Good job. Good job.

We don't often get performance reviews when we're a freelancer.

Usually the closest thing to feedback is if a client asks you to do more work for them.

So when you do get feedback, positive or negative, it can feel hugely valuable.

Feedback is a great way to learn from your work, and testimonials can also be a powerful way to build your portfolio and credibility.

It's also a great way to build a relationship with your client, and show them that you value their feedback and input.

It's not always easy to get feedback though - often clients may have already moved on to the next project, or not have time to provide feedback.

So, it can help to provide a simple template for feedback - just a handful of short questions, which they can answer in a few minutes - or try to arrange a brief call, so you can capture their feedback with minimal effort for the client.

I like to ask three simple questions:

• What was the most valuable thing I did to help?
• What would you have liked to see more of?
• What impact do you feel the work has had?

Or you could be more focused, and just ask "What would you say to a colleague about my work?" which gives you a ready made testimonial you can use on your website or socials.

The “nice things people said” file

But sometimes, it's not clients who you might be getting feedback from, but fellow freelancers, collaborators and people in your network - you know, the informal comments which people make, about how you've helped, things you've done, value you've added.

I’ve recently started another project, and I’ve started getting lovely feedback on some of the work I’m creating.

As I struggle to talk confidently about the things I do, I try to capture any stories, data or evidence that my work is having an impact.

I’ve just started doing the same thing with this new project.

I created a file called “Nice things people said”, and I screenshot any comments, feedback or emails when people are getting in touch.

On the days where you feel like your work isn’t reaching enough people, or having enough impact, or you’ve been turned down one too many times, being able to turn to your little book of little wins can give you the little boost you need to keep on keeping on.

You are doing good work, you are doing a good job.

Matthew

?? There’s more tips and techniques on how to ask for and learn from feedback over on Flightplan - considering upgrading to access the checklist, tasks and support community.

Learn about Flightplan

On the podcast…

Every two weeks, Shib and Matthew chat all things freelance.

In this episode, Nina Stephenson-Camps discusses the realities of freelancing, focusing on the importance of resilience, community support, and effective communication with clients.

Listen to the full podcast

The Weekly Question

Are things picking up right now? It feels like there’s a little bit of an uptick in terms of how many briefs, projects and conversations are happening right now. Are we seeing a little positivity in the market, or is it just my tiny corner of the internet?

Vote in the poll, but also leave a comment to add how you’re feeling, what you’re seeing, and how you’re finding work right now.

This Month…

A round up of resources from February

We’ve unlocked a few of our paid resources this month, so you can access them for free. Consider upgrading to Flightplan for more content like this.

? Accountability Sessions - a useful tool and technique, in conversation with Alex Andrews

? Day Rate Data - YunoJuno have published data, but is it as positive as things look?

? ?? Keeping good records - you’ve got legal obligations when you’re self-employed, so make sure you know what you need to be keeping track of

? Setting your pricing - In conversation with Dave Smyth on his approach to pricing, plus the podcast episode, going deeper into the topic.

? Mental Health for Freelancers - an overview on why mental health matters more when you’re freelancing

? ?? Beware the dip - an initial burst of work and interest in your freelancing can often proceed a dip in work, and recognising that periods of time where you're not working is part of freelancing for many.

? Sleep Health for Freelancers - getting a good nights sleep works wonders, some tips and tricks for how

? ?? Setting yourself a Holiday Policy - ensuring you’re taking adequate rest, whilst self-employed.

? Are you feeling überarbeitsglück? - Matthew asks whether other languages do a better job expressing freelance feelings

? How to build resilience as a freelancer - in conversation with Nina Stephenson-Camps on ghosting and mindfulness.

And from across the ecosystem

? Nina’s burnout prevention guide - with practical tips for avoiding burnout

? Fiverr wants freelancers to embrace AI - and for it become another stream of income for you, what do you think?

? Laid Off - substack featuring people who have lost their jobs

? AFA - a community supporting those working in advertising

? Many industry bodies are supporting calls for the government to change their position on AI, take part in the consultation, and how it affects creators rights.

? Is it time to rethink your niche?

? Proper Fancy - a creative show and tell open to everyone

? Matthew wrote about the creative industries treatment of freelancers in Creative Brief

We love it when you share things you’ve found that make your freelance life a little easier, better informed, or just stupid stuff which made you smile. Share via chat or the comments.

That’s all for this week!

We want to celebrate your work in upcoming issues of Freelancing.Support! Tell us about about piece of work you’ve recently done, and we’ll pop it in a future edition.

mk+sm