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.
Every day on X (formerly Twitter), I come across at least one post about how time is money or how time is a valuable resource.
These posts are not lying. And the idea of time being important applies to every aspect of life, including freelancing.
As a freelancer, you need to understand one simple thing: timing is everything.
For instance, your success as a freelancer depends not only on the quality of your work but also on your ability to deliver it in a timely and effective manner.
This is why you can’t afford to be fashionably late when it comes to going about your work.
You cannot be on “African time” because it doesn’t work.
Let me give you some scenarios of how timing works in everything you do as a freelancer.
1. Entering a Niche:
Let’s say you’re a graphic designer. If you check on Twitter and LinkedIn, you’ll see people launching several spaces or virtual events. Being on time means positioning yourself as the go-to freelancer for virtual event graphics before everyone else catches on.
2. Starting a Project:
I’ve learned that when I get a project, starting immediately is half the battle. From experience, I can tell you that clients love freelancers who don’t waste time. If you delay, someone else might snatch that project away. The goal isn’t just to meet deadlines but to start early and create space for new projects.
3. Delivering on Time:
Last week, I shared something on my IG story from a book I was reading. It goes this way: “Never miss a deadline.” Meeting deadlines is non-negotiable as a freelancer. You promise to deliver on a certain date; you better deliver. Why? Because if you deliver consistently on time, clients will start to see you as reliable, and reliability in the freelancing world is like gold.
4. Pitching and Proposing:
Sending pitches is an art and a science at the same time. Regardless, you need timing to pitch perfectly. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; create it. Send your pitch when your potential client is most receptive. Understand their schedule. Know when they are likely to check their emails. And send at the perfect moment.
5. Follow-Ups:
Following up is another freelancing scenario that needs the right timing. You’ve captured your potential client’s attention, now you need to keep it. You need to show commitment and interest. You cannot bombard them with messages every day, or else they will hate you. Find the right time, and follow up.
All these are just examples. You could be in a different situation that requires you to use the right timing without being too late because every minute counts.
Whether you’re entering a niche, starting a project, delivering your work, or following up, being timely is what makes you stand out and makes clients trust you.
Moreover, in this world, time doesn’t wait for anyone, and neither should you.
That’s a wrap, Unfxcked Freelancer!
Catch you on the flip side,
Temidayo – Chief Unfxcker