Freelance Career Advice

How do you build a long-lasting career as a freelancer, instead of it being a stopgap or short-lived side hustle? For starters, optimize for interesting, focus on financial longevity, and diversify your offerings. Passing the decade milestone as a freelancer, I’ve identified what’s helped to sustain my interest in the work, continue to drive demand from clients, and other insights that have made self-employment a viable, rewarding path. In my latest for Fast Company, I explore lessons in building a long-term practice based on what’s proven effective for myself and other freelancers. ➤ Niche down strategically so it’s clear what you offer, the types of clients you serve, and what’s unique about your expertise. You can’t be everything for everyone, get specific instead. ➤ Consistently share your ideas publicly, whether through podcasting, a newsletter, or otherwise so clients find you based on your insightful ideas and solutions. ➤ Craft a deployable network. According to Lola Bakare, build relationships with colleagues across sectors, and when the time is right, deploy their willingness to support you. “Be very willing to not just ask for help, but surround yourself in help,” she suggests. You can’t just rely on yourself to make it happen. ➤ Secure social proof. “Over-index on social proof. Early in your career, it's essential to ensure you're being taken seriously,” advises Dorie Clark. “The best way to do this is to gather as much social proof - i.e., easily understood and verifiable symbols of your competence - as quickly as possible.” ➤ Prioritize reliability. “This doesn't mean you have to perform perfectly. It means that you need to show that you value the relationship, and have appreciation and respect for clients who've hired you. That means doing what you've committed to doing, when you've committed to do it, and ensuring open communication around that process,” says Melissa Doman, M.A. ➤ Commit to yearly growth by setting aside time annually to go in-depth on a new learning opportunity that allows you to explore a new area of your business or expand upon an existing offering. ➤ Learn from missteps. “We will all make mistakes, and in my early years, I made a costly error when I relied on a verbal agreement with a friend. That experience taught me the indispensable value of contracts. By clearly defining what our services include—and do not include—we eliminate confusion and potential disputes. It's a preventive measure that has saved me from challenging clients,” added Nicte Cuevas. ➤ Pass on misaligned work. “Many freelancers burn out by working for difficult clients at low rates and then quit. They do this because they need the work — any work. If you can help it, don’t go full-time until you have enough savings to confidently turn work down. Even better, don’t go full-time until your business is threatening to interfere with your job,” suggests Josh Garofalo. Read the article below for all the lessons in more detail. ⭐

Early in my career, I faced a moment many of us dread: A sudden, unexpected company reorganization. It seemed like overnight ➟ my role ➟ my team ➟ my daily tasks were all up in the air. I remember the anxiety. The flurry of rumors. The uncertainty. They clouded my thoughts about the future. But it was in this chaos that I found clarity. I realized that change, though daunting, also brings opportunities for growth. I wrote an article on this for Harvard Business Review. Here are 5 actions you can take when your professional life is unpredictable: 1. Embrace the Uncertainty Use periods of change as a catalyst for introspection. Reflect on what truly matters to you and your future. 2. Define Your Identity Think about who you need to be... Not just what you need to do. 3. Focus on the Process Establish and commit to positive career behaviors. It gives you a sense of control and leads to results. Examples: • Contribute in each team meeting • Expand your network every week  • Offer a strategic idea to leadership monthly • Take on a stretch opportunity once a quarter • Thank a coworker for something helpful every day 4. Cultivate Learning Agility Be ready to adapt. Stay curious. Embrace new ideas. This mindset isn't just to survive; it helps you thrive. 5. Ask for and Act on Feedback Regularly seek feedback. Take time to reflect on it. It's crucial to know where you're growing. And where you need to improve. Change can be scary. But it's also a chance to reset. To pivot. You may discover new paths you hadn't noticed before. Remember... It's not the strongest or most intelligent who survive. It's those who can best manage change. Lean into the uncertainty. Use it as a stepping stone. Build a career that's not just successful, but also aligned with who you truly are. Find this valuable? Repost ♻️ to share with others.  Thank you! P.S. What keeps you going when things get uncertain?

