Tell us a bit about you!
Tell us a bit about you!Hello.
They call me Chelsea Louise Haden but CLH for short.
I’m a blogger first and foremost but I do a few things such as digital copy writing. I provide online copy for marketing materials and I also dabble in social media management. Oh and I copy edit books, specifically for Amazon.
Recently, I just started teaching small businesses how to write their own marketing copy using creative writing techniques.
How long have you been freelancing, and why did you start?
Since 2008 ( aged 18.)
It’s a long story where do I start? Well, firstly I have a self employed parent so it was never taboo and if anything it was encouraged.
Secondly, I didn’t have a traditional upbringing. I got taken out of school because I was bullied. I was home taught but it didn’t do me that much good, purely because I had an attitude problem. I left ‘school’ with no qualifications and did a few NVQ type courses ( all irrelevant to what I’m doing now.)
I got a job working as a PA and liked it but, it didn’t give me the creativity nor freedom that I was looking for. As I had no formal qualifications behind me such as a degree, I believed I would never get into the writing industry.
I started blogging whilst at college studying beauty therapy. I had such a positive experience in college, it encouraged me to write more. Eventually I knew that it was the path for me. I had some coaching too which helped me big time.
I think It was a natural progression.
Let’s talk about the start of your day – Are you an early riser, or a night owl?
I have tried to become an early riser but, I get more creative of a night.
What time do you start work?
Nowadays I aim for about 10 am (that means 11 am). There’s no point in starting earlier because that’s what a 9-5 is for right?
Do you work from home?
When I am editing, especially books then yes. I’m too easily distracted!
However, I run co-working groups in a local art gallery which is nice or I hot desk at my colleagues office.
What’s your working routine before you start work?
Morning affirmations. I like to affirm to myself that it’s going to be a great day full of wonderful opportunities. I’ll mentally do my gratitude list whilst giving my cat Mr D some love.
Then it’s straight to the computer, to check my Twitter and emails.
Food is in there somewhere too…
Do you take a lunch break?
I do not advocate this at all but I have working lunches. Although in my defence I more than make up for it when I’m co-working or hot desking. I’ll go walk around my local park or get some cake.
How do you tend to spend your afternoons?
Well I’m not one of those that can work on the same projects all day. I have to dip in and out of different projects to keep me focused and creative.
I usually have the cat on my knee, a cookie in one hand, and Twitter in the background.
And I have this rule – I take the phone off the hook and divert everyone to my emails.
How do you stay motivated? Do you have any particular techniques?
I often tweet my schedule and talk about deadlines. I do this as an accountability thing, so I’ve got something to say “look you’ve to do it now!”
I also remind myself why I’m doing it.
And most days, I reward myself with a swim and Jacuzzi.
What time do you tend to sign off for the day?
Hmm… it varies. At the time of writing this it’s nearly 1 am. But, that’s through choice because I decided to take a few hours off today.
Some days it’s about 5.30 pm or the nights when I’m not swimming 8 pm.
Tell us – what’s your favourite thing about freelancing?
Gosh where do I start? The freedom, the ability to make my own decisions, set my own working hours, wage and to work with who I want to.
And your least favourite thing about freelancing?
The fact that my business has replaced boyfriends.
What tools/apps/gadgets/things could you not live without as a freelancer?
I’m probably the most technically un-evolved person that you’ll ever meet. Ironic really that I’m a ‘digital writer.’
Let me put it out there… I don’t own a smart phone or any mobile phone. I don’t use a tablet or an i thing. I have a lap top – it’s not even a MAC but it works, just.
The tool that really helps me is HootSuite and a time management book that I just read called: 21 ways to manage the stuff that sucks up your time. It rocks!
Where can we find you online?
www.twitter.com/clhadenwrites (work account)
www.twitter.com/clhaden (personal)
www.lovinglifeinwellies.wordpress.com (personal blog)
www.clhadenwrites.co.uk (work site)
The Big Question – What’s the secret to your success?
Mind set and the understanding that words have power.
They’re both interlinked.
If you want to do something then tell yourself that you can do it. Keep telling yourself. Go out and do the stuff that you need to do, to prove that little inner voice other wise.
Oh and I read The Secret and The Magic.