Freelancers! Don’t Do These When Opportunities Comes Knocking!
Things are hard right now but when you get an opportunity, don’t do these things! There are many out there who would kill for your chance!
“Will companies hire more freelancers post-COVID-19? (Given that work from home is becoming the norm)”
This was the question of the poll I conducted a few days back.
81% of them chose, “Yes, it’s possible,” and 8% answered that it’s possible only for a long-term commitment. Among those who voted yes, more a quarter of them are business owners, recruiters, or in-house employees.
Let’s be honest. Not all companies are going to start hiring more freelancers. Some will go back to exactly how the things were; some may make some adjustments to their in-house team and some may go out on a limb and take the plunge: hiring freelancers.
So, what can we, as freelancers, do when the opportunity comes knocking at our door?
4 Things You Shouldn’t Do When the Opportunity Comes Knocking
The behaviour of a single freelancer can influence the opinion on the entire community. We have all seen it before and we will probably see more in the future too. When a company is ready to finally give a chance to a freelancer, a few bad instances may drive them away — not just from that freelancer, but from all.
I have talked to many business owners and most of the times, they talk about a bad instance with a freelancer. They don’t forget it that easily and this will reflect poorly on the others.
Though you are working alone, remember that you are representing the entire community.
I’m not talking about the skills. It’s up to the company to test and hire the best. I’m talking about the approach, behaviour, style and response.
Don’t Promise for Long-Term Commitments if You Can’t
Don’t fake it you aren’t interested in long-term commitment!
Many companies want freelancers who can work for the long term. They don’t want to go around searching for a freelancer every few months. This is one of the strong reasons why many are ‘afraid’ to hire freelancers.
I have had clients who used to ask me multiple times and confirm if I can see us working together for the next year or so. I can sense the desperation in their voices when they ask me again and again. They need reassurance that you won’t leave them without a word in a few weeks after starting the work.
Long-term commitments are good for us too! Embrace it, if you can!
Not Ready for Long-Term Commitments? Make It Clear from the First Day.
Misleading your client isn’t a good way to start a new project. You don’t want to leave them high and dry when they were having plans of working with you for the subsequent projects.
Most clients who are looking for long-term work will ask you outright. This is the chance to be clear about where you stand.
Don’t Spring Up Sudden Increase in Rates (Especially Within a Few Weeks of Getting a Project)
You have decided to increase the rates for all your clients from a few months from now. Good for you!
But did you think about informing that new client who is hiring you? The client hires you based on your rates and how it fits in their budget. So, when you suddenly spring them up with the news about your increased rates within the first few weeks, it isn’t going to end well. There are only ways in such a situation:
- The client struggles to accommodate your new rates all the while angry at you. They may even budge and say ‘yes’ to your new rates. But deep down, they won’t ever forget it. When the chance comes to hire a new freelancer or an employee, they will jump at it and ditch you.
- Else, the client can drop you immediately. Because they can’t afford your new rates or because they don’t like the fact that they were ambushed about it. Either way, you lose.
So, if you have plans of changing the rates, within the next 6 months, inform the client when they hire to avoid such awkward and risky situations.
Don’t Be Rude
Let’s say that a company is approaching you to hire. You don’t want to take them for a number of reasons. It’s completely at your discretion. But what you can do is to answer them politely.
Some don’t even bother to reply to the person if they aren’t interested or act rude. Even when they act rude, the professional way is to politely get your point across.
Don’t Be Disconnected
Don’t just do and work and dust it off. Collaborate with the in-house team and have a decent rapport them. Show them that they have made the right decision by hiring you. Even though you work away from the team, stay connected. Ask about the progress, results, their thoughts and so on.
If you are in the same city, pop in for a face to face chat once in a few months. Human contact can do wonders to create a relationship.
Practising these few things isn’t that hard. It allows you to stay professional, create goodwill among the clients and will increase your value too.
Have any more don’ts for freelancers? Please share in the comments.
Previously published on LinkedIn