Most professionals fail to recognize the warning signs of a problematic client until it's too late. Here's what to watch for. Last year, I concluded a coaching client relationship that had delivered significant breakthroughs over many months. Despite the progress, one particular incident revealed that this individual needed therapeutic support, not executive coaching. What followed was both unprofessional and unexpected: a one-sided tirade that cast blame for issues clearly stemming from unresolved personal matters unrelated to our work. The final straw wasn't the outburst itself—it was the casual suggestion afterward to "discuss how to move forward" after this person made it clear there was no future and their victimization was all my doing. When professional lines are crossed, there's rarely a path back. Here's why: 🔹Trust becomes irreparable Once the foundation cracks, the entire relationship structure becomes unstable 🔹 Power dynamics shift permanently The professional equilibrium can't be restored after boundary violations 🔹 Future interactions become tainted Every conversation carries the weight of the previous breach 🔹 Your credibility suffers Accepting unprofessional behavior signals it's acceptable to others 🔹 Energy drain becomes unsustainable Managing damaged relationships takes focus away from clients who respect boundaries 5 Red Flags Hidden in Plain Sight (regardless of your industry): 🚩The Scope Creeper Consistently pushes beyond agreed parameters without acknowledging or compensating for additional work 🚩The Emergency Manufacturer Creates artificial urgency around non-urgent matters to demand immediate attention 🚩 The Boundary Tester Regularly pushes against professional limits to see what they can get away with 🚩 The Credit Hijacker Takes ownership of collaborative successes while blaming you for any setbacks 🚩 The Payment Negotiator Consistently questions fees, delays payments, or attempts to renegotiate terms mid-engagement The Resolution: I removed this individual from my network and systems entirely. I hold no ill will toward them—I genuinely hope they find the professional support they need to address the underlying issues that led to this behavior. Both for their own well-being and to prevent similar situations with other professionals they may work with in the future. Could our relationship have ended more professionally? Perhaps. But we can only control our response to what we're given. Setting, enforcing, and reinforcing boundaries isn't just professional practice—it's essential for sustainable success. Never let anyone diminish yours. What boundary violations have you encountered in your professional relationships? How did you handle them? Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Joshua Miller for more tips on coaching, leadership, career + mindset. #executivecoaching #business #relationships #careeradvice

Attention - Career pivot!? It is rather often that I receive direct messages from candidates asking for advice on how to manage a significant career pivot. Changing careers at a mature stage in life is a little like going on a very tall roller coaster - it can be both exciting and scary. Here are some thoughts to consider: ↝ 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Start by assessing your skills, interests, and values. Understand your strengths and what drives you. This self-awareness will guide you towards a career that aligns with the true you! ↝ 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝘁-𝘂𝗽: Understand the financial implications of a career change. Determine how your income might be affected during the transition period and plan accordingly. In today`s environment it almost always takes longer than planned. ↝ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲: Take the time to learn about potential career directions. Look into industries that interest you and explore the job market demand, required skills, and educational or training pathways. Talk to real people to gain insights! Make sure that you take into consideration local market specifics. ↝ 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀: Identify your skills or knowledge that can be transferred as well as gaps between your current experience and your desired career. Courses, certifications, or workshops can be helpful (and costly). ↝ 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: Leverage your existing network and reach out to professionals in the new field. Networking can be critical in your decision making as well your eventual success. ↝ 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: If possible, gain practical experience in your new field through volunteering or internships. This can help you confirm you are on the right path; acquire hands-on experience and expand your network. ↝ 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Understand that changing careers may take time and effort. Consider adjusting your plans based on new information or opportunities that arise. ↝ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁: Resilience on this journey will be critical. Job hunting and career changes are often challenging, but maintaining a positive mindset will increase your chances of success. ↝ 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁: Once you've made the change, periodically evaluate your career satisfaction and progress. Be open to making further adjustments if needed to ensure long-term fulfillment. ❓ Anything you would add? Any questions? ------------------------------------------------- Oh, hey there! I am Dana - Recruiter with a 💡 ☝🏼 Like this and want more interesting content? 🍪 Share if others could benefit from this too! 🔔 Follow me and 'hit' the bell on my profile.

