What strategies can you use to stay focused on your career goals as a freelancer?

Ever since I decided to use the services of a business coach, it has transformed the goals and progress of my freelance business. In fact I have two different business coaches! One to help me focus specifically on cashflow goals and activities (because without cash flowing into our business, it can't survive). Our weekly sessions are intense (in a positive way), purposeful and goals orientated. My second business coach helps me in terms of branding and positioning for the freelance work that I do. My fortnightly sessions help to keep me accountable with the goals I set. So if you struggle (like I did for so many years) to identify and implement meaningful goals for your freelance business, my advice is to get a business coach.

Remember when you were looking for your first job? Chances are, you were a tad picky...perhaps you were all in on that grocery store job and wanted to steer clear of fast food. Maybe you wanted to mow lawns but weren't interested in babysitting. When starting your freelance career, boundaries are crucial. Determine what you're willing (and unwilling) to do, and keep your promises to yourself. Pursue what makes you happy. You don't have to be passionate about it, but you should be good at it...or at least willing to get really good at it. Metrics, impact, etc....eh. Set your boundaries and ensure that you can stick to them. Clients pay high rates for those who commit to showing up without excuses.

I would say, never ever go for “sorry” and “please” every time with your client. I have been very soft hearted and and I used to appreciate every please of my client and later on. I got to know that it was my biggest mistake because you can’t appreciate every request of your client. You have to give values to your schedule, to your routine, to yourself. It is very simple if they can tell you that what are their expectations from you then you have also the right to tell them what are your expectations from them.

Don't want to take phone calls? Don't! I've spent my entire freelance career sticking to boundaries that work around MY life—not my clients'. The entire point of freelancing is to increase (2x-4x+) your income while working fewer hours and putting up with fewer restrictions and guidelines. When you freelance, YOU decide how you operate, and it's the most freeing feeling there is. Set boundaries and don't be afraid to stick to them. High-paying clients will notice you if you become known for sticking to your word.

Feedback is essential. I cannot stress that enough. When I started freelancing, I didn't even know what a copywriter was! I learned from someone way smarter than myself, and it rocketed me into the six-figure income range faster than I could have expected. I might have reached that point on my own...sooner or later, but placing trust in those with more experience than I had has paid dividends. In short? Your ROI can be massive if you properly vet the coach in question. Also, and I want to stress this...the best feedback I've ever received was, "You always do exactly what you say you're going to do." Keep your word every single time, and you'll find clients who value a person's word as their bond. (psst...those clients pay the most)

If you're freelancing, you should do two things ASAP: 1. Purchase LinkedIn Premium (cuz you're limited with the free version, unfortunately). 2. Connect with 50+ new decision-makers EVERY DAY. It's a lot, don't get me wrong...but if you can do that, there's a strong chance that you'll never want for work IF you master your approach. I don't mean pitching. I hate pitching. I simply start chatting with people. Most people will explain their problems to you without realizing it. Determine a solution to their problems using your skillset, and you'll have high-paying clients for life.

The goal here is to work less and earn more. If you focus your attention on solving problems for your clients instead of providing basic services to them, it becomes a lot easier to focus on your goals...goals that probably have far less to do with career success than you may think right now. Career success feels good. Earning way more than you need for your bills feels far better. Go live your life. Career goals for me are simply there to ensure that I can live the way I wish. Set goals for enjoying life, and build your freelance business around them.