Tools for Organizing Online

By Victoria Hudgins. Photography of Mr. Perswall wallpaper.

Juggling tasks in the online world can be a challenge. Whether it's blog posts, social media, or other freelance gigs, staying organized is the difference between having success and always feeling behind. As a part-time blogger, full-time juggler, I have learned a bit about this process. Here are 2 of my favorite tools for organizing online.

1) Feedly

A reader that works with my life! I love using Feedly as my blog reader because it is able to organize posts in the ways that I need it to. It shows me a gorgeous Pinterest like selection of my daily must-reads while chronicling the others. It gives me access to social media feeds and shares non-subscribed blogs that cover the topics I am interested in. Without Feedly's design friendly platform I'd be lost trying to keep up online.

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How to Land a Great Freelance Position

By guest contributors Brittni Mehlhoff and Jenny Batt. Photography by Leah Reena Goren.

The simple truth is that you might have to start out working for free before you land your first paid freelance position. Editors often want to know that you have already established yourself as someone who is reliable and has a strong voice before taking a chance on you.

Writing your own blog on a consistent basis is a great start, and sometimes that is all the ‘proof’ needed before landing a paid gig. But if you haven’t been blogging very long, or you approach an editor that is looking for past experience, taking on a non-paying position is a perfect way to start. Look at it like an internship - an opportunity to get the experience you need to land the job that you want.

How to land non-paying contributor spots

These contributor positions are typically a little easier to find, and can give your freelance career a jump start. You’ll find available positions posted on your favorite blogs as they come up (typically posted in the content as a blog post), so make a list and check in often to see if something has become available. Here are some other things you’ll want to know about a non-paying contributor spot:

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How to Manage an Effective Online Life

By guest contributor Ciera Holzenthal. Photography by Aram Bedrossian.

One of my 30 before 30 goals was to spend less time online. This has proven to be much harder than expected! I have been struggling for a balance. I want to stay connected and inspired without getting totally overwhelmed. While trying to grow my blog and get myself out there in the design world, I feel like it is hard to get away from my computer. I am constantly looking to make new connections, and well, that involves a lot of online time!

There is a fine line between being productive online and getting sucked into the procrastination circle of the internet. Everyday I struggle with this, as I’m sure some of you do as well. So to try and create a better balance, I have come up with a few tips to having a fun, active online world without having it take over your life.

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How To Get The Most Out Of Classes

By Sara Urquhart. Photography by Lime Lane Studio.

The Alt Channel was born out of repeated emails I received from people who couldn’t come to Alt for a number of reasons: their kids were too young, they couldn’t get the time off work, or they weren’t ready for the financial investment. I understand all those obstacles and wondered how we could meet more needs. When I realized we could create this conference-type experience in an inexpensive way, year round, without anyone having to leave home, I was thrilled.

Our first significant investment in this experiment was time. We spent 6 months doing research, finding the right platform, building the code, and fine-tuning features so those same opportunities for connection and networking that happen at Alt could take place in our online classes. We were able to establish a low price point ($15 or sometimes free!), and we’re especially proud of our roster of expert teachers.

Keep in mind, that just like Alt in real life, what you bring to Alt Channel classes determines in large part what you get out of them. For the best experience, I suggest you:

• Have a solid, reliable internet connection.
• Remove distractions and create an environment where you won’t be interrupted.
• Double-check the time zone and get to class on time.
• Find like-minded people, potential collaborators, and maybe even mentors by participating in the conversation throughout the class.
• Grab that blog roll so you can connect with other class members later—via their blogs, email, or twitter

The best thing I can hope for any Alt participant is new relationships and collaborations that further your business. I’ve watched it happen in-person at Alt, and now I’m seeing it online, too. Join us today!

Chat with Joy Cho

By Monica Lee.

Listen in today as Joy from Oh Joy shares her thoughts on finding a unique niche in today's blogging world.