Freelance Career Advice

How do you build a long-lasting career as a freelancer, instead of it being a stopgap or short-lived side hustle? For starters, optimize for interesting, focus on financial longevity, and diversify your offerings. Passing the decade milestone as a freelancer, I’ve identified what’s helped to sustain my interest in the work, continue to drive demand from clients, and other insights that have made self-employment a viable, rewarding path. In my latest for Fast Company, I explore lessons in building a long-term practice based on what’s proven effective for myself and other freelancers. ➤ Niche down strategically so it’s clear what you offer, the types of clients you serve, and what’s unique about your expertise. You can’t be everything for everyone, get specific instead. ➤ Consistently share your ideas publicly, whether through podcasting, a newsletter, or otherwise so clients find you based on your insightful ideas and solutions. ➤ Craft a deployable network. According to Lola Bakare, build relationships with colleagues across sectors, and when the time is right, deploy their willingness to support you. “Be very willing to not just ask for help, but surround yourself in help,” she suggests. You can’t just rely on yourself to make it happen. ➤ Secure social proof. “Over-index on social proof. Early in your career, it's essential to ensure you're being taken seriously,” advises Dorie Clark. “The best way to do this is to gather as much social proof - i.e., easily understood and verifiable symbols of your competence - as quickly as possible.” ➤ Prioritize reliability. “This doesn't mean you have to perform perfectly. It means that you need to show that you value the relationship, and have appreciation and respect for clients who've hired you. That means doing what you've committed to doing, when you've committed to do it, and ensuring open communication around that process,” says Melissa Doman, M.A. ➤ Commit to yearly growth by setting aside time annually to go in-depth on a new learning opportunity that allows you to explore a new area of your business or expand upon an existing offering. ➤ Learn from missteps. “We will all make mistakes, and in my early years, I made a costly error when I relied on a verbal agreement with a friend. That experience taught me the indispensable value of contracts. By clearly defining what our services include—and do not include—we eliminate confusion and potential disputes. It's a preventive measure that has saved me from challenging clients,” added Nicte Cuevas. ➤ Pass on misaligned work. “Many freelancers burn out by working for difficult clients at low rates and then quit. They do this because they need the work — any work. If you can help it, don’t go full-time until you have enough savings to confidently turn work down. Even better, don’t go full-time until your business is threatening to interfere with your job,” suggests Josh Garofalo. Read the article below for all the lessons in more detail. ⭐

If you don’t know how to create systems, you will never achieve true freedom as an entrepreneur. Here is the exact process I used to build systems that help me manage 8-figure companies (while working 4 hours a day and traveling the world): Systems are the secret weapon of entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. Systems allow you to: • Eliminate unnecessary work  • Automate repetitive tasks like email marketing  • Delegate so you can focus on high-impact work A good system shortens the road to the goal. My 5 Rules for creating a successful system: Rule 1: No morning meetings • Consolidate all meetings to 1 day per week  • Use async video tools like Loom to record updates instead of meetings Protect your peak creative hours for deep work. Meetings are a creativity killer. Rule 2: 4 hours of deep work per day • Use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize important over urgent • Focus the first 4 hours on critical tasks that drive 80% of growth Quality deep work trumps quantity of shallow work. Example: My deep work time is sacred. From 6 am to 10 am, I focus solely on content creation and product development. No meetings, no calls, no distractions. This 4-hour block is when I do my most impactful, needle-moving work. Everything else can wait. Rule 3: Automate, Eliminate, Delegate • Automate repetitive tasks  • Eliminate unnecessary tasks that don't drive growth • Delegate low-value activities to team members As an entrepreneur, focus only on high-impact tasks. This frees up 20+ hours/week to reinvest in growth. Rule 4: Apply the 80/20 principle • Identify the 20% of activities/clients driving 80% of results • Double down on those and eliminate or delegate the rest • Always ask yourself: "What's the most important thing I can do now?" Focus on the vital few, not the trivial many. Rule 5: Architect scalable systems Systemize content creation, distribution, and monetization. • My content assembly line allows me to produce weekly content in 2 hours • My distribution is systematized through auto-posting • My self-serve sponsorship systems helps monetize My personal routines are also systemized: • Morning journaling to gain clarity • Evening reflection to optimize the next day • Daily movement to energize body and mind By making these non-negotiable habits, my days run on autopilot for maximum productivity and performance. Start implementing systems today: • Write down all your recurring tasks and responsibilities • Break them into documented step-by-step processes • Use automation tools to eliminate manual work • Delegate remaining tasks to team members • Continuously optimize for efficiency — Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want help implementing this strategy in your own brand? Send me ‘Freedom’ and I’ll share how we can support. For action-takers only, not info collectors.

