Anyone of a certain age will know the name Evel Knievel. He was an icon and hero for kids growing up in the 1970′s. For anyone who the Evel Knievel has passed by, he was a famous American motorbike stunt driver and daredevil, known for tearing it up and causing a spectacle both on and off his bike. While most of us do not aspire to have our faces printed on children’s lunch boxes, there is a lot we freelancers can learn from his story!

1. He wasn’t the best, he was the best known – Evel Knievel wasn’t the first, he wasn’t the best, but if you think of motorbike stunts then you probably think of him. As freelancers we often strive to develop our skills without realizing that promotion is just as important. How can you make your name the first customers think of?
2. He wasn’t unique but he was remarkable - If you think being remarkable is all about being unique or innovative then think again. It wasn’t what Evel did that made him remarkable but the way he did it.

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What do you hate most about freelancing? I expect right up there will be either sales or not having enough work. Cold-calling, pitching, struggling to pay bills, worrying if you are doing the right sort of promotion, freelancers have enough stress without all this sales stuff.

You can tell when you are doing well with your freelance business, instead of chasing new work, clients come to you. The most successful have to reject work, it seems they are beating customers off with a stick.

How do you achieve that dream scenario?

In brief:

1. Potential clients need to know you
2. You need a hook
3. Leads are only half the equation; you need to close

When you start out you have the greatest challenge. Getting your name known and building a profile should be high on your agenda but this needs to be combined with creating a compelling hook.
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