Ask Questions Galore ButtonCreative Keys Button

Chris' Recommendations







   


You Have Reached Freelance Living
!

Through a plethora of articles, we provide a useful guide for independent professionals, free agents and freelancers.

To receive 10 free and useful tips to enhance your Personal and Professional STYLE, sign up for our FREE e-newletter, Portfolio Potpourri, HERE. We never sell names and/or e-mail addresses, and if you ever wish to "opt-out" that's never a problem.

Have a question and/or challenge you would like addressed? Click HERE.

Thanks for visiting and come again! To contact Chris King, Editor, e-mail her at: chris@creativekeys.net

Articles:

What Is Your USP? How to Define It for Yourself and Others
by Chris King


The way the economy is today with all of the downsizing, we should, as independent professionals, be in demand and busier than ever - filling in those important spaces that have been created in so many companies. To make ourselves as free agents, independent professionals and freelancers marketable, however, we must define what our USP (Unique Selling Proposition) is.

In other words, what makes us special and different from everyone else out there? What will a company gain by hiring us to do the job? What's in it for them? In this article, I will share some ways to determine what your USP is and how to define it.

 

The Definition Dilemma Faced by Living Freelance
by Chris King


I find one of the most challenging situations I face as a free agent, independent professional, and freelancer is telling people what I do. I have mentioned that I have a "Portfolio Career" (many different careers at the same time), so when I am asked, "And what do you do?" I don't have a straight-forward answer, like "lawyer, doctor, or football player."

I feel that this can be an advantage, if approached properly. Therefore, in this article, I am going to discuss this definition dilemma, ways to attack it, and pose some questions that can help direct those of us who love living a freelance life.

 

The Ins and Outs of Having and/or Being a Mentor
by Chris King


Every self-help tape I've heard and every book I've read on how to become a success - and there are many of both - suggest finding a mentor. What is a mentor? What is a mentor's role? Where do I find one? Should I become one? Should I have only one mentor? What should I expect from a mentor? In this article, I will tackle some of these tough questions.

What is a mentor and what is a mentor's role?
I decided to look mentor up in the dictionary and found the succinct descriptions: "trusted counselor or guide," "a wise, loyal advisor," and "a teacher or coach."

 

Use the Power of Meaningful Networking to Create Client Contacts
by Chris King


Years ago when I attended what were termed as "Networking Events" we basically walked around smiling and exchanging business cards. When I got back to the office, I would look through my handful of cards, not remembering any of the faces that went with the names on the cards, and eventually threw most of them away. I don't remember anyone ever calling me because of this time-wasting ritual. Networking when performed with a plan and with panache, on the other hand, can reap huge benefits including client leads, helpful referrals, needed information, or business. Let's take a look at networking with a purpose that produces results.

Start with knowing why you are networking. Before attending any kind of event, trade show, and/or gathering, ask yourself why you are taking the time to do this and what you hope to gain from the networking.

 

Special Pages
Freelance Living . . . Editor's Bio
Read about the editor of Freelance Living and how to contact her.

Related Resources:
Chris King's Personal Recommendations
If you are exasperated by all of the Internet HYPE, visit my recommendation website, where I share products,tools and systems I have personally tested. Looking for information about a plethora of "what is out there?" You will find answers here.
Professional Poker Players

Many professional poker players fulfill the dream of working your own hours and being your own boss. Many of these play poker full time but there are also those who visit the online poker rooms as a part time job, their real passion being the their freelance work. Part time or not, one online poker player won an entry ticket to the World Championship of Poker (WSOP) online and ended up winning the whole thing along with the 8 million dollars in prize money. Most poker rooms host qualifications to the WSOP these days, and we can thank this player for that.

