10 New Year’s Resolutions Every Freelancer Should Have
Posted January 3, 2010 in Inspiration, Lifestyle
It’s that time of year again. The time when we reflect on the past 365 days, examine our accomplishments and shortcomings, and then determine how THIS year we will make things better. Whether it’s losing weight, getting healthier, working harder, mending broken relationships or just being a better person, something about the end of a calendar year causes us to take stock and set goals for improvement.
For freelancers, this season is no different. In fact, running your own freelance business requires the end of the year assessment. I would suggest it even requires self-evaluation much more often than annually.
Each day, each week and each month should incorporate some continual consideration of where the freelancer stands in attaining their respective goals. Here are what I believe to be vital resolutions that all freelancers should adopt in order to enter the next decade with the maximum power to reach their fullest potential.
Raise Your Rates
It’s a known fact that many freelancers are struggling financially simply because they are charging too little for the services they offer. In the past, I have actually had clients tell me I needed to charge them more! It’s not unusual for freelancers — especially those that are just starting out — to keep their rates well below the standard in hopes of gaining business and possibly underselling any competition.
Unfortunately, this often has a more negative effect, cheapening the value of the work and sending potential clients elsewhere for what is perceived as a more professional freelancer due to their higher project quotes. The old saying “You get what you pay for” has never rung more true in the minds of potential clients who choose to pay more in their belief that the higher price equals better quality of work.
Take assessment of current prices for your field. Talk to other successful peers and find out what they are charging. Determine what you think is a fair price for your quality level of work and for your clients. Then notify all your clients of the increase. Make sure to give them a clear explanation, possibly quoting the statistics you’ve uncovered and giving clarity to the reasons behind the change.
While you may fear that this would drive clients away, I believe you will find the opposite effect. Besides, inflation, recession and the rising cost of living are obviously impacting all businesses, so any realistic client is probably expecting a rate increase. The New Year is a great time to set the new standard.
Increase Your Productivity
For all the benefits being your own boss can have, we can often give our “employee” (ourselves) a little bit too much leeway. Distractions that can arise from working at home, having instant and/or constant access to social media, unproductive and irregular sleep habits, and many other situations the freelancer faces can all deter us from our daily and even hourly goals. It is important to find the balance between enjoying the freedom of freelancing and maintaining a productive work environment and pace that enables us to continue our business.
No matter how productive we are, I would be willing to bet we can all do better. Try keeping a record or recapping a traditional work day and scrutinize it to reveal the flaws and areas needing improvement. There are countless open source time tracking, project management and to-do list software programs available that can be utilized to grab a hold of your daily reigns and keep distractions in check. I think we all would be surprised how much more we can get done when we meet the challenge of redefining our routine head-on.
Expand Your Brand
How “known” are you in your field? Perhaps you are doing just fine within the current circle of connections you have. The opportunities for enlarging your network of clients, peers and even friends abound thanks to the recent explosion of social media. As a freelancer it is not necessarily important to create a reputation for yourself as one of the “top” in your field, but it is definitely advantageous to market your freelance brand to the point that others think of you when asked for recommendations.
If you have not already created a brand for your business, set out to do it this year. Identify and propagate your core values, primary mission and professional style. Build and grow your brand using social media tools such as Twitter and Facebook, keeping in mind that overnight success is a myth and you must work steadily to expand the visibility of your brand. Set attainable goals that will not conflict with running your business and completing projects, but will instead enlarge your online footprint while enhancing your existing routine. Resolve to do all you can this year to make others recognize the name of your freelance business.
Trim Your Fat
Even a freelance business could stand to lose some “weight.” Many freelancers take on all kinds of projects — sometimes at ridiculously low rates — just to stay alive financially and fend off the “feast and famine” cycle that can occur. Attempting to keep your schedule full regardless of what it takes or what type of work you are doing can result in the loss of much more profitable and fulfilling projects simply because you are not available when they arise. This can also cause confusion with your existing and potential clients as they lose clarity of your true specialties and focus.
Reexamine all of last year’s projects and determine which ones you should have avoided. I would suggest not looking at the income they brought in but instead evaluate the positive or negative impact they had on your business, the achievement of your goals, and the strengthening of your trade skills. Did each project contribute or detract?
Once you have identified the types of projects that you should avoid, make a list and keep it handy for future reference. Be sure to use it as a filter for each potential project that comes your way, and trim the fat proactively as you proceed through the New Year.
Improve Your Client Communication
Freelancers should always work toward developing better client communication habits and skills. Customer service and quality communication are important tools in any freelancers toolbox. They will always be key contributors to landing new clients as well as keeping them and motivating them to use your services again.
