5 Habits of Highly-Successful Freelancers

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I also know many very talented freelancers who are struggling. Try as they might, they just can’t seem to build any momentum in their business. Clients seem elusive. Good projects, scarce.

So what’s going on?

Over the years, I’ve observed that the most successful freelancers – the ones that get the best clients, projects and fees – have the following five habits.

And the good news is, we all can acquire these habits. It just takes a little discipline. (Which, incidentally, is habit #5.)

Here’s what you need to do…

Habit #1. Be a reader

This is obvious. In just about every profession, the readers are the winners. I have yet to meet a truly successful person who doesn’t have a veracious appetite for information — even information outside their field. They read books, magazines, blogs, special reports, ezines, anything they can get their hands on.

If the sheer enjoyment of reading isn’t enough to motivate you, commit to a reading schedule. Perhaps three hours per week? Or a book a month? (Or a book a week!)

Habit #2. Learn your craft

Whatever you do — write, design, shoot, consult, illustrate — there’s a lot to master. You have to be committed to constantly improving your skills and knowledge.

Consider this. Most of the emails I get asking for a “how to” tip is from top freelancers! They’re constantly looking for any insight that will help them get even better.

How do YOU get even better? That’s easy. Study other marketing materials and promotions, read (see habit #1), talk to experts (see habit #3), take courses, attend seminars, get a coach. I do all of the above.

Habit #3. Build relationships

Don’t be a stranger. You need to build relationships – and keep those relationships going – with key prospects, clients, colleagues, leading experts, other freelancers, consultants, editors, publishers, and so forth.

These days, virtually all my new clients and other business opportunities have come as a result of the great relationships I have nurtured. It takes time, but it’s worth the effort. (It helps that there are a lot of nice people in this business.)

Habit #4. Market yourself shamelessly

This doesn’t mean you should be a loud-mouthed, overripe carnival barker for your services. (But that’s better, I suppose, than not marketing yourself at all!) However, you do need to be relentless in taking advantage of every opportunity to reach potential clients.

In my experience, most struggling freelancers don’t market themselves nearly enough. They send out a couple of dozen letters, or join the local Chamber of Commerce, and then expect results right away. When that doesn’t happen, they get frustrated and discouraged.

You need to do a LOT of things to attract the best clients. Articles, mailings, networking, the works.

Habit #5. Be disciplined

I haven’t met a top freelancer yet who isn’t a hard worker. Even those that brag about working only three or four hours per day are, at least, committed to that schedule.

As a self-employed professional, you won’t get very far if you’re not disciplined about completing projects, keeping your marketing going, and running the business.

If you’re not naturally disciplined, (and I’m certainly not), then I suggest picking regular work hours, say 8 to 4, and then sticking to it. Don’t put up with tardiness or slacking off. Be your own tough boss.

And here’s another habit that I’ve noticed among most top freelancers:

They don’t whine.

We all face challenges and setbacks from time to time. But the really successful people don’t complain too much. They just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

I’ve recently got to know a freelance copywriter who is deaf. Yet, despite this obstacle, she is upbeat, resourceful, a real expert in her niche and – not surprisingly – very successful.

Something to think about.

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Steve Slaunwhite is the author of the bestselling how-to manual, Pricing Your Writing Services.