If you are short on time but still want to be a part of the social media networking scene, join LinkedIn. It is one of the most “pro” networking sites out there and it will make you easier to find on the web.

If you are like most writers and do a lot of your work via e-mail you should have a signature block. This tool is a text block that can be created to insert itself at the end of every e-mail you send. It should include things such as:

Your full name
Your mailing addy
Your website
Your phone number
Your e-mail addy

I have heard this time and time again, mostly from female freelance writers, “It’s impossible for me to work unless the house is clean.” I understand and agree…sort of. With pets, spouses, children and whatever else going on in your home, it’s almost impossible to guarantee that your home will be spotless every time you tap on a keyboard. Instead, be sure to keep your work area neat. If you have an office, close the door and don’t let the tracked in mud, unfolded laundry and limescale distract you.

You can always clean when you are done writing–but if you let the cleaning distract you while you write, you’ll have a hard time getting anything done.

Once your relatives realize you are a writer, it may be come open “free work request” season. From proofreading your nephew’s term paper to writing an online dating profile for your newly divorced brother, your talents will be called upon.

When this happens, remember that your time and your talent is valuable. If you want to help on a particular project for free, that’s fine–but don’t be afraid to charge if it’s a project you don’t want to do or a relative who consistently asks for favors.

Beware the time waster oh writer! There are things that can get you off-track and keep you from focusing on what is most important–your writing. Here are some that you’ll want to watch out for:

E-mail. Don’t check it all the time. Schedule it and it won’t suck your time.
Phone. If you are working, turn your phone off if possible. You can always return calls later on.
Social networking. This is great for business but you have to watch the amount of time you allot.
Forums. Try and spend time here in the evenings or when you are “off work”.
TV. Don’t turn it on. Seriously.

If you are on the prowl for some new clients, do a quick Google search of your specialty followed by the words, “writers needed.” You will find many websites and blogs that have need, at least occasionally, for writers like you.