Why Every Freelancer Needs to be a Storyteller
If you’re a freelancer, you know it’s tough out there. Competition is fierce, deadlines are fast, and somehow there are always too many things to do. With all the plates you juggle, it’s easy to lose sight of the big picture of your career, and the face that you present to the world.
But the world sees you, whether you realize it or not, so you need to ensure that it sees what you want it to see. You need to be a storyteller.
Marketers already know that storytelling is really the key to building up a core audience for a brand, and engaging new followers, views, or supporters, but what the rest of us may not realize is that you are your own storyteller as well! So, even in the midst of your overpacked schedule, make sure to take some time to tend to your own story, and build your reputation.
Many freelancers will spend some time setting up a social media presence, including basic information and a way to reach them. That’s a great start, but it’s not enough: ultimately, the platform matters less than the content of the story that you tell about yourself - which represent your place in the market.
Who are you? How did you get to be a freelancer? Why do you continue to freelance? What about the job do you love? What do you bring to your clients? These are elements of a story that links back to you – a living, breathing person with incredible value to add to projects in your field.
Making sure you have a clear and compelling story is important to:
1. Differentiate yourself from the noise of other freelancers and advertisers
2. Build relationships with current clients and set the stage for new relationships so that you have the beginning of a pipeline
3. Increase your searchability for those looking for the services you offer
So how do you begin? We recommend that you set aside some time – a little more at first, and then a weekly couple of hours – to think about how you want to be known, and what you want your story to look like.
Try using the following prompts if you are having trouble:
1. How did you get here?
2. What drives you? What excites you?
3. What’s the value you bring to the table? What have you done? What haven’t you done that you can do? What do you want to learn to do?
4. In the simplest terms, what are you about?
Once you’ve done the work (and we know it can be hard!) of answering these questions, the rest is a matter of execution. Think about the elements of your answers that will be compelling to possible clients. Highlight work you have done that represents how you want to work in the future. Consider the tone you want to set for your relationships: are you formal and direct? Or casual and relational? What kind of clients do you think will respond to which kind of tone?
And then – and only then – should you open up your social media accounts/webpage/ etc and start adding content. Have the story first: don’t let the platform determine your narrative but rather select the platform based on who you want to see it. If you’re a photographer and want to be found by firms looking for imagery, Instagram is a good bet. If you’re a writer and want to be hired to produce written content, maintain a blog, and post articles on LinkedIn. If you’re a video producer, ensure your Youtube channel is well-maintained, and up to date.
Remember, as a freelancer, you are the product. You are always selling your services, so treat yourself with the same excitement and care that you would for any client’s project, because your career is worth the work. And then make that success the latest part of your story.
Contact with us at CreativesAtWork or join us for our next Freelancing 101 Bootcamp to find out more.
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