You
have to be Organized.
Because you do not have a well oiled
infrastructure to work within when you are self employed it is critical to be
organized. If you don't have anyone working with you that can help you
then take advantage of outside services. For busy people, there are
many inexpensive services to help you stay organized. Voice Mail,
secretary services, full service copy centers such as Kinko's and much
more. If you are a do it yourselfer, there are plenty of software programs
that can help keep you organized like Microsoft Outlook for example.
Programs like this will let you set your calendar and will actually come on and
remind you of meetings and important events. You can also store phone
numbers, email addresses, fax numbers and much more in easy to access
files. Having a sophisticated digital answering machine and email can help
you with ensuring you always get your messages and makes it easy for people to
communicate with you. In addition, you should consider having a fax
machine. You will almost certainly need a computer that is linked to the
Internet with email capability.
Aside from
technology there is good old fashion filing systems. You want to keep a
calendar and a good filing system. Be sure to keep all your receipts if
you are employed as an independent sub-contractor. When in doubt keep it,
and keep it for seven years.
You have
to have Self Discipline.
One of the most important keys
to success in working independently is having self discipline. If you work
on your own and particularly if you work at home there are plenty of
distractions. You usually will not have a supervisor checking up on you
and guiding you at your work space. You will have to set your own
schedule and maintain it. You will have to get organized and stay
organized. You will have to return your phone, fax and email
messages. Part of staying disciplined is focusing on a goal. If you
have something to motivate you it will help keep you on track. Part of
being self disciplined means following through.
You have
to be dedicated.
Finally, you have to
be dedicated. Being dedicated means that you are committed to your
employer to doing the best job you are capable of. That you will get the
job done even when there are obstacles in your way. You don't give up
easily, that you have persistence. Being dedicated and hard working
is often the top quality looked for by employers. If you are
dedicated you can be sure you will never be out of work. This is a critical
element of success.