What’s on the iPod: Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Neil Young
I love when you inspire posts, and today is no different. Last week we talked about traits of a successful freelancer. Damaria Senne, author, blogger, and wonderful human being, said for her, a freelancer needs flexibility – “A willingness to try new things and to abandon what you thought would be good ideas if they don’t strengthen your business.”
There’s so much wisdom in that one sentence.
Willingness to try new things. It’s the “what the hell” attitude I love so much. You don’t grow if you don’t go for it. I have a great specialty that pays me well, and it’s all because 12 years ago I had a “what the hell” moment and tried out for a job I was sure I wasn’t going to get (I did) and one I was sure I’d suck at (I didn’t).
Willingness to abandon what you though would be good ideas. The best part of this sentence, in my opinion. You’ve seen those restaurant makeover shows where it’s obvious the current owners are there only out of some sense of duty or allegiance to the former owners. They thought it would be a good idea to continue the business, let it run itself. But it wasn’t such a hot idea, for no one knew what they were doing, nor did they put any effort into keeping the business going.
The same goes for your ideas that don’t quite do anything. I remember taking a business course where the instructor said if you try and it’s not working, it’s okay to close up shop or decide to abandon the idea or the business. He said that was called not a failure, but a good business decision.
Flexibility can also mean the ability to learn on the fly, adapt to sudden changes, and accept client changes or directional shifts quickly and without disruption. Imagine how your work life would be if you had a nervous fit every time a client wanted an edit or decided to abandon or delay a project.
How has flexibility benefited you?
Love this attitude as well. Hey, if you don't take care of business, who will? 🙂
I particularly like the abandon what you thought would be good ideas if they don't strengthen your business. When I first started my business, I fell into old corporate habits and took on projects for my former employer that really didn't fit my new business and were not even something I enjoyed. It was the insecurity of moving into untried territory that had me falling back on what was safe.
Once I committed to the risks of my new business, I was able to move on and was much happier for it.
Clearly I'm a GenXer, based on hearing "what the hell" and immediately thinking of the saltier phrase used in "Risky Business."
I'd like to think I'm pretty flexible with managing client workstyles, though I prefer some to others. Like the example I used yesterday, I'm *personally* a person for whom constant updates seem like busywork; by if that's what the payer prefers, I'll adapt with a smile on my face and a spring in my step.
Flexibility applies to many things: Time, fees, assignments, subjects, project types, office location and as Jake noted, in dealing with people.
Freelancers are the chameleons of the business world.
Cathy, we learn that lesson the tough way, but we sure do learn it! I took on bad projects all too often in the beginning. Learning how to walk away did so much good for my business.
Jake, I can't say it without thinking it. 🙂 Great point about adapting to the client's preferred process. I've had to use bulleted lists, daily notes, weekly updates, etc. based on what they've wanted. Happy to do it as it keeps us both on track and eliminates the guessing. I think what's missing is the spring in my step — thanks for the reminder. 😉
Paula, we are chameleons!
There's nothing wrong with finding out something doesn't work and dropping it or changing it; however, too many people aren't willing to give it a reasonable shot. The minute anything is hard or takes actual work, they won't do it. They say "can't", they mean "won't", but they refuse to take responsibility for it.
Trying new things, learning new things IS hard and takes work. Stopping the minute you're challenged is just as counterproductive as sticking with something long after it no longer works.