What’s the one thing that will always help you get ahead in freelancing? How can you help tons of people and make good money while you’re at it?
It’s actually really simple. Don’t run away when you hear my plan…
Learn how to steal from others.
I do this all of the time. It’s a bit controversial, but it works.
How does the saying go? It’s easy to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission.
How can you steal from others to help your own business?
Keep track of what works.
There are different types of freelance work. There are varying ideas that work and don’t work. If what you’re doing isn’t working, then why do it?
“IF YOU’RE PUTTING IN 200% EFFORT AND SEEING A 10% RETURN, IT ISN’T A BUSINESS YOU’RE RUNNING. YOU’RE RUNNING THE TITANIC.” - Everett Bogue
My freelance work consists of writing. For me to make money, I have to write articles that help readers, keep the blogger happy, and gain attention. For me to find ideas that work, I check out popular posts on other blogs. I keep track of what works for others. Then I apply it to myself. Pretty simple.
You can do this with any freelancing business. See what has helped your competitors and try to apply it to your own business.
Keep an Excel spreadsheet/cell phone of ideas.
You never know when an amazing idea will hit you. I believe in keeping track of every thought that pops up. I also believe in actively seeking out new ideas that have worked out for others.
I have a word pad on my cell phone (well I’ve gone through many phones in the last year) and an Excel file. I write down ideas. When my mind is blank (pretty often) I open up this file and see a dozen ideas that I found just by browsing around.
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
Everyone’s chasing a “perfect idea” or the myth of some totally innovative system. There’s only one Facebook. I applaud you for setting bold goals, but you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. You just have to keep that damn wheel spinning!
What does this mean? Freelancing should be about results. My friend at the gym works as a personal trainer on the side. He doesn’t do anything too extreme nor does he chase fad diets. He simply helps older ladies get into shape. He gets them a training routine that works and a diet that fits their lifestyle. They get in shape. They’re happy. He gets paid and gets more referrals. It works.
Keep that wheel spinning by applying basics that you’ve learned from others.
Oh and yeah, one more point about stealing. It’s sort of unethical if you don’t show the proper respect. You should always give credit, borrow with respect, and allow others to borrow from you. We’re all in this together. I believe in giving generously.
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