In my role as a Coach for Career Transformation for females in their 20s and early 30s, I’ve worked with a lot of female freelancers. They usually show up exhausted and angry and have very few clients or even a large number of clients, but few dollars and little gratitude for showing gratitude for their work and all their emotional generosity. I’ve put together five of the biggest mistakes they make and the best ways to correct the issues. I’ve seen amazing results with my own clients who have followed my advice to you.
1. Not entirely committed
Many female freelancers I’ve met do not fully commit to creating an income-generating business. They consider their freelance work as a pastime which will never make a profit. Therefore, they continue working at that terrible job, claiming that they’re in need. The problem is that what occurs year after year is that they’re doing the same job that is a joke. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy that no money is earned, and freelancers remain trapped. The solution is a bit frightening, but it’s the following: Make a commitment to get rid of your day job. Make a time frame that you must meet to leave your job and adhere to it (perhaps one year from the present). I’ve witnessed deadlines do magical things. The lessons I’ve learned from experience are that the Universe offers a variety of opportunities to those who are complete in that do-or-die sort of manner. It is also important to seek out the guidance of teachers, role models and coaches who can help you. It’s okay to acknowledge that you require help.
2. Not being visible enough
My freelancing clients are artists who are scared to step onto the stage. When I work with female clients in helping them build their own unique careers, it’s not even that they lack resources, but it is almost always difficulties with visibility that prevent them from.
To succeed, it is essential to be prepared to go into the public eye and create our mark. Many freelancers I have met are averse to exposing their portfolios and websites, only displaying their work but do not actually show their real personas behind the portfolio. Some may even choose to hire you based on your portfolio. However, this isn’t where the real sums of money (and other benefits) are. In the end, the biggest dollars go to people who don’t hesitate to be noticed. This is easy to do with small steps. Whatever your zone of comfort may be at the moment, you can start doing small things that aren’t in it. You must have someone you can be accountable to, or else you might not push yourself enough.
3. They are not creating their own opportunities
Freelancers usually rely on freelancing websites to find jobs. They are wonderful and could provide you with work. But, they tend to prefer to keep your company on their website and, consequently, discourage any contact with clients. I’ve personally purchased beautiful graphic designs but wanted to request to create a custom design. However, I was unable to get in touch with the person who designed the designer. My suggestion is to avoid restrictive websites and post the work you create only ones that allow you to be in contact with and be approached by clients and on which you can swap email addresses. Freelancers must learn how to nurture the relationships they share with clients. If someone purchases your work, it is important to maintain that relationship. Learn to get to know your customers and keep asking what you can do to provide better service to them. This will lead to more work and clients from your personal. Soon, you’ll not require freelance websites. In the near future, you’ll have a profitable business.
4. Not capturing an email list
I can’t stress enough how important it is to build your own email list with customers and additional potential buyers. Do not send any emails to anyone, and always seek permission. More people than you consider joining your list. The more people on your list and the more convenient it is to keep in touch, discuss new projects, and even ask for suggestions. It’s also a great way to talk openly about your personality and the reasons you are passionate about your work. People are drawn to inspiration and pay big bucks to be inspired. Every female freelancer I’ve worked with was extremely creative and had numerous inspirational personal stories that they don’t divulge to their clients. Create an email list and make an intimate connection with your clients.
5. Incorrectly packaging services
The majority of female freelancers I’ve worked with were trapped into receiving only what they could earn for the work available. I typically have to show them how to design their own projects and structure the work to make them the most profit. For instance, packages will always cost more (in terms of money as well as the glory) than selling work as a per-item and/or per hour. They also didn’t cost enough to cover their costs for work, and this is a common occurrence for those who are struggling financially. To make matters worse, young women are often under-charge, especially in the first instance. I can assure you that I have seen clients will pay what you think you’re worth (hint that you’ll need to alter the people you advertise to). It’s time for you to realize your worth and begin pricing more, and do it according to your own rules.
Len Sone is a career transformation coach for ladies in their 30s and 20s and co-author of the acclaimed international book “101 Wonderful Ways to Improve the Career of Your Choice.” She helps young women learn how to build their own career paths that are centred around their hearts.