What I’m reading: Inishfallen Fare Thee Well by Sean O’Casey
What’s on the iPod: Keep Yourself Warm by Frightened Rabbit
I’ve got a post up over on StoryPot, which is a great blog run by two terrific ladies – Damaria Senne and Pamela Moeng. Hop on over and give those ladies some comment love.
Ahhhh…feels good to have a full bank account again. Just in time for taxes, too. I spent yesterday morning clearing up a small project and some edits plus chasing (and receiving word on) an overdue payment. The afternoon was spent brushing up on some marketing research, some personal writing, and finishing another small project. And the marketing, too. Always the marketing.
I’m pleased with one marketing path I’ve decided to take recently. Within a week I’ve had a number of hits on the website and one inquiry. Not bad, especially since it was a freebie. Google AdWords had sent me a free $100 credit, so I gave it a shot. I have to tweak my click rate and rearrange the keywords, but the initial attempt was good.
I’ve been looking for a laptop. I don’t need one – I want one. The one I have is small, older, and slow. It’s an IBM, so it’s solid, but it’s also slow. Did I mention it was slow? That’s why I rarely use it. But I thought it was time to consider upgrading within the next six months, so I’m doing a little window shopping. So far, I’m loving the Toshiba line. Daughter has one she’s abused (you broke off seven keys by dropping a TV on it? Really?), and it’s still going strong.
That begs the question: as a freelancer just starting out (or well established), what products/software/equipment are absolutely essential to own? Here’s my hot list for beginners:
Newer computer/laptop running the latest operating system: I’m a huge fan of Windows 7. The prior Windows updates were more of the “Who designed this? Apes?” and “What were they thinking?” variety. Windows 7 is just seamless. At any rate, you should have a newer computer with enough speed and memory to allow you to work in multiple applications at once. The reason I upgraded: Opening a large file while any other application was open froze my machine. Computers and laptops are reasonably priced. Get one.
An all-in-one printer: You don’t think you’ll need to scan and fax until you have to. These are also priced affordably.
Dedicated fax line/number: My phone company charges me an extra $4.99 a month for distinctive ring that goes straight to my fax. Cheap alternative to a separate line.
A website: You can’t run a business in this decade without an online presence. And unless you trust your own design skills or have your hands on some sweet templates, pay someone to design it. I know a number of people who have built great sites themselves, but they seem to be the exception.
Business cards: Cheap and necessary. I paid $19.95 for 250 customized cards.
Digital recorder and phone recorder adapter: If you interview, you need a digital recorder. You also need an adapter that allows your conversations to be recorded. Mine came from Radio Shack, cost me a whopping $24, and plugs into both the phone jack and the recorder. Easy. Plus the files can then be uploaded and saved to your computer (or your cloud storage space).
What about you established writers? Try these:
Online backup: I’ve been using Mozy for years. When I signed up it was free for the first 2GB. It may cost something now, but it’s priceless if your computer crashes and takes your files with it. Another option: Microsoft’s Silverlight online Office product, or Mac’s MobileMe interface (currently not accepting new subscribers).
Cloud storage: Ever hear of Dropbox? No? Check it out. It’s online accessible storage to the Nth degree. Apple’s announcement of its new iCloud? Dropbox has been doing the same thing for years. The point is there are plenty of cloud storage options available that allow you to move all your files easily among all your devices.
A PDF editor:Like scanning and faxing capabilities, I didn’t think I needed a PDF editor it until I needed it. I have an older version – Acrobat 5 – but it allows me to edit, even at a basic level, which has allowed me to work with clients I wouldn’t have been working with otherwise.
Some nifty gadgets that aren’t necessarily essential, but are cool to have:
FreeConferenceCall.com: Way to look like a big-time writer! Set up conference calls and get free archived recording. Seriously. Free.
Project Timer:That’s what mine is called and I can’t live without it. Simple design and easy to use.
An online Project Manager tool: If you collaborate or need to share your files, there are any number of free online platforms from which to choose. I use MS Silverlight, but I suspect any one will do.
What are your essentials? What favorites do you have?
25 responses to “Freelance Essentials”
Windows 7 is a pale imitation of all that is good on a Mac. The apple computer is a bigger outlay of cash upfront, but it more than paid for itself (along with all the other bills) in three months and worth it. iPages is so much more versatile and logical than word, yet you can still work in word and RTF and do PDFs, etc.
I design and print my own business cards — like 'em much better than anything I ever sent out.
I'm using a printer for bookmarks, though. I don't have a paper cutter for the correct edges.
Mobile Me is the equivalent of a combination of the Cloud and uber-email and personal stationery, and now that iCloud is coming out, we're all migrating to that and Mobile Me is being phased out, which is why new people can't sign up. Not exactly sure how that's working, but . . .I never really utilized Mobile Me to it's full potential, unfortunately. It's not really an online backup system, but it is a way to access the files you place on there from anywhere.
