Things To Know About The Latest Google Update

Effects of BERT update

Google recently released an update that affected one in ten search queries. The BERT update essentially changed the rank of the search results based on these queries. While this may not sound significant, it is considered as one of the biggest updates since RankBrain was released in October 2015. But before we look at its effects on a website, let us take a look at some facts about this update.

BERT Update

The BERT is an acronym for Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers. It is an update open-sourced by the internet search giant. This is a natural language processing update, which allows Google to better understand what users want to find on the internet. Previously, Google would show results based on the individual words of a search query. While this is a simple way of showing the results, it does not accurately provide the result a user may want. With the new update, it takes into account all the words in the query and how each word is related to the other words before showing the result.

Even as this may sound a bit confusing to ordinary users, professionals offering digital marketing services are gradually trying to find ways to improve the rank of the websites they are handling on Google. To better understand the update, let us take a look at some of the examples the search giant provided. For instance, when someone types “can you get medicine for someone pharmacy” on Google, the result before BERT showed information about filling prescriptions. But after the update, Google took into account “for someone” in the search results and showed results about someone picking up medicine from a pharmacy for a friend or family member. Similarly, a search query about “math practice books for adults” previously showed math books in the young adult category. After the update, the result showed math books designed for adults or Google was able to understand the context of the word adult in the search query.

Effects of the BERT update

BERT simply teaches the search engine on how to understand the different nuances about natural language. It allows Google to better know what users are looking for. It essentially teaches Google to understand users like a human rather than a robot. Due to this, the latest update is beneficial for content writers who are writing for the reader than writing for the machine. Digital marketers are in agreement that there is no way to optimize for BERT for the moment. Due to this, it is advisable not to make any changes to the optimization of your websites. Any onsite or offsite SEO or search engine optimization activities should not change. Instead, marketers should focus on content.

This was echoed by Danny Sullivan, the search liaison of Google. He said the update does not change the fundamentals they have been promoting over the years. He said the content should be written for the users. He further added that the length of the content does not have any significant effect on the search rankings following the update.

What You Can Do

Due to this, professional digital marketing services should focus on providing quality content for their clients. The content should provide something useful for readers. Similarly, you should also do the same thing for your own website. Getting a good content writer who can provide high-quality articles will be the first step in dealing with the BERT update. While keywords are still important, Google will now take the whole context of the search into account. Due to this, website owners and digital marketers should focus on content rather than simply optimizing the website to rank well in the search results.

Even as the update was already released, you should understand that you still have a lot of work to do to ensure your website will rank well on the Google search results.

5 Things Needed By An Online Freelance Worker

It has been ten years since I first started my career as an online freelance worker. I can still remember channel surfing and seeing that young lady being interviewed about her job as a home-based freelancer.  Ever since I watch that show on what was formerly known as QTV, my life has changed. While there were instances when I worked in a “real” company, much of my ten years were spent working as an online freelance worker.

Basic Freelancing Equipment

While there are numerous advantages when you work online, the biggest advantage is that you own your own time. Well, that is, if you have a job that does not require you to be online at certain times of the day. As a content creator, I basically own my time. I work at my own pace as long as I meet the deadlines set by my clients. While I do know some freelancers who work based on the US time zone, they still earn more than some BPO workers. And they work in the comfort of their homes. No need to worry about traffic or being late because of flooding in the streets.  Heck, each time a storm comes, I see a lot of posts from fellow OFWs thanking their home-based jobs since they do not need to wade through the knee-deep, and sometimes waist-deep, waters just to reach the office.  Even as working as an OFW has a lot of pluses, if you are planning to start a career as an OFW it is necessary for you to have a number of things ready so you will be properly equipped for any task your client may ask you to do. I came up with a list of basic things you need to have at home before you start working online.

Laptop/PC

This is the most important thing you need to have. Since these are “ONLINE” jobs, you need to have a laptop or PC so you can connect to the internet. There were actually some freelancers who started off working in an internet café since they did not have funds to buy a PC yet. But, after they were able to save up, one of the first things they bought was a PC.

A laptop or PC is the most basic equipment a freelancer needs.

While many online jobs only require a basic PC or laptop, it is better if you get one with as many features your budget can handle. I used to have a PC, but have focused on using a laptop since it gives me the freedom to work just about anywhere with an internet connection. A number of online jobs may require you to have a laptop with an i5 processor and 4GB RAM. But, if you can find one with better specs that fits your budget, go for it. 

