Sital Ruparelia

In 2001 when Dan Pink published “Free Agent Nation,” it was seen as a trailblazing book on the modern workplace. A future workplace characterized by less job security, no more “jobs for life”‘ along with a distinct lack of long-term loyalty from employees towards organisations.

As Pink contended, in a globalised, interconnected world economy characterised with ever-increasing competition and technological advances, the workplace will never be the same again.

These forces have  conspired to make those of us in the industrialised world “free agents.” That is, independent, freelance consultants – regardless of whether we’re in full-time employment or not.

I’ve been talking about this with clients for several years, but for many people this has been a difficult concept to comprehend. Especially for those in permanent roles with no intention of becoming self-employed.

But interestingly, as the events in the financial markets and job market over the last 18 months have shown, a permanent contract doesn’t mean much. And those individuals who will thrive in the modern workplace will be the ones who think and act like a professional, forward-thinking freelancer.

Here are 10 ways you can thrive by acting and thinking like a freelancer:

1. Focus on outputs, not inputs

Testimonials and referrals are the lifeblood of a freelance independent professional. You get those by being client-focused and delivering commercial outcomes, rather than just concentrating on inputs.

So get clear about the key outputs and results you deliver and become known for them. Be able to quantify them. And ensure your CV, resume and bio’s communicate them.

 C) Develop a marketing strategy to articulate that value proposition consistently

A key aspect of your personal brand is your online image. It’s customary to ‘Google’ people you’re about to headhunt, interview or meet in a business context for the first time.

So if I were to “Google” you, what would I find out about you? What would appear on the first page of the search? Will it be in line with the personal brand you’re trying to portray?

Every time you do anything online, you leave a “digital footprint” – so ensure that footprint shows you in a good light and is in tune with the personal brand you intentionally want to convey.

So at the very least, ensure you own the domain to your name and have a LinkedIn page that articulates your expertise. Ideally aim to have an online presence under your name (or brand name) where you can share ideas, opinions and expertise via a blog, articles and white papers. This positions you as an expert in your own right rather than just highlighting your employer’s credentials.

4. Build and cultivate a strong network

The time to build a well is when it’s raining, not during a drought. The time to build a strong network is today, tomorrow, next week. And the week after. You should be doing it all the time – not just when you’re looking for a job.

And remember: networking is not about “getting” something – it’s about contributing, helping others and sharing.

When you network with generosity whilst having a distinct personal brand, you attract opportunities and contacts on an ongoing basis and so avoid the typical “feast and famine” cycle endured by many freelancers.

5. Learn to embrace uncertainty

Part and parcel of being freelance is less certainty and predictability.

As a permanent employee, instead of fearing uncertainty, learn to embrace it by following these the 8 rules of dealing with uncertainty that I’ve written about before. Follow these rules consistently and you’ll be able to not just survive, but thrive when the going gets tough. 

6. Create multiple income streams

You can reduce the uncertainty by creating a number of streams of revenue rather than relying on one pay check.

Speaking, writing, consulting, investing, trading and building an online business are all examples of ways in which you can create opportunities, just like a freelancer would do.

But as we’re all now freelancers, we all have the potential to earn income from multiple sources. 

7. Be totally committed

Some people think being a freelancer is all about money. About being loyal only to yourself and just making as much money as you can.

I don’t buy that nonsense.

Just because you haven’t got a permanent contract it doesn’t mean you’re not committed.

I’ve been a self-employed consultant for 6 years and, yes, have been committed to building my own personal brand and my own network – and I’ve invested a lot of time and money in the process.

But at the same time I’ve been totally loyal and committed to firms which I’ve been a freelance consultant to. So much so that people have frequently assumed that I was a permanent employee.

That’s because I don’t exclusively put my own interests above those of the client I’m working with.

So what if I’m not in a permanent role? I’m still a professional. And so are you. So make sure you show total commitment to whoever you are working with (employer, client or otherwise) – and the results, opportunities and job satisfaction will come naturally.

8. Focus on “responsibilty”‘ instead of blind loyalty

When I talk about thinking like a freelancer, building your own network and developing new income streams people become a little concerned as they see it as being somewhat disloyal and slightly dishonest to their employers.

The reality is that most firms are being a little disloyal and dishonest to you too – it’s part and parcel of running a commercial business, where the management team have a responsibilty to shareholders and the majority of employees, rather than to individuals.

You too have a responsibilty – to you and your family. So don’t be blindly loyal to one firm - be committed, but also ensure you have options so that you’re not left without an escape route if required. 

9. Invest in yourself

10. Make YOU a priority

All of the 9 points above rely on you ensuring that you make yourself a priority.