Freelancing by nature offers a flexible approach to work and your lifestyle. This means you can work in more tune with your personality. Freelancing may naturally be more suited to introverts as you are by yourself a lot of the time. However, even if you are an introvert, like me, in order to succeed as a freelancer, there are still some steps you need to take in order to sustain your freelance career. And that does mean stepping out of your comfort zone sometimes- even when you are self-employed.
So, here are some tips to help introvert freelancers succeed in their journey.
1. Make The Effort To Have Meeting Beyond Text With Clients
Every time you win a client- make the effort to introduce yourself beyond email- so a phone call, zoom chat or if possible, meeting up in person.
2. Make an effort socially with friends too
As a freelancer generally it can be hard to switch off from work. Sometimes you feel like you consistently are in a state of searching or being open for work opportunities. However, it’s important to try and engage in non-work life, and spending time with people who bring you joy is a good way to do this. It can help bring out the livelier- non-work side of you.
3. Market Yourself With Videos Too
In this modern world, visual content engages well with marketing online. People like to connect with the person behind the brand. So filming videos of quick tips for your clients/ audience, for example, is a good way to put yourself first out there and start connecting more with your audience and potential clients. It helps build the know, like, trust factor as they see how you are in video form.
4. Connect with other freelancers
Sharing ideas and collaborating with other freelancers is a good way to build connections in your field which can help you further down the line.
For example, if you’re a freelance writer and have a friend who is a freelance web designer, you could end up referring each other on different projects when either of your clients needs a writer or web designer. Having creative discussions with others in the field is another way you can express more vocally in things you are passionate about and helps gear you away from the more solo side of freelancing.
Facebook groups and Twitter I have found as great places to connect with fellow freelancers.
You are more than welcome to join my Facebook group Freelance Creatives Biz Building group
5. Take breaks when needed to recharge
Introverts can run out of energy quickly when in socially demanding situations- maybe you’ve had a long day of zoom meetings?
So, it’s important to take a break sometimes. Whether it’s a nap or participating in another calming activity, putting these things in place will help you recharge. It gives you the energy to work and other tasks you need to do.
6. Consider Co-working
Co-working rooms can be a good solution to getting familiar with working in a people-driven environment. Whether it’s an official coworking space, or even a hotel lounge room, it can help you feel more connected to people.
Seeing no one from the outside world is not good for your mental health, so it’s important to try and switch up your working environment, where possible. And where it’s not possible, try and get out for a walk.
7. Discuss work expectations with your clients
The great thing about being a freelancer is that you have the flexibility to work to your strengths. You can discuss with your clients openly what ways you work best. You can also ask them the same so that together you can create work to your strengths.
So, as a freelancer, if you work best independently on some projects, discuss this with your client. Maybe you can form up something that works best for the both of you. For example, if you’d rather limit the number of zoom meetings you have in a day to focus more on practical work, discuss this with your client.
As an introvert freelancer myself, I can get drained socially easily, but it’s still important to put things in place to connect with others. These steps have helped me create some balance. I hope they help you, my fellow introvert freelancer, too.
If you’re just starting on your feet as a freelancer, check out my Beginner Freelancer E-course!