Stable Internet connection

A wired internet connection works best for an online freelance career. You can find a good provider that can consistently give you a stable internet connection. Your location actually determines which provider you should choose. Years ago Cebu freelancers were only limited to the two major providers. But this has changed and will continue to change with the entry of third-party providers that have started to offer their services in places far from the capital. These days, we can choose from Globe, PLDT, and Sky Cable. Soon, Converge ICT will be entering the Cebuano market.

A stable internet connection is necessary for online freelance workers to find projects.

In addition to a wired internet connection, you should also get a back-up internet connection. Once again, your location will dictate which provider you should get. At my location, I got a Globe Tattoo since one of the main towers of the company is around two to three kilometers from where I live. I used to have a Smart Mobile Wi-Fi, but the signal was not what I expected. So, you should check your area on which provider has a better signal.  A backup internet connection is essential in case something happens to your main provider. It would be ideal if your budget can handle two wired connections from different providers. But, if you can only afford a pocket Wi-Fi, check your area first before getting one.

Power Protection / UPS

While our power supply has improved ever since a couple of decades ago, it is still essential for you to get power protection for your devices. An uninterruptible power supply is ideal since it gives you a couple of minutes of power in case a blackout or brownout happens. It also gives you the chance to save important documents or your work, especially if you are using a PC. For laptop users like me, a UPS is still good to have at home. We never know when someone from the power company wants to play a joke on their customers or something.

A UPS is advisable in case of power outages in the area.

But, kidding aside, a UPS is something you should consider when you are thinking about getting equipment for your online career. You can also opt to find a place where you can work while the power is out. Here at the Queen City of the South, there are several options where I can work in case the power is out. I can go to the nearest coffee shop or one of the many co-working spaces in the city. Several of them are open past midnight while some are open 24/7.

Worktable

Another item you may need to get for your career as an online freelance worker is a durable work table. While I normally work in a coffee shop, I used to have a work table where I placed my PC and printer. A work table allows you to have a semblance of being a professional since you have an actual space where you can work. It also allows you to go on “work mode” while at home.

A simple worktable will not cost that much for a new online freelance worker.

You can start off with a small work table that you can find at a department store that costs a little over PHP1,000. But, if you saved up, you can consider other worktables available in the market. These worktables can be bought online. 

Headset with microphone

Since I am a content creator, I actually do not need a headset with a microphone. But, there is a growing demand for virtual assistants in the online marketplace. These virtual assistants normally have to talk with their clients and, at times, call up the customers of their clients. There are also a number of online sales jobs that will require you to cold-call people on the list given by the client. Due to this, a good headset with a noise-canceling feature and a microphone is ideal for these types of jobs.

A reliable headset with microphone is needed for some VA jobs.

If you are planning to start a career as an online freelance worker, it is important for you to have everything ready to make sure you can fulfill all the tasks of your clients. Do not fret if your budget is not enough to buy everything listed above, you can get a good secondhand PC or laptop and a pocket Wi-Fi so you can start looking for your first client as an online freelance worker.

Online freelance worker's equipment

Would you have any other items you want to include on the list? Hit me up through the comments section below.

What is BERT?

A couple of weeks ago, Google released an update that affected a good number of websites around the world. Incoming traffic of many websites was affected when the updated was implemented. But, you may ask what the latest Google update is all about, how does it affect your website, and what can you do to minimize its impact. While I haven’t written about these types of tech articles for the longest time, I’ll try to discuss this update and how it affects online freelance workers, particularly content providers, and websites as a whole.

What is BERT?

The latest update by the search engine giant is called BERT or Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers. This update supposedly affects ten percent of all queries done on Google. Some digital marketers think this is not a major update, but ten percent is ten percent. It is still a huge number when you consider the number of queries performed every day. In fact, a press release from Google indicated that BERT is “one of the biggest leaps forward in the history of Search.” While it may not be the biggest, it is a major update that is comparable to RankBrain in 2015. 

The rollout started in the last week of October for English queries, and it is supposed to be rolled out for other languages soon. Since the Google AI blog explained the update in full detail, I will just try to explain it the way I understand it. According to Neil Patel, the update allows Google’s algorithm to better understand natural language when a query is performed. It basically tries to figure out what you are really looking for (any U2 fans here?) when you are typing a query. 

