In those brief lapses between projects I get to experiment. Sometimes it's new software, a technique I've wanted to try, a new lighting setup, trying a new email marketing application or a canvased print style - whatever the experiment those brief breaks afford me an opportunity to explore.
A few days ago I visited some of the things that CS 5.5 can accomplish that was not available in previous software versions. This week I wanted to emphasize how important it is to not get discouraged. Even when you think there isn't any work out there as a freelancer, proprietor, or contractor, keep honing your skills. Use your downtime as an opportunity to network with new people, catch up on projects once set aside and more importantly be creative and experiment with things that lack of time had not allowed you to. It's amazing how creative you can be when you're not inhibited.
Start a blog if you like and just write about what interests you. You'll be surprised how many people share your interests and what you can learn from one another. Share ideas and network. This is how I learn about new products, even giveaways or trials. Stay in touch with friends. You never know who lost your number and need your products or services. Don't assume they don't want to hear from you because they didn't contact you first; Reply to that backlog of email inquiries while you're at it. I should take my own advice and become more engaged with social media too. It is as much a part of business as balancing your books. Don't discount its effectiveness. Whether you want to or not you must realize that most of your potential clients have some sort of social presence. You should want to know what they're talking about, what their interests are and what they are looking for. Did you know that surveys suggest that most people get over 70% of tips and advice from their social network? From where to buy a car to the best schools and day care centers in the area.
What do I like to do in my downtime? Design, Marketing, and Photography. Yes, I know that's day job stuff but I really enjoy it. Everything I do in such context hones my skills, helps me to become more efficient at using my software and equipment. If I'm lucky, the next person that calls or emails asks you about a doing a project for them and you reply, "A poster like this..."
Then they reply, "Perfect. Just add my company info on there." Now all your experimenting and networking just paid off because you learned something new about your software, tried a new editing technique, and picked up a job from a business acquaintance on something you were already working toward. A few tweaks later and it goes to print.
My acquaintance has now become a customer and then they inquired about the makeup artist, the model's name, and who does my printing. Then everyone along the chain of my network gets business and recognition. Printers start to print. The makeup artist does the makeup. I get to do photography and design and models get to model. Not bad for downtime.
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