On Going Freelance

QUESTION

Joey, I'm a creative professional with an in-demand skill set. I'm lucky to have a permanent position that allows me to ply my trade and continuously learn things, but I have struggled with working in a freelance capacity.

I am not a particularly good businessperson; even though I know my skills are valuable, I have difficulty connecting with people or organizations who actually need them.

Do you have any advice on finding or attracting quality clients?

– Matt R.

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ANSWER

Matt, you're already in a great place just having recognized what it takes to freelance. Being creative is certainly an asset. When you’re working for yourself, however, being business oriented is also a necessary part of the equation.

Before you try to attract new clients, make sure that this is what you want. Just because going freelance is an option doesn’t necessitate that you need to do it.

As someone who used to freelance, here’s what I recommend, in order:

1. Make sure freelance is for you. Buy lunch for a couple of seasoned freelancers in your industry. Ask them what it’s like, weigh the pros and cons, and determine whether the best case scenario is a scenario that you want to live. If it is, then move on to…

2. Get help from those with opposite skills. Find someone who is good at business but not creative work, and work out a win-win scenario in which you both benefit. It could be that you barter your creative skills for their organizational setup; you could join forces and work together; and so on. Use your skills to attract and trade those with skills that you need. And finally, if you’re up for it, go ahead and…

3. Study the skills you need. This takes longer, and isn’t for everyone. If you find a great relationship from #2, then roll with it. If #2 was a patchwork solution until you could do it on your own, then put equal amounts of energy into business as you do into your creative skill (if not more in the beginning). If you find yourself truly not made for business, that’s completely fine. In that case, find a permanent #2.

In addition, I always find it helpful to recommend that those who go out on their own tell as many people as they can. Post it online, tell your friends and family, and just generally keep the message floating out there in the ether. The longer it’s there, the more likely it’s going to reach someone that needs what you're offering.

For example, if you can, start a habit of having coffee or a virtual hangout once a week with someone different. You'll learn about them, and they’ll learn about you. If you can point someone in their direction, do it. They’ll do the same. This is how freelancers get most of their gigs.

Best of luck.

—Joey

Creator of Baronfig
Author of The Laws of Creativity

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