Freelancers A to Z #031 Five Advices to Build and Grow Your Freelance Business
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?
Working as a freelancer means that you need to take into account different things. It is difficult to juggle and work on different projects at the same time.
You need precision, focus, and a lot of motivation to make sure you reach the top of your game.
As a freelancer, it is also important you are aware of the tips and tricks that can make your freelance business the best that there is.
From knowing how to divide your time to how to deal with client revision, we have it all.
1
How to Improve Your Productivity by Blocking Time?
As a freelancer, managing time and working on tasks is perhaps the most difficult thing to do. Here is what you can do as a freelancer: Time Blocking.
Time blocking is when you organize your time and projects in chunks.
The article states that with proper time blocking, you can reach the pinnacle of productivity.
The first thing that needs to be done, says the blogpost, is to list down the tasks that need to be done and completed.
After this, the article also states that you should create a list of extensive deep work and of shallow work.
Small-scale work can fit in between projects that require more attention and focus.
The article also states that you can estimate the time it takes to complete a task and also create a flexible schedule that would help you complete your project.
In case of a lot of pending projects, the blog suggests outsourcing which would help to lower your burden.
It also states that you can use apps like Pomodoro which helps divide your time into 25 minutes chunks.
Moreover, it is absolutely imperative you make time for yourself, take breaks, learn new things, and catch up with friends. These little yet important aspects can fulfill your work and make you more productive.
2
Must-Have Clauses for Every Freelance Contract
As a freelancer, chances are that you spend a lot of time dealing with different clients.
One thing a freelancer should always have is a contract. This contract ensures security to not just you but the client as well.
There are several important clauses a freelance contract should contain.
The article states that first and foremost, the contract should contain pay rates. Other than that, the article says that you need to also mention the payment schedule and method.
The client should be aware if you charge weekly, monthly, project-based, or at an hourly basis. You may also request for advance payment. Deadlines and timelines also need to be mentioned in the contract, states the article. This would provide the client with the surety that you can deliver it in a certain time span.
Many freelancer complete their work only to face the client’s cancellation. To stay safe from this, the article suggests you install a kill or cancellation fee. That way your end of the job is secured.
Lastly, the article states that your freelance contract should contain a copyright section to ensure that your work is not used anywhere else without permission.
3
Top Tips on How to Balance Your Work-Life and Simplify It
Working as a freelancer from home makes work-life balance a difficult thing to master.
The article suggests different ways you can balance your work-life and simplifying it. Firstly, it states that you need to create your own mini office.
Sure the pros of working as a freelancer means that you can work anywhere you want but a designated mini office can help you separate your work life from your home life.
You also need to develop a work ethic at home where you designate a specific portion of the day for a specific task.
The article says that this helps you to reach your full potential and also mentions that you need to prioritize yourself by not working for free.
A deposit and contract can also help you bring that balance in your work and home life.
Taking these different tips into account you can simplify your freelance work routine and make sure you present the client with the best work.
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4
How to Deal with Client Revisions?
If you are a freelancer, chances are that the client you have to work with has asked you to make a lot of changes and revisions.
Some take it too far but mostly request a maximum of 2 revisions.
Dealing with client revisions requires a lot of mental strength and this article lists down several things you need to take care of.
First and foremost, the article suggests to not take the revision request personally.
This is a part of the job requirement and ensures the client of your professionalism.
Before you start with the revision, it is important to go-through your work, says the article, and list down the issues.
That way, if you come across any confusion, you can contact the client. Thirdly, the blog makes notes of actually applying the revisions.
When applying the revisions you can take into account the client’s need and want.
Lastly, after you have made the necessary and are sure of it, the article suggests rechecking.
Make sure you go through and recheck every single element of the project and remove any extra elements.
The article also illustrates amazing tips that you can use to minimize revisions. You can keep the content brief, charge extra if applicable, do not give too many free revisions, and have a contract form ready.
5
Pros and Cos of Hiring Family Members to Support Your Freelance Business
As a freelancer, one can never work alone.
Eventually and slowly one takes into account and brings in different independent contractors and employees into their freelance business.
This not only boosts the overall look of your freelance business but also gives you a chance to provide more variety.
But what if you are planning on hiring family members?
This blog illustrates different pros and cons of hiring a family member as your freelance employee.
The quality of your work can be affected, you can face disputes, and you may also have to deal with a lot of emotions.
But the pros listed in the article are that you have a continuous freelance business, emotional and moral support, communication is easier, and even reliance.
These various pros and cons should be considered if you are planning to broaden your freelance business and add family members into the game.
The article also listed down what needs to be considered if you are planning to hire your child or spouse as your freelance employee.
In such situations, you need to make sure that their interests are aligned with yours.
Lastly, the payroll is a major contributor to deciding whether or not you should hire your family member.
There are various things you need to consider but expanding your freelance business calls for a lot of sacrifices.
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 the soundtrack from Nomadland. Haqve you seen the film? Let me know in comments.
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