Why are you freelancing? Are you doing it to save up money for your wedding? A new car? A new house? Are you doing it until you can find full-time work with better clients? Are you doing it just for fun?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, this post is not for you. Please instead read one of the many other excellent articles on due.com.
Still with me? Then that means you’re serious. Good. The following article will clue you in on how to let your clients know you’re in this for the long haul.
Why would they care? Because training freelancers takes a lot of time. They don’t want a freelancer who only sticks around for three months. Rather, they want a freelancer who’s clued into the industry. They want someone who’s able to work ahead – sometimes even months ahead in case they should fall ill. Clients want freelancers who work like salaried employees but do so more efficiently and ultimately at a lower cost to the company. They want freelancers who are experts in the field. That’s what clients want. It’s your job to prove that you can give them what they want. Here’s how:
Actually Tell Clients
The best way to let someone know something is to flat out tell them. Anyone who’s in a successful relationship knows that.
Tell your client that you’re committed to the work. Let them know that freelancing is your primary source of income and you plan on keeping it that way. Make it known that you’re stable and available and in this for the long haul. You may even want to go as far as to post on your LinkedIn profile, ‘Please, no full-time job inquiries’.
Advertise Your Growth
Did you just get featured in a magazine, prominent blog, a trade journal, etc.? Let people know! Update your website, social media profiles, pitch emails – everything. Donald Trump once said that if you don’t blow your own horn, someone else will use it as a spittoon. Politics and personality aside, it’s probably true. If you’re awesome – let other people know. How else will they know you’re worth hundreds of dollars per hour? That’s right.
Mute Those Side Projects
This one really gets me. When someone claims to be a full-time, focused freelancer – they probably shouldn’t be putting a lot of time and effort into their own side projects. That shows clients that you’re probably only freelancing to pay the bills. Then, once your own projects take off, you’ll leave the clients on the side of a dusty highway. Sorry but if you’re really a committed freelancer, you’ll either quit those side projects or at least keep them on the down low.
Work Ahead
The best way to prove to the client that you’re in this for the long haul is to work ahead. Show that you’re committed. Show that you’re not a procrastinator. Indicate that you’re eager to finish upcoming projects. This also gives the client time to review your work before it’s used. The client may also assume you have some time in your schedule and they may give you more work. Sometimes working ahead a little will add a lot of dollars to your monthly income. Give it a shot!
How committed of a freelancer are you?
