Cherie Mclaughlin, Author at Freelancelifemagazine

Freelance Resurgence: Turning Addiction Battles into Business Triumphs

Cherie Mclaughlin — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 13:26:59 +0000

Embarking on the journey of recovery from addiction while aiming to revitalize a lost freelancing business is a formidable challenge. This path requires not only overcoming the personal hurdles associated with addiction but also the reconstruction of financial stability and entrepreneurial success.

As you navigate this journey, remember that your resolve and resilience can turn these challenges into a story of triumph. Freelance Life Magazine shares some helpful tips to get you started:

Cultivating a Resilient Mindset

In the throes of rebuilding, fostering a mindset of resilience and optimism is essential. Envisioning a prosperous future, one where your business thrives and your personal life flourishes can be a powerful motivator. This vision serves as a beacon and guides you through the often turbulent waters of recovery and financial reconstruction.

Recognizing Addiction’s Financial Toll

Recognizing the full impact of addiction on your finances and business is a critical step in the recovery process. This acknowledgment should not be seen as self-blame but as an essential part of rebuilding your financial foundation.

It involves a deep understanding of past mistakes and their consequences. This insight is critical to developing strategies for a more stable and prosperous future, leveraging lessons learned to avoid past pitfalls.

The Path to Healing: Seeking Inpatient Treatment

Embarking on the path of inpatient treatment is a brave and necessary step toward recovery. When locating treatment help in the area, delve into the specifics of each facility. Research their treatment methodologies, staff qualifications, and patient testimonials. If you’re concerned about costs, options are available through Medicaid and local health initiatives, offering a beacon of hope for anyone seeking a fresh start.

Legal Structures for Business Rejuvenation

Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a smart decision for your entrepreneurial revival. This legal entity separates your personal and business liabilities, safeguarding your personal assets from business risks. Moreover, an LLC establishes a formal business structure to enhance your credibility and provide a solid foundation for professional growth.

Diversifying Income Streams

Consider engaging in part-time work or freelancing in the early phase of rebuilding your finances. These opportunities offer a consistent source of income, which is crucial during this period of financial recovery.

Freelancing, in particular, yields unmatched independence because you can do something you’re passionate about on your own schedule from home. This approach allows for the flexibility needed to focus on both your recovery journey and laying the groundwork for your business’s resurgence.

Strategic Debt Management

Debt, while challenging, can be managed proactively. Initiating conversations with creditors to renegotiate terms can lead to more manageable repayment plans. Additionally, exploring debt consolidation and seeking advice from financial professionals can pave the way for a more controlled and structured approach to clearing your debts.

Harnessing Support Networks

The role of support networks in recovery and financial rebuilding cannot be overstated. Engaging with groups and advisors who specialize in helping those recovering from addiction provides a dual benefit of emotional encouragement and practical financial advice. This guidance is often tailored to your unique situation, making it an invaluable resource in your path to recovery.

Budgeting for a New Beginning

Developing a well-thought-out budget is essential for financial recovery. This budget should focus on essential expenses while minimizing unnecessary spending. Consistently adhering to this budget is key to regaining financial control and laying the groundwork for a stable and prosperous future.

Rebuilding your financial life post-addiction is no small feat. It requires courage, determination, and a strategic approach. By embracing these steps, you’re not just working toward financial recovery but crafting a new chapter in your life — one marked by resilience, stability, and growth. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory in this journey to a renewed sense of purpose and financial freedom.

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Unconventional Careers: Your Gateway to a Thriving Digital Nomad Lifestyle

Cherie Mclaughlin — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 09:13:34 +0000

The growing popularity of remote work has transformed it from a temporary trend to a lifestyle embraced by many. Digital nomadism has paved the way for various career paths that merge professional development with the liberty of a mobile life. These careers offer financial rewards and an enriching journey of personal fulfillment and discovery. Freelance Life Magazine shares more:

Virtual Health and Wellness Mentor

In an era where health and fitness are paramount, becoming an online fitness coach offers a perfect blend of passion and flexibility. This role transcends geographical boundaries, allowing you to guide clients globally through their fitness journey.

