Freelancers A to Z #036 How to Rock at Freelancing: no Anxiety, no Depression
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 a great way to develop skills, understand and meet different people, and unleash your imaginative ideas.
However, freelancing also means dealing with anxiety, extra workload, and interacting with difficult clients.
To be able to tackle any sort of professional or personal issue, one needs to be prepared. Here are some basic tips and tricks to keep you on track.
1
How to Manage Your Clients’ Expectations
First-hand communication is a major part of every successful business. Freelancers, due to the nature of their work, have to constantly interact with clients.
This interaction means understanding how to communicate, building a rapport, and dealing with revisions.
Managing client expectations is another skill that freelancers need to master.
This article lists various ways you can manage your client’s expectations as a freelancer.
First and foremost, you need to spend time with the client and try to gauge their understanding of the project.
The blog says that this is the first and most important step that comes before managing expectations.
When you can understand what the client wants, you can better manage the project.
What follows is details. The article says that to manage expectations, to give the best results, you need to talk about details.
These details include aspects related to the project as well as the number of hours you can put in.
The client, says the blog, should know when and what time you work. That way they would be aware of the process.
A huge part of the job as a freelancer is to communicate effectively.
The article points out that instead of limiting your scope, you need to clarify by keeping the client in the loop.
Assumptions can lead to a poorly managed project.
Therefore, you have to clarify your questions, ask what is necessary to follow a smooth flowing plan for the project.
Another point that the article mentions is when you set proper timelines and update your client.
This way you can keep expectations high and also get the work done. Lastly, the article motivates you to establish a long-term relationship with your client.
This would be inevitable if you have successfully managed client expectations.
2
Do This If Your Client Don’t Pay For Your Work
Getting paid for a project as a freelancer is a hassle on its own. Where there are perks, some clients do not pay you for the work you do or take a lot of time.
This article points out ways you can prevent any discrepancies with the client in the payment department.
The first step to take is to resend the invoice and also refer to the contract details about payment.
This way you can ensure that you get paid on time and you have prior evidence.
Another way listed by the article is to get in touch with the middle man.
In many cases, freelancers work as the second party therefore, contacting the middle man can ensure you get paid what you worked for.
Calling the client is another thing to take notice of.
Another way to ensure payment on time, says the blog, is by calling the client to remind them of the due amount.
Sending a proper letter and taking legal action are two other ideas that the article poses.
A letter can act as a reminder for the client and as a serious notice.
Legal action should be the last resort, however, if the client fails to comply that it needs to be taken notice of.
Limiting and letting go of any future projects with the client should be also taken into consideration.
Last but not least, the article points out how you can avoid situations similar to this which is through thoroughly planned contracts.
3
Master Managing of Your Freelance Projects
When working as a freelancer, you need to master various skills and techs. Project management is another skill that requires great attention.
The article listed ways in which you can manage your projects and the first is to stay organized.
This can be done by naming files, listing time restraints, and many other ways to get the best result.
Another tip that the blog mentions is when you record the time you spend on each project. Managing time would automatically help you to manage your projects.
The article also states that you need to update your clients timely and also review your work on a regular basis.
Just sending and updating is not your task, you should make sure that the client receives the best of the best.
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4
Must-Have Gadgets for Every Freelancer
Freelancing is the sort of job that automatically links you with different tools and techs. You need to be aware of what tools to use and how to use them.
Similarly, in a job like this freelancers need to have six gadgets that would help them in the long run.
The blog points out the importance of having a backup internet port with you.
In case you are traveling or have to deal with consistent internet faults, a portable internet brick can help you with any sort of urgent task or meeting.
Headphones are a must for every sort of work.
Freelancers, says the article, should have good headphones with them at all times to help them focus and interact with clients.
You cannot always find a charging port especially if you are traveling.
A proper laptop power bank, says the blog, is a great tech gadget that you can use to keep your laptop up to speed.
The fourth thing the article mentions is a proper and spacious hard drive. A hard drive is crucial to store all of your important data and not overload your laptop.
To be able to work with ease and with no issues, you would also need a proper lightweight laptop.
The article states that lightweight laptops help you when you are freelancing and are always on the go.
Last but not the least, the article says that every freelancer should have a coffee machine.
Working from home may seem amazing but you need to remain active and a coffee machine is the best way to go.
5
Top Tips on How to Deal with Anxiety as a Freelancer
Dealing with anxiety as a freelancer may seem like a difficult task. Pending projects collide with other ideas and you are soon stuck in a loop.
However, this article points out different ways of dealing with anxiety whilst working as a freelance.
The article states that when freelancing, you need to establish definite goals that would help you further down the line.
Instead of taking big leaps, says the blogs, take steps towards your goal in a manner that does not overburden you.
Lastly, the article makes a valid point stating that you need to have self-care days. That means taking out the time and energy to do what you can and relax.
Refreshing your mind can help you come up with better ideas and better solutions.
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.
Howerer, as some of you already know, it’s also because I want to cut off the noise caused by my neighbors.
This week an iconic Joni Michell’s album Blue. This year we celebrate its 50th release anniversary! 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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Take care and have a nice time
Mariusz from the Time Continuum App