Yourself
Before somebody laughs at you when you tell them what you want to do, better have an introspection on where you’re at, where you wanna be and what you want to achieve. I guess what I’m saying is simply, convince yourself that you are really up to the challenge. Are you ready to live an uncertain career that many would-be freelancers dread? Is your family ready for the ride? OK, before I scare you off from turning to what you’d like to be, think on these things. Don’t just look at the good side. Open your eyes to the consequences as well, because there are also rough edges in this line of profession.

An Authority in Your Field
We all have people we look up to in terms of our standards of success. Most often, these are the people who actually inspired us, challenged us or made us feel that we can do even the impossible things! If you do have one in mind, it won’t hurt if you will get his opinion or simply understand how he’s done things which eventually made him successful. It well help you boost your confidence and at the same time, help you create a similar pattern of success if you will not waver. You may not be able to duplicate exactly the success that they’ve made, but the lessons you will learn from them will give you a positive perspective on how to move one day at a time.

Your Current Employer
Many people try to scape their frustrations at their 9-5 jobs and turn to freelancing. Will you leave because you did not get the promotion you expected, the raise was not high enough, or are you simply uncomfortable with your boss. All these frustrations add up. But if you think that shifting to a freelance job will solve your 9-5 woes, think again.

Sometimes it’s really just a matter of asking, waiting and delivering. It’s all about loving what you do. If you love your job right now but you can’t seem to jibe with your employer’s whims then it’s a good thing to confront the issue. Give a shot on possible resolutions. And once all options have been exhausted, then make the final decision. Your employers may seem terrible but come to think of it, working with other people online doesn’t spare you from virtual bullies, conflicts or misunderstandings.

Another issue that’s a common reason why people jump ship to freelancing is the pay rates. Although you can literally dictate the price for your service, if you are still starting up, you may not be able to demand, compared to those who have already established their portfolio and have proven their worth and experience.

Your Prospect
Before you totally leave your current employer and step into freelancing, make sure that you have a client or company to work with right away. It’s like moving to a new house; make sure you have a house to move in before you actually take out all your things or you will end up on the streets. I know it’s difficult to assess whether a project will be long term or short term, but it would be safe if you can also discuss the duration.

Your Financial Adviser
I don’t think many of you have a financial adviser. But basically its worth discussing about your financial status with the people or person who have a stake if you turn into a millionaire (that’s being positive okay!).

Before I started with my freelancing, I had to apply for a loan to purchase some equipments. I bought a new computer, applied for my high speed internet, got me a hosting account, bought my first domain. And I believe that’s one of the best venture I’ve made in terms of using my credit. I said this because people use their credit for so many unnecessary things, but all tends to waste and things that easily depreciates in value. When I decided to apply for the loan, I kept in mind that this will not just be another cash out of my pocket but an investment that will pay me some returns.

In all these financial issues, I made sure that my wife is aware. We laid out our plans and options. We had a plan B in place. I also made sure that the institution where I loaned are aware of the risk I’m taking. But after those crunch times, I’m proud to say that we are debt free, all paid by my online freelance jobs.

Your Family
Whatever happens to your plan, whether it prospers or fails, the only true people that you can turn to with confidence is your family. Well at least that’s true for my situation.

My wife have been very supportive of this venture and has often given me not only the boost to keep on but has shared brilliant ideas that I could not have thought if I was only doing it on my own and just kept her in the backseat. All along she was beside me. I opened up the idea, we prayed for it, visualized it, wrote our goal on paper. And it’s been an amazing experience that has truly strengthened us in many ways.

Bottom Line
Whatever those other people said to you, the final decision still rest on what you will choose to do. It’s your choice to make. The people you have talked to can only share their two cents of advice. They can offer you a different perspective on the matter, but you will have to look at it yourself and find out which one works and which doesn’t. They will not coerce you into something. Whatever happens, the responsibility still hangs on your shoulder.