6 months of free work if I failed. A deal most would walk away from—but I accepted, negotiated, and turned it into a growth opportunity. A client I’ve worked with for 2 years approached me with a bold proposal: "Hit these milestones in 6 months, or work for the next 6 months for free." At first, it sounded like an all-risk, no-reward situation. But instead of rejecting it outright, my team and I took a strategic approach. Here’s how we made it work: Out of the 3 milestones, 2 were challenging but achievable with the right execution. The third was completely unrealistic—not even 50% feasible. So we negotiated. We made it clear that goals must be realistic and measurable for success to be possible. The client agreed. But we didn’t stop there. We took control: 📌 We developed a brand-new strategy before the client even asked—to ensure we were set up for success. 📌 We added a key condition: If we delivered, he would provide 2 high-value referrals. This secured a long-term business benefit for us. 📌 We made sure the entire team was aligned, so we weren’t just taking a risk—we were making a calculated decision. The outcome? - The client was so impressed that he doubled our future fees as the project demanded double efforts too! - We’ve been working on this project for just over a month, and we’re already exceeding expectations. - This challenge is pushing us to be more creative, more strategic, and more confident. Key lessons for service providers: 1. Always evaluate before saying yes. Even high-risk deals can be turned into win-win situations with proper strategy. 2. Negotiate terms that protect your upside. Future business, referrals, or bonuses—always think about what’s next. 3. Have a solid plan before committing. We created a strategy before the client even asked—this positioned us as trusted advisors, not just service providers. 4. Clients pay for expertise, not just time. The right clients understand that great execution requires great investment. Would you take on a challenge like this? How do you handle high-stakes deals in your business? #linkedin #leadgeneration #linkedinmarketing

As a solopreneur, you'll often be asked to handle small tasks that aren't covered by your service agreement. It's up to you to decide whether to take them on. Sometimes, it's not worth raising an issue if it helps maintain a steady ties with a good client. However, it's crucial to remember that you're often dealing with salaried individuals who may not understand the economic realities of your projects. Unlike them, you don't have a single employer or a steady paycheck, so you need to be much more protective of your time. Don't be afraid to push back a little. The people making these requests usually aren't trying to make your life difficult. They simply haven't experienced what it's like to be in your position. They don't realize the extra effort required when you're juggling multiple clients and projects without the security of a regular paycheck. Value your time as your most valuable asset. Be mindful of how you allocate it and prioritize tasks that align with your core services. Politely explain the challenges and differences in your work structure to foster understanding and respect for your boundaries. Define what's included in your service agreement and communicate this clearly to your clients to manage expectations and prevent scope creep. While it's okay to occasionally accommodate extra requests, ensure it doesn't become a habit that undermines your productivity and profitability. Balancing flexibility with assertiveness allows you to maintain positive client relationships while safeguarding your time and resources. Remember, it's your business, and you have the right to manage it in a way that ensures your success and well-being.

10 practical freelancing tips that actually lead to long-term growth (And it has worked 100% for me) 1. Position before pitch → Most freelancers rush to pitch before they’re positioned. → Build your online identity like a brand before you send cold messages. → People research you. Be worth finding. 2. Create a ‘freelancing’ origin story → Your why is your weapon. → Most freelancers only talk about what they do and not why they do it. → Write a short story: What made you choose freelancing? → This builds emotional connection and helps potential clients remember you. 3. Screenshots brings trust more than testimonials → Client wins in DMs > polished testimonials. → Start collecting raw proof: WhatsApp, Slack, emails. → Authentic > aesthetic. 4. Create ‘client kits’ → Most freelancers don’t think like businesses. → Design a kit: onboarding doc, SOPs, pricing, delivery timeline. 5. Don’t market like a freelancer. Market like a category → E.g. You’re not a content writer; you’re a conversion partner for SaaS → Rename your role → Rewire how you're seen. 6. Public wins = Private leads → Post your process. → Your before-after results. → Even your thought experiments. → Being “seen working” drives DMs more than being “perfect and silent.” 7. Ask your client what made them choose you → Then use their actual language in your next LinkedIn bio/intro line → No copywriter knows your client like your client. 8. Never negotiate deliverables in DMs → DMs are for intent. Send a “calm confidence” proposal after. → Looks more pro. Makes them 𝘱𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 before ghosting you. 9. Show proof of personality → People work with humans, not PDFs. → Share your quirks, principles, values. → It builds invisible loyalty even before the first call. 10. Build a ‘Brand Bank’ Start a folder with: → Wins → Failures → Client quotes → Story prompts → Hooks you wrote It’s your personal brand library. Every post = a deposit.

