PLACING VALUE ON YOUR FREELANCE SERVICES

Guest Post Written by Naana Joa Braso

One of the things you will struggle with as a freelancer is the way some clients will treat you simply because you do not have an office space and this means you are not an “actual” business. People will try to take advantage of you, disrespect your hustle and make you feel like they are doing you a favour working with you. But this is so not true. It is a business transaction and they have to respect that.

If you are a freelancer and you are going through something like this, how about adding some value to your hustle by following the below.

1. Know your worth
You know your talent and skill. You know what you go through before providing that service so do not let them tell you just because you do not have an office means they are taking a chance on you by working with you. If they had not heard how good you are, they will not be requesting for your services.

2. Do not compromise
People will try to take advantage of you. They will try to demean you. They will make you feel your prices are too high for someone whose services are not even “corporate”. But let me tell you this, DO NOT COMPROMISE. The minute you reduce your prices, they see you as a pushover. Someone they can take advantage of. This way, they will always come to you trying to beat down prices. As Dana Chanel put it cleverly “stop being afraid of your prices. Set them, the ones who complain were never going to spend their money with you anyway. So many people have gone broke accommodating customers’ budget. You just need to convince them to spend on you!”

3. Know when to walk away
There are some jobs that are not worth your peace of mind. These jobs are mostly pay less also. You should listen to what your instincts is telling you and look at character also, rather than always focusing on the money. If the job will take more than it will give you, then you should simply walk away.

4. Have a system
When a client contacts you for the first time, what is your process? You have to have some sort of system. For example;
– send them your profile which outlines your details of your services
– read about their company
– meet them up
– send them a contract (which includes payment plans)
– receive a deposit
– start work
– complete ahead of time

You should have some laid down procedures.

5. Have a rate card
You should have your rates written down. It should be detailed. You should charge clients according to what you know you are worth. You should price your services starting from the basic wage in your country. It should not be anything less than that. You can also do your own kind of CSR depending on the type of service you provide. If you have a soft spot for social enterprises and non-profits, you can have a rate for such organisations.
Your hustle is your hustle and it is worth every penny you charge. Do not allow anyone to disrespect it and you! Set a standard and follow it!