Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
This post was a collaboration and may contain affiliate links. Your main consideration as a freelancer is to have enough business to make it worth your while. However, one easily overlooked aspect of your business could be costing you revenue: how professional you are. The, sometimes, casual aspects of this type of business can lead to a lax attitude. Things like neglect, sloppiness, and less than professional behavior can arise if you’re not careful. I hope these 5 tips will help you bring professionalism to your freelance business.
Bring Professionalism To Your Freelance Business #1: Have a Superior Online Presence
If you’re a one-person operation, there’s a good chance you don’t have time to invest in your online presence. Unfortunately, this will hurt you and your income as a freelancer. Most of your business will come from an online source, such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or other sources. Even if you don’t have time to post and engage, do make sure all of your accounts are clean and professional.
Also, depending on your specific areas of expertise, make sure your presence in that area is superior. For example, if you’re a writer, do your best whenever you write anything. Yes, mistakes and typos happen, but try to keep this to a minimum. Stay up to date on your website, plugins, and any email accounts you have.
Bring Professionalism To Your Freelance Business #2: Acting the Part
It doesn’t matter how much effort you put into every other aspect of your business. If you appear unprofessional, you’ll be viewed as unprofessional. Try to always be well dressed and groomed, on time, and prepared for appointments when you’re actively seeking work. And, remember, just because you might do your work in your PJs from the comfort of your home doesn’t mean you can slack in other areas.
Bring Professionalism To Your Freelance Business #3: Go the Extra Mile
You can cement your professionalism by always going above and beyond for your clients and potential clients. The little things truly can make a difference in whether you get work or not. Be prepared with information and something memorable to leave with everyone you come in contact with. Carry business cards and a fun novelty item like customized pens with the name of your business. Think about it, don’t you feel more special when people give you something?
Bring Professionalism To Your Freelance Business #4: Get an Assistant
If you have big goals for your business, consider hiring a virtual assistant. They’re more affordable than you might think, and come with a host of benefits. Aside from making sure you’re always organized, they’ll make you look more professional to your clients. Instead of always talking directly with you, they’ll be dealing with your assistant. This is impressive to some and could help them to choose you if you’re bidding for a job. They’ll think you must be getting a lot of business if you can afford to hire someone. This is equivalent to seeing a crowded restaurant and thinking it must be great!
Bring Professionalism To Your Freelance Business #5: Be Reachable
Finally, being professional is all about offering a good service on time. Make yourself available for your customers through as many channels as possible, such as email, Facebook, Twitter, and so on. If they can contact you when they need you, they will be happy and likely rehire you in the future. That said, do try to stick to working hours, so you don’t lose the rest of your life to your business. Let them know in advance what these hours are to prevent the crossover.