Evaluate your current communication habits and identify any weaknesses. Then ask your clients to do the same. Most likely, they will name a few areas where you thought you were doing well. Do some research online and read some books to create a plan to turn your weaknesses into strengths, while simultaneously fine tuning your current strong points. One suggestion may be to have a set time or times of each day that you respond to emails, phone calls, etc. to make sure that every interaction is addressed on a daily basis and avoid missing or leaving anyone out. There are countless books on communication skills that would be worthwhile to implement into your freelance business.
Revive Your Customer Service
Contrary to popular belief, customer service does not have to be dead. In this age of automated payment systems, voicemail mazes, and all other technologies that have eliminated the human element, freelancers have the opportunity to give clients the customer service they’ve been missing. Breathe life into this dying art by developing your customer service skills to the point that clients remember and are enthused about using your services.
I recently went wine tasting at several Napa Valley vineyards while on vacation in Northern California. The pourer at the first stop was the most engaging, humorous and generous gentleman we encountered the entire day. Before we left we bought a bottle of Tempranillo, almost entirely due to Jeff’s amazing customer service. For the rest of the day each stop we made was measured against the high standard that Jeff had set, and none measured up. By the time we left, others in our party were interested in returning to the first stop to make their purchases of the day from the one person who had been the highlight of their experience.
Memorable customer service will probably be one of the most powerful impacts a freelancer can have on clients. Resolve this year to make significant improvements in the way you personally treat anyone — clients, vendors, peers, etc. — that interacts with you and I guarantee that your business will experience growth.
Continue Your Education
I am a huge proponent of lifelong learning. I am confident that anyone who believes they know all they need to know about anything has proven they are a fool. There are so many new discoveries, new developments and new methodologies uncovered and espoused almost every day that it would be ridiculous to assume we have all the knowledge we will ever need. With the multitude of easily accessible resources — online, in libraries, and elsewhere — it behooves the freelancer to set a course for continuous education in their field and in any other areas of interest. Resolve this year to begin walking the path of a lifelong student and watch how it positively impacts your freelance business as well as your passion for the things you love to do.
Enlarge Your Network
Freelancers tend to work alone, but the benefits of connecting with your peers and developing both personal and professional relationships are invaluable. Connecting with others in your same or related fields can open up all kinds of doors, including resources, assistance, partnerships, referrals and more. Use social media, blog comment discussions and even email to meet new peers and create new connections. Resolve to enlarge your network and both your personal and professional life will be enriched.
Reignite Your Passion
Most freelancers started their businesses because they wanted to do something they love in the specific way they wanted to do it. Breaking free from the corporate chains is a powerful moment most freelancers have engraved in their memories. But as responsibilities pile up and the daily demands begin to overwhelm, the original passion that got us started can fade and get lost in the day-to-day routines.
Take a moment to stop and think about why you started freelancing in the first place. What is it that you do that gives you joy, excitement and a sense of accomplishment? What projects are you most proud of and why? What projects have you found most fulfilling and why?
Look at the common thread in these projects and identify the passion and inspiration they awoke in you. Resolve to pursue your original passion in future projects and determine the best ways to find the hidden gems in those projects that seem to inspire you less. Most of us became freelancers because of our passion for the work we do, so do your best to reignite and continue to stoke the fires of your passion in the coming year.
Reject Annual Resolutions
Let this be the last New Year that you make a “new start.” Think about it. Every January the world makes new resolutions and every February those newly purchased exercise machines become overpriced clothes hangers. Rather than look to the calendar to set an ill-fated point of new beginnings, let every day become its own accomplishment. Start each day with an idea of what you are setting out to achieve, incorporating the resolutions listed above into bite-size, attainable daily goals.
How can you be more productive today? How can you expand awareness of your brand today? Who can you connect with today amongst your peers? What new skill can you learn or improve upon today? How will you better communicate with your clients today?
We cannot do it all at once. Nor is it realistic to expect ourselves to reach the end of the year and look back at the goals we set — without ever checking in along the way — to reveal a perfect success rate.
Live your life as a freelancer in the moment. Set out to do the best you possibly can for today and discover the joy of a job well done on a daily basis, rather than a yearly disappointment. The pride you take in your completed work, the sense of accomplishment at the end of a productive day, and the constant growth as a person as well as a freelancer in your field will improve your quality of living in ways you can only imagine.
Resolve to let these resolutions be the last one’s you make on an annual basis. Resolve to embrace each day with expectation and a full view of its unlimited potential. Resolve to live and work and play within each moment to the fullest of your abilities and enjoy a new life from this point forward, rather than a New Year every January.