I use Time Machine to back up, and I put my fiction on flashdrives as well. I don't have an online backup–it hasn't worked for me in the past, and I love me some Time Machine.
PDF capabilities are in the basic Mac stuff. When I was in PC, I tried Nitro PDF, which was a total nightmare, and had trouble with some of the others, too.
I love the all-in-one, although I'm fighting with Comcast, because I can no longer fax. I've dragged this to systems all over the country, and Comcast, as usual, fails.
Digital camera and iPhoto has made the most difference to my work. The ability to take good photos and work with them in the computer has made a huge positive change. The design capabilities of iWork are fantastic, too — and I don't even have the professional capacity. I find it easier to work with than any of the Adobe programs. I have Acrobat Reader, but I don't need the Creative Suite stuff, because iWork has the capacity.
iWeb is also a fantastic web design program — even I can use it. And the interface with Mobile Me allows me to put up sites even when my webhost, 1and1, decides not to cooperate.
What I need is to find someone who can wrest away all the mail that the webhost is currently holding hostage so that I can move hosts. I can't print it all out — I'd drown in paper. And they won't let me download my own files.
So yes, a website is very important, and, along with that, is a reliable and ethical host, which I currently do not have.
I can't live without the ability to SHUT OFF THE PHONE. I hate phones.
I can't live without the ability to work in large swaths of time. If I keep breaking everything down to tiny bites, I get frustrated. If I schedule within an inch of my life, I get resentful.
I like to sit down at the computer and let 'er rip. If I keep in my head what I loosely want to get done in the day, I get it done and more. If I say, "Oh, I'll spend three hours on this and one hour on that — nothing gets done."
The more structure I have, the less productive I am. The less structure I have, the more I can get done.
That should read "its full potential", meaning the potential of Mobile Me, not "it is potential", although the program itself has potential I have yet to tap.
Wish I could edit comments — mistakes in possessive and plurals frustrate me even more when I do 'em than when I read 'em!
Apologies.
Devon, comparing Windows and Mac is like comparing religious or political views – people on both sides are passionate about their choices. 🙂 I will say with Office 2007, I have no troubles with PDFs or RTF format. Mind you, you can't edit PDFs in Word (obviously), but creating them is one click.
Thanks for the overview of Mac products. I don't have the knowledge of Apple products to do them justice. And I wish we could edit comments, too. Another reason why Blogger is in my rearview mirror and about to disappear.
Thank you so much for this list!
I'd love to hear more about your AdWords experience. I also have a $100 credit. I spoke to someone from AdWords about using it and decided to wait a few months. We're in the process of moving overseas – seems better to wait to use it until I can actually do the work that might result. Anyway, he quoted me about $15 a day to use the keywords that I requested. I'd like to read your opinion on whether or not it's worth it…
I could not have made the move to full-time writing without switching from PC to Mac. It's definitely not perfect, and I've had frustrations, but, overall, it makes it possible to spend more hours creatively productive and fewer hours fighting with the computer. MOST of the time! 😉
I left blogger awhile ago, and am much happier with wordpress. Of course, now I have a new monthly slot where I have to use blogger, and I'm shaking in my boots about it! 😉 But at least I have my own stuff on wordpress, and, most of the time, I'm much happier.
Oh, and when I switched from PC to Mac, I took advantage of the free classes offered by the Apple Store, which made things much easier. I wish I'd bought the year's worth of private tutorials, but I didn't realize your only shot to get them is on day of purchase, and I was so overwhelmed with the actual purchase I couldn't take any more in.
You can take the free classes more than once, which is helpful. Because sometimes I just don't get it the first time out! 😉 The technophobia comes to the forefront.
Damsel, I've been using it just a week now. So far, I'm impressed that I'm getting traffic, and I did get one call. Nothing has translated to work yet, though. I'll keep you posted.
Devon, sounds like you had a pretty old PC – or you were running Vista, which was gawd-awful (and luckily, one upgrade I passed on). That one was notorious for compatibility issues and system crashes. It also counts what machine you're using. My old Dell desktop was a workhorse, but it was way too slow after a while. I upgraded to HP. So far, I'm very pleased.
Love the list, Lori. I am definitely going to check out a few. I just bought a new Dell computer and it offers a ton of stuff, like online backup.
I am going to create short training videos so I got the software, Jing Pro, which allows me to upload it to YouTube. I like that they limit you to no more than 5 minutes. 🙂
To go with the videos, I needed a good headset with mic. I got Logitech USB headset (H530) and love it. It really does cancel out background noise. The 1st time I tried it, my Mom (who is 88 and hard of hearing) had the tv up really loud. My recording did not pick up any of that noise.
