Organization is a critical part of success for any self-employed professional, and it is especially important for freelance writers. This article is the second part in a three part series designed to provide freelance writers like you with organizational tips that will boost your income. In the first article of the series entitled “Organizational Tips To Boost Freelance Writing Income, Part I: Your Schedule”, you learned ways to improve efficiency, as well as to structure your schedule to meet deadlines and promote a constant workload. As the second article in this three part series, we will explore the importance of organizing your work area and top ways to set up your work area for optimal efficiency.
Efficient Organization. Different people operate better in a different work environment. If you are one of those freelance writers who opts for the “structured chaos” office set-up, a set-up where you know where everything is but your desk just looks like a mess to everyone else, you likely are shooting yourself in the foot without knowing it. Of course, the most important piece of office equipment most freelance writers own is their computer, but you will need access to other items as well, which may include a printer, a phone, a filing cabinet, and basic office supplies. Ideally, you will want to set up your main work space with these items largely within arms reach, and with all of your other paperwork or miscellaneous work items filed away neatly in some organized fashion. Many writers also will benefit from having their daily or weekly schedule, as discussed in the previous article, within eye-shot. Having an organized, neat workspace gives you the ability to concentrate on your writing and not be distracted by the mess on your desk. Believe it or not, a clean desk will improve efficiency.
Limit Distractions. Just as important as the organization of your actual work area is where your work area is located. If you are constantly being interrupted by family members while you are trying to work, you likely have a geographical problem that needs to be addressed. You can greatly reduce unnecessary distractions and improve efficiency and profitability in your job when you place your workspace in a key area of your home that is not in a peak traffic area that your family frequents.
Be Flexible. With most freelance writers today operating off of laptops computers, you really don’t have to feel tied to a certain workspace. Sometimes you will find that you operate best and are most focused when you work in your regular, structured environment such as your home office. Other times, you can get your creative juices flowing with a simple change of scenery, which may be as easy as taking your laptop into another room in your home or stepping out onto your patio to work outdoors. With most of your work area organized right on your laptop, this is the perfect way to stay organized and boost creativity.
These tips for organizing your work area will help you to stay organized and enjoy the most efficient and creative use of your work area, wherever your work area may be. Be sure to read the tips provided in the third article in this three part series, which explores organizational tips for project management.
