Over the past week or so I have received a few emails from aspiring freelance writers asking if it is a good idea to start a blog. Although there is no right or wrong answer to this question, I always tell them the same thing: blogging is a great way to express your personality, while also making contacts. To go along with this, it is a form of writing so it is something that should come semi-naturally.
Many freelance writers do not have enough time to blog on a regular basis. This is a common problem, and one that can be frustrating. I think it is important to make time for this blog for two reasons:
1. It is a great way for me to give back to other freelance writers. Even if every post does not help, hopefully a few of them lend tips and advice that can be useful to a large number of readers.
2. I enjoy blogging because it helps to break up my day. Hour after hour I am working on freelance writing projects for others, but when I blog I am writing for myself. There are no guidelines to follow or clients to please; I can do what I want.
If you do not have a blog and are an aspiring freelance writer, you should take the time to start one right away. You do not have to post once per day like I do, but it is definitely a great way to help others and express your opinions while working on something that you can call your own.Â
Within my freelance writing career, I work with clients ranging from individuals to book publishers to large corporations. One thing that I always hope for in a client is that they will be able to give me help if I ask for it. With that being said, some clients are better at this than others. You need to make sure that you are never afraid to ask clients for help if need be. If you are, you need to get over this right away.
Why are so many freelance writers afraid to ask for help? Simply put, they think that this shows a sign of weakness or a lack of knowledge. When it comes down to it, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, your client will more than likely be happy to answer any questions because it allows them to make sure that you are on the right track.
If you neglect to seek answers when need be, you may continue with a project just to find that you took the wrong path. In the end, your client is going to be mad that you missed their intended target, and you will have wasted a lot of time. In many cases, asking a few simple questions is all that you need to get a better idea of how to move forward.
Coming across clients that are not willing to answer questions or lend assistance is uncommon, but it does happen. Some of them will think that you are the professional, and that since you are being paid you should figure things out on your own. While this is true to a certain extent, it is no way for anybody to run a business. If you are working with a client who has this mindset, you should do whatever it takes to explain your situation to them and get a bit of assistance. If you make them feel wanted and as if they are a part of the process, you should be able to get them to jump in and help; even if just a little bit.
You cannot afford to be afraid to ask any client for help. If you are, there is something wrong. Either you need to change your approach to the freelance writing industry, or your client is being overly difficult. It is up to you to get past any barriers to ensure that you complete the project efficiently the first time around.
Confidence is an important trait that every successful freelance writer shares. If you are not confident in your own abilities, why would you think that others would be? When it comes down to it, there are three major issues that can and will occur if you are not confident in your freelance writing skills:
1. If you are not confident, it will show through when communicating with clients. You may not want to believe it, but this can put doubt in the mind of those you work with. On the other side of things, if you are confident in what you are doing your clients and prospects will always feel as if you are in control and ready to help them at every turn of the road.
2. If you are not confident, you will lower your prices when asked and sometimes without any prompt at all. Over the years I have found that writers who are not confident in their work feel that they are not worth a lot of money. In the end, this results in smaller earnings and often times a shorter career. Be confident enough to set reasonable prices, and then stick with them when negotiating with clients.Â
3. If you are not confident, some clients will walk all over you. While this is unfortunate, it is the absolute truth. Many people in this industry look for those who they can push around, and then do so as often as possible. When you get pushed around you will lower prices, and attempt to live up to unreasonable demands. Freelance writers who exude confidence do not get singled out in this capacity nearly as much.
As you can see, it is very important to be confident if you are hoping to achieve freelance writing success. And remember, you do not need years of experience to be confident in your skills. This is a mindset that anybody can take advantage of!Â
