“It is said the warrior’s is the twofold Way of pen and sword, and he should have a taste for both Ways. Even if a man has no natural ability he can be a warrior by sticking assiduously to both divisions of the Way”. – Miyamoto Musashi, The Book of Five Rings
In the day of the samurai, warriors were more than just tough dudes slinging swords around. Part of a young warrior’s lessons included the learning about the written word as well as warfare.
The pen and the sword were reserved for nobility. Many young men dedicated their lives to perfecting techniques in both areas. These activities were more than about fighting or writing poetry; they were the foundation of discipline. They provided balance between the body and the mind of a well-rounded individual.
Two Swords or One?
A freelancer must have discipline. As a freelancer, you must progress towards deadlines without someone looking over your shoulder to make sure you get the job done. You have to know how to budget your money and your time. You also need to gain experience and expand your horizons.
Musashi used to warn his students against having a favorite weapon. Preferring a bow, a sword, or any weapon in particular meant limitation.
The same applies to writing. Don’t limit yourself to writing only what you know. Step out of your comfort zone to tackle a subject you’ve never written about before or a type of writing you’ve never tried to master.
Skill, Talent, and Then Some
You may have unswerving focus, talent, and strong writing skills, but if you can’t gain a client’s trust, you have nothing at all. Your success always depends on what your clients think of you and your services.
If you’re arrogant, irresponsible, sloppy, or so laidback that you constantly miss deadlines, you’re screwed. Your attitude is your worst enemy – or your biggest asset.
If a client really likes the way you stay in touch, deliver on time, and do everything you can to make him or her happy, you might end up with repeat business simply because you’re wonderful to deal with – even if your work is borderline acceptable for quality.
Have a Strong Strategy
The focus of Musashi’s Ground book is on strategy. If you’re planning on taking the plunge into freelancing, you’d better have a strategy. Diving in without any water in the pool is a sure way to crack your head.
Be smart. Make sure you understand that working for yourself takes twice as much discipline as working for someone else.
Also, keep in mind that not everyone can work from home. When one company I worked for sent everyone home to work, some people tried to beat the system. They’d leave their IM on to make it look like they were busy, when they were hard at work being couch potatoes.
Others understood how to stay focused and get the work done. It was business as usual, just from a different location. Those people were the ones that were good, strong workers, and they kept their jobs. Some even moved on to better jobs, like me.
Plan your strategy for success. Our e-book, Writing For the Web, looks at the skills, talent, and a few other extra ingredients to create an indispensable freelance writer.
“Seventy percent of success in life is showing up.”
- Woody Allen
Almost every month I get a call from a new customer that goes something like this:
“We have a guy now, and he really knows his stuff, but I never know if he’s really going to show up. He doesn’t call, he might not return my calls for days.. I can’t run a business like that!”
I show up. I show up on time or early. If I’m even going to be five minutes late I call to apologize.
Oh, another thing: send the bills out.. I see so many consultants send bills weeks and (amazingly!) even months after they do the work.. customers hate that, because they can’t remember the details now and have to go look everything up..
Loving this series so far, Harry!
@Tony: I hear ya on punctuality! Whether it’s an appointment or a deadline, I’m always early. My ex used to be late for everything and it drove me up a wall. I remember reading somewhere that chronic lateness had to do with rebelling against authority. These people have a strong need to assert their control and subconsciously they’re telling the world “I’m going to be late and *you’re* going to wait for me because I’m *that* important!”
@Josh: Thanks, man! I’m enjoying it too.
It’s all true. Great post.
I think it takes GREAT discipline to work a business from home. Most people, especially if you have children, are more successful if they actually go away to work somewhere.
As for the showing up on time, getting your work done, etc. I think that all plays on a person’s character. My pastor said something once that has always stuck with me. He said we shouldn’t have to ask people, “you promise?” A person’s word should be a person’s word. If you say you are going to do something, you do it, and if you can’t, let them know ahead of time. My family knows my word is my word. I try to get that across on the Web but it’s really hard to gain someone’s trust to that level, especially through only using 0s and 1s.
Anyway, great post Harry. We’re leaving for Disneyland for a few days so I look forward to your follow-up posts when I get back.
See you all later.
@ John – Wow, you struck a chord with me on “you promise?” Promises are sacred in my mind and my home – when you promise something, you do it. I don’t hand those out lightly and I fully expect other people to uphold their word. But you’ve given me something to think about… I sometimes ask for promises from people because I don’t trust that they’ll come through. That’s kind of sad, isn’t it.
Happy Disneyland. I envy you that trip – it’s every Canadian kid’s dream (and… uh, I qualify. Even though I’m 36. I *will* go to Disneyland one day. Promise.)
@John: Can you pick me up on your way to Disneyland? I won’t take up much space at all.
Regarding promises: Excellent observation. On the web keeping your word means twice as much as it does in the traditional business world, and you have to work twice as hard, if not harder, to achieve that credibility. This is why James and I bust our ass to meet each deadline and come through on every promise made to our clients.