Check out my books on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/John-Au-Yeung/e/B08FT5NT62

Subscribe to my email list now at http://jauyeung.net/subscribe/

Freelancing is something that may be tough for some people. If we avoid some mistakes, we can save ourselves from some grief.

In this article, we’ll look at some advice to follow as freelancers.

Forgetting that I’m a business owner 

You aren’t working for anyone as an employee. Your client is a partner you’re working with.

So you shouldn’t expect clients to dictate what you do.

Trying to Sell Your Skills Instead of Solutions to Clients

Clients want solutions, so selling them solutions you can offer them is better than selling what skills you have.

Competing Mainly on Price

Good clients are willing to pay you good prices, so don’t compete on price.

You don’t want to work hard for low pay.

Viewing Other Freelancers Solely as Competition and not Building a Network 

Some freelancers can be your competitors, but they can also help you find work and refer you to people they know.

Niching Down Too Much and Too Fast

The narrower the niche, the harder it is to find people that need your specialization.

Not Marketing Until Your Run Out of Projects

It’s a good idea to maintain your presence all the time so that you get noticed by potential clients.

It takes time for you and clients to find each other, so it’s better to start early so it’s less likely that you run out of work.

Not Saving Enough Money

There’re always unexpected expenses and slow months, so saving money is always important in case you need the money.

Dipping to Rock Bottom Rates

If you work for a rate that’s too low, you may be working on projects that aren’t profitable.

That means you’re wasting money.

Wasting Time on Useless Things

You should prioritize useful things for clients and making money freelancing.

Anything else can wait.

Of course, taking breaks is also important.

Relying Too Much on One Source of Work

Always diversify in case one source of income runs out.

Relying on Freelance Platforms

Freelance platforms may work for some people.

But you don’t control them and they can cut you off with a click of a button.

You don’t want them to cut you off from your clients.

Always diversify on sources of client and income.

Keeping Bad Clients for Too Long

If they’re shady or you aren’t profitable working with them, then cut them off as soon as you can.

Not Having Formal Processes

Processes speed things up and keep things consistent, so it’s worth having them.

Setting standards for quality and other workflows are helpful.

Taking in Too Much Advice

There’re lots of advice online. They’re either conflicting or may not be relevant to your situation.

They may lead you in the wrong direction, so it’s a good idea to take a break from reading advice.

Conclusion

If we follow the advice above, we can all be successful freelancers.