Creative Advent 2008: Corrine Stoppelli

While trying to build out my online freelancing presence (which, as a side note, is still in progress), I’ve often been confronted to this obvious conscience case: What can I do to look appealing for the industry I’m working in? Once, while discussing about this with a friend, he simply told me “Why don’t you just be yourself?”. This advice may look obvious concerning our relationships and social life (we all know that trying to fit in schemes and groups without convictions is the best way to be misunderstood and not appreciated for what we are).

Make a difference by being yourself

But in the business jungle, we often forget the emotional part of our work. Are we satisfied with what we do? Do we make a difference? Are we doing something that may boost our self-esteem and contribute to a better life-experience?

Freelancers starting their career will usually look for and accept contracts that aren’t the most exciting on earth, for the sake of simply having a decent life. They will also often get the natural tendency, in their professional profiles, to highlight stuff and skills that clients may be appealed by, things that maybe they are good at, but that they don’t excel at yet. And in the contrary, they don’t always put forth their strong (and preferred!) skills, assuming they’re less required by the industry.

Unfortunately, this attitude will often lead you to a “vicious circle” that will end in a frustration scheme for both you, and your clients, because in a way, you’re hiding them and yourself your true potential. And if you hide it, no one will ever find you for it and benefit from it!

It will mostly have for consequence to have your portfolio filled in by projects that don’t transcend you and don’t indicate anything about your skills and aptitudes of predilection, resulting in you being found for what you consider being mediocre, and continuing to be hired for projects that do not fit your level of expertise.

Acknowledging your best skills and putting them forth will attract the clients that are truly interested in what -you- do! You may keep in mind that work isn’t just a way to subsist, it is also about life. Chances are, that contracts got this way will be the most enjoyable, for both you and your clients. And this would definitely make a great difference!

Guest Author Bio

Corinne Stoppelli is a freelance web designer and teacher (and also, wannabe location independent, photographer and writer) constantly looking for ways to enhance the life experience of people gravitating around herself, be it through friendship, teaching or work relationships.