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“Many fresh graduates have a hard time finding jobs because their skills and educational background do not fit the needs of businesses”

Whether you agree or not with the above statement by the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE), let’s face it, finding a job is not as easy as you think it is. And getting an education doesn’t even guarantee a job for you in the future. It’s really difficult to pinpoint the main culprit in this case because there is a myriad of reasons and a million other factors why people are unemployed or have a hard time getting employed. But there are three things that I have noted about this problem. First thing that I have noted; skills, then education, then business needs. But the main gist boils down to: “Are your skills and education fit for the current business need?” As simple as that.

The fact is, even if you have finished a degree with flying colors if I’m in need of a Chef for my food business, your IT education and the skill you have acquired is futile (at least for my need). It’s difficult to put a square peg in a round hole. That’s what it is. Will you then have to get another education, just to suit my needs? I don’t think that would be wise. First of all, it will take you time. By the time you get the skill that I need, I may no longer require what you can offer me.

This is becoming a common problem in our society these days. You can see this scenario in almost every college or university. You will find students enrolled in courses that are the current need of most companies. Unfortunately, before they complete their 4 or 5 year study, it would already be filled and thus, are no longer in demand like when they first heard about it. 

Supply and Demand

The labor market as with any other market that we know abides by the basic principle of supply and demand. If the supply is low and demand is high, price goes up and if the demand is low but supply is high, the price goes down. The case of nursing graduates in the Philippines is a concrete example of how the law supply and demand affects our employment climate. Many student nurses have actually focused their goals on works abroad because there is an increasing need for medical workers (demand). Thus many have looked into it as an opportunity. And every year we have been producing thousands upon thousands of nurses. But the country’s demand could not measure up to the supply. There’s just too many of them. Even if there is a good demand outside, it’s still an uphill climb to many graduates considering the financial aspect of applying abroad.

Melting Pots

The BPO industry have become a melting pot to many skills and talents that was not absorbed by the current businesses that is more specific with its talent requirement. Thus, when you work in a call center you’ll be surprised to see how diverse the pool of people are in terms of the college degrees that they have attained. You will find graduates of education course, medical related courses and other unusual degrees  that you expect to find in a specific niche. It’s not bad to see them there of course. It’s good, because at least, they are being productive. But it is also disturbing because they are not where they are supposed to be. It’s good to have a hand, but if your hand is on your forehead, then that’s a different story. The same thing goes with our labor market. It is disturbing, in a sense that people who should be teaching are not in the schools (unless they are in the training departments), and nurses who should be taking care of patients are up on their toes with headsets.

These people are working in the call center, not because they lack the education. You can see them in these areas because that is where opportunities are available. Who could have known or even imagined that they will be working as call center agents? I bet not one of them thought about that when they first enrolled for college. The only thing that I can surmise is that, they are all excited in being a nurse because in 4 or 5 years time, they are hopeful that they will be getting their dream job. They will be landing on high paying job.

Government Solution
A recent labor market study by the Department of Labor and Employment called Project JobsFit: The DOLE 2020 Vision aims to solve the problem of skills mismatch and prepare the labor force to job opportunities that are expected to have a good demand for manpower.

The result of the study highlights the in-demand and hard-to-fill occupations of the key industries that are projected to be the main source of employment growth in the country for the next ten years. This study will impact the incoming college students as this will help them choose the right course that will give them a greater chance of landing a job once they graduate.

If you are about to make the big decision that will impact your future career and employability, why not spend a few minutes and see whether some of these suggested fields will fit you.

Get a glimpse of their findings and weigh out if the agency really pinned down the 108 in-demand and hard to fill occupations. You can also download the complete list here:
Image credit: Bureau of Local Employment
Thumbnail: GenXFinance

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Image Credits: http://smallbiztrends.com

Job Satisfaction
Many people walk to their offices and perform their duties with a heavy shoulder because they are no longer satisfied with what they are doing, their salary and other areas of their employment. A Conference Board’s survey which polled 5,000 households in the US, found that only 45% were satisfied in their jobs. So why burden yourself and struggle to believe that that’s the right place or the right job for you?

