May 14, 2019
Ever hear of a summer slowdown? Or maybe you notice an end-of-year slowdown with your freelance business around the holidays?
Once you’ve been freelance writing for a few years like I have, it can be helpful to track the times of the year when business slows down for you. That way, when it happens again, you can be prepared for it and feel less anxious.
It can happen in any business—whether you’re working a corporate job and waiting for a manager or advertiser to get back to you, or you may have a product or service-based business that takes a hit when everyone goes away on summer vacations. While a slower pace is often welcome when you’re working in a corporate environment, when you’re supporting yourself by running your business, it can feel worrisome and stressful when no one is getting back to you about your article and project pitches. I shared my tips with the Fast Company’s audience in this article “How to Use a Summer Slowdown to Advance Your Career.”
I can’t speak for other freelancers out there, but when business is slow, I tend to stalk my bank account at least daily (maybe a few times), while checking the tabs in my Google sheet on “Invoices Out” and “Assignments Working On” so I’m tallying up how much I’ll have when all that money comes in over the next two months. (Here are 5 tips to make more money freelance writing this year.)
When I decided to step away from my part-time in house editorial role at MuscleandFitness.com at the end of May 2017, I had some clients and assignments lined up for the summer and an idea of how much my business would make if I only did those articles. While I was missing that steady income direct deposited into my bank account, I knew my upcoming assignments would be adequate for keeping me afloat for the season.
I knew if business was slower in the summer, it would allow me more personal time to enjoy my favorite season, work on building the freelance writing course and coaching business I launched on Teachable (sign up here!), and update other aspects of my business that fall to the wayside once I’m crazy busy with work. (Like staying on top of social media management and starting a freelance writing blog.)
Anyone who has been freelancing for at least a year probably understands that there’s a “feast or famine” workload that often happens in this independent contracting business and it can take some getting used to.
I figured it might be helpful to share some ways I take advantage of extra time in my schedule as a freelancer when work slows down in order to set myself up for success in the future.
Try some of these and share your advice for when business is slow below in the comments:
While it’s easy (and probably common) to feel anxious and nervous when your inbox is quiet (here’s how to find money in your inbox) and it seems like your pitches have disappeared into a black hole, take a breath and give clients and editors time. This is much easier to do when you have a savings safety net and if you don’t have a ton of debt.
Here’s what a freelance writer friend of mind does when freelance work slows down:
“When work is slow, I try not to 1.) let it freak me out (Thinking “I’ll never work again!“), and 2.) Let it become an excuse to sit on the couch and watch TV all day (though it is nice to relax every once in a while!). I’m marketing and pitching regardless of how much work I currently have on my plate, but slow times are when I really ramp it up and start exploring new potential clients, sending more pitches and LOIs, and researching topics. I could definitely be more organized about it, but it’s working okay for now. I also use slow times as an opportunity to do continuing education I wouldn’t ordinarily do when busy with client work. Right now I’ve got my eye on an online grammar refresher course on Mediabistro.com, and plan on tackling that when things lighten up a bit. I’ll also read articles and books on topics in my field (fitness, exercise science, nutrition, etc.) to help broaden my knowledge.” – Lauren Bedotsky, Freelance Health and Fitness Writer
I know it’s tough to be chill about freelance writing when you’re used to being busy with writing, clients, and projects, but I find it helpful to have faith in the process. If I do my best to increase pitching, marketing, social media, and learning during the downtime, it’ll pay off well within a few days, weeks or months. Here’s why it’s so important for freelancers to constantly be marketing.
What do you do with your time when business slows down?
Tags: business, content strategy, freelance, freelance course, freelance rates, freelance writer, freelance writing course, magazines, pitching, productivity, stress
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