I was just about to don my Tour Guide cap, hop on our IWOC tour bus and take you around to explore more of IWOC’s inner sanctum. But in searching for points of interest on the Members Resource page, I came upon a most fascinating artifact. Or rather, article. It was written by...wait for it...yours truly. And it actually made sense! Veteran or rookie, I thought you might get something out of it. So I’m posting it here and taking a much needed Tour Busman’s holiday.

Any “advice bites” you’d like to add? Do leave a comment!

1. GET TRAINED. If you’re considering going freelance, it’s advisable to get at least a year of experience in a full-time job. You’ll hone your skills, learn the way the biz works, etc. Nobody baby-sits freelancers. You’re expected to hit the ground running.
2. ASK STUPID QUESTIONS. It’s okay. Freelancers are often new to a project or business that the staff is intimately familiar with. Clients understand this and are happy to explain the basics. It shows your genuine interest in their business and concern for getting it right. 
3. OWN THE BIZ. Be as excited about the client’s business as if it were your own. There's intrinsic drama in just about everything. They make thingamajigs? Hey, thingamajigs rock!
4. PROVIDE ADDED VALUE – in other words, more than the client bargained for.
5. SAY “YES” TO MORE WORK. When you’re overloaded, say “yes” to a new project anyway. Deadlines are usually staggered and often you have more time than you realized. Perform triage – tend to the “emergencies” first.
6. SAY “YES” TO THE UNKNOWN. Sometimes you can be asked to do a type of assignment or work on a subject you’ve never dealt with before. And may be a bit apprehensive about accepting it. Jump in. You’ll surprise yourself at what you can do, and it will add to the diversity of your portfolio.
7. WHEN TO SAY “NO.” Don’t hesitate to turn down work if: a) It’s not at all in your wheelhouse. b) You’d be miserable working on it. c) It goes against your deep-seated beliefs. Why torture yourself? Freelance should be fun! Also, d) If it’s way below your pay grade. Know your worth. Have some self-respect!
8. YOUR ONE AND ONLY. Treat every client like that. Don’t act as if you have “more important” assignments to work on. Every client should be made to feel special.
9. ZIP THE LIPS. Never talk to Client A about Client B. Client A will think you talk about them, as well. And unless asked, don’t talk about your successes with other clients. They’d much prefer to hear how you’ll help them succeed.
10. LISTEN. You’ll impress clients more by letting them do most of the talking.

- Laura Stigler

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