Work on something you are happy doing. If you are feeling obliged to do something because there’s a supervisor who’s prying on you, a boss that you simply can’t get along with or a policy that you can’t agree on, then that’s reason enough to look for windows of opportunity. If you can’t help yourself but keep an eye on the ticking of the clock to hit 5 PM then it’s high time to reconsider your options about getting yourself into freelancing.

Family Preservation
I have been a strong advocate of online freelancing for one important reason, and that’s family preservation. I understand that many people are aiming at overseas works in the US, Canada, UK and other parts of Europe and the Middle East. But if many Americans are already unsatisfied with their jobs, I don’t think it would be any different to me.

I know the salary is way higher than what you can get (probably) But I believe that freelancing gives more benefit in terms of the bond that you’ll get in your family’s presence. Would you like your kids to grow without your guidance? And I’m sure, a million dollar can buy a lot of heaters but it won’t be warm enough to comfort your wife on a cold night. If you want to cultivate your career without sacrificing your family then working online at the comfort of you home is a perfect alternative.

Computers as Investments
There are a lot of people who are addicted to computers. Some would spend long hours in games and chatting and many other unproductive activities. And that’s just it. A pure waste of time and money. I love my computer too, because I saw a different potential to what it can do. I look at it as an investment that yields me a thousand returns and not just an appliance or a game console. If you think that way, then you are closer to concluding that probably, online freelancing is the right work for you.

No Where to Run
When you hit a wall and you have nowhere to run, that situation will bring out the best in you if you will face it and determine to get over that hindrance. I know it’s sad that many people think of freelancing as last resort, but it’s this last resort that has transformed many lives into satisfied and gave a new face to the word “work”. If you don’t have job right now, don’t keep on running and looking for that elusive career. Grab a chair and get in front of your computer. Try freelancing!

Bottom Line:
What worked for me may not work for you. Hence, whether freelancing is for you or not, remains to be decided. But if you have already made the first step, then don’t look back. Just look forward to your goal and remember why you are into freelancing. Again, freelancing is not for the faint of heart. If you can’t make a firm decision to pursue it full time, part time will always be an option. And hopefully, you’ll come to a point and say that “Freelancing is REALLY the right one for you!”.

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I know it’s easy to remind people not to buy this or that, but the impulse is really difficult to resist. Because more often than not, it is more tempting to splurge on your wants when you have the money rather than to think on how to wisely spend your hard earned income.

So I’m changing that style. As they say, if you can’t beat them, join them. Go ahead, BUY BUY BUY! But before you indulge read through the shopping list I’ve prepared for you. Then go ahead and enjoy your shopping spree!

Computer and Equipments
I know you are itching to get the latest version of Mac as much as I do. If you can afford it, go for it! As an online worker who spends 40 hours or more in front of the computer, it is imperative that you invest in a machine that will give you the security and reliability in delivering your work. Whether it’s a Mac or a PC, what’s important is that it’s up to the task.

I’d also recommend that you get an uninterrupted power supply (UPS), external hard disk, extra battery pack for your laptop and a comfy office furniture that will make you work comfortably.

A Book or Special Training Course
Get a good book to read or a training course to enroll that will enhance your current skill set. I highly recommend The Wealthy Freelancer by Ed Gandia et al. It’s power pack with great ideas that’s relevant to our time and realistic. The 12 secrets that they have outlined will make give you a different perspective at freelancing and will open up your eyes that this is serious business!

There are many other books available out there and it’s always to your advantage if you keep yourself abreast with the latest technologies, ideas and innovations. You simply can’t afford to be left behind in this rapidly changing world. If you are having a second thought on investing on a short course, try ignorance. You’ll lose more clients from not knowing something that you could have provided if you keep on learning!

