“Success without honor is an unseasoned dish; it will satisfy your hunger, but it won’t taste good.” – Quote Garden – Joe Paterno

In my last post about reviewing (Becoming a Reviewer: Where to Begin), I shared 5 tips with you on how to get started.

Today, I’d like to share with you…

5 Strategies for Reviewing Success

1. Honesty is the best policy. Always, always tell the truth – even if you find a negative aspect (or several!) in the product or system you’re reviewing. This is most important, especially if you’re a blogger or the author of a review column, etc. Your audience needs to know they can trust your judgment. Your reputation is of value. Your readers’ experiences are of value. Don’t be the cause of them spending their hard-earned money on products you highly recommend, but aren’t in keeping with your rave review. Keep it real.
2. Be thorough. Highlight details and clue readers in on everything you can think of to share – including fun facts or solid information about the company’s history, team and/or owner(s). Saying something like “oh, I loved the product… it was great” is not enough to provide a solid foundation for someone who is truly interested in purchasing the item you’re mentioning.
3. Follow up with readers. If comments are allowed where you posted your review, try to answer readers’ questions or at least direct them to someone who can. Sometimes we forget to include something they may want to know. (We can’t think of everything!)
4. Don’t forget the pros and the cons. Readers want to know both the good and the bad. If it’s a food or beverage, be sure to include how it tastes and/or smells, how appetizing it may be, how much it costs, and even list a few ways they might introduce this product to their usual meals or snacks, etc.
5. Openly thank the company/individual who sent you the product(s) to review. They not only deserve the recognition for their generosity, they deserve a thank you for taking the time to acknowledge you as a reviewer and give you the opportunity to sample their product, free of cost.

And, yes, I absolutely try to adhere to these strategies when I write reviews. I’ve grown and learned along the way, so I have written reviews in the past that were short and sweet. Each time I’ve written a new review, though, I’ve built upon what I learned from writing the previous one. And, so writing reviews is not only becoming easier for me, they’ve become so much more enjoyable as I pass on to the reader not only my thoughts, but valuable, honest information, with integrity and a genuine heart.

Do you write reviews? Are you thorough? Will you try to be more thorough from now on? Do you think it’s wrong to be paid for reviews? Do you think it’s wrong to receive free products for review? And what do you think about the Federal Trade Commission’s ruling for bloggers? Has it kept you from writing reviews? Or, are you just more cautious? I’ve always been upfront and openly thanked the sponsoring company who sent me products to review – I’m glad!

And stay tuned… more tips are on the way! Is there anything in particular you’d like to know? Share in the comments!

Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to visit the other articles Michele has written for Writer’s Round-About–or contact her to write for you.

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Business Card Considerations

Do you have a logo? Have you been in business for years, or are you new to the freelance world like fellow writer, Matt Willard? Is your business recognized by certain colors or a theme? Should you put your name at the top (using a big font), or should you focus on the name of your business and your tagline? Do you include a phone number? E-mail only? Physical address or P.O. box? Do you include a The possibilities – and design choices – are endless…

The Web has changed the way businesses can order their promotional material. You don’t even have to leave your home or office, hop in your vehicle, and make your way down to the printers – all you have to do is follow the simple instructions available and wait for your freshly-designed business cards to arrive in the mail!

We Recommend:

• VistaPrint.com

With a new year here, you can take advantage to incorporate a new approach to your promotional efforts.

5 Reasons for New Business Cards

1. Include a mini portfolio/resume. Pay a little extra for printing on the backside of your business card. You can use it to add publications your work has appeared in, or share your skills, etc.
2. List the social media sites you can be found on. More and more companies and individuals are realizing the importance of social media. Grow your network by letting others know where to find you.
3. Update your website or blog links, emails, phone number, address, etc. Have you moved to a new address – whether your physical home or your virtual domain? If so, update your clients or readers with the new information so they can reach you easily.
4. Revamp your image. Is your business image old or boring? Or does it feel that way to you? Improve it by splashing some new colors – or even a new logo – on your card!
5. Put a fresh spin on your tagline. Is your tagline too long? Too generic? Be unique. Be bold. Be brave. Speak from your heart. Share your heart with the world! (After all, there’s a superhero inside of you!)