By leveraging virtual platforms, you can provide tailored training routines, nutritional advice, and motivational support. This career sustains your nomadic life and promotes a culture of wellness and self-improvement as you reach people wherever they are.

Remote Mental Health Advocate

The field of mental health presents a unique opportunity to explore the field of psychology through a degree that can be pursued online. As a therapist or psychologist, you delve into the complexities of the human mind, offering support and guidance to those grappling with life’s challenges. It’s a career path that lets you maintain a nomadic lifestyle while offering a virtual helping hand, making psychological support more accessible and breaking the barriers of traditional therapy settings.

Nomadic Business Innovator

The digital nomad lifestyle and entrepreneurship are a match made in heaven. This career path involves crafting a robust business plan, where you delineate your business concept, sales strategies, structural plan, funding requirements, and financial forecasts.

Entrepreneurship empowers you to build something from the ground up, offering the liberty to work from anywhere in the world. It’s a path that demands creativity, resilience, and a knack for innovation; in other words, it’s perfectly suited for the adventurous spirit of a digital nomad.

Global Online Educator

Sharing knowledge is a timeless profession, and in the digital age, it opens doors to teaching or tutoring from any location. Whether it’s language, science, arts, or any field you’re skilled in, you can impart your knowledge through online platforms.

Being an educator not only lets you explore different cultures and locations but also allows you to impact lives across the globe. It’s a rewarding experience that marries your expertise with the flexibility of a nomadic lifestyle.

Tech-Enabled Historical Explorer

Imagine unraveling the mysteries of the past while embracing future technologies. Digital archaeology is an innovative field where technology meets history so you can study ancient civilizations and artifacts remotely.

Such a career is a gateway to exploring the world’s historical treasures without the constraint of a fixed location. So it’s an ideal choice for those who wish to combine their love for history with a modern, nomadic way of life.

Travel Photographer

Travel photography is a career that naturally aligns with the nomadic lifestyle. As a travel photographer, you capture the essence of various cultures, landscapes, and moments and then turn them into visual narratives.

This profession not only fuels your wanderlust but also provides a source of income through the sale of your photographs. It’s a career that truly embodies the spirit of exploration and artistic expression.

Wanderlust Wedding Coordinator

Planning a wedding is an intricate and heartfelt task, and doing it online as a nomad adds an exciting twist. As an online wedding planner, you assist couples in organizing their dream weddings from anywhere in the world. Wedding coordination is a career that allows you to indulge in the joy and beauty of these special occasions while enjoying the freedom of a nomadic lifestyle — a unique blend of creativity, organization, and flexibility.

Final Thoughts

The journey of a digital nomad is not just about breaking free from the conventional 9-to-5 grind; it’s about reshaping one’s career to harmonize with a life of exploration and freedom. These unconventional career paths offer the flexibility to travel and live on your own terms and provide avenues for personal growth, creative expression, and the opportunity to make a positive impact in the world. Embracing a digital nomad career is about finding your unique path to freedom and fulfillment.

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Working from Home? Here are the Steps for Starting and Growing Your Freelance Business

Cherie Mclaughlin — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 09:31:54 +0000

Are you ready to set out on your own and take control of your career? Do you want to build a freelance business from home so you can work — and live — on your own terms? If so, it’s important to understand that any successful business requires an organized approach. In this blog post, which is shared below by Freelance Life Magazine, we’ll outline the main points you need to consider when starting a business from home.

Establish a Designated Office Space

When working from home, it’s important to have a designated office space – somewhere away from the main living area where you can focus on work. This could be an extra bedroom, corner of the living room, or kitchen table if necessary. Having a dedicated workspace will help keep distractions at bay while also allowing you to transition into “work mode” when needed.

How to Set Office Hours at Home

Working from home can be a challenge, especially when you have family members around. Setting up specific office hours and clearly communicating them to your family will help maintain the peace. Establishing boundaries between work time and leisure time is key to having a successful balance of both.

