Fitjerk makes me laugh. No, really. I’ll be sitting there minding my own business and an email drops from the sky. “JAMES!! JAMES, I’m so excited, check out this POST!!!!!” And voila, there’s 1,500 words of rambling, passionate, off tangent, barely-sensical excitement splattered all over. I get the gist of it, but not much else. “Good idea,” I’ll write back, wrapping my “No way in hell I’m accepting this post,” inside friendly suggestions on how to clean it up. And every single time, Fitjerk goes to work. “Okay, okay, I got it, right,” he replies
> Read MoreArchives for July 2010
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Are You Resting On Your Thought Leader Laurels?
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It seems like everyone wants to be a thought leader these days. All sorts of people are cropping up with posts of deep, meaningful wisdom or challenging views on their blogs, profound personal philosophies delivered with grave sincerity of a Hindu guru scattered across the internet. Forgive me if I seem a little jaded, but I think this thought leader business is getting a little out of hand. It’s great that blogs let people voice opinions and share them with others, but I think bloggers could use a good dose come-back-down-to-earth with a dash of
> Read MoreHow Brave a Writer Are You?
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Bravery has been a recent theme in my household. The Lion King’s June influence in our family has had the meaning of bravery driven home countless times by wise Mufasa (and in several mediums as well). Insightful contemplation on my part also pulled bravery up to be examined – I’m glad to report I pass the test with flying colors. And a few nights ago, my wee one and I had an evening porch discussion about why watching a horror movie didn’t really demonstrate bravery. Then Ali Hale (whom I like very much; did you
> Read MoreBusiness Lessons from Equestrians
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I’m an equestrian – or at least, I used to be. I still consider myself one even though it’s been a few years since I’ve ridden and worked with horses. Once it’s in your blood, you can never go back. But I digress. While training for competition, I learned many valuable lessons (beyond the kind that made sure you didn’t canter off to your death). The psychology that comes with riding competitively offers a wealth of knowledge that you can apply to all sorts of areas of life, especially those outside the stables. Let me
> Read More7 Mighty Keys to Become a Freelance God
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Dreams of becoming a freelance writer plague many people – and the illustrious prize always seems out of elusive reach. Dean Rieck decided to come on over and tell you the secrets you’re missing to making it as a freelancer – enjoy! The world is full of dreaming writers who have heard golden stories of the great beyond (working full time as a well-paid freelance copywriter) but who have yet to make the mysterious transformation from mere mortal to freelance god. Many of my fellow immortals would keep you in the dark, struggling to find
> Read MoreAre Your Blogging Efforts Worth It?
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When you blog for some time, you eventually reach a point when you begin to wonder whether blogging is actually getting you anywhere. Is it bringing you results? Have all the posts you’ve written been worth it? Is the strategy working out as expected? Are you getting anything back from your investment? Those are good questions to ask. And sadly, not many bloggers ask them. People like to be cheerleaders with inspirational rah-rah-stick-with-it-good-things-will-come-chin-up encouragement. It’s nice to boost people’s spirits, and we want to be seen as nice people. Very few openly discuss the bad
> Read MoreSix Ways to Get More Juice Out of Your Freelancer
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Commonly known around here as “The Other James”, today’s guest poster James Hipkins brings you six ways to squeeze your freelancer for better work and the extra mile. And as a freelancer myself, I approve! Enjoy. Businesses hire freelance talent to absorb ebbs and flows in activity or to fill talent gaps that are essential but not required every day. For example, hiring a creative consultant can bring fresh ideas and the alternative perspective you need to get your business from good to great. Businesses are all about returns on investments, though, so the big
> Read MoreHow to Find Your Writing Voice
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When you’re a writer or a blogger, you’re putting your voice out there. It’s a lot like standing on stage singing your heart out for all the world to see. But figuring out your writing voice isn’t easy. It’s especially hard for new writers to find their writing voice, because they already feel awkward having their work in the spotlight and subject to public approval. So they write in a voice that they feel they should use – but their writing voice usually comes off sounding stiff and generic. Maybe you’ve struggled with finding your
> Read MoreDon’t Be an Introvert Writer
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Every now and then, someone I don’t know (and you don’t know either) comes along and pitches me a guest post. Thomas was one of those people, and he wanted to write for the introverts amongst you. The result was some pretty good advice. Enjoy! Freelance writing requires you to take responsibility for yourself in a way that other jobs don’t. Sure, it’s great to hit the snooze button and give yourself an extra hour of R&R once in awhile, but before you know it, you’re getting up at noon and puttering around before you
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