If you’re not as creative as you’d like to be; if you’re not fond of the ideas you come up with; you can always hire someone to design a logo – or your entire business card – for you. This is a new year so get out there and sell yourself – you can find the courage!

Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to visit the other articles Michele has written for Writer’s Round-About–or contact her to write for you.

What do your business cards say about you? Are you going to start 2010 out with new cards in hand? Or, are you still unsure about the benefits of having them?

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Writing is like weaving
– from the beginning
to the end!

Our words glide across the page and then we hit enter and move down. We scroll back up and take note of what we’ve written; we scroll back down and finish our thoughts. We move all across the page: up, down, back and forth – all the while we are weaving a story. The pieces, colors, and vibrant picture are moving vividly through our mind, body, and soul.

As we gaze intensely at the computer screen – or our notebook – we are filling the blank page with words, ideas, wisdom, information; we are filling the blank page with our heart and soul.

Some of you weave with dark yarns (aka words), smearing mystical creatures, blood-spilled mysteries, and murderous intent on to the blank page. Others splash colorful hues of passion-filled romance, wild and dangerous affairs, and tug at the hearts of those craving love (or lust!) – leaving them satisfied, yet yearning for more. And there are those of us who choose to share inspiration, motivation, encouragement, and non-fiction information that will leave the reader a little wiser – and more optimistic- than they came.

We writers purge not only our creative minds with our readers, but our hearts as well. We ultimately give the world a piece of ourselves in every page, every word, every article, story, or book. With every word we type (or write), we are weaving…

Weaving When Words Won’t Wake

1. Begin at the end and weave your way back. If the first words won’t come to you for the beginning of your story, think about how you want the piece to end.
2. Start with the title. Take a few minutes to find a working title. Think about what you want to say in your piece and create a title from those ideas.
3. Jump in to the middle. Who says you have to start at the beginning – or even the end? Throw yourself in to the middle of the story and weave your way up and back down (or vice-versa)!
4. Go easy on yourself and weave an outline. Sometimes you need an outline. I find them especially helpful on most of my work.
5. Take a break and create a Wordle. They’re fun, and they’re sure to help you get your weave on!

There aren’t any rules set in stone of how you should weave your stories. Words usually come naturally if you nurture your creativity and treat your body well. Yes, there are dry spells in every writer’s life at some point, but if you follow the tips above, it will help you find inspiration once again.

Your work will be much richer, much more beautiful, if you allow yourself to be vulnerable enough that your heart and soul bleeds in to each and every word you weave.

Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to visit the other articles Michele has written for Writer’s Round-About–or contact her to write for you.

How do you weave your words? Similar to me, or different? Do you apply any of these techniques to your own writing? Do you have any weaving tips to share with us? We’d love to hear from you; please join in – or start – the conversation!

Reference: Wordle.net

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“A bad review is like baking a cake with all the best ingredients and having someone sit on it.” — Danielle Steele

So, you want to be a reviewer. You see bloggers and writers reviewing your favorite books, products you’re drooling over, and expensive stuff you only dream of holding in your hands. But you don’t know where to begin. You can’t figure out how to attract the attention of the sponsoring companies, right?

I’ve been in your shoes. I used to dream of receiving products in the mail like the bloggers I read all over the Web. I used to fantasize about reviewing food, books, and other products on my blog. I had no idea how those bloggers attracted the attention of companies. I couldn’t imagine myself being able to achieve my dream of being a reviewer.

Honestly, I finally got tired of waiting around and reading reviews – I was itching to write them myself!

Packages started arriving so fast, I couldn’t even review ‘em quickly enough.

What did I do, you ask?

