How do you stand head and shoulders above the rest as a freelancer?

The market for freelance work is growing explosively. More and more companies are using freelancers to carry out temporary work. It saves a lot of hassle. Companies do not have to pay for housing, replacement in the event of illness and other 'personnel' costs. In general, they can fish in a well-stocked pond with freelancers and self-employed people. And the more than one million self-employed people in the Netherlands are increasingly noticing this. Because how can you distinguish yourself as a freelancer?

Freelance Accountant, freelance software developer or, as in my case, freelance communications freelancer. It seems like everyone works freelance these days. Often also in addition to an employed job. Clients almost trip over the freelancers who jostle to get that one assignment. But where do you find the professional that best suits your (company)? And how do you, as a freelancer, find out what the client is really looking for and how do you best meet that need? In other words: How do you ensure that you have the right answer at the right time?

First impression If you take the step towards self-employment, think carefully about how you want to present yourself. What are important values for you in your work and what are your motivations? Make sure that this is clearly reflected in everything you do. That starts with your business card and website. This is where potential clients get a first impression of you. And we all know how important that first impression is! Show that you know what you are talking about and, very importantly, show that you have paid attention to your means of communication. Because that also says something about the way you do your work. Make sure people can easily find their way around your site and don't write endless texts. The motto is short and sweet. And when you have that appointment: be on time, make sure you look neat and tidy and prepare well.

LinkedIn I have been working as an independent entrepreneur for almost a year now and I am increasingly realizing that it is all about showing yourself and doing so consistently. Make sure your network expands quickly and make sure people know you and talk about you. Schedule appointments every week with people you don't know yet. You will see that your network grows very quickly. Do this via your existing network. Ask people to introduce you. Almost anyone you ask will be happy to do it for you. Invite them immediately after the conversation to LinkedIn. And please don't use that awful 'standard' text. Make the text personal and refer to the nice conversation you had. Of course, don't forget this platform where you can also profile yourself online.

Respond regularly to messages on LinkedIn and Facebook. And even better: post regularly. Show that you follow current events, launch new ideas and products. This way you ensure that people see your name regularly and they see what you are doing. And by following your connections you ensure that you stay informed of what keeps your relations busy. It still surprises me how few people actually use it. Of the more than 400 relationships I have on LinkedIn, only a handful of people are really active. So grab your chance!

Service and quality Service and quality is all that matters when you finally get that freelance assignment. A few tips:

- Surprise people by being just ahead of them, by making that little extra effort and delivering that important package yourself. By calling to make sure everything is to your liking. It seems so simple, but it makes such a big difference! - Be clear about what you can and cannot do. This prevents disappointments. - Stay attentive until the end of the assignment and be as passionate about the ending as you were at the beginning. - Always ask clients for a reference when you have completed the assignment. Put them on your website, LinkedIn or on your profile of a mediation platform. References are very important when it comes to awarding contracts. Also make sure that it is clear to see who your clients are, people like to identify with this and are more likely to hire someone who has already worked at a comparable organization.

Investing in your presentation and your relationships ensures that you ultimately stand head and shoulders above your competitors. That certainly won't happen overnight, but it will set you apart in the long term!