So, this subject is very open to criticism and these tips and or advice could work differently for many different people.  There are so many different avenues to go down to become a successful freelancer.  Before working for the St. Louis Rams I did an insane amount of freelance work to make a living and let me tell you, as you may expect, being your own boss is both rewarding and one of the most frustrating things you can ever do.

So I wanted to give you freelancers out there some of the knowledge that I have gained in my past.  Who knows, maybe it will help some of you move forward a bit faster in your careers.  

First:  If you are the reserved type and lack confidence to promote yourself to complete (and sometimes intimidating potential clients) to become successful you are going to have to learn to bust though that shell quickly.  You need to have the passion about your own work when you promote it, even if you don’t feel it, and you’ll see differences not only the way people react to you, but in the way you perceive yourself and your own work. You’ll find your positivity behind your work and your motivation to get more done, increase.

Two:  Market yourself NON STOP!  Most freelancers (that I have seen anyway) just don’t put in the work to market ourselves, and yet without it, no one would hear of us and we don’t get work. Simple as that. If you can turn something we avoid into a daily habit, you will benefit greatly.

Three:  GET YOUR OWN FREAKIN WEBSITE!  Not only does this make your look much more professional, but it is also and easy way to send potential clients to a beautiful place to witness your beautiful work.  If you are not a web designer hire a good one!  Aesthetics and simplicity are key when making an online portfolio website.  For example ( http://www.mitchmyerstv.com )

Four:  And most important:  Its all about how you present yourself.  Please Please Please do not meet a client wearing jeans and a plain white v neck shirt.  I know that you are your "own boss" but you also do see CEO's of companies looking like shit.  Your clients will only respect and hire your if you look respectable and trustworthy.  Nobody wants a bum to work for them.

 

Hope this helps!  If anybody would like more posts like this just please give me a shout!

 

- Mitchy