Figuring things out as a freelancer

Not freelancing itself, but everything else

Hello Feisties,

Ever take on something outside of your core skills set, just to see if you can do it?

Me too.

Last couple of months have been challenging one for the IT department at CodeWord Communications.

But I thought you’re a writing business, Sue - is what you’re thinking. What IT department?

Here’s the thing, the rumours are true that the self-employed can be known or prone to tackle more than the principal task they advertise as their skill. I’ve long purchased my own technical equipment, tested and adapted all my business productivity apps from project management to bookkeeping. I update my own websites too. For us freelancers, the way that we stay on top of emerging elements in our business is to try things ourselves. Rather than wait for the webinar on AI, we download the tool and try experimenting with it.

But back to my September/October. My two technical challenges last month were to create a new online version of a couple of courses I teach. And I’m also experimenting with using podcast editing software for a yet-unannounced project that may emerge from this very platform :)

Both involve using tools that are totally new to me.

Now, because I’ve been freelancing for a while. I’m accustomed to learning as I go. Yes, I did teach myself how to write HTML code in Notepad by using an HTML for Dummies book, way back when I thought web design would be a good companion to my business (code+word, get it?)

Then I learned the same with Dreamweaver, the next website creation tool. Then WordPress. Most recently, Elementor - another powerful but challenging web design platform. I’ve even taken a course in InDesign, although that’s where my common sense starts to move in the direction of hiring an outside expert. It’s looking that way with podcast editing too.

There’s good news, though - the learning curve has softened. Thanks to YouTube, the resource of DIYers everywhere. Just as I once learned how to open up and clean my air conditioner to stop the grindy sound, you can bet my journey to learning the podcast app began with a 40-minute overview video.

I do hire others to help as needed (bless my accountant), and as the years pass my enthusiasm wanes for more skills building. But if learning new things keeps you young and fresh, then freelancers are some of the bounciest people I know.

Sue

PS - Did you know I’ve started a Feisty Freelancer Friday meetup? We’ll meet virtually on my Zoom monthly on Friday afternoons and chat about freelancing. Everyone is welcome, from old-timer freelancers like myself to newbies to the freelance-curious to the wonderful traditionalists who employ us.

If you want to join, send an email to feistyfreelancer@gmail.com and I’ll send everyone the Zoom link beforehand. Mark your calendars: next date will be November 8 at 5:00 pm. Note the later start time, I’m experimenting with what works best.