by Divine

So you’re a freelancer and you want to deliver your best. Who doesn’t? You’d like clients to come back and seek your services again. You’d like to be appreciated for the great work that you’ve done. And you definitely want to raise your value as a freelancer.

But whatever reason you have, you’d like to know what really makes you deliver your best and increase your value as a freelancer, right? Here are 5 ways.

1. Know your worth

It’s so tempting to offer jobs at discounted prices, cheaper rates, and undervalued fees. Why not? Clients would want to save money, wouldn’t they? Well, no.

Most clients look for the value they get for their money. Clients want to know that if they pay you P199 for a 500-word article, then they will get the best possible article they could receive for P199.

Ask yourself how much you are willing to accept for that particular job. Surely there will be costs associated with your work. You have the internet bills, the depreciation cost of your equipment, or the coffee at Starbucks.

How about the cost of your education and experience? Did you study for that work? Have you been doing it for a long time? Don’t get stuck asking too little. Know your worth, adjust your rates and job output accordingly, and you’ll surely go a long way.

2. Ask the right questions

Asking the right questions helps bridge the gap of miscommunication. But before you can ask the right questions, it is imperative to listen to your client’s needs first.

Listen intently to what they say. Understand what they say and repeat them in your own words if necessary. Only then do you proceed to ask the questions.

3. Research

If you are a writer, research is inevitable. In order to deliver quality content, research to your heart’s content.

Fellow writers here at 199jobs would probably agree with me that the quality of the article you write is almost tantamount to the quality of research that you have made.

If you are a consultant, research about your client’s industry. It makes you understand your client’s business more and you will be in a better position to address his needs.

4. Stick to your game

It is oftentimes tempting to take on a job you may not be an expert of because of the pay. But in order to deliver your best result, you have to stick to your game.

Know your expertise and passion and stick to them. It’s alright to decline job offers that are not in line with your expertise.

5. Invest in self-development

Be a lifelong student of your craft. Read educational materials, attend seminars, and join groups that are directed to improve your skills. In addition, ask for feedback and listen to your clients’ suggestions.

Some of you may be familiar with the 10,000-Hour rule. Malcolm Gladwell repeatedly mentioned it in his book Outliers. He said that in order to master a specific skill set, you have to invest 10,000 hours into it.

If you want to be a great writer, write every day.
If you want to be an excellent singer, rehearse every day.
If you want to be an exceptional speaker, deliver a speech every day.

Come to think of it, spending even 8,000 or 2,000 hours to practice your skill would already be great, wouldn’t it?

Now that you know five ways to deliver your best result as a freelancer, it’s time to put them into practice. Knowledge is not power unless acted upon. Live, learn, and have some fun.