Before I divulge my plans for 2012 let me share a few things I’ve learned as a full time freelancer. These are practical things that helped me survive the year, from family life, to work ethics, and social life which I hope will help you too.

1. It’s a family business

I’ve learned that working as a freelancer is not a “you mentality” but it is and should be a family business. You are just working as the main character but in essence, your wife, your son or daughter has a big part to your success as supporting roles. They need to understand what you are doing in order to support you in little ways. My 2 kids know that when I put on my headset, they have to keep quiet because “George” is on the line. My wife knows that when I am slumping on my chair, I badly need a back massage.

2. Full time doesn’t apply to job only but to family as well.

It was a challenge for me to get over being an overtime father and switch to full time family man. But when you get hold of the balance you will surely be more satisfied with your work, be more happy with your family and live a healthier life. My usual line when my wife tells me that I no longer have time for them is to say that all that i’m doing is for them (which is true). But of course it’s not all about the money. Spending a few hours with the kids, teaching them their alphabet, putting them to bed and playing with them have become my goal to keep me sane and family oriented.

3. It pays to socialize

Social media like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, as well as blogs are essential parts of freelancing. The first few jobs that I took were courtesy of my defunct blog “pinoyfusion”. My current work as a research person was because of comment I made to a blog. So you can see how this little things can mean really big in making yourself visible in the radar. Let the world know that you exist and that you have a special service that you can offer. Word of mouth can do wonders for your career. But as a word of caution, make sure that you know what reputation management is as well.

4. Be In the Know

I’ve learned that in order to thrive in this fast paced environment, you need to be able to cope with the influx of information, explore new things and enhance what you already possess. What I like the most about this is discovering new tools so that I can work more efficiently and more productively. It’s almost futile to reason out and say that we don’t know, because with just a simple click on Google search almost everything is at your fingertips.

5. Spend Your Money Wisely

Work can sometimes be so unpredictable and so is the income. As a freelancer, i’ve learned that our focus should not just be on the earning but also on managing those finances. It didn’t become freelancer’s top concern for no reason. If we like to master our craft, budgeting will be the one of the most important lesson we should master next to time management.

6. No is sometimes yes.

This is the best freelance lesson that I’ve learned this year. Freelancing thought me that an opportunity to work with a prospect doesn’t end when you fail an interview or your proposal was rejected. It actually ends when you think that business is only “TODAY” and there is no point in exerting effort to communicate with someone who rejected you. It thought me that business starts the very moment you decided to apply. Whether your prospect accepts or rejects at the first meeting, tomorrow is business as usual because you’ll never know when the need arises that you will become the perfect peg for the hole.

I hope you’ve learned something from what I’ve learned. I’d be glad to hear your thoughts too!

The truth is, I’ve been riding along this trend of smartphone users for quite some time now. And no questions asked, I am hands up with what these little machines are capable of. Those apps are just amazing. Which makes me think that there are more smartphones than smart people nowadays. But that is of course another story.

I’d like to share with you my list of favorite Android apps. And I hope you would be kind enough to share yours too.

Hootsuite

As someone who manages quite a few Facebook pages and Twitter profiles, Hootsuite is definitely a must have for me or for someone who needs to post updates every single day on multiple channels. I’ve tried Tweetdeck and Seesmic but had to go back to the powerful Owl even if they started charging $5.99 per month. The convenience of being a one-stop social media management tool is priceless.

Lastpass Premium

If you have a gazillion of passwords and websites to remember, I would certainly recommend Lastpass. Although you could get the free version for your laptop or desktop, upgrading to premium account for $12 will give you a lot of convenience. This is specially true if you are using your smartphone or tablet on a regular basis. I previously used Dolphin HD for my browser but when I installed Lastpass I don’t see any reason keeping Dolphin.

Skype

I use Skype on a daily basis for IM and calls to clients, friends and even family. So this is definitely something that is always in use. I keep both Skype logged in on my desktop (or laptop) and my smartphone even when I’m just at home. You may ask why? Signing in on both devices actually ensures that I always have a copy of messages on my computer and on my smartphone. So when I’m out with just my smartphone, I wouldn’t have a problem checking for previous messages that I need.
I also find Skype service better than Yahoo Messenger or Gtalk. So this app would certainly be a mainstay on my phone.

eBuddy

Aside from skype, I also make use of eBuddy. This app accommodates my other IM profiles like Yahoo, Gtalk, Facebook, MSN and AIM.

Dropbox

I have been using Dropbox on all my desktop computers and on my laptop and it’s but logical to keep one on my smartphone (I guess). I really like the convenience of being able to access my files even when I’m on the go. The ability to get client document is a hit. Unfortunately, since Dropbox has it’s own limitations, I have to add Google Docs which is my next app of choice.

