Want all the freelance work you can handle? It's simply a matter of getting the right systems in place. Discover five things you must do NOW, for a great 2009 in freelance writing, designing, developing -- or any other freelance career.

Freelancing used to be thought of as the way you passed the time between real jobs, but not any more. Professional freelancers expect their income to exceed six figures: you can make much more freelancing than you can at a day job. However, you need systems, and a professional attitude.

Essentially: realize you're running a business. Get help. Outsource as much as you can, once you're established.

1. Put Your Marketing System in Place

Running a successful freelance business starts and ends with marketing. It's a must; it's not optional. If your marketing skills are shaky, realize that it's costing you tens of thousands of dollars in lost income each year.

Learn the skills of marketing and promotion; they're vital. If you know what marketing entails -- do it! The marketing you do today has a big impact on your income next month, and in all the months to come.

2. Raise Your Rates and Cull Your Clients -- It's a Matter of Survival

Raise your rates: NOW. You should do it once each year. This is the time to take a cold, hard look at your clients. Fire slow-payers, and high-maintenance clients, but do it kindly and professionally. The time you spend on these clients is time you could be spending marketing to attract great clients.

3. Set Goals With Deadlines, then Create Daily Must-Do Tasks, and Do Them

You do set goals, don't you? Set or review your goals right now. (Yes, now.)

4. Improve Your Skills: Take Time to Study Every Week

Studying new skills means you can target new markets. If you're a full time freelancer, spend an hour a day studying.

5. Use Your Mind: Think! (but Not in the Way You Usually "Think")

Clement Stone, in his book "Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude" popularized the term: "sitting for ideas". Thomas Edison used this process.

Basically, it's a form of meditation. I recommend it to you -- it's fun to do, and it will make your confidence, motivation and inspiration soar, along with your income.