Create a Business Plan

Before you launch any sort of business, taking the time to create a comprehensive business plan is essential. Doing your research ensures that your idea is resistant to potential losses and competition. Additionally, it offers an outline for tasks and responsibilities as well as provides clarity on the number of funds needed upfront. A successful business plan can save you untold amounts of time in the future.

Learn How to Employ Remote Personnel

You may not think of a freelancer needing to hire support staff, but if business is good enough, you might want to hire someone to help with bookkeeping or marketing. Hiring remote workers can be a great way to rapidly expand your business. Not only do they help with tasks like customer service inquiries and product fulfillment, but they also free up time for you to focus on more important tasks. This can save you time, energy, and money in the long run, so it is wise to consider hiring remote workers over doing everything yourself.

Take Breaks Away from Your Desk

Working from home can be a great benefit but also a source of stress. It’s important to take regular breaks throughout the day to prevent burnout and feelings of being overwhelmed. Taking a few moments away from your workspace can help you gain a new perspective on tasks and increase productivity in the long run.

Developing a Marketing Strategy

Creating an effective marketing plan will help customers and clients find out about your product and service. This includes deciding which channels, such as social media, web banners, email lists, etc., are best suited for targeted audiences. Setting aside funds for advertising campaigns is also key.

Take the time to explore solutions for content management before launching any major campaigns to research available options and find which channels can produce desired results most cost-effectively.

Embrace the Freelance Lifestyle

Working from home has numerous advantages, including added flexibility and saving time and money. Nevertheless, freelancing also comes with its unique set of challenges. Success when starting or growing any business remotely can be guaranteed through setting aside a designated office space, focusing on content management, and scheduling “office hours” with family members, among other crucial components. With careful planning and dedication, individuals looking to run a business from their own home can certainly achieve success.

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Boost Your Freelance Team’s Productivity

Cherie Mclaughlin — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 16:20:20 +0000

Today, business owners have access to all sorts of new technology that makes running a company easier. But which tools are really worth using? There are a few specific apps and programs that can benefit almost any business who employs freelancers. Here are some helpful, team-boosting suggestions from Freelance Life Magazine, covering everything from mobile scanning apps to PDF merging tools!

Mobile Scanning App

Perhaps you often have to work outside of your office because you travel frequently. Whether you’re hitting the road for a business trip or heading out on a vacation, a mobile scanning app allows you to upload and send key documents from your smartphone. You’ll be able to keep your essential paperwork organized no matter where you are!

PDF Merger

As a business owner, you have to manage countless digital files, especially when your company is tackling a collaborative project involving several different freelancers and teams. When you’re dealing with an overflow of documents in different formats, it’s easy to get overwhelmed! Luckily, you can use a merger tool with the goal to combine PDFs and make it a little easier to stay organized. Once you have a single file, you can streamline the information flow for multiple teams.

Bookkeeping Software

Bookkeeping software is a non-negotiable investment for entrepreneurs, even if you have an accountant. By utilizing bookkeeping software to manage your company’s finances, you’ll save countless hours when it’s time to file your taxes. Plus, you’ll be able to keep all of your financial documents organized in one digital location.

To choose the ideal bookkeeping system for your company, Dukka recommends looking for an affordably priced, cloud-based program that allows for multi-user access. You’ll thank yourself once tax season comes around!

Check out the new issue of freelance life magazine

Read new interviews, check the latest freelance news from the internet, find current app reviews, useful career tips and news from freelance platforms, see the latest freelance nomads destinations and much more!

Project Management Program

Trying to keep several teams or individual employees on track when they’re working on cross-functional projects can quickly get complicated. If your company tries to tackle big projects in a disjointed fashion, you might end up missing deliverable deadlines and running into communication difficulties, which can result in subpar work.

That’s why using a project management platform is crucial. With project management software, you can add lots of individuals to the same project, set deadlines for key deliverables, keep all of your project communications centralized, save important documents, and handle lots of other key functions.

But with so many options for project management software, choosing one program can be overwhelming! The Digital Project Manager recommends selecting a program that gives you the ability to assign and manage specific tasks, share files and messages, and customize project dashboards.

