How Can You Get Great Results as a Freelancer?

Despite the term implying that freelancers have no employees, they are not employees of anyone.

Usually, freelancers are skilled professionals in their field who ended up in this situation either by chance or by choice. Freelancers can be trainers, graphic designers, IT experts, installers, painters, camera operators, photographers, copywriters, managers, translators, etc. The job possibilities are virtually limitless.

What are the benefits of being a freelancer?

1. Freelance is a way of life. You have no boss, no employees. Don't dwell on the stress of paying salaries, and you don't have to be accountable to your bosses or colleagues. You have a field in which you specialize and you can impose your rhythm, comfortable for you.

2. The freelancer is independent. Except for any contracts in which he is involved, the freelancer could create his own program He decides which clients to address; he chooses his field of expertise.

3. The freelancer adapts easily. He can decide at any time to change his strategy or to choose new fields of specialization. From this point of view, it may be preferable to companies that offer similar services.

4. The freelancer learns a lot and innovates easily. At least, in theory, a good freelancer could interact with different people and companies. In this way, he assimilates an experience and expertise that he can multiply or replicate very easily in the case of future clients.

5. The freelancer has taken responsibility for his results. With this status, you will be paid exactly for the work you do, no more and no less. The freelancer will be able to set his rates and increase or decrease them at will, obviously considering the labor market.

What are the disadvantages of this status?

1. The good man at all. As a freelancer, whether you like it or not, you have to take on almost all the existing roles in a company: porter, secretary, cashier, financier, sales agent, marketing representative, PR representative, typist, etc. + your basic job. These things at some point may hold you back from doing your job well.

2. Lack of constant income. You should be an employee to earn a steady income. Your invoices can sometimes press you to work at low rates under the pressure of paying bills.

3. A lot of work. This point is related to the first disadvantage, namely the volume of administrative work that you will have to submit in case you want to increase your income.

4. Marginalization. A company usually works with short-term freelancers. In the long run, the idea of ​​a freelancer does not suggest seriousness. They prefer a company that delivers their services. Usually, a company has more credibility than a freelancer. Companies will prefer to either hire or work with dedicated employees and not freelancers who also work with the competition.

5. Lack of support and extensive expertise. For example, when you are hired, a colleague of yours can take over certain tasks or help you. You can consult with them and the boss and you can support each other. You can share resources and knowledge and make things easier. The freelancer does not benefit from this support.

It is difficult for a person to be truly expert in everything, so one company will turn to another company that can deliver the full range of services. Sometimes one thing may be needed, but at the same time, in different cities. It will be difficult for a freelancer to clone himself so that he will be unable to follow the client's request.

What can we do as freelancers to achieve brilliant results?

1. Choose a specific area of ​​expertise. A good freelancer will only be sought after if he manages to meet a specific need. Make sure you are good at what you do, learn constantly, and grow. As a freelancer, mediocrity does not exist. You can only resist by doing what you do best!

2. Build an enviable personal branding. Make a blog, communicate with people, attend meetings as a guest or speaker, write articles or even books on your field. Look for ways to be invited to TV or radio shows.

3. Identify exactly who your customers are and try to promote yourself primarily in their environment.

Your customers probably have clubs, associates, go to certain events or maybe they are grouped in online networks like Facebook or LinkedIn As a strategy, first (1) listen to them exactly to see what the situation is, then (2) appreciate them. (3) talk to them, and (4) always add value and most importantly,(5) offer resources, solutions, and support!

4. Avoid the trap of multiple expertise. You will never be able to be a brilliant mechanic, a good trainer, or a designer, for example. There must be one domain and one word to represent you. If you are asked in several areas where you do not excel, you better refuse.

It is the only way to keep your brand intact. If you have a network of clients that you think you can use effectively, it may be better to start a business and surround yourself with people who are at least as good as you.

5. Be serious! You have no bosses or employees to hold accountable, but you have clients! Only resist if you are serious and they can count on you. Always do what you promised to do, do not promise more than you can, do not compromise on quality, go to meetings at set times, give the best of yourself without holding back that it is too much or not worth it.

Be discreet and do not tell other clients or know about the problems you found in company X or Y. You can problematize without nominating. Don't be arrogant, judge your clients less, and, if you can, help them. Do not compete with other freelancers, compete primarily with yourself, and try to outdo yourself every time exceeding customer expectations.