1 Full work day

This is easily the most important factor in this list. If you think about the balance of things over time, you have to come to the conclusion that those who just work a few hours a day (because they make 3 times as much per hour) will eventually fail when times catch up, either because there is 1/3 of the work, or because there is 3 times the competition. It’s just common sense. Also, who the heck wouldn’t want to make 3 times as much now when they can?

posted at 02:38 pm on February 17, 2009 by florida web design

2 Smart Work Day

Great insight, but I don’t entirely agree with the “Full Work Day” comment, above. Quality of time outweighs quantity of time any day of the week. I do agree that the strain of this economic heart attack will put onsite employees/contractors under the microscope, so if you’re in that situation you had better straighten up and fly right. I believe freelancers and offsite employees/contractors can continue to enjoy the benefits of being scored by their results, rather than their time cards, if they keep their wits about them.

The part about shutting off distractions is key: start work early with a list of tasks for the day and knock them out with as much focus and resolve as your caffeine soaked brain can muster. It’s not about working less because you make more, it’s about working fewer hours at a higher level of output. Get your day’s work done by lunch time and spend the rest of the day “finding the love” or mining your networks. This works at the office too, if you spend your free time on quality points, like helping other project teams, putting on creative sessions or mentoring junior creatives.

posted at 08:30 pm on February 17, 2009 by Dustin larimer

3

Pepi,

This is a great article for people who work for a sound company, and want to make sure they do all they can to keep it that way.

I’m not sure everyone is in that position though.

…ensur[e] that your every move positively affects your company and your clients.

I’d add a third party you need to positively affect: yourself. Here in London I see a lot of poorly run web businesses that may not survive the crisis. Working your arse off for these guys—only to lose your job when they downsize, or go under—might not be such a good strategy.

It’s important to make sure that you’re benefiting from the work, as well as the company and the client—experience, portfolio, relationships. Personal projects are good too. And ask the boss how business is going—if you’re an employee, it’s your right to know.

posted at 07:46 am on February 18, 2009 by Jonathan Kahn

4 Ideas per day

Set a personal target: generate at least one idea per client per day.

I’d find this hard to do. When I’m working on current projects, most of my attention goes towards them. I feel that the chnage of focus by thinking about clients whose projects aren’t current would result in less productivity.

posted at 12:38 am on February 19, 2009 by John Faulds

5 Follow the Money

Technology aside, one of the most important bellwethers in web contracting is keeping an eye on the Accounts Receivable. In these difficult economic times, it’s an unfortunate but necessary aspect of the business to make sure your clients don’t go long on your invoices.

If your Net 30 accounts start turning into Net 45+ realities, you need to consider disengagement from the client and a move to a new source of income.

posted at 03:20 pm on February 19, 2009 by Jim O'Kane

7 Useful Optimism

I am among the despairing underemployed and found this article very encouraging and perhaps even therapeutic. Joblessness leads to a dark sort of self-absorption. Hours are spent second-guessing decisions I made for former employers, which inevitably leads to doubts of my own competence: had I turned left rather than right, would I still be working?

This article reminded me that I was indeed working competently, and even excellently; and that joblessness isn’t always personal. I always believed in the “suit up and show up” philosophy — the full work day, communication, etc. are good not only for appearances, but also serve as personal yardsticks of performance. Looking back, I know I was disciplined about these things; therefore my recent dearth of work is more likely due to the tight supply of cash than my shortcomings.

Also, I agree whole-heartedly with the “spread the love” idea: my old colleagues have been life-savers by getting me work connections. We should remember to get each others’ backs!

posted at 04:05 pm on February 22, 2009 by Christopher Johnson

8 Undeniable fact

This article is something that i agree with. and rewards at the workplace are undeniable and the main thing is the satisfaction you get from applying it at work. There is somthing to be said for a honest days pay for a honest days work. Its just what any employer asks of any employee.

posted at 06:40 pm on February 22, 2009 by Robert Michaud

9 Great article

There is a great article located on our blog that discusses how SEO is less affected by the downturn in the economy because it is seen as economical compared to PPC or media buys. I think there is definitely hard times on the horizon since no matter how economical a service is, if it can’t be supported by the economy and its businesses it won’t matter.

posted at 07:08 pm on February 25, 2009 by Bill Ross

10 Good article

Great article — but missing one point. It’s very important to also look at other opportunities in the market both for your company, and for you personally, especially during down times. It’s a good time to develop new niches and take advantage of any edge you have at a time when potential competitors are hunkering down and avoiding new projects.

posted at 07:18 pm on February 27, 2009 by Peter McLachlan