Google Docs

There’s no point of arguing why this one is included. Aside from it’s free and it’s linked to my Gmail account, Google Docs is the practical and economical solution for freelancers who want to view and edit documents on their smartphones. There are other options available like OfficeSuite, but I don’t see any compelling feature that will make me cash out for this app.

WordPress

I have installed wordpress just in case some brilliant idea comes up while I’m just on my phone. But I find this a little challenging to use, first reason is because of the size of my phone and typing isn’t so convenient. I have, however, kept it intact on my list of apps and would probably get my first post soon using wordpress for Android as I’m still mastering the use of Swype. For me, this would be great on devices with larger screen or better on tablets.

Wondering if I maintain a todo list? Well, I do. I actually make use of

Note Everything

The name says it all. Note everything allows you to create text, audio, video, paint note, note from barcode, note from Google Docs and this is only for the free version. You can get the Note Everything pro Version for a small fee of Php182.69 or roughly $4.2 based on the current exchange rate of $1-Php43 that can give you access to more features.

Alright, since we’re talking dollars and pesos here, let me also share with you:

EasyMoney

If you are someone who tends to forget how much you have saved or have spent, or you tend to ask yourself every end of the day, where your money went, this is good for you. You can buy this app for $10 and it’s a good investment if you are into (serious) budgeting.

So there you go. My list of Android apps. Now it’s your turn!

Here are 10 sites that I’ve listed and personally use which I believe you will also find useful.

1. Facebook
Who could have ever thought that from a simple hobby project of Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, would evolve the most influential social media platform of our time.  And with half a billion users, from almost all countries around the globe, all the languages represented, and all the user generated contents from this social media giant, you’ll surely miss a lot if you are not on it. Whether it’s a personal profile that you’re maintaining, a Fan page, or a group, Facebook is next to everything. From technology to business, career, or just about anything, Facebook is surely a must have to keep you abreast on what’s in or out.

2. Google
Google is certainly the ultimate finder of everything and anything. With its plethora of services that encompasses almost every aspect of our online activity from email, videos, to search engine, advertising, and many other tools, Google has established itself as one of the foundations of the internet. I don’t think I even passed a single day without using any of Google’s vast service offerings and I’m sure the same thing with you. A few things I’ve been using on a regular if not daily basis include Gmail, Google Search, Google Docs, Adsense, Google Analytics, and Youtube.

3. Mashable
This is the haven of the techie generations, X and Y. Founded in 2005 by Pete Cashmore, Mashable stands as one of the preferred destination when it comes to social and digital media, technology and web culture news and updates. The site is regularly updated and when I say regular, it’s almost every couple of hours, new posts, updates are popping up. A couple of things I keep an eye on at Mashable are social media and tech updates.

4. CNET
If you are looking for software and electronic gadget reviews, downloads and first hand sneak peak on what’s upcoming, CNET provides an extensive resource to pour your eyes on. I’ve downloaded almost every software I’m using right now through CNET. And a good add on is CNET’s TechTracker app. This shows you the software that is out of date and helps you decide which updates you need.

5. Forrester
Research and studies help people understand things better. And that is what Forrester is known for. If you want some facts and hard truths that’s well thought and well documented, Forrester Research is the way to go. This independent research company has been in the industry for over 27 years now and has a vast repository of information that has helped marketing executives, business strategists, and IT professionals to create a unified technology plan that gains business advantage.

6. LinkedIn
If you want to establish a network of like-minded professionals in your field, LinkedIn is the place to be. This is the hangout of the modern job seeker, recruiter, business people and marketers. And it is a good place to start building your professional profile online. Make sure to complete your profile and participate in the discussions. You’ll surely learn a lot from other LinkedIn users. There are also various groups that you can join and of course, if you really want to have a wide reach, try getting some LIONS (LinkedIn Open Networkers) into your list of contacts.

7. Apple iTunes
Music, videos, podcasts, vidcast, ebooks, radio, you name it, iTunes has it. You’ll surely get the select and the best in its class. One thing that I keep my eyes and ears on are social media and freelancing podcasts which are very helpful resources. And when stress strikes out, I go for classical music. It simply is a very good way to relax and ease all those burdensome thoughts. My favorite station, CBC Classical. That’s 24/7 of sound genius.

8. Sourceforge
Developing a software on your own may not get you too far, or it may take you too long to complete. That’s where Sourceforge comes into the picture. Sourceforge is the ideal destination for developing software in a public, collaborative manner. Being up to date with technology, software or gadget need not be a pain in the pocket.

