Stop Thinking Like a Freelancer

1. Evolve Your Freelance Business: Stop Thinking Like a Freelancer

"Most advice for freelancers sucks, you'll hear me say that a lot. Please don't mistake this for arrogance or elitism though, I am acutely aware all of this content is well-meaning, it's just for the most part it keeps us hemmed into a freelancer mindset."

Shift your mindset. To truly succeed as a freelancer, you need to think like a business owner rather than just a service provider. This means adopting a strategic approach to growth, focusing on long-term goals, and implementing systems that allow for scalability.

Embrace evolution. Instead of aiming for vague "growth," focus on constant evolution. This means:

• Setting specific, measurable goals
• Regularly evaluating your progress
• Implementing small, consistent improvements
• Adapting to changes in your industry and market

By thinking like a business owner and committing to evolution, you'll be able to break free from the limitations of the traditional freelancer mindset and build a more sustainable, profitable enterprise.

2. Define Your Vision and Commit to Constant Improvement

"If you don't know what you're aiming for, how will you ever know when you get there?"

Create a clear vision. Start by defining what success looks like for you. This could be financial goals, work-life balance, or the types of projects you want to work on. Be specific and write it down.

Implement a one-page plan. Develop a concise "one page of intent" that outlines:

• Your overall vision and goals
• Specific objectives to reach those goals
• Your target audience and specialization
• Your unique value proposition
• Commitments to ongoing improvement

Track and adjust regularly. Set up a system to regularly review your progress and make adjustments as needed. This could be weekly check-ins, monthly reviews, or quarterly planning sessions. The key is to maintain a constant state of improvement and evolution.

3. Attract Dream Clients by Framing Your Value Proposition

"Clients don't care about you, or your story yet, they will do once they know you and have worked with you, until then they only care how you can help them solve a business problem they are having."

Understand your client's perspective. Focus on the problems your clients are facing and how your services can solve them. Develop a deep understanding of their industry, challenges, and goals.

Craft a compelling message. Create a "difference statement" that clearly communicates:

• Who you serve (your target audience)
• What problem you solve
• How you're different from competitors
• The value you provide

Frame your services effectively. Use storytelling and concrete examples to demonstrate the impact of your work. Show potential clients how working with you will transform their business or solve their specific problems.

4. Build a Strong Online Presence and Provide Value

"Every time you make an insightful blog comment, each time you strike up a relationship on social media, every time you publish a video, portfolio piece or forum comment you're leaving a breadcrumb."

Expand your online footprint. Actively participate in online spaces where your target clients spend time. This includes:

• Industry-specific forums and communities
• Social media platforms
• Guest posting on relevant blogs
• Creating valuable content on your own website

Provide consistent value. Regularly create and share content that addresses your target audience's pain points and demonstrates your expertise. This could be:

• Blog posts
• Videos
• Podcasts
• Social media updates
• Free resources or tools

Build relationships. Engage with others in your industry, including potential clients, peers, and influencers. Offer genuine value and support without always expecting something in return.

5. Diversify Income Streams for Stability

"You have a unique opportunity - as a service provider with a bank of expertise and experience to call upon – to wrap up that handiwork and expertise into a sellable package that can deliver you a diversified secondary / tertiary income stream."

Identify potential products. Look for ways to package your expertise into sellable products, such as:

• E-books or physical books
• Online courses or workshops
• Templates or tools
• Membership sites or communities

Choose the right format. Consider the pros and cons of different product formats:

• Books: High credibility, but time-consuming to create
• E-books: Easier to produce and sell, but may be seen as less valuable
• Video courses: Can command higher prices, but require more production effort
• Productized services: Easier to execute, but may limit your audience

Start small and iterate. Begin with a simple product and improve it over time based on customer feedback. Set aside dedicated time each week to work on your product development.

6. Leverage Partnerships and Recurring Revenue Models

"By engineering your professional image, you'll repel these bad apples and only attract the clients you want to work with. You'll build a pipeline of dream clients who find you, are relaxed and pay ten times more than the 'awkwards'."

Build long-term partnerships. Focus on developing strong relationships with clients that can lead to ongoing work. Position yourself as an indispensable asset to their business.

Offer recurring services. Implement revenue models that provide more stable income:

• Maintenance and support contracts
• Retainer agreements for ongoing work
• Hosting or software setup services with recurring commissions

Create tiered pricing options. Offer different levels of service or product bundles to increase average order value and provide more choices for clients.

7. Optimize Your Time and Delegate Effectively

"Every time you 'just do' that task - or 'do a Charles' as I'll henceforth call it - you're squandering an opportunity to do something else; earn more with client work, go on vacation or just work less."

Track your time. Use time-tracking tools to understand how you're actually spending your working hours. Categorize tasks into:

1. Revenue-generating and essential for you to do
2. Revenue-generating but could be delegated
3. Non-revenue generating but essential for you to do
4. Non-revenue generating and could be delegated

Eliminate "empty work." Identify and reduce time spent on non-productive activities like aimlessly checking email or social media.

Leverage technology and people. Use software tools and remote team members to handle tasks that don't require your direct involvement. Consider:

• Project management tools
• Automation software
• Virtual assistants
• Specialized freelancers for specific tasks

Create processes and systems. Document your workflows and create standard operating procedures. This will make it easier to delegate tasks and ensure consistency in your work.

By optimizing your time and building a team (even if it's just you and a virtual assistant to start), you'll be able to focus on high-value activities that drive your business forward while still maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Last updated: October 7, 2024