10 Ways To Thrive By Thinking and Acting Like A Freelancer

In 2001 when Dan Pink published "Free Agent Nation," it was seen as a trailblazing book on the modern workplace. A future workplace characterized by less job security, no more "jobs for life"' along with a distinct lack of long-term loyalty from employees towards organisations.

As Pink contended, in a globalised, interconnected world economy characterised with ever-increasing competition and technological advances, the workplace will never be the same again.

These forces have  conspired to make those of us in the industrialised world "free agents." That is, independent, freelance consultants - regardless of whether we're in full-time employment or not.

I've been talking about this with clients for several years, but for many people this has been a difficult concept to comprehend. Especially for those in permanent roles with no intention of becoming self-employed.

But interestingly, as the events in the financial markets and job market over the last 18 months have shown, a permanent contract doesn't mean much. And those individuals who will thrive in the modern workplace will be the ones who think and act like a professional, forward-thinking freelancer.

Here are 10 ways you can thrive by acting and thinking like a freelancer:

1. Focus on outputs, not inputs

Testimonials and referrals are the lifeblood of a freelance independent professional. You get those by being client-focused and delivering commercial outcomes, rather than just concentrating on inputs.

So get clear about the key outputs and results you deliver and become known for them. Be able to quantify them. And ensure your CV, resume and bio's communicate them.

2. Build a distinct personal brand  
 
Your personal brand is the consistent communication of the distinct value proposition you offer to current and future employers/clients.  
 
To develop a strong personal brand, you need to:  

        A) Be clear about the results your deliver and the value you create

        B) Be clear about what is different about you and the way you create those results 

        C) Develop a marketing strategy to articulate that value proposition consistently

Like any other brand (e.g. Nike, Starbucks or BMW) - the stronger your personal brand, the easier it is to differentiate yourself from others, build loyalty, attract new opportunities and command higher rates of pay/fees for your work. 
 
3. Be visible and credible online

A key aspect of your personal brand is your online image. It's customary to 'Google' people you're about to headhunt, interview or meet in a business context for the first time.

So if I were to "Google" you, what would I find out about you? What would appear on the first page of the search? Will it be in line with the personal brand you're trying to portray?

Every time you do anything online, you leave a "digital footprint" - so ensure that footprint shows you in a good light and is in tune with the personal brand you intentionally want to convey.

So at the very least, ensure you own the domain to your name and have a LinkedIn page that articulates your expertise. Ideally aim to have an online presence under your name (or brand name) where you can share ideas, opinions and expertise via a blog, articles and white papers. This positions you as an expert in your own right rather than just highlighting your employer's credentials.

4. Build and cultivate a strong network

The time to build a well is when it's raining, not during a drought. The time to build a strong network is today, tomorrow, next week. And the week after. You should be doing it all the time - not just when you're looking for a job.

And remember: networking is not about "getting" something - it's about contributing, helping others and sharing.

When you network with generosity whilst having a distinct personal brand, you attract opportunities and contacts on an ongoing basis and so avoid the typical "feast and famine" cycle endured by many freelancers.

5. Learn to embrace uncertainty

Part and parcel of being freelance is less certainty and predictability.

As a permanent employee, instead of fearing uncertainty, learn to embrace it by following these the 8 rules of dealing with uncertainty that I've written about before. Follow these rules consistently and you'll be able to not just survive, but thrive when the going gets tough. 

6. Create multiple income streams

You can reduce the uncertainty by creating a number of streams of revenue rather than relying on one pay check.

Speaking, writing, consulting, investing, trading and building an online business are all examples of ways in which you can create opportunities, just like a freelancer would do.

But as we're all now freelancers, we all have the potential to earn income from multiple sources. 

7. Be totally committed

Some people think being a freelancer is all about money. About being loyal only to yourself and just making as much money as you can.

I don't buy that nonsense.

Just because you haven't got a permanent contract it doesn't mean you're not committed.

I've been a self-employed consultant for 6 years and, yes, have been committed to building my own personal brand and my own network - and I've invested a lot of time and money in the process.

But at the same time I've been totally loyal and committed to firms which I've been a freelance consultant to. So much so that people have frequently assumed that I was a permanent employee.

That's because I don't exclusively put my own interests above those of the client I'm working with.

So what if I'm not in a permanent role? I'm still a professional. And so are you. So make sure you show total commitment to whoever you are working with (employer, client or otherwise) - and the results, opportunities and job satisfaction will come naturally.

8. Focus on "responsibilty"' instead of blind loyalty

When I talk about thinking like a freelancer, building your own network and developing new income streams people become a little concerned as they see it as being somewhat disloyal and slightly dishonest to their employers.

The reality is that most firms are being a little disloyal and dishonest to you too - it's part and parcel of running a commercial business, where the management team have a responsibilty to shareholders and the majority of employees, rather than to individuals.

You too have a responsibilty - to you and your family. So don't be blindly loyal to one firm - be committed, but also ensure you have options so that you're not left without an escape route if required.

9. Invest in yourself

You reap what you sow. If you want to stay ahead of the pack and thrive, you must continually invest in yourself, and not rely on your employers to do it for you.
 
That investment can be in the form of reading widely, attending conferences and seminars, joining network groups, hiring a coach, finding a mentor or building mastermind group of peers - do whatever suits your style, budget or needs.

10. Make YOU a priority

All of the 9 points above rely on you ensuring that you make yourself a priority.

"...but I haven't got the time"
 
That's BS - it's all about priorities - we create time for what's important. So think like a freelancer and make yourself a priority.  Because in this new world, your employers won't always be investing in you and providing you with the opportunities like the old days. It's down to you to invest in yourself and make things happen. 
 
It doesn't matter whether you are unemployed, a contractor or a permanent employee - we are all now the CEO's of our own companies - Me Inc.  The faster you embrace that concept and incorporate many of the points above - the more you will thrive in the months and years ahead.

By Sital Ruparelia From 6 Figure Career Management

 

Comments

[Dora Self]

Fantastic post.

Can I add something on the impact of the internet on the frelance world?

The Internet has opened up many freelance opportunities, expanded available markets, and has contributed to service sector growth in many economies.

Offshore outsourcing and crowdsourcing are heavily reliant on the Internet to provide economical access to remote workers, and frequently leverage technology to manage workflow to and from the employer.

Much of the computer freelance work is being outsourced to poorer countries outside the United States and Europe. This has spurred conflict because American and European workers are not receiving the benefits.

The compromise has led to student freelancers who now provide a steady source of cheap labor while keeping jobs American and European.

As a result, freelance employment has been especially common in the areas of writing, editing, indexing, software development, website design, advertising, open innovations, information technology, and business process outsourcing.

Also, changes to the publishing industry since the 1980s have resulted in an increase in copy editing of book and journal manuscripts and proofreading of typeset manuscripts being outsourced to freelance copy editors and proofreaders.

[Will at Virtualjobcoach]

Good stuff, but Cliff Hakim started publishing books on this in the early '90s - check-out the legendary "We Are All Self Employed". Here's a tiny url to it on Amazon http://tinyurl.com/mjpvdw