The key to successful projects lays in the success of the first deliverable. Then you can build on it to grow into a long-lasting relationship with the client.

Building a personal brand is essential for freelancers. Talk about your achievements and wins using all kinds of social media. Otherwise, no one will ever know about them.

Saying no to clients from the start is sometimes a better thing. It takes a lot of willpower, but it is a must-have skill for freelancers. Don’t get involved in projects you know are a bad fit for you.

If problems do occur, it’s crucial to take a step back and evaluate what went wrong. Don’t dwell on the loses, but use them to improve your communication and approach in the future.

Documenting projects is vital to ensure you are on the same page with the client. Write call summaries and step-by-step plans to ensure you both know and agree on the work scope. And if additional work comes up, there is a ground for additional payment that you can discuss.

Documenting & tracking tools help with self-organization and control, especially at the beginning of a freelance career. You can use them to track your own tasks and keep on schedule. Or you can share them with the client so they know your progress and what to expect next.

Start freelancing slow as a part-time thing because you will need a bridge to transition safely from 9-to-5 to a freelance lifestyle. Then only after you have enough clients and demand to go freelance full-time can you make a full transition.