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Hot Desk Tips for Freelancers by Philippa Hull
Hot Desk - tips for freelancers
• Don’t expect work to come to you, you need to go out there and get it. Network: join groups, attend events, get out and meet people. Talk to people, everywhere! I believe that networking is vital to a freelance business - and it helps us to grow as people.
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• If you are offered work that you don’t want/can’t do, try to refer it to someone else or make an alternative suggestion, rather than just turning it down. People appreciate this.
• Never compromise your standards, however desperate you are for work.
• Don’t undersell yourself: have confidence in the product/service you offer and charge a sensible price for it. If you don’t feel confident, examine what you are doing and fine-tune it as necessary. If you are desperate, do something else for a while but don’t undervalue your core service.
• Collaborate with others where possible. Never run down your competitors. Be generous and respectful.
• Never, ever gossip or criticise others in public. If you don’t have anything positive to say, it is better to say nothing.
• Discretion is probably the most important requirement of working freelance.
• Respect other people’s environments: if a situation requires you to wear a suit to work, do it. Play the part.
• Remember that respect has to be earned and that it takes time.
• Take care of your clients – good clients are like jewels, treasure them.
• Don’t discuss your private life with clients/work colleagues. Keep your distance; be friendly but not over-familiar.
• Look for ways to help people every day, all the time. Small things make a big difference.
• Be aware of your body language – it speaks volumes!
• SMILE – it is possible to be a total professional without taking yourself too seriously. A genuine, warm smile is a very powerful tool!
See www.hot-desk.co.uk for more information.
