I started working with a new business coach and in one of our early sessions she asked me, “Do you think freelancers are business owners?” It came up because I had been talking about freelancers AND business owners like they were separate and her question made me think. Do freelancers run a business? Yes. So why do so many struggle to act like a professional?
Honestly, there are probably a zillion answers to that question.
Many of us began freelancing as a side hustle, or off the side of our desk. In both of these cases, we had a job and/or career. So we thought of freelance writing like a hobby maybe? Or something we were dabbling in but not too serious about perhaps.
Some freelancers were thust into it after finding themselves out of work suddenly, and thinking of freelance writing as something to sustain them in between jobs. The fact that they stuck it out and didn’t go back to the regular grind wasn’t exactly on purpose…it just kind of happened.
And then there are the freelancers who struck out to become freelance writers. Those are the real entrepreneurs, right? They’re the business owners. Because they meant to do it.
But wait…that doesn’t track. Whether it was on purpose or not, freelance writers are running a business. And if that’s the case then we should act like it.
3 ways to act more like a professional as a freelance writer
For whatever reason, solo-business owners battle with imposter syndrome. When we think small, we play small. We hesitate to niche down. And we definitely avoid labels like “business owner.”
Showcase your expertise
But when you specialize in a skill such as writing, you become an expert in your craft. And eventually, you gain other expertise too. Maybe it’s a specialized type of writing, or for a specific industry. In order to be taken seriously in your niche and industry, it’s important to showcase your expertise.
While all of your natual instincts may be screaming “No! Must stay a generalist!” Please think about your clients. What do they need to know about you in order to feel confident working with you? How do you need to present yourself in order for them to understand the value you bring to the job? Branding is super important in putting your client’s minds at ease. They aren’t inside your head, they don’t know how great you are. You have to show them. And that means you have to put yourself out there and talk about things you do well. Really well.
Track your finances properly
Oh ugh money. Or maybe your reaction is more like “yeah, I don’t do money stuff, I’m a numbers person.” But I’m here to tell you, taking your finances seriously not only tells your clients you respect them but it will set you apart from so many other freelance writers.
In the same breath I’ll also tell you I get it. Budgeting and money stuff is super hard for me too. I have so many mindset issues around it, as well as limiting beliefs. But I’m working on it because I am running a business and I would like to see it continue to grow. How do I do that? By act more like a professional in all aspects of running a business.
This means doing things like having an open business account and keeping your personal finances separate from your business finances. This means invoicing your clients in a timely manner. It also means knowing ahead of time what you need to charge so you can profitably run your business. And yes, this means understanding and keeping budgets. Because you’re running a business!
Have a vision for your business
Even if you kind of fell into freelancing, it doesn’t mean you have to go wherever the wind taks you. Sit down and think about where you want to go with your business, your writing, or whatever. Be intentional about it. Your vision doesn’t have to be on a global-change scale (although it can be). It doesn’t have to be numbers related.
It could be as simple as stating your dreams and how this business can help get you there. For example, “I want to develop my business so I can quit my day job,” or “I freelance because I want the flexibility to work from wherever I am in the world.”
Your vision will inspire you. It will get you excited about sitting down to write every day. It will keep you motivated when times are tough and deadlines are looming. Your vision will keep you afloat when you feel like you’re downing in a sea of insecurity, competition and self-doubt.
These are just three suggestions for finding ways to act more like a professional. If you take nothing else away, I hope it’s clear that I think you’re running a business and I want you to think so too.
One more thing. You may be interested in my free resource library. This is where I keep my files, downloads, ebooks, worksheets and whatever else I manage to create. I love sharing what I learn and want to keep adding to this library so it becomes a wealth of helpful goodness.
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