9. Wall Street Journal
Freelancers need not just be aware of what’s the latest on gadgets, technology or social media. For things pertaining to personal finance, investing, local and global economy, career, business, Wall Street Journal will give you the best resources available, whether it’s an article, commentary, podcast, WSJ can deliver. A good place to start, Personal Finance

10. Twitter
What can you do with 140 characters? Not much actually, but Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams, founders of Twitter has shown how powerful those 140 characters can be. This revolutionary micro blogging tool is something that can keep you in the loop, real time. Its power and influence has been tried and tested in many different occasions like the Iran elections, the different tragedies that was witnessed and relayed through twitter and the very recent Philippine elections.

For one, there is now a slide gallery of recent posts that were made, a bar with tabs where you can give a thumbs up, comment, like, pass or flag for a post. Plus a Hootsuite/Facebook like status update console where you can attach a link and provide more detail to your post.

This may not be a major update but I think LinkedIn is slowly evolving and adapting to the style of social media giant Facebook. And I won’t be surprise if one day, one of them will get swallowed by the other. Whether it’s Facebook taking over LinkedIn, that’s something worth tuning in.

So how does it affect LinkedIn members experience?

The new design definitely has it’s great advantages. It makes it a lot easier to interact with fellow group members. And creating a discussion is no longer a hide and seek.

Now it’s your turn. Tell us what you think about this new update. Would you prefer the new interface, or would you opt to stick with the old one? How will it affect your activity in LinkedIn?

There are big contenders for this title and picking the best is definitely a difficult task. But let me share with you my personal pick from among Tweetdeck, Seesmic, SocialOomph and Hootsuite. Afterwards, i’d definitely be interested to read your comments whether we have the same choice.

Hootsuite

I’ve used Seesmic, Tweetdeck, SocialOomph and Hootsuite but from among them, Hootsuite stands as a personal favorite in managing multiple social media profiles. And with the latest release of HootSuite5 this even firmly made me pick this tool as the best of the best in its class. There are good reasons to choose it and i can only say so much. If you are not yet using it, you might want to take a peek at what it can offer you. And whether you are using or will be using it for personal or business purposes, Hootsuite has a lot of surprises to offer you to have a convenient SMM campaign.

1. Geo-Search

If previously, you need to pay enormous amount of money just to get into the location demographics of your prospect, with Hootsuite5, this will be breeze. I believe this is probably most relevant to those who are targeting specific markets in their campaigns. With the Hootsuite geo search, you can now look for tweets by proximity based on geo-location information sent by some (not all)

2. Theme Customization

I’m not really a big fan of the dark backgrounds. My eyes are just too choosy and more inclined to grey and lighter colored themes. With the latest edition we’ll there’s a new pick although it’s not really something that will make much of difference being able to switch from green & blue “Classic,” the sleek & stunning “Blue Steel,” or the darkly cool “Magnum” can freshen up those tired eyes.

3. Analytics

To the statistics conscious Social Media Marketer, the analytics dashboard is surely something you will like. The ability to integrate your Google Analytics account will save you the hassle from switching from one window to another to really putting everything in one neat place. As Hootsuite describes this management breakthrough, “Using OAuth secure login functionality, you can track conversion to sales, lead generation, or other metrics from your Google Analytics, using advanced URL functions.”

4. Multiple Language Support

The latest release of HootSuite offers another new leap into social media by breaking the barrier of language. It now features an  “interface localization in Japanese, allowing more users to enjoy HootSuite in their native language.” And I’m quite certain that Hootsuite is going for the global community by adding more language choices.

5. Speed

When you monitor multiple profiles for your company and personal accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Foursquare plus your FB pages, switching to a different tab smoothly is a little annoying. With the new HootSuite, a good performance improvement to make the web application more responsive — including caching to eliminate reloading when a user switches tabs is a real plus.

Before the end of 2009, Mashable actually did a poll of its readers to know which is the preferred blogging platform among its readers. Without any doubt, WordPress came first, followed by Blogger, Posterous, Tumblr and Live Journal.

So what is it for you?

Simple, if you are still using a different platform and happy with it, then continue with that. I know change is a little difficult if we are comfortable with something. But if you are encountering some difficulties with you current platform, then that may just be a good time to call it quits and get WordPress instead. Mashable readers won’t make it their first choice for no reason. So you should be in a good community of WordPress users who you can turn to if you need help.

And if you need a hand migrating your site to WordPress, I can help you with that too (for a cup of java, probably).

Add to the list by sharing your comments and suggestions.