Freelancers A to Z #030 Five Things to Know before Starting Your Freelancer Life
Freelancers A to Z is a series of roundup posts with captivating curated blog posts, podcasts and articles.
My purpose is to give you as a freelancer a place where you can find support and help with productivity, motivation and time management issues. Here you will find simple yet powerful hacks to improve your productivity and boost your freelance business instantly.
Are you ready?
Freelancing is the new black as more and more people are leaving their office jobs to work from their house.
But in order to get work, there is a lot to be done. It takes full dedication, patience, and skills to achieve gigs and projects.
You have to continuously fight for financial freedom and work. Many people become successful freelancers after years of learning everything.
If you think you have that stamina and will to fight in you, then welcome to the liberating world of freelancing.
There are many crucial aspects to understand and learn before you get the gist of working virtually.
If you are confused or frustrated about where to start, read on below to learn important tips.
1
Why You Should Say No as a Freelancer
Being a freelancer, we are constantly stumbling on new projects by interacting with different clients. But is it possible for all the projects to be good for you?
Absolutely not. However, most freelancers tend to agree to whatever projects they get their hands on without thinking that it might be a bad fit for them.
This is a destructive behavior that needs to be addressed. So, how should a freelancer decline a job opportunity?
Firstly, you need to think critically so that you can instantly know when to say no. This useful article explains the importance of saying that word.
It also lays down four important factors to consider before forming a decision.
These factors are the time required for the project, budget, and values. The project should also align with your level of expertise.
After going over these factors, you will determine whether the task is good or bad for you. In case it doesn't resonate with you, the article guides you on how to decline.
It even shares a sample email for you to understand how to politely and assertively decline. Remember that you can be a hungry freelancer but still have boundaries.
Continue saying no until you get a perfect opportunity for yourself.
2
What to Ask Your Potential Client Before Starting a Project with Them
Considering how diverse the freelancing world has become, there are a big number of clients hunting for freelancers, as there are freelancers searching for work.
Both have to be careful and introspective before deciding to work together.
This is a tricky part that requires attention and skill because oftentimes, freelancers have no idea how to make sure if a specific client is a good fit for them.
If you can relate to this situation, this article is for you! It is a persuasive guide that shares 9 questions you should be asking your potential clients.
These questions are subtle yet powerful. By asking these, a freelancer can easily know if the client is legit and if the work aligns with them.
Most importantly, you will discover the outcome, timeline, responsibility, and cause of initiation of the project.
These are the details that clients hardly share and by asking, you will feel empowered.
Afterward, the article shares 3 questions that freelancers should never ask from their clients.
These questions are useless and cast a poor impression on you. For instance, the scope and what the client requires.
Asking such baseless questions will only waste time and provide distractions.
Lastly, the article explains why asking the right questions is advantageous to both you and your potential client.
3
Top Tips on How Feedback from Clients Can Improve Your Freelance Business
Similar to all other professions, freelancers are given feedback. Constructive criticism is not easy to hear but it is essential for our growth.
Believe it or not, there are some manners about receiving feedback from someone as well.
Most freelancers are not aware of this but it is important to learn in order to improve.
This article is helpful for those freelancers who desire constant feedback on their work or those who want to learn how to absorb feedback.
In five simple and easy-to-follow steps, the article makes you learn how to channel all the feedback your way.
It advises that you should boldly ask the client what they think regarding your work and that too on a call.
This is because if you want explicit feedback, it won't be available in emails. And lastly, do not just take the feedback and end it there.
Actually hear what they have to say, your strengths, and where you can improve. Work on your shortcomings to evolve better as a freelancer.
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4
How to Make Your Freelance Business a Consistent Stream of New Gigs
Since freelancing is not an office job, there are times when you will be flooded with work and there are times when you have no work.
In simple words, there will be both feast or famine. No matter how talented or high-rated freelancer you may be, you are bound to get low or no amount of work.
This is not a reflection of your abilities. It's a natural part of the freelancing world but many do not like this aspect.
If you want to catch consistent or even monthly gigs, this article is for you.
It is a short but useful article that shares four ways of scoring consistent work during the famine season of freelancing.
The first one talks about acing the assigned trial task so that the client is impressed.
Secondly, the article disapproves of one-time projects as they are not that helpful when you want a long-term work relationship.
Stop wasting time on one-time gigs and be on the lookout for a long contract.
Thirdly, think about what other services you can provide to your clients which are related to your profession.
For instance, if you're a writer, you can offer editing or being a virtual assistant for them.
Moreover, you can come up with a monthly maintenance program to assist current or potential clients.
Lastly, remember to send follow-ups to the clients you worked with within the past.
Shoot them an email and let them know your other skills or services which might be useful for them.
You can also request them to refer you to any of their contacts needing similar services.
5
How To Stay Relevant on the Market as a Freelancer?
With so much competition out there, it is highly important to constantly practice your skills or even learn new ones so that you can stand out among the rest of the freelancers.
If you are an old freelancer, chances are your skills might need an update.
But if you are too lazy or simply do not know the best way to update them, you should read this insightful blog.
It offers 7 important ways with "actionable steps" and pointers in each one of them. This is a very practical and effective guide to get you in the skills zone.
It shares different platforms which are ideal for mastering or updating skills such as Massive Open Online Courses.
The telecommute toolkit of Virtual Vocations is suggested in the blog as well which is perfect for soaking new information or shining existing skills.
The other ways do not include similar resources but actions that are equally brilliant.
These are reading, learning skills outside of your expertise, working for some certifications, trying challenging projects, and expanding your network.
The importance of all these ways along with steps to implement them is extremely helpful.
Whether you are a seasoned freelancer or a newcomer in this field, you will learn so much from this blog.
6
All work and no play…
The last thing I would like to share with you is music. It has a special place in my life. For that reason I listen to music when I work. Hoverer, as some of you already know, it’s also because I want to cut off the noise caused by my neighbors.
This week some calm sounds to chill in these crazy times. Enjoy!
Last but not least: in the next issue your playlist can appear in this place. So leave in comments your favourite music that you love to listen when you work.
One last thing
In the comments below let me know what do you think about this issue of Freelancers A to Z. Tell me what do you like, what is not so good, what do you want more of. I need to know everything.
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The next issue will be available in two weeks.
Take care and have a nice time
Mariusz from the Time Continuum App