As a freelancer who works primarily online, my Internet connection is very important. When it goes out, I find my work harder to do. In order to be prepared for times when my Internet service might not be working properly, I have a freelance backup plan.
What Can I Do Without the Internet?
The first question I ask myself is what I can do without the Internet. In many cases, I can accomplish the writing without being online. As long as I have the proper research performed ahead of time, or if it’s a subject that doesn’t require a lot of research, I can work on it without being connected.
In some cases, the fact that the Internet is out actually helps me. It’s the same reason I get so much work done when I travel. I don’t realize how distracting it is to be online until I have no choice but to focus exclusively on what I’m doing. As long as I have service back when it’s time to turn in the assignments, having no Internet can be a good thing for my productivity.
Where Can I Go to Get Online?
Of course, if I do need Internet access to send an assignment, complete research, or accomplish some other task, I can go online by heading someplace else. There are numerous coffee shops in town (including that mainstay of freelancers, Starbucks) and even McDonald’s and Wendy’s tout their Wi-Fi. My freelance backup plan is usually to head to another location and do as much as possible.
Whether your home’s Internet is down, or whether you just need a change of scene, a trip to the local coffee shop can help you move forward. You can also check your local library for online access as well as see if there is a co-working space available in your town or city.
Can You Manage from Your Smartphone?
There have been times when something comes up and I need to turn something in quickly, or adjust it in some other way. When this happens, my freelance backup plan is my smartphone.
While I don’t like composing entire articles on my smartphone, I can edit my Google docs in a pinch, thanks to the right apps, or take care of email issues. It’s possible for me to invoice from my smartphone as well. And, if I really have to, I can use my smartphone to dictate or write an article. It’s my last resort, but it’s possible. I make sure my data plan is beefy enough to handle my needs so that when I’m away, and don’t have my computer or access to Wi-Fi the cell data does the trick.
When You Can’t Do Anything
There are times when you can’t do anything about your work or your Internet connection. These are times of natural disaster, when all services might be knocked out, or you might be in poor condition.
In these instances, no freelance backup plan can really help. You need to sit tight, and then contact your clients as soon as you can. I’ve been trying to work ahead a little, to give myself breathing room in the event that I am unable get something done.