You won’t be sorry.
Related posts:
- Open Thread: Where Were You 5 Years Ago?
- Why Most Designers Will Be Freelancers Within 20 Years
- The web 10 years ago
About the author: Brian is a freelance web & graphic designer with over 15 years' experience. His business bkmacdaddy designs specializes in completely custom WordPress, Joomla, Magento & CSS/XHTML websites as well as logo design, brand identity, social media management and more. Brian is a father of 3 and madly in love with his wife of many years.
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92 Comments
Diar A.
January 3rd, 2010 at 9:37 amI just started my freelance writing business, so this manual could be handy :)
Katherine
January 3rd, 2010 at 9:53 amI have to agree with your customer service comments. It’s far too easy, especially when working remotely, to rely on emails and text messages. I set up a certain time each week to actually phone customers (and try to meet them if possible). Even if they never meet me, they at least know the sound of my voice. They also know they can rely on my to call at that certain time. And continue your education? Absolutely! Great post.
Kate Nasser, The People-Skills Coach
January 3rd, 2010 at 10:35 amHi Brian,
Loved this post on New Year’s resolutions for freelancing success. I just finished my 21st year in business (as a freelancer basically) and still loving it.
I especially like your point on Customer Service — my passion and yes, what I teach. Great people-skills when working with customers turns the interaction into a memorable emotion — and that breeds more sales.
You all might like my latest post on New Year’s Soft Skills Resolution. It has 4 tangible steps to great people-skills — like “Jeff” in your story above.
http://katenasser.com/professional-soft-skills-resolution-for-2010/
Bravo to your insight an best wishes for a successful 2010 to all your blog readers and you!
Kate Nasser, The People-Skills Coach
Kevin Donnigan
January 3rd, 2010 at 12:00 pmFantastic and inspiring post! Thank you.
Julie T.
January 3rd, 2010 at 12:35 pm“Continue Your Education” — ABSOLUTELY!
I’m a business coach and that’s one area I see a lot of people “drop” in favor of other tasks. But it’s the entrepreneur (in the case of your post, the freelancing entrepreneur) who continues to “up” his/her game who ends up in business years down the road.
Julie T.
http://www.jadcc.com/blog
omar
January 3rd, 2010 at 12:44 pmdefinitely will do.
Kei
January 3rd, 2010 at 12:45 pmThanks for this Brian!
I super agree with Continuing Education. With the fast paced cyber world, and the ever growing number of freelancers out there, improving your skills and adding up some knowledge is definitely helpful.
Great post to start the year!
jeremy
January 3rd, 2010 at 12:48 pmLove this list….and I also believe the “revive your customer service” is one piece that every freelancer could work on. Freelancers rely a lot on word of mouth and great customer service can go along way with that.
I also do some custom WordPress websites and I freelance often in my spare time. I try my absolute best to learn something about each client so I have a talking point or something personal outside of our business relationship. The more a client see’s you trying to help them and engage with them, the more confidence they will have in you and likeliness to refer you to a friend or colleague.
Bluefaqs
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:30 pmGreat list of New Years Resolutions. I’m definitely raising my rates, something I should of done a year ago.
Joanna @JoannaCiolek.com
January 3rd, 2010 at 3:05 pmThose are all great resolutions and I agree with all of them. Now if only I could expand a day into 28 hours.. :)
Steven Gardner
January 3rd, 2010 at 3:45 pmAs someone who almost never adds comments to posts and has grand ideas of becoming a full time Web Designer (freelance), i thought i would just offer my thanks to the author for this inspirational and interesting post. There are so many things i need to improve but i will take it one step at a time and keep steadily improving all aspects.
Cheers
Steven Gardner
Chris Connor, Business Coach Assistant
January 3rd, 2010 at 5:58 pmIt’s also important to continue to do all of these points throughout the year, not just as resolutions. Great post!
Cory
January 3rd, 2010 at 6:50 pmThanks for the tips. All great reminders to start out the new year. Cheers!
Kamal Hylton
January 3rd, 2010 at 6:57 pmI like your point of Reigniting your Passion, in my case I got into freelancing because I know I have the skills and creativity of a Graphic Artist, but companies wouldn’t give me a chance to prove myself. They would give me the tired excuse of “not enough experience”, so I decided to create my own.
Keeping track of projects that were the most fulfilling or used the most creative energy is a good point as well. Money isn’t everything.
Good Post, Thank you.
Bryan McAnulty
January 3rd, 2010 at 8:33 pmGreat resolutions. Enlarging your network is an important topic that freelancers often overlook.
