When you start out freelancing, it can be very overwhelming. You've got to think about a lot of things, what you want to focus on, how you'll manage clients, what hours to work, how often to bill a client, what rate you'll charge, etc… the last thing you're probably worried about is having no freelance work—or is it?
I know that when I first switched from part-time ‘side hustle' to full-time freelancing, it was something that CONSTANTLY plagued me. I worried that I wouldn't be able to find clients or maintain the current workload that I had, and end up with no work, no money, and loads of bills.
Not something you wanna be faced with as a new freelancer!
While this never eventuated for me, ie, I've never NOT had work coming up, I believe there's a reason why.
Planning. Taking Action. Executing.
In other words, I'm always networking, chatting to my current clients and getting referrals. If I've ever stopped and wondered, “how will I pay for that bill next month?” Something has always cropped up.
[Tweet “In other words, I'm always networking, chatting to my current clients and getting referrals”]
But I hear ya—you're thinking to yourself, “Lise, what the hell?! How does any of this help ME!”
Bear with me, I do have a point… And my point is this. If you want to ensure that you always have work on the horizon, then you need to always be taking action and gobbling up opportunities. Don't get complacent.
Still, I know that someone, somewhere will tell me that they have had periods of ‘dry spells,' so here's what I would do if faced with this situation.
7 Tips for Coping With No Freelance Work
#1: Plan ahead
If you're busy right now, chances are you're probably not worried about looking for more work. However, this is exactly when you should look for more work.
Aim to apply for new gigs at least 2-3 times per week.
#2: Spring clean
If you've just come off a really busy time, welcome the ‘dry spell' and take the time to tidy up your business.
Issue invoices, follow up with your accountant. Basically, do all the admin tasks that you've put aside until a time when you're not so busy. Guess what? That's now!
#3: Don't slack off
Keep up your normal routines. Get up at the same time, exercise like you would; do all the things you would as if you were crazy busy.
#4: Outreach
Reach out to your network, better yet, got to some networking events. Meetup.com is great for finding meetings to attend. Take your business card and get out there and work it!
Remember social media? Twitter and LinkedIn are a freelancers playground when it comes to finding clients. If you've been proactive and planned ahead, these are the two areas that I would be focusing my attention on.
#5: Update profiles
Update your profiles on Upwork and Freelancer.
Take more tests and while you're there, apply for more jobs. I can guarantee you'll have a gig within 7 days, tops.
#6: Volunteer
If there is nothing at all coming up, then get out and do some good. It'll give you some brownie points and the Universe will reciprocate.
#7: Review your biz model
Take a long, hard look at your business and decide whether you need to change the business model you're currently running.
Do you need to charge more? Can you expand on your skill set? Is there a new venture you could step into?
#8: Read more
If you haven’t already, grab yourself a copy of “Side Hustle Blueprint: How to make an extra $1000 in 30 days without leaving your day job!” – you’ll find a ton of places to look for jobs there.
#9: If all else fails—take a holiday!
A stay-cation could be just what you need to recharge and refocus.
It's About Planning Ahead
The bottom line is, you really shouldn't hit any dry spells if you've planned ahead. Remember, a planned ‘dry spell' is a much better option.
The name of the freelance game is earning consistent income.
If you’re struggling to find clients, read this post on finding higher paying freelance gigs, and this post on how to make a great first impression with a potential client.
Have you had a dry spell? Are you going to be the person that puts me in my place?! Leave a comment below…
4 replies to "How to Cope When You Have No Freelance Work on the Horizon"
I love this article, Lise!
I recently changed my business model and it’s had a huge impact on my freelancing business. My pricing model changed and I’m finding myself attracting higher-paying clients as well as enjoying my work more 🙂
Never give up! Master your craft, learn the basics of sales and marketing, utilise your existing network and never give up. You will definitely land a client or 2 soon.
If you have never NOT had work coming up or being out of projects “never eventuated” for you
Why are you writing about this!
Ugh
Hey Miki – I wrote about this because it’s something that a lot of my members have struggled with. And as I stated at the beginning of the post, I believe there’s a reason why I’ve never not had work.
I wish you all the best!