One of my favorite writers, Seth Godin, wrote, A superstition is a compulsion to take an action that has no influence on the desired outcome. we don't want to change our behavior, regardless of how much data we see to support a new and better alternative. It's easier to be superstitious "

Reading that, I realized that in this tricky and, sometimes, disappointing economy, it is important for free agents to do away with their superstitions by becoming more flexible

Let's examine our modus operandi. If you feel that you can handle and also deserve more work, then I suggest it is time to examine what your beliefs and superstitions are. What actions that used to work are no longer working for you and your business? What marketing tools are now a waste of time and money? What would work better? How about an e-newsletter? An article in a magazine or on the Internet? A free workshop given to potential clients? Is there some action you have taken in the past that didn't work then, yet may work now? It may be time to try again. Times have changed.

Is it time to re-examine and upgrade our talents and skills? There are many ways to start changing and growing:

• Join a Toastmasters International group. This incredibly helpful organization offers a platform (usually weekly) where those who wish to improve their speaking skills meet, practice and receive positive help and feedback from others in the group.
• Surf the Internet and sign up for e-newsletters that appear to be helpful. I can barely believe all of the opportunities that abound on the Internet in the way of receiving and sharing helpful information on marketing.
• Sign up for free teleseminars. Many from the Internet community are now offering free teleseminars. All this will cost you is the time and the long distance charge for the time involved.
• Rethink the ways you use or don't use your computer. Are there programs that aren't really helping you and your career any longer? What financial program do you use? What contact management program? Are you wasting a great deal of time on meaningless e-mail? Do you need to add to and/or upgrade your skills?
• Take some new classes. There are classes on the Internet -- some free and some quite reasonably priced. There are also continuing education offerings at local schools and colleges.

Start networking with a new group of people. This is one way to not only improve your communication and people skills, but also a way to find out about other opportunities and good organizations to join.

Volunteer to do some job in your organization where you will either use your strengths and/or learn some new skills. You will also find that the contacts you make here will be invaluable to your career.

There is the one superstition I wont give up. I believe that by being honest, willing to work hard and long, living and working with a sense of urgency, and always doing my best and more than my clients expect, I will always have lots of work -- and I do.