Tips to Begin Reviewing

1. Decide what it is you want to review: books, food, health products, office products, a variety of products.
2. Once you’ve honed in on what it is that you want to review, consider where you’re going to write about it: your own blog, magazines, newspapers.
3. If you have a blog already, this is a great place to start. Of course, if you’re already working for a magazine or newspaper office, see if you can be their go-to reviewer.
4. If you don’t have a blog, start one. Keep in mind the type of products (or books) you want to review and name your blog and URL accordingly. Also choose a theme that is either neutral, or reflects your interests. For example, my raw food health blog has a fruit and veggie theme.
5. Start blogging about products/books you already own, that are similar to what you want to review. If the product is in nice condition, take a photo of it to upload in your review post. If it’s showing wear and tear, simply find one online somewhere (be sure to read the copyright agreement) and then write your post based on what you like (and dislike) about it. Go ahead and name the company or brand and give credit where credit is due.

Of course, we’d all love to start out as a reviewer for The New York Times but since that normally doesn’t happen, we need to begin somewhere. I hope my tips help you do just that.

Stay tuned for tips on how to approach potential sponsors…

Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to visit the other articles Michele has written for Writer’s Round-About–or contact her to write for you.

Are you a reviewer? Did you start out blogging? Do you write reviews for newspapers or magazines? If so, do you have any tips to share with us? Don’t be shy, share your thoughts!

Photo Credit: xaila

Reference: Think Exist

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But there are also times that our brains look like a vast, white space. And no matter how hard we try to tap into our inner muse; no matter how many different techniques we use, we can’t seem to find those perfect first words. Sometimes, it seems, the only words that come to mind are: contract, deadline, SEO, or even bills.

I mentioned my lack of words on a social media media site a while back and got the following response:

“Start out writing your name, address and a description of the room in which you’re writing. I wrote a newspaper column for nearly 20 years. I’m very practiced in breaking up log-jams in the writerly brain. Just remember, there’s a torrent just behind that dam!” – K. C. Compton (Editor, at Ogden Publications)

Excellent advice, K.C.! (Of course, I guess that’s why she is one of the Editor’s-In-Chief for Ogden Publications, huh?)

It’s during the times that we’re grasping desperately for words – any word – that we can apply the following tips, as well as K.C.’s advice.

7 Surefire Ways to Find New Words

1. Grab a notebook and start writing a list. This list can be about anything: your dreams,  pros and cons of something you’ve been considering, maintenance or other projects for your house – even a grocery list.
2. Take a break and play Scrabble. What better way to enjoy some time – and company – than being hands-on with letters and words?!
3. Write a thank you note or friendly letter to someone. Think warm thoughts and share your heart with the recipient.
4. Email or IM a friend. If that friend is a writer, that’s even better. They can help lift your spirits and jog your memory about past times you’ve had abundant writing inspiration.
5. Read your favorite blog or a few pages from a book that’s nearby. Words from one of your favorite authors/bloggers will help get your creative juices flowing.
6. Get up from your computer and go in to another room or outside. It’s amazing how much difference a view makes. By simply stepping in to the next room or popping outside for a few minutes, you can refuel your mind. Look at old photos or sit on your porch or deck for a spell – absorb your surroundings and soak up the inspiration life brings!
7. Pamper yourself. Something like a cup of hot tea and your favorite magazine, a 20-minute soak in a warm bath sprinkled with lavender essential oil or bath salts, or a short nap can provide just the amount of rejuvenation your body needs to crank up your muse once again.

What do you do to find new words when your writing well has run dry? Do you stand beneath the idea waterfall? Or use any of the tips I shared above? Do you have a fabulous technique to share with us? Chime in!

Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to visit the other articles Michele has written for Writer’s Round-About–or contact her to write for you.

Photo Credit: Wordle, created by Michele Tune

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We all yearn for peaceful lives, don’t we? The desire for peace unites many people who otherwise wouldn’t be in the same room together, right?

Peace (or Zen) is also something we writers desire. I don’t know about you, but I fantasize about waking up after a long, peaceful night’s rest, finding my way to the kitchen, grabbing an oversized hot mug of tea (sometimes coffee), heading to a giant chair that swallows me up, cuddling up with my laptop – and muse – and lounging around in my pajamas all day, while writing ’till my heart’s content. Ah, it sounds so very nice. Don’t you think so?

