Conscious Strategies LLC

Tag: business

The Freelance Writer’s Five
Do you wonder how to make it as a freelance writer? I’ve been a professional freelance writer for many years now. I’ve worked 50 hour weeks and 50 hour months. These ebbs and flows are the result of client budgets, not ability. It’s the kind of flux that is often super rewarding or downright challenging. Resilience, in other words, is a freelancer’s middle name.
5 Tips for Freelance Writers
To navigate the world of a freelancer writer, there are five things I find crucial. Here goes. Bullets first for the skimmers.
- Create a Productive Workspace
- Manage Your Time
- Be Receptive to Feedback
- Research and Develop
- Have a Bottom Line
Create a Productive Workspace

If you work from home as a freelance writer, you’ll need a productive workspace. Clean and de-cluttered works for me. You show up at work and get right down to it. After all, if you don’t meet or come in ahead of deadlines, good luck getting a recommendation on LinkedIn.
Make sure you are professional
https://twitter.com/yoginiqueen?lang=en
Wise Freelance Writers Manage Time
The wise freelancer uses gaps in contracts. I’ve used mine to prepare invoices, re-write my resume, develop new business, blog and write forward.
Writing forward is about getting ahead. Yes you need a day off. But, writing for next month when you have time puts you in the position where you can accept new projects.
Blogging is obvious. You need to craft a writer identity. It can be different from what you write for others. In fact, many writers get their feet wet with a blog-on-the-side. I did. As a yoga therapist, I wrote about what I knew, then others asked me to write for them. Some initial gigs were free. Others paid.
Also, a blog is useful to drive traffic back to you (SEO 101). It also provides content for your social media feeds.
Be Receptive to Feedback
As freelancer writers, we work both for ourselves and for clients. Working for clients you may or may not get feedback on your submissions. Feedback is your metric, so if you don’t receive it, ask for it. The purpose isn’t to make you feel like the best writer in the whole world. It is to help you achieve optimal performance.
Research and Develop
Many freelancers stress the need to create a niche. Others speak of diversification. My feeling is that freelancer writers have to be in research and development mode. Maybe you are flipping a finance career into writing about finance. You’ll need to follow up on compliance, credible sources etc.
In my own case, my liberal arts background has fueled a strong interest in research. I’m also curious, inquisitive and love to learn. And I’m versatile. I can write for many industries. From education to yoga, mortgages, home decor – pretty much anything. Why?
I like to learn. Learning is vital to digital writers because search is changing. Searchers type and talk. Whatever you write about, just make sure you put in some legwork.
As the programming behind voice search gets more refined — in 2012 the word error rate was over 20%, but now it’s as low as 8% — it’s getting much better at picking up our speech quirks. This means that marketers interested in voice search SEO will need to reflect this in their strategies.
Forbes
I also follow up on any platforms and tools that I read about. I may not use them now, but it helps me to develop insights. To have conversations with others that might lead to new business. This means I can pitch to a wide variety of potential clients.
Have a Bottom Line
As a freelancer, I work to help clients achieve their bottom line. This could be higher conversion, social engagement etc. At the same time, I have a bottom line.
For instance, I will not write other peoples’ term papers. I mistakenly signed up with VIP Writers thinking it was all about high quality writing. In fact, it is a platform where professional writers (or students) write (Master’s) theses and so on. Not for me. You need to decide where you draw the line. This also goes for your wages.
How much do freelance writers make per year? Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for writers and authors was $61,820 in May 2017.
Yet, there is no clear cut answer to how much freelancer writers make per year. Some writers invoice at a flat rate, or per hour. A platform such as Upwork allows you to submit proposals with either terms. It does take a certain experience to calibrate how many hours each project needs.
Other freelancers bill per monthly retainer for frequent work and may thus extend a volume-based discount. If you are doing any social media, or routine blogging, subscriptions (rolling retainers) are the way to go. Great article by Stanford Business on why subscription services are taking over.
Some jobs pay per word but I am not sure this is favorable to writers. Fluff is out and usable is in, so using fewer words to sell a message is a skill that should pay higher (my view).
How Do I Get Started as a Freelance Writer?
Many freelance writers (I am one) started writing on the side for the pleasure. Do what you love, love what you do – right?
Outside WeWork in Northern Liberties
But enthusiasm aside, you need to treat yourself as a business. So get out there and be fiercely professional, creative and curious.
October 29, 2018
#LiveLocal: Yoga and the Art of Business
I’ve been thinking today how the concepts of yoga are useful in business. And, how teaching yoga has helped me find a career as a professional writer.
how #yoga helped me find a career in #writing
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I am reminded of this because I taught my first restorative yoga class in Philadelphia. It’s a subbing role as I take care of Jodi’s students at Practice Yoga – like I was their aunt.
