Stay positive. In these economic times it can be a challenge. I could suggest ignoring the newspapers, but as I am a writer, I can’t avoid the papers. It’s like telling a fisherman to catch fish without a net or a rod.
Determination. There will be days when you sit on the phone and have absolutely no success. Do not give up. Those calls are your lifeline and they are worth it when you get that one breakthrough project.
Contacts, contacts, contacts. I cannot even begin to stress how important networking is for a freelancer. I’m lost without my little black book. If you get invited to an event, go, with loads of business cards. When you meet new people, casually mention what you do for a living. You’d be surprised where you can find a potential client.
Be organised. Plan your days carefully. Yes your time may be your own, but if you don’t have some structure, you’re going to find that dinner time will come around and you’ve done absolutely nothing.
Have a plan. You may feel that you don’t need a detailed business plan, but set a goal for yourself. Where do you want to be in three months' time, six, a year? Write it down. How are you going to get there?
Be flexible. Are you really going to say no to a potential client just because they want you to do something slightly different from how you would usually do it?
Legalities. The mundane tasks of setting up a business account, registering yourself with the tax man, keeping records of your expenses, making sure you get paid, maybe even employ the services of an accountant. These may be boring, but they are necessary. I find this site for UK entrepreneurs very helpful: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/
Pray. Whether you believe in higher power or not. Do it anyway. Because with all your planning you will find that some things still happen by chance.
