Freelancer vs. Entrepreneur | Which one are you? by Olivia Dibble
The Hum Stamp of Approval: Liv does incredible marketing and design work at super competitive prices. If you need a logo, a web design, or even a wedding invitation, be sure to check our her site, Lunar Creative Agency.
We probably all know a girl who acts like a new contestant on the Bachelor and says things like, “Hi, my name is Jessica, I’m 24 years old and I’m an entrepreneur,” when in reality, she’s probably selling DIY kitchen décor on Etsy that says “Live, Laugh, Wine.”* Same goes for an “aspiring freelancer.” What really makes an entrepreneur or a freelancer, and what the heck is the difference?
Let’s break it down
A freelancer is someone who receives payment because a job was performed. These jobs can be anything from designing, writing, consulting, dog walking (aka dream job), advising, etc. A freelancer will typically charge an hourly rate for their business and will have minimal to no overhead. Freelancing is truly the easiest way to start your own business.
Entrepreneurs are a different ball game. An entrepreneur uses money (hopefully not their own) to start a business that can fully function with or without them. The whole point of being an entrepreneur is starting a business from scratch and growing it quickly so that it can stand on its own. Being an entrepreneur requires a desire to work quickly, efficiently, and being prepared to do it all over again when another opportunity arises.
Here’s what typically happens
Freelancers think they can take their business and turn it into an entrepreneurial-type business. Finding developers or other freelancers to work for you doesn’t grow your business, it actually slows you down (by taking your time and money). The whole point of being a freelancer is increasing your hourly rate and increasing the number of quality jobs you bring in. You’re not a manager. You’re a freelancer. TREAT YO SELF to a healthy paycheck and consistent clients.
Entrepreneurs think they can fix a job by filling in the gaps with their own work and time. Remember, the whole point of being an entrepreneur is building a business that can function WITHOUT you. If you’re constantly relying on yourself to get the job done, you get stuck working for yourself (and definitely not getting paid enough) because no one else can do what you do.
Here’s how to make it work
If you’re a freelancer, FREELANCE. Don’t try and turn your one-woman (or man, it’s 2017) show into a big business. You’ll lose great clients and money. Focus on what you do best! As you continue to get clients, continue to increase your hourly rate. Take care of your clients and you’ll reap the rewards.
If you’re an entrepreneur, DON’T WORK FOR YOURSELF! Build something that’s bigger than you ever imagined. Make sure the business will still function on Monday without you when you’re too hungover to come in. Finish the job and then start again. Network as much as you can, ask for help when you need it, and learn from your failures.
And for the last bit of info, I leave you with this:
For the love of all things holy, do not call yourself an entrepreneur in your Tinder bio.
Trust me on this one.
No offense to any Jessica that is selling kitchen décor on Etsy.
Olivia Dibble is the owner of Lunar Creative Agency, LLC. She’s strangely obsessed with design, marketing, and photoshopping people’s faces onto Nickelback album covers. Liv hopes to retire at 26 so she can pursue her hobbies in extensive nap-taking, over indulging in semi-nice wine (very different from college wine) and keeping up with the Kardashians full-time. Business inquiries can be sent to olivia.dibble@gmail.com.
