I’ve been pretty busy today- looking for ways to make money. I’m pretty sure I signed up for about a hundred different programs and sites. Ok, well, maybe not that many.

One that I found that I think I might really like is myLot. I forgot how I found it, but as soon as I remember I’ll post the link to that site too. So, what is myLot?

I’m not quite sure. It’s a discussion site for blogs and articles and news and just whatever. It’s set up like a CMS, so you have your own profile page and blog page. Every time you respond with something substantial (on point and contributing to the discussion) you earn money. I have no idea how much money. I’ve found some really interesting discussions, so it’s not hard to get involved. I’ve seen some discussions that aren’t really substantial too. “What color is your hair?” HUH? Ok, I’m sure that’s not posted so someone can earn points or whatever. Other than that there are some really interesting things going on.

I especially like it because I don’t get out much. That means I don’t get much adult conversation. This gives me a chance to discuss without getting flamed. So many message boards, forums, blogs or whatever now are breeding grounds for flamers. And if you voice an opposing opinion? Watch out! It gets ugly then. I really don’t need that kind of stress. And I’m glad for the moderation. I’ll be spending a good deal of time there, I can tell.

You can find me here. If you’re there, please add me to your friend’s list. If you sign up through here, please let me know so I can add you.

On another note, I’ve found some really good blogs through Blogcatalog. I really like that service for socializing and networking. Later this evening or tomorrow I plan on adding some of those blogs to my links list. Also, if you comment here with something to add to the conversation, I’ll follow your link back to your blog and probably add it to my list. Soon I’ll be adding dofollow tags, but I’m waiting to build up my traffic a little more first.

Edited to add:

I found the site that sent me to myLot. It was The Domestic Diva! Thanks so much, Sela!

I haven’t had my morning cup of coffee yet and already I find myself “networking”. This is an important part of freelance work, because without contacts getting a job and making the money is extremely hard. I’ve been learning this with my articles. I get more money with more page views and with more contacts I can get more page views. It can all work out pretty well.

Unfortunately, it takes a lot of time. And with a toddler that can be hard to manage. So, it’s best to set yourself up on a schedule. I’m still working out the kinks in mine.

When you first wake up, after “getting ready” for work, determine if you need to do any research. If the kids aren’t up yet (I normally get up about an hour and a half earlier than mine), then research, jot down your notes, and get a feel for what you want to write. This way when the inevitable interruptions come you can simply lay it to the side and take care of the familial needs.

Now, when you have a few extra minutes, do a little networking. Answer some emails, respond to comments on your blog, and comment other places. It’s important to get your name out there and to make some online friends.

Later, possibly in the evening when everyone’s starting to wind down, take a few minutes and write up the first draft of your article. When the kids go to bed, and you’ve got that time for yourself, write it again. This second writing will use the structure of the first (probably bad) draft, which saves you some time. Now you can re-read it, do your edits and send it in (or save it for later).

But you’ve got to do a little more networking. That comes before it’s bed time. And you’re probably exhausted, but it’s important to get page views and make contacts. So, just leave little comments, don’t get windy in your emails, and all will be well. If most of your network consists of work-from-home moms you’ll soon see that they’re just as tired as you are.