It is tough to be a freelancer, whether you’re full-time or part-time. It takes a dogged person who is willing to step outside the norm to pursue something they really believe in or do something that would change their lives.
Freelancing comes with a lot of pressure. You are not only responsible for bringing in your own money based on the skills you have but you also have to manage clients and projects. This ensures they pay you and fit in time with your family and friends.
Not meeting up with the demands may make it seem like you are failing as a freelancer. But you need to learn from your mistakes and ensure they do not happen again. See failures as a stepping stone and learning steps.
Here are 5 reasons why you might be failing as a freelancer
You panic about what is happening in the industry
If you give too much attention to what is happening in your industry, it reduces your creativity. Do not give much attention to who is the best, who is losing clients, what you should be doing.
This would make you lose sight of what the client wants. Remember why you are doing what you are doing and focus on your clients and your creative process.
You’ve lost sight of the fun
Sometimes, freelancers take themselves a bit too seriously, this can kill the fun especially when they are new. Play with it and make it as creative as possible.
Take your business seriously but do not forget to have fun too, otherwise, you may as well go back to full-time employment.’
Be flexible. If you are stressing about a deadline or trying to make something perfect, then you may likely lose sight of it. The fun is important.
You’re all work and no play
We understand that you’re now doing something you love. But you must create and spend time with friends and family. You need to have a creative outlet outside your normal day-to-day stuff as this helps you have a balanced lifestyle.
Don’t forget to spend time alone. Do some things for yourself and things you love. Take yourself out. If you can, go to the Gym, work out, or take yourself to a Spa. This helps you become more inspired and creative. It also boosts workflow and capacity.
Ignoring what is happening around you
Do you sometimes push forward anyway? This happens when you make a mistake but ignore it and keep moving forward. You may think that acknowledging it may make you look stupid in front of a client. This can lead to lengthy explanations later on as to why something didn’t go as planned.
Try your best not to ignore mistakes. Accept them and learn from them. Fix them as quickly as possible. When your clients see that you admit to being wrong, they would respect you more. Once you admit a mistake, be quick to present a solution to it.
Do you listen?
As a freelancer, you do not do what you want but what the client wants. You are to satisfy the clients needs while giving advice on how best it should be done. This cannot be achieved if you’re not an active and attentive listener.
You have to listen to your client and also what the industry is saying. Be open to learn and consume ideas and always listen.
Learn to accept criticisms. Treat each project as a baby and always try to get feedback from a client. Even when they show displeasure, find ways to improve.
Many freelancers on Bixex have applied these tips and it has greatly improved their freelance business. They have won more gigs on the Bixex platform and are also enjoying the benefits of the platform. You can start today by signing up here.
Install the Bixex App on Google Playstore or App Store.
Read Also: 5 Essential Problem Solving Tools.