipalities on a freelance basis. TAPinto is a network of more than 75 locally owned and operated online hyperlocal news sites with more than 7.5M readers. We provide our communities with original local news reporting, a community calendar, and much more. Our sites are individually owned and operated in each town/territory by people who have a passion for community news. Freelance news reporters will work with TAPinto’s Town Editors/Franchisees in covering local news in assigned town. They will gain significant experience in covering news and events, business profiles and breaking news. The ideal candidate would be an enthusiastic writer to help us keep up with the latest happenings and come away with more than just a simple story. The person must be excited to keep us ahead of the curve with our online components by embracing social media, including digital and video components. Additionally, News Reporters are expected to: • Creates a story that accurately informs, entertains and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of metrics. Works toward becoming the community’s leading voice in area of expertise. • Strong storyteller that connects with readers through the articles you produce, as well as through our social media platforms. • Collaborates with other local editors and reporters to provide town with high-quality news stories from surrounding area. TAPinto Franklin/Somerset is independently owned and operated by Malik A. Lyons FHS Class of 93’ Graduate. Download the FREE TAPinto App! Click here for Android – Click here for iOS for breaking news, traffic/weather alerts and special offers!

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Here are five smart options to start ‘work from home’

Offering lectures and tutorials on the web can be another good option for working from home. | Photo Credit: Representative Image New Delhi: In the tightly competitive corporate environment, everybody is working towards enhancing their skills in order to get good packages, better recognition and better workplaces. In the adequately-diversified society, many persons are inclining towards working from home or working as a freelancer. Even some companies are quite open with the ‘work from home’ feature to boost the productivities of the employees. If a set of tasks can be completed as efficiently and correctly from home, then why a person should be obligated to come to the office. Some companies are making the work from home culture mandatory for every employee as it cuts the transit duration between office and home which can be utilised in other necessary things. Here are five smart options to start ‘work from home’ Freelance writing There are been plenty of professionals who have taken up freelance writing as full-time employment. Freelance writing has the advantage of getting multiple working choices which implies an individual can work for more than one company at a given point of time. Further, there are no strict timelines or working hours in a day unlike the conventional 9 to 5 job. Freelance writers can work for publishing houses, media companies, content aggregators, etc. Photography for aggregators If someone is good at photography, then he or she can take up the camera for clicking professional photos for picture aggregators or stock photo sites. The professional collectors of pictures such as www.alamy.com and www.gettyimages.in don’t hesitate to pay handsome cheques to good professional photographers. Photographers who have just begun clicking the pictures should not worry as continuous efforts in learning photo editing software and basics of photography may land you a good job for which you are not required to visit the offices daily. Online tutorials Offering lectures and tutorials on the web can be another good option for working from home. For delivering tutorials, an individual is required to have a good quality video camera, web connectivity and an association with online teaching platforms such as www.chegg.com, www.myschoolpage.com, etc. Trainers and lecturers who are delivering online tutorials are paid on the basis of hours and in some cases the number of queries. Managing social media To manage the social media platforms of an organisation can be controlled from the home itself. The trending and user-crowded social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, can be managed from home. For doing this, an individual is required to have a fast computer machine with uninterrupted internet connectivity. Some organisations even go live through their respective handles on these platforms to address the queries of customers. Web developers A number of seasoned IT professionals are adequately qualified to take up this job. The reason for the necessary experience is required because a web developer will be working under no supervision from home. A web developer is not required during the constant […]

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Pros and Cons of Freelance Writing as a Career

The freelance writing career is one of the exciting opportunities that many people dream of. You get to be your own boss and work when you want. That means you are not tied to the 9 to 5 job. Writers from WritingJobz services get to determine what they write about and for how long. If this is what you want to do in life, then it is a great decision. However, you must do your research and found out on the ups and downs of such an engagement. Here are some of the pros and cons you should be aware of before taking a freelance writing career… Pros of Freelance writing Now that you have resolved to become a freelance career in writing , here are some of the benefits you will get. Work when you want. There is flexibility to your work schedules since you get to determine when you want to work. It could be during the day or during the night. Basically, there isn’t any time that you can’t work because the freelance writing business operates 24/7. There are different people looking for help with writing around the world. source:nerdyturtlez.com There is no Limit to Your Earnings. You can earn as much as you want. There is no fixed salary at the end of the month. The limit is set by you. The more you work the more you earn. If you choose to rest, then there won’t be cash coming your way. Work from anywhere. With freelance writing jobs, you are not tied to a fixed place of work. Actually, you can work as you travel to different parts of the world or simply work from the comfort of your home. Again, your travelling expenses are minimized and controllable since you get to determine where to work from. source:nerdyturtlez.com You choose what to write. No one will force you to handle an assignment that you are not comfortable with. Therefore, it is up to you to decide what you will write about. Cons of Freelance Writing Taking freelance writing as a career is not an excuse to be lazy. Actually, you will be expected to develop the discipline to help you stabilize your earnings and finances in general. Here is why… There are No medical and retirement benefits. Unlike for a 9-5 job, there are no benefits such as medical insurance or retirement fund unless you choose to pay that by yourself. Therefore, you must work your way out through these benefits. source:nerdyturtlez.com You only earn when you work. When you get sick, you will not get paid for the time you will be out of work. This is not the case in a conventional job where people get sick leave and still get paid. You handle all the risks by yourself. Every job has its risks and therefore, it is upon you to manage them as you work. Final Thoughts Being a freelance writer is a brilliant idea. There are great writing opportunities at […]