This may not be easy to understand without context or an example. Google actually provided an example on their blog. It was a search for “2019 brazil traveler to usa need a visa.” The new update used the word “to” and how it is related to the other words used on the query. Due to this, the new algorithm would look for pages about Brazilian travelers going to the United States. Prior to this update, the search results would show US citizens traveling to Brazil. The latest update can understand the way the query is made and takes different words into account before it shows the results. Due to this, it can provide more relevant results to people using Google.

Bert Update Sample

In another example, it shows a query “do estheticians stand a lot at work.” The update is now using the right context of the way the word “stand” is used. Previously, it matched the word “stand” with standalone. So it did not accurately answer the query, which is about the physical demands of the job of an esthetician.

Bert Update Sample

Basing on the examples provided by Google, it seems BERT focuses on information-related keywords. Due to this, some online marketers are recommending websites to provide quality content. While some are partial to long articles, the algorithm of Google does not appear to focus much on word count. In a tweet, Google's public Search Liaison, Danny Sullivan, said digital marketers or SEOs should focus on good quality content that is compelling, unique, and useful.

How Does It Affect Websites?

Well, websites without good quality content will likely see a drop in their incoming traffic. It has already affected several websites whose content is not up to par. This is particularly true with websites whose content is written or the machine rather than for the reader. It is important to connect with the audience and give them relevant information related to what you are offering. While keyword research may still continue, it is important to make sure the keywords or keyword phrases are used properly. Aside from being spelled correctly, they should also be grammatically correct. Websites with content that do not provide relevant information or content that have a lot of grammatical and spelling errors will likely see their incoming traffic go down. By now, you should already know if your website is affected by the latest update. If your website was not affected by BERT, it may contain good quality content.

What To Do

Taking into account what BERT is all about, one thing websites should focus on is good quality content. The content should also be compelling and unique. Long-tail keywords may help but are not really required. On one article I read on Medium, it seemed to be partial to long-tail keywords with at least five words. On the other hand, an article on Search Engine Journal hints at the importance of long-tail keywords, but the website should provide information that connects with the readers. Or in other words, the information should be relevant and direct to the point.

After getting wind of this update sometime in October, I started reading about it. And in most of the articles I encountered, they are all in agreement that BERT will focus mainly on quality content. Websites with content that are not really of good quality will have reduced incoming traffic. This traffic is mainly from Google searches, which means they are mainly first-time visitors who are looking for information about the topics the website is offering. Many digital marketing experts have said there are  no SEO tactics for the BERT update. It mainly depends on the quality of the content you have on your website. Some of them even say the word count does not even play much of a factor in the update.

Digital marketers also recommended looking at your landing pages and checking which ones are not ranking well after the update. You may have to adjust the content of these pages so they provide more specific information to your readers. You may also create new content for these pages so they answer the questions of your audience.

Summing up, BERT is an update that basically focuses on content. For the moment, there are no SEO fixes that will work with this latest update. In this regard, website owners should focus their efforts in producing high-quality content that their target audience will like. If you are contracting freelancers to provide for the content of your website, you may want to look for content writers who provide high-quality content. While it may cost more than a run-of-the-mill writer, your website will benefit from their work in the long run.

Open Your Mind to OpenMind CoWorking Space

For the longest time, I haven’t posted anything on the blog. Well, life happened and I had to live it. During the whole time I was out of circulation, a lot of things happened that may bore you guys. But there is one bit of news you may want to know. It’s a co-working space I discovered recently: OpenMind CoWorking Space.

OpenMind Co-Working Cebu (Image: OpenMind Co-Working Cebu Facebook Page)

It was a cold, dark evening nary a star in the sky . . . oops. Wrong introduction. It was one of those nights where a deadline is looming above you. The internet connection at home was uber slow so I had to look for a coffee shop with a good internet connection to finish an article I had to turn in the next morning. Living near Cebu IT Park meant that my first option would be a coffee shop at the IT Park. I initially went to my favorite coffee shop in the area, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, but the place was packed. It was understandable since it was already close to the finals of the first semester of college, so students from different universities in the city would stay at the place to study. I went to another coffee shop, Coffee Bay, and unsurprisingly it was also full. My last option was Bo’s Coffee. Similar to the two other coffee shops in the area, it was packed with students and their books. I was about to go to another place far from the IT Park when I remember an article I read earlier about a co-working place close to The Walk.

