It’s part of freelancing – the inevitable work slowdown. For some reason, it often comes at this time of the year, too. I don’t know if it’s because employers are busy with the holidays, or if companies run short on budget at this time of the year. Anyway, I thought this would be a good topic to discuss today. Here are some tips for getting through the slow times:
- Save money when you are busy.
- Use the slow times to market your business.
- Search for new opportunities.
- Take a break.
Has your business experienced a slowdown? What are your tips for getting through the slow periods?
Contents (c) Copyright 2007, Laura Spencer. All rights reserved.
14 responses so far ↓
1 James Chartrand - JCM Enterprises // Nov 7, 2007 at
We keep a list of small tasks, odd jobs and projects we need to work on for slow times (or when we want a break from too much work). Most of it involves cleaning up our website or working out small glitches. We might have something new to add to the blog. Some days we spend bouncing around just reading other people’s blogs.
Using downtime effectively is important, though. Take a look at your proposals to clients. Can you make them better, now that you’re a little more experienced? What about a blog, have you started one yet? Peruse other writer sites and check out services they offer – can you learn a new skill to respond to demand? Take a course if you feel the downtime may be extended. Improve yourself, your site and your business in some way.
2 Misty Dawn // Nov 7, 2007 at
I just found your blog through Freelancing Journey, and I love it! I’ve subscribed so I can visit often.
3 Jeanne Dininni // Nov 7, 2007 at
This is some very good advice, Laura! When things are slow, I try to get to the things I never manage to get to when I’m busy, such as #3, searching for new opportunities. That’s something that can be difficult to do while in the middle of several writing projects at the same time. Saving for a rainy day (#1) certainly helps prepare you for those slow times, too!
James’s ideas also make a great deal of sense.
Thanks!
Jeanne
4 lornadoone // Nov 7, 2007 at
I think another thing to keep in mind is that the slowdown is probably temporary. A few days ago, Tamara and I were a little worried because things had slowed down. Then yesterday happened, and now we’ve got plenty to keep us busy for a little while. It’s feast or famine sometimes, isn’t it?
5 Laura // Nov 7, 2007 at
Hi James, Jeanne, and Lornadoone!
I hesitated in posting about this, but then realized that it is something most freelancers go through.
Welcome Misty Dawn! I’ll be over to check out your blog shortly.
James and Jeanne, thanks for all the specific suggestions. I’ve actually been working my way through the new TeachingSells courses by Brian Clark, in addition to looking for more opportunities.
lornadoone – Thanks for the encouragement. Even though I know that slowdowns are a part of the business cycle, they make me nervous.
6 Misti Sandefur // Nov 8, 2007 at
Here’s another tip to get you through the slow periods:
Write an e-book, self-publish it in PDF format, and then market and sell it. This not only gets you through the slow periods, but it could also give you the extra money you need to do your holiday shopping with. Plus you can tie the holiday shopping season into the promotion of your new e-book. 😉
7 Nath // Nov 8, 2007 at
All very good points, Laura. You’ve hihglighted the fact that whether you have a large backlog of jobs to do or not, there is always something to be getting on with.
I ususally adopt points 3 & 4 during any quieter time, but, on reflection, if I spent more time marketing (2) I would have to spend less time looking for opportunities – and hopefully, as a result, spend more time doing number 4!lol
To a degree I guess it depends how honed your marketing skills are compared to how good your contacts are as well as ones ability to query well which will determine which is the best method for each individual. But a bit of both ie. points 3 and 4 would never go a miss. Thanks
8 Paula // Nov 8, 2007 at
Wow…look how pretty and clean your theme is.
FYI, the Adsminded Wide Theme is good with Adsense clicks.
Anyhoo — yest, it’s good to stay busy. I just slowed down for an hour to spend time with God.
Something I need to do a lot more of to eventually hear his voice and direction.
Happy Thursday,
Paula
9 Courtney // Nov 8, 2007 at
I appreciate my down times because I keep myself so busy most of the time. On the rare occasion things do slow down, I start doing housekeeping things like James talked about. Tweaking my websites and experimenting with social bookmarking sites are the next projects for my slowdown time…whenever that may come.
I love the new theme! 🙂
10 Laura // Nov 9, 2007 at
Hi Misti, Nath, Paula, and Courtney!
Misti,
You are so right! I know that I should do this and it’s been on my to-do list forever. If I can write a 400 word post every day I should be able to write an eBook in less than a month, right?
Nath,
Thanks for stopping by! I enjoy both #3 and #4!
Paula!
I appreciate your support so much! I’ll stick with this theme for now, but if I start a new project or change again I’ll consider the Adsminded Wide Theme.
Hi Courtney!
Obviously I did the tweaking thing…
11 Vivienne Quek // Nov 13, 2007 at
I guess marketers, designers and writers are slowing down from November onwards. What must be done before year-end should be in the final phase or already in production. The Christmas mood is already in the air and most people would rather put off non-urgent, real hard work until January. Even here in Singapore, we will probably enjoy a short hiatus before we start working real hard from early Dec. We will be gearing up for Chinese New Year campaigns which starts from Jan to early Feb.
12 Nikki // Nov 13, 2007 at
I am so unprepared for the slow down. I blogged it a bit today. I am going to use it to my advantage though. marketing my new blog, getting some samples ready and reading up on the blogging industry is on my to do list. Plus, I am looking forward to Christmas this year.
13 Wendy // Nov 13, 2007 at
I’m in a slow down at this very moment and have been using the time to do a bit of research and perhaps broaden my horizons a bit!
You’ve provided some great advice. It’s a hard time of the year to be spending less, but I will have to do just that. I’ve just sent out emails to my siblings requesting no gift exchanges, except between our children. Just too much to buy otherwise!
14 Laura // Nov 13, 2007 at
Hi Vivienne, Nikki, and Wendy!
I guess the saying that misery loves company is true. At least, it makes me feel a little better to know that I’m not the only one facing a slowdown. Of course, I hope that things pick up for all of us soon.
Vivienne – I’d love to learn more about Chinese New Year. Do you have any sites to direct me to?
Nikki – It sounds like you have the right perspective about the slowdown. Use it to your advantage.
Wendy – I’m doing some of the same things. I’ve invested in a training course that I hope will broaden my skillset.