Zealancer-News 66
DEAR READERS,
Although there are many sufferings that the Corona pandemic has brought us, the crisis also brings opportunities. As an example, we report on how telework is now becoming increasingly acceptable. In addition, our article about working remotely will help those who are seeking to start their new chapter of a career in New Zealand, and our pleasant interview with Priscilla who is an Auckland based freelance writer will answer questions about how it is to be a freelancer from her angle of own.
Moreover, our freelancer article will be about a freelance search engine optimiser which will explain how you can test your website to be found well on Google in New Zealand. In the end, we have our freelancer joke of the month which is about a team member who has his own idea of working from home.
Despite the Corona crisis, I wish you a lot of fun reading and of course, as always, success in business!
Rainer Kurz
Corona-News: Teleworking becoming socially acceptable
Teleworking has become inevitable as a result of the corona pandemic. The current Gartner study showed that three-quarters of all CFOs expect that at least 5 percent of previously on-site employees will continue to telework permanently after COVID-19.
After initial doubts about teleworking, companies noticed that this new form of work will continue to remain in the long term. McKinsey mentions the example of a pharmaceutical company with more than 10,000 sales representatives: In February, it switched from on-site work to practically 100 percent remote working. Due to the end of the corona restrictions in New Zealand, remote working could disappear again. However, the company is planning to introduce new models in order to take advantage of the newly developed online capabilities of its field staff. These models include a 30 percent online work model with only 70 percent on-site work on a permanent basis.
Many employees learned to telework in the first phase of the crisis either by trial and error or by resorting to spontaneous training methods. On the other hand, for those who have completed their advanced training, teleworking can become a permanent task. For example, sales teams can use video conferencing to effectively manage customer relationships in remote locations.
Organizations are now increasingly developing their employee´s online skills as executives now systematically search for the best ways to digitally manage teams. This transition is often smoother and easier for long-standing employees who have built relationships and understood their role than for new employees who have yet to get to know the company without informal office interactions.
Additional collaboration tools and new work culture will be available when companies return to 'normal working practices'. Individual companies are already creating new collaboration locations in suburban centres and downsizing their central offices to reduce commuting times for employees. As entrepreneurs seek remote working skills such as the ability to self-motivate and strong time management, recruitment processes are also being affected at the same time.
The current challenges will make employees think about whether they want to work from home in the future. According to Gartner´s research, up to 80 percent of the employees also want to work from home.
How to find the job you can do anywhere, anytime
According to the figures of Figure.nz, 56 percent of female New Zealanders and 49 percent of male New Zealanders would like to work from home. Luckily, the number of opportunities to work remotely has grown 159 percent since 2005.
Although the statistics are heartwarming, it is, however, not easy to find a remote working position, especially if your desire is full-time employment.
So, how is it possible to be successful in this remote working job hunt?
1) Do your research, limit the companies known for having a remote workforce:
It is important to find a company that embraces flexible working as its own culture. Many companies, especially the companies in the tech sector, offer remote working opportunities. It is also important to understand what type of remote opportunities companies offer because the teams can be described in two names which are partially and fully distributed, remote teams. In fully distributed remote teams, nobody works in the office. On the other hand, in partially distributed teams, some work fully remotely and some work from the office.
2) Add “remote position” to your keyword section:
If a remote position is important to you, you should include the phrase “remote position” in your keyword list no matter which website you are using. Social media can be a very powerful tool for searching. You can also search the keyword on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For instance, since the COVID crisis began, LinkedIn has added the location filter ´Remote´ to their job search function which makes searching easier. You might not know what kind of interesting ads you will run across.
3) Networking:
Sometimes, companies prefer not to advertise a new job opening and instead, they share new updates or posts via their online channels. You should be on alert in case of any openings. Sometimes, a person can notify only his/her own network about an opening and this person can be someone from your network. Alerting your professional network is always a good idea if you are determined to start as a remote worker.