Comfy enough for you? (Image: OpenMind Co-Working Cebu Facebook Page)

So I checked it out and lo and behold, it only had a few people working the night shift. The place only opened recently since the building it was located in was also new. It was probably less than a year old, so I guess it was not well-known within the freelancing community.

The Place

OpenMind was quite nice when compared to some co-working zones I tried in the past. In fact, I found it rather homey. The chairs were also quite comfy. It is a far cry from what I used when I started freelancing around a decade ago. They were similar to the ones you find in the office of a CEO, so you can imagine how comfy they are. Since I stayed inside one of their offices and not in the common area, my introvert self was gloating. The air-conditioning was also set at the right temperature. Not too cold nor too hot. While I can stand the cold better than some people I know, it is quite disconcerting when the air-conditioning is set to full blast and you have to visit the bathroom every now and then. You may even find yourself involuntarily shivering from the cold.

Meeting room with a view (Image: OpenMind Co-Working Cebu Facebook Page)

The hominess of the place is also noticeable among the people working at the place. The nice lady at the reception area was quite polite and is ready to answer any questions you may have (I did not have many questions since I had a deadline to meet). And another plus for the place is they are open 24/7, but the rates for the day and night shift are different (I’ll deal with this later).

Internet Connection

Co-working zones normally boast of fast internet connection, and OpenMind does not disappoint. While I only checked the speed once, it did show a download speed of 49.43 mbps and an upload speed of 43.65 mbps. While there were only a few people at the place, I’m guessing this speed would still be suitable for the needs of many freelancers.

Look at that Internet Connection

Outlets

When it comes to the number of outlets, co-working zones also provide as many as they can. It is usually equal to the number of seats they have available at the place. For OpenMind, I was accommodated in an office of sorts. And it did have a good number of connections on an extension cord on the table. Judging from the size of the table and the number of outlets, it can accommodate everyone seated on the table. In addition, there were also several outlets in the common area of the place.

Outlets for everyone (Image: OpenMind Co-Working Cebu Facebook Page)

Location

OpenMind CoWorking Space is located on the ninth floor of the Mabuhay IT Tower. If you have no idea where the Mabuhay IT Tower is located, it’s the new building across Kentucky Fried Chicken at the Cebu IT Park. It’s the building where the new BPI branch close to The Walk is located. And if you are unsure on which floor OpenMind is located, you can ask the guard stationed at the lobby. The guard at that time was quite helpful and polite. While the place does not have a sign on the door, it is quite easy to find it on the ninth floor since there are only two other companies on the same floor. Or you can simply turn right after you step off the elevator.

OpenMind Co-Working Cebu (Image: OpenMind Co-Working Cebu Facebook Page)

Rates

The rates at OpenMind are quite reasonable since you get fast internet, great ambiance, and a couple of freebies. The rates at OpenMind CoWorking Space are as follows:

Private Room (Good for eight) – PhP80,000 per month

• Inclusions: 24/7 access, 200 free pages of printing per month, locker, free coffee, water, and tea.

Designated Desk – PhP9,000 per month

• Inclusions: 24/7 access, 200 free pages of printing per month, locker, free coffee, water, and tea.

Day Shift Membership (8:00 AM to 10:00 PM) –PhP500

• Inclusions: locker, free coffee, water, and tea.

Night Shift Membership (10:00 PM to 8:00 AM) –PhP400

• Inclusions: locker, free coffee, water, and tea.

Customer service

Similar to all co-working zones I visited, the lady at the reception area was quite nice and appeared ready to answer any questions I had. In fact, when I was inside the room where I was working, she would knock on the door before entering, which is a practice that seems lost to some people these days.

OpenMind Co-Working Cebu (Image: OpenMind Co-Working Cebu Facebook Page)

All in all, my experience at OpenMind CoWorking Space was quite pleasant and it is now on the top of my list of places to go when I have a deadline to meet in the middle of the night. I’ll probably visit the place in the morning shift to check out the place when people would come in for work.

Open Your Mind to OpenMind CoWorking Space

While I was not able to ask, I think the place is open all the time as shown on their Facebook Page. So, if you have something to work on and you have no place to go, OpenMind CoWorking Space is a good option if you are in the Cebu IT Park area.

