Photographer working in a studio
When people ask me what I do, I laugh. Well, assuming that question is also paired with a joke; it’s not really all that funny of a question on its own.
I can’t answer that question easily because as a freelancer, I do so many things. You might have decided to become a freelancer because you wanted to dabble in many different areas, which means it stands to reason that you don’t want to stick to one industry. However, while it can be a blast to work in a bunch of different fields, it’s not always the best for marketing, since you don’t have one short tagline.
If you’re looking to pitch yourself as a freelancer who dabbles in many different areas, I have some tips:
Choose Your Main Strengths
Start by identifying the skills that are applicable across different industries. These can include project management, communication, problem-solving, organization, creativity, and more. Focus on skills that are in high demand and valued in various fields.
Write an Elevator Pitch
You know who I said you might not have one short tagline? Well, it’s time to get one. Develop a concise and engaging introduction that summarizes who you are, your expertise, and the value you bring to clients. Highlight your ability to adapt to different industries and showcase how your skills can benefit businesses across diverse sectors.
Make a Portfolio
This is a great way to fit all your various skills under one umbrella. Create a portfolio that demonstrates your versatility by including samples of your work from different industries. This could be writing samples, design projects, marketing campaigns, or any other relevant work that showcases your capabilities. Tailor your portfolio to highlight the most relevant and impactful projects for each industry you target.
Customize Your Pitches
Just because you work in many different industries doesn’t mean you don’t need to know the details of each one. Research and understand the needs and challenges specific to each industry you want to freelance in. When you’re up for a new job, show that you understand their industry and have successfully tackled similar challenges before. The clearer you are about what pain points you can fix for them, the more likely it is that someone will hire you for a job, even if you typically work in another industry.
Network
If you want to work in four industries, you have to do four times as much networking—that’s just how math works. Engage with professionals from various industries through networking events, online communities, social media platforms, and professional organizations. Freelancing is inherently referral-based, so the more you network, the more jobs you’ll get.
Learn
This one shouldn’t be hard—you wanted to freelance in multiple industries because you love learning. Right??? Stay up-to-date with industry trends and developments in a variety of industries, including ones you want to break into. This will not only help you on the job, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you’re adaptable and willing to continue investing in yourself.
Have Fun
This is the most important one—you’re doing this so you don’t get bored, aren’t you? Each time you take on a new client, give thanks for how interesting life can be when you’re not tied down by one industry. So enjoy it, and good luck!
