Strategic Ways to Freelancing Success

Starting off as a freelance writer is the easiest part of the whole deal. Anybody can pick up a virtual pen and announce to the world that they are in business. All we have to do is make an announcement and we are in business.

… or so they thought and wondered why the clients wouldn’t come knocking.

Well hello!

Talent alone won’t bring you clients

As a matter of fact talent and skills is a great starting point if you intend to get into freelance writing. Unfortunately many new freelancers belief that they need real talent to be successful as a word smith. This isn’t true!

Naturally it helps to have talent, but just like a black belt karate kid can improve his fighting skills with tons of practice, so can we as writers.

Practice makes perfect

Practice daily and you shall excel.

Like the martial arts student who diligently practices the flow of movement, writers can do likewise with their pens. Writing daily will not only help you to sharpen your skills, grammar and talent but also make you a writing ninja that can deal with any situation.

Go hunting

Writers have to develop a healthy nose for finding new projects. Especially in the beginning stages of a freelancing business a writer should consistently engage into networking and finding work. Once you write for your first client you have all it takes to find freelancing success.

Don’t be afraid of the teachers

Teachers are here to help us grow both personal and in business. They are not teachers in the sense of us going to school and sitting bravely until we are allowed to speak. Actually you can speak all you will – using your very own unique voice.

You are the writer so use your words to creatively express yourself.

Have the right attitude and you shall fare well. Never stop learning regardless of how advanced you are as a freelance writer. The moment we stop learning we become ignorant and lazy.

Practice patience

Patience is a virtue

Be patient and expect success. If you apply hard work and establish a regular working pattern you won’t hit the wall once your business grows. The sooner you realize that you are building the foundation for a large business, the better you will experience the slow times. Yes, not everyday is a million dollar day.

….Many freelance writers sometimes go for weeks without earning a cent. All though luckily I have traversed this plain in my business many month ago. But I still remember my very first month as a freelance writer. I think I got one client that month. Woohoo…

Smooth operator

The problem with many freelancers is that they only do what is needed of them right now. Then suddenly their business explodes and they are not ready. Get organized ASAP. Limit your applications to a maximum of five.

Less is more and you will be thankful you streamlined your business by the time success knocks.

I use five applications that help make my life easier. Three of them are online and involve time tracking, schedule planner, invoice creation, online document collaboration and two are offline (diary and a Moleskin).

Brand power

The moment you go into business for yourself you are establishing a brand. Lacking to develop the unique brand that is YOU will only hinder your chances at success. Branding yourselves well will attract clients like bees are attracted to honey.

Study those who are

… already successful. Learn from the leaders in your field and apply their success techniques to grow your own business. Invest time for personal development and learning. Be a sponge that sucks up all the good juices of success.

Last but not least remember that you are not alone!

With the amount of great resources freelance writers have these days we are never alone. If you have hit the wall, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Monika

Freelance Writing