Now, for the second tip in my series of lessons learned about freelancing, I bring you--
Be Brave, Be Strong
Step away from the computer. Don't cower behind your computer, waiting for someone to respond to your queries. Go out, meet people, find contacts and leads—not only among potential clients, but from other writers.
Take some risks, try something new. Look for opportunities. Don't be afraid to try something new. If you have a question, ask someone who knows. Organizations, lists and social networks provide multiple opportunities to get advice on something you're doing for the first time. And writers (by and large) tend to be a sharing and supportive group. Get to know your peers and pick their brains when you need help.
If you fall, get up, brush yourself off and get back on your horse. Let's say you try something new and you screw up (I'll admit, it's happened to me). Don't sulk about it or beat yourself up (not too much, anyway). We're all human and we all make mistakes. First, learn from the experience. Hard lessons are the ones we remember best. Second, try to make up for it in some way to the client--whether you "plead guilty with an explanation" and offer to try again or just give the client a refund. Make amends, lick your wounds and keep going. Just stay strong and don't let any setbacks get you down.
Tomorrow's tip: Diversify, but know your limitations.
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