In some ways, freelancing can seem like a battle happening within your Calendar. As a freelancer, you have a million things to do, and your Calendar dictates that you only have a certain amount of time to accomplish all of your freelancing goals. It can be challenging to find the time to freelance successfully. Try implementing a few of the 15 ways to increase your freelancing success.
Best ways to increase freelancing success
Successful freelancers are a particular type of person that is extremely resilient and adaptable to changes. It may take time to see progress, but remember that Rome was not built in a day and neither is a successful freelancing career. Although it can be a long journey to success, the rewards will be worth it for you. You may even find out that you’re an entrepreneur.
1. Build your brand
It takes time to build a brand that people can identify with. However, it is a crucial part of a successful freelancing journey. Potential clients are likely to value your skills more if there is a brand to back up your story. A small pool of people can complete most freelancing assignments quickly. Clients are more likely to hire people with a proven track record that predicts a successful outcome for their project.
2. Pitch (a lot)
Pitching new clients is a crucial part of earning new business. Without pitching, many freelance careers would have never gotten off the ground. However, many new freelancers are nervous to start constantly pitching because it can be hard to receive rejections continuously. Although it is usually uncomfortable, pitching often is one great way to improve your freelancing career. You never know until you ask, so it is essential just to send the pitch and hope for the best. You will win some and lose some, but it is worth the effort in the end.
3. Use your Calendar well
Communicating with your clients through a variety of meetings is typically a part of freelancing. Think of all the emails you have sent attempting to set up a meeting a mutually convenient time. Just the act of setting up a meeting can take up a lot of time that could be used more productively. Use your Calendar well.
Use Calendar to help you plan your meetings more efficiently. Once you have all of that time back, you can use it to do more productive things for your freelancing business.
4. Set up systems
Do not just “wing it.” Throughout your freelancing career, you will encounter obstacles along the way. Try to create systems for your freelancing that makes things easier. For example, set up an invoicing system that allows you to track everything without a hassle.
5. Just say no
You cannot do everything, so do not even try. It is impossible to please everyone, and it is very difficult to achieve success when you are being pulled in many different directions. Try to create a vision for your freelancing career and stick to it. It is good to adapt along the way, but try not to jump entirely off course. You can balance your help for others and still get things done. Just say no.
6. Make time for the work
Any freelancing involves a lot of work. If you are determined to be a successful freelancer, then you need to be ready to work hard to achieve that dream. Without hard work, it is just improbable to happen. To do the job, you need to make time for it. Set aside time each day, week, or month to work on your freelancing. Remember, you will get out what you put into the business, so be honest about what you want out of your freelance career and set aside the appropriate amount of time.
7. Ignore the haters
As a freelancer, you are going to encounter some haters. I cannot count the number of times someone has told me that freelancing is a bad idea, a “nice hobby,” or a waste of time. Each time, it is tempting to believe them but don’t. Remember, the haters will hate, but as you achieve your dreams, you will hopefully realize that it does not matter what other people think about your freelancing. As long as you believe in the vision, then it is no one else’s business to judge your freelancing passion.
8. Work hard
Okay, this one is obvious, but it is worth mentioning. Some freelancers think that success will come with little to no effort on your part. Freelancing is not a get quick rich scheme, but it can be a way to improve your life, follow a passion, or increase your income. To achieve success, you will need to put in the work.
9. Network
Do not think of other freelancers as your competition; think of them as potential allies. Many job leads and tips can come through a close network of freelancers in the same area. It is tempting to try and ignore the other freelancers in your space, but it is better to work with them and share success.
10. Set boundaries
It is very tempting to let freelancing take over your life. If you are continually working on your freelancing, then it can be hard to time to do other essential things. You should not ignore your other responsibilities, family, or friends. Set clear boundaries for your freelancing and stick to them.
11. Take care of yourself
In a similar vein, do not let freelancing ruin your physical or mental health. Although you may feel that you need to work yourself to the brink of exhaustion, that is not the best way to freelance. Remember to take care of yourself. Without a happy mind and a healthy body, it can be challenging to perform at your best. By taking care of yourself, you will likely be able to complete your freelancing duties even more effectively.
12. Attend events for in your field
One of the fastest ways to achieve success is to meet clients, but where do you meet them? Look for events in your area that will bring you into the same room as your potential clients. Go to the event and find clients in person.
13. Create a morning routine
Starting your day off right can set the tone for the entire day. Creating a morning routine that leads to a productive day may help your freelancing to go more smoothly each day. Set up a great place to work so that you can ignore distractions.
14. Use your natural energy to accomplish more
In addition to making time in your Calendar, try to do the bulk of your freelancing when your energy levels are naturally high. If you are a morning person, try to accomplish big tasks in the morning. Night owls may want to plan their work for later in the day. Build the schedule that harnesses your natural energy and sticks to it.
15. Acknowledge your success
As you make progress, make sure to celebrate it along the way. It is unlikely that you will build your dream freelancing career in a few short days or months, it may take a while to reach the level you desire. However, each part of the process is important progress, and you need to acknowledge that small success along the way. Otherwise, it is easy to give up when you feel like you have not accomplished anything.
Give yourself a pat on the back each time to hit a milestone.
