You are currently viewing Develop a Powerful Freelancer Mindset

Develop a Powerful Freelancer Mindset

Freelancing is an exciting business model, but it’s much harder than you think. It requires a different mindset and strategy to be successful in this field.

When you first start freelancing, you’ll probably feel a bit overwhelmed with the sheer number of things that you have to learn. You’ll have to decide what you want to be paid for, which projects you’ll accept and which ones you’ll turn down, and how to get work from clients. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of 50 skills you’ll need to become a successful freelancer.

If you are interested in creating a successful business as a freelancer, this guide is for you.

How Much to Charge

Freelancers must have a firm grasp of what others are willing to pay for their services. Charging too much alienates potential clients, but charging too little cheats you out of deserved compensation.

To be successful as a freelance writer, you must understand the market. For example, you might charge £100 per article. However, if you find that people are willing to pay more for a well-written article, you may increase your price to £200. The more you charge, the more money you will make. The key is to charge a fair price and still make enough money to live on.

Freelancers must go to bat for themselves.

Learn to Negotiate

Negotiation isn’t something to dread; it’s an opportunity to reach a satisfactory agreement on the things that matter most to you.

And when it comes to negotiation, you might believe have just two options: You can be the type of person who takes advantage of every opportunity to make sure you get what you want, or you can be the type of person who sits tight and hopes for the best. The truth is, you don’t have to do either one. Instead, you can learn to take control of the process, negotiate effectively, and get what you want.

Networking

Many successful freelance artists search for new clients on websites like Upwork. These freelancers are always on the lookout for new opportunities to help their clients achieve their creative goals.

Many independent contractors also work on strengthening their existing ties, as well as meeting new people, so that they can expand their businesses.

A successful freelancer constantly seeks opportunities. You have to cultivate a diverse network of experts and connections that can help you get work, insight, and introductions.

To increase your business, you should try to make new contacts by meeting new people.

Deliver good work on time.

They must live up to their agreement. People who miss deadlines or turn in subpar work are not rehired by clients. Outstanding performers often receive repeat business and referrals. Many workers may want to live by the motto “under-promise and over-deliver”. Everyone loves getting more than they expected and hates disappointment.

The problem is that many people are not prepared, to be honest with themselves about what they can accomplish. They don’t even have a realistic plan. They simply hope for the best. But even if you do not set your goals too high, you should still aim to exceed them. If you fail to do so, you will not be seen as a good worker, and your chances of finding future work will diminish. This is why it’s important to have an organized approach to setting goals. The key to success in life is to make sure that all your plans are consistent and coherent. When you’re clear on what you want to accomplish, you’re more likely to achieve it.

It can be difficult to shake that employee mindset if you have worked for someone before. You used to complete the tasks according to your boss. If you wanted to get that promotion, you needed to be pleasing your higher-ups. People with business mindsets think of themselves as equal to their clients. They give business ideas, set boundaries and expectations, and put themselves first.

Previously, I have shared a few strategies to help you get more done in less time, but today I’d like to share a strategy that will help you maintain your focus throughout the day.

This is important because if you start a task and find that you have to work for an hour, you may get distracted and lose focus. You can easily get back on track by breaking your tasks into smaller manageable chunks.

I also use this rule to help me decide what to work on. If I know that I can complete a task in 5 minutes or less, then I know that I can get it done quickly. However, if I know that I can take a little longer to complete a task, then I know that I can take my time and get it done right. This helps me to be more productive because I can focus on what I need to do.

Learn the ‘5-minute rule’

The 5-minute rule is very simple and it works.

For example, when working from home, I don’t really need a special trick to stay focused. But as I’m not an early bird when it comes to creative productivity, I work out in the morning. Doing sports helps me clear my mind and gives me the energy to spend the rest of the day dealing with my assignments.

From time to time I also need help with retaining my focus. In such cases, I listen to music which boosts both my concentration and creativity. If you explore your inner world, you’ll be able to notice what works best for you.

Writing down your long-term goals or having a business plan would also help you see the big picture. Being a freelancer includes so many small tasks that we eventually forget what it was all about. Getting back on track is possible only in case you actually know where you’re going.

There are times when I need help focusing.

When it comes to getting work done, I rely on music to boost my concentration and encourage creativity.

If you explore your inner world, you will discover what works best for you.

Writing down your long-term goals, or having a business plan would help you see the big picture.

Freelancing includes so many small tasks that we’ll forget what it was all about.

Getting back on track is not possible without a proper goal.

Patience is a virtue for a freelancer mindset.

Building a career as a freelancer is like running an Olympics marathon. You can’t win it if you sprint and the fact that you’re participating is already a great achievement. You do not have control over external factors that can affect your success. Whether you have the right mindset is related to that. You have to be patient once you start running in the race. It is likely that you will make it if you invest enough time into working toward your goals. To be patient you have to be.

Stay profitable

You might make a couple of thousands in the first month. Most likely you won’t. You will get your bills, for sure. The feeling is not pleasant. Being without a steady source of income and expenses. You need to be prepared before you take the leap. This is the reason you need the right mindset. It is crucial that you follow this decision with patience. Don’t let this affect you, concentrate on your job. If you allow the money-related pressure in your life, you will most likely end up making a decision that will ruin the whole enterprise.

You will probably accept any job even if you don’t like it. You won’t have time left to apply for cool projects or find a decent client. A vicious circle is when you earn less than you need. You don’t earn enough, you compromise and work on a bad project.

You might give up at the end of the day if you don’t have enough time to reveal your potential. Solid planning and spending can keep this from happening.

Learn from your mistakes

You are your own boss. You’re in charge. This is how entrepreneurial freedom feels. You are your own worst enemy. But you’re also your own best friend. You’ll make a lot of mistakes, but that’s OK. Learn from them and don’t repeat the same mistake twice.

A freelancer mindset has nothing to do with being a “yes man” or a “doormat.” It’s about being confident in what you can do and your abilities, not letting yourself get discouraged when you lose a project or get a bad review, and never giving up on the work you believe in.

And Hold Everything virtual office is there to give you the daily admin support you need so you can present a professional business face to the world.