5 Tips to Help You Succeed as a Freelancer

No one said freelancing was easy, but it sure can be rewarding! Freelancers get to set their own hours, make their own rules, and essentially build their dream career (while also getting to work with clients they enjoy). But in order to succeed as a freelancer, you’ve got to have the right mindset and skillset—that’s where these five tips will help you thrive!

1) Finding Clients

As a freelancer, it’s your job to market yourself and find clients. That means reaching out and networking, or sending proposals out to companies that could use your expertise. Just like being in-house, you can start on LinkedIn or social media. Include some information about yourself and why you’re interested in working with them (if relevant). If they have an open position, great! They might be looking for freelancers just like you. But if not, there are other ways to make contact. Reach out about projects that aren’t necessarily listed as open bids. Ask them if they know of any related projects; and if not, offer your help for free to see how you work together before officially pitching your service or product.

2) Nurturing Relationships

As freelancers, we are often inundated with people seeking our services. But don’t forget about those you work with daily - your coworkers and colleagues. Cultivating good relationships with others within your field can help keep you motivated and up-to-date on current practices and trends. It is also essential for getting referrals when someone else comes looking for you (and it will!). So be sure to remember that coworker across town who does similar work or a client you haven’t talked to in months. Check-in, say hello, and let them know how great things are going! Not only will they appreciate hearing from you - they might need some freelance help themselves!

3) Quality Over Quantity

The biggest mistake freelancers make when submitting a portfolio is quantity. Many new freelancers are so eager to show their work that they submit everything, without giving it much thought. If you're just starting out, you need your portfolio to scream quality and professionalism. Focus on having one or two stellar examples of your best work in each category (Web Design, Photography, etc.) and use those pieces exclusively when submitting. If you think you're ready for more opportunities but don't have anything outstanding yet, spend some time thinking about what kind of work would be memorable and impressive from an outside perspective—and then go do it!

4) Be Committed To A Schedule

As soon as you become self-employed, your money should be treated as an egg. Most professionals keep three to six months' worth of salary in savings just in case they get laid off or, more likely, decide they want to leave their jobs. But freelancers don't have that luxury: If we want to work with only one client (which is generally recommended), then we have no safety net if that client suddenly decides he no longer needs our services. Because of that, we need to set up our own automatic savings plan—for half of our annual income. That way we'll never have another egg-in-the-basket scenario.

5) Set Financial Goals

When you work for yourself, it’s easy to lose sight of your goals and focus on short-term gain. But if you want your freelance business to succeed in the long run, set financial goals and track your progress every month. Knowing where you stand will help you maintain some control over your income—no matter what happens in any given month. Here are three financial goals that all freelancers should consider