Freelancing 2.0: Where To Go Once You're Busy
Wow, busy freelancing? Days are full, inquiries keep coming? Yessss! That was the goal, right? So if you’re still finding yourself unhappy or frustrated by work, what should you do next? Once I found enough work, I did a few things to bring my business “next level”. Here are my tips.
Trim the fat. Sounds kind of morbid but it’s true, there are going to be some clients that you know you signed on with just to fill your schedule up, maybe you even gave them a deal on their rate. It might be time to part ways with them, and I don’t blame you one bit! Income is important, and proving to yourself that you can build a freelance career is important, too. You’ll know when those fringe clients need to go, because you’ll find that you’re always really frustrated by them. If they seem too sticky to get rid of, it’s time to raise their rate or reset with their contract so you’re happy with the compensation.
Raise your rates. If you are getting booked a lot, and referrals are coming your way, you are probably worth more than you’re charging! If clients keep throwing easy/admin tasks your way, that’s another sure way to know that your rate is a value to them, and that they would certainly pay more. Chances are, now that your schedule is full of clients, you likely have more admin costs yourself (like accounting or tax prep), so it’s smart to increase your rates anyway.
Assume you’ll keep getting new clients and plan for it. Don’t consider it done once you’re busy, unless of course you’re perfectly happy the way things are (that is totally okay!). In that case, new clients will need to wait until you have an opening. If not, start lining up some helpers so you’re ready to take on new clients when they fall in your lap. That way, you aren’t working 60+ hours every week.
Enjoy the cruise control. Give yourself credit for all of this business you built up! You might find yourself with more free time because you’re in a groove, so go out and enjoy it. Or, use that time to hunt down more business if you want.
Keep looking ahead to your business evolution. Once you know you have client trust, you’re booked solid, referrals are coming, etc., start looking ahead to what else you might be able to offer to up the ante. Maybe you start writing a blog, creating a workshop series, working on digital downloads, or learning a new skill so you can offer a new service. The options are endless!
