Comments on: That Freelance Mindset

By: Philippa Willitts

Philippa Willitts — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:05:13 +0000

I'm glad you mentioned faking confidence rather than just automatically having it. I often have to fake confidence in first meetings – I'm fine after that, but pretending I'm confident when I first meet someone actually convinces me as well as them, and gives me the confidence to continue with the relationship!

By: Jake P

Jake P — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:19:43 +0000

What fun is an earworm if you don't share it? Heh.

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:27:36 +0000

Wendy, super advice. And now I have that same song in my head....

I will say that I didn't have time to get my feet wet -- I was walked out and my box was assembled for me. Freelancing was thrust upon me thanks to no job, no unemployment, and a rent check coming due. You learn to make better choices when you realize $2 articles do NOT pay the rent.

Anne, you're right. Hanging out with people who are supportive and who are already using good business practices is a super way to adopt the habit. Sort of a double whammy -- you get the support AND the example in one package. :)

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:27:23 +0000

You guys who have support at home… congratulations… and support however you get it, including forums (hint) is necessary… great list, Lori – today I'd also add stamina or persistence or both.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 22:54:27 +0000

Oy,now the song, "If I were king of the forest" is in my head. Thanks, Jake.

I was thinking that one should be able to weigh a situation before jumping in full force. Think like a professional and mull over the $2 an article offer. Is it really worth it in the end? Is writing someone's academic papers beneficial to your career in the long run,etc.?

By: Jake P

Jake P — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 20:44:49 +0000

Excellent point, Wade. I still remember the look on my wife's face when I came home with my "box" after quitting my last corporate job–a 6-figure one, that no one could believe I'd dump without something else to go to. But her confidence in my skills, knowing that I'd succeed by doing whatever it took, was the only golden parachute I needed.

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:41:11 +0000

Paula, I love tenacity. You absolutely do need it.

Wade, your support means a ton too, you know. I know what you mean -- when doubt creeps in, it's great to have people cheering for you. :)

By: Wade Finnegan

Wade Finnegan — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:12:35 +0000

I would add support. Support from great writer folks like Lori, and support from your family to go for it. There has been times when I think "who am I fooling? I can't do this." But the support from others help me to suppress those thoughts and keep moving forward.

By: Paula

Paula — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:26:11 +0000

All of the above, plus tenacity.

Tenacity is more than following through with something, it's pushing through dry spells and slumps to create more opportunities when lesser people would give up and get a "real" job.

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:11:57 +0000

Time management -- excellent, John.

Jake, I hear you. Empathy goes a long way. I loved working with the freelancers who did what they could to make my life easier. Didn't bother calling the ones who were late, made excuses, or fussed about changes to their precious copy.

Devon, definitely! LOL