Are you hiring #freelancers or independent contractors? Great! I curate and look through 100 freelance opportunities every week — so I've seen the good, great, and horrible offerings out there. If you want to attract phenomenal freelancers to partner with, then you need to include these details in your listings: 1️⃣ Your budget. Include your hourly or per-project budget or a range of rates you can pay. "$30-$60 an hour depending on experience." 2️⃣ How you pay. Are you net-30 or net-60? Any information you can include about payment methods is crucial. If a freelancer has to wait a month or more to get paid for their work, they probably aren't going to want to work with you. 3️⃣ Scope of work. The more details you can provide about what you're looking for and the problems you face the better. How long do articles need to be? How many social media videos need to be edited per week? Scope of work helps freelancers evaluate the worth of a project — and ascertain whether the budget matches the proposed scope of work. 4️⃣ How to contact you. This sounds obvious, but a lot of people hiring will say "DM me" when their DMs aren't open. Some people don't include contact information at all! 5️⃣ When you need applications by. Are you hiring ASAP? Do you have a date you need to kick off the project by? Include that information. 6️⃣ Your budget. Did you notice that I included this twice? That's because I know a lot of you will say that you prefer freelancers to send their rates over. But here's what you don't realize: your lack of transparency is costing you. Freelancers know that brands have a budget. Frankly, it sounds as though you are just looking for the lowest rate possible. Freelancers see right through that. Not to mention that even in freelancing, a pay gap exists. If you want to pay people fairly (and you should!) then you need to start including pay in any job listing — full-time, freelance, and part-time.

Every opportunity that changed my life came from a relationship (not a resume). 6 tips to build a network that actually works for you: 1/ Check In Without Needing Anything ↳ Send "how are you?" texts more often than "can you help me?" emails. ↳ People forget what you said, but they remember that you stayed in touch. 2/ Give Before You Get ↳ The best networkers give help more often than they ask for it. ↳ Share opportunities, make introductions, send useful articles. 3/ Start Building Today ↳ The worst time to build relationships is when you desperately need them. ↳ Your next job won't come from a blind job app. It'll come from someone you know. 4/ Make It Personal ↳ Remember birthdays, kids' names, their big wins. ↳ One genuine conversation beats 100 business cards. 5/ Stay Consistent ↳ Set reminders to reach out quarterly. ↳ Small efforts compound into strong connections. 6/ Be The Connector ↳ Introduce people who should know each other. ↳ Become known as someone who helps others win. The net worth of your network compounds faster than your 401(k). Every promotion, every opportunity, every breakthrough... They all started with a relationship. Your dream job is one conversation away. But that conversation only happens if you've been nurturing relationships all along. Start today. Text someone you haven't talked to in months. Not because you need something. Just because relationships are your most valuable career asset. What's your favorite way to network? Reshare ♻️ to help someone in your network. And give me a follow for more posts like this.

It's a ⚡️HOT⚡️ topic right now—landing work as a FREELANCER—and having hired freelancers for 12+ years at GAP and eBay, and currently working as a consultant myself, I wanted to share my top strategies to help you "land" your next client... 1. Be Top of Mind Send out monthly availability updates to all producers and contacts, both current and prospective. A simple "Availability - Megan O'Brien AD July" type of email works wonders. Get creative too—consider sending a video text or another unique method to just provide a nice breath of fresh air from the millions of other stressful notes they receive! As someone hired to create and direct photography content, the goal is to stand out! 2. Be Original Don't send a generic note. You are the only YOU with your unique resume, gifts, talents, experiences. Make your communication personal! Share what excites you each month. For example, if I'm obsessed with shooting nature and tropical foliage, I might include a batch of a vibrant still-life images and say, "I love this color of ombre in this series." or "Spring is blooming." You catch the drift. 3. "Test" in Your Desired Space Testing can be tough, we all know, but it's essential. Before working with Levi's, I worked with savvy folks in the Bay Area on a classic Americana style creative exploration. When I sent my availability note, I'd add my recent test images to demonstrate why I specifically love art directing denim, how it's a blank canvas to tell stories, etc. Showcasing real-life examples as they might appear on a client’s site or socials is crucial. And, Producers love visuals. 4. Build Rapport Start your notes to clients with a open ended question, a check-in like, "How's business going this month?" or "I saw your new intimates launch, and the collection looks fantastic." Show genuine investment and authenticity. Remember, you are literally an extension of the brand and creative team. Don’t hesitate to share professional tidbits about yourself that enhance your work either. Being yourself- and human adds a personal touch that sets you apart. 5. Be Consistent You might feel like a stalker, (lord knows I have!) but consistency is key. Keep reaching out month after month, even year after year. Eventually, you’ll get a response like, "Love the inspo! Can we put you on hold for the week of XYZ?" Persistence pays off! And you just never know when it's your time! 6. Be Clear on Aligned brands (for you!!) Get CLEAR on who your ideal client is, and more importantly why? If you're an avid swimmer, surfer and also a photographer, that synergy is invaluable. Brands want to know how your passions align with their needs. As creatives, merging our lives and work creates an even more powerful connection! So, KEEP SHOWING UP, keep being YOU, and keep sending out those availability notes! There are amazing clients out there who can't wait to meet you. Here's to crushing the summer!