Thanks for sharing some great info, Lori.
I love this Windows/Apple discussion. We're in the market for a new computer at the moment and are trying to decide which way to go. I have a PC at home and have used a Mac for work in the past, but I didn't find much difference. Could be because the Mac was old as dirt, though. Still investigating, but I appreciate your comments!
I also have a recorder for interviews, website, and an incredible printer. I'm pretty happy with the business cards I have, but I will be happy when I can update them. I adore Dropbox.
What else? I use Evernote, though not yet to its fullest potential. I think it's very similar to Dropbox, so I'm trying to figure out new and better ways to use it. I enjoy reading Lifehacker from time to time for recommendations on making my life easier.
I've yet to find a task manager that I really enjoy. I use Remember the Milk right now, and it's good, but I'm just not inclined to go online and type all that stuff in. I need something faster than that (but it might have a desktop app, which would be useful. I haven't looked into that). A friend of mine uses a simple whiteboard, which I'm considering, but I'm not sure that would work for me either.
Thanks for the recommendations on a headset, Cathy! I've been looking at those, too. I want to put my interviews through Google Voice eventually, and I'll need a headset for that.
Ashley, my HP came with this sticky note feature – I love it. It's an easy way to write myself a note without losing it. 🙂 Right now I have four sticky notes on my desktop view. If you can find a similar virtual sticky note program, get it. They're fun and easy to work with.
It's always tough to choose a new computer, mainly because you have to decide on the operating system. And it's true – people are passionate about their choices. Just ask yourself which one is more comfortable for you, and make a list of the things you want in a new computer, then compare it to PC and Mac.
I am such a Luddite.
Remember the friend I mentioned who has to be the smartest person in the room? The other day she proudly proclaimed that I am now officially the only person in the world without an iPod. (To counteract her smugness, I said, "They are pretty passe now, anyway. With iPhones and iPads, who needs another gadget?")
My recorders: Tape. One connected to the phone with the same type device Lori mentioned, the other is for playback since I often have several interviews to do in one day.
I love my Mac, but it's old. Back after the keyboard incident last spring, I called the Apple help desk (no Apple Stores within about 90 miles) to ask if the only corded keyboard they had online would work with OS 10.3.9. The guy acted like I was talking about a T.Rex. He didn't believe anything running less than 10.5 was still around. That's the only quibble I've ever had with Apple – the hardware lasts eons longer than their software, and the newer software isn't always backwards-compatible.
I was hoping to save up for a new Mac this year, but some big, unexpected vet bills, storm repairs and taxes have eaten up my reserves. (Thanks Lori – I almost forgot about the June 15th tax payment….) Whenever I do upgrade, it will probably be like a new world. After all, most flashdrives have more memory than my entire desktop Mac.
I do have an all-in-one machine, but they really eat the ink. Before buying one always compare how many pages per cartridge and how much those cartridges cost.
Honestly, though, I prefer low-tech solutions whenever possible. I've never been a gadget girl. Gadgets always have glitches. If I had a digital calendar I'd never remember to look at it or update it. But the old school paper calendars? I glance at them several times a day.
Excellent list, Lori. I'll go you one better on a digital recording apparatus: the Olympus TP-7. One end plugs into your recorder, the other is an earbud — and it records both sides of the conversation. Since it doesn't require a phone jack, you can record even with your mobile phone when you're out and about. And the quality is high enough that I've used it for client podcasts.
Like Devon, I'm a Mac fan from way back. And Time Machine has saved my butt more times than I can count.
My laptop is a Dell. It's also slow, but I only use it to fool around with, so it doesn't bother me. I've had it awhile and it's still going strong, but, of course, it isn't used as much as my desktop.
I absolutely hate buying a new computer. It has to be done at some point, but I still hate it. I spend a lot of time uninstalling garbage that most PC's add on in factory. Half your memory is gone before you actually use it. I've rebuilt one before, but that takes time as well. At least for me.
One thing I can't live without is Firewall and Antivirus programs. You should at least have the basics for your pc. I'm choosy about the sites I visit, but those nasty bugs can hide anywhere.
Paula, I had tape for 10 years. Then one day I tried listening to my three recently-recorded conversations. Nothing. Not only didn't the machine work, but it didn't work while it was recording. I had to rely on my chicken-scratch notes.
Jake, thank you! I'm so glad to hear that's available. I'd much rather have that than two different devices that can go bad. 🙂 One is enough! I'll check that out.
Wendy, I hear you on the pre-loaded junk. I did the same – I got rid of the promotional crap and all those "free trials." Still, hard drives are huge enough now that they barely put a dent in the capacity.
Also, if you're moving from PC to PC, Microsoft has this ridiculously easy file transfer system. Swear to God I spent more time standing over it going "Look at this! My God! It's so easy!" than actually doing anything. 🙂
Hi Lori.