Okay, back to reality for me!

With the new year, comes endless opportunities for new beginnings.

I’ve decided that one (important) thing I’m going to focus on incorporating in to my life, is Zen. I actually started before 2010, but I feel like I cheated myself – and others – because I never really applied Zen living like I originally planned.

5 Ways 2010 (Can) = Freelance Writing Zen

1. De-cluttering my e-mail. I started doing this before 2009 ended, but I’m going to continue in 2010. (I had subscribed to a lot of stuff!) This includes unsubscribing from newsletters (or blogs) I never read, updates I subscribed to because of contests, etc. There’s no reason to waste time deleting e-mails every single day.
2. Practicing yoga often. This might not mean daily (although I’m going to shoot for that goal), but I’m definitely going to put forth more of an effort to make yoga a big part of my life. (Others even told me that my writing became much more prolific when I was practicing yoga daily!)
3. Reflecting on where my freelance writing journey began, so I can stay focused on where I’m going. What a blessing to look back on where I came from so I can encourage myself that I can make my writing dreams come true!
4. Staying organized. Organization is crucial for not only keeping stress down, but for maintaining a feeling of control – and a fresh (visual) sense of cleanliness.
5. Nipping procrastination in the bud. One of the worst things we writers can fall into is procrastination. Acting on thoughts like “Oh, I’ll just dive in to Twitter for a while until my muse visits again” or “I’ll get caught up on my blog reading” can prove fatal to your deadlines. It’s fine to reward yourself with social media or other Internet “play time” once you’ve polished off a chunk of your work, or met deadlines for the day/week, but don’t procrastinate until you hurt your business.

I’m also going to work on just being. Do you have a problem making that happen, too? It seems that even when I’m away from the computer, all of the unfinished “tasks” haunt me. It’s like a little devil sits on my shoulder, whispering: “You should be writing this” or “You could finish that.” Freelance work is always, always sitting there. We’re never finished are we? Work – even if it’s our own, personal projects -  is always calling our writerly soul.

So, yes, in 2010 I’m going to do my best to make time to just be, like the gal in the photo up there. It’s high time I actually stop to smell the roses!

Here’s to a successful, blessed – and very Zen – 2010!

Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to visit the other articles Michele has written for Writer’s Round-About–or contact her to write for you.

How are you going to bring Zen living in to your life in 2010? Have you already started? Do share; I might want to add it to my life!

Photo Credit: kudumomo



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You’re just wasting time blabbing to people you don’t know.

Get off that computer and get a life.

Why can’t you get a real job?

How much money can you make playing on the computer anyway?

These are just a few of the insults and sarcastic remarks freelancers often hear.

Add on to that the multi-job stress syndrome most freelancers endure and you’ll need more than a few natural remedies to calm you down!

Social Media = Less Stress?

Not only is Social Media an excellent way to market yourself and network your way to the top, it’s a learning process that improves with time. And during that time that you’re learning and building solid relationships, you are doing something else: de-stressing. That’s right!

By mingling on the various Social Media sites, all sorts of things can cross your virtual path. Think: inspirational quotes, new gigs, lasting friendships, encouragement, funny jokes, and so much more.

It can be so relaxing to be inspired, to inspire others, or to just have a good laugh. Social Media is more than a “waste of time” as many seem to believe, it’s a networking tool that allows you to share with the world who you are and what your business is about, while giving you a few minutes here and there to simultaneously take your mind off your work and just breathe.

It’s pretty easy to imagine that those who participate in Social Media frequently (or at least sometimes) aren’t as stressed and worn down as those who work non-stop, without a break of some sort – especially a mental one. And Social Media does provide a mental and emotional support system that surpasses anything most people could fathom.

Wind Down, Gear Up

Brain overload can happen fast. Your health is worth taking time out to regroup. You’ve heard many times through life (I’m sure) that you only have one body, one life, one mind — it’s your job to take care of yourself and cherish your time here on earth.

It may seem like nonsense, and some people may judge you for it, but I assure you that Social Media is not a waste of time!

