Being your own boss (or lack thereof) is everyone’s dream: Working for yourself with only you telling yourself what to do and where to go. No reporting to someone, turning in those damn TPS reports. Ah, the ultimate American dream, it is what this country of ours was founded on.
It takes a particular mindset to work independently. You are the boss, bookkeeper and the secretary; the company depends on your leadership and determination. The typical 9-to-5 hours are thrown out the window. Working from home or remotely takes self control and responsibility. Sure, you can take a two-hour lunch break or put something off to catch up on Mad Men. Is your time well spent? Depends — are you ready to work past “normal” business hours to finish a project?
On the Hunt
For me, the freelance work is a scary world. It’s not because of the hard work or dedication it takes, it’s the worry of finding work and constantly being on the hunt. You’re always on the lookout for the next gig, and more important, the next paycheck. This is only compounded by the need for a steady paycheck in this economic climate. It can be frightening to even think about it.
I always thought freelance work took over your life with little room for anything else. I thought having a steady job is how you provide and take care of your family. How wrong I was. Truth is, going at it on your own can be lucrative, as long as you are not frivolous with your time and prioritize.
Finding the balance between work and family started when I was young. Growing up in a military house is a “unique” situation. Everything in the house is run with military precision and timing. You will wake at “o-dark-thirty” and begin the regimen of the day, complete your meals (including finishing your vegetables) before moving on to the next thing. Maybe that is why, to this day, I have a dislike for the weeds we call broccoli and cauliflower. Everything has its place, and chores must be completed. Respect is earned, and given to others, regardless of rank or position. Working together and following the plan helps to ensure success.
It sounds like a horrible life. But, thinking back on it now, it set the groundwork for who I am and values I stand for today. The military life taught me the work ethics and standards that I abide by to this day. It’s these types of skills which can make or break you in the freelance world.
Networking
Networking, and growing your connections, is pretty much the industry standard. As your network continues to expand, keep a database of all your contacts. Sure, using the free address book on your computer or Gmail address book works for starters. When your database grows, you’ll begin to wonder just who some of those contacts are. Keep notes — where you met, what you talked about. This will help in the long run by keeping these valuable connections fresh in your mind.
Don’t just keep a well-maintained contact database, use it. Keep in touch with them. Everyone loves getting the good kind of email, a friendly, “Hi, how’s it going, what’s new, what tour are you on these days…” Who knows, a simple email may spark a conversation that leads to a gig.
Take those calculated risks, experiment, grow beyond what you know. As silly as it sounds, try a new gel color. The good old standard by may be L201, but have you tried L174? It’s these little things that will help you to grow and become better at your profession.
Working It
Freelancing is a tough business. It takes more than skills and talent. Having a positive attitude and good work ethic speaks volumes and resonate through word of mouth. I know a fair number of people who work freelance and make a good living doing so. It is not because they got lucky, it’s because they work hard, if not harder, than they might at a typical 9 to 5 job. They have found the balance between a healthy work and personal life.
Since joining PLSN, I get to freelance less and less. I am okay with it, I love what I do. Too many times, calls have come in for work that I have to turn down due to my editorial responsibilities. Rather than just saying I can’t do it, I try to find someone who can. Sure, I lose the chance for work, but helping find a replacement helps not just one friend, but two.
Do you have what it takes to go it on your own? Are you ready to work those extra hours? It takes some getting use to, and an understanding family. It goes without saying that being organized is requirement for the job. Keep in contact with those friends, stay calm and understanding, and, above all else, don’t put things off to the last minute. That is what a DVR is for.
For Justin’s recap on the June 2012 issue of PLSN, go to PLSN.tv at http://plsn.me/201206ednote.
