Open Thread: What’s Most Important to Your Freelance Success?
Posted October 6, 2008 in Open Thread
Most people who read this blog will agree that freelancing isn’t easy. Success doesn’t just come naturally, and there is a lot that ends up contributing to it.
But what is the most important factor? What really determines how successful you will be?
A lot of people say that sheer effort and hard work will contribute to a successful freelance business. On the other hand, some people say that you need knowledge and lots of intelligence. Some would say you need creativity.
Are any of those the answer? Is it motivation, will power, being interested in what you do? Some magical combination of these things?
What do you think is most important to your success?
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- Open Thread: What’s Your Least Favorite Part of Freelancing?
About the author: Mason Hipp is a designer, entrepreneur, and writer. He is co-author of the Book The Unlimited Freelancer, and has just recently launched a collection of premium graphic resources for web designers called MediaLoot. Follow him on twitter @MasonHipp
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11 Comments
Melek
October 6th, 2008 at 10:32 ami’ve found that the more i do for others (like referring people to them, giving free advice when i can) comes back to me quickly in the form of new business and referrals. So, i think being nice, being genuinely interested in helping other people, and a good work ethic are key to being successful.
plus talent, networking, quick turnaround and motivation ;)
Matthew Bibby
October 6th, 2008 at 10:55 amNow you really have me thinking!
I think Freelance Success comes down to ‘Are you passionate about what you are doing?’
Mason Hipp
October 6th, 2008 at 11:07 am@Melek — That’s a great point. I know a lot of ruthless business owners who will never succeed because they just walk over everyone and never help a single person out. Success is a team sport, doing it on your own just doesn’t work well.
@Matthew — I think passion is definitely a needed ingredient. Is it the only important one though? It may be the only thing you need, but I’m not sure. What do you think?
Brandon Cox
October 6th, 2008 at 12:22 pmI don’t know that it’s the MOST important, but a huge factor in my success is the investment others have made in me – mentors, friends, and family. I have a supportive spouse, business leaders who check in on me and offer great advice, and others who are willing to give their time to me. I think we ought to “pay it forward” by investing in others at least as much as we’ve received, but I’d have to thank those who have helped in a multitude of ways along the way.
BryanG
October 6th, 2008 at 12:29 pmAll of the above then some!
As a business owner the number of things that you need to be able to manage and do will can’t ever be boiled down to one or two things.
You/your business has to have integrity, purpose and clarity.
You have to be passionate about what you do because passion is all you have!
You have to be able to manage the nuts and bolts of your business, like paying the bills, managing cashflow, selling you product and so on.
You hav to maintain your creative spark and constantly refresh your skills and knowledge base.
That’s what can be frustrating about going on your own. Working for someone else, you know usually what you have to take care of being own your own you are taking care of everything.
Okay now I have to get back to 50,000 other things on my list!
QuietRebelWriter
October 6th, 2008 at 1:13 pmI think an essential key to success is actually writing well, and doing simple, “duh” kind of services. I write high-quality work, but I also make sure to be polite and open to clients, proactive in keeping them up to date and asking questions, and sticking to deadlines and the parameters of the project. It’s shocking how much repeat business I get just from these simple maneuvers. I guess not everyone else is doing that…
DKumar M.
October 6th, 2008 at 7:39 pmI’m not only talking about writing.. in general you need to first set your target and then you have to be focused….. & finally you should know what you doing… in other words you had to believe in yourself.
in my case I’m always more curious then cautious and that serves me pretty well. or i must say i had a natural hunger of knowledge and i guess that is what keep me focused.
“Money making” target is important but “only money making” target is not good. there are many other things which needs to be figured.
Improvement in skills and work always necessary and awareness of latest happening around gives good results. Always follow what you like or what you want to. After all Nothing gives more pleasure then one nice cup of coffee in the morning.
be simple, Life’s theory !!
Shamelle - TheEnhanceLife
October 6th, 2008 at 11:43 pmThere is always drama on the road to achieving success. There are a few that come to mind…
1. Definite major purpose – this means having your heart fixed on what you want and not abandoning that purpose due to temporary defeat.
2. Mastermind alliance – gathering two or more individuals to help you achieve your purpose
3. Giving more than asked for – in other words, going the extra mile and providing a better service than you are paid for. Giving opens the door for receiving.
4. Faith – knowing without a double everything is working for you to accomplish your definite purpose.
5. Pleasing personality – not being easily offended, realizing keeping harmony and peace is an asset.
6. Personal initiative – you must act on your plan towards your definite major purpose.
7. Positive mental attitude – this will attract what you need to achieve your definite major purpose.
8. Burning desire for your definite major purpose – this stimulates you to work your plan
9. Self-discipline – encourages you to think before you act.
10. Focused attention – helps you to think about and do what you want and off what you don’t want.
Jenn Mattern
October 7th, 2008 at 6:09 amI often find that the most successful freelancers are the best marketers. It doesn’t matter how great your writing, design work, etc. is if you can’t build visibility and attract clients. At the same time, if you’re an excellent marketer and you have even remotely decent skills, you can make a very successful living at it. Ideally, you’ll have both – ability / creativity and marketing skills / confidence to go out there and get the gigs.
ivan
October 14th, 2008 at 3:24 pmI see passion and knowledge about what you are doing will you tremendously.
Translator Jobs
October 23rd, 2008 at 6:04 amall that we need is a good motivation and a positive response in everything that we do..
and we can be successful if we keep on searching better jobs.. a hassle free one
There are many websites that offer to connect clients with a freelancer. These services often have many freelancers who bid on particular projects that clients post. Other services simply post projects and allow freelancers to submit a resume and samples of previous work. A freelancer often can find projects through word of mouth, from a former employer, or from classified ads in print as well as on the web.