By hopping on the Social Media circuits during “break time” you’re allowing your mind and body to wind down from work. You’re being refreshed in so many ways. And all this means that you’re mind will be gearing up to get back to work again.

New Friends, New Clients, New Sources

The bonus to your “play time” online is that you’ll (more than likely) eventually rub cyber elbows with future clients, editors, and even sources for your articles. It’s crazy to think that even though you’re taking a break from work and taking a few minutes to just enjoy life, that you’re actually continuing to represent your business. And if your Social Media following/friends grows over time (they usually always do) then your business is being exposed to hundreds, thousands, even millions of people while you sip your favorite drink and chat. I’d say that makes Social Media the perfect prescription for MJSS, wouldn’t you?

Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to visit the other articles Michele has written for Writer’s Round-About–or contact her to write for you.

Do you feel less stressed when you’re surfing the Social Media waves? Are you astounded that you can lightheartedly enjoy yourself while representing your professional services at the same time? What does Social Media mean to you? Have you gained new clients, sources, or lasting friendships? Tell us all about it!

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Are you wondering why your writing business is stagnant? Why you were zipping through article after article, word after word, cashing check after check, and were living high on the writing mountain – and now you’re not?

You look around your freelance life to see that clients have dried up, emails have waned, the phone is quiet. Editors and clients have simply quit contacting you. It seems like your business is as stale as package of crackers someone forgot to close up.

There are many reasons our writing, and our business, can become stagnant. If you’re looking for solutions, you’ve come to the right place because I’m going to tell you what the root cause is for your business’ stagnation. Are you ready to hear it? The answer is one small word: you.

That’s right. The root cause of your writing – and your business – becoming stagnant lies within you.

Are you a one woman – or man – band? If you’re like most of us freelancers, you create your own invoices, write for various clients and editors, do all your own marketing and networking, and so on. It can become exhausting. It isn’t hopeless, though!

Stagnant Sources and Solutions

Let’s see what we can do to change your stagnant situation….

Source:

Lack of exercise. When we stop moving and just sit all day, not only is our blood not pumping through our bodies to make us sweat the impurities out, but our minds aren’t pumping those endorphins that bring us inspiration, creativity, happiness, and peace.

Solution:

Get moving! Invest in a small trampoline and start rebounding. Even if it’s a couple of minutes here and there, at least you’re moving and it’s quite addictive. Once you start bouncing, you feel like a kid again and want to just keep going!

Source:

Lack of reading. Sometimes we writers need to walk away from the blank page, curl up with a good book and cup of hot tea, and just read, become lost in someone else’s mind.

Solution:

Start reading again! Since your looking at a decrease in income from your stagnant business, it’s not really feasible for you to be spending money you don’t have on reading material. There is a way to read without spending money, though. First, your local library is a fabulous resource. George Angus, from Tumblemoose Writing Services, is always reminding us how we should be taking advantage of such a precious treasure of literature: your library. And Google Books is a fantabulous resource for readers. SwapTree and BookMooch are two sites where you can sign up and list books you don’t want to keep. Then  you can trade books for books others have, that you’re interested in reading. From my understanding, the only cost to you is postage!

Source:

Lack of nutrition. Not eating enough – or eating the wrong things while tied to your desk – is a problem a lot of writers face each day.

Solution:

Make your health a priority. Don’t live on donuts, chips, fast food, sandwiches, pizza, ice cream, or any other processed food you can grab on a whim. I’ve already mentioned that fueling your body helps you fill the page. It’s amazing what keeping healthful foods within reach, and in your tummy, can do! So eat up on the healthy stuff! Prepare veggies and other healthy options ahead of time so when you reach for something, you’ll grab a healthy choice — at least most of the time.

Source:

Lack of joy. How can you crank out happy words if you aren’t happy?

Solution:

Don’t allow your joy to fade away. If you have, take it back! What used to make you happy and bring you joy before you started freelancing and lost yourself in your work? Did you have a hobby? Did you volunteer somewhere? Are you a painter? Did you take time to read or garden or spend time with family? Would you go shopping? Visit the gym? Would you see the latest movie with a friend?

