So You Want to be a Successful Freelancer?

As I travel the world of freelancing trying to find my own way through a veritable maze of people claiming to have the perfect approach to pitching and winning work, I’m learning there are some essential tools we must have in our toolbox before we even join the information super-highway.

Tool # 1: Rhinoceros Skin

In my efforts to find a pitching method that works for me, I’m bound to make mistakes, but some folks are so caught up in an illusion of their own  perfection that they see the foibles of others as an opportunity to misstate facts, sell themselves and attempt to garner a laugh at someone else’s expense. Such was the case with someone to whom I sent what I admit was a poorly worked pitch . However, contrary to her assumption that I join newsletter lists randomly, I ended up on hers because I signed up for a pdf of something-or-other which I admit I haven’t even read. Too often, aspiring marketers force you to join their list in order to receive a “free” article or e-book. I admit I’ve succumbed too often in the past, but the lesson I take away now is not to give up on pitching, but to be extremely careful whose “free” offers I accept. I refer back to a lesson I learned in my Econ classes. TANSTAAFL-There’s no such thing as a free lunch.

The world of freelancers is typically a very supportive community…but there’s a bad apple in every bunch. Although I had the misfortune recently of shaking her tree, no lesson, however painful or clumsily delivered is without value.

Tool #2: Choose Your Teachers Wisely

These days, everyone claims to be the next big thing. They all have the “only course you’ll need…” or “the only proven method…”. All too often, their claims are also followed by “if you don’t value yourself enough to invest in my course/mentoring/coaching, you’re not ready to succeed.” Talk has never been cheaper than what you read on the internet. Which leads me to Tool #3.

Tool #3: Be Your Own Best Researcher

One of the things I overlooked in creating my ill-fated pitch was to research each potential client well before creating a pitch designed just for them (with a fair amount of copy and paste, of course! Nothing will make your job easier than a well-designed template). You’re going to need the skill in order to write compelling copy or even to know how much to charge. So why not invest some time teaching yourself to do a truly magnificent job for your most important client?

Tool #4: Find Courses With a Proven Track Record

As I mentioned, courses on writing, pitching and all things freelance are practically a dime a dozen these days, but which ones really work and more, are actually worth the money? Which course writers actually stand behind their work, are available for questions and take the time to revise and improve on their product? And which ones just throw it out there, claim how smart they are and how much you need what they’re selling, then sit back and bask in all the money they’ll tell you they make? Once again, do your research. Talk to other freelancers about what’s worked for them, and more importantly, why. What worked for them, may not be the best fit for you so ask a lot of questions.

Tool #5: Hire a Web Designer

Face it, we can’t be good at everything, so if designing a professional-looking website isn’t your forte, find someone to help. The money you spend (or the services you might be able to swap) are worth far more than the time you spend futzing around and never quite getting it right. I was fortunate enough to connect with Marie from Media Point Designs who made short work of improving the look and feel of my site. Check your own network to see what services might be lurking in the shadows. You’ll be amazed at the gems they contain.

Tool #6: Hire a Reputable Coach

I cannot stress this enough. As humans, we often can’t see the forest for the trees. There are coaches out there who are excellent, but are trying to build their own freelance business. They often offer opportunities to test-drive their services for a nominal fee. I’ve been blessed with two of them, both of whom took me in different, but highly useful directions. I credit Stephanie Cappetta of Wheelhouse Coaching for convincing me to serialize “Forgotten Victims”. Without the opportunity to sample her services, I might never have taken the plunge. My ultimate freelance coach is someone I am blessed to also call a friend. She is an amazing woman, both talent-wise and endurance-wise. These days she wears a lot of hats; editor, course creator, coach, writer, virtual assistant, and of course, mother of 7. Under the name Cruz Santana her Freelance Dance is my go-to site for all things freelance. She’s been there and done that in so many situations, and no matter what life throws her, she always comes back swinging for the farthest fence. In fact, she’s a good place to start if you’re looking for resources.

Tool #7: Perseverance

Do. Not. Ever. Give. Up. On. You. Read those words carefully. You are important. You are valuable. And you have something wonderful to share with the world. The tough part may be getting their attention, followed by getting them to pay you a decent rate, of course. But all of the successful freelancers got where they are today because they never gave up. On what? Themselves! Nothing takes you further than a willingness to stay the course, no matter how rough that course might get.

Tool #8: Be Willing if not Eager to Make Mistakes

Like me, you’re going to do some stupid things. So what? Didn’t you fall on your butt quite a few times before you learned to walk? Didn’t you choose a couple of frogs when you were looking for a prince/princess? (or maybe you’re still working through your frog stage, but keep the hope alive!) Failing is an integral part of the learning process. If you’re afraid to fail, not only won’t you learn, but you’ll be stuck in one lonely, boring place. If you’re an aspiring freelancer, you’ve already proven that’s not in your make-up. Especially when people give you constructive criticism, even if it’s delivered like this:

Yes, well, I’m not sure you have such a smart sales tactic there — to sign up for someone’s mailing list and tell them you won’t open their emails unless they buy something from you. Good luck with that.

This respondent really needs to refer to Tool #1. As poorly worded as my pitch letter might have been, taking offense in the first place and responding in this manner is just a tad over-the-top. Hopefully, nobody tries to kick you as hard as she felt the need to kick me, but hey, what doesn’t kill me just makes me stronger. And more determined to succeed. So shake off the mistakes. Take the lesson and let go of the pain.

Tool #9: Join Communities

The smartest thing I ever did was to join communities of freelancers on Facebook and elsewhere. Groups like Gina Horkey’s 30 Days or Less, both for Freelancers and Writers, any number of writers’ groups, and those for other freelance directions are well worth the time and effort. I’d be happy to share the rest of my network of communities with anyone interested though it’s too long to include here. Simply comment on this post or send an email to sheri@shericonaway.com. They prove beyond a doubt that we are a gigantic cheering section for each other. One common theme throughout is that there is enough work for everyone, so there’s no need to mistreat, abuse, or otherwise thwart another freelancer.

You’ve Got This!

Keep that unswerving faith in yourself. Make your mistakes. Fill your toolbox with lessons learned. But most of all, succeed as only you can! I look forward to hearing your stories on your own road to becoming a successful freelancer.  Don’t forget to share your stumbles too. I can learn from yours as I hope you’ll learn from mine. Above all, I’m incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from my fellow freelancers. Though my clumsy pitch letter was used as an example meant to humiliate me, instead it not only amused, but inspired me to write something I hope will be helpful to others. Remember, most freelancers want to see you succeed too.

 

 

Photo courtesy of Lachlan Hardy via Flickr