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How Freelancers Self-Sabotage
I work with public speakers. Like any freelancers, speakers need to self-promote, take responsibility for the health of their own business, and yet work well with their clients. Over the years I’ve watched some great speakers thrive and others with similar talents never get very far out of the gate.
What makes the difference? Fortune, and being in the right place at the right time, of course are factors not to discount. But in the long run, there are habits that seem to bring speakers and other freelancers down, and here are five of them I would urge you to avoid if you want to embrace sustained success.
Saying ‘yes’ too often to the wrong things. You want gigs. The alternative is scary, and if you don’t work, you get rusty. But nonetheless, you have to say ‘yes’ to the right gigs. Begin your career by getting work — any work — unless it’s a group that actively promotes injuring puppies. You need practice. But once you’re up and running, then it can keep your career in first gear if you say ‘yes’ always to the same sort of non- or low-paying opportunities. Don’t fall for the line, “it’s a great marketing opportunity.” You need to get paid for those great marketing opportunities, or you’ll always be running at a loss.
Making excuses for your own unforced errors. There are always technological difficulties and miscommunications. These things…
