FREELANCER TIPS 10 biggest mistakes a freelancer can make (Part 2) More freelancer tips on www.freelancermap.com...
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24.07.2013
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A freelancer's 10 biggest mistakes Last week at www.freelancermap.com, we published an article on the biggest mistakes a freelancer can make. As it is quite the extensive topic, we’ve decided to bring it back around this week and tell you about more potential errors and how to stay away from them. So let’s pick up where we left last time and start with mistake number six.
6. Working with wrong clients When times are hard and you really need a contract, neglecting to do a research on your client can be tempting, but quite dangerous as well. Think of the first time you communicate with a potential customer as a two-way interview. You want to make sure those you’re working with are professional and serious about the job they want done. If those red flags start popping up and you suspect that a client might delay the payment, try to swindle his way out of it, or is just going to be extremely annoying, give up before it’s too late.
7. Underselling yourself When you get accustomed to freelancing it’s easy to fall into the trap of doing just enough to get your contracts done. That’s a terrible idea. Don’t forget why you started, enjoy what you do and strive for self-improvement. Go that extra step for your client and blow them away, showing your enthusiasm about your work. People like seeing extra effort and tend to remember it. Chances are, going the extra mile will land you another contract, be it from the same client or a recommendation they gave.
8. Being disorganized Running your business by yourself as a freelancer means you have to do everything, especially at the beginning of a career. Keeping everything organized will be immensely helpful if you want to waste less time looking through the piles of paper on your desk and more time on actually building your career. Whether it’s about managing your finances, invoices, job offers or actual work you have to do, being organized will really spare you a lot of time.
9. Not paying attention to clients Freelancers are experts in their field and understand the job they do much better than any client – after all that’s why they get hired for a contract. But that doesn’t mean you can allow yourself to do whatever you think is best. Paying exact attention to what your client wants is crucial for making sure they’re satisfied with your efforts. Read their emails carefully and listen to what they’re saying. You can propose improvements, but never change your client’s plans just because you think you know better. If you don’t listen to your client’s wishes and demands, you might find yourself without a job rather quickly.
10. Letting work take over your life Finally, try remembering that work isn’t everything, will you? Freelancers, especially those who work from home, could find themselves focusing too much on their job, which usually doesn’t help anyone. Of course, there are those times when you just have to wrap up a project and push yourself to the limit, but if you planned out your work, that can be avoided. Relaxing, taking a short break or a vacation now and then is as important to freelancers as it is to anyone. Unwinding and keeping yourself happy is the best way to assure you stay motivated and reach the goals you’ve set for yourself.
Further freelancer tips available on http://www.freelancermap.com/channel/19-news.html Contact freelancermap.com Contact person: Doreen Schollmeier - International Affairs Mail: info@freelancermap.com Skype: doreen.schollmeier Phone: +49-911-37750286 facebook: www.facebook.com/freelancermapInternational Twitter: freelancer_INT