How to Create a More Professional Appearance For the Holiday Season:

Taking the time and effort to create a more professional appearance for the holiday season may be more important than you realize. It will affect the way that other professionals and non-professionals, as well as your family and friends, relate to you. It may also be an important factor with respect to your future employment.

The article, “A professional appearance” suggests that “from head to toe, the details matter” and offers guidelines for improving professional appearance. 

Your appearance matters no matter where you are, at work or at home. If your employer was to come to your door, would you look like a professional or would you feel embarrassed? Is it possible that others you work with will show up, as well.

Are you a professional who takes pride in your appearance, at all times? You may be uncertain as to how you can become more professional looking, but be aware that most professionals can improve their appearance in one way or another, but it takes time and effort.

Consider the following tips for creating a more professional appearance for the holiday season.

Begin by looking in a full-length mirror. Do you dress for success and like what you see? If not, others may not like it either. Is it old-fashioned, stiff and stodgy looking? Is it too casual to make a good impression?

Make a proactive decision to change your appearance in a positive direction, so that you become more professional looking and pleasing to yourself and others. Consider your general comportment too, because that is something others will notice. Do you sit straight and stand tall? Do you hold your head high?

Evaluate your overall appearance, but not in a self-negating way. If your appearance has become shoddy, it may be partly because of the way you feel. Everyone has times of sorrow, sadness and even bouts of depression, which are relatively common during the holiday season.

Be aware that if you decide to upgrade your appearance, you will feel better and it may affect the way others feel about you, as well. If necessary, seek professional guidance or help.

Personal hygiene is important, so the basics are essential. Even though it is the holiday season and you are resting, you will feel more comfortable after taking a hot shower or a relaxing bath. Pamper yourself, just as you would to make others happy during the holiday season.

Take the time to have your hair done by a professional hairdresser, rather than just letting it grow out. Consider trying a new hairstyle. You may also learn new hair care tips that will help you look more professional when you return to work after the holiday. You could do the same in terms of your makeup, but avoid radical extremes like piercings, psychedelic hair colors, radical tattoos, etc. Remember that cosmetics, toiletries and perfume reflect your personal preferences, as well as your image.

What you are going to wear is invariably going to be a question in relation to holiday celebrations. Investing in a new wardrobe may appear to be the perfect solution, but during difficult economic times, doing that may not be too realistic for you. Examine your wardrobe carefully and see what you need, can use or change. Perhaps it simply needs updating.  

Watching for holiday season sales can prove beneficial. Even upgrading one or two items in your wardrobe can make a difference in your professional appearance and the way you feel. The same is true with respect to your shoes and boots. Plan to wear attire that is appropriate for the season and avoid over-dressing, as that can make you feel awkward and uncomfortable. Make certain that the clothes that you wear fit you properly.

Jewelry reflects personal style and can make a difference in the way you look. Good taste is always important, so do not overdo it.

Remember that the first thing that anyone will see is the smile on your face. They will respond positively to an appropriate holiday season greeting. If you are a happy person, others will be attracted to you. The words that you say and the things that you do are as important as your appearance, so always act like a professional.

Expect to see your efforts at improving your appearance rewarded in the future and they will be.   

Primary Teaching Tips on How to Use Quotation Marks: Double Versus Single Quotation Marks

The use of quotation marks awakens dialogue in a story, short story or flash fiction and immediately causes the person who is speaking to come to life.

Quotation marks help to reinforce the communication power of the written word. Knowing how to use quotation marks properly can make a huge difference for freelance writers. The correct use of quotation marks is part of basic grammar. They help to improve Internet content, thus increasing search engine optimization (SEO) and potential readership.

What are quotation marks?

The freedictionary.com suggests that quotation marks are “a pair of punctuation marks used primarily to mark the beginning and end of a passage attributed to another and repeated word for word.”

Quotation marks, as inverted commas are in pairs. They may be single inverted commas that emphasize a word or phrase in a sentence or double inverted commas depicting speech or quoting a source like the title of a book.

“Single quotation marks are usually reserved for setting off a quotation within another quotation.”

