4 skills, which are necessary to any freelancer

1. time management

Without this skill does not do any experienced freelancer or someone who is just starting to combine with the main work freelance.

• Remember that your time has a certain value, and do not waste it in vain. Carefully choose the clients to process work was not what you are doing some sort of nonsense.
• To schedule a day and stick to it. Specify deadlines, so that nothing is forgotten and further motivate yourself.
• Write down how much time you spent on the implementation of different types of tasks. Gradually, you will understand what your pace of work, and it will be easier to plan the day.
• If possible, give yourself more time on task. There is always a chance that you will distract something urgent or that the client will make changes to the original idea. With a small margin, you will be calmer.
• Try different tips for the productive use of time. Look for something that fits your temperament and the specifics of the work.

2. Self-motivation

When you work for a company, the motivation also depends on you personally, but often there are additional bonuses: cozy office with a good coffee machine, the ability to communicate with colleagues, corporate events, a sense of belonging to the team. All it energizes. At freelancing need to encourage themselves.

• Organize a comfortable workplace. Buy a comfortable chair and a table, if you sit all day, and make good lighting. In a pleasant environment, and work will be more enjoyable.
• If you find it hard to spend the whole day on your own or, on the contrary, distracting relatives at home, try to work in coworking, a library or a coffee shop.
• Do not forget about regular intervals. Breathe air, do something around the house or work out. Changing the activity will help recharge and protects against burnout.
• Remind yourself why you want to go to freelance. Perhaps you are striving for independence, wanted to get a new experience, or make more money. Understanding that you are moving towards your goals, motivation will return in a difficult moment.

3. Communication with customers

According to75 Customer Service Facts, Quotes & Statistics Company Help Scout, 91% of customers who are dissatisfied with your communication skills, do not want to cooperate with you more. Therefore, no matter how good expert in the field you are, you need to be able to communicate.

• Speak correctly, do not use slang and refrain from emotion. Keep the tone of the business is not going to familiarity.
• Do not use too much jargon: hardly the client understands your field as well as you do.
• Promptly answer questions. You do not have to write for five minutes, but stretch the discussion for a few days is not worth.
• Capture all the conditions for cooperation in writing. Oral agreement to leave only those who you trust enough.
• Do not be afraid to ask questions. Better understand all at once, then to avoid misunderstandings.

4. Evaluation of the work

It is always difficult to decide how much money to take for their services. If you ask too much, you can be left without customers. If too little - sprinkling extra offers for you. In this case, the temptation to agree on everything, miss deadlines and do not get anything.

• Look at the prices of other freelancers in your area or ask around friends specialists who are working on themselves. This will help to orient in the market.
• Determine your average bet, given the experience and skills. Decide on what the minimum amount you are willing to accept as a last resort, and does not reduce it.
• Do not take a pay by the hour: you are so bad bargain. Remember that the cost of services affect your professionalism, as well as the complexity of the specific project.
• In the time of negotiations mention supply and demand. You can raise the price of services, if the performers less than customers, or you have a unique skills.