7 Competencies That All Freelancers Need

• Clearly framing the value they deliver to clients so that their talents are recognized and put to use;
• Setting a clear direction for themselves in a career that is distinguished by “fuzziness and fog”;
• Building a diverse web of relationships to provide guidance, support, inspiration, and opportunity;

Anyone entering the freelance world with the notion that they can “plan their work, and work their plan” will face frustration.

The needs of customers, and sometimes events beyond control, will eventually lead freelancers in new directions. Those try to stick to a chosen path  risk falling behind the marketplace. 

People who are learning agile are talented at knowing what to do when they don’t know what to do. That pretty much sums up the life of a freelancer. 

They excel at learning from their experiences. They then take those lessons and adapt them to succeed in new situations.

Many are drawn to freelance careers by the opportunities for freedom and being your own boss. But being on your own doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. 

Instead of relying only on yourself, try proactively engaging with others and building a diverse community of relationships. A rich and thriving community can be a source of many things for a freelancer.

Resilient freelancers tackle failure head on. 

They don’t brush it aside or seek to place blame. They look at it as a necessary  part of the process of being successful. By taking a clear look at their actions and opening themselves up to new insights, they seize negative experiences as an opportunity for growth.

The decision itself to become a freelancer, especially if you’re coming from a more traditional work background, is a risk: No longer are steady paychecks, designated roles. and corporate goals a part of your day-to-day. 

A big part of being a successful freelancer is being able to effectively sell yourself and what you have to offer.

A key element of selling yourself is projecting authenticity. And big part of being authentic is knowing yourself.

Successful freelancers accept uncertainty for what it is and try not to waste precious energy fighting it or wishing it away. 

They tune into the compass they carry inside of them and trust their intuition. They also bring others in to help them chart a path. As one freelancer put it.