They all said it…“Freelancing is SO risky–don’t do it!” And now…you’re starting to think they were right all along. Not hitting your income goals, not enough clients, not much work lined up…even running back to the office job you hated so much seems tempting just to get a consistent paycheck.
But if it feels like your freelance business has been lagging, that does NOT mean it’s time to give up! In this episode, we’re sharing the tools and systems that will revive your freelance business and ensure you *never* have to have a dry spell again.
Looking for closed captioning or a transcript? Watch the episode on YouTube!
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A Sneak Peek at the Episode
[3:07] If you’re worrying that your freelance business is slowing down, knowing your numbers (hours you’re working, rates, etc.) is what’s going to help you solve this problem—not your feelings.
[6:19] If income is decreasing, take a look at the number of clients you’re working with or the number of new opportunities you have on the horizon. If you’re relying on referrals for work, you’re not in control of the opportunities coming in.
[9:15] Reaching out to past clients can be a great way to get business coming in but make sure you are offering them an idea that would benefit their business.
[10:15] Just because you go freelance, it doesn’t mean that people will find you. You have to have a means of reaching out and finding people—and no, we’re NOT talking about Upwork!
[11:11] We’re never asking people for work. We’re always looking to provide value and how we can be a partner with our clients, rather than just a producer. Our hosts share some examples of pitches they have received where people have got this wrong.
[14:35] The two biggest mistakes people make when pitching is making their pitches too generic and too salesy.
[16:56] Sometimes the word “pitch” can sound off-putting. But instead of seeing it as selling something, think of it as offering your skills to positively impact someone’s business (and their clients!).
[18:36] When you pitch in a way that puts value and strategy forward, that makes you someone that potential clients want to talk to. And as you get the system going, you can dial it up or down depending on how much work you feel comfortable taking on.
[20:19] Instead of just hoping clients find you, it is much nicer to have a system that allows you to pick and choose who you’re working with, when you want to work with them, and when you want to maybe move on from that relationship.
[21:32] It’s not just about creating effective pitches, but also having a system for scheduling them and making sure they get done. Consistency is how you ensure that you have a consistently healthy business.
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About the Freelance Success Framework Limited Series Podcast
Let’s demystify how you can start and scale a wildly successful freelance business of your own! The Freelance Success Framework limited podcast series is 11 short, info-packed episodes that answer some of the most common freelancing questions, bust through the biggest myths, and prove that it’s 100% possible for YOU to make a great living as a freelancer.
Whether you want to freelance full-time, part-time, or as a side hustle—from your kitchen table or from a beach in Bali—the best place to get started is right here. Hosts Nicki Krawczyk and Kate Sitarz have a combined 30+ years of successful freelance experience, working with multi-billion-dollar companies, solopreneurs, and every size business in between.
Last Updated on September 5, 2024.