Problem-Solving Skills<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA benefit of working without a boss is also a setback. When there\u2019s trouble or a conflict, there is no one to tell you what to do. At first, this may come as a relief. Then when there\u2019s a fuming client or a ruined project, there is no one to tell you what to do <\/em>becomes a lot more daunting.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis is why problem-solving skills are such an important business skill, especially for those with low to no experience dealing with clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What does problem-solving entail?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Critical thinking, for one. Critical thinking means that you need to be objective about a given situation, to ask questions, and to determine the root for the problem and an eventual solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a nutshell, there is no need to panic about a problem. Approach it with a levelness to be envied. That\u2019s the most important step towards properly solving any issue. If the first solution fails, stay on top of your game by having a second and a third solution prepared. And there you go. Who needs bosses anyway when you can solve your own problems?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Time Management Skills<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019re never going to get far in any business, never mind freelancing, <\/em>if you don\u2019t have a handle on your time management.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAs a freelancer, there is no boss or coworkers around to keep you on task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, our number six most important and essential business skill is \u201ctime management.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Without anyone around you in a professional environment to add external pressure, you need to keep yourself in check. Making schedules is now a necessity, not just a way to stay organized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part of being skilled at time management is to create schedules and keep to them. This even leads to maximizing the amount of work you get done, which means you\u2019ll maximize your income. Most freelancers don\u2019t bill by the hour, but by the job, so you\u2019ll be earning more because you\u2019re able to accomplish more in less time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The hurdle to get over to be as efficient as possible is to schedule the amount of work every task needs, to highlight meetings with clients, and separate a chunk of time in order to deal with invoices and finance– this is actually another skill, which will come up later, so stay tuned!<\/p>\n\n\n\n