Freelancers Secure More Business Like This!

If you’re one of those people who has forsaken the corporate world to fly on your own as a freelancer, let me take this opportunity to welcome you to the bright side of the road. Now you’ve got the freedom to work from wherever you want and during the hours that work best for your lifestyle. 

Having said that, neither self-employment nor entrepreneurship are for the faint of heart. There’s a lot of competition out there and sometimes a bit of stop and start in cashflow, but there are a few things you can do to stand out among your peers and keep business flowing in.

Freelance professionals typically offer services to other businesses. These businesses may have several people they call on when they need a job done, so if you want to eat regularly, it’s important to position yourself to become their first choice every single time they need help. The best way to do that is to think about where and how you can add the most value.

Forget about dropping your prices to compete with others. That’s a losing game that will lower the perceived value of your work. For example, there are people in poor countries who speak English and will write a 500-word blog for $2. People who go for that deal are getting what they pay for, so raise your standard and maintain your self-respect. Focus on creating value through service.

Your differentiator, in this case could be seamless communication and a fast turnaround time. Are you able to guarantee 24 hour or same day delivery? If so, then consider doing that. Are you able to offer flexible payment terms and take credit card payments? Can you work in more than one language? Find out what matters most to your clients and offer it to them. Make things easy for people and they will buy from you.

How much variety are you able to offer your clients? For example, a graphic designer who know how to edit video or who designs for both digital and print functions is highly valuable. Add seamless communication and fast turnaround times to that equation and that designer would be irresistible! 

Now maybe you don’t have all of those skills, but you know other freelancers who could help you. Have a list of people you like to work with who offer complementary services. I keep a list of designers, videographers and other creative specialists handy so I don’t have to say no to anyone.

Networking is a very important part of your business and is essential to keep things flowing. Over the years I have used LinkedIn for networking with other professionals, but have found beBee.com to be much better for engagement between professionals. 

The best part is that beBee has recently revamped its platform, allowing your profile to come up in a Google search. In other words, beBee does the SEO for you and unlike Google Ads, it’s completely free!

The best way to maximize your profile on beBee is to set it up and fill in your areas of expertise and how much money you charge per hour. Make sure to include a picture of yourself in your profile as well.

After your profile is set up you can start creating posts and blogs that demonstrate your expertise. If you are a videographer or a graphic designer you can showcase samples right in the body of a blog post. Be sure to add your website and a little blurb about your expertise so people can easily figure out what you do.

You should also join groups on beBee that interest you and begin following other members. Your posts will show up in your geographic area whether you follow people or not, so you don’t have to have 30,000 followers to have reach on beBee, but the more you participate in the community the more you will become known for your expertise.

Use beBee to look for freelance work, partner with other freelancers and build relationships with potential clients. Also, be generous and share other people’s content and make polite comments. That’s how virtual relationships flourish!

About Renée Cormier

I am a Marketing communications professional, consultant and coach. I love working with start-ups and small businesses. Every business needs a strong foundation to market from. Let me help you with that!

Visit my website at www.reneecormier.com">www.reneecormier.com