There are loads of perks to working for yourself, from a flexible schedule to working on lots of exciting projects. And hey, being your own boss means every little bit of success is your success. But being a successful freelancer isn’t just about how creative and talented you are.
In fact, you can guarantee there’s a swarm of talented creatives nearby, all circling around the very same jobs you’ve got your eyes on.
So what can you do to get ahead of the competition and secure your success? It’s all about mastering the tools and techniques that will help you build up the right business image. Then you’ve got to keep up the good impression, building a reputation that’ll ensure you keep snapping up the best jobs out there.
Know thyself
Sure, it might be a well-repeated mantra, but in this industry, you really can’t underestimate the power of confidence. You can be the most talented creative on earth, but if you don’t have the confidence to walk into a room and show everyone what you can do, nobody will give you the chance to shine. This all comes from really knowing who you are as a creative and what you have to offer in this competitive industry. You need to be completely clear about your business identity from the very beginning, so make sure you have a flawless plan of what you want your business to be known for, who your ideal customer is and what your greatest strengths are. It’s also crucial to stay motivated, especially with cases of rejection which even the most successful brands out there have to face along the way. Put together a set of goals that are attainable and relevant, comparing your progress to them regularly to keep you on track.
The online you
In today’s market, you need to develop a professional presence online too. Paying for a specialised agency to build a gorgeous website is one of the greatest investments you can make a freelancer. You only get a couple of seconds to make that crucial first impression so make sure your website is the best it can to flaunt your experience and stunning portfolio of work. Videos are also a great way of presenting yourself to potential clients, and give you the chance to really wow them with your personality.
Shout about it
Social media is a crucial tool for keeping your business at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook give you the chance to connect with those in your industry each day, and you should make sure to create a blog that’s informative, interesting and looks great. This way, you can give your business a fun and personal touch that will draw people to you. Sites such as LinkedIn are also great for letting key industry figures know what your skills are and that you’re looking for work.
In for the long haul
Of course, you’ve got to be able to efficiently manage all the business that comes you way once you start wooing your new client base. Working on different jobs with different clients requires a lot of organisation and time-managing finesse, so this is something you really need to prioritise in your business practice. The Golden Rule is being organised at all times; plan everything and stick to it. Hang up calendar, buy a diary, utilise the many online productivity and task management tools out there – whatever it takes to keep you on top of the game.
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For more, click here: There’s more than meets the eye to the freelance game
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