There are so many aspects to freelancing, and it\u2019s difficult to pin it down with a specific set of rules and regulations.<\/p>\n
That being said, we think there are at least nine remarkably liberating rules about freelancing that will help you work on projects that inspire and excite you.<\/p>\n
We dive into these rules below.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s the thing \u2013 you\u2019re not obliged to take on every piece of work that you\u2019re offered. Some clients will feel as if they\u2019re entitled to your services, but that\u2019s wide of the mark.<\/p>\n
One of the best things about being a freelancer<\/a> is that you can work with clients that motivate and inspire you, and you should\u00a0never\u00a0work for clients who make your life more difficult.<\/p>\n When you engage with a new client for the first time, it can be tempting to go into autopilot and offer them a discount to secure the work. But this isn\u2019t necessary.<\/p>\n Stick to your pricing and advocate why your work is worth the price you charge. You can always offer loyalty discounts in future when you have established a long-term relationship with a particular client.<\/p>\n As a freelancer<\/a>, it\u2019s so important that you don\u2019t get complacent. The modern world is constantly changing, so the more skills you can learn and master, the more likely you will be to find the work that you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n Equally, if you\u2019re skilled and experienced at what you do, you can command a higher fee for your services. As such, don\u2019t hesitate to jump onto an online course to boost your industry skills as a freelancer<\/a>.<\/p>\n In the gig economy, you\u2019re only as good as your reputation. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to collect testimonials from your clients and display them on your portfolio.<\/p>\n Companies are unlikely to take a chance on a freelancer<\/a> who doesn\u2019t come highly recommended, so make sure you have a compelling base of verifiable testimonials and reviews that you can share in order to secure work.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s be frank \u2013 so many people switch to the gig economy to take charge of their work schedule. There\u2019s something remarkably liberating about setting up your desk at whatever time you like and working through your schedule without a nagging boss looking over your shoulder.<\/p>\n While some clients will ask you to be available at certain times, remember that you retain the right to be available whenever it\u2019s convenient! To avoid misunderstandings, be sure to publish your office hours on your RadialHub profile, so your clients know when they can get in touch with you.<\/p>\n Every freelancer needs a process to be successful<\/a>. It doesn\u2019t matter whether you use the latest project management tools \u2013\u00a0Monday.com<\/a>,\u00a0Basecamp<\/a>,\u00a0Trello<\/a>, etc. \u2013 or whether you use a simple spreadsheet or a pen and paper!<\/p>\n You need to work hard at developing a process that makes your life as a freelancer<\/a> that little bit easier, and you will find that it gives you the power to make your life in the gig economy a roaring success.<\/p>\n One of the best things about being a freelancer<\/a> is that you\u2019re not beholden to a particular client or gig. If something isn\u2019t working for you, finish up your work and walk away.<\/p>\n This isn\u2019t defeatist; it\u2019s smart. There are plenty more fish in the sea when it comes to clients, so don\u2019t waste your time or energy on those that make your life difficult.<\/p>\n Some freelancers<\/a> erroneously assume that they have to do everything themselves. But this couldn\u2019t be further from the truth. You, too, can benefit from the burgeoning pool of talent within the gig economy.<\/p>\n You can work with social media managers, website developers, accountants, writers, and any other type of freelancer<\/a> to make your life easier. Don\u2019t be shy and reach out to your fellow freelancers<\/a> \u2013 it will surprise you just how much more efficient your operations will become!<\/p>\n There will come a time in your freelancing<\/a> career that you feel comfortable. Your projects are regularly sliding into your inbox, and you\u2019re earning decent money. But you feel flat. And you want to better yourself.<\/p>\n At this stage, it\u2019s so important that you don\u2019t succumb to stagnation. Always keep one eye on your growth as a freelancer<\/a>, and look for innovative ways to take a progressive step forward. Without growth, you will never realize your freelancing<\/a> potential.<\/p>\n2 \u2013 Don\u2019t feel obliged to offer a discount\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
3 \u2013 Boosting your skills = boosting your income\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
4 \u2013 Testimonials build your reputation\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
5 \u2013 Set your own office hours\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
6 \u2013 Process is power\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
7 \u2013 Walk away when it\u2019s not working\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
8 \u2013 Help is available\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
9 \u2013 Growth is essential\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Final thoughts\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n