Gopal, what does Growth Look like? Over the weekend, a former colleague reached out to me. He was contemplating a career shift to independent consulting and asked me this seemingly simple yet profound question. This question immediately reminded me of a starkly different scenario: my father-in-law's cancer diagnosis, where "growth" had a daunting, negative connotation. Yet, thinking about it further, growth also represents the transformative journey from a tiny seed into a flourishing tree. In corporate life, we often gauge growth by promotions, salary increases, and title changes. However, these milestones don't fully capture the essence of what personal and professional growth can truly encompass. This realization is more evident when comparing the structured corporate ladder to the fluid, dynamic world of freelancing or consulting. For those pondering a shift to freelancing or even those mid-journeys, here’s a more personal, holistic way to plan for sustainable growth: ➡ Define What Growth Means to You: Financial Success: Is boosting your income a priority? 💰 Skill Enhancement: Are you looking to acquire new skills or master new technologies? 💻 Life Balance: Do you need flexibility to meld work with personal life? ⚖️ Purpose and Passion: Are you searching for work that resonates with your values? ❤️ ➡Continuous Learning: The work landscape is perpetually evolving. Staying relevant means committing to lifelong learning, whether through formal courses, self-study, or on-the-job experiences. 📘 ➡Networking is Key: In consulting, your network can define your net worth. Cultivating strong, genuine connections can unlock doors to opportunities that mesh with your vision of growth. 🤝 ➡Embrace Change and Challenges: The freelance path is riddled with highs and lows. Viewing challenges as chances to adapt and excel is crucial for resilience. 🚀 ➡ Personal Branding: As a freelancer, you are your own brand ambassador. A strong personal brand is imperative. 🎤 Planning for growth in a freelancing or consulting career involves a thoughtful blend of personal and professional aspirations. It's about forging a path that isn't just about survival but thriving on your own terms. Unlike the corporate world, there are no set milestones here—instead, you're given a vast canvas to paint your own version of success. So, whether you're at the beginning of your freelancing journey or you're an experienced consultant, remember that you have the power to shape your growth in any direction you desire. How will you define and pursue growth in your freelance career? #growth #personalbrand #lifestories #careershifts

The Email That Made Me Fire a $75K Client (Template Inside for Spotting Red Flags) "Craig, you work for me. Start acting like it." That's the line that ended a $75K engagement in 17 seconds. Not because I can't handle direct feedback. I've been in executive search long enough and have heard worse. But because after 200+ placements, I've learned something most recruiters learn too late: The way someone treats you when they're paying you tells you exactly how they'll treat the executive you place. This client hired me to find their new COO. Big budget. Bigger ego. Week 3: "Why haven't you delivered 10 candidates yet?" Week 5: "These resumes are garbage. Are you even trying?" Week 7: That email. I called him immediately. "I'm returning your retainer. Find another recruiter." "You can't do that. We have a contract." "Read clause 7. I can and I am." He threatened to sue. To ruin my reputation. That was 18 months ago. The COO they eventually hired? Gone in 6 months. The one after that? 4 months. They're on their third search firm now. Here's my template for spotting client red flags before it costs you: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁: • Do they ask about your process or just your speed? • Do they mention their team's growth or just headcount? • Do they say "we need" or "I want"? 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀: • Demands without context = future micromanager • CC'ing unnecessary people = political nightmare • "ASAP" in every message = unrealistic forever • Questioning your expertise week 1 = will undermine the hire too 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹: • Negotiating standard terms aggressively • "Proving yourself first" before paying • Changing deal terms mid-engagement • Using money as a weapon, not a tool The math is simple: A $75K client who treats you like dirt will cost you more than $75K in reputation, stress, and failed placements. A $50K client who respects the process will bring you $500K in referrals. I keep a list of clients I won't work with. It's shorter than my client list. But it's more valuable. Because every client you fire makes room for one who gets it. Here's the truth about professional services: You're not just selling your expertise. You're choosing who deserves it. And some money is too expensive. What red flag made you walk away from easy money?

This kills more freelancers than bad reviews. “Can you just add this one thing?” They said. I thought it was harmless. A small tweak, nothing major. But then it became two things. Then three. And suddenly, the project is unrecognizable. What started as a simple email sequence grew legs. A landing page edit here. A social caption there. By the end, I was doing 3x the work for same pay. The scope had crept so far, I barely recognized the brief. What's worse? It consumed so much time, I had no time for other clients. Here’s what I'd do differently to prevent project scope creeps: 1) Client signs contract with 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀. 2) Always confirm changes 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴. 3) Quote for extras. Every. Single. Time. 4) Learn to say 𝗡𝗢 without guilt. For newbie freelancers, 1 & 2 might be daunting, so, practice 3 & 4 unapologetically. Boundaries are what protect your creativity, ensures you are paid what you're worth. Without them, you’re a yes-machine, not a professional. Agree? P.S. -- I created a guide to setting client boundaries "5 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺". You can easily copy-paste this to your contract. Want it? DM me "Set client boundaries" and I'll send you a copy for free - no strings attached