When you work from home, project instructions are most often sent via electronic form. This can be done through email, or, in a few cases, via chat. Whatever the case, things can get lost in translation. Miscommunication can happen. Personal directives or even on-hand demos of project expectations are always better than just reading off emails and chats. But then again, in this digital age, you might as well get used to digital instructions.

Here are some tips that can help you avoid errors in processing client’s instructions:

1.  Confirm. When a set of instructions is sent, it is always good practice to confirm its receipt. When you do, this is opportunity to confirm your understanding of the instructions as well. Detail what you have to do, as you understood it. This is the only way for both parties to know that both are in the same page.

2.  Clarify. Sometimes, there may be vague sections in the instructions. The best thing to do here is to clarify. As service provider, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask your client to expound on his or her instructions. It is not a sign of weakness when you do. In fact, your client might appreciate it more that you are concerned enough to want to provide him or her with outputs exactly as he or she wants them. If there is an item that you do not understand, ask.

3.  List. It is always good practice to list down the deliverables for each instruction set. This not only lays down what’s expected from you by your client. This also protects you as service provider. A list of deliverables is somewhat a list of expectations. It tells your client what is within his or her right to demand. Anything out of the list can be treated as a new project and subject to additional fees.

With easily accessible and affordable high bandwidth Internet, more and more people are opting to work from home. These people include career writers, or those who rely on the written word to earn a buck or two. Of course, there are natural advantages and disadvantages in relation to working from home across the spectrum of professions. Writers, encoders, assistants, technical support consultants, and other professions may share some of the perks of telecommuting; while others may enjoy a couple extras, depending on the nature of their jobs.

For writers, one of the major perks of working from home is scheduling. Writers are often temperamental creatures. Circumstances can affect one’s mood to write. This can range from impromptu get-togethers, PMS, emotional states, and others. Likewise, some acquired habits also come into play. That is, some writers prefer to write during nighttime, while others work are more productive during the mornings. When they work from home, writers can easily incorporate these quirks while maintaining a regular job. The one thing that these writers need to keep in mind though is to also consider their contractors’ scheduling.

Another advantage for writers working at home is the several opportunities to multi-task. Writers may have other projects on their plate — be it a writing gig, a novel in the works, or another creative endeavor. It is actually typical for many writers to involve themselves in these – else the many possibilities that creativity offers are lost, if used only for paid writing jobs.

By working from home, a writer is able to realize fully his or her creative potential. He or she has a job that pays. And often, these jobs are not merely money-earners. These can also harness writing skills and creativity. At the same time, the writer is able to do his or her own projects and interests. This is often a very important aspect in the overall sense of satisfaction of writers.