This is a great discussion, and pitifully, I have yet to get a website. Really, I must get on that. I'm embarrassing myself!
As for PC/Mac, I agree it's like a religious discussion. I have Mac-crazy friends whom I tease about their evangelizing. But I think it's just a function of what you grew up with. If you started with a Mac, you're more likely to stay with it. If you started with a PC, you're less likely to switch to Mac. Just my humble opinion.
One thing about Apple products–the cost! I'd never shell out $1,700 for a computer these days. My neighbors, who are also small-business owners, all advocated that I get a cheap laptop because I'd want a new one in a few years.
I took their advice and ended up with a Toshiba laptop about 1.5 years ago. I even took a chance on a reconditioned one. It's filled with features I wouldn't have paid for–like incredible speed and a webcam–but I'm now glad I have. And I got it for about 2/3 of the cost, about $600 out the door. I've been happy as a clam since.
I also have an all-in-one printer/fax/scanner, and it was cheap, too. $150 or something thereabouts. Been really helpful.
Great discussion!
Regarding online presence, although perhaps easier said than done (I haven't taken the leap yet), one "essential" I think will soon be standard will be publishing and marketing your own ebooks. The ebook reader craze is really just beginning and it appears to be way too easy to publish one's own work so, well, before long, one will.
It is like a religion, Gabriella. 🙂 I'm happily not a convert to any particular system, but I'm familiar with Windows and do love the new platform. My husband spent years working on Macs. You couldn't give him one. He's spent too much work time recovering frozen data, fixing badly built machines, and getting the frowny face notice. LOL! Those were the days!
EP, that's very true. Lots of folks are jumping on the ebook craze (myself included). I just caution that publishing an ebook and having something to say shouldn't be mutually exclusive – seen too many instances of that! But you're right – get the website. Even a template-made one is better than no site at all.
Great list… like Cathy I have to have a headset – headsets.com is where I get mine.
I haven't sent or received a fax in ages… my allinone will, or so it says, but I'll have to break out the manual.
Lori, I don't have a laptop… bought an ipad for play and it's getting useful enough for business I'll probably buy it a keyboard before long. It's so light! And the battery life is hours and hours longer than most laptops… depends of course on how you want to use whatever.
Oh, I love macs and am mostly on pcs – go figure 😉
Paula, I don't have an iPod I can name about 12-20 people with ages ranging from 21-55 that do not own an iPod. You're "friend" is not so smart after all. Ha! Just had to say that.
Lori, another great asset to have is the ability to say when the work day is over and stick with it. Sounds easy to do, but some days I find it hard to do.
I too love Mozy…I've yet to have to retrieve anything, but it's so nice to have piece of mind!
Regarding laptops, I have a Toshiba, and I LOVE it. My only regret is that I didn't get one with a 10-key on it…
I also think a diary/filofax is a good thing to have because it can help to keep you focused.
Psychologically, I am one of those people who needs to cross things off a list and physically write it down with a pen to feel like I am making progress.
[By the way Lori, that was me who commented on your deadly marketing mistakes post – I used my wordpress avatar]
Anne, someone here in the house has an iPad. They do seem nice. My issue is seeing the screen. It's why I haven't upgraded to a phone with a text keyboard, though I found the PERFECT one yesterday. And my all-in-one is supposed to be wireless, but something is interfering with the transmission and neither HP nor me can figure it out. I suspect I have a firewall in the way.
Wendy, love that note to Paula's friend. LOL And being able to stop when you want to IS a great tool. 🙂
Amie, glad to hear you like Toshiba, too. If the college graduate here can abuse hers and still love it, that's one thing (because I'm not buying her another and she has no choice). If you love it, then I'm more convinced it's a good machine. I'll keep that in mind about the 10-key – I don't think I'd want to go without that as much as I use it.
Kagem/aulelia, I'm a list crosser-offer, too. 🙂 I still do it, though the virtual sticky notes make it a lot less messy on this desk. 🙂 And thanks for letting me know who/where you'd posted. 🙂
Thanks, Wendy. Luckily I've never been a trend-follower, so my friend's iPod comment didn't bother me too much. (Best part – she couldn't get it "sync'd up" to her car stereo…um even I know that usually involves some sort of cable.)
And Anne, regarding the iPod keyboard: I just did an article on iPods invading the workplace, and one guy said he has an iPod cover with a built-in keyboard, making his laptop obsolete.
Paula, LOL! Synching up DOES require a cable! Unless she's using those awful radio-wave connector thingies, she absolutely does have to plug it in to her stereo. My stereo had the option, but the car's former owner didn't install the cable. I paid $50 to enjoy my iPod on my stereo. Worth every penny.