Do you get a lack of appreciation for what you do as a freelancer? Take the bull by the horn and improve that lack of respect by using these 7 tips.
Lack of Appreciation for Freelancers
***Disclosure: This post and our website contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make purchases using them. Please see our affiliate disclosure.***
Have you been in this situation? You work as a freelancer doing general transcription, legal scoping, or other work at home jobs like proofreading that you do. You are speaking with people explaining just what you do and they look at you with a ‘deer in the headlights’ lack of appreciation look.
Is there anything you can do to improve their understanding? Let’s look at these 7 tips that will not only explain what you do, but how virtual assistants help (Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) Be a Success.
1. Use Simpler Explanations.
It’s not unusual to find potential clients a little confused when you tell them that you have an online business or you are a virtual assistant. As a result, they tend to go “Oh, that’s nice.” They leave you with no better understanding of what you do.
It is much better if you use words like I write and/or edit articles for clients; I do online customer service, I type clients’ audios into a written format, I manage clients’ social media accounts. These are all easier to comprehend.
So, what is our next tip out of our 7 to head off that lack of appreciation that potential clients might have for what independent contractors do from their home?
2. Grab their attention.
Understand that most people believe that if you don’t say that you make lots of money, they’re not going to show much interest in your choice for a career.
According to an article at transcribeanywhere.com,
“most people tie their self-worth to a job. “Get a good job and you’ll have a good life. That’s what most of us grew up being told. People still believe this, despite hating their job.”
Next is number 3 on our list to improve a lack of appreciation for working at home.
3. Try to network with other freelancers that do the same type of work you do and the issues you have.
A good place to start is with social media groups in Facebook or LinkedIn. Not all of the people that participate in those groups are newbies. Many are experienced professionals that would be more than happy to share information with you.
Okay, we have four more tips you can use to improve the disrespect you might experience for your working at home independence. Next up is number 4.
4. Learn to be proud of what you do and don’t let people use you.
Your work is just as important as those friends you may have that have full-time jobs. Don’t let them impose on your time and energies by asking you to babysit, run errands, and such. You have a job or multiple jobs to do depending on how many clients you have.
Learn to say no should they ask you and be adamant about it. The loss of a client is not worth it.
Are you ready for the next on the list? Let’s take a look at number 5.
5. Their negative reaction to your being a freelancer may be due to jealousy.
Many people would give their eye teeth to be able to work at home but do not have the opportunity for one reason or another. You are doing that, and they can’t stand that they are not able to do so.
You see, in their minds, you are sitting at home in your robe watching television all day. Now you know, and I know that is a far cry from what we actually do.
There are two more tips to go for seeing that lack of appreciation for freelance work improve. Here comes number 6.
6. Become an expert in your field.
Gain recognition by providing quality and on-time delivery. Mean what you say to a client and then provide work that is above your client’s expectations.
Whenever possible, post testimonials and reviews on your website to show how you rate with your clients. People will willingly listen to other people before they believe what you say about yourself.
Finally, we have come to the end of our 7 tips to improve a lack of appreciation for what you do.
7. Base your self-respect on what you know in your heart is true – not what others think.
You know whether you are good or not and what you can do to improve. Be convinced that you are valuable and provide services that clients need. Have a positive attitude and stand proud!
Ban the lack of appreciation.
Don’t let a lack of appreciation for you as a person and for what you do dictate your freelance career. A lot of people don’t get to see your dream to work at home become a reality like you have. So, what can you do?
If someone asks you what you do for a living, tell them you are reaching for the stars and are going to be a stupendous success. You CAN do it!
————
Borlok Transcription started doing transcription in 2006 and started out doing all sorts of transcription. We started out in the freelance marketplaces like Elance.com and oDesk.com (now known as Upwork.com). It took us while to feel comfortable doing general transcription, but we hung in there – and you can too!
