Every so often I like to add a post about starting a successful freelance writing career. The reason for this is simple: a few times per week I receive an email from an aspiring writer telling me that they are afraid to branch out and start their freelance career. This is a common fear, and one that holds many people back from chasing what they want.
If you are afraid to start a freelance writing career you should consider the details below:
1. What is holding you back? What is causing your fear? These are the questions you need to answer before you do anything else. Some people are feeling afraid because they don’t want to leave the “comfort and security†of their day job. Others are worried that they won’t make it, and will end up living on the street. No matter what you need to know what is causing your fear so you can face it and move on.
2. Learn what you can do to not only get past your fear, but to do so in a manner that will make you more confident. For instance, if you are afraid of leaving your current job you should consider the fact that it may not be as secure as you think. The number one reason that people don’t go into a career as a freelancer is that they think this job is not secure. But guess what? When you are working for yourself you will have more security than you ever will when you work for somebody else. As a self-employed professional you are in charge, you put your trust in your own hands.
3. Make a list of the benefits of starting a freelance writing career. I find it peculiar that some aspiring freelancers dwell on the potential negatives, but never take the time to consider the positives. Once you realize the pros and cons you will see just what this type of career offers.
These three details should help you face and conquer your fears. If you truly want to become a freelance writer nothing should hold you back. No matter how scared you are, you should find a way to move on and eventually get what you want.Â
As a freelance writer you need to know your schedule, for the most part. This does not mean you have to work the same hours everyday, but you should definitely have an idea of what you are trying to accomplish. This will ensure that you get your work done, and that you also have the proper communications with clients.
Do you tell clients that you operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? If so, you are not alone. My first freelance writing website made it pretty clear I am always available to talk about a project no matter what time of the day it is. And while I have not used this site in a year or so it is still live and receives some daily search engine traffic. Last night, for the first time in a long time, I received a call from a potential client well after my regular work hours. In fact, it was close to midnight. Fortunately, I was still awake and had just powered down my computer.
The point of my brief story is simple: don’t tell people anything that isn’t true. While I don’t have a problem talking with anybody about a project I would rather not do so late at night when my computer is not on. After all, I want to give a high level of customer service and being in bed without a computer makes this a difficult task. I made a mistake by stating that I accept calls 24/7.
If you are in the process of building your first freelance writing website or already have one, make sure you are 100 percent sure of the information you include. I have seen many websites with the “24/7 lingo†and yours may be one of them. If so, you may want to think twice about this. You never know when somebody will take you up on your offer to talk.
Some freelance writers get into the habit of accepting projects and not keeping their client in the “loop.†I have found this to be a big mistake. Simply put, you want to keep your client involved from start to finish. While most clients will make sure that this happens, others will rely on you to keep them current with what is going on.
Here are three ways to keep freelance writing clients in the loop:
1. Send regular updates. It is not as difficult as you may think to send updates to clients from time to time. This does not mean that you should email every client everyday. What it does mean is that you should keep them in the loop through regular correspondence. The amount of updates you give a client depends largely on your relationship, as well as the deadline.
2. Be sure to answer emails and phone calls on time. If a client has a question or checks in to see how much progress you have made you need to get back to them in a timely manner. This is the case no matter if they email or call. A freelance writer who keeps clients in the loop is one who will receive repeat work. Be sure to answer inquiries as quickly as possible as to keep clients happy.
3. Never be afraid to call a client if email is not going to work. There may come a time when you need to ask a detailed question, or explain yourself in-depth. As you know this can be difficult to do via email. If you need to call a client you should do so. You may be surprised at how much good this does.
These three tips should go a long way in helping you keep your clients in the loop.