Nicholas Cardot
January 3rd, 2010 at 11:30 pmGreat thoughts here. I appreciate this. Especially that last one. You’re absolutely right that we need to stay true to our goals and dreams all the time and not just once a year because it’s a popular trend. Great article.
Eko Setiawan
January 4th, 2010 at 12:09 amSuggestions very useful for us, not easy to do it all .. but we believe with perseverance and tenacity we can certainly achieve it, step by step.
Thanks…
teddymatayoshi
January 4th, 2010 at 12:36 amI like this article. It’s good to find all of these good advice in consolidated in a single article.
Namukasa Faridah
January 4th, 2010 at 4:54 amAs i did enter the new year, my head was very blank and it seemed like i didn’t really have any thing to resolve on as my new year targets! This has been so because I got so concerned with my desk work which is very demanding and i forgot that many are the aspects of my life that need special attention beside my desk work. In my search for guidance on what I should focus my energies on as I design my 2010 workplan I come across Brain’s article. I have loved every single bit of it and Iam mostly moved by the idea of having daily targets for accomplishment and daily assessments. Great appreciation Brain for the efforts devoted in compiling the article. Thank you.
Mike B
January 4th, 2010 at 4:54 amYes I definitely agree that charging too little as a freelancer has negative effects that go beyond simply making less money, and clients will go elsewhere if they feel that they won’t get a great service because you’re cheap.
Desigg
January 4th, 2010 at 5:11 amThanks for your Tips!
Stephen Webb
January 4th, 2010 at 5:26 amThese are some valid points for any freelancer to take on board at the start of the year. Many do not take time to analyse the previous year, look at both the positive and negative points and try to learn from these.
I think the key points here are increasing productivity and prices. Everyone can learn to work more productively, be it through streamlining their workflow or becoming more organised, and successfully doing this can result in freeing more time to undertake extra work, and therefore extra income.
It’s nice to see customer service get a mention here too, as this is a feature all too often missing from companies these days. Having excellent customer service is something clients talk about to other clients, and can help you obtain more work. Thanks for this great article, I will reference it in future.
Jannis Gerlinger
January 4th, 2010 at 6:03 amgreat article with fresh new ideas !
Steve Martin
January 4th, 2010 at 6:36 amGreat Resolutions for the New Year… Its really inspiring… Thanks a lot for the tips…..
Luke Jones
January 4th, 2010 at 6:37 amWhat a motivational post – thank you for your words. It’s given me a bit of a boost and I feel all pumped up now. What a pity I’m still in my pyjamas.
Vincent MATHIEU
January 4th, 2010 at 10:02 amThanks a lot ! Lot of inspiration in this post !
espi
January 4th, 2010 at 11:05 amI have to agree with all the points, especially that I need to enlarge my network and interact more with people in my field. Wonderful post.
Anthony Webbs
January 4th, 2010 at 12:20 pmCool post, one of my new resolution is on the list : to expand my brand and network. Thanks for the good post.
Kamal
January 4th, 2010 at 12:31 pmHi,
thx for such nice essay on freelancer todo list in 2010
Kami
Nicolas TAFFOREAU
January 4th, 2010 at 12:36 pmMy 1st resolution: ” stop to work in my bed ” (like the photo).
Nicolas.
Brian McDaniel
January 4th, 2010 at 1:27 pmThanks to everyone for your comments, suggestions and encouragement. I’m glad this article has been helpful and inspirational for so many. I am printing it out and keeping it close to my desk as a reminder for myself. Wishing you all the best in the year to come!
Laia
January 4th, 2010 at 3:13 pmGreat article! This is my second year as a freelancer and I find these tips very useful and motivational. Thanks!
Katie Ham
January 4th, 2010 at 5:35 pmThanks for sharing your New year’s resolutions. It is great list, I hope you will fulfill all of this. I am hoping if I am a freelance I can raise my rates.
Shaun
January 5th, 2010 at 12:16 amWith the New Year creeping up on us faster than most of us would like, I can’t think of a better way to start off the new year than learning what it really takes to be successful in reaching my goals.
Shaun
http://www.MyNewYearsResolutionsExtremeMakeover.com
Feel of Design
January 5th, 2010 at 3:44 amBunch of thanks for the valuable post…
Steve Rice, Blooming Good Gardens
January 5th, 2010 at 5:10 pmThis is great advice. I especially like the points about Customer Service & Continued Learning which I think are keys to keeping up the Passion in what you’re doing. I would add one further consideration for a freelancer to regularly review – what makes me special or different so that clients come to me and not my peers? This is sometimes referred to as one’s Unique Selling Point (USP), and is the thing(s) which justify charging the rate clients expect to pay, rather than competing for the least cost “me too” offering – which will always be undercut by someone else.
