About Me

I'm Bhagwad, and freelancing is my profession. I'm currently in Chennai, India after having spent one and a quarter years in Chicago, Illinois.

I completed my Graduation from St. Stephen's College in Delhi, India, and then my MBA from ICFAI Hyderabad. I've majored in Science, Marketing, IT, and Entrepreneurship. After working in various companies, including a shot at running my own business, I decided to try Freelancing. I felt that no other job gives me the freedom, and comfort that I need. Even though I had been writing for several years, including maintaining my own blog, this was the first time I was getting paid to write. I started my writing career at oDesk, and have never looked back. I now find work on Elance as well.

 

My Freelancing Schedule

I start my day by first and foremost checking all my mails, even before I brush my teeth! I love knowing what's new, and I'm always happy to see a mail from one of my buyers. I believe in open communication, and base all my relations on it. From there I move on to my morning routine, including scanning the news while having my breakfast and tea. Then I sit down to work.  start off with what I know I have to do. I dislike jobs pending over my head, and finish them as soon as possible. This allows me the freedom of pursuing my other not so urgent jobs at my leisure.

How I work

Since my buyers communicate over a variety of Instant Messaging software, I rely on a multi protocol software called "Digsby", which aggregates all my Yahoo!, MSN, and Google (Jabber) accounts. Unfortunately, I have to keep Skype open since it currently doesn't integrate with any other software.

I use Firefox for my browser, and have a variety of plugins that make my work easier, like saving my bookmarks and passwords encrypted online, tools for Keyboard navigation (I hate reaching for the mouse),  and Google Notebooks. One of my mantras, is not to save anything on my computer that can be lost in the event of a system crash - I'm the paranoid type! I rely on online storage for all my files and documents - Google Docs. I use it, not because it's the best (I don't know), but because it integrates nicely with my other Google related activities like Gmail, and Blogger. The need for security is the main reason why I stopped using desktop based Email Clients like Thunderbird, and shifted to Gmail, so that I can recover easily in the case of a system crash.

I further protect myself, by maintaining a dual boot with Ubuntu (A Linux Variant) on a separate hard drive so that in the event of a System Crash, I can still boot up, and use Firefox to access my documents via Google Docs.

My Work Ethic

I'm very particular about keeping my promises. Freelancing is my only profession, and it's in my best interests to keep my clients happy.
I'm particularly conscientious about being in touch. I know how frustrating it can be to be unable to reach someone. This is why I respond to my emails almost immediately. Unless I'm asleep, in which case I respond as soon as I wake up.