Domain and Hosting
If you don’t have a website or blog yet, it’s about time for you to take your freelance business on the web. Get a website. “A carpenter doesn’t have a house” won’t be applicable in this era. You need to get your name out, and tell the world what you can offer. Build a brand of your own and start leveraging the power of social media in getting more clients.

This is probably the cheapest item on your shopping list but the promise of return is enormous! So don’t just take it for granted. Get the domain name for your business, sign up for a reliable hosting provider. My current hosting is with www.GoDaddy.com and they are doing a great job, plus great discounts for domain and hosting. For the web design part, try www.99designs.com to get some help if you can’t do it yourself.

I know a whole day won’t be enough to get all of these and set up completely. It will keep you busy for a little while and ward off another attack of impulsive buying.

Bottomline: It’s not a sin to spend on something you really want to have as long as you can afford it. And there is a better word that we ought to learn about money that’s more powerful than spending, and that is INVESTING.

Now it’s your turn. The comment is open so get me another item on the shopping list for our shopaholic freelancer that is a worthwhile investment!

Image credit: www.thewealthyfreelancer.com

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Call centers in the Philippines, India or any other outsourcing destination bring a new breath of hope for a decent earning employment. And yes, I am one of those people who’ve been blessed to have worked for over three years in this thriving industry. But I left the call center completely and never looked back again.

At first, I was hesitant to leave my job at Aegis People Support, one of the biggest call center here in Cebu City. With two growing kids in tow, a house rental to think, no savings in the bank, no health insurance. It was probably one of the most stupid thing a father can do. But I didn’t leave the call center to let my family starve to death. I left the call center for many good reasons.

Future:
I am no seer or fortune teller, but one of the reasons I left the call center is because I saw a promising future in online jobs. The fact that outsourcing has been in bloom for several years already made me firmly believe that this will be the same with online jobs. There will be more companies, specially medium to small sized businesses who will be joining the bandwagon of outsourcing. There will be individuals who simply wants to do business and are practical enough to outsource some of their tasks to individuals, not companies. And sure enough, even at this moment, oDesk, which is one of the major places where my clients come from have consistently shown an increase in all aspects:
48,786 new online jobs were posted to oDesk in June, an increase of 1,505 over May
635,198 total workers were registered with oDesk in June, an increase of 45,480 or 7.7 percent over May
$9,255,640 was earned by workers on oDesk in June, an increase of $382,252 or 4.3 percent over May
(Source: oDesk Online Employment Situation Summary)
Earning Potential:
Although the call center has offered above average compensation and benefits, freelance jobs give a bigger earning potential and a more financially rewarding work. With enough skill, and experience it has literally raised my earnings from four to five times what I previously received in my call center work, all in the comfort of my home. Not only that, it has also opened new areas for me to passively earn through my blog advertising revenues and affiliate earnings.

Growth:
Career growth in call centers go through the step by step promotion process that’s not free from insider politics, “padrino” system and other biases. Competition is stiff. And this made me think, whether my 5 years of stay in a call center would bring me to my goal of being financially stable and in terms of position, getting a promotion. With freelancing, you’re almost limited only by your imagination on what you can achieve. Freelancing offers a different path for growth. For just one year, I’ve seen open doors to raise the bar in what I do. From my role in the call center as customer service agent, taking 30-60calls every day, pacifying irate customers, I then started managing projects for clients, getting my own team, and as they say… the rest is history.

Flexibility
Time flexibility at work proved to be one of my biggest challenge while working at the call center. I’ve missed important family occasions, church gatherings, and other events which I would have enjoyed attending. And as a family man with two growing kids, family time became a growing concern as well.
With my job as Virtual Assistant, I was able to choose client that would suit both their time preference as well as mine. I can work for two hours, or four, or six or a full stretch 8 hour shift depending on my availability. And this is what makes working as home based freelancer very flexible.

Bottom Line
I can list down many other reasons on why I left the call center in place of working at home as a freelancer. But the bottom line is, if you love your job, then stick to it. I love my freelance work, I love computers, I enjoy working alone, that’s why I’m sticking to it. If this post made you think of jumping ship plainly because of the earning potential, this may not be enough to sustain you to last through the challenging and uncertain world of freelancing. But if you think your interest and passion is here, don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need some direction to get started.

