There is one magic little word that will really help you have the freedom you want. That word is “no.” Now, you probably associate “no” with the rejection you occasionally get when you are preparing bids or pitching projects. It can be pretty tough to be the recipient of the word “no.”
However, saying “no” is a different experience all together. When you say no to projects you don’t really want, you are keeping yourself available for projects that will be more satisfying for you. When you say no to rates that won’t provide enough money for you and your family you are honoring your talent and your experience.
The biggest mistake most creative freelancers make when they are starting out is that they say yes to too many kinds of work from too many different kinds of clients at too many prices, instead of focusing on the work they do best for the clients they like best at the prices that respect their skill.
According to the Technically Baltimore article, “When Growing A Creative Business, Keep These Two Things In Mind” written by Stephen Babcock,
“When building a business, Brooke Hall of What Works Studio said, being in the position to say “no” to potential clients making unreasonable demands is incredibly important. “To say: ‘I’m only in a position to do this caliber of work or I’m not going to do it at all,” Hall said.”
Finding a community of like-minded creative freelancers will give you the confidence you need to pursue the work that makes you shine.
