Top 5 Qualities Freelancers need
As a mum to 3 young children, I worked out that employment was becoming increasingly challenging. There are childcare costs to think about before they start school. The average working day conflicts with things you might like to attend such as the Nativity play. All too often, you find yourself racing from work to school with barely any time for the self-care everyone tells you is essential to stay mentally well. I have no idea why society has not found better ways to support work and parenting going hand-in-hand. Freelancing offers flexibility and is a route I took along the way. Today I am considering the top qualities of successful freelancers based on my own experiences.
Self-motivation
You will often be working on your own as a freelancer. Initially, you won’t be able to afford an office or to rent out co-working space. You are likely to be working from your sofa or kitchen table. You are your own boss so you need the discipline to keep on keeping on without someone to praise your efforts, identify relevant training or help you with any problems.
Ability to network
One way you can get some support is to have peers to call upon when you need a listening ear or some advice. Networking is great for identifying opportunities to work in partnership with others. If nothing else, it spreads the word about your products and/or services. The more people know about what you offer, the more likely you are to find customers.
Self-awareness
Because nobody is necessarily keeping a close eye on you as a freelancer, you do need to be very self-aware. You have to be able to spot the signs that you are physically or mentally exhausted. This will mean you take breaks when you need to an indulge in self-care that feeds your body and soul.
Time management
Linked to self-awareness is managing your time well. When do you work best? Are you able to meet tight deadlines on occasion? Are you good at setting boundaries with family and friends so that they value your business.? It is very easy to work hardly at all or way too much when you are in charge of your working hours.
Willingness to outsource
Many freelancers don’t know things that help a business run effectively. It is common for people to struggle with financial management as an example. I like to play with words but am less good when it comes to images. As a freelancer, it is good to build up contacts that you can outsource some aspects of your work to. This often saves so much time that is is a good investment of your money. It also can reduce a whole heap of stress as you struggle with something you really don’t understand very well
What qualities do you think freelancers need to be successful?
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