Freelancing / SOHO Essentials

Coffee talk—how to build business while sipping java

If the thought of “working a room” is nerve-wracking, break up your networking goals into smaller, attainable steps. Basically, networking for business is getting to know people so you can help each other. I suggest the best way to accomplish this is by meeting people one-on-one over a nice hot coffee.

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How to get free publicity for your business

Having your business featured by newspapers, magazines, TV or radio gives you valuable exposure that money cannot buy. Some people get this attention because they know how to create and make the most of media opportunities. Here are five techniques to use for your own business.

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Setting goals and creating a business plan—why and how?

In the early part of 1999, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in the Self Employment Assistance (SEA) program, offered by The Oakville Enterprise Centre, for people wishing to start their own businesses. As I reflect on my first year of self-employment, I would like to share with you some of the valuable lessons I learned.

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The Social Freelancer

Working out of a home office has a great many benefits: your commute is fast and stress free, the dress code is quite forgiving, and you are able to work at the pace which suits you best so that at all times you are productive — not just busy.

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E-mail hoaxes and legends

Bill Gates doesn’t want to sell you a Nieman-Marcus cookie, and Melissa doesn’t love you. Microsoft isn’t planning to mail you a free sweatshirt. A band of roving thieves isn’t likely to attempt to harvest your kidney while you sleep. There’s no lunatic in the parking lot who wants to spray you with toxic eau du toilette. And if you read this article, your head won’t explode.

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