(Image source: http://fusionbposervices.freeblog.co.nz/)

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Too much fantasy and sci-fi movies can sometimes rub off on us. I know superman is one of the favorites and he is certainly one of the most common roles many people want to play in their freelancing career.

But who wouldn’t want to be superman? And who have not done a superman act before?

Juggling 4 or 5 jobs, then taking even more even if it would mean a missed lunched or dinner, a 2hr sleep or just about anything that would mean sacrifice of personal comfort just to please the King Client, well, that’s a superman in its finest class indeed.

But what could be worst, is when you thought you are doing a heroic job by taking in too many responsibilities, you end up tragically overwhelmed and exhausted. Does that sound familiar?

That’s a common mistake may freelancers take especially those who are still new to the job. Making the mark, creating a lasting impression but something may not be consistent. Now let’s get back to the real world and remember that Superman is myth and whatever our actions are, we won’t bring him to life in our freelancing career.

So here are a few suggestions to get keep you sane when you think you feel like having the itch of a Superman Syndrome.

1. Rest – come on, even the Creator rested. You  deserve some rest too! If you think you are doing your client a favor by spending longer hours on a project and not getting enough sleep, you are dead wrong. According to a sleepdeprivation.com article, “Lack of sleep costs an estimated $150 billion annually due to lowered worker productivity.” It can spur a myriad of other health related issues, so if you really want to do your client and yourself a favor, hit the sack! You will not only give yourself a fresh start when you wake up but you are giving your body a time to recover from a stressful day.

2. That’s Kryptonite, get it?! - let’s face it, even superman is not invincible. We all have Kryptonites in our lives. We all possess a certain strength and weakness in different terms or areas. If you have not yet done an analysis on your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) you might want to check why determining your SWOT is an essential aspect of successful freelancing. Miles Burke, author of “The Principles of Successful Freelancing” has some examples that’s worth checking if you are lost on where to start. There is also a free SWOT analysis worksheet by Jennifer Mattern that’s free to download.

3. Say “NO” stupid! – if you are overburdened with responsibilities and deadlines and a client asks for another extra mile for you take and you take it, that is what we call sheer stupidity. I don’t know, but saying “NO” just seem so hard for many, but if you are thinking long term, you should start saying no, now! Why? Here’s what a Mayo Clinic study says:

* Saying no can be good for you. Saying no is not a selfish act. In fact, it may be the most beneficial thing that you can do for your family and your other commitments. When you say no, you’ll be able to spend quality time on the things you’ve already said yes to.
* Saying no can allow you to try new things. Just because you’ve always helped plan the company softball tournament doesn’t mean that you have to keep doing it forever. Saying no will free up time to pursue other hobbies or interests.
* Yes isn’t always the best answer. If you’re overcommitted and under a lot of stress, you’ve got a much better chance of becoming sick, tired or just plain crabby, which won’t benefit you or anyone else.
* It’s important to recognize other people. Let those around you come through. Although others may not do things exactly the same way you would, you can learn an important lesson by allowing others to help while gaining yourself valuable free time.

There is also a similar article from GetMoreDone about the benefits of saying NO.

Bottomline: Superman is myth. You are real. You don’t need to do a superman act to please your clients. Saying yes isn’t always the best choice of word just to impress that you can make things happen. The best option is always to “underpromise – overdeliver”

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Being too reliant on only one payment option has proven to have serious consequences.  And if you are working in oDesk, you know [tweetmeme]exactly what I mean. I’ve seen the forum filled with dismayed people, frustrated providers and helpless freelancers who couldn’t do anything about their payouts because they only use Paypal for payment transactions. Let’s face it, technology is not foolproof. Paypal, Moneybookers, Payoneer or whichever institution you are using, gives you no guarantee that they will be up all the time. But you can safeguard yourself from delays and bill payment rush when a sudden service interruption occurs.

