A record rise in unemployment in the United Kingdom in recent months has been a cause for concern for not only the permanent but also the freelance market with talk of businesses 'tightening their belts' and the cost of contractors coming under the proverbial spotlight.
With this in mind it's time for freelancers working in any market (not just the UK) to really shine and step up.
I recently asked some of my key clients and talent what their top tips are on standing out from the crowd in what is now becoming a highly competitive freelance market.
"It's all about having a good attitude and being professional. Boring I know but it's back to basics," says Joe, Head of Resource Management for an award-winning global digital marketing agency.
"The freelancers that have come in and wowed us have a proactive approach, passion about what they do and how they can help us. They want to work with us and enjoy it and want to come back, even when it's tough for a few weeks, so they work hard for us and we recognise that."
Highly sought after lifestyle and fashion copywriter, Lucy, elaborates on Joe's sentiments ...
"It may sound obvious but I think it's really important to give your absolute all to the client. Dedicate yourself completely to the task at hand when you're on a job. Personal e-mails and phone calls are for lunchtimes or after work".
Lucy continues with some good advice ... "Keep in with your contacts, ask how their children are or how a certain project went. Remembering, and asking, about specific details will get you noticed and you can never go wrong with the personal touch."
With more than ten years experience as a senior freelance copywriter, Aran prides himself on his ability to become absorbed in the assignment and pick things up quickly ...
"You have to become an instant expert. You can ask me anything you like about becoming a McDonald's franchisee, EMC's storage area networks or a local energy-from-waste power station! Get my drift? You need to force yourself to be interested in every brief and its subject."
And Aran's proven ability to secure ongoing freelance work is backed up by his advice that "if you're invited out to lunch or for after-work drinks, go. Cancel your plans and go and bond!."
Mary, a freelance content producer of five years who made herself so in-disposable that she was offered a permanent opportunity says explains that "a sense of humour and a willingness to join in with office banter goes a long way".
Like most clients, Head of Resource Management, Jo, predicts tough times ahead and is adamant it'll be as much about a candidate's attitude and approach as their skill-set to secure contract work. 
She concludes: "I think we will start to see a change in the next few months and next year it will be all about being as good as your day rate and being able to prove your value to an agency. It will be more important to have that edge."
In conclusion Jo says, "We spend a lot of time making sure all our freelancers are on-boarded in the best way to get them settled and briefed in. So it's a two way relationship especially when the market is tough."
Whilst it's getting tough out there, as a professional freelancer this is your perfect opportunity to step up to the mark. But in order to do so if you are a freelancer and you want some additional tips on how to really stand out from the crowd, feel free to ask the Aquent Oracle
Image courtesy of: CAGZ
Illustration courtesy of: Steve Dixon
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