If you work from home, you know
kind of day I mean. You made calls. You revised those drafts. You sent out emails. Where is everybody!? As much as you used to relish a slow day when you were corporate, it’s a little different when you’re playing boss to yourself. Your mind gets to wandering. Should I head out to park? Should I hit mall? Should I... file for unemployment? For a freelance writer, designer or web marketer who works from home, a day without contact from outside world can bring on anything from sluggishness and inertia to a panic attack. Such fun games mind will play when two of you are left alone for long periods of time! But here’s a little secret about slow days. They’re perfect opportunity to catch up on everything that went out of your head minute phone stopped ringing.
How do you remember what it is you were supposed to be doing before it became unimportant? Think back to last time you were swamped! Chances are, your mind was in overdrive, firing off ideas about how you could be improving your business. Were you mulling over a couple of articles? Pipedreaming a new web marketing strategy with an online buddy? Wishing you had remembered to meta-tag every page of your website?
A slow day is your big chance to get cracking on those little plans that will lead to big business for your company. Do you make lists of things that never get accomplished? Today’s day you’ll be filling that goal notebook with checkmarks! Here are some tips on how to make headway on a slow day.
1. Learn a new program. Remember last month when you bought "HTML for Dummies" and then tossed it into your closet? Now’s time to drag that book out of hiding. Remember that free software you installed along with your scanner? Take tutorial. A day that’s free of interruption is perfect day to pick up a few new technical pointers. Mastering some new programs can save you a huge headache when push comes to shove and you're struggling with that last-minute project.
2. Organize your workspace. Isn’t it about time you stopped using floor as your file cabinet? And STOP depending on your email for phone numbers; you'll be sorry day server goes down and you can't get in touch with your biggest client! Invest in some hanging file folders and a Rolodex--so you’ll have easy access to contact information, project notes, contracts and such. Stock up on printer cartridges and paper so you don’t run out in middle of an important project. Hang a wall calendar and start using it. There are so many small things you can do to get organized and increase your productivity!
3. Write an article. Experiencing freelancer frustration with nowhere to vent? Had a recent eye-opener while doing work for a client? Being an independent contractor means something new every day. Whether it’s a challenge, a victory or a pitfall, everything you come away with is a valuable lesson to be learned. Why not share your knowledge with world? There are thousands of websites looking for content. Many give you a byline, and some will even pay you! What a great way to make most of your experiences... and get your name out there in print.
