There’s plenty to love about being a freelancer. From setting your own schedule to potentially earning more money than you would if you were an employee, it’s easy to see the appeal of this type of work.
But of course, while the benefits are there for all to see, freelancing isn’t perfect. It can be challenging. One figure suggests that 90% of people who embark on a freelancing journey fail within a few months, which highlights how difficult it can be.
You can’t guarantee success, but there are ways to make it more likely. Working to feel more professional, for instance, can have a subtle but noticeable impact on the trajectory of your success. Below, we’ll run through some effective strategies for giving your professional credentials an easy boost that should make a difference.
Stick to a Schedule
Yes, part of the appeal of being a freelancer is that you can work on your own schedule. But that doesn’t mean ‘working whenever you feel like it.’ You’ll feel more professional if you stick to a routine. Plus, structure can help drive productivity, especially once you’re in the rhythm of things.
Most freelancers find that following the basic outline of the standard 9 – 5 workday routine works best for them, though feel free to adapt to what works best for you; if you work best first thing in the morning then start earlier, if you work better in the evenings then start later.
Work In an Office
It’s hard to feel professional when you’re sitting at the kitchen table, wearing your pajamas, trying to do work while the TV is playing in the background. Professional people work in professional environments. If you don’t have space for an at-home office, then look at renting office space near your home. Actually, renting an office can be recommended even if you could work from home — don’t underestimate the power of the commute for engaging in deep thinking.
Act Like a Business
It can sound a little ridiculous to act like a business when you’re a single-person operation, but there are good reasons for doing so. Freelancers often find that clients request things from them that they would never request from a “real business” — and what’s even crazier is that the freelancer often acquiesces to their demand, all because they’re viewing things as two individuals speaking rather than two businesses speaking. When you’re working, work with your business hat on. You’ll find that you’re a lot more assertive about your demands/expectations and that the other person is much more inclined to go along with whatever it is you’re saying.
Managing Finances
Finally, remember to keep your business and personal expenses separate. It’s easy for things to overlap and become a little blurred in the beginning, but eventually, it’ll begin to feel a little ridiculous that they’re not their two separate things. It’s easy enough to open up a business bank account and then pay yourself. It’s an easy way to feel like a professional rather than someone who’s just making it up as they go along.
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