Why Did I Become An Online Freelance Worker?

It’s nearly eight years since I started working as an online freelance worker. Back then, online freelance work was something nobody knew about. In fact, I was only introduced to the industry through sheer luck. I was at home channel surfing when I came upon an interview of a lady about her job as an online freelance worker. The interview was shown on a relatively new channel, QTV. The lady was working as an SEO specialist. During the interview, she mentioned oDesk (Upwork today). She was giving all the benefits of working online, which piqued my interest. She said she can basically work anywhere in the world as long as there was an internet connection. I immediately checked the website and signed up for an account.

Upwork

First Steps

When I signed up for an account on Odesk, I actually had some grand ideas of being able to work on a beach somewhere in Palawan. If truth be told, I actually considered giving my resignation letter the day after I signed up. It was June when I signed up, and I immediately checked the website for jobs I thought I could do. I also took some of the tests on the website to build up my profile. But, all my dreams of working anywhere in the world suddenly came to a halt. I woke up to reality. 

Jobs on oDesk

After sending in one application after another, nothing seemed to happen. During this time I actually started to become pessimistic about the whole online job thing. It was on my tenth unanswered application when I started to think that an online job was not for me. None of my applications were answered. But, since I was still employed I continued to send in applications to jobs I thought I could do. In fact, I even sent applications to jobs I had no idea about. Since I was a teacher and research was part and parcel of my work, most of the jobs I applied for were research jobs. Researching about businesses, looking for contact information of companies, and even looking for quotes about relationships, I applied for all these jobs. But, none of the clients responded to my applications.

Looking for work on oDesk

First Break

My first break came in October. It was for a job that required me to research products on eBay. Since I had no idea about the job, I researched (something I was good at). It was my 40th . . . you read that right . . . my fortieth application. The client responded and gave me a simple test. Initially, I told the client that I actually had no idea on how to do the job. Lucky for me, the client was kind enough to give me the basic steps in performing the job. So, when he hired me for the job, I tried my best to do the job right. In fact, I researched more on how I can do the job better. In the end, the client was very impressed with my work that he even asked me how I was able to find the products he needed for his site. He was so impressed that he even told me that he would recommend me to anyone looking for someone to work on a similar project. After that, I was able to make my mark as an online freelance worker and it became relatively easy for me to find jobs on Odesk.

Client Feedback

Reasons for Becoming an OFW

Three years after finding my first online job, I resigned from my work as a teacher. When I resigned, I already had a 16-year teaching experience under my belt. In fact, a number of people asked me why I was resigning. While I told them that I was looking for newer opportunities, there were actually some other reasons for my decision in becoming an online freelance worker or an OFW in the Philippines.

Online Work

Less Office Politics

As an online freelance worker, you basically work on your own. It is similar to working as a contractor where you are paid on a per-project basis. In a way, you have no boss or colleagues to deal with. You do not have to deal with people who are envious of the things you are able to accomplish or how you do your work. As an online freelance worker, you only have to make sure you produce the results your clients want. You do not have to contend with a nosy co-worker who wants to know everything you are doing. You also do not have to cope with a boss who says one thing and does something else. It will not be necessary for you to walk on eggs while trying to please everyone else other than your client. You essentially do not have to deal with office politics since you are working on your own. The only person you have to please is your client. This makes things a whole lot easier.

Bossy Bosses

Time Flexibility

Another reason why I decided to become an online freelance worker is that I own my time. While many online freelance workers look for work similar to what they used to do, I look for projects that offer flexibility when it comes to my time. I wanted to work at my own pace. Due to this, many of my jobs are on a per-project basis. While this situation may have some risks, I always make sure the jobs I apply for were posted by clients with good reputations. One of the first things I look for on oDesk or Upwork is a verified client account. If the client does not have a verified account, I do not apply for the job. If in case the client invites me for a job, I immediately decline the interview. As far as I can recall, I have never applied for or accepted an interview invitation from a client who did not have a verified account.

Time Flexibility

Work Anywhere

Working online allows me to work basically anywhere with an internet connection. I have probably worked in nearly all coffee shops in the Queen City of the South. I have also worked in restaurants and bars offering free internet. While there were instances when I worked in places without internet connections, these are rare. In fact, I am currently writing this post in a restaurant at the IT Park without Wi-Fi. Working online essentially allows me to work anywhere in the world. I have also worked in co-working zones. I have worked in a beach resort. I have worked while riding a bus to a place I wanted to visit. So, online freelance work has allowed me to work just about anywhere.