Note that the above quotation comes from a direct source and is in double quotation marks. When there is a word that needs emphasis inside a quotation, single quotation marks are used. In a sentence where the meaning of a word is important, for example, ‘glosses’, single quotation marks are appropriate. When something is dubious or questionable, for example, “The city was only 500 miles away, or so he ‘said’…“, then single quotation marks give added emphasis.   

Including single quotation marks inside a set of double quotation marks often appears awkward, but the use of several periods at the end of a sentence or prior to the final quotation mark indicates an unfinished statement or creates a pause, making reading easier.  

Using double quotation marks several times in a dialogue allows the interruption and continuation of what a person is stating.   

Consider the following example.

“There is no doubt that spring is on the way,” the young weatherman suggested. “But, the birds we see often give us a better weather forecast.” 

“You are a weatherman, but you think nature is more reliable than science?” questioned the stodgy, old man. 

“You are right, you know.”

“I knew that would please him,” thought the weatherman, grinning inwardly.

“That is a smart young man,” decided the old man, smiling, as he left the room.

Spacing is as important as quotation marks. When one person is finished ‘speaking’, allowing a break for the reader before another speaker begins his or her response, allows the reader to follow the dialogue. The use of spacing in conjunction with double quotation marks serves a double purpose by separating each statement, as well as each person involved in the dialogue.

When writing dialogue, it is often a good idea to re-read it to make sure it depicts an actual conversation. The correct use of single and double quotation marks will prove beneficial in bringing dialogue to life.

Proper use of quotation marks invariably leads to more professional freelance writing.

How to Obtain a Character Reference From a Business Associate: Understanding Character References

A professional character reference from a business associate may result in a promotion or prove to be a major factor in terms of future employment.

What is a character reference?

The freedictionary.com suggests that a character reference is “a formal recommendation by a former employer to a potential future employer describing the person's qualifications and dependability” or “something that recommends (or expresses commendation of) a person or thing as worthy or desirable”.

Consider the following tips on how to obtain a character reference from a business associate.

Become proactive and make certain that you obtain a viable character reference from a trustworthy business associate, as soon as you are aware that you may need it. Do not wait, particularly when there is a sense of urgency

Why request a character reference from a business associate rather than from someone else?

A business associate is someone with whom you are familiar. He or she knows you, your business or work ethics and relates to you in an appropriate, professional manner. His or her commendation may prove to be beneficial to you.

Why would you want to request a character reference from a business associate?

There are many reasons why you might want to request a character reference. For example, you could be aware of a possible promotion in your current employment. When you place an application for a promotion, it should include an appropriate character reference.

Is there a course you want to take in order to upgrade your employment? A suitable letter of reference, including a character reference from a business associate, may help you qualify in terms of enrollment.    

When should you request a character reference from a business associate?

The timing of your request for a character reference is important. Ideally, you should make your request known when you are in good standing with him or her. You may request a character reference if you are aware of new openings, pending layoffs or possible future changes in an organization. You may also request one after a layoff or dismissal, but it may be too late, particularly if you cannot contact your business associate.

Is pending dismissal or job loss sufficient reason to seek a character reference from a business associate?

Having acquired a character reference from a business associate, prior to job loss, proves helpful in terms of obtaining other employment. In this tenuous economic era, employers scrutinize qualifications of employees carefully and retain or hire only the most qualified personnel.

Employees often lose their jobs immediately when a better candidate appears on the horizon. New employees, women and baby boomers, are particularly vulnerable to unexpected lay-off or sudden dismissal. Those about to retire, or seniors planning to return to work after retirement, may be subjected to premature dismissal. Obtaining a character reference early often proves important in this respect.

How should you request a character reference from a business associate?

The manner in which you approach your business associate when you are requesting a character reference is important. Ideally, you will have thought this through carefully, so that you know exactly what is important in terms of your character reference.

Approaching your business associate in a positive manner may mean the difference between obtaining and not obtaining a character reference. Because many business associates are extremely busy, drawing up a preliminary document for your business associate to consider, may help him or her to understand what you are requesting. It may save valuable time. Perhaps his or her endorsement is all that you need.