Let's get real for a moment. You know those months where your inbox is eerily quiet? When you start wondering if your last client was actually your last client? Yep, as someone who used to be a lone freelancer, I've been there. More times than I'd like to admit. Freelancing can sometimes feel like you're on the world's most unpredictable rollercoaster. But over the years, I've crafted a strategy to not just survive, but thrive during those 'no income' months. Grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that's your jam), and let's dive in. 🌺The Rainy Day Fund: First things first, always have a safety net. You know those days of abundance right? Instead of spending the money on things you only want (not need) , set it aside. I set aside a portion of my income during the good months. It's not just about paying bills; it's about peace of mind. 🌺Upskill Time: No clients? No problem. I use this time to learn something new. Whether it's a course on a new design tool or brushing up on marketing trends, I come out more marketable than before. In fact, my first portfolio as a freelancer (which gave me my first $1,500 here on Linkedin) was borne out of one of these dry spell days. 🌺Network, Network, Network: Remember that coffee date you kept postponing or that webinar you bookmarked? Now's the time. Opportunities often come from the most unexpected chats. Human beings can't function well alone. You need other people. Which makes me wonder if the phrase “Self-made” is actually correct. 🌺Re-Evaluate and Pivot: I take a step back and assess. Is there a service that's not getting traction? Maybe it's time to pivot or repackage. Use this period to get expert feedbacks and improve on something. Innovation is the only way to stay ahead in the world of today. 🌺Self-Care Isn't Selfish: It's easy to spiral into anxiety. But I've found that a walk in the park, spa dates, a good book, a weekend getaway or even a Netflix binge can recharge you and take your mind off things for when the next client comes knocking. 🌺Reconnect with Past Clients: A simple 'Hey, how's it going?' can lead to repeat business. It's not about being pushy; it's about staying top of mind. 🌺Golden Nugget Alert 🚨: The Portfolio Revamp: This is my secret weapon. I take this downtime to polish my portfolio, update with recent work, and sometimes even do mock projects. It keeps my creative juices flowing and often attracts new clients who see my updated work. Portfolios are extremely important and if you don't have one, you're missing out. A well-crafted portfolio can be the difference between a 'maybe later' and a 'let's work together now!' If you're wondering how-to get started, you can find a curated list of optimized portfolios through the link In my bio or comment section. In wrapping up, remember this: Dry spells don't define your worth or talent. They're just a part of the freelancing or even entrepreneurship journey. So, tell me, how do you handle the quiet months?

I remember when I started freelancing 11 years ago, I took every client that came across my desk. I was exhausted - but it was my fault: I didn't have boundaries and a very high tolerance for chaos and disrespect. But, I had to pay my rent...it was pure survival. I questioned my decision to leave Corporate America a lot those first couple of years before I drew a hard line in the sand and realized... not all clients were worth my time, despite the $$. If you're feeling like this, this post is for you. You know the ones I'm talking about...those clients who haggle over your rates, then blow up your inbox with "urgent" requests at 9pm. The ones paying you peanuts but expecting champagne service. The ones that want the WSJ cover story within a month of working together. We've all been there. PR Pros: here's how to spot clients actually worth your time: ✅ They don't flinch at your rates or immediately ask for discounts - they understand quality PR + Comms requires proper investment ✅ Their communication respects boundaries - no constant "ASAP" demands or weekend text emergencies (unless it is really, truly, urgent) ✅ They talk about outcomes and value rather than just hours worked - focusing on results instead of micromanaging your process Too many of us underprice our services just to land work, only to end up drained and resentful. And then, consulting is no longer about freedom and choice. Focus on clients who actually value what you bring to the table (and pay you what you're worth!) One thing that was important to me when I started Remote PR Jobs was that that we provided quality freelance and consulting opportunities - doing the filtering and curating for you. Your expertise deserves proper compensation. Period.

