Spend more than 2 minutes on any social site and I promise you, you’ll run into a handful of user profiles describing themselves as social media experts, online marketing experts, social strategists or my personal favorite “online branding guru”. Now Normally I’d let it slide, but the reason I felt compelled to publish this post is because most of the folks jumping into the social media game are the exact same people who've missed the most crucial step, building trust.

If you’re going to make any effort in succeeding by offering your services online specifically as a freelancer, you’re going to have to spend as much time focusing on your clients as you do through your own personal network building solid relationships, sharing some or your best knowledge and creating self value within your niche. It doesn't necessarily mean you’ll need to be the authority on any given subject (which always helps) but you do need to understand the mechanics of social media and how to get the ball rolling about topics you’re involved in. You’re in a business where friends are one of the most significant factors of your success, dedicate enough time in helping them.

Be Real, It Comes Naturally

I've made it a general rule to approach every new client who I choose to work with like I choose my music. Their passion needs to inspire and move me. I need to feel it and connect with it on a very personal level. If my name and reputation is going to be attached to anything it’s has to offer value, great value. Not just for me but for the people directly connected to me. This also leads me to ask, what’s your motivation? One thing you can count on is that freelancers are generally ignited for reasons other than monetary. Stay true to yourself. The reasons I've declined clients rang from poor products or services, to lack of a challenge. Learning to decline clients is never easy, but you have standards. Stick to them.

Online, Your Reputation Is All You've Got

People remember lousy products, shady business practices, complaints from past customers and any other dirt you might every try to bury. The only thing people love more than digging up dirt is sharing it with others. Keep your credibility clean. Building up your reputation as a freelancer doesn't come quickly or easily, but with a little creativity you’ll find the methods that work best for you. Whether it’s writing e-books, video content, newsletters, blog posts or any other form of content you produce on a regular basis. The key is to get the word out and showcasing your talent. But it doesn't end there. Monitoring your reputation is as important as building one. If you’re going to be doing business online, you’ll need to know what others are saying about you, your brand and your competitors. One of my biggest beliefs is that happy people don’t complain.

Practice and Produce, Constantly!

Here’s the best advice I can ever give you. Get ready to bust your ass. If you’re used to walking into the office at 9ish, preparing your coffee, talking to your colleagues about last night’s American Idol or bragging to your boss about how successful yesterday’s meeting went (it never does) get ready to kiss all of that goodbye. You’re going to have to make every second count. The lines between your personal and professional life will be blurred. Planning ahead and scheduling your work week will make a significant difference in the quality of your work and personal life. Neither should be compromised. Do good work and make it matter.