Make the most of networking opportunities
Get to those networking events and talk, talk, talk. “There is value in every conversation you have, you never know where your next piece of work may come from. Changing the mindset to professionalism and saying, 'I am a graphic designer' rather than 'I am a graduate' is very important,” says Lydia Wakefield, education and training manager at the Association of Independent Professionals and the SelfEmployed.
Know your worth
It's hard to persuade people to pay for your work if you're willing to give it away. “Value your worth from the beginning. A lot of people feel the pressure to work nothing or charge a really low rate if they've been studying. Clients are willing to pay for the quality of the work that you do,” says Wakefield.
Set up with the tools to get paid
Register for selfassessment and file those tax returns. “Make sure you have contracts and invoice templates(发票模板) in place, ” says Wakefield. It doesn't hurt to get some advice from a professional, says Jeff Skinner, of the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the London Business School. “Find an accountant or someone doing something similar and ask them for commercial advice, ” he says.
Manage expectations
Know the limits to your capabilities. “You can feel the need to say yes to every project. Have a selfawareness of how much work you can take on at any time and manage expectations,” says Wakefield.
Build resilience (韧性)
Wakefield highlights the importance of having a thick skin. “If you get a no, don't take it to heart. Keep going, you will find your next client,” she says, “ask for feedback, you can always use it for testimonial.” And, remember that you're not alone. “It really is emotional highs and lows for any entrepreneur in early stages. But you're in a network with other people on the same journey as you,” says Skinner.
Tips for New Graduates Who Want to Be Their Own
Take of networking opportunities | ●Every conversation is valuable as it may to your next piece of work. ●It matters a lot to change the you think of professionalism. |
Know your worth | ●If you cannot your own value, how can you expect others to pay for your work? ●You can charge a relatively rate for your work of good quality. |
Set up with the tools to get paid | ●Register for selfassessment and file those tax returns. ●It is always helpful to consult . |
Manage expectations | ●Be aware not to take on too much work your capabilities. |
Build resilience | ●Keep going instead of taking a refusal too . ●It is not for entrepreneurs to experience emotional highs and lows in early stages. |