What do you do if you're missing the essential tools and resources for successful freelancing?

First things first, get resourceful – you'd be amazed at what you can accomplish with a little creativity and some makeshift solutions. Next, don't be afraid to reach out – whether it's borrowing equipment from a friend or tapping into online communities for advice and recommendations, there's always help out there if you ask for it. And hey, don't forget about the power of DIY – sometimes, a homemade solution can work just as well (if not better!) than a fancy tool. If you gotta be successful be open to learning, be open seeking help and trust me it will be the best thing you would do for yourself.

Freelancing is not “winging it.” By the very nature of “missing essential tools” - you are not prepared to take on the task at hand and are set up to fail your client. If what is missing is on the client’s end - and you know ahead of time - speak up. Let them know what they lack for success (in a tactful way) then if you want the job you can better manage their expectations. Don’t accept a position you are not prepared for.

It's been shown that you're probably an expert if you've read the best 5 books on a subject. It certainly depends on the subject matter. However, after reading the books, you need practice. Use your active listening skills to truly understand the common problems people face. Try to provide the answers to the problems as clearly and concisely as possible; keep it simple! Constantly asking for understanding and feedback to engage with the listening. You can do this and help people!

I will research the resources and go after those resources, for example, if I need to hone on a skill like leadership. I will take some courses on LinkedIn and everyone should have a mentor a person whom you're trying to reach their status. Pick their brains on that skill they are the resources and have the tools so you can learn to become a better leader.

First, get a clue, BettyLou. If your model is flawed, no amount of resources will correct. Countless businesses have failed because of clueless founders. #enron #gamestop are great examples of what not to do! Simple collaborative solutions are 21st century answers.

Leverage your network of knowledgeable people to give insight on those things you aren’t adept at or need more information on. Listen, learn from and be willing to pivot! Mentors are awesome resources!

There are so many extremely talented individuals that do not necessarily get the work or payment for the work they deserve. Everyone starts from somewhere but you have to build your brand and network sphere to become known for your skills. Although you can’t always give your work away for free all the time, in the beginning you need a platform to showcase and stand out. If you’re able to partner with the right individual/ mentor/ business leader they can help you on your way as an invaluable resource

Start with the end goal in mind. The great Tony Robbins says it like this. It is not a lack of resources but a the lack of resourcefulness. Your path to connecting the dots from where you are today and where you want to be in 1 year is going to absolutely depend on your financial planning paired with daily execution. Stay focused and let your hunger and deep desire feed your motivation and drive to success!

The question is an oxymoron because "missing the essential tools and resources..." is in itself the definition of "freelancing". As freelancers we are compelled to work with the resources we have available to us, we do what others are not willing to do, we go where others are not willing to go. So the answer is to "Get Into Action", don't wait for the day when everything is perfect, when you have everything you want or need, do "What you can, where you are with what you have..." and more often than not, the resources, and the tools to do more will soon follow.

You either get the tools and if that is not an option you do with what you have available. Generally you rarely have everything you need and you still need to get the job done. If you want the opportunity to win you find a way.

When I was in college, I started a window coverings business. All I needed was very expensive sample books. At the time each one was $250 each. So I borrowed my grandmother’s. When I wanted to expand into a bigger market, I found a window retailer who agreed to let me use space in his showroom—for free. I didn’t have business cards when I started my internet marketing business. Who needs business cards or a website when you sell your customer so fast they don’t have time to ask for either. Find a need and fill it—fast. Walk out with money and buy whatever you need. This is called bootstrapping and I have done it more times than I can count on one hand. Even recently, a coffee shop let me set up shop in the customer area—armoire and all!

Action ultimately is what’s needed! People have grand ideas, go into debt starting a business, overspend on a lot of unnecessary things and use a lot of words to talk about what they’re “going to do and how they are going to do it”. Talk is cheap, you must be a doer, if it’s something you love it will be easy to put in the work. Boot strap your business, keep overhead to zero! Yes I’m serious, do not go out and get an office space when you do not have stable clientele and income. Bottom line, hard work pays off, focus on giving each client your ultimate best, shoot for world class, hopefully you are able to impress them. Then you have earned the ability to ask for the 5 star review & ask for referrals.

If essential tools and resources are missing for successful freelancing, I'd start by assessing what I absolutely need versus what I can work around or acquire over time. Then, I'd explore alternative solutions such as borrowing, renting, or finding budget-friendly substitutes. Additionally, networking with other freelancers or professionals in the field might offer insights or even temporary access to necessary resources. Lastly, focusing on honing skills that don't require specific tools in the meantime can still contribute to personal and professional development.