How to prepare yourself for these hard times

How to prepare yourself

With the rapid expansion of the virus, it’s been increasingly difficult to tend to our daily routines. Many of us are unable to go to our workplaces or have security for sick pay.

If sick pay isn’t an option available to you, you can apply for Universal Credit. The amount you receive will depend on your combined earnings or any applicable Minimum Income Floor. For more information check out the GOV.UK website.

Allow yourself the opportunity to get financially literate during these times.

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲, 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆

Do you remember that online course you signed up to many weeks ago – the one that you never got round to? I bet you have all the time in the world for it now! Reed, SkillShare, and Future Learn are all platforms that can have you pick up a new skill in no time. There are plenty of Youtube videos to check out too – one that explains how to set up a preset on Adobe Lightroom, for example.

This is a great opportunity to stay up to date within your chosen field too. See what’s currently trending, learn techniques and decide if it’s something you would want to apply to your work. EXPERIMENT!

BBC News, Apple News and LinkedIn are all great sources to stay up to date with news in your chosen field. LinkedIn is great when wanting to catch up on news that your clients are sharing.

𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘂𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

Social media is an essential tool at your disposal. Share your work on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. Engage with your followers, share a tip or two!

With Instagram’s Live feature you could put together mini DIY webinars for your followers. This opens the door to further exposure for future clients or collaborators.

𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗼

There’s nothing wrong with a tidy up. Make sure your work attracts the type of clients you want to work for in the future. Ideally, it should only reflect your BEST work.

𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿

Use this time to get your admin together. Answer and chase up on those emails. Make sure that you’ve sent those invoices. You want to have a look at your contract and protect yourself a little better. An essential tool that many freelancers neglect is bookkeeping.

Even though handling numbers can be daunting, always stay on track. Document how money flows in and out.

Things like:

• Travel expenses
• The hours you have dedicated to projects for clients
• The software you use
• Bills

Having things in order will prepare for tax season. Use this time to have those essentials ready.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱

Allow your mind to relax and have some fun. Discover new things that may inspire you. Watch a TED Talk video on Youtube, read the latest novel that has everyone talking, catch up on your favourite shows or check out the latest webinars based on your field.

𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸, 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸, 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸!

Connect with those who are in a similar field as you. This would be a little difficult since we’re technically on lockdown, but this is where technology comes to play. You can reach out to other creatives on the Wishu app. Don’t be afraid to discuss collaborations or wanting some advice. Create a group and keep each other updated on the ongoings in the industry. Create a haven with people who can relate to some of the similar things you may be experiencing. Starting a mailing list for your existing clients is a great way to stay connected.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳

If you’re yet to start a website, go ahead and put one together! Challenge yourself to see how you could change your personal branding. Start branding on platforms you haven’t yet explored. Write thought-leadership pieces, or start a podcast. Think hard about why people would take the time out to listen to you. Push yourself to try new things!