5 Things I Focused on During My First Year of Freelancing Full Time
I quit my corporate job exactly one year ago, and proud to say that I've been freelancing hair/makeup full time now for a good year (I was freelancing on the side prior). There were things from my corporate job that I applied as a freelancer, but I've learned a lot more by being on my own and actively growing my own business. Having no safety blanket of a corporate job lit a fire under my a** to really get my business going.
Thought I would share 5 things I focused on this year and how it all went!
1. BRANDING
Branding was the first thing I worked on. As an artist, I feel that I'm constantly working on this. Branding is almost like soul searching. You have to ask yourself, what kind of artist are you? Who are you and who do you want to be? What's your persona and how do you want to be perceived? You can't be afraid of "going there". I feel that's most of the battle. As silly as this sounds, this is the first thing (I think) you should start exploring. Because once you start figuring this part out, you start attracting the kind of jobs you want and taking the photos you need for your branding. You can then think about how you want to lay out your website, blog, and social media platforms. It makes you think about what and how you want to post photos on Instagram, update your Facebook status, or blog. I completely reworked my websites and upped my visual game on Instagram for cohesive branding all across! But don't get too stuck on thinking, because starting is better than no action.
2. Improved Photo editing skills
This goes along with branding, but I think it deserves it's own description. I used to only share professional photos of my work - meaning only posting photos I received from photographers I've worked with. At first, I thought this was enough and to a certain extent, it was. But after awhile, I wanted to show my personality more. I needed more content. This meant I had to learn how to take good photos on my own and edit them. I analyzed lighting and composition to the level that I can, so I could take (good) photos, even if it was just on an iPhone. I took the time to learn how to edit my photos via VSCO (Vscocam) and photoshop app on my phone (and currently learning Lightroom). By learning how to take and edit photos, this helped me achieve consistent branding. The reason why you might be attracted to your favorite blogger or artist, is probably because they got #1 and #2 down. Branding and photo editing skills.
3. (Social Media) NETWORKING
Networking is a no brainer! No matter how advanced you are in your career, you need to constantly be doing this. Especially if you're just starting out, networking both in person and on social media will get you further (and sometimes faster). Being an introvert myself, this was something I had to "get over" and just do. If you're shy, start out by showing up on social media. If I were to be totally honest, networking events still make me nervous. So I like to "social media" network beforehand, so these in-person networking events don't feel as awkward. By connecting online first, it would break down my introverted tendencies, and then allow opportunities to meet creatives that I felt like I already knew! Whether through Facebook groups or Instagram, I've met a ton of great people along the way - for that, I'm grateful to Social Media.
4. Hustle
My motto's always been, whatever you're doing, work hard and give it all you got. For me, hustling means doing things even if it's not about the money or convenience. As a freelancer, we all get presented with opportunities, sometimes paid, sometimes not. In the beginning of your career, the latter is more common. You think about the time and cost involved, and then you make a choice to take it or leave it. Hustling doesn't mean doing anything and everything (paid or not), but it does mean to take an opportunity to invest in the value it brings. Invest in a relationship you want to build or invest in the experience you'll gain. So in that sense, you do whatever it takes, and hustle. For example, driving 2/3 hours to a non-paid photoshoot might seem like too much of a hassle. But I choose to look at it differently. Maybe I'm trying to connect with a photographer I really want to work with, or a big time vendor is going to be at the same shoot and I want to meet them in person. At the time, it'll cost me more time and even money. But once those connections are made, that's forever. They'll most likely remember you and hopefully refer jobs. And you will refer them. Which happened many times for me! Yay! Hustling means doing something for your business everyday. Whether that'd be sending out emails to people you want work with, networking, reworking your website so it's SEO optimized, etc. Something everyday. Because "dreams only work if you do."
5. Speak up
I saved the best for last. This one (along with #1) is huge, especially for me. I've struggled with speaking up almost my entire life. I had confidence issues like...what if the things I had to say wasn't important? Is this a stupid idea? What if I get rejected? God forbid...what if they say NO?! Some months ago, I heard a quote that changed me and my career forever.
"A closed mouth doesn't get fed"
It seems so obvious - but for me, I've realized that being too quiet wasn't going to get me anywhere! Sure, my feelings were less hurt because people couldn't tell me NO, but I wasn't letting people say YES to me either. Because all you have to do is speak up and ask for opportunities. Talk about your dreams and ambitions more to others and pretty soon, those things will manifest. You could start with "hey I really want to do more of _____, do you know of anyone that could help" or "hey I'm really interested in what you're doing, can you tell me more/can I assist you?" or "hey I know you regularly work with _____, but if you ever needed a backup, I'd be happy to work with you" or "I really love how you're editing your photos, can you share what apps you use?" etc. There's a million ways to speak up! If you're anything like me, I know this can be tough, but trust that it works. It's helped my business so much this year!!
This year was a TOTAL whirlwind! I reached goals that I didn't know I could this year. I've learned more about myself. It makes me slightly emotional thinking about where I started and where I'm at now. I can only imagine what's in store!
I hope this was helpful and if there's anything that YOU did to add to this, please let us all know!
Till Next Time!