Morning! Bit of a chilly start, but at least it's not snowing yet, unlike this time last year. Today is National Freelancers Day. It makes me think I should be having a nice leisurely day but of course that is not the case for most freelancers today. And to add to the constant juggling act of freelancing I have Kitty at home, feeling a bit tired and poorly with a nasty cold.
I love the flexibility freelancing allows me but just as a small business owner always looks at making improvements I am always looking at how I can improve what I do and how I do it. The new year is usually a time for reflection and making plans but I have already decided on four things I need to do next year to improve what I do and how I do it.
Coffee is an essential part of freelancing!
Ceramic Coffee Pot from Caroline McGrath
Firstly I need to book myself on to a fantastic new e-course run by Flourish. I was so excited when Fiona let me know that she was starting a new branding e-course next Spring as I have desperately wanted to attend her workshops this year but the logistics of physically attending proved too much. With Fiona as the course leader/mentor I just know this will be an amazing course, she is an amazingly inspiring lady, who I hope with this course will help me narrow down my ideas and finally get on track in 2012.
Oh how I dream of a beautiful workspace!
image source - Decor 8
Secondly I need to get registered on Holly Becker's Blogging Your Way e-course. I read Holly's blog, Decor 8 everyday and again she is an incredibly inspiring lady. Having read rave reviews and spoken to some people who have already completed the Blogging Your Way course I know it would be perfect for me and actually a necessity for what I do.
I should probably update my camera too!
Olympus Camera from John Lewis
Thirdly I need to buy Photoshop! Probably have to be Photoshop Elements due to cost but I need this and I must make sure I spend time learning to use it properly and not just buying it and being too afraid to try.
Cushion from Rachel Taylor Designs
Lastly I want to join Rachel Taylor's Surface Pattern e-course. I long to get back to screen printing and think this course might be just the push I need. However this will have to wait until later in 2012 as I will be very busy with the other two courses!
So I guess the benefit of National Freelancers Day for me is that I have stopped and thought about what I need to make me a better freelancer, to help me provide an even more professional service for my clients. Now all I need to do is earn enough money to fund these improvements. Back to it then!!
Have a fab day everyone,
Zoe
x
