How to be a Successful Freelancer

It has been only a year since I started freelancing. Like every starter I faced a lot of obstacles in getting work initially and creating my own place in the huge world of freelancing. However somehow I hit the jackpot and got my first contract for $50. Fortunately like most of other freelancers I did not start working for free. Now it has been a year and I have built quite a good profile. So I thought of sharing some tips on how to be a successful freelancer. So here they are....
1. Be Patient This is the most important trait of a freelancer. Being a beginner you have to have a lot of patience in you. Since getting a contract for the first time is not at all easy. So you need to wait with a lot of patience.
2. Be determined and composed One should always be determined. I got my first contract after two and a half months of continuous struggle. I remained determined because I wanted to do it and that too in a right way. So one needs to be composed and know exactly what, how and where to target?
3. Time Management Time management is the basic requirement of a successful freelancer. One needs to adjust time in accordance with the clients time so that both can easily communicate without any delays and mismanagement.
4. Be Professional with Clients When talking to a client whether through chat, email or phone, always sound professional. Clients will only trust you when they find that you know your work. It is difficult to convince clients about your expertise for the first time, so it can only be proved through your conversation. It will also make a good impression.
5. Be Honest Never fool the client. Once the client is fooled, your credibility will go down the drain. Always try to build trust in your client. The client will always come back to you because of your honesty. Like every other business, trust factor is the most important in freelancing as well.
6. Don't be Greedy Always It is important to sometimes give some room to client also. Sometimes only money does not matter. On the other hand if you are too materialistic, think about it as a strategy to keep long term relationship with clients. It converts your prospective client into permanent customer.
7. Understand the Details Don't be in a hurry to get a project. Always check for minor details and confirm every doubt or query from the client. Otherwise it will only increase your workload at the end since client will come back to you for minor changes and it will be over time for you.
8. Changes before Final Payment Always confirm for any changes in the project from the client before invoicing the client. Sometimes you get paid and client comes afterwards for changes and then you might not be available which will leave a bad impact on client. Client might also give negative feedback for you.
9. Always give priority to client. It is an important strategy to make clientele. Make the clients feel that you understand them well and assure them your full support. Make them feel comfortable in explaining their point of view. Be a good listener and also put your own suggestions for improvements.