media update’s Talisa Jansen van Rensburg takes a look at some of the things that freelancers should be doing, while being in lockdown.

Freelancing gives you the opportunity to make your own rules and follow your instincts — and with social distancing being encouraged, it might seem like a stressful time to work for yourself. But countless big companies are closing their doors, which is why freelancing has big potential in being the new way forward.

Looking on the bright side, new opportunities develop on a daily basis and big things are waiting for you to grab them!

So without future ado, here are five things you should start doing right now:

1. Breathe and exercise

Being cooped up at home with uncertainty and stress will not be beneficial to you in any way, so first things first: you need to take a deep breath. When you are overwhelmed and stressed, you will not be able to place your focus on the important things you need to do.

Deep breathing is a beneficial practice as it:
  • decreases stress
  • increases calmness
  • relieves pain
  • improves immunity, and
  • increases energy.
You also need to keep your body moving, as sitting the entire day at home trying to work will make you more unproductive as your mind is not being stimulated. Taking a walk or jumping rope, for example, will allow you to clear your mind and get rid of all that stress. (You can even ‘shake it off’ like Taylor Swift.)

2. Work out a schedule

Sitting in front of your laptop from 5am to 10pm is not the way to go; it is far better to focus on work for a set period of time and be sure to take breaks. Forcing yourself to sit and work endless hours will only put your mind and body under immense stress, which can lead you to actually being less productive and can lower your immune system.

So, work out a schedule where you break your day down into specific tasks that need to be done (be sure to include breaks in this schedule too!) and stick to it. You can also create a checklist for yourself and once you complete a task, tick it off — it is satisfying and rewarding.

3. Phone and follow up with clients

There is no reason why you can’t pick up the phone anymore. Although people are at home, many are still able to work, so pick up the phone and call potential clients. Remind them that things will be alright and that you are there for them. Use this opportunity to build strong relationships with current and new clients.

Don’t underestimate the power of doing a little extra. Taking the time to actually call a client means more than simply sending an email. Interactions with a personal touch go a long way to building relationships — and in times like these, relationships are key.

According to a previous media update article, ”Brands need to treat their consumers better than ever, especially during the pandemic. This is because the way that brands make consumers feel during this time will be long remembered after COVID-19 has passed.”

You need to work more on building relationships and show people that you actually care about them, because the moment they feel unvalued, they will not want to do business with you.

4. Get creative

You know those crazy ideas you’ve always wanted to try but never did because you weren't sure if it would do well or not? Well, now is the perfect time to dust off your crazy idea box and bring them to life!

Being creative will allow you to stand out, since more and more people are moving their brand to online platforms. There is an excessive amount of content online, and if yours is not unique, it will fade away amongst all the other content.

So, try new things, get creative and get excited: people will enjoy uplifting content and ideas during these times!

5. Break the rules

Being a freelancer, you probably don’t have that many rules. But, if you do have rules, then it is time to break them — even if it is only a little bit. Breaking away from your usual habits and the ‘normal’ will encourage new ideas that you can try out.

Breaking the rules will also encourage you to keep on finding new and improved ways to do things, which is a vital part of reaching success and standing out.

“Learn the rules, break the rules, make up new rules, break the new rules,” says Marvin Bell, American poet, and critic.

What other advice do you have for freelancers trying to stay afloat during lockdown? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Working from home might not always be easy, but it can be a little simpler by employing these Seven tips for working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
*Image courtesy of Pixabay