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Enter Madness

Posted on by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: Enter Sandman by Metallica Today I have hit the ground running. We returned last night late – 8:30 is late when you’re just off an airplane – and this morning I’ve had three cups of chai and one phone call. I have three more calls today, three articles due from that,…

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Tablet or Laptop?

Posted on by lwidmer

On our way home today! I was reading Sharon Hurley Hall’s latest article, Is It Time to Swap Your Dell PC for a Tablet?, and I’ll admit — she’s got me thinking. I thought I wanted a laptop because I like to see the screen. But I really love the idea of a lighter, more…

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Lists – Yours and Theirs

Posted on by lwidmer

We’re flying home tomorrow. I’ll bore you with stories, I’m sure. But I’m about to re-enter the workload. And as I’m writing this, prior to our trip, I’m certain I’ll forget something. I tried to get it all done before we left, but plans got in the way. Not mine, mind you. Theirs. Everyone who…

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Do Good Tuesday

Posted on by lwidmer

This day never passes without some reflection and intense sadness. Only last month did I first visit the 9/11 Memorial, and I wish it had been alone and not with our visitors. While I loved taking them there, it was just too solemn a place to “visit.” I’ll go again by myself. So maybe instead…

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Learn ’em Up Monday

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: The Wild Palms by William Faulkner By now the wedding festivities are over and we’re on our own for a few days of reconnecting and enjoying our time together. I hope I’m not worrying work issues. Work will always be there — no sense wasting time consumed by it. Time to go…

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Numbness on the Edge of Friday

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: The Wild Palms by William Faulkner Still in Santa Cruz, and about to attend a beach bonfire and rehearsal dinner. I may be connected, but hopefully not too much. I did tell clients I’d be around some yesterday and today. After that, our plans are very loose. Since it’s Friday on the…

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Backfires

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m listening to: the sound of laughter and family I’m in Santa Cruz and sharing time with my in-laws, who are just great people and great fun. I’m probably trying to get a little work done between 6 am and noon, but that’s because I didn’t plan the trip and he assumed I could…

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Value

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: The Wild Palms by William Faulkner I’m leaving on a jet plane…. I’m heading out today and won’t be back for eight days. Wedding with family, and then some time off to ourselves, something we haven’t had much of since May. I hate leaving work behind, but it’s for a good cause…

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Hustle Here and a Bustle There

Posted on by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: Lonely Boy by The Black Keys Rain. Lots and lots of rain. And then some more. That was our weekend. And it was good. Having had an unusually dry July and a somewhat wetter August near the end, the heavy rain that washed over this long weekend was a welcome sight….

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Monthly Assessment: August 2012

Posted on by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: Smoke and Mirrors by Gotye Slowly, I’m checking things off my list. See, I’m about to head out of town for eight days, and I want to have everything sorted before I go. Some projects must be done by then, so today is completing that process as we’re about to head…

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  1. Cathy Miller Avatar
    Cathy Miller

    While busy and earnings on target, the last couple of months have been frustrating. The retainer has turned into a juggling nightmare and it now looks like I won't have any income coming in from that source for Oct through December. It looks like $4,000 in expected earnings is not going to happen. So, I am looking to replace that income.

    And another client is involved in a major IT roll-out so it looks like projects there are drying up. I have the 3-Day Walk in November + vacation so I have 2 weeks off.

    I have an email campaign I just launched so we'll see where that goes.

    On a positive note, it gives me plenty of time for my neglected projects. ☺

    Reply
  2. Paula Avatar
    Paula

    Finally a monthly assessment I'm not terribly upset about. It could always be better, but it's not bad.

    Queries – sent two batches of queries to two of my favorite editors, and a single query as well.

    LOIs – sent two. One replied that they don't currently pay. At all. Buh-bye. (The one danger of seeking your own targets is not knowing their payment policies.)

    Existing clients – kept me busy. Turned in two articles, one capsule and one column. Did two light editing projects. Picked up two article assignments.

    New clients – none, unless you count one-shot resume referrals (see below).

    Referrals – did two resumes, and am waiting for the go-ahead on another.

    Earnings: So far I've taken in slightly less than my modest monthly goal, but I currently have MORE than that goal invoiced out, and the projects I'm working on now equal about half my monthly goal.

    Bottom line: If I keep up the pace I should recover from the damage those endless repair bills have done to my bank account this summer. I've even managed to stash a little money in savings this month – despite property taxes part 2 being due next week.

    Reply
  3. Susan Johnston Avatar
    Susan Johnston

    Lori: I'm so impressed that met your income goal by day 10 of the month. Do you count according to work completed or money collected? (As freelancers know, that can be two very different things.)

    Also, how's your daughter doing? Better, I hope?

    Reply
  4. Kimberly Ben Avatar
    Kimberly Ben

    Sounds like you had a very good month, Lori. I'll be crunching my August numbers today, but from what I can see August was on target for me. I have one client who has been very slow about paying, and I'm hoping I won't have to chase down money.

    So far I've made more this year than previous years. This is partly the result of reaching out to a new market last fall.

    Paula, I hear you on those property taxes being due!

    Reply
  5. Lori Avatar
    Lori

    Cathy, there's always a bright spot. Sorry things are drying up a bit. It's frustrating when you finally feel on track to have that happen. Illustrates just how tenuous our careers can be at times.

    Paula, nice month! Yes, repairs do more damage to our savings goals than anything.

    Susan, good seeing you! I count invoice totals. My goal is to bill a certain amount every month, and I measure what invoices go out. You should see me the last few days of the month trying to figure out what I can finish now and what goes into next month's totals!

    My daughter is doing much, much better. Thank you for asking. She's seeing a terrific therapist and she's found a good medication schedule and is working to get to the root of the anxiety.

    Kim, great to hear you're reaping the benefits of that new market! How do you measure results – paid invoices or sent ones?

    Reply
  6. Kimberly Ben Avatar
    Kimberly Ben

    Lori, I'm going on paid invoices. I've spent time this year researching and seeking out markets willing and able to pay for freelance services. This is something i neglected to do starting out. It's made a big difference for me.

    Reply
  7. Paula Avatar
    Paula

    The reason I count paid invoices is because I can't pay my own bills until the payments arrive.

    I track how much I have invoiced, too, but to me it's a chicken/eggs kind of thing.

    Reply
  8. Lori Avatar
    Lori

    Super plan, Kim. Can't go wrong seeking out those who value you.

    Good point, Paula. Whatever your system, as long as it works for you, right?

    Reply
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