My Freelancing Framework

Freelancing is an iterative process, and there’s no such thing as a “right” way to do it. There’s no certain recipe for success. You’re embarking on a unique journey, and that’s simply the name of the game.

And this high level of uncertainty can make the day-to-day confusing. There can be a feeling that you’re guessing on what to do next, and your guess is never the best answer.

This freelancing framework is a super-simple way for me to return-to-center and easily decipher what I should be doing next. A way for me to remember: “keep it simple, stupid.”

What should I do next…?

#1: When I Have Client Projects → Go All-In

• Deliver beyond expectations. Overdeliver > overpromise.
• Treat every project as the seed of future referrals.
• Resist the temptation to chase “what’s next” before finishing what’s on the table.
• Reminder mantra: The best marketing is doing great work for the people already paying me.

#2: When I Don’t Have Client Projects → Build Assets

• Focus on leverage: things that compound, not vanish.
• Ask: What can I build today that will keep working for me tomorrow?

What should I do always…?

→ Take notes on everything you do 

• It builds a practice of noticing your work (what you’re doing and how you’re doing it). It’s easy to run on autopilot, so this needs to be deliberate.
• It’s a way for you to constantly iterate on what’s working (for client results, client acquisition etc.).
• It builds a practice of noticing and honoring your insights.

→ Share what may be helpful

• If the takeaways or notes from your work could be helpful to even just one single person, it’s your duty to share these.

→ Every week or two, write to reflect on…

• What’s been working (quintuple down on this)
• What’s been wasting time (eliminate or delegate this)
• What direction I’m heading in (adjust where needed)

• What repeatable process can I templatize?
• What are some strong case studies I can highlight? 

→ Meet cool people

• Simply set an intention to meet cool, interesting people with similar interests.
• Put yourself out into situations where you’d meet new people with similar interests (not just “business networking”).
• Cultivate relationships with people you want to learn from and feel a quick connection to.

• When I meet someone who is really cool… “is there anyone else you’d recommend I connect with?”
• When I complete a project or work with a client I really enjoy working with… “is there anyone else you recommend I connect with?” 

→ Be in the right places

• Sometimes it’s as simple as being in the right place at the right time. So try to maximize your chances of being in the right place.
• Curate a world where you can be in the same environments as…
  • People who inspire you
  • People who are doing similar work to you
  • People who could be potential referral partners
  • People who could be potential clients

→ Create an online hub 

• Build your website as a hub that feels true to you. A place to capture my thoughts, ideas, experiences, takeaways, and everything in between.
• Only use social media intentionally and to truly connect with the people in your life. (90% output)
  • LinkedIn = to share thoughts and insights related to work
  • Substack = to share thoughts and insights related to personal growth
  • Instagram = to share picture wrap-ups of long periods of time
  • TikTok / LinkedIn = to share short-form video content that reflects my day-to-day life… quick glimpses that can be helpful to someone else in some way