10 Qualities of a Freelancer

Table Of Contents

• Introduction
• Top 10 Qualities of a Freelancer
• Key Takeaways
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Freelancing may seem like an easy alternative to your daily 9 to 5 office struggle but let us be reminded that it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. It takes a level of self-motivation and versatility for a successful freelancing journey. Freelancing is indeed a much-sorted option for a decent income and a balanced work life. So, here’s an article for all the to-be freelancers out there who are looking for a little push to begin their freelance career. These are the top 10 qualities of a freelancer that will prepare you for the rough but exciting road ahead:

Top 10 Qualities of a Freelancer

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1. Deliver quality

Your work defines the kind of person you are, so make sure you give it your best or, sometimes, go beyond expectations. You’re being judged based on your work, and remember, the better your work, the more long-term partnerships will be coming your way. Providing your clients with quality work will help you win their loyalty and trust (well, handsome pay, too). It is a give-and-take relationship; the more you care for your clients, the more chances of doing projects with them.

2. Master time-management

It’s no joke to be able to effectively manage your time in your day-to-day life. When you’re freelancing, you’re constantly in the middle of juggling between projects, so it becomes even more necessary for you to maximize the time given. With loads of work, deadlines to chase, and other rendezvous, it’s more important than ever to master the skill of time management. Once you do this, everything will fall in place, and you’ll live happily ever after with a healthy lifestyle and career. This is one of the important qualities of a freelancer. 

3. Be goal-oriented

When you have a clear mindset and a perfectly drawn-out list of priorities, then you know what and how to achieve your targets. Having a well-defined goal will help you focus on what’s significant and what you want to achieve. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a plan of action to lead you to your ultimate goal of becoming a successful freelancer. 

4. Always be up to experiment

To become skilled, one must have the drive to learn those skills. In this line of work, it’s no problem at all to have no skills, but the real problem arises when you’re not willing to learn and go through the hard process. For example, you may not be tech-savvy at all, but if you’re up to learning it from scratch, then you’re already on your way to a fulfilling freelance journey. So, experimenting is the first step; failure and success are a part of the process, don’t let it define your career.

5. Have the right character

Your skills will help you climb the ladder, and once you reach the top, your character will let you stay there. The attitude you bring to work will either make you or break you, so tread carefully. A skilled professional is nothing without the right character. When people work with you, they should know you’re a trustworthy being before anything else. Your attitude will land your projects more than your work itself!

6. Know your purpose

Once you’re able to answer the question “Why am I doing this and for what?” you’ll start enjoying your freelancing journey. It’s important to know your sole purpose and then finish what you started. Honestly, it could be anything, right from designing your dream house to giving your parents a full paid world tour! As long as there’s a purpose, there will be a way.

7. Don’t get too caught up

The freelancing bit may seem overwhelming when you’re still writing an article at 11 pm with a cup of coffee in one hand and seeing stories of your friends dancing out their Saturday night or when you realize you haven’t gotten dressed in 2 months. Freelancing can be isolating, but you shouldn’t give in to that. Take a quick second and give yourself the pep talk. Go out for dinners, start volunteering, or even choose to work from co-working places. This will make you feel inclusive and less isolated. This is one of the ways how to become successful freelancer.

8. Put on your marketing hat

Remember: you’re the best spokesman for yourself unless you’re working with a talent agency that can help you find work. Don’t shy away from marketing yourself and your skills because that’s the only way to earn some work. Make sure to have printed business cards and an elevator pitch ready for any networking event that you go to. An attractive social media speaks volumes in today’s digital world, so don’t fall short on that.

9. Charge your worth

First things first, do some market research to have an idea of what is the industry pricing for your field. Once that’s done, find out what your competition is charging. With all this information in place, you can determine your worth. Don’t go overboard but also save yourself from being underpaid. This is an important freelancing tips for beginners.

10. Seek some support

Half of a freelancer’s life is listening to taunts from friends and family members saying, “When are you going to get a real job” “What is the point of freelancing” “Is this what you do all day?” It can get haunting. Pep talks to yourself will work to a certain extent, but it can get discouraging after a while. Therefore, get some support from freelancers and entrepreneurs. This will help you realize that when life gets tough, the tough get going and this is how you can be successful as a freelancer.

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Key Takeaways

• Freelancing is no cakewalk
• Always be ready to learn new things
• Don’t shy away from marketing your skills
• Find purpose and strive to achieve your goals
• Don’t get too carried away in the process
• Know when to take breaks

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Wrapping Up

There is no right or wrong career, so whoever is telling you that freelancing is not the path for you, don’t listen to them. If you’re willing to work on yourself and follow your passion, freelancing is your calling. Although this gig economy started as a small thing, it is the future of work. From social media influencers to blog writers, there’s a freelancing hustle for any and everyone out there. If you ever decide to hop onto the freelancing bandwagon, welcome to the crew!

FAQs