What I've Learned as a Freelancer

I am no expert. Not by any stretch of the imagination. I took a leap and quit my job to do something I love and I couldn't be happier. I was thinking about the ways I have achieved success as a freelancer and thought some of these things could be of use to others looking to make profound changes in their own lives. So, here is a list of things I have learned over the last year.

1. Do Good Work.
2. Be Consistent.
3. Be Reliable.
4. Network.
5. Grass Roots Marketing.

Some of these might be kind of obvious. And some of these ideas rely on other ideas to be successful. But let me share with you what I know about each bit of advice.

1. Doing good work means exactly that. You can't cut corners. Your clients will expect exceptional work. Write well. Edit well. Edit again. Don't submit something with errors. And if for some horrible reason you do, correct the information and resend it as soon as you catch it. If you are open and honest about this, your clients will be much more receptive. 
2. Satisfied first time clients become repeat clients. Make sure that you treat each new assignment for your clients as though it was the first you had ever written for them. Maintain the same standards and don't get too comfortable. Lazy writing gets noticed and your satisfied clients will quick become dissatisfied.
3. Reliability is all about deadlines. When a client says something is due on X Date, then it really is due on X Date. Don't put it off until the last minute or your quality will appear rushed. One of the reasons I have been successful is that I take deadlines very seriously.
4. I love to get involved with my communities and with organizations that I believe in. Don't do this because you expect to get something out of it, but do it because you genuinely care. It is true, you get what you give. Since I got involved with a local blogging organization I have received several new opportunities and it was because I was open to the possibilities.The same has been true with the tiny house community.
5. This fifth point was something I always knew but finally understood its power over the last few days. Since quitting my job, I have been building a brand around my other blog - Life in 120 Square Feet. Not only have I been networking, but I have been doing everything I can to market my site and the ideas I have for the future. The other day I had 943 "likes" on my Facebook page and made a push to get 950. I quickly surpassed that and half jokingly wondered if I could make it to 1000 by the end of the year. Next thing I knew, I had 1055 (and counting!). I'm not necessarily going to get mainstream media attention, so I really understand how I have to market myself.