5 great habits freelancers should cultivate — immediately!
The reality is that, in order for you to make a living as a freelancer, you need to be able to adapt to this unique way of working. And while it has its perks, it still comes with challenges that you will have to master in order for it to be a lucrative career path. Here are some good habits to cultivate that will help you to reach your freelancing goals.
1. Market yourself
If people don’t know who you are and what skills you have to offer, they can’t possibly know what they are missing out on. This means getting your name into people’s inboxes, making a few calls and doing a whole lot of networking. It might seem cringe-worthy, but who knows? Your next big client could be one email away!
2. Stay current
Living inside a bubble and not keeping up with what’s going on in the world and, more importantly, your industry is not going to cut it in the freelancing arena. Prospective clients look to hire people who are plugged in and switched on, because staying on top of international trends is how you stay relevant in your field.
3. Be professional
While being personable is a positive attribute, maintaining professionalism will help potential hirers see you as a one-person business rather than *just* a person. Practice good email and phone etiquette, check correspondence for errors, and flash them a smile if meeting face-to-face. If clients are happy with how you conduct business, they are far more likely to recommend you.
4. Get organised
This means everything from keeping a diary to having a designated workspace (no, your bed doesn’t count) that allows for productivity. Experts suggest entering deadlines into your calendar for regular automated reminders. And make sure you allot some time to some much-needed rest and relaxation — balance, after all, is key!
5. Be realistic
Managing the expectations of over-enthusiastic clients can be overwhelming. But it’s important to make sure you don’t over-promise and under-deliver, as this can negatively affect your reputation as a freelancer. Instead, learn how much you are able to deliver in a certain timeframe and budget and relay that to your client upfront so that you are on the same page from day one.