Remember to show your appreciation and thank your business associate for your character reference, just in case you have to get back to him or her in the future. Have you included verifiable contact information?  

Remember that the professional character reference you obtain from a business associate may be or become your most treasured document, so keep this in mind when you are making a request for one.

Tips for Making a Living as a Freelance Writer: Freelance Writing as a Career

Many freelance writers make substantial income from their work, even though a new freelance writer often struggles to earn a living, as well as mastering the art of freelance writing. At times, it seems as if there are no easy answers. 

The article, “Freelance writing career, job opportunities and career resources” shows ways you can “actually make money as a freelance writer”.

Every freelance writer has to start somewhere when it comes to making a living. Are you developing your writing skills? If you are serious about pursuing freelance writing as a career, you could be among those who are successful.

Consider the following tips: 

Become proactive with respect to freelance writing:

When you make the decision to become proactive with respect to being a freelance writer, you will experience new motivation. Focus on your freelance writing career and set definite writing goals. 

Learn what motivates you to write:

What is your primary motivation? In other words, what triggers your desire to write? Perhaps you simply love writing. If your goal is primarily money-oriented, you may become extremely frustrated, particularly if your writing does not sell immediately. Your motivation will be apparent in your writing and may prove to be a major factor in your sales.   

Set up an appropriate location to write:

Every freelance writer needs an appropriate location to write, although serious writers write almost anywhere. Most freelance writers prefer writing in a relatively quiet place where interruptions are minimal. If you are planning to do freelance writing as your career, it becomes a business venture for you and setting up a business office is appropriate.   

Begin to write every day:

See each day as a brand new day, one that is a potential inspired writer’s day. Make a habit of writing something daily and gradually increase the volume of what you write. Ask others, preferably those you trust, to read and criticize what you have written. Remember that criticism and rejection are the most difficult part of a freelance writing career, but you can get past that. Take their comments or criticisms seriously, but follow your muse, not theirs.

Start to write about what you know:

Initially, if you write about what you know, you will find that freelance writing comes more easily to you. Gradually begin to write about things that you are not familiar with, but be aware that you will need to do research which can either excite or discourage you. As you are researching, make certain that you use reliable sources and document them appropriately.

Explore different genres of writing:

Become familiar with different genres of writing, as some genres are easier to write when you are just beginning your career as a freelance writer. It is fun and exciting to explore different realms of inquiry, especially when you realize the power of words.   

Learn how to write as a professional freelance writer:

Professional writing is more marketable than non-professional writing, so learning how to be a professional writer is important. Creative writing courses may prove beneficial. Consider taking computer courses like web design, photography or graphics to compliment your writing. You may want to set up a blog or establish your own domain.     

Network with other freelance writers: 

Even if you plan to be an independent freelance writer, establish an interactive network with other freelance writers, as soon as possible. They can help you get over major hurdles like the frustration of writing, the stress of meeting deadlines and discouragement related to writer’s block, etc. They may also help you find appropriate publication sites and potential markets for your writing projects.

Learn how other freelance writers earn a living as freelance writers:

Many freelance writers are successful and able to offer positive, constructive suggestions with respect to writing, publishing and marketing freelance writing. Remember that initially most writers are writers, not marketers, so networking with literary agents who specialize in marketing can prove beneficial.  

Create a writing portfolio and platform:

Creating your own writing portfolio and setting up a freelance writer’s platform will help you and others to recognize the seriousness of your freelance writing career. How do you want readers to see and know you? 

This decision is yours to make; it is up to you to act upon it as an entrepreneur.   

Following these tips will help you to establish your career as a freelance writer. You will also find that your motivation and skills increase, as you continue to write and that you are able to make a substantial living as a freelance writer.

How to Write Interesting Forum Posts: Your Role in a Forum

Are you an Internet freelance writer who finds participation in forum posts exciting, intriguing and challenging? Perhaps you are concerned about how to write interesting posts that others will want to read.

Understanding what a forum post is, as well as the format and purpose of a forum, will help you to write more interesting forum posts.   

What is a forum?

