Hola, Unfxcked Freelancer👋🏼!
Welcome to another week of getting unstuck, taking control, and going pro as a freelancer. In case you missed my last newsletter, see the full archive of previous issues here.
It’s natural to stumble when starting anything in life, including freelancing.
I’ve been there, you’ve been there, we’ve all been there.
We stumble, we fall, and yes, we make mistakes.
And guess what? That’s absolutely okay.
It’s safe to say I’ve made my fair share of mistakes too – nobody’s perfect.
I’ve been able to learn and grow from them. And they’ve shaped me into the kind of businessman I am today.
I’m still not immune to any form of mistake as a freelancer. But I’ve learned to reduce and manage them.
Mistakes are part of the learning curve, but some can hinder your growth more than others. They can bring you endless struggles and can turn your dreams into a nightmare if care is not taken.
So, what are these costly mistakes and why should you avoid them?
Grab your favorite drink, find a comfortable spot, and let’s dive right in.
10 Costly Mistakes to Avoid
1. Ignoring Your Niche: Trying to be a jack of all trades may seem like a good idea, but it can leave you lost in a sea of competition. You need to find your niche and stick to it to get better clients.
2. Underpricing Your Work: While underpricing yourself might get you some cheap clients, it won’t pay the bills or help you grow as a freelancer. It’s best to charge what you’re worth.
3. Not Networking Enough: Don’t be like me. Don’t isolate yourself as it can limit your opportunities. You have to network. It’s the only way to get noticed and land your dream gigs.
4. Procrastination: You might have flexible schedules, but procrastination can be your worst enemy. Your “I’m using more time to prepare for the project” might be procrastination in disguise. Set a routine and stick to it.
5. Ignoring Feedback: You definitely don’t want to keep explaining. You want evidence. Feedback, both positive and negative, is your compass for improvement. Don’t think you don’t need it. Always get it.
6. Overcommitting: Taking on more than you can handle might seem like a good way to make money, but it can lead to burnout and poor-quality work. Take on your clients, one project at a time.
7. No Emergency Fund: Freelancing has its rainy and dry seasons. Without an emergency fund, you might find yourself having financial challenges in dry seasons. Always save for times like this.
8. Ignoring Your Health: Health is wealth or how do they say it? Your health is your most valuable asset. Don’t neglect it. Neglecting it can only result in decreased productivity and a lower quality of life.
9. Not Backing Up Your Work: Technology can fail us. Your computer and hard drive can fail you. Always back up your work in different places, including cloud storage. Don’t lose precious work due to lack of backups.
10. Client Dependence: I would tell you from experience that relying heavily on a single client can be risky. Your clients can leave at any time. How do you move on? This is why you need to diversify your client base for stability.
That’s a wrap, Unfxcked Freelancer!
Catch you on the flip side,
Temidayo – Chief Unfxcker