Two Years Wild
I celebrated 2 years since going Freelance last month (crack open the haribo & tap water.) I feel privileged to be in a good position 2 years in, so a massive thank you to all my clients who have kept me busy over the last 2 years.
Changing my business
It's been a very busy year and a lot has changed over at Maskew HQ. Changing the way my business runs and putting sufficient processes in place means I am in control of my own destiny - choosing the right projects is key to producing my best work.
“New strategies. Take risks. Make it happen.”
Igniting your burning passion.
You need to find what is your driving force. Finding your fire and igniting your burning passion to give you a purpose.
My main driving force for going Freelance 2 years ago - was simple to work at home and see my beautiful daughters more while they are young. I was in a job that had up to 3 hours travelling traffic permitting. 3 frustrating hours. 15 hours per week. I was motivated to make the change and i’ve been lucky enough to have worked with so many great clients over the last 2 years - a couple of 'BUCKET LIST' projects and clients. Plus the most satisfying thing of all is I see the kids a lot more.
Work hard and be nice people.
Over the last 2 years I have put the graft in, I continue to put the hard graft in but it can be challenging juggling both family and work life. Do good work for nice people has always resinated with me. You do the work. Your client pays you on time. Something we all strive for.
All of my clients are a really good fit for my business ‘good work for nice people,' has always been my business model. During the last year I have worked hard to get the right clients who fit in with my ethos. Getting better processes in place, in terms of contracts and agreements has been instrumental in getting the majority of my clients paying on time. If your clients don't fit in with your ethos, are they the right fit for your business?
Do not be afraid to walk away.
Ignite your passion
I have worked on some exciting projects that ignite my passions - keeping me motivated along the journey. It is a steep learning curve everyday - expanding my business knowledge, skillset and self promotion. Very motivated for the year ahead lots of exciting things happening. Anything is possible - don't put up hurdles and obstacles.
My passion is Football, Boxing, Beer, Music and logo design. I have been working hard during the last year to get projects that ignite my passion. That moment when you get a new client brief and you are instantly excited. It honestly doesn't feel like work. You are passionate. You are excited by the briefs. You want to create your best work.
My top 5 Freelance Tips:
ONE. Be more serious, you are running a business. Time and project management are key to producing profitable work. I used to laugh in the face of time management but have to make sure each project is profitable. I started using And.co for all my project and time management. Definitely a game changer for my business.
TWO. Pricing Creativity is difficult. Discuss money with confidence. Clients are paying for your expertise. How much value will this project bring to your client? Offer price bracketing - giving clients the choice.
THREE. When asked if you use Powerpoint or Word. Nod. Be polite. Smile. Weep discretely into your coffee once everyone has left the room.
FOUR. Get a deposit up front. Getting your agreement in place from the get go. Managing your clients expectations on pricing, revisions, deadlines and payment terms. Getting your proposal to the client from the start puts everyone on the same page, meaning you are more likely to get paid on time. I started using And.co Save Time, Get Paid & Grow Your Business. Send proposals, invoices, get paid and manage your time and tasks.
FIVE. The Freelance juggle is hard work. Walk away from bad deals / clients. There is a lot to do. Finding new work. Meetings. Invoices. Taxes. The actual work - you don't want to spend time chasing clients for unpaid invoices or to give you a clear direction. If your client undervalues your craft do not be afraid to walk away. If they are not the right fit for you, that is ok.
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