Category: Entrepreneur

5 Things Entrepreneurs Should Do This Summer

6/23/2017

For many entrepreneurs and freelancers the summer is just another three months. It's business as usual and it's even more challenging to try and get new clients and keep things afloat when the rest of the world has unplugged.

Here are five things entrepreneurs should do while things are slow over the summer:

Review your annual goals to see how far you've come and how far you have to go before the year ends. This is the perfect time to make adjustments and tweak your processes as we enter the next half of the year.
Revamp your website and marketing materials. Freshen up things and give people a reason to visit your site.
Reconnect with fellow freelancers and past clients. Do some networking to see if you can get repeat business or collaborate for new opportunities.
Reclaim your passion and share it with others for FREE. Yes, that's right, for free. Sometimes you have to give away business to get business. Share your expertise in your community with someone who might not normally be able to afford your rates; their word of mouth will go a long way in bringing potential PAYING clients your way.
Relax. Even the mighty entrepreneur needs to take a break every now and then. Take some real time off and unplug from your computer and your phone. Set an out of office message on your email and focus on rejuvenating your mind, body and spirit!

Best Practices for Freelancers

7/27/2016

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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:

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.
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. . .
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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3 Reasons You Need a Website

4/4/2016

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If you are a business owner or aspiring entrepreneur you definitely need a website if you want to take your business to the next level. Here are three reasons you need a website:

1. To gain credibility- We live in the digital age and the majority of your customers will ask for your web address, so that they can see what you have to offer and determine whether or not they feel you are a legitimate business. You want to be able to direct them to your online presence.

2. To showcase products and services- Regardless to whether or not you sell a tangible product or teach classes or offer professional services, your website can house all of this information as well as your portfolio and client testimonials. It's a good place to direct potential customers who are not familiar with what you have to offer and existing clients who want to know when you add new products or services.

3. It's always accessible- Because the Internet never closes your website is always available. You can literally make sales while you sleep. You can also have a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on your site so that you don't have to spend time answering emails or phone inquiries about your products or services.

Setting up a website for your business is more affordable than you think and you can't afford NOT to have a website.

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3 Ways to Become An Expert

3/9/2016

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The Internet has deluded people into thinking they can do anything and everything. They think they can watch a few YouTube videos or dig around Pinterest and suddenly they are an “expert” in a particular area. Some people have even boldly tried to build careers around things they learned in one sitting.

Believe me it takes a lot more than following an online tutorial to be considered an expert in a particular field. I have a degree in Communication, I have been writing professionally for almost 20 years and I have been freelancing as a graphic designer for three years. However there are times when I still feel like a novice. Being an expert is not only about execution but also attitude.
Here are three tips to becoming an expert:

Pick a lane- Have you ever heard the phrase, “Jack of all trades, master of none.” If you truly want to become an expert at something you must master it. You must practice it, study it and live it. That’s kind of hard to do when you’re trying to juggle five or six different things. I am pretty sure there is no such thing as a master chef/mechanic/dentist/cosmetologist. Too often, people get in over their heads by getting greedy and cocky. Just because you like to cook doesn’t mean you should open a restaurant. Consider what area you really excel in and focus on bringing all you can to that area, so that you can share your expertise with others.
Remain a student- You are never too experienced that you can’t learn something new. People who are considered experts in their field are always up on the latest trends and regulations. Even doctors and lawyers are required to do continuing education to keep their licensure up to date. Attend a conference, read a book or talk to others in your field. Remain open to learning and continuing to master your craft.
Practice humble confidence- Expert does not mean perfect. It simply means that you have knowledge- perhaps considerable knowledge- in a particular field or area. For example, you may consider yourself an expert when it comes to hair but I guarantee you there is probably someone who thinks that they are better than you. It’s a relative term. But don’t get caught up in the comparison game. Just be confident in your abilities and more importantly make sure the people who are counting on you also feel confident that you know what you’re doing. You don’t have to brag or boast about your skills. Let your work and your portfolio speak for itself.