Even if you don’t go for hokey, spiritual cure-alls (I don’t), there are some solid design tips in this video. Clearing out clutter, letting in light, and bringing in nature are always good ideas.
Is It Time To Fire Your Client?
Firing anyone is never easy. It’s especially hard when the person is a client of yours: someone who is supposed to be giving you money. It’s terrible, and it’s sad, but it happens. Anyone in any type of contract, freelance, or sales field can relate. If you’re a Realtor, you’ve had those sellers- the ones who just aren’t ready to give up their home. It’s frustrating to think that you’ve poured hours, weeks, or months of work into one sale, and then they continue to flake out on you. In one of these situations, it’s probably time to fire your client. Yes, you’re losing their money, but your time could be better spent elsewhere. In the time it took to close with them, you could have had three or four other jobs. At this point, it’s time to cut your losses and move on. So, do you think you’re ready to let your troublesome client go? Read this post by Alyssa Faber at Backlog of Business for the red flags:
-Payment issues- if they never pay you consistently, on time, and in full, it’s time to say bye.
-Client is a “buzzkill,” or client is disrespectful/verbally abusive- if you dread checking your inbox and seeing an email from them, it’s not a healthy relationship.
-They don’t understand that you are a business professional that has other clients, and treat you are their personal servant.
-Client lacks honesty, tries to micro-manage everything, or ties up all of your time.
Bringing In Leads With A Real Estate Blog
Having a widely read real estate blog is arguably the best way to get your name out there. Local advertising is great, but having your own blog is the perfect way to showcase your knowledge and let potential buyers get to know you personally. I can name at least ten Realtors off the top of my head (from different states!) just because I love their blogs so much. And the same follows for any business blog. Just starting one and promoting yourself well on social media is a great step. But how can you generate even more leads? Check out this post by Tyler Zey at Easy Agent Pro for tips:
-Promoting your blog is what matters most. Try creating a social media schedule!
-Model the best- Read other blogs, and magazines. Notice how catchy their titles are! Try to model this, but with your own local spin. Numbered lists and “best of” posts are always popular.
-Answer questions, don’t sell. Just be informative and fun. It’s not supposed to be like cold calling.
-Think of it as a marathon- Blogging is not “one and done”. Try to write a new post at least once a week.
Start Working From Home Today
Finding a legit work-from-home job can be tough. There are so many scams going around out there, and it’s extremely easy to get suckered into one if you don’t know what to look out for. Remember, if anywhere wants YOU to give THEM money for a “Start up fee,”- it’s not a job. Jobs pay you. Never give anyone money or bank account info on the internet, unless it’s for direct deposit and you have filled out tax info already. I’m always on the lookout for posts that list actual, paying, legit work from home jobs you can get today! Check out this one at Christian PF:
–LiveOps is a company that hires virtual call center agents. You will need your own dedicated phone line, and you will need to pay for a $30 background check.
–Fancy Hands– complete various tasks as a virtual assistant.
– YouEye.com– They will track your eye movement when visiting websites and you will be asked for feedback on your experience. You will need a webcam.
–Leapforce– review search engine results
–Textbroker.com– a good jumping off point for those who want to try freelance writing.
Stop Procrastinating Now
My biggest flaw as a person is probably my laziness. No, not laziness-my tendency to procrastinate on literally everything. When I put my mind to something, I’m a perfectionist, and if it’s not quite right, I’m not happy. I’m not sloppy or lazy in my actual work- but I loooooooove to procrastinate. If I can do something tomorrow and sleep now, well, it’s nap time. I avoid things and put them off until it becomes a problem. Why? If it’s not a problem in the first place, why turn it in to one? Then, I found this lovely piece by Leo Babauta at Zen Habits that really spoke to me. Here’s his advice to stop procrastinating today:
Identify the most important thing you have to do today.
Decide to do just the first little part of it — just the first minute, or even 30 seconds of it. Getting started is the only thing in the world that matters. Sit there, and focus on getting started. Pay attention to your mind, as it starts to have urges to switch to another task. Let each one pass.
Notice also your mind trying to justify not doing the task. Also let these self-rationalizing thoughts pass.
Just start.
Photo Credit: Instagram
How To Write Your “About” Page
Your blog or website’s “about” page is like a selfie. It lets readers see who you are, and helps them understand the real you a little better. It’s also crucial for writers that blog for their business, as the “About” page lets potential clients know how to contact you. Putting together a page that both reflects who you are and keeps clients interested can be a challenge. That’s why I love this post by Debbie at Work Your Art. It has an awesome list of questions (prompts!) to ask yourself when writing your About profile. Here are some of my favorites:
-Why do you do what you do? What makes your work personal for you?
-Where did you learn what you do?
-Where do you live? Do you have a family? A career? Hobbies?
-Have you won any competitions for you work? Received any awards?
-What are other people saying about your work?
-What skills are you currently trying to master?
Wordless Wednesday: Simple and Refreshing Workspace
Where To Find Gorgeous Stock Photos
Many bloggers take their own photos, and I think that is awesome. My mom is a talented photographer, but I did not inherit her gift. Somehow, all my photos look grainy, the timing is always off, and the lighting is usually terrible. That’s why I use stock photos that I find on Flickr Creative Commons! Having alluring pictures is vital to having a successful blog. No one wants to read a solid wall of text. For where to get photos for your blog, check out this post by Brittany Bullen at International Blogger Association:
-Shutterstock– gives you one free photo a day for having an account
How To Market Your Business On Instagram
I love Instagram! I use it solely for fun- I post personal pictures of my nephew, my cat, crafts I’m working on, the weather, selfies- whatever strikes me and whatever I’m doing with my life at the moment. However, I also follow several people that use Instagram to promote their businesses: everyone from Realtors to tattooists to bakers to makeup artists to jewelry makers to musicians. There’s room for everyone! For tips on using Instagram to advertise your business, check out this post by Laura Wallis at Web Navigator Gal:
-Make the most of your bio. Choose a user name that is part of your brand. You want to keep the same image across social networks if you can.
-Use a mix of images- advertise your business, but have fun! Let your followers know the real you.
-Use filters to beautify your photos
-Use hashtags to gain more followers and spread the word.
Friday Fun Video: Marketing Ideas For Online Businesses
Some really great ideas, plus this guy is hilarious. “A drop of sand!” Haha…What?