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Being your own boss may seem like a dream come true. You do not have a pushy boss looming over you, and you are the master of your time. However, there are various aspects of freelancing that can make things go south in the blink of an eye. To prevent this scenario, you need to constantly strive to work better and tackle mundane tasks that bring you closer to that goal. In other words, if you really mean business and want to spur professional growth, you must refine the work process and go the extra mile. Here are some pro insights that should help you get on the fast tracks to success.
1. Learn to say no
Many freelancers are afraid to say no. Some do not want to disappoint their clients, while others need every dollar they can earn. Well, we all want to satisfy people with our work, yet some gigs are simply not worth it. I am talking about the tasks that are too difficult and require you to go out of your way. They induce a great amount of stress and take much longer to complete. So, unless they are paid incredibly well, you should not hesitate to turn them down. You must have your best interest in mind at all times and avoid a strenuous load whenever you can.
2. Set business goals
Goals are a guiding light for any type of business. Every freelancer seeks lucrative gigs, but not everyone is committed to building a solid client base. Loyal clients are a fantastic source of income and they tend to keep coming back. They are also less likely to stiff you even when you do not ask for a down-payment. Therefore, acquiring them should be one of the chief long-term goals. Another key business goal should be to build a personal brand and become a synonym for quality. Good work speaks for itself, but a bit of marketing always helps.
3. Mind your habits
Just because you work from home or remotely from other locations does not mean you should ditch good work habits. A structured workday is the key to achieving productivity and getting the tasks done. Getting up at the same time every day and having a dedicated workspace are things that help a great deal. In a sense, you have to treat freelancing like every other job, just with more flexibility involved. Thus, create monthly and weekly to-do lists. Use short-term goals as stepping stones towards accomplishing something bigger. Stay focused.
4. Know your numbers
Every freelancer must play the numbers game. Namely, to figure out how you are doing, put it in writing. Keep track of your monthly and yearly revenue and performance indicators in the digital realm, such as site visitors and conversion rates. Do not fret if you notice any problems. You can always step up your freelancing efforts. Alternatively, bear in mind that there are many ways to make money online and patch up holes in your income stream. Explore them to break the regular routine and obtain some extra income.
5. Be transparent and honest
Good and open communication lays the foundations for fruitful business relationships. It fosters trust and confidence on both ends. As a freelancer, you are the face of your business and the only one responsible for your reputation. Therefore, do not hide behind a digital facade. Uphold principles of open and transparent communication. Explain honestly and in detail how you work and what clients can expect. Voice any concerns rather than misleading others. All these steps help alleviate fear and insecurity many clients feel when hiring freelancers.
6. Always on the lookout
The importance of always looking for job opportunities cannot be stressed enough. This activity should be seen as extra work that needs to be performed almost on a daily basis. It allows freelancers to avoid dry periods and also find better-paying clients. Most self-employed people should register on as many websites as they can in order to maximise the chances of landing projects. At the same time, it is a good idea to do the homework and get to know different rules and regulations of these freelance hubs. Finally, make sure to showcase your portfolio and highlight your specialised skills.
7. Make good use of contracts
One of the rules that often get overlooked is having clients sign a contract. This way, you can define basic terms such as payments, deadlines, and rights of termination. This document can also cover plagiarism, proprietary information, ownership, later use of work, etc. It protects you from fraudulent behaviour and informs clients of how you work and what your expectations are. Just do not get caught up in details and clauses and waste the time you could be spending better. You can take a look at freelance contract templates to get a better idea of what you should aim for.
The ball is in your court
Freelancing is an increasingly popular career option that offers a set of tempting benefits. It poses a viable strategy to escape the tedious 9-5 loop and climb up the career ladder on your own terms. However, there are certain things you need to do in order to achieve long-term success.
Only you can determine what is right for your freelancing career and do something about it. So, implement small day-to-day changes that make a big difference in the long run. Constantly keep an eye on gigs and opportunities. Find amazing gigs, build a stellar portfolio, and put your name up there. Get ahead of the game in 2018 and beyond.
“The opinions expressed by BizWitty Contributors are their own, not those of BizCover and should not be relied upon in place of appropriate professional advice. Please read our full disclaimer."
