How to Freelance like a Mt. Freelancer
Andrew Dickson
![Andrew Dickson]()
Andrew Dickson
Artist, Author, Auctioneer and Ad Man. Specifically a Freelance Copywriter with Creative Director caliber Experience
Channeling my inner Kathy Hepinstall Parks with a less funny then hers (but a 20% longer!) list of to-do’s for fellow freelancers.
- Never wear a pair of Nikes to an agency that works for adidas. At the very least you’ll be silently judged, at worse you’ll be sent home to change your shoes.
- If you charge hourly, count all your hours. Phone calls, thinking time (even in the shower), reading and responding to client texts and emails, and writing down great ideas in the middle of the night are all billable time.
- Negotiate over email unless you love negotiating. It gives you time to think and consider and empowers you ask for working conditions and sums of money you might not have the nerve to say out loud.
- Ask questions first, work later. There is no such things as being overly thorough or going over too many details when it comes to ensuring you and your client are on the same page about a job.
- Your portfolio is a chance to show off your work but also how you work. Use a little storytelling on your project pages to help clients visualize how you'll help solve their problems.
- Cook yourself a healthy lunch when you’re working from home. It’ll give your brain a break to think about what you’re working on and your body could use the nutrients.
- Splurge on health care but do the math on vision and dental. If you have kids get all three (it’s often included), but for adults the maximum pay out not much more than the yearly payment. Credit: Ginger Robinson
- Always overdeliver. If your clients wants 10 logo options Tuesday, give them 15 Monday evening. If that feels like too much, promise 8 logos on Thursday and give them 10 Wednesday.
- After a big job, take the time to write a note on an actual card you send in the mail with a stamp on it thanking your client for the work. Bonus points if you are a designer and design the card yourself.
- Give the redesigned Mt. Freelance site a peek. If you join Aaron James and I'll give you heaps more advice plus access to a community of awesome fellow freelancers. https://www.mtfreelance.com