Starting a freelance career is like setting sail on a vast ocean. It’s exciting, liberating, and full of possibilities. But it can also be challenging to navigate the changing tides. That’s why learning from those who have already weathered the storms is so valuable.
We’ve distilled five years of hard-won freelancing wisdom into a two-minute read. These are the lessons that will help you not just survive, but thrive in the world of freelancing.
1. Processes are Your North Star
Don’t underestimate the power of a good process. It’s the bedrock of a successful and scalable freelance business. Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for:
- Invoicing: When and how you’ll bill collaborators.
- Proposals: A template for crafting winning proposals.
- Onboarding: A smooth process for welcoming new collaborators.
- Delivery: A consistent workflow for delivering your best work.
The mantra is simple: Eliminate. If you can’t eliminate, automate. If you can’t automate, delegate. Streamlining your processes will save you time, reduce stress, and allow you to focus on what you do best.
2. Time is Your Most Valuable Asset
Everything takes longer than you think. That’s a universal truth of freelancing. To avoid unnecessary stress and missed deadlines, build in buffer times:
- Calls: Add 15 minutes before and after every collaborators call. This gives you time to prepare and debrief.
- Projects: Add an extra week or two to your project timelines. It’s always better to under-promise and over-deliver.
3. Sell Like a Human, Not a Robot
Ditch the sales scripts. They make you sound robotic and insincere. People want to connect with a real person, not a pushy salesperson.
- Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through.
- Educate, Don’t Sell: Your goal is to understand your collaborators problems and educate them on how you can solve them.
- Ask Questions: “Kill ’em with questions.” The more you understand their pain points, the better you can tailor your solution.
4. Price for Value, Not Just for Time
Your services are not one-dimensional, so why should your pricing be? Move away from flat-rate or hourly pricing and adopt a system based on a handful of factors. Consider:
- Project complexity: How challenging is the work?
- Value to the collaborators: What is the return on investment for them?
- Your expertise: Your skills and experience are valuable.
And remember to increase your prices every quarter. As you gain experience and improve your skills, your rates should reflect that.
5. Protect Yourself and Your Business
These two things are non-negotiable:
- Contracts: Never start a project without a signed contract. It protects both you and your collaborators.
- Deposits: Always take a deposit before you begin any work. It shows that the collaborators is serious and committed.
6. Embrace Growth and Challenge
If you’re not growing, you’re stagnating.
- Take on Challenges: Actively seek out projects that are 15-20% more challenging than what you’re used to. This is how you’ll expand your skills and build an impressive portfolio.
- Invest in Yourself: Never stop learning and investing in your business. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in your field.
7. Build Strong collaborators Relationships
Your collaborators are the lifeblood of your business. Treat them with respect and professionalism.
- Set Boundaries: Don’t reply to emails or messages outside of your office hours. Protect your time to avoid burnout.
- Communicate Clearly: Use Loom videos for updates and explanations. They are often more effective than lengthy emails or video calls.
- Overdeliver: Go the extra mile for your collaborators. This is how you’ll turn them into loyal customers and raving fans.
- Be Honest: If you make a mistake, own up to it. Your collaborators will appreciate your honesty and integrity.
8. Mind Your Mindset
Freelancing can be a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s important to be self-aware and take care of your mental well-being.
- Recognize Red Flags: Pay attention to your gut feelings about potential collaborators. Keep a list of red flags and don’t ignore them.
- Find Clarity in the Chaos: If you’re feeling stuck, it’s likely a clarity issue. Take a day to map out a clear plan for the next few months.
The Bottom Line
Freelancing is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can build a fulfilling and successful career. Focus on becoming the best at your craft, and the money will follow.
What are your biggest freelancing lessons? Share them in the comments below!
