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Asset Searching for Recovery Actions - The Decision Maker’s Critical Tool Part 2
In Part One of this article we took a look at some minimum recommendations for asset searches as a recovery medium. This discussion is based on the assumption that an asset search has already been determined to be sanctionable by, for example, a...
From Ordinary to Extra Ordinary Through Internet Networking
Entrepreneurs around the world are tapping into the endless resources that freely flow through Internet networking communities. These communities are made up of enterprising women and men who are seeking to discover new and innovative techniques of...
Just Think ...
If you're a salesperson (not only because it's a job but, you actually happen to be good at it), just think. How many sales did you make last year? Last month? Last week? A lot? Probably, you would have sold more in a better economy. Though still,...
Managers, Start Your PR
There’ll never be a better time for a manager working for a business, non-profit or association to ask this question: “Am I getting the public relations results I’m paying for -- the really important external audience behaviors I need to achieve...
Moving Key Audiences to Take Action?
You know, those really important outside groups of people whose behaviors can help or hinder any business, non-profit or association manager in achieving his or her objectives? Are you persuading those key stakeholders – especially those whose...
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Making Headway on a Slow Day: 9 Ways to Turn Down-Time into Productivity Time
If you work from home, you know the kind of day I mean. You made the calls. You revised those drafts. You sent out the 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 the park? Should I hit the mall? Should I... file for unemployment?
For a freelance writer, designer or web marketer who works from home, a day without contact from the outside world can bring on anything from sluggishness and inertia to a panic attack. Such fun games the mind will play when the two of you are left alone for long periods of time! But here’s a little secret about slow days. They’re the perfect opportunity to catch up on everything that went out of your head the minute the phone stopped ringing.
How do you remember what it is you were supposed to be doing before it became unimportant? Think back to the 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 the 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 the time to drag that book out of hiding. Remember that free software you installed along with your scanner? Take the tutorial. A day that’s free of interruption is the 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 the floor as your file cabinet? And STOP depending on your email for phone numbers; you'll be sorry the day the 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 the 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 the 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 the most of your experiences... and get your name out there in print.
4. Do some research. Ever have a conversation with
a colleague, and "not really know what they’re talking about?" Say they mention ‘viral marketing’- well, you’ve heard the term, sure, but what does it mean, really? "AdSense articles... what is that?" you wonder. Down time is the perfect time to get informed and updated! Do a Google search on all those mysterious buzzwords you’ve been hearing. Go through your old emails and catch up on reading. Surf around; bookmark some good sites. You'll be pleasantly surprised at what you learn in just a few hours!
5. Join a Network. Web networking’s the way to go... use your "free day" to make some new contacts and maybe even a few friends. Participate in a forum discussion where you can share your knowledge as well as learn from others! If you’re already part of a network, take this time to reconnect with people who might become future clients or business associates. When you least expect it, they’ll come out of hiding with an exciting work proposition... maybe even on your next "slow day!"
6. Update your website. There is nothing more unprofessional than a website that’s only half-built, or not up-to-date. Still have Christmas imagery bedecking your homepage in March? Get rid of it! Thought about raising your hourly rate but never got around to doing it? Now’s the time! Whether it’s adding portfolio samples, improving the general design, adding legalese or putting together a Testimonials page from satisfied clients, chances are there’s something that can be done to improve your website and increase your credibility!
7. Buy a present for your business. Got a stash of cash in your PayPal account? Invest a little of it in the future of your business. Join a freelance website with a good reputation. Take a 2-day course in something you’ve always wanted to know more about. Gifts that will broaden your professional horizons and ultimately increase sales are money well spent!
8. Learn how to become a Website Affiliate. Build business relationships, get exposure, share information and get paid for it! Affiliate Programs are usually free to join, and with a few clicks of the mouse, you can supplement your income simply by driving traffic to other people’s websites. How’s that for easy cash?
9. Create a Company Newsletter. If you don’t already have one, downtime is your chance to build a contact list and put together a company newsletter. With a little investigation you'll discover that many websites offer free trial periods where you can learn to use their contact base and newsletter-template software. And there are tons of sites on the web that offer free articles that you can print in your publication. Maybe you can even make use of those articles you wrote the last time nothing was going on!
Now, what are you waiting for? You’ve only got half-a-slow-day left to get going on these projects. Happy Freelancing!
Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. Use with permission.
About the Author
Dina Giolitto is a New-Jersey based Copywriting Consultant with nine years' industry experience. Her current focus is web content and web marketing for a multitude of products and services although the bulk of her experience lies in retail for big-name companies like Toys"R"Us. Visit http://www.wordfeeder.com for rates and samples.
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| PR.com: Directory of Businesses Jobs Press Releases Products ... |
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| PR Week Magazine |
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| Public relations - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
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| en.wikipedia.org |
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| Puerto Rico - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
| Hyperlinked encyclopedia article covers the country's history, government and politics, geography, economy, demographics, language and culture. |
| en.wikipedia.org |
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| The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) |
| Largest professional organization of public relations specialists representing business, consulting firms, government, associations, schools, ... |
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| CIA - The World Factbook -- Puerto Rico |
| Profile of Puerto Rico by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). |
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| Center for Media and Democracy - Publishers of PR Watch |
| A nonprofit, public interest organization dedicated to investigative reporting on the public relations industry. |
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| Puerto Rico Vacations | Puerto Rico Tourism Company | Puerto Rico ... |
| Puerto Rico Tourism Company Official site includes nightlife, area sports, culture, and travel information. |
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| See all blog posts tagged with pr on Technorati. ... This page shows everything that has been tagged with pr. To contribute to this page include this code ... |
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| Edelman |
| Full service global public relations firm. Includes company profile, management team, practice areas, industries served, case histories, client listings, ... |
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| LEWIS PR - global public relations |
| LEWIS PR is a global public relations consultancy working with leading and emerging brands and delivering predictable results tied tightly to client goals. |
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| IANA | .pr - Puerto Rico |
| University of Puerto Rico Gauss Laboratory Facundo Bueso Building Office 265 ... Puerto Rico Email: tech@uprr.pr Voice: +787 765 3263 Fax: +787 754 0757 ... |
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| Online Public Relations Home Page |
| Free online resource for public relations professionals. |
| www.online-pr.com |
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| Chartered Institute of Public Relations, CIPR, the professional ... |
| The CIPR is the professional body for the UK public relations industry, providing PR training and events, PR news and research, and a PR jobs board. |
| www.ipr.org.uk |
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| PR News Online — Trusted Source for Public Relations News, PR ... |
| The latest news on public relations delivered FREE right to your inbox. ... Psycho-Geometrics Help You Know What 'Shape' Your PR Team's Personality Is In ... |
| www.prnewsonline.com |
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| O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com |
| Features breaking news about the public relations industry, a database of PR firms, listing of PR service firms, client search tool and job postings. |
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| PR News Online — Trusted Source for Public Relations News, PR ... |
| E-letter. The latest news on public relations delivered FREE right to your inbox. ... Share ideas with your peers in PR News' just-launched Forum ... |
| www.prandmarketing.com |
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| Linux PR: |
| Comprehensive Press Release and Public Relations resource for the Linux community. |
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| Escape to Puerto Rico - Your Internet Guide to Puerto Rico |
| Internet guide to everything Puerto Rico. Offers lots of photos, accommodations and travel information from around the Island. |
| escape.topuertorico.com |
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