Writing for a living is the career choice of many creative professionals – whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, technical, trade, online or other specialist area. Writing markets and mediums are wide and offer numerous business opportunities for freelancers, consultants and telecommuters.

A sizable proportion of the writing community work as freelancers. Many work from home offices or laptops from locations around the country and the globe. Writing is a job that has few physical boundaries, as long as you have access to a computer, the Internet and a phone – and of course, the talent. Freelance writers enjoy flexible hours and freedom of movement, even though the work is deadline driven. For many writers, their work is a labor of love. But it’s also reassuring to learn that writing skills are in high demand across all industries. According to labor market research, job opportunities for writers are on the rise and demand from newspapers, magazines, websites, business and non-profit organizations and book publishers is expected to be strong. So, with the right mix of skill, experience, qualifications, effective networking and marketing, you can combine a rewarding career with the benefits of a free agent lifestyle.

The markets for freelance writers are numerous and diverse. Print and online publishers, business of all sizes, public relations firms, advertising agencies, professional, non-profit and religious organizations, educational institutions and government agencies use the services of freelancers and consultants. You might be commissioned to write a book, article, newsletter or marketing copy. Or you might be contracted on a project-basis or for a set timeframe. A good source of work are the rapidly growing special interest publications (online and print) aimed at ‘niche’ markets.

So, how do you kick-start your freelance career? A proven track record or evidence that demonstrates your talent is vital. Show potential clients that you can express ideas clearly and logically and that you can work to a brief. A relevant college degree (journalism, communications or even liberal arts) is highly regarded, as is some on-the-job training. Technical or business writers require qualifications and/or professional experience in a specialized field like IT, law or engineering. Online writers often need to be familiar with web technology and electronic publishing software software. Learn more below:

BusinessWeek

The taxmen have stepped up their audits on small businesses, and that has many entrepreneurs crying foul
by Jeffrey Gangemi

The tax gap in the U.S., which the IRS defines as the missing amount from taxpayers who don’t file their tax returns and pay the correct tax on time, currently stands at around $345 billion. Mark Everson, the IRS commissioner, has been working to reduce the gap since he took office in March, 2003.

“To make sure that there’s an impression of fairness…,” Everson says he first focused on high-income individuals and larger corporations, but now the IRS is stepping up its audits of small businesses.

In fact, the IRS enforcement increase has already begun in earnest. In 2005, audits of the roughly 5.7 million small businesses the IRS recognizes to be organized as corporations increased significantly, with 17,867 audits, up from 7,294 a year earlier.

Unfair Targeting?
Audits of corporations with assets over $10 million also increased in 2005, but by a much smaller percentage: up 14% from the previous year, to 10,878. Everson says he expects 2006 to reach an even greater rate of small-business enforcement.

Both the IRS and business taxpayers agree that some fraud exists for small businesses and individuals reporting their taxable income. But in response to the IRS crackdown, small-business owners and advocacy groups are crying foul, claiming smaller firms are being targeted with unfair audits that could penalize them for small or unintentional transgressions…..”

Read Full Article from BusinessWeek.com

“If you work from home, you know the importance of having a space that’s just for work. Allowing your job to spill into your house – especially when you have paperwork and files spread across the kitchen table – can make it harder to create a distinct line between work and home.

For most work-at-home professionals, the solution is to set aside a part of their house that’s exclusively designated for work related tasks. In many cases, this is a home office. A work at home office allows you to “close the door” on your job and focus on your family once the workday is over.

But what should you do if you don’t have an extra room to dedicate to office space? With a little creativity, even those with limited space can set aside an area for their work. Try one of these options.

The National Small Business Association is seeking nominations for its 2007 Small Business Advocate of the Year.

Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to small business advocacy, a proven history of voluntary efforts and endeavors to advance small business and improve the conditions for small business owners, success and growth as a small business owner and any other accomplishments demonstrating merit as an effective advocate for small business interests.

Applicants also must be a small business owner and are permitted to nominate themselves. An application form is available at nsba.biz/ award.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 17.

Learn More Here

Starting and managing a business takes motivation, desire and talent. It also takes research and planning.

Like a chess game, success in small business starts with decisive and correct opening moves. And, although initial mistakes are not fatal, it takes skill, discipline and hard work to regain the advantage.

To increase your chance for success, take the time up front to explore and evaluate your business and personal goals. Then use this information to build a comprehensive and well­thought­out business plan that will help you reach these goals.

The process of developing a business plan will help you think through some important issues that you may not have considered yet. Your plan will become a valuable tool as you set out to raise money for your business. It should also provide milestones to gauge your success.

Before starting out, list your reasons for wanting to go into business. Some of the most common reasons for starting a business are:

* You want to be your own boss.

* You want financial independence.

* You want creative freedom.

* You want to fully use your skills and knowledge.

Next you need to determine what home business is “right for you.” Ask yourself these questions: [Go to SBA.gov]