Tam Harbert

I’ve written dozens of articles about business continuity and disaster recovery. Experts stress that every company should have a formal plan detailing how it would continue operating when a calamity strikes. They cite horror stories about companies that suffered serious consequences – from bad PR to going out of business – because they weren’t prepared.

How does a freelancer plan for disasters? For years, I simply prayed they wouldn’t happen and scrambled when they did. But as I’ve wrestled with the wrath of nature, spotty utility service and just plain rotten luck, I’ve taped together a few safety nets. They won’t impress the experts, but they don’t cost much and so far have been reasonably effective. Read the rest of this entry »

Of all the technical challenges facing a freelancer, phone trouble has been my toughest. My Verizon voice land lines are usually reliable, and I’m thankful for that. However, whenever there is a problem, I brace myself for another adventure with Verizon’s novel approaches to customer service. Read the rest of this entry »

Technology is great. It’s what has enabled so many of us to become freelancers – being our own bosses, masters of our own destiny, reliant on our own wits and talents.

Until the computer breaks, or the phone goes on the fritz, or the power goes out. Read the rest of this entry »