Top 7 Tips for Surviving as a Freelancer

       January 1, 0000    1717

 

If you don't read these tips, you are in danger of losing your classification as a Freelancer, and joining the working world again!

#1 - Pyjamas are NOT a uniform

Yep, I know. The commute is just 30 seconds from bed to desk, and the toilet is JUST on the way, and there's no real need to get dressed that early in the morning. But here's the thing: when you are dressed to impress, you won't try to rest. Nothing is more attractive when the day is slogging along like a turtle on downers than to feel comfortable in your PJ's and to go sleep on the couch for 'just ten minutes'. Before you know it, though, that ten minutes will become an hour, or even two. Imagine how much work you have missed out on in that two hours!

#2 - Your friends are not your clients (unless they are)

The Phone. Two-way communication portal from the Gods. Link to the outside world. But unless you are E.T. (and you just GOTTA use it), treat the phone like you would your attractive, married neighbor - nice to look at, easy to get caught up in, but better used for business rather than pleasure. Time spent telling your friends how crappy you thought the contestants were on last night's 'Formulaic Reality Show 3' is time spent NOT calling current or potential clients.

#3 - Google is NOT your friend!

It's an easy trap to fall into. You have to research something for an article, or swipe some logo ideas for your latest client. So you go to Google. But while you are there looking around, you get sidetracked by some neat sites that look interesting, but not interesting enough to bookmark. So you search. Then you remember the thing you wanted to search last week but forgot. Then you have a look at the latest sports news. Maybe a viral video or two. Then, possibly, the weather, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. Self-discipline is the watchword here. Whatever you have to research, focus on that, and nothing more. Even if you ARE tempted to click on that porn link.

#4 - The time to market is when you have TOO much work

It's great when you have contract after contract coming in. You can see the bills being paid for months ahead; you might even be able to see that Hawaiian vacation in the near future. But NOW is exactly the time to start looking for more work. Because when the feast becomes a famine, not having any stores of food can keep you hungry for a LONG time. So make sure you set time aside during purple periods to drum up MORE business for yourself. That way, you won't be 76 years old when you eventually DO get to Hawaii; trust me, it won't be any fun when you can hardly SAY 'surfboard', let alone ride one.

#5 - A client's word is not his Bond - even if his first name is 'James'

It's unfortunate that in this day and age that there are people out there who will take advantage of aspiring freelance designers, writers, artists, etc. But there are people like that, and they are after YOU. So before you put pen to paper (or finger to key, or hand-to-mouse), GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING. Better still, get a 30-50% deposit up-front. Get SOMETHING that shows good faith on their part. Of course, you have to back that faith up with quality work. But you're not the type of person who lets their clients down, are you?

#6 - Death is not your greatest enemy - the IRS is

One day, with the huge leaps in genetic technology, we will all be able to live for thousands of years. There will be no natural death, peace will reign in the world, and the Boston Red Sox will win two consecutive World Series. BUT - We'll all still be paying taxes. They are unavoidable, so it is best to always be on top of your company accounts, pay the right amount, and overcompensate in your calculations. A rebate is better than a fine or jail term. Failure to look after THESE particular pennies might just result in a swift exit from the freelance employment world, and an even swifter entry into the world of prison showers and orange jumpsuits (and no, I'm not referring to a new off-broadway play).

#7 - Enjoy the experience of being your own boss and having low overheads; because it's hard to go back to the other life!

The heading says it all; once you become a freelance operator, it's VERY difficult to imagine any other type of life. The potential for high earnings is great, the freedom is even better. If you are an adrenaline junkie, the rush of looking for new clients and new sources of recurring income is something else. So you owe it to yourself to stay motivated, keep working hard, and make sure you SURVIVE the harsh world of the freelancer. It has its lows, and it has its highs; but in the end, who do you think keeps Dunkin Donuts in business? And mine will be a medium hot chocolate, thanks.

Copyright © 2006, Eric McGrath and http://www.ad-verbs.com

Eric McGrath is a freelance copywriter, SEO writer and designer. He writes everything from direct marketing pieces to speeches to scripts; when not doing that, he will be working on simple websites for small businesses. Visit http://www.ad-verbs.com for more information
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