Been binge-watching the show Lucifer on Netflix. Before that, it was season 5 of Legends of Tomorrow, which had a hell-centric storyline. And, I noticed an interesting theme kept popping up in both.
One that’s a splash of cold water for most freelancers.
But, when done right equates to consistent, long-term success.
It’s the idea of making a “deal with the devil”.
It seems no matter how vile you are. No matter how much you personify evil and treachery and all the dirty misgivings we humans are capable of… there’s one thing that’s still strictly off limits.
That even the devil himself bows in reverence to.
Being a man of your word.
In Legends, it’s made explicit that a demon going back on his word results in a catastrophic loss of power for said demon. In Lucifer, the grand demon himself is incapable of lying and reneging on his deals.
Stranger still…
None of it seems out of place or weird in the context of the shows. It all makes perfect sense. That should tell you something about human nature. It should tell you something about your clients.
In my 15+ years of freelancing…
By far, the worst offense is those freelancers who don’t do what they say they’re going to. It can be as bad as taking payment and not delivering or blowing way past every deadline or time estimate you give.
To smaller things like showing up a few minutes late to a meeting.
Or, needing to be reminded of project particulars by your client.
It all breeds anxiety and contempt. For a lot of freelancers it’s why they get blindsided by bad reviews or the silent reason why clients opt not to hire them again or refer them to friends and colleagues.
You might not think it’s a big deal.
To the client, it’s everything.
One of the simplest things you can do to ensure your long-term success as a freelancer is to just do what you say you’re going to. Down to the finest details. Clients will notice. They’ll appreciate it.
And, they won’t want to work with anyone else.
No, not some sexy, bright, shiny “ninja” technique…
But, a principle not even the devil himself will ignore.
In any case, it’s these kinds of principles that I’ve built my 15-year freelancing career on. It’s why my primary client has stuck with me for over 10 years (and counting). And, it’s the kind of stuff I teach you in my Beginner’s Guide to Freelance course. Sound, proven, reliable principles to build a solid freelance career AND to ensure you’re not committing any of the nasty little sins that drive clients away.
Plus, a few ninja tricks, too. 😉
Anyway, link to get free access to the course is here: https://skl.sh/2pOiF5g
Later,
John
