From TheBayNet.com, being a successful freelancer requires unique skills. This article identifies characteristics that enable someone to be a successful freelancer.
Here are a few qualities that you need to have in order to be a successful freelancer:
Organized
Many successful freelancers live by the saying, “measure twice, cut once.” This means that for you to be successful in the freelancing world you need to organize your thoughts. Since you will be working with different clients you need to organize yourself so that you don’t confuse your work. For example, if you are a freelance writer you shouldn’t make the mistake of submitting the wrong articles to the wrong client.
Frugal
While it’s difficult to save money in the current harsh economy, it’s wise that you create a budget that will allow you to regularly put aside some money for emergency services. The money will help you when one of your clients is uncharacteristically late with payment. The money will also be of help when one of your devices fails to work.
Disciplined
While freelancing provides you with flexibility in terms of the time that you can work, you need to be disciplined to be successful. For example, if you want to work 40 hours a week you need to make it your habit to wake up early to be able to meet your target.
Networking
Who said networking is only applicable in the offline world? In order to keep getting new work you need to network with other freelancers and clients. The cool thing with networking online is that you don’t need to be a cocktail party person. You only need to join the right social media groups. Here you should be reliable, open to make new acquaintances, and pleasant to work with…”
Read the full story at 5 Qualities you need to be a successful freelancer
See also The New Millionaires: Establishing a Lucrative Freelance Career for a great guide into establishing a lucrative freelance career and how this phenomenon is changing the workforce.
See also How to Move from being a Solo-Freelancer to Starting a Digital Agency.
As a freelancer with an irregular income I can completely agree with the part about frugal way of living, but one thing that really annoys me is when I see people who think that ‘frugal’ means saving every possible penny and cutting expenses on almost everything. Isn’t that why you should work and try to earn more? So you wouldn’t have to restrict yourself constantly?
Thanks Sandra, I completely agree. I think the smart thing for everyone, regardless of income level, is to be aware of what you earn and what you spend.