Yoga and the Art of Business
Neither yoga nor writing is new for me. Memorabilia suggests I wrote (illustrated early) as a youngster. This morphed into other creative writing projects. Back when hand written essays were a thing. Also, because I always wrote in a journal, getting thoughts on a page was – if not easy – then comfortable.
I became a professional writer during this journey. It’s a lot like teaching – you have to convey a message to your student in a way s/he will understand it. Sounds like “marketing to a target audience” to me.
Using Yogic Principles in Business
Many equate yoga with its physical aspect. Twist no shout. But it is actually a philosophical system with broader connotations. Let’s take a look.
Community (sangha)
Talking to a millennial the other day about community. She says today, community is inconvenient. Relationships take time and consistency and people are too busy for it. Hmm.
How do you build community?
“the sangha of, or community, of yoga teachers and students that forms around studios and and other places people practice, provides the kind of social support which scientific evidence suggests benefits health.”[1]
I argue that social media needs to generate shares, not likes. To build that kind of support, you’ve got to actually have someone to track the account and engage. To create and support community. Yes, it takes effort, skill and money. Your community is valuable though. Try and expand it. Understand and help it.
Helpful sells
Friendliness (ahimsa)
Building a community takes a certain friendliness. Friendliness of course, keeps our hearts open. Kindness, friendliness, non-violence and thoughtful consideration of all things is a yogic concept. It is part of a behavior pattern (one of the 5 Yamas) called Ahimsa. In business, friendliness is the basis of customer care. Even Google is going all “helpful” on us if you don’t believe me. See above “was this page helpful?”
At least I do not spend money in stores where the staff is snobby or blows me off. As a business owner, I would never hire anyone to represent me that way either. What are your thoughts?
Drip Marketing – all about nurturing clients and community
See – “Emma noted that nurtured leads make 47% larger purchases”.
Teacher – pupil (learn)
Yoga has taught me to keep learning. To listen for positive guidance and teach what I know. When I started to teach yoga in 1997, I was a voracious reader of yoga books. Remember highlighters and all that paper!? In them, most teachers told their story and how it filtered into their practice.
The knowers who have seen the Truth will instruct you in wisdom.[2]
How do you listen to your students, audience, team?
In business we do the same – keep on trend, read and study. Yet to do this well, it helps to know (and listen to) your audience. What are they asking? How can you answer the questions while staying authentic?
As a professional writer (yoga therapist), I like to know who that audience (student) is so that I can structure the content to reach them. Much like how I would teach a private yoga therapy session. Are you in tune with your audience? Are you limiting that audience for a reason? Does your content convert? Mine does (I am told).
Sattya – Truthfulness
As a writer, I have two distinct boundaries. One to stay clear of writing untruths. I will research and inquire before throwing something ‘out there’.
The other is I will not write someone’s term paper, thesis or dissertation. It feels deceptive. Yes, there are sites which offer this service.
As a teacher, I only teach what I have experienced. For this reason, I have tried to learn from excellent mentors. And, to extract the lesson from teachers I do not agree with. We can only ever have our own voice, even when we are not re-inventing the wheel. Don’t copy what you don’t understand.
Don’t copy what you don’t understand #beauthentic
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I like what the character Jackson Maine said in A Star is Born (2018). “Just tell them what you want to say.” Be truthful in your message. Having integrity is preferable too but let’s leave that one aside. Use an authentic voice. Strive for this in business to build your community.
Jackson Maine: Look, talent comes everywhere, but having something to say and a way to say it so that people listen to it, that’s a whole other bag. And unless you get out and you try to do it, you’ll never know. That’s just the truth. And there’s one reason we’re supposed to be here is to say something so people want to hear. So you got to grab it, and you don’t apologize, and you don’t worry about why they’re listening, or how long they’re going to be listening for, you just tell them what you want to say. Don’t you understand what I’m trying to tell you?
Ally: Yeah, I do. I don’t like it, but I understand it.
Jackson Maine: Oh, I think you like it a little bit. [3]
[1] A Star is Born, 2018
[2] Yoga as Medicine, Timothy McCall, M.D. p.44
[3] Bhagavad-Gita, iv.3.4
October 9, 2018
Business Lessons I’ve Learned From Salon Hopping | #LiveLocal
Today’s installment of #livelocal is about 5 lessons I’ve learned through salon hopping. When I lived in Montreal, I was never a salon hopper. No, I built long term relationships with my hairdresser and we were able to develop trust. This hasn’t been the case since I have moved to Philly.
The Opposite of Salon Hopping – Loyalty
On her side, Tania imprinted in her repertoire the way I liked to do my hair. That said, she always asked what I wanted to do and loved it if I let her decide. I showed up on time, as a good client should do. If there was something I didn’t like, the fact that I was loyal made her feel safe enough to weather feedback.
Now Tania – at the time – worked in a small boutique salon. The owner didn’t do any promotions, and along the way, Tania wanted to grow her own business. She asked me what to do. I suggested Pinterest and Instagram which have since worked for her. Even and especially as she made her move to a large salon.