Fern
January 5th, 2010 at 5:25 pmLove this list!! Really helpful tips – thanks!
I have to add – to help Increase Your Productivity, please consider using WizeHive as a project management and collaboration platform. Groups can share conversations, notes, tasks, calendars, files, and other information in secure, private, workspaces. Free trial – why not check it out… wizehive.com. Happy New Year everyone!
Mario
January 5th, 2010 at 6:04 pmGreat post… I find local Meetups (those well-organized and with a loyal following), to be great outlets for Enlarging Your Network.
Stewart Atkins
January 5th, 2010 at 6:19 pmA great summary of things that can help all freelancers however long they have been in the game. Remembering to treat clients well and build on those personal relationships as well as exploiting the power of your own brand and network are so critical and will yield benefits time and again. I realised recently when I returned to freelancing that all the jobs I have had since the mid 80s have come through clients and colleagues. All my current freelance work similarly has come from recommendations from previous clients and colleagues. In this age of social media we have the means so make the most of it and build your reputation and the most of the rest will take care of itself.
Philip
January 10th, 2010 at 12:04 pmAnother goal (but not a resolution!) of value to all writers, including freelancers, is to read more. Fifty books in 2010 isn’t a bad start. I got the idea from someone else, so I don’t claim it as my own, but I do think it is a good idea. Four down, 46 to go! And thanks for the thought-provoking list.
Logo Design Portfolio
January 21st, 2010 at 4:39 amHey
You jot down very important point to enhance the freelancing work ahead.
I surely implement it as I am addicted to do new thing or experiment everyday.
Thanks for this awesome article for this new diva special.
Online Outsourcing
March 6th, 2010 at 7:03 amAlways resolution is very toughest manner. Anyway all freelancer should follow that 10 resolution for their improvement of the business
Website Facility
October 20th, 2010 at 10:38 amPerfect, thanks
seo
December 1st, 2010 at 9:52 pmThanks for sharing great information about freelancer
i hope everybody will enjoy the great post
Mumbai Hotels
January 3rd, 2011 at 4:45 amIts really a good writeup, would be interested to read such more informative draft from you ahead, can be a wonderful help to the new readers like me.
Hotels in Mumbai
January 3rd, 2011 at 5:13 amThis page has mind well impact and impressed me to share my experience and gain with you all.
tablet press
January 18th, 2011 at 7:38 amit’s an effective information I found in this article. It has good worth to share with others. Will definitely take this in consideration.
Newcastle Website Design
January 24th, 2011 at 12:28 pmJanuary is always hardwork to get through, so a bit of a reminder of what;s important is always good!
Thanks for the refresher.
seo newcastle
April 11th, 2011 at 10:27 amIts great to share great information. Thanks a great read.
Tiredmouse
May 3rd, 2011 at 10:30 amWhat a great list of resolutions!! Definitely worth sticking to!
Kate Nasser, The People-Skills Coach
May 3rd, 2011 at 10:47 amI commented earlier in the year and yet now add a mid-year New Year’s Resolution with some info to help everyone.
Have Our Intellectual Capital Respected & Valued.
————————
I deliver workshops and have had many say “We have someone who wants to sit in and develop something similar for in house .. OK?”
Here are my new replies to that rather disrespectful request ..
——-
http://katenasser.com/customers%E2%80%99-ethics-give-leaders-a-challenge/
——-
I welcome your feedback on it.
Here’s to freelancer success.
Kate
Miko Engineering
June 14th, 2011 at 8:25 amAn informative read, ill point my friends in this direction!
Michelle Search
July 18th, 2011 at 8:35 amGreat article is so true we all often sell our services far too cheap. Some sound advise here very useful and interesting read thanks.
SEO Newcastle
September 11th, 2011 at 5:17 amI Always find when i raise my rates i start to lose clients and then have to drop them lower than i originally had them to get clients back, a nice steady rate keep clients happy in my view.
SEO Newcastle
August 26th, 2012 at 5:21 amGreat post! Thats my year planned.
ennMedia
September 11th, 2012 at 11:22 amLets be honest everyone wants to be self employed. They want to be there own boss and tell themselves what to do. This is great article helping freelancers get more work which is the most important thing. Don’t get work, don’t get paid. Superb article!
Loft Conversion UK
October 19th, 2012 at 10:48 pmHmm, sounds great. I will follow that. Thanks for your effective thoughts.
Dane Blenner
November 27th, 2012 at 10:57 amInteresting website, i read it but i still have a few questions. shoot me an email and we will talk more becasue i may have an interesting idea for you.
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