How to manage your freelance business like the pro you are

Windows

As a freelancer, you are a one-(wo)man show and are, in essence, a small business. And, if you don’t manage your business effectively, you could end up ruining your hard-earned reputation and struggle to find the jobs you need in order to live your best, or even most basic, life.

Don’t want this to happen to you? We don’t either! So here are three dos and don’ts of managing your freelance business so that your solopreneur career is a success. You’re welcome!

DO

• Keep track of your time. Make sure that you take note of how long you are working on each project so that you stay in scope and don’t let it consume more time than you are being remunerated for.
• Keep adding to and improving your skillset. In order to stay relevant in an ever-expanding and *very* competitive market, stay in-the-know when it comes to industry trends and take courses to up your knowledge.
• Stash away cash for ‘dry spells’. Sure, you might be earning loads of money now, but if contracts end or clients replace you, you will need to have a reserve of cash on which to live until you start earning again.

DON’T

• Don’t engage in risky business behaviour. Obviously being your own boss is risky in and of itself, but ensuring that you are protected by ensuring that contracts are in place is a must before you commence on any project.
• Don’t misbehave online. This should go without saying, but being outspoken on controversial matters or being a pest on social media is a surefire way to ruin your rep. Consider yourself warned!
• Don’t spend too much time in isolation. Most freelancers work from home, but you need to get out and mingle with industry peers at events or even online so that you can expand your network and, potentially, get even more work.