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If you’re out here in the creative services game, working in the gig or freelance economy, it’s time to start treating yourself like the business you are. It’s not just about the art, the content, or the hustle—it’s about putting in the work to grow your brand, your skills, and your income. You’re not just a freelancer; you’re the CEO of You, Inc. So let’s break it down and get you on the path to success.
Why You Need to Treat Yourself Like a Business
Here’s the deal: the creator economy is booming, and everyone’s trying to get a piece of the pie. But if you’re just winging it, hoping the work will come to you, you’re going to get left behind. You need to approach your craft with the same seriousness and dedication that any successful business would.
As Virgil Abloh said,
“Insert yourself into places where your voice needs to be heard. When you do that, you’ve already succeeded.”
That means putting in the hours to develop your skills, market yourself, and build a solid reputation.
Putting in the Hours: The Grind Behind the Glory
You’ve got the talent—no doubt. But talent alone isn’t going to pay the bills. You need to be strategic with your time. Set aside dedicated hours each week to work on your business, not just in it. This includes:
Marketing Yourself: Get on social media, update your portfolio, and network like it’s your job—because it is. The more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities will come your way. As Virgil puts it, “Communication is key. Make sure your ideas are getting through clearly.”
Skill Development: The industry’s always evolving, and so should you. Whether it’s learning new software, improving your writing, or mastering that new editing technique, invest in yourself. Virgil’s advice? “Learn every skill that relates to what you do and use that as your foundation.”
Client Management: Treat your clients like gold, because happy clients bring repeat business and referrals. Set clear expectations, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively. Remember, word-of-mouth is still king in the freelance economy. Virgil emphasizes the importance of this with, “If you make something, share it. If you’re thinking about something, talk about it.”
Building Your Brand: You Are the Product
In the gig economy, your brand is everything. It’s what sets you apart from the sea of other creatives out there. So, what’s your brand? What do you want to be known for? Whether it’s your unique style, your quick turnaround, or your killer client service, make sure it’s consistent across everything you do—from your website to your social media profiles.
As Virgil reminds us,
“Think about your brand in a holistic sense—your taste and point of view are your most valuable assets.”
Your brand is more than just a logo or a portfolio; it’s the entire experience you offer your clients.
Hustle Smarter, Not Harder
Yeah, we said put in the hours, but it’s not just about grinding 24/7. You’ve got to be smart about how you spend your time. Automate what you can (like invoicing and scheduling), outsource the stuff you’re not great at (looking at you, bookkeeping), and focus on the work that brings in the most value. You’re a business—act like it.
“Work with purpose and intention,” Virgil advises. It’s about maximizing your efficiency while ensuring that everything you do aligns with your broader vision.
Your Bottom Line in a Freelance Economy
You’re not just a freelancer; you’re a business owner. And like any business, you need to put in the time, effort, and strategy to grow and succeed. By treating yourself like a business, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success in the creator, gig, and freelance economy. So, get out there, hustle hard, and watch your empire grow—because as Virgil said, “Success isn’t a destination, it’s a journey you’re on every day.”
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