10 Confidence-Building Exercises for New Freelancers
Have you got big plans for your freelance career — but nothing’s happening?
Somehow, you’re not moving forward and marketing your business. You’re not getting out and finding the clients.
Or maybe you’ve got a freelance assignment, but you’re frozen at your desk, worried you can’t deliver.
If any of these sound like you, it’s time for a self-confidence boost.
Fortunately, there are plenty of concrete things you can do that should help you leave the fear behind and move your freelance career forward.
Here are my ten best confidence-building tips:
1. Experience your fear
Do you live in terror of pressing “send” on that pitch letter because you dread negative feedback? Toughen yourself up by having a friend read and ridicule your marketing.
Toughen yourself up by having a friend read and ridicule your marketing.
This can be a transformative experience. You’ll realize two things: One, you’re unlikely to get this kind of rude feedback in real life. And two, if you did, you would survive it.
Fear is our fight-or-flight response kicking in when we feel our lives are threatened. After you do this exercise, you’ll realize you aren’t really in danger. Nobody ever died from an editor’s rude remark. That should help you move forward.
2. Think small
If pitching a top national magazine or major corporation your freelance services has you quaking under the bed, scale back your ambitious for now. Instead, target small businesses or publications where you’d be more likely to get a “yes” — shops you frequent where you know the owner, or local publications you read and know well.
Build your confidence with a few wins and add to your portfolio. Then, you’re ready to go after the big game again.
3. Put on the blinders
Does the idea of sending 100 marketing emails paralyze you? Then you need to break it down into smaller steps.
Maybe today, you’re just going to research and qualify 20 leads. Just focus on that. Tomorrow, you send five emails. That’s it.
Take away the pressure of the big, scary goal and just focus on the parts you need to do today, or this week. Choose one tiny thing you could do, even, that will move things forward, such as improving your freelancer website. Tomorrow, one more thing. You may have heard the journey of a thousand steps can be accomplished this way.
4. Face facts
Are you scared of getting rejected when you pitch your freelance services? Well, you can relax.
It is 100 percent guaranteed that you will experience rejection in the course of pursuing freelancing.
It is 100 percent guaranteed that you will experience rejection in the course of pursuing freelancing. So rather than fearing it, accept and embrace it as an ordinary part of freelance life. Realize that every other freelancer is dealing with the same thing.
5. Learn more
Sometimes, that lack of confidence is coming from the nagging feeling that you don’t know enough. You need to learn a new design platform, or a niche type of copywriting that pays better.
If so, don’t delay — find the most affordable way to get the knowledge you need. Bone up your skills so you can move forward.
6. Do in-person networking
Why? Networking in person gives you a chance to go up to new people and introduce yourself and say, “I’m a freelance writer” — or photographer, or designer, or whatever — over and over.
That does something magical for your head. Soon, you believe it.
7. Get support
It can be lonely, being a solopreneur. Your friends with regular jobs don’t get what you’re dealing with.
It can be lonely, being a solopreneur. Your friends with regular jobs don’t get what you’re dealing with.
You can be haunted by the feeling that you’re making mistakes — bidding too low or missing out on good marketing methods. So find where freelancers of your type gather, whether online or in your local bar, and connect.
8. Avoid toxic people
If your family and friends dis your freelance lifestyle, do not discuss your business with them. Period.
If they ask, say something vague about how it’s going great and you love freelancing. Refuse to expand further on the topic and move on to discussing the weather.
9. Don’t say you’re an ‘aspiring’ freelancer
This is a nasty way of calling yourself a wannabe. You’re not there yet, you just wish you were.
Well, if you are writing, bulletin: You’re a writer! Even if what you’re writing is just a private journal or your own blog.
If your graphic designs only appear on your own website, that isn’t important. You’re doing it. So take that word “aspiring” out of your vocabulary.
10. Do affirmations
When’s the last time you looked in the mirror and said, “Damn, I’m good!” If it’s been a while, make that a regular habit.
