WordsbyErynn

People or Profits? Companies Aren’t Listening To Experts Who Say People Actually Do Matter

In an economy where big business is making cuts to enhance profits, it truly seems like companies are ignoring experts who tell them to prioritize and prize their people. But does the choice really come down to people or profits? Experts seem to agree you can have both. Profits Over People? Why do companies insist on cutting benefits, terminating workers, perpetuating unequal pay, and…

Whatever stage of freelancing you’re at, there’s always room for improvement. And while the only real way to become a better writer is to keep practicing, here’s what I recommend for honing your skills. Tackle a Challenge Try writing something different than what you usually work on. Not only does taking on another type of writing help you become a better writer, but you’re also expanding your…

Can You Really Make A Living As A Freelance Writer?

If you’ve ever heard the phrase “starving writer,” you’re probably skeptical about writing for a living. I was too. But now that I’m two years in, it doesn’t seem so impossible. So yes, the answer is that you really can make a living as a freelance writer. Here’s how. Get Started ASAP The first step toward becoming a freelance writer who actually makes money is to Start Freelancing the Right Way.…

Three mistakes most freelancers continue to make, even when they should know better!

We’ve all messed up over the course of our freelance adventures.  From website outages to erroneously sent client documents, plenty can (and does) go wrong.  Below are three mistakes most freelancers continue to make- some even when they know better!     3 Major Mistakes Most Freelancers Continue to Make   1. Neglecting to use (or even create) a contract You might be stoked to have landed what…

Here are five key hospitality-focused tips for hiring an exceptional staff- and ensuring a high level of service for your customers.

In my first career as a customer-facing service person, I saw plenty of hospitality staff come and go.  One might assume that high turnover is a given in the industry, especially in food service.  But there are keys to finding and hiring the right staff.  Staff who will hopefully stick around long enough to positively impact the business!  Below I’ll share five hospitality-focused tips for hiring…

One of the reasons we homeschool is for the flexibility in our days, and our lives. So, I want to share what we do, what works, and what doesn't.

I love reading “day in the life” posts from homeschooling families, and am excited to share my own!  One of the reasons we homeschool is for the flexibility in our days, and our lives.  So, I want to share what we do, what works, and what doesn’t.  Plus, I’ll note what we plan to change moving forward.  A glimpse into a typical day at our homeschool might give you inspiration, and quite possibly…

Support kids affected by childhood apraxia of speech, and attend the 2017 Northern California Walk for Apraxia in Sutter Creek, CA!

Are you ready for this year’s Northern California Walk for Apraxia?  This event is orchestrated in support of children who are diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech and their families.  Funds raised go toward awareness, aid programs, and education in our community!     Childhood apraxia is a neurological disorder that affects speech.  It is considered rare, and very difficult to overcome.…

The answers to these three questions will help you to decide how to implement your passion for home education in a way that works for your student.

Nearly 3.5% of students nationwide are homeschooled.  Now, I’m as much of a lover of statistics as any educator.  But seriously, what does that figure tell us about how these parents are teaching their students?  There are a ton of options available, but no clear-cut guide to figuring out what will work best for your family.  Luckily for you, I’ve designed this guide to figuring out the how…

Here are three tricks I've learned to help you look like a professional, even when you have no clue what you're doing.

We all have to start somewhere, and just because you’re new to being a professional biz personality doesn’t mean you need to look green.  Here are three tricks I’ve learned to help you look like a professional, even when you have no clue what you’re doing.   3 Ways to Look Like a Professional… Even If You Have No Clue What You’re Doing     Dress for the job you want, not the one you have, right?…

Today I'm going to share what I learned from writing for a content mill. Also, I'll share why I don't recommend trying it yourself!

Any experienced freelancer will tell you: run from content mills.  Rates are low, jobs can be boring, and you’re anonymous in a sea of thousands or more.  How do we know this?  Because we’ve been there, tried it, and lived to tell the tale.  Today I’m going to share what I learned from writing for a content mill.  Also, I’ll share why I don’t recommend trying it yourself!   What I Learned Writing…

Next time you're up against a blank screen or blank paper, try one of these seven ideas to get the bright ideas glowing again and banishing creative block.

As creatives, we’ve all run into a seemingly impossible space where the ideas just. won’t. flow. Writers seem particularly susceptible to this dilemma, but we’re not the only ones! Fortunately, since I’ve consciously employed the following strategies, I’ve been circumventing that pesky creative block. Next time you’re up against a blank screen or blank paper, try one of these seven ideas to get…

Your online content is a vital part of your business' success. Here are four simple ways to improve your website copy quickly and relatively painlessly!

To be honest, I used to be judgmental of websites with tons of spelling errors or incoherent passages. As a copywriter, though, I finally get it. As a business owner, you are way too busy actually working to worry about your website copy. You’re responsible for managing employees, working out finances, ordering supplies, plus tending to the daily operational concerns related to the business. I…

Seasoned freelancers tend to give the advice that you should never EVER work for free. Here are the 4 reasons why I disagree.

Seasoned freelancers tend to give the advice that you should never EVER work for free. At first I thought, sure, they’re right. Who wants to do work that they won’t get paid for? Especially if it leads to word getting out that I’m cheap. But then I accidentally undercharged for my time, and I’m glad I did. Here are the 4 reasons why I recommend that you work for free (at least sometimes!).  …

To enhance cold email pitch potential, I have a few tips for those who use email marketing tactics to drum up new business.

I’m a little surprised to say that I’ve been on the receiving end of less than stellar pitches. I would hope that someone who is pitching to a writer would… well, pay more attention to his or her writing. Therefore, I have a few tips for my friends who use cold email pitch tactics to drum up new business. Before the actual email pitch- do your research. Please don’t offer me a service that I am…

Here are my [evidently] pro tips for how to stay organized when the shit you simply *must* do requires leaving the house.

Gone are the days when all I needed was a wallet and my car keys to get out and get things done. But according to my sister, I’ve got impressive prowess that helps me stay organized on outings/trips with my kids. I’m not sure why she thinks this…  She’s the one who works full time, juggles kids’ appointments, and well, quite frankly, still looks human. At my house, however, we don’t “do” fashion,…

Once the noise was switched off, and they were pleasantly snoozing, I asked myself if I had spent enough time that day enjoying my kids.

I cried putting my kids to bed the other night. We had a long day, starting around pre-dawn with my toddler’s restlessness and ending with an uneventful bedtime story and some screaming about Legos. Of course, there were also meltdowns at Papa’s arriving home from work, since his presence turns these kids into bouncy, shrieking balls of crazy. That’s basically the sum of the entire week, too.…

You don't need a fully furnished office to get your "working from home" work station established. Here are a few things I've learned since going rogue.

So you don’t have a swanky personal office that requires a short but enjoyable commute and a stop at your favorite coffee shop? Yeah, me neither. Luckily, you don’t need a fully furnished office to get your “working from home” work station established. Here are a few things I’ve learned since going rogue. Make yourself a space It doesn’t have to be a real office, but if you’ve got space…