Let’s Talk E-mail Etiquette
Until I became a freelance writer and started working for the web, I could care less about e-mail etiquette. But the moment I started communicating with clients and applying for opportunities through e-mail, I began to pay attention to how I wrote my messages. The ideal is to make a good impression and look professional. In turn, I can stand out and hopefully get the job. Yet, it seems as if some clients aren’t up-to-date on professional e-mail etiquette.
The type of e-mails we send to a friend should be completely different from the e-mails we send to a client, right? I thought this was common sense, but maybe I’m wrong.
Within the past 12 months, I can’t count the number of times a client has sent an e-mail that: 1.) didn’t look professional, and 2.) didn’t sound professional.
I’ve gotten e-mails written in all caps and messages with bright colored text. Or what about messages that don’t include a greeting or salutation. You open the message and all you get is the client’s request. No “Hi,” or “Good Morning,” just blah, blah, blah. And they don’t even take the time to end the message with a “thank you,” or their name.
Isn’t it rude to pick up the phone, call someone, and start a conversation without first introducing yourself or saying, “hi?”
At our family daycare, the children’s parents are infamous for this type of behavior.
Example:
(telephone rings)
Daycare: Hello
Parent: Did my husband pick up my daughter? (Who’s your daughter? Better yet, who are you?)
Daycare: Excuse me? (hint: I need more information)
Parents: I want to know if my daughter is still there. (didn’t get the hint)
Daycare: Who am I speaking with?
Parent: Oh, this is Mrs. Jones.
In almost every instance, one professional would never phone another professional and start a conversation minus a “hello.” Shouldn’t the same rule apply to business-related e-mails?
Technorati Tags: professional, email etiquette, work at home, telecommuting, freelance writer
Burnout? Take a Break, and Don’t Apologize
Last week was one of those crazy weeks. I didn’t want to think, let alone work. I had a three-day break during the holiday weekend, and by the time Monday rolled around, I was in full blown vacation mode. I normally start my work day early. But I procrastinated, and before I knew it, the whole day was shot.
Besides, my husband was home from work, and it was much more enjoyable to spend an extra day with him. That doesn’t happen too often. I figured, “it’s only Monday, and I have plenty of time to get my act together.”
Well, that didn’t happen. I worked for about an hour on Tuesday before I mentally checked out. It was much easier to surf the Internet, watch a few videos on YouTube, and catch up on my talk shows. Funny, but I couldn’t find the willpower to work on Wednesday either. I went out to lunch, came home, did some housework, and took an afternoon nap.
I could have worked on Thursday, but I didn’t feel like it. And since I rarely work on Fridays, why break the routine? Read more
Benefits of Telecommuting: Making Your Case
Who wouldn’t love the opportunity to work from home? Let’s face it: the benefits of telecommuting are endless - work in your pajamas, spend time with the kids, no annoying co-workers, and the list goes on.
On the flip side, your employer may not recognize the benefits…at least not immediately. They likely imagine co-workers goofing off, sleeping late, and working less than the required hours. So, if you want your employer to at least consider telecommuting, you’ve got to help them see how the arrangement benefits their company.
Freelance Writing Gigs offers 10 sensible defenses for telecommuting. Although this blog caters to freelance writers, every aspiring telecommuter can benefit from the listed tips.
Yeah, working from home can make your life a little less hectic. But that’s not the angle you want to draw on. Employers could care less about your desire to have more time for your family, or your need to alleviate stress. You need to focus on their bottom line. In other words, they want to know, “what’s in it for me?”
Technorati Tags: telecommuting, telecommuting opportunities, telecommuting jobs, employee benefits
Got Laid-Off? Time to Start Your Freelance Career
A recent lay off creates a tailspin of emotions. How will I provide for myself and family? What will I do for health insurance? How long can I survive without a steady paycheck?
Some people are fortunate, and they’re able to find new employment within a few weeks. Then again, if you work in a competitive field, or a low-demand service industry, it can be awhile before a new opportunity knocks.
There’s nothing exciting or glamorous about unemployment. Yeah, you get to enjoy a little down time, and you may be slightly relieved that your old, stressful job is finally behind you. But then reality sets in…and you need a plan.
There’s no better time to start a freelance career than after a recent lay off or job loss, considering you have “some” cash flow (savings, spouse, severance pay, unemployment, etc.) But, how do you get started?
The Escape from Corporate America blog recently featured an article on how to get started in freelancing or consulting. Even if you never considered yourself an entrepreneur, it doesn’t hurt to give it a try.
Besides, what else are you doing with your time? Sleeping late and waiting for an interview? You might as well make some money in the meantime.
Technorati Tags: laid off, freelance, telecommute, work at home, self-employed, consulting, freelancing
How to Survive a Computer Virus
If you work from home, your personal computer or laptop is likely the heart of your business. Without it, you can’t communicate with clients, look for new assignments, or complete your current work.
It’s important to protect your computer and information from viruses that can attack and crash your hard drive. Trust me, losing all your information and having to re-install your operating system is no picnic.
- Purchase a Virus Detection Program: Your computer likely came with virus protection software. If not, you’ll need to purchase a software program, and run the program to diagnose and fix any problems. Periodically check for software updates.
- Don’t Use the Infected Computer: If you know your computer has a virus, disconnect from networks and don’t insert removable hard drives. Viruses can attack other computers via network cables, and infect files stored on flash drives. Don’t send or receive files until your software detection program finds and removes the virus.
- Up Your Security: Customize your e-mail settings and have your mail server alert you to potential dangers. Also, exercise good judgment. Don’t download random, unknown files.
- Renew Your Anti-Virus Software: Unfortunately, virus protection isn’t a one-time purchase. Don’t forget to renew your subscription annually.
Technorati Tags: virus, computer, protection, work at home, telecommute
