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Life as a freelancer comes with a lot of flexibility but also with its own set of challenges –
finding steady work, keeping several clients happy at once and still making time for your
personal life are just a few of the obstacles that any worker in an industry faces. Still, it
can be a really lucrative and rewarding way to work once the clients start rolling in.
As you get started down the path to independence, consider these tips for establishing
and maintaining your reputation.
What can you provide that
stands out from your
competitors? It is not
enough to know the
services you offer—you
should know your niche
and target market based on
what makes you uniquely
you.
Treat every client like they are
your one and only. If a dispute
arises, work to fix the problem in
an amicable way. Turn in
assignments on time. Charge
fairly for your work. Be a
trustworthy professional and
your positive reputation will
precede you.
You must have an online presence, both through a website and through social
media networks that fit your industry and personal brand. Referred clients should
be able to find you quickly online by name, and complete strangers should stumble
upon you when doing basic searches for your industry in your area.
Show the world your expertise through professional content. This could be
video content on platforms like YouTube or Vine, or microblogging on sites like
Twitter. You should also consider guest blogging for other industry sites or
providing expert opinions for other publications.
This may seem counterintuitive to getting
your contractor reputation off the ground,
but if you take on too much work too
quickly, it could backfire. Likewise, if you
say “yes” to a job that is not really in your
area of expertise, you risk having unhappy
clients (and a lot more stress for yourself).
Take an out when you need it and stay
focused on the jobs that will really make
you shine.
Give yourself days off. Try
to walk away from your
work at a certain time
each day. Remember to
eat lunch, work out, and
sleep. All of these things
will keep you refreshed
and will help you perform
better.
Always be on the lookout for ways to
connect with potential clients, both in-
person and online. Keep your profiles
up to date on work platforms like Field
Nation and social media sites like
LinkedIn. Never pass up the chance to
introduce yourself to someone new.
Keep business cards on you. You never
know when the person next to you in
line for coffee could turn into your next
big client.
You should ask all clients to give you feedback privately, either through a survey or
just email. You should also ask clients who were especially pleased with your
quality of work to post about it on your business profiles, your website, or even on
your social media accounts.
Try not to let doubt crowd your
confidence. You may not have as
much experience or as much
positive feedback as another
contractor, but don’t let that
discourage you. Prove to current
and potential clients that you are
the right person for the job
through your professionalism and
commitment.
Try not to let doubt crowd your
confidence. You may not have as
much experience or as much
positive feedback as another
contractor, but don’t let that
discourage you. Prove to current
and potential clients that you are
the right person for the job
through your professionalism and
commitment.