Years ago, I attended a course during which I was told I should never call myself a freelancer because it devalues what I do.
I ignored that advice, because I am a freelancer. I don’t work for a specific company on a nine to five basis. I’m my own boss and work on projects with a wide variety of companies around the world. That’s me, it’s what I do, and I do it very well, and am very successful.
Over the years I’ve heard stories of freelancers who have felt compelled to move out of their home offices and into serviced officers. It appears as though the sole reason for this is to be taken more seriously by perspective clients.
To me, it’s ludicrous to think a company would be put off using a freelancer purely because they work from home. Surely, location has nothing to do with the quality of their work? It certainly has no impact on experience, expertise and professionalism?
It’s just an office; location doesn’t matter
I am proud to say I work from a home office, and have done so since 2007. It me because:
- Nine times out of ten I go to my clients’ premises for meetings
- It keeps my overheads low
- It fits in with my lifestyle and family commitments
- I don’t waste time each day on a lengthy commute
While running by business in this way, it has never lost me a client or prevented one from working with me.
And before you start to think, I bet she only works with small local companies, let me stop you. The vast majority of my clients are large corporates who love the fact that they get to work with an expert in her field who is responsive and flexible. That’s because they can see beyond my place of work and instead place value on the expertise and professionalism I bring to each project.
Some clients have even come to me for meetings, which they love because they can sit at my kitchen table or in my library, chatting in a relaxed setting over a cup of coffee.
The freedom of freelance work
With the technology we take for granted these days, there’s no reason why I have to work in an office.
Freelancers like me have the have the freedom to work where they like, allowing them to work around their other commitments while reducing their overheads.
It’s a work format that’s not for everyone: uncertainty of workflow, no regular salary, no sick pay, and no management hierarchy through which complaints or issues can be escalated.
I guess you could say it’s more of a lifestyle choice, but it is not a lifestyle business.
It gives me the freedom and flexibility I want, the income I need, and the ability to work with some amazing clients. I can pick and choose the projects I want to be involved with, and bring extra value to my clients by offering advice on the wide range of experience in copywriting and marketing I have amassed over the years.
Do what’s right for you
Going back to the original question of whether a home office or external one is best – there is no right or wrong answer.
It all comes down to what works best for you and your business. If you do work from home, you will need a lot of discipline.
But whatever you decide on, the main thing is that you create an environment in which you are comfortable, productive and relaxed.
Sally Ormond is proud to be a freelance copywriter. Working from her Suffolk-based home office, she works with companies all over the world. If you want her to enhance your business, call on +44 (0)1449 779605.