How to Freelance and How to Dress for Success in Freelancing

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Last Updated on August 7, 2023 by Sagarika Kapoor

Freelancing has emerged as a popular and flexible career option, providing individuals with the freedom to work independently and pursue their passions. Hence, it’s important to know how to dress for success in freelancing. As a freelancer, you can take control of your time and choose projects that align with your skills and interests. However, successful freelancing extends beyond just the work itself; presentation and professionalism play a significant role in building your reputation. Dressing as a freelancer requires a balance between comfort and maintaining a polished image. While the beauty of freelancing lies in the ability to work from anywhere, dressing appropriately for client meetings and networking events is crucial.

Define your Field

First up, you need to be clear as a freelancer about where you are headed. Not only do you need this clarity for yourself but your clients too need to know, what exactly you do. Once you define your field make sure that is what you exhibit in your CV, portfolio or even in a general conversation with someone new. Your LinkedIn or other professional profiles should also only showcase that. You could even be spreading knowledge about your field on social media or platforms like LinkedIn through blog posts and more. This way any prospective client approaching you would know how well-versed you are in your field. Make sure some of your bigger clients are always visible in your CV, this also indicated to the upcoming client the kind of work you have done and you do. Hence, you have clarity is of the utmost importance.

Pick a Niche

If you have a niche then chances are your USP is unique and something different from others. Having a niche can really add that edge to your work. That is not to say that limit yourself to one thing or one industry however, the way you present your work or create the end result is what the niche is about. Think about what skill you have that will set you apart from others in the same field. If you can figure that out you can market it as an important point in your portfolio. For example, as a writer maybe your way of writing is more of a storytelling form or poetic or even technical for that matter. That would be your niche. As a photographer, maybe you excel more at candid photography, so make sure you hone that particular niche and become the best at it. This will really help attract more and more clients.

Have an Online Presence

This goes without saying as a freelancer, you are self-employed and the best way to get discovered is to have an online presence. Make sure you are presenting your work on every platform possible. Of course, platforms are suited to your field. You also need to have a strong social media presence, because a lot of clients have a tendency to check the person’s social media presence as well. If you manage to earn a good amount of followers, that in itself gives an indication to the client that your work is appreciated by a larger audience. Other than that, of course, you need to have a strong LinkedIn profile as well as any other freelance platform you might know of. Make sure you are constantly updating all these platforms with your latest works. If your freelance work has to do with being online then it is even more important for you to have a good online presence.

Network

This goes without saying. Making contacts is the most efficient and quick way to get a lot of work as a freelancer. Networking definitely is one of the key skills one must have as a freelancer. No matter where you go, if you are meeting new people make sure they know what you do. Be vocal about your work or your business and make sure you keep your visiting card handy so that people remember you. Even while networking, make sure to form a connection with the person in a manner that leaves an impact. If nothing, you could go and start working at cafés or co-working spaces where you could spark conversations with like-minded people. Remember to always be cordial and professional while networking because when people see that professionalism reflects in your everyday dealings they are more likely to trust your work too. And as they say, nothing is more powerful than word of mouth, hence this is definitely very important.

How to Dress For Success In Freelancing

Another super important part of your job as a freelancer is to know how to dress well. The way you dress truly creates an impact. It helps people form an opinion about you as a person and even your work. Truly, dress to impress because that might as well just get you to work. Especially if you are someone in the fashion industry it’s essential you know how to dress for success in freelancing. If you struggle to understand how to pair outfits, then we at Styl Inc. offer personal shopping and wardrobe planning services which can really help you always dress perfectly for every occasion. Now to decide on an outfit whether it is to work from home, from a cafè, or for a client meeting, you need to ask the following questions.

What is The Nature of Your Work?

If the nature of your work required you to run around yet still look on top of your game then some comfortable heels should be a part of your outfit. If heels are not okay for you then ballet flats would be the perfect option. On the other hand, if yours is a more desk sort of work then nicely fitted and crisp outfits are for you. Say for example you are a tech geek then maybe you can let that reflect in your outfit or as a graphic designer you can create a more relaxed vibe with what you wear.

Who is Your Client?

You need to consider your client as well. If you wish to create a friendly and relaxed environment with your client then dress a little casual. So that the client doesn’t feel intimidated. However, if you are meeting say the director of a division from a large enterprise, then you make sure you suit up and look impeccable. Ensure you add some accent pieces here and there in your outfit.

Where are You Meeting?

The location obviously plays a role. Whether you are meeting in an office, or at someone’s house or in a cafe, all have a bearing on your outfit. So consider all these factors too.

When are You Meeting?

Lastly, you could be meeting your client in the morning or the evening, hence think about the colours and type of outfits in that context too. If you follow all these, you are sure to know how to dress for success in freelancing.

With all these factors in mind, we are sure you are easily going to ace your journey as a freelancer. Share with us some more tips in the comments! For more on everyday styling and wardrobe planning, get in touch with us at Styl Inc. and let us take care of the rest.

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