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How to Be An Effective Freelancer

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)

A lot of people assume that the world of a freelancer is all fun and games – sleeping late and working at home in your pajamas – but in order to make money and maintain a professional image it’s important to acknowledge what your clients want and how you can execute it in the most efficient, responsible way.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • A computer
  • A cell phone
  • A business e-mail address

    How to Be An Effective Freelancer

  1. Step 1

    Work out a schedule with your client before you begin any assignment. Make sure you both understand the expectations, scope and demands of the project. If you’ve established a drop-dead date for the project to be completed, make sure you create a plan which details how you will segment the work out. Draft out a contract that includes the expected hours required, payment plan and cost to your client if additional hours or edits are necessary.

  2. Step 2

    Make sure that your client knows of any upcoming trips or plans that may affect your work schedule. If something comes up unexpectedly, make sure your client knows as far in advance of your leaving as possible. Remember that even though you are not a full time employee of the client's business, it is still essential that they receive the same courtesy you would give a boss.

  3. Step 3

    If you have a question about an assignment you’ve been given, ask! There is nothing more frustrating to an employer on a deadline than a freelancer who does the total opposite of what’s been requested. Don’t feel bad if the details are unclear. It’s better to be a nag and get it right than remain quiet and make costly mistakes.

  4. Step 4

    Deliver all work on time. Once you’ve completed the project, thank your client for the opportunity and maintain correspondence so that if another project comes up, they keep you top of mind. Often times in large, fast-paced companies, clients don’t have the time to keep up with multiple freelancers. That means, if you put in the extra effort, it’s likely you’ll get the job over someone else.

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