As the name implies, freelancing involves a great deal of freedom from the confines of a structured nine to five. That said, it’s a never-ending grind to bring in the level of work you might find as a full-time employee.
From chasing payments to trying to get your name out there to secure new gigs, you’d be surprised by how little time you actually have to execute your work. And we all know that no work = no money.
In order to help you live your best #freelancelife, we sourced advice from some of the busiest freelancers we know to glean what’s worked for them. See their tips for cultivating a steady stream of jobs so you never have to worry about late payments or other stressors that come with the hustle. Four ways to be more productive, right this way.
If you’re struggling to get jobs, consider these freelancer tips.
Step up your networking
Chicago-based event producer Lucy Angel says, “All of my freelance work has come from networking. Sometimes that’s been in the form of a friend connecting me to someone, or going to an event I’m excited about because there are usually like-minded people there — versus a generic networking event. I always put it out there and say that although I have a job I’m available for freelance.”
Looking for outside-the-box places to network? Seek out conferences like the Girlboss Rally that attract speakers and attendees from all industries so you can cast a wide net and connect with some who may inquire about your services down the line.
Maintain relationships with your old colleagues
“Check in from time-to-time with old co-workers,” says New York-based writer Jinnie Lee. “It can be super easy with social media, too. All it takes is a comment or DM to serve as a reminder that you still exist and will do freelance work.”
Be a sales person for yourself
“There’s a tasteful way to talk about your skillset to find new opportunities for yourself,” says creative strategist Kayleigh Quyen. “When I’m at the laundromat and the conversation organically steers towards design or marketing, I offer up my services.”
Make sure your social media plays to your strengths
“Use social media as a tool to promote your work,” says Jessica Marak, a New York-based designer. “It will serve as a reminder for people when you pop back up in their feed. It’s easy self-promotion and people are on their phones non-stop, more so than email.”
Also, pay attention to who and what you’re following. Join relevant listservs and Facebook groups that share job postings in your field. You never know what opportunity you might scroll past.
If you’re looking to step up your side hustle — or just get started — we’ve got a whole track of programming at the Girlboss Rally dedicated to helping you level up your part-time passion project. Join us for actionable workshops and IRL advice by registering now at girlbossrally.com.
