Photo Credit: Erwan Hesry

As a freelancer, sometimes you have to say no.

Austin L. Church
Aug 31, 2018 · 2 min read

First things first: I’m sure we can agree that when you’re looking for freelance work, it’s always a good idea to expand your offerings.

Fortunately, there are a million blog posts out there that can teach you about the finer points of various types of freelance work. You don’t have to wait until you’re an “expert” before you can sell a video script or logo.

With that said, I would recommend against accepting a project where you don’t have a high degree of confidence that you have what it takes to make the client look good and truly serve their goals.

You can’t build a freelance business using dodgy technique and hoping for the best.

We all have to start somewhere, without credentials and qualifications, but then we have to hustle until we’re really good.

So say no unless you can deliver real quality.

I take that back.

Say “No, but I know someone who can do a great job with your direct mail campaign. I’ll introduce the two of you over email this afternoon.”

You may miss out on the one project, but you will teach the client that you put her interests before your own. She will want to give you first right of refusal.

Now, the good news:

What you don’t know already is easy to learn.

Think over your list of offerings. Did you fudge anywhere? Can you identify any gaps in your knowledge or skills? Pick one, do some Google searches, assemble some resources, and create a training regimen for yourself.

And don’t miss this great opportunity to improve your freelance business today.

You want to grow your career, right? Of course you do. That’s why you should get my guide, “Get Better Freelance Clients.”

It’s got a 29-day action plan that will tell you exactly what to do, step by step.

I gathered up all of the strategies and tactics that helped me ramp up my freelance business and consistently earn $100,000+.

→ Then, I organized them all in roughly chronological order.

→ Then, I added clear instructions for each step.

→ Then, I added templates and other resources so that there’s zero guesswork.

When life is crazy — my wife and I have three kids, so yeah — you may realistically only be able to work on your business, not in your business, about 15 minutes per day.

You must make the most of that business development and marketing time!

So the key is focusing on what you can do (not on what you can’t) and finishing one small, specific action each day.

Today, that one specific action is getting Get Better Freelance Clients — 29-Day Action Plan.

Get the guide. →

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Austin L. Church

Written by

Husband & Father. Writer & Freelance Coach @ AustinLChurch.com. Brand Strategist @ Balernum.com. Love Jesus, Megan, Salem, Theo, Ellis & you. You’re ready. Go!

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