What traits, characteristics, and qualities make for a good freelancer? Well, they have good attitudes. They’re positive people who like to help clients while providing fast service. They often have an ability to think ahead and suggest alternatives or better solutions. Sometimes they propose new ideas to make the client’s company better. There are plenty of other qualities on the list. If you had to put them in order of importance, where would you put ‘skilled’?
Introducing Kommein
December 21, 2008. 2 Comments
New project alert! David Peralty and I have a great new project launching tomorrow. It’s call Kommein and it’s a blog about building community and community management. Kommein, by the way, is an Indo-European term meaning “shared by all”. In other words, community. As you know, community is very important to me and we wanted to create a place to share ideas and tips with other community minded people. I hope you stop by and read our posts and offer your own thoughts about community. This is so far a great, fun project. One that I hope keeps us busy [Read more…]
Holiday Gifts for Bloggers: Blog Posts Sticky Notes
November 30, 2008. 1 Comment
by Deb Ng I have to admit…if someone I know stuck a package of Blog Posts Sticky Notes in my stocking I’d be touched. It would mean the people in my life sort of get what it is I do. It might also add a touch of practical whimsy to my stocking. These aren’t your usual post its, they’re not even from the same company. Blog Posts Sticky Notes are from the Imagineering company. Each sticky looks like blank blog dashboard or comment form. But better. Blog Sticky Notes use advanced pencil to paper technology. No wires are involved. No [Read more…]
When Was the Last Time You Said Thank You?
November 25, 2008. 15 Comments
by Deb Ng Growing up, my mom used to make us write thank you notes for everything. Even the lamest, last minute five and dime gift from friends of friends we barely even knew. She said regardless of the gift, it’s always the deed that counts. Someone was thoughtful to us and we should be thoughtful in return. That advice stayed with me and I carried it all through my career and also through my life as a mom. My son, much to his chagrin, has to send thank you notes as well. Saying Thank You Can Get You Noticed [Read more…]
What My Neighbor's Teen Can Teach You About Customer Service
November 13, 2008. 20 Comments
by Deb Ng My husband and I have a splurge we feel is justified. We pay local landscapers to mow own lawn. We’re both busy with our careers and our son and don’t want to lose precious down time spending an hour on the lawn tractor each weekend (not that we have one of those.). We recently employed a new landscaper because we felt he offered a good price and he came recommended. I have to admit, his lawn crew does an awesome job, but the customer service sucks. Every time I call, the landscaper’s wife (who runs the business [Read more…]
Who Are You Writing For?
November 12, 2008. 1 Comment
by Deb Ng When you accept an assignment, what’s the first thing you do? Depending on the task, one might assume you either begin writing or researching the subject matter. Perhaps you Google the topic or go to the library. You might even call a few experts to interview. Do you research the readership as well? If not, you might consider moving this to the top of your list. It’s not enough to simply write an article or blog post. Knowing who you’re writing for will help to set the tone and ensure you have the correct focus. Trust Me, [Read more…]
