Freelancing is a great career choice for people who get bored at traditional employers. However, there are still dull aspects of running a freelancing business. Here’s how to automate and outsource that stuff like a productive ninja.
Document everything.
The best systems can’t help you without documentation. As you grow as a freelancer, create policy and procedure documents that describe the most important parts of running your freelancing business. That could include applying for work on websites like Problogger or Upwork, or sending cold emails to potential clients, just as much as to creating a blog or website.
Later, you’ll be able to effectively clone yourself by learning how to automate and outsource these tasks to virtual assistants who charge a surprisingly low fee. Hint: VAs from the Philippines do the best work, in my experience. Here’s some information about how to hire one and lead them well, and also about the costs involved.
Hire minions (VAs) as needed.
What’s the point of doing everything yourself? That’s a trick question, because there isn’t one. Outsourcing trivial tasks that require no thought process is in your best interest. Filipino virtual assistants only cost about $4 per hour. It’d be foolish to not capitalize on that opportunity.
Don’t feel bad for paying such a low rate. The cost of living is much lower in their homeland, while at the same time they need employers like you to provide for their families. In reality, you’re not taking advantage of them (especially if you pay above that average rate). You’re doing them a favor!
However, there will be communication barriers, which is why you need those highly specific policy and procedure documents. Also: Make sure virtual assistants understand not to begin a task before they grasp how to do it. You’ll save lots of trouble!
Outsourcing frees up valuable time and mental energy. This way, you can dedicate your attention to strategic planning, creative endeavors, or building meaningful relationships, ultimately leading to greater productivity and satisfaction. Speaking of relationships: Working with international virtual assistants can also foster a sense of global collaboration and cultural exchange. As you engage with individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives, you can learn about their unique experiences and broaden your own horizons.
Create and use template letters.
Here’s an example of a template letter I use to pitch new clients. There are several things to notice about this letter.
First, it’s not self-absorbed. Instead, it is laser-focused on what I can do for the client (not what they can do for me). I only share a small amount of details about myself before getting to the point. These include popular websites, magazines, and television shows my work and my clients’ work features in.
I also mention my amount of readers and share count since this provides me with an authoritative, expert image. Clients will be more likely to hire you when they’re assured of the fact that you know what you’re doing. Prove yourself, or you won’t have a chance of being hired. Brutal, but true!
Note: I can hire a virtual assistant to copy, paste, tweak, and send these emails on my behalf to be more efficient. Knowing where and how to automate or outsource is worth gold.
Learn to think like an entrepreneur.
Most freelancers are too complacent about their business. They just apply for a job or two on a freelancing website and basically call it a day. Lazy! It’s better to build systems that will attract clients to you while you’re asleep.
That’s why my PakWired author bio includes links to my website, which is built for the specific purpose of capturing leads and converting them into paying clients. The more guest articles I write here and elsewhere, the more wealth I will attract into my life.
You must give before you receive. Entrepreneurs understand this concept. Sadly, most freelancers don’t. Be one of the few and proud entrepreneurial freelancers who thinks outside the box. Your business will explode when you do!
So embrace the power of proactive networking, engage with industry leaders, and leverage social media platforms to showcase your expertise. Become a force to be reckoned with and watch your freelancing career soar to new heights.
Get 1% better at something every day.
In Choose Yourself, James Altucher preaches the gospel of continuous improvement. He encourages his readers to improve their mental, physical, spiritual, or financial health by 1% every day. This is the best way to grow as a person.
Your business is a reflection of you. And if your personal life is a mess, your freelancing business will reflect that. There’s no escaping this reality. You must develop yourself before your business will become truly successful.
Who’s going to hire a writer, photographer, or web designer who can’t be bothered to sharpen their craft? Nobody. The second you stop growing, your business will cease to be a success. Let go of your ego. Become a constant student.
So! Embrace the discomfort of pushing beyond your comfort zone and watch as your skills and expertise reach new heights. Dedicate time every day to learning, honing your skills, and staying up-to-date with industry trends. And that includes learning how to automate and outsource effectively. The investment you make in yourself will pay off tenfold.
Read more articles in the Freelancing 101 series by Daniel Wallen:
- 5 Questions to Ask Yourself before You Become a Freelancer
- How to Be Productive at Home (When You’d Rather Be Watching Netflix)
- How to Learn a New Skill (without Stressing Yourself Out)
- How to Get Your First Paying Client within a Month
- How to Set and Negotiate a Rate You Can Live with
- How to Write a Pitch That Convinces Clients to Hire You
- How to Write an About Page That Resonates with Your Audience
- How to Generate Leads on Autopilot with Strategic Guest Posts
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