6 New Year’s resolutions for freelancers

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FREELANCER TIPS

• 6 New Years
• resolutions
• for freelancers

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• Its almost the beginning of a new year and
  inadvertently the time for new resolutions. This
  article is not about eating less candy, waking up
  earlier and going to the gym, though. New Years
  resolutions can not only help improve your
  personal life, but your freelancing business as
  well. The break that most people have over the
  winter holidays is a great period to think about
  where you want your career to go. Here are six
  things you should consider changing in 2016

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1) Increasing your rates

• If you havent increased your rates since last
  year, now is a good time to think about doing it.
  You have undoubtedly learned new things and
  gotten better at doing what you already could.
  With that experience behind your back, 2016 might
  be the time to start getting more money for your
  work. Take a look at your competitors too, but
  dont just blindly follow the market trends. Its
  about your improvement as a professional.

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2) Trimming the fat

• Its time to hit the metaphorical freelancing
  gym. Many freelancers have projects that they
  have been on since the start of their career,
  which, despite having had increased rates, might
  still be pulling you down. Calculate your average
  hourly or project income and start cutting out
  the bottom 20 to 30 percent. These are projects
  that are, financially speaking, not worth your
  time. Of course there are exceptions and it can
  be difficult to turn down jobs. But as weve said
  before, learning to say no is an essential
  skill for every freelancer.

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3) Looking into new areas

• Dont get complacent with your skillset, it can
  be one of the biggest mistakes any freelancer can
  do. Always think about adjacent areas that you
  can go for with your current knowledge and some
  additional learning. Its often worth trying
  something new out. Even if it doesnt become the
  next big thing, at least you added it to your
  freelancing arsenal.

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4) Expanding your business

• Do you find yourself getting too many projects
  and offers which are interesting and pay well?
  Not having the time to take all of them on as a
  single person doesnt mean you should always
  refuse. Consider cooperating with fellow
  freelancers or taking someone entirely new on
  your journey. Expanding your business with
  additional people can be a tough step. After all,
  were all used to working alone. But trying it
  out can definitely grow your business, in a way
  that the efforts of a single individual rarely
  can.

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5) Getting in touch with old clients

• Giving all your clients a call, sending them a
  card or wishing them Merry Christmas over email
  is something you shouldnt forget. Remind them
  youre still kicking and tell them how youve
  gotten better at what you do. Dont overdo it,
  though. Keep it short and sweet youre not the
  only one thats going to contact them over the
  holidays.

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6) Staying happy

• Last but not least, think about what you enjoy in
  freelancing. Maybe its a certain type of
  project, maybe its the variety or you originally
  wanted to work and travel the world. Go for the
  things that make you glad youre a freelancer and
  put a smile on your face. Following your passion
  will make you a happier person and a better
  professional.

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