Make a good freelancing streak even better
That big client gave you a plum gig. Then, another client landed in your lap. Two huge checks arrived. Everybody loves your latest project. You don’t know how or why it happened, but suddenly, you can do no wrong – you, my friend, are smack-dab in the middle of a freelance hot streak.
There’s plenty of advice out there on what to do when business is slow (besides eat Oreos and cry), but what do you do when it’s going well? How do you make a good freelancing streak even better?
1. Do a marketing blast
You have some really great stuff happening right now – make sure the world knows about it!
When you have a little heat going, that’s the time to send out a newsletter, shoot off an email blast, run a few social media ads, or update your website. Nothing attracts work like working; make sure that potential clients know what you’re accomplishing these days.
2. Outline some goals
Take advantage of all that positive energy flowing through your system; take a break from your happily-packed schedule and write down some goals. What do you want to accomplish in the next month, six months, year, five years? What aspects of your work do you want to pare down, and what do you want to build up? What are a few steps you can take now, to set on your path? Be ambitious; use your good mojo to inspire you into new growth.
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3. Shoot for that dream client / gig
Whether you’re aware of it or not, odds are you’re walking with a little extra swagger these days – a certain newfound confidence. TIME TO USE IT.
Are there any dream clients or gigs that you’ve thought were unattainable? Now is the time to go after them! Gently shake your social / professional network tree and see what apples fall out; can you arrange an interview? Put together a proposal and send it to a contact. Heck, send a ‘cold-call’ e-mail to a potential client, detailing your latest accomplishments. Even if it doesn’t pan out, you’ll still be in your current (great!) position; you have nothing to lose!
**4. Reward yourself **
Freelancers tend to be extremely driven people; they sometimes have trouble taking time off to celebrate their victories. But all work and no play makes Freelance Jack a dull, dull, overworked and overstressed boy.
Give yourself real, tangible rewards for your hard work. Don’t break the bank (too many freelancers learn that lesson the hard way), but indulge enough to make it a noticeable treat.
What’s something you’ve always meant to do, but have been putting off? Reward yourself as your own best-performing employee; it’ll serve as a nice little motivation the next time you’re procrastinating.
5. Express gratitude
In the middle of this self-love, don’t forget to express gratitude to anybody who’s helped you along the way (strongly consider getting them a thank-you gift, too). It’s a gracious way to spread good karma and put the positive energy you’ve been receiving back into the universe!
There’s a reason why Oscar winners spend huge chunks of their acceptance speeches thanking others; none of us achieve success alone, and spreading the joy and credit due is the best way to celebrate.
Who knows? Maybe this hot streak will become the new normal – how much better can it get?!
Kate Hamill lives and works in New York City, where she consumes an inordinate amount of Sriracha daily. You can catch up with her on Twitter at @katerone.