Sticktoitiveness + Non-Obvious Freelance Skills [Issue 033]

Here's a big picture framework to help you navigate your career.

Sticktoitiveness: the quality that allows someone to continue trying to do something even though it is difficult or unpleasant

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Non-Obvious Freelance Skills: Traits that go beyond the obvious (good portfolio, social media presence, being kind) and add tremendous value

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A winning long-term combo that can weather tough times

Those who succeed know there’s always room for improvement. And despite difficulties, setbacks and not knowing all the answers, that doesn’t stop them from moving forward. This is stick-to-it-iveness.

Here are less obvious skills any great freelancer develops:

Soft skills
- Communicating clearly
- Building trust quickly
- Performing under pressure
- Talking a client off the edge of a bad decision

Business systems
- Lead generation
- Networking
- Invoicing
- Time tracking
- Marketing

Pricing
- Knowing the true value you bring to specific types of clients
- Having the confidence to quote your price
- Creative pricing terms that produce win-wins

Side note: In times where there’s uncertainty in the market, like we’re in right now, it’s an especially good time to tighten things up where you can (build systems), put in some extra effort to go find work (networking and social posting), and find a way to hang in there because things will get better.

With a winning long-term combo of these traits, you can navigate your career successfully and thrive even in uncertain market conditions.

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