The businessdictionary.com suggests that forums are “public medium (such as a newspaper column) or places used for debates in which anyone can participate.” 

Historically, “in Roman times it meant a public place at the center of a market or town where open discussions on judicial, political and other issues were held.”  

Forums are an important part of every era. For example, forums like a recently televised presidential debate, can take the form of public meetings that invite discussion which influence the decision-making process on specific issues.  

On the other hand, Internet forums take on the form of interactive message boards or data entry, suggestion boxes that allow and encourage electronic feedback from readers on websites or individual web pages. Social media websites and blogs or other interactive forms of communication like Twitter, are also forums in their own way.

Consider the following tips regarding how to write interesting Internet forum posts.

Treat the moderator in charge of an Internet forum with respect. In other words, start to build an appropriate relationship with whoever is leading the forum; perhaps he or she is a designated moderator or webmaster. Regard everyone responsible for participation and data contribution to the forum, as equals.

While you may not be in total or even partial agreement with other posted comments, you can agree to disagree. When you treat everyone with respect, you can expect participants to treat you with respect in return. If you take what they write seriously, hopefully, they will regard your forum contribution in the same way. Do not become overly critical or abusive.

Take the time and make an effort to stay informed and current with regard to ongoing forum posts. Let your freelance writing professionalism be manifest in each one of your posts. Avoid continually rehashing outdated issues. Instead, keep moving forward with new insight. Become a forum leader with your input rather than a follower.

In terms of data entry, use proper spelling and good grammar, as well as appropriate search engine optimization (SEO) key words and phrases. This will prove to be a major factor in the growth of your readership and help to expand your global horizons. Contribute new thoughts, ideas and information whenever possible, but always introduce new ideas cautiously.    

Make note of suggestions for data entry that are located outside or inside of the forum feedback area, as this information should be the basis for input contributed to the forum. Abusive or inappropriate data is subject to deletion.

Remain proactive, positive and constructive in your attitude to other data entries. Remember that each forum is important or it would not be included on a web site or web page. Keep your content, input or data entry pertinent and on topic, restricting your participation in the forum to what you know will prove to be unique, challenging and exciting for others to read. Encourage them to respond.

Undertaking appropriate research will ensure your forum posts are timely, clear and to the point making them more interesting to readers. Be aware that the art of communication via forums has not really changed over the generations, but new advances in each era enable more timely and different formatting.

A forum is only as beneficial as the interactive information it conveys and the resulting decisions. Writing interesting posts is vital for the future of freelance writers.

Remember that your words are important and can prove to be powerful in terms of influencing others, so use them wisely when participating in forums as a freelance writer.

How to Create a More Readable Website: Web Desgn Tips for Increasing Readership

The ease of reading a website is a vital factor in increasing its readership.

Creating a more readable website is important for webmasters who want to attract readers and increase their potential income. Improving the readability of a web page on a website almost always tends to increase its readership.

The Small Business Resource Center website suggests “three main aspects” with respect to readability namely, “the typeface”, “layout/design” and “colors used for text and backgrounds.”

Consider the following web design tips on how to create a more readable website.

Is the website aesthetically pleasing to the viewer?

Pleasing the website viewer or reader is essential. A viewer or reader may leave a website immediately and not return to it, if it is not pleasing to him or her. With respect to formatting the text, photography and general layout should be an open invitation for a reader to explore its content, information and mysteries. 

Avoiding clutter is important. 

Does the photography create an appropriate atmosphere?

Many websites reveal a powerful presence with a panoramic photograph. While the webmaster may enjoy the photograph, it must be appropriate for the website. If it is not, the viewer may feel confused. Is the message it conveys what the viewer should receive?

Is the focus of the website immediately apparent?

As soon as the viewer opens the website, it should be obvious what the topic of the website is intended to be. An eclectic website can be appealing to a viewer if it well organized. Otherwise, it may lose its overall appeal.

Is there a site map to direct readers to appropriate web pages?

Site map formatting on a web site helps viewers to follow the website train of thought. The site map should be rational in its thought progression, so that the reader is not bouncing back and forth between topics. Eclectic websites with good site maps are easy to follow and read.