I’m quite certain that many have actually hopped on getting a second or third option next to Paypal because of the Paypal-oDesk incidence. And honestly, I just came to an epiphany that there are deeper reasons why you or every online freelancer must have a backup payment option.

Exchange Rate

If you are from a country other than the US and receives the final payout in a different currency other than US dollar, getting an alternative financial institution can give you a favorable advantage to withdraw your funds with the higher exchange rates and lower fees. The current rate that Paypal charges ($1 per withdrawal)is considered minimal, but what I’ve noticed is an unusually big difference in the exchange rate that Paypal imposes compared to prevailing currency exchange. At some point, I was getting $1 to Php43 but it’s actually $1 to Php44.5 Well of course I know that Paypal wants to earn as well, but a peso per dollar would have been more reasonable. I’m not sure if how much I’ve earned since I first used Paypal or oDesk but I’m certain that if I have been more vigilant and got me more option to withdraw my funds, I could have saved a few hundred if not thousands of pesos.

Flexibility

Since I started accepting projects outside of Elance and oDesk, I’ve had a couple of clients who actually gave me the option  to elect my preferred payment option. This is primarily beneficial for me since I can choose an institution like Xoom or Swiftcash so I can quickly receive payments at no extra cost or just a fraction of it if my client would require me to share in the overall transfer fee.

Availability

Maintenance, hacking, internet downtime, these are just some of the many other reasons that may cause an institution to be unavailable when you need their service. I understand that most of the financial institutions are committing to get their system a 100% uptime but it’s just too difficult to neglect the reality that what ever technology they have, however sophisticated they may be, it’s still not foolproof and invincible to even the simplest glitch that could cripple their operation. Thus, getting an alternate payment option can ensure that you get paid on time when your primary option is unavailable.

Speed

Let’s face it, not all of us have the patience to wait 3 days or even 2 days just to verify an account. And not many will be agreeable to getting their payouts late because many are depending on this source of income to pay bills and other obligations. If this fits you, then you should create a plan B to minimize if not eradicate delays and late fees.

In my experience, the quickest way to receive payment have been through Xoom money transfer. With Paypal, it takes 2-4 business days to withdraw to my bank account, and even longer if your client’s pay by echeck. And if you have a team where you subcontract your other projects, I’m sure they will be as frustrated as you are.  Getting alternatives can help you keep up with emergencies and time sensitive financial obligations like mortgage payments, house rents, internet bill payments, etc.

Simplicity & Convenience

Instant money transfers provides a lot of convenience to both parties. The procedures are a lot simpler, easier and requires lesser effort to make. No need to have a credit or debit card, verify it, and unnecessary lost of funds is avoided (just like what happens when you set up for a moneybookers account)

Security

Whenever I encounter accounts that has a pin or password, it almost always tells me that I need to take extra care. Because those same passwords and pins or security words are actually what makes my accounts vulnerable. As compared to instant transfers, the moment it’s released, the funds can be easily withdrawn, and does not compromise your whole nest egg but just a single instance. One of the steps that I’ve taken is to ensure that I don’t leave substantial funds overnight on my Paypal account. I just feel that security is not too strong. I’ve read forums where people’s Paypal accounts where infiltrated and it simply made me a bit paranoid and ultra conscious that I withdraw funds to my bank as soon as it reaches my Paypal account. I guess the more unpredictable your next step is, the safer you are. So the more options you have to withdraw your funds, the bigger your chances of eluding your would be attacker.

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In freelancing or in any other kind of job hunting, there are only two things that can hinder you from getting your dream job. First, you have no previous work experience and second, you have work experience but you have a tarnished reputation because of unsatisfactory feedbacks.

If you have just started getting jobs online, may this serve as a warning. Remember, you are building a foundation and your feedbacks will be the cornerstone of your future employability. But if you’ve already incurred negative comments about your work, working habits, attitude, it’s time to revisit where you stumbled and see how you can mend those shortcomings.

