Recently, the FreelanceSwitch community was asked what simple, one-line advice they would give newly minted freelancers. The result was a surprising and poignant mix of wisdom, humor, and insight on topics such as clients, money, marketing, and keeping one’s sanity. Read on for the best advice from the FreelanceSwitch community!
It’s a not so well-kept secret that the FreelanceSwitch community forums are filled with experts and seasoned freelancers of every make and specialization. But everyone had to start somewhere! Being a new freelancer can be an exercise in hard lessons learned–we’ve all had to gather valuable wisdom through trial and (sometimes very expensive) error, and we all have “I wish I knew then…” stories to tell. When asked what their best on-liner advice was, the FreelanceSwitch experts had a variety of advice…
On Clients…
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“How you handle lateness can strengthen rather than weaken client relationships.” :: nerdburn
“Don’t mention w3c or valid coding during a pitch…talk about ROI and improving business.” :: Satch
“If you manage them right, repeat customers will be more profitable than new ones. Work hard to turn all your new customers into repeat customers.” :: FreelanceMan
“People buy benefits, not features.” :: Mike_Smith
On Money…
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“Charge more. And make sure you are worth it.” :: betty
“Don’t take on more than you can handle you will end up losing more than you thought you would be earning.” :: black.p
“Don’t forget taxes.” :: betty
On The Craft…
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“A website is never “done”. It is only abandoned.” :: lickynee
“If It’s worth doing twice, it’s worth creating a system for.” :: Lukevdp
“Don´t be afraid of asking something you dont know to someone who is more experienced than you.” :: Eliffio
“Get up at the same time every morning, shower, get dressed like you’re leaving the house, and sit down with a cup of coffee in your office at the same time every day.” :: nerdburn
On Marketing & Growth…
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“Make sure you are marketing your business every week, even when you are swamped.” :: Alovhaug
“Don’t let the marketing messages you send out by accident get in the way of marketing messages you send out on purpose.” :: FreelanceMan
“Always carry business cards with you and hand them out to everyone you meet, your neighbor’s gardener’s uncle might be a millionaire who needs your services.” :: Max///AgencyZebra
On Sanity…
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“Enjoy what you do, when you stop enjoying it. Stop doing it.” :: AlexHughes
“Never let your freelance life dictate your personal life, or visa versa.” :: AmberTurner
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