Source:

Living a friendless life. Not having friends can make for a very lonely, sad life.

Solution:

Make friends or  rekindle friendships you used to have. When your writing business took off, did you leave your “Real Life” friends in your dust? Think about it. If you did, bring them back into your life. And if you didn’t have friends before freelancing consumed you, go out and find some.

Source:

Isolation. It’s hard to come by inspiration, motivation, and joy when you’re isolated.

Solution:

Force yourself to get out of your comfort zone! No ifs, ands, or buts. Just do it.

I hope these ideas and tips have helped you realize that when our lives become stagnant, our minds and creativity do as well. If we’re unhappy, isolated, alone, stagnant in our hearts and souls, our clients and editors will read that in our stale, lifeless words. Oh, you’ll be able to hide it for a while. Maybe for a long, long time. If you’re really talented, you’ll probably even fool yourself. But do you want to? Do you want to become a burnt-out-fried-to-a-crisp-mushy-brain kind of freelancer? I don’t. And I don’t believe you do either.

Do you suffer from any of these stagnant sources? Do you feel like your writing business is stagnant right now? Are you going to follow any of these tips to turn your business from stagnant to successful again? Have I forgotten anything? Can I glean wisdom from you? I know WRA readers (and I!) would love to hear from you!!

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Here’s a snippet of her heartfelt post:

“I’m not sure if you’re aware of it, but I suffer from social phobia. For those who aren’t familiar with the term, social phobia is a fear of people, social situations, or the judgment of others. It goes beyond merely being shy to full-out anxiety attack with all the nasty side effects. My fear of people and social situations has left me feeling like I’m at a disadvantage when networking and building my business. The truth is, I don’t KNOW what I think most would consider common social niceties. So, I’m turning to you, can you help me?”

I can help you, Rebecca.

My Battle with Social Phobia

Many of you WRA readers may not know that I’m a survivor of domestic violence. Even after I escaped and was back home with my family and had a strong support system, I found myself unable to leave the house, unable to face the world, and was even on anxiety – and depression – medication. I had full-blown anxiety attacks when I left the house – even just to go to the grocery store.

I thought it would be best to lock myself away and never go outside. Even when I went outside, I didn’t want to leave the yard.

Side Effects of Social Phobia

Although wrapping ourselves up in a cocoon might feel comforting at the time, suffering from social phobia actually makes for a very lonely lifestyle, I know. And realizing that you’ll probably have to endure a grueling anxiety attack when you try to face your phobia demons makes it that much harder to try to overcome. Add to it the fact that you want a successful freelance (or any kind of) business and it equals a stressful disaster.

And, like Rebecca mentioned, it also puts a damper on freelance success.

Social Phobic vs. Social Butterfly

I won’t lie, social phobia continues to be a never-ending war within me. I still struggle with the inner demons like Rebecca — I’ve merely found ways to overcome them.

1. Just start somewhere. In the Do’s and Don’ts of Social Networking, I shared a few things you need to be aware of while surfing the Social Media circuits. While these tips may seem unattainable for some of you who are at a loss when it comes to socializing, they are certainly reachable. You have to start somewhere. I did, and that’s how I’ve learned these things.
2. Dig deep to muster up the courage that’s dormant. It’s there. You just have to find it. I’m not a bold, courageous kind of gal, but I’ve forced myself to look within and absorb strength and drive I didn’t know I even had. That’s how I met an Editor and an Editor-In-Chief this year.
3. Want to be a social butterfly? Start writing down everything you aspire to be. When I was locked away in my home, terrified of the world, I found myself journaling more than ever. Writing down my dreams and goals seemed to drudge up determination like never before. Everything from “I will lose over 100 pounds” to “I will be a published writer” graced the pages of those cheap notebooks. Write your social etiquette desires into reality!
4. Learn from others. Do you see other freelancers bouncing around the Social Media sites, chatting casually with editors, making small talk with CEOs of companies? What are they saying? Do they share networking tips on their blogs? Learn from them.
5. Learn from your mistakes. It’s what I do! Since I first started freelancing, I’ve learned which types of emails or Social Media comments I’ve crafted that get a positive response — or a response at all. I’ve found that most of the time it’s the simplest techniques that help you find the courage to sell yourself , really.
6. Move outside of your comfort zone. Force yourself. Plan to attend a local writing event or other event. You never know where you’re going to meet potential clients, editors, or even fellow freelancers you can glean wisdom from, and become sincere friends with. Rebecca has already done that herself! Remember Swan Valley?
7. Baby steps lead to social success. It’s not that there’s one specific answer to conquering social phobia and enhancing your business, but the fact that all those little things you do add up to increasing your courage, self-esteem, and network: emails, Social Media accounts, comments, and mingling with people in the real world.