You might ask me, does that necessarily mean that if i’m not good on the previous job, that i’ll also mess up on future assignments? We’ll, that’s your call. You may say others are being judgmental. In my opinion, there is a greater tendency that it will turn out the same way. If you are still applying for the same type of job, I would suggest that you take on extra effort in justifying why you failed previously and why you would be fit now. You must be able to bring a solid proof that you’ve changed. I know it’s a big challenge, but you could either use it your advantage or consider it as a wall that you can’t take down.

The bottom line, it’s your word, against somebody else’s testimony. And sure enough, we are more inclined to listen to someone’s opinion than to take a person’s own word. So if you are still wondering, why feedbacks are very important, go over the list and probably you can fill out number 10.

The Positive vs. Negative Feedback

1. It provides you a leverage to negotiate deals to your advantage

2. It gives you one step ahead of your competitors

3. It can motivate you to work harder

4. It builds your credibility as a provider

5. Positive feedback opens doors of opportunity

The Ugly Side

6. Negative feedback reduces your chances of getting hired

7. Feedbacks are almost irreversible.

8. Negative feedback endangers your source of income

9. Demotivates

10. ——————–

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If getting a job is a challenge, keeping a client is a feat. That’s what I’ve learned from the seemingly horrible experience of financial crisis. Many strive to get a job, but few has the wisdom to keep those clients. Many get hired for weeks or months but few last for years, nor get a repeat transaction.

If you are having this same problem you are not alone. You’ve probably thought life is so unfair and employers are opportunists, taking advantage of the employment drought. But that is not always the case.

I couldn’t forget my interview with John Jonas when he said “When you get a job, keep the job” I’m sure John has some great experience why it made such an impact to him. But the question is, how do we keep the job and turn from being a part timer to a full time, full pledge freelancer.

1. Speak Your Mind – It’s been taught many times and preached repeatedly how important communication is. So speak your mind. Getting your idea across is essential to ensure that you and your client are working on the same page. It’s actually a common mistake to us, that we keep things to ourselves when we have doubts or hesitations instead of saying right there and then. And the longer it gets stuck in your mind, the more destructive impact it will make if those hesitations and doubts turn to be an essential element for you to deliver the needed results. Don’t be overcome by pride that will tend to make you feign that you know things. Accept that you need an answer to all those questions at the back of your mind. Don’t guess. You’re job is not to be a clairvoyant or a psychic.

2. Learn to Negotiate – before you can keep the job, you must learn how leverage your negotiation skills to be able to get the job. Negotiation simply means becoming more flexible in many terms or aspects like schedule, pay rates, scope of service and other issues. It means agreeing on certain terms that is tolerable to both parties and would bring out mutually beneficial working relationship. Negotiating means sacrificing a part of your comfort zone but not necessarily a lost but a reduction only.

3. Underpromise but Over Deliver – alright, I know sometimes we tend to become so engrossed in writing those cover letters and proposals but be very careful, you might just end up ruining your career by giving too much assurance to your client. One basic rule, be REALISTIC! Don’t promise the whole universe. They might believe you. Stick on what you can deliver, and when i say deliver, I mean delivering with excellency. It means giving a wow factor to your client’s experience.

4. Don’t Get Stuck – Don’t let yourself stagnate on what you know, strive to learn new things that you can offer to your client’ and his future needs. Exercise those brain cells! Or else, you’ll get eaten up by the younger, more energetic, affordable newbies. Keep up with the trend in your field and you’ll never regret you did.

5. Ask for Feedback – if you’ve worked with someone for years already, don’t get too relaxed and so secure. Times change, moods sway, and most of all, this world is full of surprises. And the worst surprise you’ll ever get is a final handshake from a client whom you “thought” was satisfied. Asking for feedback or evaluation on your performance is a good way of thwarting this kind of situation. It will make you aware of where you stand and what step you should make to resolve any issues that may be critical in keeping the business.

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