For many of us, freelancing is an absolute dream (except for the moments when it’s a stressful nightmare). Freelancing offers flexibility, autonomy, and the ability to work on projects we love. But many of us also have tiny freelancing myths or assumptions we hold on to that hold us back from building the career we want.
These myths create doubt (they tell us we aren’t good enough), or limit our opportunities, or even cause us to burn out.
Let’s explore those myths and how we can move past them to build a business that thrives.
Freelancing myth #1: Freelancers have total freedom to do whatever they want
Does this one resonate with you? If it did, you can thank social media. Our social media feeds are filled with “freelancers” living the ideal life all over the world, proclaiming they only work two-hour days, and spend the rest of their lives frolicking on beaches in tropical lands.
While freelancing offers flexibility, you don’t have complete freedom. Clients have deadlines, you have bills to pay, and work must get done. These demands dictate how you use your time. Sure, you can work from just about anywhere, but that doesn’t mean your life is a free-for-all.
How to break free:
- Define your work hours and stick to them. Just because you can work at midnight doesn’t mean you should (unless you have clients on the other side of the world and you’re sticking to their business hours). The only time I work at midnight is if I can’t sleep and I feel stressed about getting something done.
- Digital calendars (I love Llama Life!) and task managers can help you stay on top of things
Freelancing myth #2: You have to say yes to every client/project
Look, I’ve been where you are, feeling as though every potential client is the last potential client you’ll ever meet. Worried that if a potential client doesn’t work with you you’ll never get work again. Terrified that if you say, “Okay, but I’ll charge more for that,” your client will leave you and never look back.
Saying yes to everything leads to burnout. It also results in taking on work you hate, projects that have massive red flags, and it undervalues your skills.
How to break free:
- Learn how to say “no” without saying “no.” You can do this by charging more for their increased demands, telling them they have to wait to work with you, or suggesting someone else for the project. Here are some tips on not saying no.
- Define your ideal client and project criteria to focus on work that aligns with your goals.
- Remember that if these clients found you, others will, too.
Freelancing myth #3: You have to be the cheapest option to win clients
Freelancers often negotiate more against themselves than they do their clients. Sure, clients are concerned about price. Most have a budget they’re working with. But it’s rarely the only thing they’re concerned about. They want to know you can do the work, that they can work well with you, and that you’ll get the job done on time.
Competing on price alone undervalues your expertise and leads to unsustainable work.
How to break free:
- Focus on delivering and highlighting your value, rather than lowering your prices.
- Position yourself as a specialist in your niche to attract premium clients.
- Offer extras with your work so that if the price is out of the client’s budget, you can cut back on deliverables, rather than negotiating on price alone. For example, you could lower the number of meetings or revisions associated with the project.
Freelancing myth #4: Freelancing is lonely and isolating
Freelancing can be very lonely at times, after all you work in your home often with only your dog or cat as your officemate (and they rarely share gossip with you). But it doesn’t have to be lonely. By joining associations, networks, and communities, you can find people who understand what you’re going through.
How to break free:
- Join online communities or local groups for freelancers.
- Build relationships with collaborators and peers to create a sense of connection.
- Join online networking and video calls to get to know other freelancers.
Interested in joining a supportive community that helps freelancers thrive? Happy Freelancing is designed to help freelancers build a thriving business while connecting with colleagues. Join the waitlist to stay informed about when the community will launch!
Freelancing myth #5: Freelancers don’t need a business plan
Because you aren’t responsible for employees or renting office space or selling inventory (and therefore probably don’t need to take out a loan or convince investors to give you money) it feels as though you don’t need a formalized plan. After all, you can change your mind quickly and easily if you need to pivot as a freelancer. But having a thriving business requires intention, strategy, and planning. You have to make decisions based on the long-term success of your business.
How to break free:
- Create a simple business plan that outlines your goals, target clients, pricing strategy, and marketing approach.
- Regularly review and update your plan as your business evolves. Track your progress and adjust as needed. Your plan doesn’t have to be set in stone, but it should be available to help you make important decisions to move your business forward.
Breaking free from freelancing myths
These freelancing myths may be common, but they don’t have to hold you back. By recognizing when they’re making your decisions for you and taking practical steps to address them, you can build a freelance business that aligns with your goals and values.
If you’re ready to take the next step, check out my guide Words that Attract Clients. It’s packed with tips to help you position yourself, attract ideal clients, and grow your business with confidence.