Am just going to get right into it. There is no introduction or transition into the subject matter, as I really don’t have the time and I don’t want to dress up the truth so it doesn’t blow. This is it. The points I have mentioned below are those that I think many early freelancers have done, including me. In fact, I struggle in some areas even today. Beginners in freelancing however do these things invariably perhaps out of desperation to sign up a job or as an oversight or lack of understanding of how to go about or simply require better business acumen.

I don’t necessarily think of these mistakes as a bad thing. When a baby learns to walk, it first learns to roll over. Then sit up, then stand with support, then without it. It takes a step only to fall down before it takes the next. Does that mean the child is failing? No, because that is the process of growth and it is good you’ve messed up, so now you know how not to.

I wanted to put out the message upfront that it’s 100% A-OK about not getting it right in the freelancing world. Common, we’re freelancers. We make the rules, so who is to say it’s right or wrong? Pfft! That’s right! We are our bosses. Be proud of what you are doing and skim through the below points as a reminder or indicator or reference guide.

1. Not being transparent with the job requirement
2. Not being clear with the payment terms
3. Not creating email documentation of the conversation
4. Not establishing a relationship like a peer but as a labourer
5. Not valuing yourself as a content writer with value
6. Not disagreeing to the message or instruction the client gives but being a chicken to have a say
7. Agreeing to the terms set by the client even if it does not work for you
8. Agreeing to complete jobs in absolutely unreasonable turn around times (like within an hour)
9. Agreeing to anything and everything the client says because you are desperate to get that job
10. Setting the client on the pedestal and making yourself a doormat
11. Taking irrelevant and idiotic feedbacks from clients and letting it mess with your self-esteem
12. Listening to inputs on writing from clients or agents who do not know the ABCs of grammar or storytelling

Honestly, I can go on. In fact I can expound each point and share tips and tricks as to how to go about the right way protecting your interest while doing right by the client. Please don’t infer that I am being disrespectful of clients or deem them as obnoxious. I am fully aware that solid clients are integral to our success, even survival. That doesn’t mean we must dance to their tune because most clients are willing to ask and understand how we operate and then make a decision to proceed with us or not. If you don’t lead them and show them how it’s done, they will do what they think is right and you feeling miserable because of their unfair treatment to you is just bollocks.

Anyway, I don’t want to ramble on. If you found this post helpful and want me to write more on this topic, please comment below and share this post on your social media, and help out a sister. Thank you and talk to you soon!