She Strengthens

Establishing Your Worth: The Importance of Professionalism in Freelance Work

As a freelancer, you’re not just your own boss, but also your own account manager. This means navigating the complexities of client relationships, project scope, and payment terms. A recent conversation with a friend highlighted the challenges of dealing with shady clients and the importance of setting the tone for a successful project.

The Pitfalls of Amateurism

When you don’t negotiate your rate, you set a tone of amateurism. You’re perceived as someone who is just excited to help out and build their résumé, rather than a professional contractor advocating for themselves. To avoid this, it’s essential to raise the issue of money and attempt to negotiate, even if you don’t think there’s a real chance of raising your rate.

The Power of Perception

To be taken seriously, you need to be seen as a business, not just an individual. This means setting up a mini-business, even if it’s just a side hustle. With a simple investment of $300, you can establish a professional presence.

Setting Up Your Business

Use LegalZoom to set up an LLC, ideally with a name that reflects the work you do. Then, secure a website domain and create a basic website with a free template, featuring your company, bio, resume/portfolio, and contact info. Finally, set up two emails attached to your website: admin@yourwebsite and yourname@yourwebsite.

The Benefits of Professionalism

By establishing a business presence, you create a clear distinction between your “work self” and “business self,” which is essential for your mental health. You also gain a sense of professionalism, which translates to better interactions with clients and a greater sense of worth.

Advocating for Yourself

In business, it’s up to you to advocate for yourself and establish your worth. Don’t shy away from negotiation or setting strict terms on the structure of the work. Remember, you have to go in prepared to set your own terms and present yourself as the professional you want to be treated as.

Dressing for Success

Sometimes, you have to take the extra time to set up basic business infrastructure, even if you’re just starting out. By doing so, you’re dressing for the job you want, not the one you have. Establish your worth and present yourself as a professional – it’s the key to successful freelance work.