Video Conferencing Platform

Perhaps you enjoy meeting with clients in person whenever possible. But in today’s globally connected world, you’ll likely end up working with clients who can’t meet with you physically at some point. You might have used free video conferencing apps or held phone meetings in the past, but video conferencing software is worth the investment.

If you regularly host webinars or other large-scale virtual events, you’ll want to purchase software that can support many users at one time. It’s also a good idea to look for a video conferencing program that you can integrate with other apps that you already use.

As an entrepreneur working with freelancers, identifying an app or software program that can boost your productivity is always a treat. Saving time and money while continuing to provide top-notch customer service is every entrepreneur’s goal! With these tips, you’ll be able to find the right mobile scanning app, PDF merger tool, bookkeeping system, and more.

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The Essential Guide to Landing a Good Home Loan as a Freelancer

Cherie Mclaughlin — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 13:24:44 +0000

You dream of owning a home but feel overwhelmed by the idea of getting a mortgage. After all, you’re a freelancer!

True, it can be challenging to navigate the world of home loans without a steady paycheck or traditional employment history. But it’s also entirely possible to secure a good home loan as a freelancer. It just takes a bit of knowledge and preparation. Freelance Life Magazine shares our top tips and insights on preparing for and successfully landing a mortgage that meets your needs when you’re self-employed:

Why Do Lenders View Freelancers Differently?

There’s one primary reason it’s harder to get a mortgage as a self-employed individual: Lenders look at you differently than they do 9-to-5 employees.

Freelancers often have fluctuating income, and some lenders may be nervous about your ability to make consistent mortgage payments.
Without a traditional employment history, lenders may perceive you as a higher-risk borrower.
Unlike traditional employees, who can provide W-2s or pay stubs, you might struggle to prove your income and financial stability.
You may also experience periods of no work or low-income months, leading lenders to question your ability to maintain a mortgage payment schedule.

What Do You Need for a Down Payment?

There’s no question that the more money you can pay down on a home, the better your chances of landing a loan and getting favorable terms.

To avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI), aim for a 20% down payment on your home.
You can use your savings to contribute toward the down payment. Start saving as early as possible to accumulate the necessary funds.
Lenders might consider liquid assets, such as stocks or bonds, as a source of down payment. Be prepared to provide documentation to prove ownership and value.
Consider asking family members or friends for a gift or loan toward the down payment. Just ensure your lenders are aware of any gifts or loans and that they meet their requirements for acceptable sources of down payment funds.

How Can You Save for a Better Situation?

Getting a mortgage for your dream home is a major accomplishment. You just want to make sure you don’t put yourself in a precarious financial situation.

Create a realistic budget and stick to it. Doing so will help you keep track of your spending and identify areas where you can cut costs.
Try to minimize debt as much as you can before purchasing a home. You’ll be able to divert more funds toward your down payment and mortgage payments.
Consider taking on additional freelance work or side hustles to boost your income. The extra cash can go toward your down payment, emergency fund, and other savings goals.
Establish an LLC to protect yourself from potential legal and financial problems.
Look for ways to reduce expenses, such as shopping around for better insurance rates or negotiating bills with service providers. Every little bit counts toward your savings goal!

Securing a good home loan takes time and effort, but it will prove to be worth it in the end — when you finally have your own place to call home. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mortgage broker or financial advisor for additional support. You can achieve your dream of homeownership with the proper preparation and mindset. So, go out there and make it happen!

Check out the new issue of freelance life magazine

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Tips for Building a Reliable Team of Global Freelancers

Cherie Mclaughlin — Wed, 10 May 2023 14:20:08 +0000

Working with a team of remote freelancers can be a great way to build a successful and productive team that works from all over the world. But, it’s important to know the best practices for building a successful, happy, and productive team of freelancers. Freelance Life Magazine has compiled some tips and tricks for making sure you get the most out of your remote freelancer team.

What Freelancers Make The Best Remote Employees?