Co-Working Zone

These are just three of the reasons why I became an online freelance worker. Some people also work online since it gives them the opportunity to spend time with their family while earning. Since I do not have my own family, I did not include this as one of my reasons for becoming an online freelance worker. 

What about you? What are your reasons for becoming an online freelance worker? Tell me about it on the comments section below.

Coffee Shop Reviews: Tom N Tom’s Coffee

While checking my Twitter account, I saw a tweet of a former student showing he was at a coffee shop in the Mabolo area. I immediately asked him about the place. Well, I actually asked just two questions online freelance workers can relate to: How was their internet connection and do they have outlets at the coffee shop. My former student tweeted back that they had a lot of outlets, but he did not use their internet. So, I thought to myself, I should try the place out.

Image Credits: Tom N Tom’s Coffee Facebook Page

The Place

The coffee place in question is Tom N Tom’s Coffee at The Greenery. When the place opened around a year ago, I used to hear its ad over the radio. While I thought about checking the place out at that time, I did not really get to bring myself there. Probably because it was somewhat out of the way for me. But, I finally decided to go to the place after checking out a hole-in-the-wall place in the Lahug area.

Image Credits: Tom N Tom’s Coffee Facebook Page

Tom N Tom’s Coffee is a coffee shop right along Archbishop Reyes Avenue. It is open 24/7, so if you need to work on something just before the sun rises over the east, it is one place you can visit. The air-conditioning of the place is just right. It is cold enough for me, but not too cold that I would need to go to the comfort room every so often. They also have a second floor dining area where you can opt to stay if you want to people-watch. 

Image Credits: Tom N Tom’s Coffee Facebook Page

Internet connection

When I arrived at Tom N Tom’s Coffee, the first question I asked was where their outlets were located (typical freelancer question). After the barista pointed out the location of the outlet, I then asked if they had free internet (another typical freelancer question). The barista answered yes. So, I tried out the place. Similar to Bo’s Coffee, Tom N Tom’s Coffee limits internet use to two hours for each purchase of their product. But, it may be necessary for them to make it possible for their customers to know how much time they have left since the log-in page immediately disappears once you connect to their network. 

Image Credits: Tom N Tom’s Coffee Facebook Page

The internet was actually good. But, there were some instances when it would slow down, which is understandable especially when a lot of people are using their network.  Good thing I always bring my back-up. So, by the time my two hour allotment was used up, I immediately took it out and continued working. Due to this, it is always advisable to bring a back up. You can either get a Smart Bro ZTE Pocket Wi-Fi or the Globe Tattoo 4G Superstick Wireless Broadband. You may also want to get this bundled deal with the Huawei Pocket Wifi.

Image Credits: Lazada website

Power Outlets

When my former student tweeted that Tom N Tom’s Coffee had a good number of outlets, I thought it was like the WorkPlace Café or Coffee Bean $cent where you can find outlets in nearly all corners of the place. But, when I went there, I did not immediately see the outlets. It was only after I asked where the outlets were located when I found one. Well, the place does have outlets, but I only saw two or three. It may be possible the outlets were hidden or something. The power outlet I used was actually an extension cord place on their display rack. If you plan on working there, it would be good to go there early so you can find the most strategic position at the place.

Image Credits: Tom N Tom’s Coffee Facebook Page

The Location

Tom N Tom’s Coffee is located at The Greenery along Archbishop Reyes Avenue. If you are coming from the north, you can hop on a jeepney going to the Mabolo Church area. Once you reach Mabolo Church, get on a jeepney marked 04L or the one headed for Cebu IT Park. Just tell the driver to let you off at The Greenery. You can already see Tom N Tom’s Coffee once you get off the jeepney. 

Image Credits: Tom N Tom’s Coffee Facebook Page

For those coming in from the south, you can get on a jeepney headed for Apas, Cebu or the ones marked 17B, 17C and 17D. You can get off at the corner after The Walk and start hiking to the Mabolo area along Archbishop Reyes Ave. It’s probably a kilometer or two away from this point.  If you are coming from the Ayala Center Cebu, you can get on the jeepney plying the Ayala – Lahug route or the one marked 04M. You can get off near the corner under the flyover. From here, you can hike towards Mabolo along Archbishop Reyes Avenue. The place is located on the left side of the road.

