The 7 essential qualities to be self-employed
<p>You are free to operate your business as you wish, choose your projects and build a daily life that suits you. But with this freedom you need to be organized, take initiative, and have certain qualities. It's more than just your expertise; your character traits will have a great influence on your success as a freelancer. In this article, we've put together seven essential qualities to help you navigate the world of freelancing with confidence and efficiency.</p>
<h3><strong>Authenticity</strong></h3>
<p>In a world where everyone is trying to stand out, authenticity is what will build <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/how-to-have-a-great-business-relationship-with-your-clients">strong relationships</a> between freelancers and their clients. By staying true to your values, you'll attract people you'll enjoy working with. You'll connect better with them and have a better chance at turning that first contract into a lasting collaboration. When your values and those of your customers are aligned, work becomes smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. Conversely, if you try to please people at all costs, even when it means looking past what is important to you, you may become frustrated.</p>
<h3><strong>Communication</strong></h3>
<p>Communication is at the heart of an entrepreneur's life. This quality is essential to avoid misunderstandings, manage expectations and build a relationship of trust with your clients. It will allow you to clarify the details of the project, its timeline and the roles of each person. A good freelancer knows how to listen and ask the right questions. They also know how to explain their expertise clearly.</p>
<p>Although communication is a skill that can be learned, self-employed individuals who naturally have it will have an advantage. It will be easier for them to find contracts that they like and set boundaries that will be respected.</p>
<h3><strong>Self-confidence</strong></h3>
<p>Yes, you can have doubts as a freelancer. It's even quite normal! But to sell your services or products to customers, you must first believe in yourself and what you're capable of. Again, self-confidence is a quality that is cultivated over time. It allows you not only to stand by your rates, but also to say no to unrealistic or undervalued proposals. It plays an important role in your professional interactions: the more legitimate you feel, the more confident you present yourself. This attitude will give your customers confidence and build credibility.</p>
<h3><strong>Creativity</strong></h3>
<p>It's not just freelancers in fields like photography or design who need to be creative. All entrepreneurs should cultivate this quality. Doing this allows them to better adapt to changes in their industry, find original solutions to their problems and stand out from the competition. But to be creative, you first have to be curious. And to be curious is to be interested in what others are doing, to question yourself and be open to new approaches. This curiosity fuels your ability to innovate, bring fresh ideas to your customers, and stand out from the crowd. This means that you will need to be creative in how you present your services or products, your communications, and solutions you offer your customers.</p>
<h3><strong>Honesty</strong></h3>
<p>Honesty has a direct impact on your reputation. It is better to be upfront from the first interaction with a customer. Tell them if any of their requests are beyond your area of expertise. Pretending to have skills you don't have will catch up with you sooner or later. This transparency must also be maintained throughout the project. For example, if you realize along the way that the project is more complex or longer than expected, let the client know early. Explain the situation, then discuss the possible options: review the schedule, remove parts or change the rate. This kind of conversation may seem hard, but it will help you avoid discomfort and preserve the trust in the relationship.</p>
<h3><strong>Perseverance</strong></h3>
<p>You don't become a successful entrepreneur overnight! Your journey as a self-employed person will have its wins, losses and obstacles. It is in the most difficult times that your perseverance and resilience will be your best allies. They will help you continue despite the refusals, doubts, and months with little income. Perseverance also gives you patience when you are not seeing results, whether it's building your clientele base, your reputation or achieving your financial goals. This tenacity will help you stay motivated in the long run.</p>
<h3><strong>Versatility</strong></h3>
<p>As a self-employed individual, you will have to wear many hats. You will be a professional in your industry, but also an accountant, a marketer, a social media community manager, and a customer service manager. Being self-employed means completing your contracts and all the other aspects of your business. You must therefore be able to master several areas of business or at least learn more about them. This versatility is essential to make your business flourish, even if you surround yourself with experts.</p>
<p>It is often said that you have to be strong to start a business. And there's some truth to that! But more than that, it is your human qualities and your willingness to learn that will advance your journey. Being self-employed is a role that evolves with you: the more you develop your strengths, the stronger your business becomes. So, take the time to recognize your qualities and cultivate new ones. These essential qualities will support you in your challenges and successes.</p>
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<p>Roxane has always written and dreamed of making a living from her pen. Now a web editor, proofreader and author, we can say that it's mission accomplished.</p>