When you worked in the corporate world, you were the public face of the organization you worked for. Every action you took, for good or bad, was a reflection on the company you worked for.
Everything is different now. You have traded the security of a steady paycheck for the flexibility of a freelance career, and you may think branding is no longer a concern.
You would be wrong, of course. Freelancers have even more at stake than their corporate counterparts, and personal branding is a vital survival strategy for anyone choosing to go it alone.
So how do you build your personal brand and make the most of your freelance career? Here are some timely tips for creating a successful personal brand, one that will jump start your freelance career and help you land more clients.
Encourage Referrals
Word of mouth recommendations are a vital source of new business for most freelancers, and encouraging referrals is one of the best ways to highlight and solidify your personal brand. Whether you reach out to satisfied clients on social media or contact them directly, soliciting referrals can be an enormous source of growth for your freelance business.
Reaching out to clients you worked with in the past can also get you additional business in a more direct manner. Chances are those clients may want to hire you again, and reminding them you are still available could put more money in your pocket.
Build Your Social Media Presence
Being active and engaged on social media is essential for every freelancer, gig worker and independent contractor, so build out your presence in a smart way. That means making sure your LinkedIn profile is complete, connecting with colleagues and clients on social media platforms, sharing relevant articles and white papers and posting information about your expertise and your business.
Keep in mind that social media can be a double-edged sword, and a single misstep could harm your freelance business more than help it. It is best to steer clear of touchy subjects and avoid political arguments, as those comments could reflect poorly on your freelancing business.
Building a successful freelance business will not happen overnight, but the right personal branding can help it develop more quickly. When you work for yourself, you are your brand, and fine tuning that connection is one of the best ways to boost your freelance income and create a more profitable business.
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