Linkswitch #92, Big File Transfer, Google +, Web Design Guidelines

Every other week we roundup some of the highest quality articles and resources that benefit freelancers from across the web. We present these articles here on various helpful topics. This week we have articles on top apps for transferring big files, how Google+ can help creative freelancers, new guidelines for web designers, and more.

Transfer Big Files: The Top 7 Tools You Should Use

If you work online, and most of us do in some capacity, it’s likely that you’ll have to transfer big files from time to time. Usually, the quickest way to transfer big files or share your work with someone is to email it to them, which means you just attach it to the email … right?

10 ways Google+ is Better than Facebook for Creative Freelancers

People are understandably hesitant about using Google’s recent addition to social networking in the form of Google+. Surely having a presence on Facebook, blogs, LinkedIn, Twitter and more, is enough for sharing content and promoting ourselves! Facebook alone can prove to be an enormous time-burner.

10 New Guidelines for Web Designers for 2012

To capitalize on the earning potential of web design industry there has been surge in the number of custom service web design providers. However, only a handful of freelancers are able to sense the change in the industry dynamics and add value to their creative ideas during implementation. In order for you to stay competitive, effective, and yet innovative with your web designs I propose the following ten guidelines.

Copyright Fair Use and How it Works for Online Images

You’ve heard the adage that a picture is worth a thousand words, but when that picture is protected by copyright, the picture is only worth three words: cease and desist. OK, that’s kind of a lawyer joke. But it illustrates how protective people are about finding their images used online without permission. Copyright laws were established not to give the author the right to deny their work to other people, but instead to encourage its creation.

10 Productive Tasks You Should Be Doing On Google+ Right Now

Google+ had a hot start, but has since cooled down. For a lot of people, that means ignoring Google+. I want to warn you that is a bad idea. Although the lights are on and it seems like nobody is home, trust me: there are people there. And they are the very people who can have a huge impact on your blog and business.

How Email is Still the Best Networking Tool You’ve Got

Email is not dead – it has been, by far, the most important and effective way of communicating with other bloggers, writers, and people in the online world. In fact, I’d suggest it might be vastly more important and better than Twitter and Facebook combined, with a cherry on top! Email has become the lifeblood of networking, sharing of insightful tips and stories, and opportunities at guest posts.

Another reason to work remotely: Commuting is killing you

Sky high gas bills, uncontrollable road rage, unpleasant body odors on packed trains: The many downsides of commuting are well-documented and already constitute a solid argument in favor of opting to work remotely. But a recent study out of Lund University in Sweden offers another reason to trade your train pass for a home office: Your commute is bad for your health.

The Unemployment Plan

Start building a side gig. Even with all of these things, you’re going to have some time to burn. Use it productively. Make an effort to start a side business in an area you’re passionate about, whatever that might be. I know one person who moonlights as a high school sports referee. Another person I know makes art that he sells on Etsy. The key is to start something that will bring you some income now, but more importantly has the possibility to grow into something later.

10 Books to Gift the Geeky Creative in Your Life

Dig into books that really dig into the nitty gritty of the creative process, productivity strategies, and/or the future of technology. Now, with our tastes fully disclosed, here’s a highly subjective list of our favorite new(ish) nonfiction titles that would make great gifts for the brainiac in your life.

How (Small) Heroic Acts of Kindness Will Grow Your Business

Is everyone in my business ready to go the extra mile? Do they have permission? Are they inspired? Do I celebrate heroism every day? How would I rate my intent and ability to enable and deliver heroic acts of kindness? Do customers rave about your heroic acts of kindness today? How does my decision to go the extra mile compare with this beloved company? Let’s identify one simple gesture you can make to give people permission, ability and the freedom to go the extra mile.