Setting goals is one thing; achieving them is an entirely different beast to conquer. If you’re tired of never reaching your goals, try implementing these 7 tips the next time you set a goal for yourself.

1. Don’t set too many goals—You’ve heard the saying “don’t bite off more than you can chew.” Well, that goes for when you set your goals too. Don’t set so many goals that you end up overwhelming yourself and spreading yourself too thin to achieve any of them. Instead, focus on setting and achieving just one or two simple goals. Remember, it’s better to do one thing really well than several things poorly.
2. Write down your goals—A lot of times (especially at New Year’s) we set goals for ourselves only to forget all about them a few weeks later. That’s why I recommend writing all of your goals down on paper. Put that paper up on your refrigerator or somewhere else where you will see it every day. This reminds you of the direction you want your life to be heading in, and it forces you to be accountable. Read the rest of this entry »
   

Even if you are a web designer or a copy writer, you need to learn how to look your best on a job applications. Having some experience on both sides of a job application, I’ve seen enough to recognize what gets a person through to the interview and what gets their applications tossed.

In a blatant attempt at reverse psychology, here are some of the major mistakes I’ve seen made, and made myself on applications for freelance work.

1. Correct the client’s spelling or grammar

You really want this job, but there is a small details that doesn’t sit right with you : the job posting contains a noticeable typo. Most of the people who apply will ignore it but you are serious about your work so you have to let the client know that. Nothing like buffing a client’s ego.

The thinking behind it : You may think it helps you com off as serious, or that the error was a “red herring” meant for you to catch. Chances are it is not and you are more likely to come off as egotistical. They aren’t hiring you to nitpick their writing (unless it’s an editing job).

What are you telling the client : I am going to be the annoying ‘grammar police’ guy around the office or in email correspondence.

2. Don’t proofread or spell check your email

The client won’t bother checking the spellcheck on your e-mail for a job application, so why would you? Even if there is a typo or a sentence that doesn’t make sense, he’ll figure out what you mean.

The thinking behind it: I honestly don’t know.

What you are telling the client: Aside from telling them you can’t spell? It also shows them that you didn’t take the time to use a simple tool that would fix it for you. Read the rest of this entry »