The US has seen a steady and large increase in entrepreneurs and freelancers over the last few years. In 2020, there were 33.7 million small businesses in the United States while freelancers grew 22% from 2019 with over one-third of Americans taking on freelance work. With such massive growth in these markets, and the challenges faced by small businesses and freelancers, many are looking for ways to stand out. Here are some tips on how to grow your client base and your business.

Talk Yourself Up

Market yourself. This may seem obvious, but freelancers in particular shy away from marketing themselves on social media or to business contacts to avoid coming across as bragging. Have an elevator pitch ready with facts about your skills and what makes your business unique. Don’t be shy about asking existing clients for referrals and reviews. Having positive customer feedback is invaluable when promoting yourself or your business and can be utilized in your pitch.  

Manage Your Time Wisely

Time management can make or break any business. Be realistic and allow yourself enough time to complete tasks or projects. Prioritize the order in which you need to accomplish things and find ways to automate repetitive tasks when possible. Make sure you not only track your time accurately but bill your clients for it. Because start-ups and freelancers don’t have large amounts of disposable income, time is your most valuable asset.

Be Open to Change

Stay on top of changes in your industry and be prepared to adjust your business plan or strategy when needed. Consistently educating yourself and sharpening your skills is the best way to stay ahead of your competition. Change is the only way your business will ever experience growth, so learn to embrace and not fear it.

Have a Professional Office Space

Many entrepreneurs and freelancers are hesitant to spend any money on an office space, but this can be a big mistake. Having a designated office lends legitimacy to your business and improves efficiency. Coworking spaces are often the perfect answer for start-ups and freelancers since they provide the benefits of a professional office space without the costly overhead. Hosting a client meeting in a polished meeting space is a great way to impress clients and set yourself apart from competitors.

e|spaces is the ideal workspace solution for the new start-up, entrepreneur or freelancer. We have office spaces for teams of all sizes, along with free parking, 24/7 access, Wi-Fi and IT support. Our conference and meeting rooms will wow your clients and come equipped with everything from whiteboards and conference phones to flatscreen televisions to give the perfect pitch or effective presentation. Also, you have the benefit of sharing a building with other freelancers, startups and companies which provides networking opportunities and the chance to generate new business.

Are you ready to up your game in 2021? Visit espaces.com to join a location near you.