Happy Bloggerversary

I started this blog exactly a year ago today. Back then I didn't really know what this blog was about (and, truth be told, I still don't). My posts have been a bit haphazard and uncoordinated but I think I'm going to stick to posting my ramblings here in the hope that they become something more coherent.

A few things that I've learnt over the past year:

• Include a note at the bottom of your invoices asserting your right to claim interest for late payment - it has helped me several times to get paid (and I've even managed to claim interest, once) without having to resort to the small claims court.
• Not all 'colleagues' on forums are actually there to share information and help others and sometimes the best thing to do is remove yourself from the 'conversation' for a while.
• Breaks are important - whether it's going for a walk, meeting friends for lunch, a holiday or even just doing something else instead - a short break will leave you feeling refreshed and will help you to look at your work with fresh eyes.
• There are some great blogs out there but if you have too many to keep up with in your blog reader then it is time to unsubscribe from some (I've still not done this as i think all the blogs that I follow are great).
• Social networking is great - I've made so many friends in the blogosphere - some have become 'in the flesh friends' too. I've also received work, kept in contact with family in far flung places and rediscovered old friends who I'd lost contact with during my many moves over the last 20 years (England, Scotland, England, Wales, down south, up north - but not Ireland, yet).
• Be careful what you do say whilst blogging and networking - sometimes things can be taken totally out of context and used to ridicule yourself and others. (Actually, again, this is a do as I say not as I do as although this has happened to me I haven't really sanitised what I write at all).
• Don't rely on your main client - for the first 2 years of my freelance business the majority of my business came from my ex employer, then in June this year the work suddenly dried up. All my contacts have moved on within the business or elsewhere and their replacements have their own freelancers - plus they aren't using many freelancers in a bid to save money.
• Save up throughout the year to pay your tax bill - mine's due at the end of the month and it's double last year's bill (I suppose I must have had a good 2007/08, not that I noticed).
• Try to get some up to date training - another new year's resolution! If the courses I want to do ever take place outside of London I really want to try and get on them this year.
• Some employers view a period of self employment more suspiciously than they do a period of unemployment.

I'm sure there are plenty more that I'll think of later.

Here's wishing you a happy, productive and prosperous 2009