How you present yourself to others in the workplace matters. Setting a professional tone is important to building new relationships and ensuring you have a positive, successful experience. It all starts with yourself, so make sure you adhere to the following guidelines, as they’re all focused on making you successful and come across as a true professional!

 •  Make a good first impression. Impressions are formed within seconds, so it’s important that you present yourself as a professional. Be aware of your body language. A good rule of thumb is to sit straight, look your client in the (virtual) eye and smile!

 •  If you have a call scheduled, be at least 5 min early. This shows that you are neat and organized and that you respect your client’s time and your own. Being late however comes across as unprofessional and disrespectful.

•  Be responsive. Many small businesses work throughout the week, and that includes weekends. As a freelancer, it’s your responsibility to respond in a timely manner to your client. Within 1 day is ideal.  

•  Communicate. If you’re not going to be available for a certain period of time (e.g. you have exams or are traveling on a certain day), communicate this upfront with your client and not after the matter. This will help set expectations and keep communication transparent.

•  Be mindful of your client’s time. You are being hired as a freelancer to create value for your client. Make sure that you make the most of the time with your client. Be prepared, ask questions upfront, and try to bundle them together rather than ask several small questions throughout the day.

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