Is the background of the website pleasant to behold or too overpowering?

When the background color or pattern in the website is pleasant to behold, the viewer will immediately experience a sense of well being, but he or she may turn away from a website with a background that is so overpowering it makes the text unreadable.

Are the words that are nestled in the background easy to read?

Words or text nestled in the background should be easy to read, as the reader may attempt to read text in an overpowering background, but will soon lose interest.

Is the size and font of the lettering on a website appropriate?

The size and font of lettering are always important on a website. Not every size of text or font is easy to read or understand. Reading may be or become difficult where there is a multiplicity of different sizes of lettering or a continual transition from one font to another. Consistency on a web site is important. Using capitol letters for emphasis is discouraged, as it appears to be shouting on the website.

Is the placement of titles or headings on a website suitable?

Each title or heading on a website should serve a distinct purpose. Its placement with respect to its text is important. The viewer or reader should be able to recognize the intent of a title or heading immediately. The use of key words and phrases in terms of search engine optimization (SEO) helps to draw readership. Appropriate spacing between headings, titles and content is important.

Does the website invite the reader to enjoy, participate in and return to the website?

When a reader is encouraged to enjoy, participate in and return to a website, he or she feels welcome rather than like an intruder and is more likely to return.

Is there a place for feedback to the webmaster about the web site?

Feedback to a webmaster can be important. Creating a suggestion box or feedback area may prove beneficial. The webmaster may suggest appropriate guidelines for data input or entry by viewers or readers.

Creating a more readable website is something that proactive, well-motivated and constructive webmasters continually strive for, as increasing website readability, also means an increase in potential income from the website. 

How to Create a Profile as a Freelance Writer: Your Profile Depicts You

Creating a profile as a freelance writer is vital for anyone who is serious about pursuing a writing career.

Understanding what a profile is or represents can prove beneficial in terms of creating a personal profile, which will be distinct from that of any other freelance writer.   

What is a profile?

The freedictionary.com suggests that a profile is a “biographical essay presenting the subject’s most noteworthy characteristics and achievements.”

A profile is your biography when someone else writes it; if you are the writer, it becomes an autobiography written in abbreviated or condensed essay format. A profile may also include “a formal summary or analysis of data…representing distinctive features or characteristics.”

Your profile can depict you in terms of your previous writing or other literary projects. This aspect of your writing is a portfolio; the two often go hand in hand. For anyone just beginning a career in freelance writing, it can be difficult to know what to include when creating a profile and a portfolio. How does one make that decision?

Begin by asking yourself how you want others to know you.

What kind of projects or other freelance writing have you participated in recently or in the past, that will increase your credibility as a freelance writer?  Is there something in your background that will give you immediate credibility and help to establish your reputation as a viable, freelance writer? In other words, do you have other creative writing, poetry or other published articles, books or short stories?

Many freelance writers are concerned about potential vulnerability because of self-disclosure; others may not want to share personal information with strangers. Disclosing only basic information in a profile may resolve that kind of concern.  

Freelance writing speaks for itself and a profile with an accompanying portfolio discloses enough information to reveal a writer’s talents, as well as sufficient information to draw a potential readership.

Your profile should portray you, not others. Including some of your personal thoughts, dreams or expectations with respect to your freelance writing career may help others relate to you, but do so in moderation. Be aware that other freelance writers and readers may have the same ambitions and this can be a good thing, if you begin to network with them.

Your profile as a written document is subject to revision or expansion as your freelance writing career proceeds. Including a professional photograph will help others to identify with you.

It may prove helpful to read the kinds of profiles others have created, as your profile may take on a similar format.   

Be aware that posting your profile on an Internet website or blog will take time and effort. Make certain that you have included enough basic information including location, education and employment background to identify yourself as distinct from anyone else with the same name.

Check your profile carefully for spelling and grammar errors. Ask a trusted fellow writer, family member or close friend to review it with you. They may have thoughts or ideas you have not considered. Consulting a webmaster may prove helpful.

Creating a profile as a freelance writer is a worthwhile project to pursue if you are a proactive, creative and serious freelance writer.