This shaky type of communication extends beyond reminding clients about late payments. When you use feeble phrases, you’re subtly communicating to your clients that you’re unsure about your services, pricing, and general freelance business.
Look, there’s no shame in being uncertain or feeling the weight of
imposter syndrome as a freelancer. We all go through it, even after success and many years in the freelance game. However, you do have to be confident and professional when marketing your biz and communicating with clients.
Freelancers that succeed in the long-term exercise a high level of professionalism despite their insecurities.
Here are 3 ways to become a better communicator and appear more professional as a freelancer:
1) Be firm and avoid infusing uncertainty in your communication.
IE: “I think that’s fair”.
Try this instead: “My prices for the 4 articles are $$$$. In order to lock you in my calendar and to give these articles the attention they deserve, I collect 50% upfront payable via PayPal/Stripe. ”
Always be clear and firm.
2) Set realistic deadlines.
Look at your calendar and make sure that you give yourself time to complete the project with the utmost quality. Setting realistic deadlines and
proactively communicating them with your clients helps you avoid recurring check-ins and client micromanagement.
3) Surround yourself with successful freelancers.
Freelancing can be rough and lonely thus amplifying the imposter syndrome and insecurities you already feel. Being an active member in freelance communities can do wonders for your confidence. Join
freelance communities, take part in #FreelanceChat on Twitter, message your favorite freelancers, and set up a 15-minute call.
There are so many ways to find a support group as you continue your freelance journey. Freelance communities are not just great for psychological and emotional support, they are also an excellent source of quality work (often via word of mouth referrals aka the best kind of referrals 😃).
1 question for you: What are you going to do in the next week to become a more professional freelancer?
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