Procrastinating on a Project? Start with the Smallest Possible Step

Posted: 04 Jul 2012 06:43 AM PDT

Lately I started working on a software development project, and the idea became pretty interesting, to the point that I considering to file a patent request for it. As soon as I started researching about patents and the application process, though, I learned how bureaucratic the whole process is.

Basically you need to follow some very tight guidelines and conventions, and getting the paperwork ready is a pain. That’s exactly why I kept postponing working on this part of the project for the past two weeks or so. I would just move it from one day to the next on my to-do list.

Then yesterday I decided to try something new.

First thing in the morning I told to myself: “Alright, let’s just open the word processor and type the title of the patent application. If that’s the only thing I manage to do today for this project, it’s fine”.

Guess what?

Right after I typed the title I got some ideas for the first paragraph and started writing. After that came the second and third paragraphs. Within a couple of hours I had over 1,000 words written down.

I know that “simply get started” is a pretty old and known advice, but I think we forget about it too easily and too often, so it was worth a reminder.

Do you want to start running? Put on your shoes and get out of the door at least.
Do you want to start a new website? Drop a couple of domain name ideas on a piece of paper.
Do you want to create a business around a product you have? Write down some clients who would be interested in purchasing it.

Bottom line: taking that first step is the hardest part for most projects and things, so if you are procrastinating with something lately, simply take the smallest possible step forward, and the rest should start flowing more easily.

Original Post: Procrastinating on a Project? Start with the Smallest Possible Step

4 Smart Ways to Get Freelance Clients from Your Blog

Posted: 03 Jul 2012 07:40 AM PDT

Have you been blogging for a few months but can't seem to make your first dollar online?

Are you struggling to determine a way to make money from your budding blog?

Then, freelancing might be an option.

It doesn't matter whether you're a writer or a designer, or whether you're in the fishing niche or the marketing niche, there's probably someone out there who needs your service as a freelancer.

Freelancing is becoming increasingly popular these days, and it can be a very smart way to make money blogging without having to wait for so long.

Even Daniel freelanced when he was just starting out as a blogger, and he has recommended it in more than a few of his articles as an effective way to quickly make money as a blogger.

A recent guest article published here by guest author, Tom Ewer, who has been a full-time freelance blogger for a while now emphasized the importance of having a blog, and Tom specifically made it his first point.

He isn't alone, and I quite agree with him!

I haven't also sought out freelance work for over a year now as most of my clients come to me from my blog, and my entire freelancing business is built on my blog.

This might seem like little, but my blog alone led to 5-figures in freelancing income in 2011 alone (that's a little over $50,000), which was my first year as a freelance writer.

This article will be sharing 4 smart ways I get clients from my blog.

The First Step…

While offering your services as a freelancer might seem easy, I'd like you to know that it's not.

In fact, adopting the mentality that freelancing is easy is the wrong way to start.

Not everybody can be a successful freelancer, but everybody has a chance at being one.

This is why the first step is very important, and why it MUST never ignored.

The first step you should be aware of when trying to succeed as a freelancer, via your blog, is that you should be able to deliver results.

This step is very important, and most of the tips shared in this article depend on it.

Here are 4 smart ways to get freelance clients from your blog.

Tip #1: Critique a Top, but Flawed Product/Company

As a professional, there's probably one popular site or two you've seen that you think needs a lot of improvement.

This could be a corporate site, and it could be a popular blog.

If you're a freelance writer, you probably think their copy can be improved. And if you're a designer, you probably think they need a design makeover.

You can take things a step further by critiquing these websites on your blog, and analyzing what you think is wrong with them and how much impact making a change can have on their bottom line.

In most cases, representatives from these companies will comment to thank you for critiquing the site, and some of them might even consult with you to solve the problem.

Most importantly, other clients will see this and get you on board to help with their business.

Someone who does this very well is Chris Garrett. He has an option where bloggers pay him to openly critique their website; this helps the bloggers being critiqued get more traffic and exposure, and it helps him get more business.

Note: When critiquing websites on your blog, the importance of staying positive shouldn't be downplayed. There's a difference between critiquing and insulting, and insulting another brand in the pretext of "critiquing" won't help you get any clients. In fact, it will send them far away from you.

Tip #2: Start Writing Killer Articles

These are the kinds of blog posts that are relevant for years after they have been published.

It might be for a year, two, or even decades.

In other words, these posts don't just die out following a popular trend.

This kind of blog post is commonly known as evergreen content, and is what Daniel likes to call Killer articles.

They are posts with a very long shelf life, and they are characteristic of a teacher.

In other words, these kinds of posts are very detailed, informative, easy to read and understand, and most importantly contain examples.

An example of this kind of post that I wrote on my blog a year ago is my ultimate guide to guest blogging; this post was written over a year ago now, and it still sends clients my way.

The more effort you put into producing evergreen content, the more value you will get from them on the long run.

Once you've published your killer article, you should then include a short note below the article telling people to hire you if they're interested in using your services.

Tip #3: Write Case Studies about Your Success

What are the best, most successful projects you've worked on till date?

Whether free or paid, this can be a great source of additional freelance clients for you.

A lot of us freelancers work on projects with clients and then forget about it; without collecting testimonials, and, most importantly, without asking for permission to publish their success as a case study.

Every single case study you write increases your chances of getting hired more.

Let your case study document your approach towards solving a particular problem common in your industry, and then explain the results you're getting.

Don't forget to include a small note along with your case study telling readers that you're available for hire.

Tip #4: Leverage Key Pages on Your Blog

I've been following Derek Halpern for a while now, and he has the best tips when it comes to increasing conversions, especially in regards to email marketing.

One major tip Derek regularly gives to bloggers and marketers when he critiques their blogs is to make effective use of various key aspects/pages on their blogs to get subscribers.

In other words, don't just include a form on your sidebar and expect an influx of subscribers, and don't just create a landing page.

Derek recommends that one have an opt-in form on every page of one's blog; this includes the about page, the contact page, and other important pages.

I'm of the same philosophy when it comes to getting freelancing clients; just that in this case, you won't be having an opt in form, but a subtle note telling people that you're a freelancer.

Your about page is probably the most popular page on your blog, followed by your contact page. Why not leverage these two important pages to drive more clients to your freelancing business?

Have a small note on every important page on your blog telling people that you're for hire; in this note, include a link to your hire me page and your portfolio, and your chances of getting hired will increase significantly.

A Cool (More Detailed) Presentation on My Approach

I hope the above tips are of great help, but I have also attached a cool presentation in case you want more details. The presentation is embedded below, and I'm sure you'll get some value from it!

Conclusion

Freelancing is one of the best ways to make money quick online, and blogging can be very effective for generating freelancing clients.

I hope the above tips are of help to you.

Bamidele Onibalusi is a young blogger, freelance writer, and founder of YoungPrePro.com. He has been featured on Forbes, and many other reputable media outlets. If you're a freelance writer, make sure you download his guide, The Writer's Handbook: How to Write for Traffic and Money, which has been downloaded and read by thousands of other freelance writers.

Original Post: 4 Smart Ways to Get Freelance Clients from Your Blog

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