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How many times have people given you weird looks when you said you’re a freelance writer? There are a number of reasons for this reaction:

1. People don’t know what that means.
2. People think it’s a fancy term for unemployed.
3. People didn’t realize that could be a full-time job.

So how do you turn the tables and teach people to treat you as a professional? You need to build credibility and establish professionalism. Here are 10 tips that I’ve used to build my reputation and earn people’s trust and respect:

1. Make it a Business: I’m not just a writer, I’m a business owner offering writing services.
2. Have a Schedule: I make sure to be working from 8 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon with the slight exception of playing an hour of basketball on Tuesday and Thursday each week.
3. Promote Your Website: I’ve found that a static website with a list of my services and a portfolio has done wonders for building credibility with local clients.
4. Create a Blog: My blog has helped me connect with fellow freelancers and attracted a number of jobs as well.
5. Smile: Yes…a simple smile can make people think the world of you. Use it!
6. Dress for Success: I don’t care what people say about wearing a suit and tie…I feel much more presentable when I’m dressed comfortably and believe others notice as well. I wear nice jeans and a good sweatshirt or button-up when I meet with clients or representing my business.
7. Say Cheese: Get your face out there! Don’t hide away in your office at all ties. Instead, try to take advantage of networking opportunities and social events.
8. Prioritize: Work comes before play. Friends, family members, and others will see that freelancing is a real job when you skip a movie to get things done.
9. Don’t Write for Free: Just because I’m a writer doesn’t mean I’ll help friends with their essays or web content for free. While I don’t mind being helpful here and there, it’s certainly not a habit that is worth developing.
10. More Than a Job: If you treat freelancing like a job, you’ll fail. It has to be a career and a business. If people can’t tell that your heart is in it, then you’ll always struggle to earn respect.

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