“How did you get started as a freelancer?” and “How do you stay motivated?” These are some of the questions I receive most frequently when coaching freelancer’s. While I can easily say that I thrive being a freelancer, I also know that it takes a lot of hard work and determination to stay ahead of the game. So how do you take the first step? And how do you become successful in what you do? Continue reading to get the answers.
Source: www.regitsececillie.com
1. Pick a niche
Every journey begins with a single step. This also applies to freelancing, which might seem like a daunting task if you’re brand new to this world. Maybe you’ve left your old job to begin a new chapter of your life, maybe you always knew that you wanted to be your own boss. No matter what, becoming a freelancer begins with you picking a niche or a market. And don’t pick it randomly; it must be something you’re really good at and something you enjoy doing. Every single day. Otherwise, it’s obvious that you’ll burn out pretty fast. Also consider your unique selling propositions: why do people need your services? How does it make their lives easier, better etc.?
2. Build an online presence
Some might argue that if you’re not online, you simply don’t exist. If you want to be noticed, you have to be visible on social media and building an online portfolio is also crucial. Last-mentioned means having a representative website, which is easy to navigate, an updated LinkedIn profile and maybe even a blog to connect with your audience. Reaching out to your inner network and asking friends and family to spread the word about your services, is also part of building an online presence.
3. Deliver quality work - every time!
You only have one reputation, so delivering a half-hearted performance to one or two clients, can cause quite a lot of damage to your brand. Being a freelancer grants you a lot of freedom and flexibility, but it also demands structure, self-discipline and working until late. Always do your research about a client before working for them; an understanding of their core values helps you to create an outstanding result! 🙂
So, whether it’s creating a logo for a client, writing an article or producing a video, quality is key. A good reputation will take you far.
4. Practice time management
One of the most important work tools in my career is time management. You’ll be surprised how efficient you can actually be if you plan your day and focus on your tasks (one at the time). There are many different models and techniques for time management, and it’s amazing how simple they often are, e.g.: pick a task, set an alarm clock for 25 minutes, work dedicated on the task and take a break of 4-5 minutes. Repeat 3 times until you’re done with the task and move on to the next. Voila! You’ll quickly see your to-do-list shrink into nothing! 🙂 NB! Switch off all social media when you work - unless you’re actually working with them (we all know that Facebook rhymes with time consumption!)
For more information about me, my career and - more importantly - how I can help YOU become a successful freelancer, visit my website www.regitsececillie.com.
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