How to succeed as a Freelancer working from home

Now your first flush of home working is out of the way, with days of lockdown stretching ahead into the spring and summer – what’s the deal on keeping your determination set, your business humming, clients happy and you sane? Erica Wolfe-Murray, leading business expert and founder of Lola-Media.co.uk offers her top tips to succeed as a Freelancer working from home…

Don’t work 24/7 – tempting though it is

At home? No children? It’s so, so easy to just keep working determinedly. Don’t. You need to stop, abandon your screen, get out of your head. Cook, dance, draw, exercise, create. This will make you way more productive when you sit back down. 

Understand when you work best as a freelancer – use it

We all work productively at different times of day. When do you nail everything with ease? Mine is early/first thing in the morning – I can shift a day-full in about 3 hours if I start at 5am. Talk to your partner, then give each other clearance/permission to work in your optimum hours. Share the same productive hours?  Then alternate.

Brush your hair

Don’t slob at your desk. Get dressed and put on your work mindset. You’re smart, on it and ready to go – like normal.

Plan a schedule

Most people despise schedules. Most of us have them somewhere in our lives. Plan one now to reflect your new way of working. And stick to it giving your day structure.

Nurture your freelancer business 

Your shiny new schedule must include time working on your business as well as in your business. Don’t waste this good, solid thinking time. I’ve spent two days this week planning new ideas, improving my brand. What attention does your business need?

Stay across the money

Now more than ever you need to be on top of the money in your venture. If you haven’t already done so – review all outgoings, lowering or cancelling what you can. Support local business if possible. Renegotiate supplier deals to get better broadband, etc. Find free deals. Keep a watch on subscriptions – are you using the ones you pay for? Ensure clients pay invoices promptly and don’t drag. If needs be adapt your fees to the current market situation. 

Pivot your offer now

Don’t underestimate what you know, what other value you might have in your business. Don’t wait for the ‘right time’ – if you think you can add resilience by tweaking your business model then do it.

No online business? 

Build one fast or tie in with a company who has/can. Be inventive around what people want today. Be inventive about what you could offer

Forecast the new normal

Spin yourself forward to the post-pandemic world. ‘Revert to normal’ won’t be happening – a new world awaits. What will it look like for your business? For your clients? How can you pre-empt and plan for this as a freelancer? Can you start working with clients now on their new shape?

Although it feels as if you are being buffeted by the events beyond your front door – there are increasing opportunities for inventive business owners. Don’t sit back and wait, build the business you want from home now and go get it.