When looking for remote freelancers, it’s important to consider what types of candidates would be ideal for this type of work. Look for candidates who have experience in remote work, as well as those who have excellent communication skills and are self-motivated. It’s also essential to look for candidates who are reliable and comfortable with technology so they can handle the work remotely.

How Can You Locate Freelance Workers?

Once you know what type of candidate is ideal for remote work, you can start looking at different websites like Upwork or Fiverr to find qualified freelancers. It’s important to be specific when creating job postings so that you attract the right people with the right skill set. Additionally, asking friends or colleagues if they know any potentially qualified candidates is always a good idea too.

How To Properly Evaluate Prospective Freelancers?

Once you have identified promising candidates, it is important to take the time to thoroughly evaluate their qualifications, experience, and references before making a hiring decision. Doing so will help ensure that the freelancer you choose has the necessary skills and fits in with your team’s culture. Additionally, SHRM points out that reviews from past employers or clients could give insight into how they operate and whether they are the right fit for the project.

How to Effectively Communicate With Freelancers?

LinkedIn notes that communication is always essential when working with remote freelancers. Use chat platforms such as Slack or Skype to ensure everyone understands tasks, responsibilities, and deadlines clearly. Additionally, have regular check-ins throughout the week to make sure everyone stays in the loop and is on the same page. This will help ensure that projects can be completed on time and without any miscommunication.

What Are The Payment Methods For Freelancers?

Freelancing provides a great way to work independently and make money. Many people choose this career path because of the flexibility it provides. Payment for freelancers can be made through a variety of methods such as direct deposits, credit/debit cards, wire transfers through banks, PayPal, and checks. It is important to note that different countries and regions have their regulations when it comes to payment methods so it’s important to consider those when making payments.

Collaborate Better With Cloud-Based Platforms

When it comes to collaboration, look for providers offering task management software. This type of cloud-based tool can efficiently track tasks and progress made by team members, ensuring effective collaboration regardless of geographical location. They also provide secure document sharing and real-time project visibility, promoting accountability among all members involved in the project.

Building a successful remote freelance team requires a strategic approach that includes establishing clear communication channels, setting expectations and deadlines, and providing ample support to team members. While it may seem daunting, with the right tools and mindset, anyone can successfully create a thriving remote freelance business. By prioritizing collaboration and leveraging technology, remote teams can work efficiently and effectively together, no matter where they are located.

From news to psychology and lifestyle topics, Freelance Life Magazine is your source for all things from the world of freelancing. Contact us today to learn more!

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Love Pets? Turn That Into a Business

Cherie Mclaughlin — Sat, 22 Oct 2022 13:07:53 +0000

Did you ever hear the expression, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life”? Well, if you love pets, opening a pet-centered business won’t feel like work. Plus, if your business depends on the local community, you’ll be pleased to know that estimates indicate there are pet owners all across the country, which means you won’t have to look very far to find people who need a little assistance with their animal companions. If you’re looking for some tips to help you find your way around the world of pet-oriented businesses, this guide is definitely for you.

Ideas for Pet-Focused Businesses

You could attend a training program and become a certified groomer. With grooming, you can run your business from home or decide to take your company on the road and offer mobile services. You could also set up a physical location for your pet salon.

A dog walking service is another option. You’ll have the opportunity to help those who are away from their pets all day. You could also offer pet sitting, which can be done from your home or at the owner’s house. If you are able to pet sit for any animal, you can easily widen your customer base!

Other business ideas include:

An e-commerce store selling pet products
Selling homemade dog treats
Setting up a pet restaurant
Designing pet clothing
Making pet portraits

If you need to purchase pet products to run your business, carefully consider which items to buy. Read in-depth online reviews to ensure you’re purchasing high-quality products that are safe for pets.

Use the Internet to Your Advantage

Whether you’re offering your products or services locally or plan to ship items throughout the country, the internet can be a valuable resource.

Use social media to advertise your business. As you share information about your business, you’ll encourage people who need that service to learn more. If they’re satisfied with your service or like what you’re sharing, they’ll share it with others on that platform.

It’s also best to create a website specific to your business. Include a list of your services and everything that makes your business unique. You could even include an about section that details your love for animals and any special education or skills you have that set you apart from other pet-centric business owners.

