5 tips for people who want to work for themselves

Working for yourself is a good idea that can earn you some productive results.

However, when you choose to work independently, it is important you know your own worth, expertise and ability, and to charge correspondingly.

So, whether you're looking to start a side hustle or grow a full-time entrepreneurial venture using your creative talents, you'll need these five tips to go premium.

1. Don't be in a 'cobbler's shoes' situation

Anyone who wishes to work for himself either as an entrepreneur or a creative must do everything to avoid putting himself in the proverbial cobbler with no shoes.

You can't afford to be the web designer with no website or a social media manager with less than 100 followers. Don't be any of this. Let your business showcase your work and for whatever you offer, be your own best poster child.

2. Become an authority and 'public figure'

Being an authority in whatever you do gives you an edge over your competitors. Let the world recognise you as that one person who knows his trade inside out.

Don't say you're not ready to be a public figure in your own business, there is no time to get ready for this. As long as you are good at what you do, your business will speak for you, bring you more clients and consequently get you more Naira in your account.

You can have a website that promotes your business, attend events, and stay relevant on social media. All these will give you that public figure status.

3 Get some testimonials

There is a reason why brands use testimonials to push their businesses. Social proof is powerful and it works for every business.

Ask your happy clients for glowing testimonials, slam it on your website and social media pages. Let people know people patronise you and they are happy with your offer.

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4. Raise your prices

Don't be afraid to charge more. You can raise your prices is when you get excellent results for your clients and demand increases. It might be scary though but fear not. When your prices go up, you'll find that you attract better clients when you're expensive than when you're lower-priced

5. Don't try to be for everybody

Don't be scared of making certain business decisions because no brand is meant for everybody. If you worry that increasing your prices will turn some people off, let it be, it is a business, not a charity. Let your business have its own standard and never let the fear of taking decisions that will favour the business kill it.