Happy Ending Beginning

I’ve discovered that the rewards of putting myself out there and either introducing myself in person or emailing someone or any of the other things that come with the social aspect of freelancing, far outweigh the fears and insecurities I might be feeling at the time. Thankfully, each day represents a fresh, new opportunity (several, actually!) for us to try again. I believe social etiquette is forgiving and there isn’t a mold set in stone that we’re required to follow in order to succeed. We each have different personalities and a myriad of knowledge and humor and interesting stories to tell.

Learn to tap into your heart’s reservoir, reach out to your online community (like Rebecca) and you’ll become the Social Butterfly you’ve been admiring in others. That’s a happy beginning, if you ask me!

Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to visit the other articles Michele has written for Writer’s Round-About–or contact her to write for you.

Have you dealt with social issues? How do you try to resolve them? Do you have special tricks to share? Or, are you bold and have never had to deal with social phobia? Let’s discuss!

And stay tuned, to discover more inspiration and ways of coping with social phobia while striving to achieve freelance dreams….

Photo credit: Joana Croft

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“Organize your life around your dreams – and watch them come true.” – Anonymous

When I first blogged about a common problem many freelancers suffer from (MJSS), I also told you I’d be sharing various, natural ways to cope with the syndrome.

One of the incredible ways to prevent – or treat – multi-job stress syndrome is to get yourself organized, if you aren’t already. It can make all the difference in the world to wake up each morning knowing that when you make your way to your office or desk in the corner, that your files will be neatly categorized, separated, and within quick reach and that your duties for the day are carefully outlined in a calendar or notebook.

Here’s a few tips to help you get started

1. Designate a room (or even the corner of a room) as your work space. Even if you take your laptop to the coffee shop, park, or out on your deck, you’ll have one main place to keep your files and any other tools you need for your business.
2. Find a filing system that works for you. You can do this by color coding, alphabetizing, or separating your work load via date, company, or category.
3. Use Google calender, Microsoft Office, a notebook, or even a good old desk-size calender to organize your time. If you have a list or calender showing you what you need to do for the day, you’ll have a feeling of stability that can calm your frazzled nerves. But even if you don’t accomplish everything on your list or calender for that day, you’ll at least have a sense of direction.
4. Unsubscribe from any junk mail, newsletters, or other emails you receive. By minimizing the amount of email that you’re not going to read anyway, you’ll feel much less stress about checking and responding to emails.
5. Take advantage of the categories and tags your email account offers. If you work with certain companies, clients, and/or editors, make a category (or file) for each one. And then use tags to make searching for your correspondence with them a snap. Use that same filing system for all of your contacts. Separate them according to family, friends, business, etc. If you read an email and need to keep it for future reference, simply file it accordingly before you move on to something else. This will clean up your inbox and make your life so much easier.

All of these tips can quickly and effectively help reduce your multi-job stress syndrome symptoms.

Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to visit the other articles Michele has written for Writer’s Round-About–or contact her to write for you.

Do you find that organization helps keep your stress to a minimum, or is your office space a disaster area with all your creative endeavors (and invoices!) strewn all about? ‘Fess up!

Photo Credit: lusi

Join the conversation and share your comments on Suffering from MJSS? Get Organized!. I hope you enjoyed this post from Writer's Round-About. If you'd like to read more like this visit the site and subscribe to our RSS.

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