Image Credits: Tom N Tom’s Coffee Facebook Page

For me, Tom N Tom’s Coffee is somewhat out of the way since the fastest way for me to reach the place is to hike a bit before getting there (which may actually be good for my health since I get a good exercise on the way to the coffee shop). But, if I go the long way around, I won’t have to hike at all.

Image Credits: Tom N Tom’s Coffee Facebook Page

The Food

When I went to Tom N Tom’s Coffee, I did not order their food since I just came from a hole-in-the-wall eating place close to the IT Park. But, after checking their menu, there were some items that I may try if I ever get myself to take that long walk or long ride to get to the place. I might try their Breakfast Bagel and their Italiano Pretzel. 

Image Credits: Tom N Tom’s Coffee Facebook Page

Prices at Tom N Tom’s Coffee are similar to the prices at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. The large Mocha TomNccino I bought was PHP175. While it is PHP10 cheaper than a similar product offered at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, the other products at Tom N Tom’s had the same price as the ones offered at the said coffee shop. The process for their other drinks range from PHP 115 for the Tall Americano up to PHP190 Green Tea TomNCcino. On the other hand, their food items cost between PHP100 for the Plain Pretzel and PHP365 for the Garlic Butter Bread. 

Image Credits: Tom N Tom’s Coffee Facebook Page

I did not notice any other sandwiches aside from their bagels on the menu nor pasta items, which are offered in some other coffee shops in the city. They do have a good selection of cakes and pastries that go well with coffee.

Image Credits: Tom N Tom’s Coffee Facebook Page

Customer service

When it comes to customer service, I liked the way they greet their customers as well as their jovial disposition. In fact, they were smiling all throughout the ordering process. I am hoping they will continue this level of customer service even after they already have a number of years under its belt. But, as of the moment, it’s probably one of the places where their baristas are all in high spirits. 

Image Credits: Tom N Tom’s Coffee Facebook Page

To sum it up, I like the internet connection of Tom N Tom’s Coffee. It was quite fast compared to some other coffee shops I tried in the city. While I only ordered their Mocha TomNccino, it was still good. It was comparable to the Ice-Blended Mocha of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and the Mocha Froccino of Bo’s Coffee. They may have to add more food items on their menu if they want to attract more people into the place.  But, since it is a coffee shop, you would not expect them to do so. Their menu items actually go well with their drinks. Overall, I would consider Tom N Tom’s Coffee as one of the places I would visit if I ever needed to work late at night or before dawn breaks over the horizon.

Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal experience. If you have any comments, suggestions and not-so-violent reactions, please sit down and gather your thoughts before writing them down and editing them on the comment box below. Rocks, rocks in the heavens, whoever gets angry will have Mr. Murphy to deal with.

10 Ways To Increase Productivity

While online freelance workers earn more than office-based employees, we do not receive the same benefits normally offered by their employer. Due to this, it is important for us to be more productive while working to make sure we do not experience any issues during lean months. The following are ten things you can do to increase productivity and save enough for the rainy days.

1. Monitor the time to do tasks

Increase Productivity – image credits: pixabay.com

This is one very important thing for you to do as an online freelance worker.  There are instances when we would end up concentrating on one task to much that we forego other tasks. While the easiest way to do this is to simply glance on the clock on your laptop or monitor, you can also use online apps to track the time you spend on each task. Using these tools allow you to monitor the time you spend working on your project as well as the time you spend on social media.

2. Follow a 90-minute work schedule

Elite athletes who followed 90-minute training schedules have greater productivity compared to those who work for more than 90 minutes at a time. The same goes with musicians who practice the 90-minute work schedule. This is based on studies conducted by the University of Florida researchers. The same study showed that those who limited their work to four and a half hours performed better than those who worked at longer periods. 

Follow a schedule – image credits: pixabay.com

While the last point may not be quite applicable to online freelance workers, particularly to newbies, the 90-minute work schedule allow you to take a break and relax for a while. You can actually see a similar schedule when you go to school where breaks are scheduled in the morning before students take their lunch. The same thing goes with BPO workers who are normally given two 15-minute breaks aside from their one hour lunch break.  You can do something similar so you will not experience a burn out.

