Find and keep Freelance Clients
Freelancing is a career choice and just like other career choices, it is full of ups and downs. Freelancers must market their own skills, be on a constant journey to secure new clients and find ways to keep their existing client base involved and hopefully, providing new work. While many freelancing gigs are "one of" assignments, there are opportunities for relationship-building that can keep the same client coming back time and time again and offering freelancers additional tasks.
Add value when possible
Little things matter. Keep in mind clients want to know their business is valuable to a freelancer. One way to prove a commitment to a clients success is to go slightly above and beyond basic task requirements. This need not be time intensive or expensive for freelancers, for example, sharing clients work on social media can provide added value to the client.
Work honestly and be fair
Whether a freelancer has accepted a fixed-rate assignment or an hourly rate, it is critical that they are honest with clients. Do not overcharge for work, be honest about deadlines and other commitments and be fair to clients. One important thing to avoid is accepting tasks that a freelancer lacks the proper skills to complete. This can be tempting, especially since no work means no pay. However, this type of dishonesty can cost more in the long run than turning down an assignment.
Never oversell skills
Client have four basic questions to consider when hiring a freelancer. According toCorp Magazine, the questions clients want answered include:
(A) Does the freelancer care?
(B) Does the freelancer like their client,
(C) Can a freelancer be trusted? and above all,
(D) Can the freelancer complete the task that needs to be done.
Overselling skills may be tempting. However, being honest about shortcomings is always the best policy as stated previously. Overselling skills could result in burning valuable bridges in freelancing.
Trust and verify
According to many reports, freelancers spend an inordinate amount of time chasing down payments from clients. One way to avoid this problem is to ask for a percentage of tasks up front. Ensure the client understands that freelancing is a business and time means money. Verify all client information before accepting a freelancing task and be willing to verify your identity as well. Clients need to know who they are working with and once that comfort level has been established, it is possible to build a long-lasting relationship.
Freelancing as a career choice can be frustrating and rewarding. Freelancers who take the time to build strong relationships not only ensure potential future work from one client, but can also feel confident they may get referral business. Never underestimate the power of developing strong relationships; it may help inlanding new freelance contractsand help create an environment for long-term success.
