Web2.0 to Freelancers: Work Smarter, not Just Harder

Most good freelancers, if not all of us, grew up with the mentality that hard work would inevitably lead to success. Phrases like “the early bird gets the worm” come to my mind immediately.

But as I think about how the freelancing market has developed, I am struck by the notion that despite all the Web2.0 technological innovation that the clients around us have developed, the freelancing industry as a whole has been hesitant to adopt some of this new software.

(Begin Soap Box Rant Here…)

It isn’t simply the case that working harder will bring success, no matter how much we would like to believe it. The truth is, working harder is only effective if it includes working smarter. There are a number of ways that I have tried to incorporate the mentality of “working smarter” into my own work, from simple things such as using web2.0 apps like basecamp and desktop stickies to more advanced project management technology such as mind mapping. This morning I came across a list by Cogniview that takes the concept of “working smart” to a whole new level by providing 100 of the best resources and tools for “smarter freelancing.” While some of these are repeats, some are definitely things that I am going to give a try.

The moral of the story, is that as freelancers we need to embrace not just work with technological advancement. The internet has provided an unprecedented (yes, unprecedented) opportunity for individuals to start-up their own company and have a realistic shot of supporting oneself on that income (and occassionally living a very comfortable life). It is time that we start embracing the technology that will allow our one-man shops to have the look and feel of a publishing house so that we can start billing at levels akin to those institutions.

We’re all willing to put in the time and effort, let’s just make sure its worthwhile.

(End Soap Box Rant Here…)