5 business lessons I’ve learned through salon hopping + interview with @ROBERTCRISSALON
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I have picked up some business insight through salon hopping that I want to share with you. As an entrepreneur, yogini and writer all in one, I know how to teach and learn. If we are attentive, we can see this gift and recycle it into useful information.
#1 People are loyal when there is a reason to be
Some background. I left Montreal though still maintain contact with Tania. I appreciate her consistency even more now. I was a loyal client – did not chair hop at all. Until I moved to the states.
For a few brief years in New Jersey, I was also loyal to one salon. However, after I moved more than 10 minutes away (it soon took 45), I made my escape. I say escape because there was one occasion where the salon blamed me for their bad color job. “You asked for that” they said.
No I have dark hair and never asked for a blond streak. You weren’t paying attention because you were over booked and didn’t care all that much about my business. Also, I said I wanted to grow my bangs and you did what you wanted to do. Not what I asked. It was time to break up.
#2 Ride loyalty until its time for a new route.
Break up, take a new direction. If it isn’t working, try something else. Whether you need find a new hairdresser or broaden your online presence with a new strategy.
#3 Communicate clearly.
Communication is key. The type of communication is even more important. A client should give clear directions. Providers need to inform. This way, there is less chance of misunderstanding. Also, both parties, when in doubt, should ask for clarity.
A skillful provider listens and aims to facilitate their client’s goals. Otherwise, the client should re-evaluate (see #1). However, sometimes one receives good advice but doesn’t want to listen. That is on you. Nonetheless, express yourself as the song says.
#4 Trust is built not a given.
Sometimes consistency and resilience builds loyalty. Other times it isn’t in the cards. I have learned to aim for brand loyalty and steady business (trust). To build a regular client portfolio. In tandem, looking for growth and opportunity factors in that life involves some flux.
#5 Not my kind of client/provider
Sometimes the customer or provider is not our ‘kind of client.’ I set this stage so you will understand the type of client I am. You can please me. I give chances when the situation warrants them. I am a professional and expect this in return.
However, since my move to Philadelphia, salon hopping is all I’ve done. Why is that? Here are the top 5 reasons why I won’t go back for more.
Why people salon hop and what businesses can learn from it.
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1. We had a consult and yet, you did not listen
2. Your blow dry didn’t last
3. The salon was not client-services oriented
4. The shampoo person was flat out terrible
5. Technical skills lacking
6. Stylist lacked client care skills
7. You are repeatedly late
Case Study – How Does Salon Hopping Look to a Salon Owner?
Curiosity got the better of me so I turned sleuth and contacted my friend, Cristy Galster. You may know her if you live in Delaware. She owns Robert Cris Salon. I asked her several questions to get first hand insight into the phenomena known as salon hopping.
Christy – Salon Owner
- What do you as an award-winning salon do to discourage (and or encourage) salon-hopping?
I absolutely discourage salon hopping. I think the only one who suffers is the client, even though it is their doing. If you’re going to salon-hop, do it for styling only while you interview for a stylist or colorist. Salon hopping and chemical services are never a good idea. The client doesn’t always remember what they told their previous colorist, and the new colorist has no idea what the previous colorist(s) has done to the hair. Too many “cooks in the kitchen” can lead to disastrous results.
- To what do you attribute repeat business?
Communication is key!! I prefer to have a consultation with any potential clients so that we can both determine if we are a good fit for each other. In my experience, the consultation is the most important part of the service, but it is always where both parties fall short. Clients try to speak in “our language” which ultimately confuses the professional, and the professional doesn’t ask the right questions which confuses the client. It ends up being a losing situation all the way around. I personally prefer that clients bring pictures so that we can dissect it and fully understand each other.
- Do you see any differences between senior and junior stylists?
Junior and senior stylists are totally different. Junior stylists tend to be more passionate, but lack experience. Senior stylists have experience, can still be passionate but are usually not as open to criticism or new techniques because what they’ve done in the past has always worked, which can be the beginning of the end because the beauty industry is about the next new style. You have to stay current in this industry or you will be left behind.
- How do you market your salon? advertising, word of mouth etc.
Word of mouth has worked in the past, but with social media our industry has really changed in the last five years. I am currently working on our social media presence as well as revamping our current space. I believe in investing in our clients. What has worked for our employees is to reward our clients with a complementary haircut when they refer a few of their friends to see their stylist. Premiere Philadelphia is a huge industry show that is happening this weekend for the first time. I hope to be inspired as I attend all of the classes. Btw my website needs A LOT of work!!
How Content Strategy Can Help This Business Meet Goals
What’s next? Hopefully we will soon have some kick ass content on Cristy’s site soon. Her aim to invest in her clients can be targeted in our content strategy. For now, this blog has provided her with a back link, some great press, and shareable content. What lessons will you learn today as you #livelocal?
September 20, 2018