So many people want to become a freelance writer, but for whatever reason many of them never take the leap. Instead, they talk about how great this would be and continually think about all the benefits. While some people just aren’t cut out to be a freelance writer, others should really think about getting past their fears and moving forward.
Here are three common reasons why some people never seem to take the next step:
1. They really aren’t interested. Simply put, some people toy with the idea of becoming a freelance writer but are not really interested in this career path. While there is nothing wrong with this, you may want to think about why you are not quite ready to move forward – there may be a good explanation for the way you feel.
2. They don’t know what step to take next. This is perhaps the most common reason for not becoming a freelance writer. The person in question is 100 percent ready to move forward, but a lack of knowledge is holding them back. If you don’t know what to do next, your best bet is slowing down and figuring out a timeline that suits you. In some cases, you may be able to do this on your own. On the other hand, don’t be opposed to asking other freelancers for help, reading up online (like you are doing now), or purchasing a book.
3. Fear. Let’s face it: it can be scary to become a freelance writer. This is particularly true if you are going to make this your full-time career. You have to decide if your fear is enough to hold you back for good, or if you are capable of overcoming this.
You may or may not be able to identify with one of the reasons above. If something is holding you back, now is the time to pinpoint the problem and decide how to best move forward.
For whatever reason, the last few clients that I landed have all suffered from the same issue: they don’t know exactly what they want. They know they need my services, but are unsure of how to get started, what direction to take, and how much they are willing to pay. Although this can be frustrating as a freelance writer, it is something that I have come to expect over the years.
Simply put, some clients just don’t know what they want. And guess what? Some of them never figure it out until you give them advice. Don’t be shy about stepping to the plate and offering up your knowledge. Not only will this help move the project forward, but it will show the client that you are more than willing to assist them in many ways.
It is easy to get upset with a client that is beating around the bush, trying to determine which direction to take. But if you show this, you are going to lose the deal before it ever starts. The best thing you can do is let the client know that you are on their side, and willing to help as much as you can. With experience as a writer, you should be able to lend advice that your new client will find helpful.
It would be nice if every client knew what they wanted. This way, all you would have to do is take direction and get started. Unfortunately, this is not how things always work out. If you run into a client that is lost, make sure you do your best to clear a path for them. When you do this, you will be seen as a major asset which will in turn allow you to establish a better relationship.
There is nothing worse than digging into a project and getting on the right track, just to have your client change direction. In this case, you are probably going to be asked to stop what you are doing and change along with them. While not as common as some believe, this is something that I run into from time to time.
Here are three things to keep in mind if a client changes direction on you:
1. Explain what you have completed up to that point, and then let the client take a look. This way, they can at least see the progress you have made and realize that a change in project scope is not going to be as simple as it sounds
2. Talk about what this means in terms of payment and deadline. You may be 90 percent finished with a project, just to have the client say that they want to “take a different approach.†While there is nothing wrong with this, they must realize that this will almost always lead to additional payment and an extended deadline.
3. Give your opinion, if asked. You don’t want to jump in and tell the client that they should stay the course. But if you are asked, be sure to tell them what you think based on the portion of the job that you have completed. Many times, freelance writers are relied on for more than content creation. Don’t be shy about giving your opinion if the chance is there.
As long as you are being compensated for your time, there is nothing wrong with changing direction along with the client and doing whatever is asked of you. Just make sure you continue to stay on the same page. As more and more changes are made, it can be difficult to keep a level head.
