If you already work freelance, then you probably already know that people think you must have it made. You get to work from home and choose your own working hours without having to deal with toxic coworkers. However, freelancing isn’t always a smooth career path, but there are several ways that you can ensure a steady flow of work and a virtual rolodex full of satisfied client.
Work As You Would in an Office
If at all possible, set up a home office away from the hustle and bustle of the family. Having your own workspace will increase your productivity and help you feel more professional.
Ask your family for privacy when you’re working and not to interrupt unless it’s necessary. If it’s not something they would interrupt you with at a job outside the home, then they shouldn’t do so just because you work inside of it.
Dress for Success
It’s probably tempting to stay in your cozy pajamas or frumpy old housecoat while you work, but this won’t help your productivity any. Each morning, you should shower and dress as you would for any other job.
A morning shower will raise your energy level and help you feel more alert. You will also look more professional for those daily Skype meetings with new clients.
Network Daily
Don’t assume that your clients will keep you in mind for work while you drum up new business. Keep in touch with each of them at least once a week and remind them that you’re available for work.
If they don’t hear from you, they might assume you’re out of the loop and give work to people who are keeping in contact with them. The more you remind them that you’re available, the more work you’re able to get.
Keep Up with Your Ratings
If you work on a freelance site that allows clients to give you feedback, make sure that you keep up with what clients are saying about you.
If they leave you negative feedback, contact them and try your best to solve whatever issue caused them to give you a low rating. In the freelance world, word of mouth is important, and so is the visible feedback people leave about you.
Be Aware of New Income Opportunities
Whether you’re writing or doing computer graphics or even freelance photography, there are always a number of ways to make money with your talent.
Not only are there several websites online that cater specifically to freelance workers, but you can also put your talents out there via a blog or even on public forums within your niche. Don’t limit yourself to one site.
Don’t Give Up
Setbacks are bound to happen when you work freelance, but if a client won’t pay or you lose a job, don’t take it as a sign that you weren’t meant for the job.
Learn from your mistakes if you made any, and if the client was the one who made them, then chalk it up to human nature. All you can do is move on and find a new client.
Don’t Trust Too Easily
Some clients will promise you the moon and never deliver.
Make sure that you get all of your terms down in writing and never trust someone’s verbal promise. Freelance opportunities are everywhere, but let the worker beware.