Madison Media Digital Arts College
Madison Media Institute is a digital media college providing career training with professionals in web design, music production, film editing, animation, and the entertainment industry.
The Successful Dilettante
Issues of this ezine feature stories or interviews with people who have successfully managed to create careers and lives rich in a multitude of interests and talents. Susan Henderson, Editor, is a Career and Life Redesign Coach.
Full Sail University
Over the past 30 years, Full Sail has built a reputation as one of the premier media arts colleges in the world. Full Sail graduates have made their names working on award-winning films and albums, acclaimed video games and design projects, live productions, and more.
Move Your Business Online
Discover the no-cost service that simplifies and automates much of the necessary drudgework of any enterprise – billing, collections, contracts and record keeping. All are done online on forms within the browser or on any smartphone and are fully customizable.
The "Portfolio Career" Self Test
Do you think you would love having a "Portfolio Career" like Chris King has? Click on the link, take the test and find out. It's quick, fun and easy!
Degree Programs and Career Training
Top Education Guide is a comprehensive directory of online colleges, universities, career schools, trade schools, vocational training and degree programs. Start searching today, find a degree, and discover a rewarding new career.
Therapy
Find a speech or business coach that best fits your needs, and receive consultation over the phone or in person! A help if you are a coach or have aspirations to become one.
1099: The Magazine for Independent Professionals

Excellent articles, which are still archived although they are not adding new ones, unfortunately. A fun and informative site, however.

WritingSpark.com

A fun and informative blog hosted by writer, Alicia Sparks. She includes an excellent list of Freelance Resources in the right hand margin. Check them out.

SelfGrowth.com

The most complete guide to information about Self Improvement, Personal Growth and Self Help on the Internet. It is designed to be an organized directory, with articles and references to thousands of other Web Sites on the World Wide Web.

The Center for Self-Employment Excellence
A unique online resource center and volunteer organization dedicated to helping you build a thriving one person business, create a great life, and make a positive difference in the world! Includes resources for running the one person business and the art of going solo.
Without a doubt, Robert Middleton has helped me more with my marketing and attracting new clients. His Marketing Manual and Toolkits have been life savers!
Freelance Developer
Web development job/project listings and developer profiles. Features free job postings. Many visitors monthly! 
Message Board for Freelancers
This helpful message board is for questions and discussion relevant to being or becoming a freelancer or independent contractor.


Remember:

If you would like to try an issue of our FREE eclectic e-newsletter, Portfolio Potpourri, sign up by clicking HERE and hitting SEND. Just for trying it, you will receive "10 Tips of Ways to Develop Your Personal and Professional STYLE."

We never sell names and/or e-mail addresses, and if you ever wish to "opt-out" that's never a problem.


Contact Chris King at:
chris@creativekeys.net
or at: P.O. Box 221255
Beachwood, Ohio 44122
Phone: (216) 991-8428

Home / Free Newsletter/Stuff / Special Reports /
Free Articles / Editor's BioAsk Questions / Creative Keys /
Portfolio Career
/ Chris Recommends

 

 


SICK of Ideas That Don't Work?

Invest Only 20 Minutes a Week for SUCCESS!  

Imagine that you live every week inspired, motivated and generating more ideas than you can handle!

This hands-on e-book that is a compilation and distillation of the themes, tips and text found in Chris' bi-weekly e-newsletter, Portfolio Potpourri, will help set the tone for each of your next 101 weeks.

Just imagine the plethora of IDEAS that will be flying in and taking your life to a new level.

Click HERE for additional information.

When you visit this
site we hope you are not
only learning how
to live a successful and rewarding freelance
life, but also having fun
while here.



The
Free
Agent
needs
to be
SHARP
and
have STYLE.

By developing your
own personal and professional STYLE,
you will live your life
on purpose - with
class, pleasure and success in every area. We have created a Special Report, 125 Ways to Develop
Your Personal and Professional STYLE.


Click HERE for more information.


We love to hear from you! send us your questions, comments and useful tips! Just click HERE!


Free Agent Nation: America's New Independent Workers
With so many of America's workers operating as "free agents," this author offers analysis of this "new economy" and advice on how to succeed in it.


The 101 Best Freelance Careers
Make your own hours, make your own decisions, and make money doing it ... with this cutting edge guide to trends, options, and opportunities for freelancers.

Successful Freelancing: The Complete Guide
In this up to the minute guide, writers, consultants, artists, and all other types of freelancers will find the essential information they need to set up and run a profitable, successful business.

A New Brand of Expertise, Independent Consultants, Free Agents, and Interim Managers This book looks at the enormous benefits to companies and independent consultants of the booming "free agent" marketplace.

Complete Idiot's Guide to Making Money in Freelancing Whether you're looking to quit your day job or simply moonlight on the side, here's the scoop on how to freelance successfully. Features strategies for time and cash management and tips on setting up a workplace.