By freelancing, I was able to make Money while also being honest
You should also lie
Fingers crossed and lie Not a member?
The first lesson to understand in this world is that you cannot know everything. It’s possible that you’ve gained expertise in multiple programming languages, as well as specialized fields like web or app development. Eventually, you are presented with an opportunity to design a desktop application and receive the call from your client
After years of waiting for your freelance project to be completed, you finally landed a client who requires something unfamiliar
LIE is the appropriate time to do it
There is no way for me, you, or anyone to be proficient in everything. At times, you may be requested to work on an unfamiliar task. Your first reaction should never be::
I know this and that, but I don’t really understand what you’re asking me. ”
That’s mistake number one
Never wait for the perfect project where you know everything in advance. In most scenarios, you’ll get a project that involves technologies you’ve never even heard of
Instead of saying, “Oh sorry, I can’t do that, ” say:
“I’ve got this. ”
Google or ChatGPT can be utilized to explore it further
Never admitting your lack of knowledge
If you acknowledge your lack of knowledge, the client will seek out a different provider. It’s just a case of finding someone to do it for them
If Your client requires a React Native app, but you are only familiar with Reak, consider this hypothetical situation
Things you must NOT say::
“Despite my quick learning speed, I have no experience with React Native.”
What you SHOULD say:
“Absolutely. Similar React applications have been used by me before for fintech clients. Let’s match your requirements. ”
Both sentences convey the same meaning but in different ways
Clients don’t hire “quick learners. ” They hire experts. So become the expert. After hitting “send, ” go search on Google, clone a repo, and dig into the code. By day three, you’ll believe your own lie
Fake Deadlines Are Your Best Friend
Always ask for extra time — for perfection
Client: “Can you finish this in a week? ”You: “I typically take 10 days for projects of this scope to ensure flawless execution. But I’ll prioritise yours. ”
By means of this sentence, the client perceives you as a professional. Do not suggest a deadline beforehand as it may result in the client anticipating an extended timeframe
At the end of the project, you’ve accomplished two things:: ✅ You got paid. You unintentionally acquired a new skill
“But isn’t this an Unethical avatar?”
I’ll stop you there. Focus on the skills rather than the clients. They will negotiate your rate, ghost you after they deliver results, and call a $50 budget “a great exposure.”. ”
At the end of the day, we are selling our time and skill for money
It’s not just you — almost everyone lies. (The world works that way.)
Besides, everyone lies:
So, go with the flow
But yes, have ethics. If you’re getting paid for something, value other people’s time and money
Ensure you understand what the client wants in the first meeting itself and make sure you deliver at least 90% of what they asked for
Thanks for reading this
These are some of my learnings over the past couple of years as a freelancer. Although I’m not a freelancer making $100K per year, I’m still someone struggling to get the next client