Here are some tried and tested options that I have dabbled in over the years when working for others and now working for myself. We all love a free or cost effective way of producing professional looking work, as well as systems to make our working lives easier. So here are some of my secrets shared!

Canva

It is very easy to fall in love with Canva, it will allow you to produce simple imagery that you could very well believe has been created by someone with an eye for design. I use Canva regularly for crafting social media posts and images in blogs, I use this for myself and my clients. The templates are cool, there are so many to choose from, you can also import your own images. Canva is easy to use and it is straightforward to duplicate your image for consistency across a series of posts and to save it as a social ready PNG. Image sizes can be chosen based on your needs, for example the Instagram post size is already there waiting for you, you don’t even have to google it and set the size.

Zoom

I have Zoom downloaded to my phone, it takes seconds to schedule a meeting. I do not know this system inside out by any means but have found it does the trick for video calls. Super simple, video calls are free one-on-one, for a group conversation there is a 40 minute cut off on the complimentary package.

Mailchimp

Everyone has heard of Mailchimp for sending your email campaigns. I still cannot get over how much is included in the free package: forms, email templates, automation, segmenting your lists, the reporting functions, it is all there. Mailchimp couldn’t be easier than it is and being such a well known system means there are a tonne of YouTube how to’s and the Mailchimp guides are so idiot-friendly. Each step is outlined to make sure you can get the most from Mailchimp. The drag and drop editor allows for complete fuss-free customisation, allows you to produce some great looking emails and it makes it so easy to add your opt ins and so on to get you closer to achieving GDPR compliance.

We Transfer

Another reliable and efficient system in my experience (touch wood) which has a free option for sharing big files. We Transfer will allow you to create boards, store your images and send them via an emailable link. You can send your collection of images and many megabytes straight from We Transfer to your recipient, or you can keep the link and share at will. Paid for allows you to send bigger files and will store your links for you to dip in and out and resend as necessary. Something like a full colour brochure and all its packaged up files will probably exceed the free sharing limit.

I am currently investigating options for electronic document signature, I have looked at a few, if you have any recommendations from experience I would love to hear them. If you have any royalty free imagery sites you have come across which have a modern and clean look I would be very interested to hear about those too! Drop me a line and thank you for sharing.

Where to hold client meetings in Milton Keynes when you work from home?

If like me you work from home and are looking for somewhere quiet, with good coffee and a bit of privacy to have an initial meeting or catch up with a client or supplier, here are a few tried and tested suggestions in and around Milton Keynes.

1. The Brasserie at MK College (Bletchley)

In my opinion the coffee is great, parking is free, the decor is modern with good notebook and laptop bearing tables. Plenty of space and privacy, no big queues and your are likely to have a few other meetings go on around you. Despite being inside the college, you won’t find the Brasserie full of students dining as they are off in their lessons getting educated.

2. Costa Coffee above Cotswold (Milton Keynes off the A5 roundabout)

Up above the treadmills and walking shoes is a large and airy Costa. Not bursting at the seams with mummies or teenage school children makes this one of the few Costa’s we have in MK which I think is ideal for a client meeting. Plenty of tables to choose from and when I have been in there I have definitely seen a few meetings taking place. Never had any issues finding a space in the free car park during the working week that is.

3. The Caldecotte (Caldecotte Lake)

A big place, so you should be able to find a quiet spot. Light, airy, lots of free parking and proper coffee. Also has a big garden and patio area if you fancy meeting outside in the summer.

4. Strudwicks Coffee at The Christian Centre (Oldbrook)

Much like the others - good coffee, a handful of tables, free parking, I have had many a team meeting in here in the past with no complaints. There are some upright tables and more lounge type areas for a larger group.

5. The Betsey Wynne (Swanbourne)

Cosy seats by the winter fires, open from 9am during the week, this place is lovely, quiet and offers table service for your coffee. Ample parking, easy to find, plenty of nooks and crannies if you would like to meet discreetly, and equally if you don’t want to feel like you’re disturbing others. Lovely garden for the warmer months.

This is of course just my opinion and some of the places I have been introduced to and chosen to have work related meetings. If you also have ideas to add, please do, I am always on the lookout for informal but practical meeting places to have a catch up with clients, potential clients and other freelancers.