I am a fan of keyboard shortcuts. And the more I write and research, the more they come in great hand (no pun intended). Even after I got my fancy trackball mouse with a ton of buttons, (4 to be exact), I still like my keyboard shortcuts.
It’s often quicker to use the keyboard than to find the pointer and set it to where I need. Some examples are closing tab and opening tabs. Say I need to search for something related to a page I’m on but I don’t want to change the current page. I use these keys: Ctrl T, then TAB to my search box to type my search.
Believe me, that was longer to type than to execute. And quicker than using the mouse. The reason it beats the mouse is because there’s no need to reorient yourself. I’m already on the keyboard. I don’t have to navigate anywhere to find the tab or button to add a new page. I don’t have to reposition the cursor to the search box to start typing.
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Shari, January 22, 2010
There is a special blend of powerful ingredients that, when mixed, can make big things happen in your life. I’d almost forgotten about it until recently. I’m using it now. And even before I have new concrete results to post, I want to share the recipe with you.
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Shari, December 28, 2009
Answer to #12 of 12 Questions I think are important for commercial writers to know. I think these questions are especially important for people newly striking out on their own.
I don’t have a set number yet. The reason this question is a bonus is because I’m forcing myself to do this hard part. I wanted to say that I don’t pursue leads at all. I can’t say it because it’s too early in my freelance career. And, it’s too early because I think it will always be something I’m open to in case I come across a job I really want.
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Shari, December 10, 2009
Answer to #9 of 12 Questions I think are important for commercial writers to know. I think these questions are especially important for people newly striking out on their own.
It’s very hard for me to terminate employers. But some situations make it necessary and therefore a little easier to say good-bye.
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Shari, December 9, 2009
Answer to #8 of 12 Questions I think are important for commercial writers to know. I think these questions are especially important for people newly striking out on their own.
I think it’s really important to know what motivates you about what you do. Often you can get caught up in a person or a project or a company, veer off track and end up very far from what you started doing. It’s also possible that the same circumstances can have the effect of causing you great distress, negative stress, and you wonder why you continue.
That’s when it’s really important to have your personal motivations in place. They may be the only incentives you have to draw on as impetus to continue. My suggestion is that you keep it simple and keep it meaningful to you.
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Shari, November 27, 2009
Answer to #7 of 12 Questions I think are important for commercial writers to know. I think these questions are especially important for people newly striking out on their own.
Never. That’s the answer, period. There are times when you can really be pressed to maintain your composure. But understanding and appreciating the nuances of the situation can help you greatly.
Recognize the Implications of Making Changes
- Clients can present you with detailed or simple changes in the middle of your project. These changes can throw you off your whole schedule. Remember that a delay for you is ultimately a delay for your client. Rarely do clients sabotage themselves.
- Consider that your client may not know your job and what’s involved. And with that, they may not understand what all goes into “small” or “quick” changes. Explain in detail what’s involved, and encourage clients to give you all the details at once.
- If requested changes push back your completion date, be sure to explain to your client. Just remember to always be polite.
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Shari, November 26, 2009
Answer to #6 of 12 Questions I think are important for commercial writers to know. I think these questions are especially important for people newly striking out on their own.
I’ve got another short answer for you, because this situation requires concise action. No one wants to think “I can’t,” especially when they’re freelancing. It almost feels like you’re telling the client, “I won’t do it. And, please don’t ask for anything more.”
Unless that’s what you’re saying, your situation is not that fatal.
There was one time when I couldn’t complete a job. The situation was extreme for me. But the worst part was that I kept thinking I can pull this off. Finally, I was given an ultimatum deadline. After the date given, the client would find an alternative source. Several things made it easier to survive the embarrassment:
- He was very gracious about it because we were long-time friends
- He knew the trauma that lead me to being unable to complete the job
- He already knew of someone who was available to do the job
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By
Shari, November 9, 2009
Here’s answer #4 of 12 Questions I think are important for commercial writers to know. I think these questions are especially important for people newly striking out on their own.
Ask!
I know, you probably thought there would be this long, drawn out explanation with a sophisticated magical formula for executing the act of securing an extension and assistance. Well, there’s no need.
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