Get a Job, Keep the Job!

Florante Valdez — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:42:10 +0000

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.
Image source: www.businessandleadership.com

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How To Succeed As a Freelancer

Florante Valdez — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:10:20 +0000

I’m not a guru when it comes to freelancing. I have only been in this field for about 2 years. But, I have learned a handful of lessons that’s been helping me realize my dream of a successful freelance career. I must say that working at home as a freelancer is like a balancing act between success and failure. It’s like walking on a thin wire that a bad move can mean disaster. But it doesn’t mean that it’s not possible to succeed.

Is there any secret mantra to success?I don’t think so. The road to success have long been carved. It’s in the books, in our parents words of wisdom, it’s everywhere on the internet. But it’s only found by those who seek it. It’s only realized by those who wills and purposes to achieve it. People may gauge success differently. Some look at your fat bank account as a the ultimate measure. That can be one. Now here’s some more…

Thrive in Competition.

Competition is very big factor why many newbies, and even long time freelancers lose faith that they can survive in an ever growing dog eat dog environment. The feeling of insufficiency, insecurity and inferiority takes them down even before they start. To succeed, recognize your lack, build on your strength and enhance them. And most important, strive to diligently move forward. William Feather once said “Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.” You can never change your competitors but you can change yourself by changing your attitude towards competition.

Understand what real service is.

Working and finishing an assignment with flair is not at always a guarantee that you can get a repeat customer. But if you’ll include a good customer experience, that is, good communication and interpersonal skills, an extra mile to deliver exceptional results, honest and cheerful disposition, you’re not only earning from your current work but you are investing for future assignments too. Bottom-line, real service is about building relationship.

Know when to say no

Not all the glitter is gold. With freelancing, not all opportunities are worth taking. In order to succeed you should learn to say no even to the most promising, financially rewarding offer under certain conditions. First of all, practice saying no if you’re health will be compromised for working too long. This will not only affect your productivity but will ruin your reputation. Don’t take on too much on your plate that you no longer have time for your family. And should certainly say no if you are being offered something that’s too good to be true. That’s most probably a scam.

Build and bank on reputation

Those who want to thrive in their freelancing career should know that a reputable name is worth more than the earnings. So start building your reputation. Every project is an opportunity to build your name and earn the respect of your employer. Every feedback you’ll receive is a gauge of your effort to succeed.

Set Your goals

Goals and purposes provide direction. If you want to succeed, start visualizing it. Write them down and place it on a visible location where you can always be reminded. Benjamin Disraeli said, “The secret of success is constancy of purpose.” Take every occasion as a means to actualize your goals and purposes.

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