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Being a freelancer is a job that many people would love to have. People imagine sitting on the beach with a laptop pressing keys lazily while sipping pina coladas. The stark reality is that it can be hectic and busy, doing projects for several clients simultaneously. For those that are just starting, we’ve created a checklist to help you.
Have a Plan
You have to have a plan in place when it comes to freelancing. By nature, freelancers thrive on getting things done and hustling at times to get business. The problem arises when you think you’re doing something important, and it turns out it wasn’t productive at all.
Write out an overall plan, and break this down into weekly and daily tasks. Invest in a diary or a wall planner. Write what needs to be done, and by when it must be completed. At the end of every day, take stock of what you’ve achieved and check the next day’s task.
Keep yourself accountable, don’t write down a plan and then ignore it, often check to see what you should be doing. If you find yourself feeling aimless during your workday, check your tasks and refocus your mind.
Your Worth Is Your Gold
Don’t forget your worth and charge a fair rate for your skills. After all, that’s why you’re freelancing; you have a skill that’s in demand. Don’t fall into the newbie trap of undercharging for your work to get clients.
There’ll be times when a client will want to negotiate, which is fine, but that’s very different to underestimating your worth and charging less. You also need to make sure you have the correct facilities to be able to invoice and receive payments.
Numerous apps on the market can assist you, mention those at Amaiz, a small business banking app. It makes your finance admin so much easier.
Have the Correct Equipment
Depending on what kind of freelance work you’re doing, you’ll need some equipment or tools. Try and get these sorted before you start working so that you don’t waste time during projects.
No matter what kind of freelance work you do and where you’re situated, you need to have an internet connection.
The world has gone digital, and emails, online meetings, and social media communication is the way that business is done. This is not something you should even contemplate. Get the best possible connection you can afford, as quick communication is what could make or break a deal.
Boss and Employee
The useful life of working in your pajamas is possible when you are freelancing; after all, there’s no-one to see you, right? Sure sounds great, but remember that you’re the boss of your little business, and at the same time, you’re its only employee.
If you have a work ethic of doing as little as possible, then the only person you’re fooling is yourself, and it will reflect in your bank balance. Create a personal work ethic, get up in the morning, and be present in your own space.
Even though there’s no one to check up on you, when you treat your workspace with respect, the quality of your work will improve, and clients will notice. You could get away with doing half-hearted work for a while, but eventually, it will catch up to you, and you’ll get fewer clients.
Take Breaks
The flip side of the coin when working as a freelancer is that they often push very hard and work like maniacs to get projects completed on time, so they forget to take a break. This is especially true for people who’ve transitioned from a full-time job to work for themselves.
The fear of not getting a set salary creates an impression that you need to work 24/7. New freelancers can suffer from burnout very quickly if they don’t learn to discipline themselves to take time out once in a while. Schedule breaks into your diary or your planner and, if necessary, create an alarm on your phone. Your work will mean nothing if your health suffers for it.
Final Thoughts
Freelancing work is fantastic. It allows you to work at your own pace and live your life according to your rules. However, the misconception that it’s easy money is far from the truth. Freelancers often work harder than anyone else. If you take the time to plan, create your set up to compliment your style, and know when to rest, then even though you work hard, you’ll enjoy what you’re doing.
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