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How YOU Can Charge $300 AN HOUR As A Freelance Developer

Imagine you are a freelance developer and you want to raise your rates. I got a question today about my billing rate, so whether it’s real or not and I found a few questions like this. I just want to say upfront that when I say something or do something or do something like if I post on my blog post or if it’s on a marketing message or an email or something, it’s generally true. When I first started out I think I was charging like $30 or $40 an hour and to me that was really, really good. I had gotten this one contract where I was charging $100 an hour and I said, “Wow, this is crazy how—I can’t believe someone would pay me $100 an hour.” Then I heard of people that were charging more than that like $200 an hour. As I started marketing myself and building up the reputation in the industry I started raising my rates and I got to the point of charging $300 an hour and the first time I threw that out to a client and they didn’t even blink. They didn’t try to negotiate me down. They just signed the check. It took some time to get to there and I can understand the scepticism about it, but honestly, and I’ll tell you this right now, just this last couple of weeks was the first start time I started turning down people at $300 an hour because it’s not worth it. While it might seem like something you won’t EVER be able to accomplish, this is way way more possible than you can imagine. In today’s video I’m going to share some tips on how you can bill $300/hour as a freelance developer and how you can do it too. Transcript Of The Video John Sonmez: What’s up, John Sonmez here from simpleprogrammer.com and today you’re going to learn how to bill $300 as a freelance programmer. I’m going to tell you exactly how I did it and how you can do the same. It does require some work, but it is possible for any developer out there if you know how to do it. What’s up guys? John Sonmez here from simpleprogrammer.com. If you’re just joining me for the first time, congratulations. You are in the right place to improve your career, to learn soft skills for software developers. That’s all the non technical parts of software development that are actually going to be the most beneficial parts of your career and making more money and being successful in this field. I’ll tell you how I did it and I’ll tell you a little bit about my story. And then you want to stay tuned to the end because I’m going to tell you how you can do it and that’s the most important part. So I started out in software development. I think my first contract job was around $20 an hour, maybe $15 an hour. […]

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Can a Freelance Writing Niche Make Me a Better Writer?

One of the most important things to do as a budding writer is to choose your area of specialization, commonly called a freelance writing niche . You might be tempted to be a jack of all trades so that you can serve multiple clients or engage many kinds of readers. However, whether you are an aspiring freelance writer or blogger, you will struggle to find the content and motivation to put together an excellent piece for just about every topic on the planet. If you are wondering whether you should really choose a niche, here are a 10 reasons why you should. The most important things for budding writers is to choose your area of specialization, commonly called a freelance writing niche. 1. You Will Offer Better Quality Pieces When it comes to writing, quality is better than quantity, and your clients and readers will value you most if you produce excellent content in one area rather than poor work in many areas. When you choose a freelance writing niche, you will accrue experience and knowledge over time which will help you hone your skills and produce better, more informative articles. The better your pieces are, the more likely your readers will refer you to other readers seeking the kind of insights you offer, which will make you a renowned freelance writing expert in your field. 2. It Puts Your Skills to Good Use Do you have experience in a particular area like interior décor, hospitality or traveling? If your specialty is in hospitality, for example, why not become one of the best hotel copywriters and focus on what you enjoy writing about? Focusing on what you love will help you make great use of your skills and offer relevant information to your readers. Besides, as you research your work, you will gain more knowledge that will improve your skills in that area. 3. You Can Use Your Niche to Promote Your Business Choosing a niche gives you a unique brand, which you can easily use to market your services and demand the highest possible rates. With a niche, you can target a specific area and use your samples to make the maximum possible returns from your marketing activities. 4. You Will Fuel Your Passion One of the most significant advantages of choosing a niche is that you will most likely select an area that you love, are interested in, or identify with, which will improve your general writing experience. Who would not want a career derived from what they love most? Again, writing in an area that you are passionate about helps you to express yourself; opinions, arguments, and takes, which will make your work rich and engaging. 5. It Helps You Write More Easily Even the crème of freelance writers admit to experiencing the nightmare of watching the cursor blink for hours on end without an idea of what to write . Writing can be challenging when you have to write about a topic that you are […]