After all, you are totally unique in this world, and no other freelancer can bring your approach and style to what you do. Face it — you’re special.
Now, get out there and show them what you’ve got.
How have you built your self-confidence as a freelancer? Leave a comment and add your tips.
Photo credit: Some rights reserved by ollyi.
Leave a Comment
Good points Carol.
I would add to the list:
STOP TELLING YOUR SELF NO.
That is what everyone else is there for.
It’s funny how not knowing can be as much of a benefit as it is a liability in these types of situations.
The goal is to MOVE in the direction of your dreams not dream or think or wonder but MOVE.
#DoItNow
I agree Jacko — I’m always saying the biggest obstacle to freelance success isn’t the economy — it’s between your ears.
I’v been working a while now freelancing, sometimes it can be really hard, and even more ir you are jus starting and do not know what to do, soon enough with some hard work and a little bit of will power, organization and step by step plan (small goals) you get results.
Sorry for my english
I definitely agree with you Wilson. Being in my first year of full on freelancing there have been many times throughout the year when I’ve been in a dry spell for work, that I have a mini freak out and consider going back to a 9-5 job working for someone else. But by the same token, landing a great client and producing something you’re super proud of is really a confidence booster and helps you to realize you’re achieving your goals. (Not to mention getting that pay cheque at the end!)
I think just as you mentioned, if you keep up with the hard work, you WILL get results. Don’t let the fear of not succeeding paralyze you
I really liked this article! especially the point 9 we really have to be very convinced that what we are doing is something big!
Thanks for the article Carol.
Well, if not big…at least, that you ARE doing it. You’re a writer. People still sitting on the couch watching TV and eating Fritos are aspiring writers.
If you are at your computer sweating it and writing stuff, you’re a writer.
Thank you for the article Carol.
Items 7 and 8 on the list go hand-in-hand for me.
Get Support-find a friend that you can bounce ideas off that has been doing the freelance thing a bit longer than you. They’ve lived through some of the same feelings you may encounter.
And get rid of negative people! Don’t let them weigh you down or discourage your ambitions. You’re in this ‘freelance thing’ because something is driving you, and you don’t need a flat tire to slow you down!!
Right on, Dan — you wouldn’t believe how many writers tell me their parents are constantly ragging them to get a job (in this economy?) instead of building their own business. If so, don’t tell them about it. Shut. Them. Down.
It’s partly a generational thing — talk to anyone over 60 and they came from a different employment universe, of pensions and 1 company for life. They can’t imagine our world of outsourcing and downsizing…and that now, the most secure place to be is at the helm of your own business.
Yes to all of these! For me, the “breakthrough” was when people asked me what I do, and I started saying, “I’m a writer.” It felt awkward at first, but then it felt great. I believe it works like a self-fulfilling prophecy too.
That is it exactly…I don’t care if you get any clients networking. It’s the magic for your head of saying, “I’m a freelancer” that is more important than anything.
Being a freelancer, i targeted several freelance sites like odesk, peopleperhour, elance, etc. In most of the cases, i had to bid too low to win the jobs. Sometimes i had to stay away completely from bidding. Anyway i will take note of Point 7. Thanks Carol.
Make them writers who are getting clients OFF bidding sites. I think hanging out on those sites is a real soul-crusher, looking at some of the lowball bids out there.
I think that your post is perfect. Unfortunately, many people underestimate the freelancing. It can give the financial freedom for every persistent toiler.
Good advice, Carol. I’d stress the in-person networking. We can get comfortable behind a computer trying to “build relationships.” But I put that in quotes because over a computer, it will never quite be the same. The people who have met you in person are far more likely to hire you.
This is the type of thought process I like to see. Whether looking for a job as an employee to a corporation or going out and becoming a successful freelancer these tips can apply to everyone. I know first hand that building yourself up will take you farther then you can know when you first start. Great article and excellent help to everyone that needs a good push to get on and ride the roller coaster of life.