At my Agency Management class last night, four freelancers discussed the trials, tribulations and joys of taking the bold move of going out on their own. Over the next several weeks, I plan to share their suggestions on how to ensure a successful transition from full-time to freelance. First up is Sylvie Sadarnac, who operates under the banner Kedrika Communications. Sylvie also summarized her comments via a YouTube video. Here are her freelance career words of advice in headline form:
Congratulations! You’re on your own. Now What? Take a deep breath. . .and Go!
- Have Lofty Goals, but Be Flexible
- Be Ready for the Downs – as well as the Ups
- Remember that You Are Strategist, Tactician, Tech Guru and in Charge of the Office Coffee All in One
- Be Clear about What You Want
- Be Clearer about What You Don’t Want
- Be Clearest about What You Can Do to Benefit the Client
- Stay Current in Your Field, but Partner with Specialists when It Benefits the Client
- Network and Do Pro Bono Work
- Write, Give Speeches; Inspire
- Be Realistic about Client Budgets (Always too Small)
- Make Peace with Compromise (As Long As It Is Ethical, Logical, and Grammatically Correct)
- Keep Calm and Persevere
- Always Remember Why You Decided to Go at It Alone!
- Embrace that You Truly Are a 21st Century Factotum (Yes, You Can “Do Everything,” As Long As It’s Legal, Ethical, and Beneficial to You and Your Client)
- Manage Your Expectations—along with Your Client’s
- Keep a Sense of Humor
- Keep Breathing: It Will Make it Easier to Find the Right Balance