I had a conversation with a client today, who said:
'Yeah, but you're just the fluffy bunny stuff.
We know we have to do it but you're just not a priority at the moment.'
Charming! But it just about sums up my life as a freelancer. Especially in the field I work in. Social media and PR. Sometimes I can go months without speaking to any of my clients. A few emails might go back and forth, but mostly I'm at the bottom of the list and often ignored.
I get it. They're busy people, I don't work in the office and I'm often just forgotten and left to get on with it.
But when you work from home, on your own, sometimes you really need those conversations and it can be flippin' hard work to keep going and stay motivated when you don't get any feedback. But this is the career I've chosen and, despite all of this, the career I wouldn't change. So I have to get on with it. Here's how I survive the lonely life of a freelancer.
DON'T TAKE IT TOO PERSONALLY
The constant rejection can be pretty tough to take. And sometimes it really does feel like you're doing a shit job and no one likes you. But honestly, you gotta let it go. It's not you and actually, if you're being left to get on with it (and still being paid!) it probably means your client trusts you and is happy with what you're doing.
DON'T LET THEM FORGET YOU
That being said, it's important that they don't forget about you. No matter how much you're ignored, don't give up. You don't need to be a pest, they're obviously busy, but don't stop calling or emailing if you need something, and wherever possible, arrange a face to face meeting at their office so they don't forget you. Remind them what they're paying you for.
MAKE SURE YOU CAN JUST KEEP GOING
Because I'm often ignored for weeks on end, I need to make sure I stay on top of things and can keep things going with or without the additional information. That means I need to know the industry I'm working with and when I do get to speak to someone, I drain them for every bit of information I can get. I work ahead as much as possible and keep up to date on industry events and important dates to link in with.
BUDDY UP
If your main contact is the MD of a company, it's likely to be pretty tricky to pin them down for information. Find someone at the company who can get you the information you need. Keep in touch with them and get them to poke the client with a stick every now and then.
FIND SOMEONE TO VENT TO
The one and only thing I miss about working in an office is not having a great team behind me on those really tricky days or just to bounce ideas off every now and then. Luckily some of my best friends were made in my early PR days and I regularly use and abuse them as a sounding board for ideas, reassurance and a bloody good vent. If you can get out and meet up with other freelancers in your industry even better. But having someone at the end of the phone for those tough days, makes all the difference.
Other than that, and the lack of a Christmas party, I love working for myself and feel really lucky to be able to do it. It's not for everyone, but it's definitely for me.
