There is something very liberating about being self-employed, but it can also be very challenging, too. You may find that it takes some time to establish yourself at first, and even when you do have a strong client-based, there might be times when work is slower than usual. On top of trying to make sure you have a good workflow to keep the bills paid, there are also a lot of general administrative tasks you will need to keep on top of, like managing your books, promoting your services, and planning your weekly schedules, as a few examples. If you are a freelancer who is starting to feel overwhelmed and you want to see better results, here are a few tips that you might find useful.
1. Set Yourself Goals
Even if you’re operating as a sole trader, it’s still smart to come up with some professional goals to help you stay on track as a freelancer. These goals can make it easier when it comes to planning your weekly and monthly schedules, choosing your working hours, and deciding which projects you want to get involved in. Try to adjust these goals each year so that you can make any necessary changes based on your current circumstances, or unexpected challenges that you have come across and learned from along the way.
2. Improve Promotion and Networking
Promoting yourself as a freelancer can be time-consuming, exhausting, and perhaps a little bit awkward if you’re a naturally modest person. However, if people don’t know about you and what you have to offer, you’re going to struggle with securing new clients and bolstering your income. If you want to see better results, think about how you can improve your promotion, and even start getting more involved with networking opportunities. The more connections you make, the more opportunities will come your way.
3. Use a Virtual Office Service
Virtual office services are ideal for professionals who can’t afford to lease long-term workspaces, and also need the ability to work anywhere. The benefits of these services include having an official address for your office and allowing your home address to remain private. You could also use a phone answering service, have a place to have mail and package delivered, and other PA support that can help you manage your general administration necessities. This can also help you to present a more professional image to your clients, and this can make them feel more confident in your abilities.
4. Keep Working on Your Skill Development
When you are employed by a company, there might be various opportunities for development and training, but when you are freelance, you need to organize this for yourself. It is important to keep developing your skills, as this can allow you to start offering additional services to clients or even help you manage your business more effectively. Look at different courses or other opportunities you can take to help you continue to learn and enhance your skills.
If you’re a freelancer who wants to see better results and secure more clients, consider the tips above and see if they can help you move forward in your career and keep you in a comfortable position as a self-employed individual.