how to freelance
TRANSCRIPT
Whether you're a Beatles fan or not, these songs by the Fab Four contain solid tips on how to freelance.
1 “Rain”We’re all familiar with the “feast or famine” phrase, and that’s because it’s simply a freelancing reality. The key to successfully navigating this cycle can be found in “Rain.” John Lennon sings to us about the importance of staying the course, no matter what your situation is like at the time. When you’re experiencing a famine, you’ve got to keep your head down, keep working, and keep working to find work. When you’re lucky enough to be feasting, make sure you don’t feast too much and deplete your financial or emotional reserves.
2 “Come Together”“Come Together” is the perfect representation of the freelance spirit: you get resourceful, you work in the ways you know how with what comes out of you creatively, and you work together with other freelancers to make incredible products in a generous and collaborative community. While many of the lyrics can be left to your own interpretation, a few of them state very clearly that freedom is essential, and that that freedom can be achieved by banding together.
3 “Hello, Goodbye”While the tune is fun, and the lyrics catchy, it’s an upbeat example of the opportunities available for miscommunication and confusion in human interaction. A word can have multiple meanings, and people associate different feelings to different words, which makes clear communication utterly essential when interacting with clients and other freelancers. Be explicit in contracts and clear in your requests. You don’t want a potential client to get things mixed up… especially when you’re talking about hellos and goodbyes.
“Here Comes the Sun”4 This song and story pose as a priceless freelance tip: take a break when you need one. The pressures and demands of a freelancer’s lifestyle can sap creativity and toss your morale down the toilet… and sometimes the only solution is a break. Whether it’s a walk around the block or a week in Greece, it’s up to you to determine what you need and what you can afford. Either way, you’ve got to take care of yourself in order to stay creative and productive.
5 “Don’t Let Me Down”This 1969 B-side was written as a plea from John Lennon to Yoko Ono, begging her not to let him down as they embarked on their new relationship together. Though catchy, it’s a jarring reminder of the trust that two people place on one another as they build a relationship. Honor your deadlines and promises, and do your best to satisfy the clients who have chosen you in this tumultuous sea of freelance competition. Most of us know what it feels like to be on the losing side of a relationship, and the last thing we want is for our clients to feel that way, too.
6 “Got To Get You Into My Life”The song “Got to Get You Into My Life” is a cry of affection and need from Paul McCartney’s soul-inspired lead vocals. In the song, he’s surprised to discover something he never knew he needed… and doesn’t want to live without it. How can you make clients want to sing this to you? What sets you apart from the crowd? Your brand is your life-raft in this freelancing ocean, and if it’s not bright enough to be seen, you’re going to be floating for a long time.
Things are always open to interpretation.
The Beatles clearly didn’t start their music careers to teach us how to freelance, but I’d say they’re a
prime example of how to be successful:
Never get complacent with your work, don’t be afraid to try new things, and never stop creating.
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