The transition to gig work means having to do what your employer did. The fundamental shift from a 9-to-5 to gig work means trading structure for freedom—and taking on responsibilities your employer used to handle. 1. You become your own boss and HR department. In traditional employment, your schedule, benefits, taxes, and professional development are largely managed for you. With gig work, you’re responsible for everything: finding clients, setting rates, managing cash flow, handling taxes, and planning for retirement. This freedom comes with the weight of running your own business. 2. Time management becomes critical. Without set hours, the boundaries between work and personal life blur. You’ll need to actively create structure—setting work hours, scheduling breaks, and protecting leisure time. Many gig workers struggle with either working too much (since there’s always another job available) or too little (without external accountability). Learning to manage your schedule intentionally is essential for both income and well-being. 3. Financial planning gets complex. Instead of predictable paychecks with automatic tax withholding, you’ll face irregular income and quarterly tax payments. Track every expense, separate business and personal finances, and budget for lean periods. You’ll also need to fund your own health insurance, retirement savings, and emergency fund—costs that were often subsidized by employers. 4. Brand building becomes part of the job. In gig work, you are the product. Developing a professional reputation, maintaining online profiles, gathering testimonials, and networking aren’t optional—they’re how you secure future work. Your personal brand directly impacts your earning potential. 5. Staying relevant requires constant effort. Without employer-provided training or career development, you must actively invest in learning new skills, following industry trends, and adapting to market changes. The gig economy moves fast, and yesterday’s in-demand skill can quickly become obsolete.The transition requires shifting from employee mindset to entrepreneur mindset—embracing both the freedom and the change in way of working that comes with it.  https://lnkd.in/eVxcHY9H

I need to address something troubling I'm seeing in the freelance world YES!! The Dark Side of Portfolio Building & its a wake-up call for freelancers New freelancers are actually taught by experienced mentors to create a mock portfolio that they call a "DEMO". This has to stop. Here's a real story: Years ago, I hired an intern whose portfolio looked incredible. Stunning social media designs, perfect layouts, and professional polish. But on day one, the truth emerged – every single design was a downloaded template he claimed as his own. The result? He couldn't deliver because he had zero real design experience. His career started and ended with deception. If you're starting your freelance journey in 2025, here's what you need to know: 1. Real experience beats fake portfolio pieces every time 2. Your personal brand can be your testing ground 3. Track actual results from real projects 4. Build genuine case studies, even if they're small 5. Focus on sustainable growth over quick wins In 2025, clients aren't just buying your designs – they're investing in your expertise. Build a career you're proud of, not one you have to hide. Instead of downloading templates, create original designs for your own social media. Document your growth. Share your learning process. Real clients appreciate authenticity over perfection. You're not just building a portfolio – you're building a reputation that will follow you throughout your career. The foundation you build today determines your success tomorrow. Choose integrity over shortcuts. #Freelancing #CareerAdvice #PortfolioBuilding #Authenticity #ProfessionalDevelopment

When I began side-hustling, it was out of desperation. I felt stuck at my corporate job in IT, had discovered the FIRE movement (I know, so 2010's millennial 😆), and was struggling with the reality that if my rheumatoid arthritis progressed, the likelihood of "permanent disability" preventing me from working full-time was high. Suddenly, the developing sources of income that wasn't location or job-specific seemed urgent. There's a lot to break down in terms of how I got my footing, but in interest of time, here are some things I wish I knew before/when I started freelancing: ✉️ Find a niche you can uniquely fulfill and thrive in. Look into multiplications of your skills/knowledge/talents. Niche down isn't a bad thing. I've read that focusing on things you don't mind doing (don't have to love it) but other people HATE doing is secret to wealth. ✉️ Keep finances simple as possible (no, you do NOT need that shiny app), keep monthly running costs as low as possible. You can always easily scale up in subscriptions, but it's much harder to cut things out (loss aversion). ✉️ Start small. Make small experiments, see what works, and begin to find that niche that you uniquely thrive in. Not everything you do will work out and that's fine. Flexibility is your biggest strength! ✉️ Get a separate bank account (doesn't need to be a business checking) and have a spreadsheet/bookkeeping software to keep track of money in/money out. I use Quickbooks and Quickbooks Checking for bookkeeping and business checking. ✉️ Pay your estimated taxes... both federal AND state (ask me why I emphasize state 🤪). Google due dates for every quarter. ✉️ Many would say it's too much, but I set aside 40% of my income for taxes, especially because you pay more taxes self-employed. Better to be over-prepared than hit with a shocking bill in April. ✉️ You're suddenly every function in a company: CEO, accountant, business strategist, lawyer, product, sales, marketing... And you're gonna hate parts of it, and love parts of it. Once your business starts rolling, it probably makes more sense to outsource parts you hate so you can focus on what makes your business shine thanks to ✨you✨ ✉️ Don't get distracted by the shiny gurus and get rich quick rhetoric. Even those people who seem to suddenly quit their jobs and make 6 figures were probably putting in the grind in the background. Get rich quick stories sell, but "I worked after my 9-5 for 4 years and finally made enough to go on my own" doesn't. Also, you really don't know who is telling the truth. ✉️ Focus on smaller # of high quality work. I think one thing that has set me apart is my "need" to provide the highest quality work I can no matter the amount being paid. In the short run, I don't earn as much. But it's so hard to earn trust and recommendations, so it's paid dividends. ✉️ Higher paying clients respect you and your skills more, and tend to be easier to work with. Do you freelance? Have anything to add?