After all, companies are increasingly expanding their views on which positions can be remote.
Seeking a remote position adds complexity to your job search, but with some strategy, it is doable and can be highly rewarding.
Zealancer-Interview: The freelancing journey of Priscilla from Auckland
We are happy to share the details of the conversation between us and Priscilla who is an Auckland-based freelance writer, experienced in writing both SEO targeted articles and compelling advertorials for a range of websites and publications across New Zealand and overseas. She loves working with brands to improve their copy and relay their message and tell their stories.
Last month, she gave an interview to Zealancer-News. You will find the details of this interview below:
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1) Tell us about yourself; how did your freelancing journey start?
I started writing professionally as a content writer in a marketing agency and then moved into public relations. The agency I worked for was owned by a publishing company and I began writing for their range of magazines on the side. After a few years, I made the move to start my own business and freelance full time. It began organically and as a way to travel while still earning an income. I always thought I would move back into a full time, 9-5 job. Just over two years later and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else!
2) What is your favourite part of freelancing?
I enjoy making my own schedule and designing a lifestyle that works for me, rather than trying to fit my personal life around work. I’m so appreciative to have the freedom to go to the gym in the afternoon when it’s quiet or sleep in if I want to work late that evening. Having a flexible schedule allows me to fit volunteer hours in as well, something I am passionate about, without feeling overwhelmed.
3) What is the biggest insight/lesson you have learned so far?
Not to stress about being too busy or too quiet! It’s something I still struggle with but it’s important to relax if you are in the middle of projects and use the time to work on your business. I always miss those times when I’m busy and juggling multiple deadlines.
4) What keeps you motivated?
Of course, there is the financial aspect. I set certain standards for myself to meet monthly financial goals in order to ensure I can fund my lifestyle while still saving for my future. But mostly, I love meeting business owners and learning about their brand. There are so many amazing businesses who just need help telling their story. It is always great to see a good business flourish and know you have played a role in helping them achieve their goals. I am very conscious of how lucky I am to have a “job” that I love, allows me to write from anywhere in the world and gives me the freedom to work on my own time. I take it seriously and have high expectations for myself so I can keep doing this work for the foreseeable future.
5) What was your most funny/remarkable project?
I have had so many unique experiences as a freelancer. One of my favourite assignments was reviewing the opening of a new hotel. This included flights and a weekend stay including a tour around the city to unique spots showcasing craft beer, bean to bar chocolate and artisan coffee. It was such a spectacular getaway and I have been back to that hotel many times since! It is filled with such great memories and it all started with a writing assignment.
6) Do you have any advice or insight for people considering starting to work as a freelancer?
For most freelancers, they were thrown in the deep end and suddenly had to create a business from scratch. Be your own cheerleader and shout your business from the social media rooftops! Do not be afraid to pitch to publications or businesses you admire but always remember not to take rejection personally - it is part of the job and not a reflection of your abilities. Decide what you value in life and work backward from there. Freelancing can be so rewarding, I encourage anyone considering it as a career path to take the plunge!
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Freelancer article: Become visible online
Registered service providers can present themselves with a short article in the Zealancer-News. In this issue, we present you a freelancer who specialises in online marketing, content marketing and SEO.
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People spend more time online than ever before. According to a survey by the National Statistics Office, they are mostly looking for products and services. For you, this means that your prospects are looking for you online. But do they find you?
The entries are mostly done via search engines, like Google in online searches. If you are not found there, you leave the business to your competitors. Therefore: Become visible online with search engine optimisation!
As a copywriter specialised in SEO:
1) I can analyse your website and define technical and content-related measures to improve your search engine ranking.
2) I can create texts for you that will inspire your readers and search engines alike.
I would be happy to carry out an initial SEO analysis of your website for you - without obligation and free of charge. Talk to me!
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Zealancer joke of the month
The project manager asked the team member: 'Why did you come to work that late?'
Team member answers 'Yesterday, you told me that I should read the newspaper at home'.
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