Although still a freelancer pup, in the great scheme of things, I've already picked up some useful insights along the way and this seems the perfect place to share them.
1. Have a starting rate.
When you get to the stage of freelancing to earn an income, you need to have a baseline. That can vary of course, depending on the client and what's required. But be very clear at the outset what you're prepared to work for - it makes negotiation a lot less painful because...
2. Almost everything is negotiable!
The timescale, the scope of the job and even the specifics of the requirements - all these are subject to change. This can work to your advantage as well. The ad may say 'local writers only,' but that doesn't stop you making a pitch if you really believe you can convince the client that you're the best person for the job. Although...
3. The client is ALWAYS right, even when it doesn't feel that way.
They can change their mind, cancel the project, dangle carrots in the far distance and promise you the moon. They can be frustrating, contradictory, flaky or never satisfied. But it helps to remember they are the client and you're being hired for a job. The professional thing to do is grin and bear it (even a tiny grin counts) until the project is completed, then collect your payment and politely walk away. Because...
4. You're only as good as your reputation.
Your CV (or resume) may show the bare bones of your credentials and experience, but personal recommendation will serve you well in the long run. Everyone remembers the plumber or carpenter who arrives on time, finishes the job to the agreed spec and tidied up after themselves. Who wouldn't want to recommend someone like that? You'd be doing other people a favour. So it is with freelancers - every client is a walking, talking advertisement. So be very sure that what's on the billboard is good for your business.
5. Practise good time management.
As a project manager, I - and you - know that projects are a balance between Time / Cost / Quality and Scope.
http://alongthewritelines.blogspot.com/2010/04/tcqs.html
If the price is fixed then your time needs to be fixed as well, or you very quickly start to see your hourly rate (and the viability of the project) eroded. When you're working on a client's project, don't answer personal emails or allow yourself to get distracted. It's a business so treat it like one. However...
6. Accept there will be unproductive time.
And a personal thanks to Geoff Thorndyke here. Geoff - a tutor on a business course I attended, taught that you should expect half an hour of unproductive time (i.e. unpaid) to every productive hour. Setting up, researching, clarifying by email or phone, those last minute revisions you hoped not to see. These are all nibblers of time and nibblers that expect to dine for free. It's part and parcel of freelancing so you may want to allow for that in your hourly rate.
7. Everything is more useful than you think it is.
Every piece of writing is a combination of facts, circumstance, imagination and creative ability. It'd be a shame to waste it on just one piece of work. Keep what you write and when you have some downtime, revisit it. Could you have written it more succinctly and perhaps more quickly? How could you reuse some of that information in a new format?
http://alongthewritelines.blogspot.com/2010/04/writing-environmentally.html
Perhaps most importantly of all, what can you learn from it, in the light of the above points?
8. Paypal is the freelancer's friend.
It's quick, convenient, secure and accepted around the globe. It's not perfect of course - the wait for eCheques can seem like forever. And don't not forget to factor in Paypal's commission when you work out your fees. Overall, it's a great way to do business.
9. Work is where you find it.
Be discerning. The $1 an article brigade seem to have taken over the Net, but that isn't the case. Move on and search more intelligently. Check out writing forums, online communities and magazines. There is work out there for the intrepid freelancer, although you may have to spend some of that unproductive time I mentioned.
10. Cultivate your successes.
Every time you complete a client's requirement successfully, you have made a valuable contact for future work - either for them or through their recommendation. And every success is another notch on your CV (or resume), increasing your repertoire, your confidence, your range of clients and, ultimately, your earning power.
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