Business Skills for Creative Freelancers

Purpose

A practical, all-in-one reference for creative freelancers covering the core business skills you need to win work, deliver it professionally, get paid on time, and stay sustainable in a competitive market.

 

1) Networking & Community

• Treat relationships as a long-term asset, not a quick transaction.

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2) Financial Management

• Track income and expenses meticulously using spreadsheets or accounting software.

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3) Time Management & Work-Life Balance

• Prioritise tasks using methods like the Eisenhower Matrix or time-blocking.

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4) Client Communication (Professionalism + Clarity)

• Communicate clearly, professionally, and promptly in all client interactions.

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5) Proposals & Contracts

• Detailed scope of work outlining what will and will not be delivered.

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6) Pricing Your Work

• Conduct thorough market research to understand standard rates.

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7) Marketing & Digital Presence

• Keep your portfolio current with recent and relevant work samples.

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8) Adaptability & Continuous Learning

• Stay open to constructive feedback and use it to improve.

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9) Practical Tips (Quick Wins)

• Use standardised templates for proposals, contracts, and client emails to save time and maintain professionalism.

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10) Templates Pack (Copy-and-Use)