Consider Local Marketing Techniques

Think about using local marketing tactics if you’re basing your business in your area. While you can run ads locally, you can also host charitable events to raise brand awareness. Since you’re focused on pets, your cause could be to help homeless pets in the area.

Try cross-promoting. With this technique, you join forces with other local businesses in your niche. Both market themselves and the other business.

Attend community events, especially those that revolve around pets, such as adoption days at local pet stores. It’s an opportunity to market your business to pet owners.

Stay On Top of Your Accounting

When you’re first starting out, it’s easy to manage the few customers you have as well as any small bursts of income. However, as your business grows, you’ll need to keep a closer eye on your accounting. Using accounting software ensures you’re staying on top of your expenses and bills, seeing invoices paid and maintaining records for tax purposes. Most accounting platforms come in a range of prices, making this necessary expense affordable for anyone.

Love What You Do, Do What You Love

Choosing a lifestyle that revolves around animals can be a great choice, even better if you get to call the shots. So choose the right venture, tap into the internet, market effectively and stay vigilant with your accounting. These are the hallmarks of a successful business.

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Time-Tested Ideas for Generating Income Online

Cherie Mclaughlin — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 13:17:09 +0000

Unstable economic conditions may have put you in job insecurity, or maybe you’re looking to make a few extra dollars to get out of debt or buy new toys. The web opens opportunities to numerous markets where you can use your skills to earn money and start a new career. Review these helpful tips from Freelance Life Magazine for making money online.

Evaluate Your Skills and Opportunities

Review your education and experience to determine in which industries you can deliver the most value. Also, decide what work you find the most fulfilling. Find an intersection between what you enjoy and what problems you can solve for others for lucrative business ideas.

As you consider possible tasks, create a list to find which possibilities offer the highest return. Detail the necessary knowledge, experience, setup time, median pay, and payment speed. Endless opportunities exist, but here are some ideas to jog your brainstorming:

Writing
Accounting
Consulting
Podcasting
Online surveys
Tutoring and teaching

Stay alert for fresh opportunities in market demand. Gigs that have been around longer may pay less as a field becomes crowded, so look for new marketable skills and unique selling propositions.

Make Money Fast Through Freelancing

Many companies operate primarily from the work of freelancers. For example, most translation agencies hire independent contractors to handle assignments as clients contract. Blog writing services and transcription companies require freelancers to pass an assessment and allow workers to join teams where jobs appear on a first-come, first-served basis. Because you’re not an employee, you can take jobs as often as you like. Many such services require you to do a minimum level of tasks to stay active in the system and stay current with quality standards.

Between companies and freelance sites, watch out for scams. One report found that unsuspecting novices to freelancing lost thousands of dollars from check scams. While some reputable platforms and job boards have a subscription or service fee to access the best offers, be wary of pay-to-work schemes. Protect yourself from identity theft and be skeptical of anything that seems too good.

Start Your Own Company

The patience to build a brand can yield long-term rewards if you’re a strong leader and ready to start a business. Create a business plan with a mentor or consultant to begin on the right foot. Include an executive summary, marketing strategy, and financial plan that can help you secure investors.

Protect yourself and add legitimacy to your operation by forming a business entity. An LLC remains popular because formation can be done on your own or with the help of a service that costs much less than a lawyer. Take care to follow your state’s rules since regulations differ. LLCs provide numerous benefits, such as:

Less paperwork than a corporation
Limited liability protection
No double taxation
Flexibility in operation and organization

Promote Your Services

Whether running a full-fledged business or doing some gigs on the side, attract clients with social media marketing. Set goals and create a distinct visual identity for your brand. Then promote that brand in spots your ideal clients frequent. For example, a Facebook ads maker offers editable templates to insert your logo, branding, and style into scroll-stopping ads. After you finish, you can download your ad for online publication.

Billions of dollars transact every day, and you enter the right lanes to access more for yourself. Devise a strategy to make money online and promote yourself on your social media, and you’ll find ways to boost your income in no time.

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