Changed my life - Essential reading - Easy and enjoyable read - Highly recommended (even if you’re not an introvert!) Are you an introvert?If you’re happy in your own company most of the time, have just a few really close friends and prefer to work alone, the answer is probably yes.
Introverts find external stimulation overwhelming, so they look for ways to retreat from it. A situation that’s easy or fun for one person can be way too much for an introvert.
That’s fine as long as they have a choice. But that can change when they go to work.
Modern working styles like open-plan offices, brainstorming and teamwork can be really hard on introverts. The hands-on work is OK, but the emotional labour of working with others can be draining.
Freelancing offers introverts a way out - a chance to work alone, control their workload and create their own workspace. It can be ideal.
However, it also takes work.
Going freelance means running a one-person business. It means setting direction, organizing your schedule and setting priorities. It means hustling for work and setting prices. And it means building a network that will offer vital support.
Doing all that is hard enough for anyone - but particularly for introverts. To make a success of freelancing, you’ll need to learn some new skills, push yourself to meet some challenges and build up your confidence.
The Freelance Introvert will show you how to make that happen. It will teach you all about creating and managing your freelance business, from setting aims and getting set up to time management, working with clients and marketing.
Written by Tom Albrighton - author, veteran freelancer, ProCopywriters co-founder and a confirmed introvert - The Freelance Introvert is the book you need for the life you want.
What you’ll learnGetting started
How to tell if you’re an introvert Why work is tough on introverts, and how freelancing can help Why introversion is a strength, not a weakness
Choosing your future
Deciding what you want
Identifying all your skills and qualities
Building your freelance work Identifying your clients Setting an earnings target
Getting set up
Getting the right workspace and equipment Taking care of your physical and mental health Building a network of collaborators and suppliers Setting boundaries - physical, temporal and psychological
Managing your time
The three time horizons you need to watch How to steer clear of ‘time suckers’ How to balance exploration and exploitation
Working with clients
What makes a good client? Why saying ‘no’ is so important - and how to do it How to spot rogue clients What to do when clients move on
Marketing yourself
The best ways to find new clients Building a marketing mix that works for you Creating your website, testimonials and personal pitch How to survive a networking event
Setting and agreeing prices
How to shoot for the top of the ‘deal zone’
How to set and frame your prices How to stop self-sabotaging when quoting for work
Building your confidence
How to build confidence
When to go beyond your comfort zone Understanding your explanatory style How to overcome impostor syndrome Choosing self-supporting beliefs Letting go of self-limiting beliefs
You can build a thriving freelance career and enjoy the lifestyle you want without changing who you are. And The Freelance Introvert will show you how.