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We’re Hiring! Apply To Be A Freelance Writer For StyleDemocracy

ABOUT THE COMPANY: StyleDemocracy is a Digital Media and Marketing company specializing in email marketing, social media marketing, and content creation for brands and retailers in the fashion/lifestyle industry. The company is a rapidly growing company with tremendous opportunity for growth. Since its inception in 2000, StyleDemocracy has been managing the biggest, most attended warehouse sale events for some of the world’s most recognized brands. ABOUT THE JOB: As a freelance writer, you will be part of a team that drives the StyleDemocracy digital brand, working with the Editor to create exciting content about shopping, retail, fashion, and lifestyle topics. Successful candidates will write features, interviews, and listicles with a focus on Toronto. This position is remote and writers are paid per assignment. RESPONSIBILITIES: Research, pitch, and write articles on a month-by-month basis Write 4-10 articles per month (600-1000 words) Work with StyleDemocracy’s editor to make revisions and craft your tone Provide factually correct information with proper citations KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE: Experience writing for a digital publication and/or a degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field An eye for trending, unique stories related to fashion, shopping, and retail Impeccable attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, and communication REQUIREMENT: We are asking all potential candidates to complete a short writing assignment. Not only will this give you a better understanding of the type of content we’re looking for, but it’ll also give us an idea of your writing style. Below, you’ll find three article topics. Choose one and complete a 300 word article. Once complete, email your article, resume, and cover letter to jobs@styledemocracy.com with the subject line, “Freelance Contributor.” *Please note that anything you create for us will not be used on the website and is strictly for assessment purposes. Article Topics # Best Places To Shop For Designer Footwear Online The Future Of Retail Is Secondhand Shopping — Here’s Why # Drugstore Dupes For Popular High-End Beauty Products The best resource to inspire you is StyleDemocracy.com. However, we do encourage you to incorporate your own voice. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Featured image: Instagram/ @dressmydesk

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A temporary side job I took for $15 at a time led me to a fulfilling career I never expected

Shutterstock A few months before I graduated with my MBA, I was searching for my first “real” job. I was living in Chicago at the time and open to moving just about anywhere for the right position. After sitting in a Starbucks for days and applying to hundreds of jobs, I finally got one response. The response was from a digital marketing agency in Chicago that specialized in helping car dealerships build their online presence. Since they didn’t have any openings for a full-time job, they asked me if I wanted to write automotive content for them on a freelance basis. At first, I was a bit frustrated. I spent so much time applying to jobs and the first bite I received wasn’t even for a full-time gig. After doing some more research on the company, I decided that I’d give this freelance thing a shot while I continued my search for a full-time job. I liked cars and writing, so I figured I had nothing to lose. A few days after I accepted the freelance gig at the automotive marketing agency, they sent me my first assignment. It was a 350-word article on the 2013 lineup of Mercedes-Benz SUVs. The pay was only $15 but at the time I didn’t think that was bad because I finished it in less than an hour while sitting on my couch in my pajamas. I continued to write these automotive articles for $15 a pop until I landed my first full-time job as a link builder at a large marketing company in Charlotte, North Carolina. After a few months at my full-time job in Charlotte, I decided that I’d love some extra money and began writing the automotive articles again. It was a nice little side gig that allowed me to pay for a few luxuries that my meager entry-level salary simply didn’t allow for. Eventually, I moved back home to Cleveland and found a new full-time job at an insurance company. I continued to freelance write on the side but wanted to diversify my portfolio so I began to search for new clients. After landing three new clients, I was able to significantly increase my writing income and write about more than just cars. I was writing about dental procedures, home improvement projects, moving solutions, and a plethora of other random topics. I loved making extra money on the side in the comfort of my own home and continued to do so for the next four years. I was landing new clients on a regular basis and eventually got to the point where I was earning more from freelancing than I was working full-time for someone else. Since I was writing before work, after work, and on the weekends, I started to get very overwhelmed. I basically had two full-time jobs and my husband convinced me that I had to pick one. After about eight months of a full-time job and writing like crazy on the side, I quit my […]

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