Best Practices for Freelancers

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A freelancer is a person who works as a writer, designer, performer, or the like, selling work or services by the hour, day, job, etc., rather than working on a regular salary basis for one employer. (dictionary.com)

If you are a freelancer you have to possess a high level of discipline and organizational skill because you are your own employer and not part of a corporate structure. And although you may not have a brick and mortar location or multiple employees, it is important that you conduct yourself as a business.

There are  some tax considerations and legal documentation for establishing yourself as an actual business entity but when I say “establish yourself as a business”, I mean from a mental standpoint– approach every interaction with a client as you would if you were working for a company because in essence, you are the company.

Here are some best practices that freelancers should follow:

1. Establish your prices- Set base prices for your work. Depending on your line of work you may not have to publish those prices on your website but at least have a solid starting point for what you will charge clients. Of course you have the freedom to change those prices based on the client, for example maybe you charge $10 less for non-profits. But you absolutely have to get comfortable with charging a fair price for your time and product.
   
2. Avoid letting cutting deals become the norm- As I mentioned above about changing your prices for a non-profit, that is totally an individual decision you are not required by law to lower your prices for anyone. Actually, I would advise that you not get in the habit of cutting too many deals with people (it’s hard to get out of that hole, trust me). Know your worth. If a client can’t afford you then perhaps they should look elsewhere. Because I firmly believe you get what you pay for. . .
   
3. Be professional- The golden rule always applies: Treat people how you want to be treated. Be respectful. Not only in your conversation and correspondence (Please, Thank You, Yes sir, etc.) but also be respectful of their time. If you schedule phone calls or face to face meetings be on time- as a matter of fact, be early. Never have your client waiting on you. If you meet someone in person also be sure that you are presentable. You may work in your dirty sweatshirt at home by yourself but when you leave the house make sure you have on a business casual outfit that is clean and pressed.
   
4. If it doesn’t fit don’t force it- You have the right to refuse service or not to work with someone as a freelancer. If the client is turning out to be a client from hell, don’t let them bring you down to their level because as freelancers our work and reputation go hand in hand. You don’t want to become confrontational with a client or start a twitter war with that person for other potential clients to see. If it’s not a good fit, you will know early on. Respectfully inform the person that you don’t think you will be able to help them with their project and move on. Don’t let the idea of money make you compromise your principles or allow people to treat you poorly.
   
5. Network- Being a freelancer is such a solitary function and if you’re not careful you can become a hermit cut off from the outside world. It is important to leave the computer (and the house) and network with actual people FACE TO FACE. It can be scary and a little nerve wracking if you’re shy or if you don’t consider yourself a sociable person but it is also necessary. Networking events can not only be a good place to find new clients but meet other industry professionals and get some inside scoop on industry trends.
   
6. Keep learning- No matter what your profession, talent or skill there is always room for improvement, so be sure to take a course (in person or online) and stay abreast on changes, trends and new releases.
   
7. Set a quitting time- If you work from home it can be hard to establish a stopping time. When you’re at work it’s easier to shutdown the computer and leave the building because you’re either not getting paid overtime or you want to beat the traffic and get home. But when you’re already home you might keep working well past the time you should. Establish a reasonable quitting time and let clients know that you aren’t available during those hours. ​