Happy New Year, everyone!
January is a funny old time of year, isn’t it? The feeling of surviving December — whether you enjoy the festive period or not — is something we all experience to some degree, and January always feels much more sedate. People tend to be more focused on their health (even if it’s only for a few weeks before they fall off the bandwagon), and they look after their money (usually because they don’t have much of it until they get paid at the end of the month). However, the relatively calm nature of January can also provide the opportunity to set your frame of mind for the coming year.
For freelancers, that often means reflecting on the past year—what went well, what didn’t, and how to hit the ground running in 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the game, there’s always room to refine your approach.
But what does make a good freelancer? (Spoiler alert: It’s not just about delivering the work, though that’s a big part of it). It’s about identifying and navigating the unwritten rules of the freelancing world.
Unwritten rules? I hear you cry! What are you banging on about, Jill?
I’ve been a freelancer for longer than I care to admit, and by sticking steadfastly to a list of unwritten rules, I’m still here after many others have fallen by the wayside, so they must work!
From my personal experience, here are the behaviours and traits that will make you stand out as a freelancer within the corporate event world and get rebooked time and time again.
The unwritten rules of what makes a good freelancer
1. Honour your pencils…
When Company A pencils you in, but Company B offers you a confirmed gig for the same dates, don’t ghost Company A. Go back, explain the situation, and ask them to release you. They’ll understand nine times out of ten, especially if they can’t confirm the dates themselves. It’s a small gesture that’ll build long-lasting goodwill and protect your reputation.
Leading on from this, if Company D offers you a much more exciting and profitable gig than Company C, bin Company C off at your peril. You can try to beg for forgiveness from Company C and swear on bended knee that after the job for Company D is over, you’ll pledge undying allegiance to Company C, and their sons, and their son’s sons. But chances are high that you’ll never work with Company C again. Why? People don’t like being taken for mugs. We all want to do some jobs with bells, whistles and famous folks, but don’t piss off and alienate good people in order to get them!
2. Avoid double-booking drama
Double-booking happens to the best of us. We’re only human. But how you handle it separates the pros from the amateurs. If you realise you’ve overcommitted, pick up the phone and speak to the client you need to let down. Apologise sincerely, offer to help them find someone else, and own the mistake. A quick “Sorry, can’t do it” text won’t cut it. See point 1 about protecting your reputation.
3. Positivity is infectious
Freelancing can be tough, especially during silly season. Everyone’s tired, stressed, and running on coffee fumes. But constant complaining about the client’s lunch choices or your relentless schedule doesn’t help anyone—and can sour the vibe on-site. Stay upbeat and professional; your energy impacts the entire team, and trust me when I say that clients will notice this.
4. Respect long-term bookings
When someone books you months in advance, it’s because they trust you to deliver. If you bail a few weeks out, it’s not just inconvenient—it’s downright unprofessional. Emergencies happen, and people are usually very understanding of them, but if you’ve overcommitted or changed your mind, own up early, or you’ll find them in a much less understanding mood.
5. Financial decorum
Chasing invoices, unfortunately, is a reality of freelancing, but keep it polite when you do. A quick, professional nudge is fine; repetitive badgering can make you seem unreliable with money and, to be brutally honest, a massive pain in the arse. And when you work with smaller companies, a simple “thank you” when they pay can go a long way towards you being at the top of their preferred contact list when new work becomes available.
6. Timekeeping is everything
I’m amazed that I have to spell this out to people regularly, but being tardy just isn’t on. Sometimes, running late is unavoidable, but failing to let someone know is unforgivable. Because I’m so busy, I’ll sometimes leave things until the last minute, and sod’s law dictates that that’s when the traffic will choose to be a nightmare… but I ALWAYS let the person know I am on my way. Always, always, always keep your clients informed—they’ll appreciate the courtesy.
7. Personal hygiene (Yes, really!)
I’ll let you use your imagination to conjure up some of the more horrific hygiene-related things I’ve come across over the years, but please make use of that Lynx Africa or Impulse Zen set Great Aunt Marjorie got you for Christmas. Simple habits, like applying and reapplying deodorant if you’re the one rigging, operating, and derigging a production demonstrates respect for your colleagues (because nobody wants to share a confined space with someone who makes Pepé Le Pew smell like a fashion magazine). Oh, and if your feet conjure up images of a small fromagerie in coastal France, then doubling up on socks is always appreciated.
Personal hygiene is non-negotiable. Enough said.
8. Lead with kindness
If you’re in a leadership role, remember that kindness costs nothing. Shouting or snapping might get the job done, but it also leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of everyone involved. Not a good look. Patience and professionalism are far more memorable.
Setting the standard for 2025
I’m not saying you should jump on the New Year/New Me bandwagon, but January is a perfect opportunity to raise your freelancing game. Think of it as a time to reset, refresh, and refine your professional habits. Small changes can make a huge impact, whether it’s being more punctual, communicating better, or simply staying positive on-site.
Like I said above, I’m not perfect, far from it. I get things wrong, I’ll get stuck in traffic, I’ll trip up over my own clumsy feet on the way to an important meeting and use my face to break my fall. Such is life. But it’s how I conduct myself with my clients through all of this that’s kept people coming back to work with me.
Freelancing is as much about relationships as it is about skills. Clients remember the people who made their lives easier, handled hiccups with grace, and made the job a little brighter, so aim to be that person.
Ready to elevate your freelance career?
Freelancing can be a wild ride, but with the right mindset and a few golden rules, it can also be deeply rewarding. So as you dive into 2025, remember: that professionalism, positivity, and punctuality will take you far. And if you’re ever looking for more insights, or work in either a show crew or technical capacity for corporate events, Maverick Event Show Crew is here to help.
Here’s to a year of smashing goals, building connections, and being the freelancer everyone wants on their team.
Happy New Year—and happy freelancing!
