Be true to your word
Reputation on the internet is a fragile item. Several different things can affect it from a dissatisfied customer to someone who is just plain spiteful. It is important that you both keep your word but go above and beyond the call of duty. Sometimes we aren’t even aware of what is being said until we notice people just start avoiding us. How to avoid this from happening to you means you need to keep your online reputation both squeaky clean and tarnish free but almost saintly.
Honesty is the best policy
Be honest about who you are and what you do, both to yourself and to your client.
If people can’t trust you, you won’t get far in business. Trust is a commodity you will find it difficult to buy, unless you prove that your word is your bond. Show them that you are upfront with what you can and can’t do and make sure you keep to your times and produce excellent product.
Time yourself
If you do freelance work it is difficult not to fall into the trap of taking on too much because you want to make sure you have enough to keep you through the dry spells. Be aware of your value and rather than take on too much put it on the client who needs your exclusive time, and that will cost X amount. This means you don’t spread yourself thin, and you will do a good job without being worried about things you aren’t attending to. Your creativity is worth more than you think and too much pressure will make it dry up. Be sure to never under price your expertise.
Love your work
By loving what you do you will put your heart and soul into it and thus make the job sing. In doing this you will create a project that totally goes above and beyond the call of duty, and it will show in your work and make the client smile.
Be on time
By being on time I mean you need to make yourself a schedule which you keep to. Remember there is no boss breathing down your shoulder. It is all up to you. Make a time for everything you need to do and do it on time. Rather be ahead with the project than behind. Presenting a product on time and in good order will earn you bunny points, and if you present it early it will get gold stars. Being a good time keeper is one of the hardest and most important tasks of a freelancer.
Show kindness and be patient with all
A smile and a hello is a small act of kindness, which can mean a great deal. Talking sharply to someone who doesn’t understand what you mean will be bad in the long run. Colleagues need to know that you will take time for them to understand the point you are trying to convey. The need to work with people rather than in competition with them is very important. All people have their own lives, and you might not realize what problems they are having and a kind word can do a world of good.
Don’t be a Smarty
It is never liked when someone blows their own horn. Rather than push yourself forward grant credit to any that helped along the way. While it’s fine to tell your clients what you are capable of. Your colleagues will appreciate you far more if you give credit where credit is due but hide your halo under a bustle.