3. Take a break

Have a Kitkat– image credits: KitKat Facebook Page

This point is connected with the previous point. Taking a break is important for online freelance workers so we can maintain our sanity or something to that effect. Taking a break also enhances concentration. Studies have shown that short breaks during long tasks also ensure you will maintain a certain level of performance.  On the other hand, when you work on difficult tasks without taking a break, you will end up with a lower performance level. Due to this, have a break have a KitKat.

4. Exercise often

Studies have shown that exercising helps keep your brain healthy. A study conducted by Dr. Alex Dregan of King's College London showed “exercise represents a key component of lifestyle interventions to prevent cognitive decline.”  The study was published on the Psychological Medicine journal. A similar study published on the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine also showed that exercise also improves productivity. 

Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical – image credits: amazon.com

So, aside from keeping yourself physically healthy, you also become more productive when you exercise. While this is one of the things online freelance workers fail to do regularly, you should set a schedule for you to exercise. It may be as simple as taking a walk in the park or getting your own exercise equipment. You can get an exercise ball or a simple jump rope. If you want to get a better work, you can get an Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical. 

5. Set your own deadlines

While working as an online freelance worker, I normally work at my own pace. While my clients set a deadline for the projects, I make my own deadlines that are normally earlier than the ones set by my clients. This allows me to manage my stress levels since I can focus on the project and work towards accomplishing my goals.

Increase Productivity – image credits: pixabay.com

You can do the same for open-ended projects or project-based work. While you make your own deadlines, it is important for you to stick to them. Avoid procrastinating. You may even surprise yourself and end up being more focused on your work. You may also accomplish more work than the time when you did not have your own deadline. It all boils down to time management

6. Be proactive rather than reactive

Schedule Emails – image credits: courtesy of Peter Parcon

Since you are already setting your own deadlines, you can now plan the things you need to do during the day. You should make a schedule and stick to it. Schedule the time you will check your email or answer interview invitations on online job sites.  You should not let these tasks determine the work you have to do during the day. This way, you will end up nipping any possible issues in the bud and increase productivity.

7. Reduce interruptions

Many online freelance workers work at home. Due to this, family and friends normally know where to look for them. When they drop by unannounced, you may end up with a messed up work pattern. Even as this may not be an issue if you have your own schedule, it may cause your productivity level to go down. To avoid this, you can tell your family and friends not to disturb you during certain hours unless it’s a matter of life or death. 

At The WorkPlace Café – image credits: courtesy of Peter Parcon

While I do not usually have this problem since I work in a coffee shop or at the WorkPlace Café, there are instances when a former colleague or former student (yes, I used to be a teacher) would suddenly show up at the place. In these instances, I normally stop working for a while to chat with them, especially if I haven’t seen them for a very long time. But, they would normally get the hint, especially when I tell them “I work anywhere as long as they have a power outlet and good internet connection. In fact, I’m working on a project right now.” But, this rarely happens since I normally work in different coffee shops during the week.

8. Turn off notifications

Close Social Media – image credits: courtesy of Peter Parcon

One way for you to reduce interruptions is to turn off notifications. You can close your social media accounts, unless you are using it for the project. Close any tabs not related to your work. Log out of your email and set your phone on silent mode. This way, interruptions will be kept to a minimum. 

9. Have something nice to look at

Put Flowers On The Table – image credits: pixabay.com

Studies have shown that when you have something nice to look at, your productivity level goes up. Aesthetically pleasing sights can increase productivity by 15 percent, so it may be a good idea to decorate your workspace. You can set up some plants or a flower vase on your table. You can also put a picture that brings a smile on your face whenever you look at it. 

10. No one is perfect

As an introvert, I have the tendency to expect my work to be perfect. But, in recent years, I learned that not all tasks are perfect since nothing is really ever perfect. Instead, you should work to the best of your capabilities. This way you will not short-change your clients. If you aim for perfection all the time, you will end up focusing on a single task and sacrifice other tasks that you need to accomplish. But, you should also not turn in mediocre work. You should strive to give your best in the work you do to ensure your client will give you two thumbs up for it.

Top Rated Freelancer – image credits: courtesy of Peter Parcon

While being productive may require you to put in more hours at work, you can also be productive by working smart. Going through the suggestions above will allow you to work smart and increase your productivity as an online freelance worker.