Cody Robert — design, code, freelancing, productivity, LIP, travel

I’m very excited for the new Jones movie, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. I’ve re watched the first three, three times over the last week. It might be a little bit of overkill!

As such, I’ve been noticing how much Jones’ work compares to my own as a freelancer. This is part one of the top 6 freelancing tips, courtesy of Indiana Jones.

1. It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you

Jones definitely knows a lot of people, but it’s the people who know him that advance his pursuits. Jones is known for being amazing. He’s a respected archeologist at a North Eastern college and still has time for fun adventures on the side.

How can I be awesome?

It’s called meritocracy. In other words, demonstrated ability. For those wikiphiles:

…responsibilities are given based on demonstrated ability (merit) and talent rather than by wealth family connections…

To get people to know you, you have to make yourself known by what you do. No one’s going to come looking for you so show them yourself!

If you’re a writer, enter a contest and win!

If you’re a designer, land that big project and tell people about it. Or better yet, ask that company to tell about it.

2. Dont screw with the Jones, or protect your assets like a large bobcat protects her cubs

Do you remember the beginning of the Last Crusade? Where “young Jones” finds that golden cross and very soon after has it taken? Damn crooked sheriff!

Then he eventually got it back a couple decades later. Point being, he fought long and hard for that cross. That’s what you as a freelancer have to do with your business.

I’ve learned this principle very well from my dad. He owns a lot of stuff. Although not all of it falls into the business category, he protects all of it like any mother would her cubs.

Why is this important to me?

As a freelancer, we are on our own. Often the goal is to maintain several streams of income but unless those are protected as crucial assets, they can simply walk away.

Take for example the client. Remind them how important you are to them. Send out regular newsletters or simply keep in constant communication with them. Protect them and they’ll keep coming back to you.

3. Community service as a business asset

You’d definitely get noticed as a “do-gooder” if you saved a couple hundred Indian children from slavery. Realistically though, that’s probably not going to happen for most of us.

Community service is integral to building a strong, profitable business. Even if it’s only as a PR measure (would you really not feel better donating some money here or there?) it’s worth it.

And most donations are tax-deductible!

You want to present yourself as good for the client, the industry and the community.

Here’s an idea. Why not start a scholarship for aspiring writers/designers? It could be a yearly $1000, that gets your name out there as a successful professional, widens your audience, and brings you much more than you paid out in new projects/clients.

I’m going to leave you in suspense at this point. Come back on Thursday to read part 2 and get Jones’ next three freelancing tips before you see Kingdom of the Crystal Skull later that night!

Disclaimer: The photos are copyright the Indiana Jones people. I’m assuming that specifically means George Lucas himself. So go buy the movies, they’re awesome!

Tags: business, community, Freelancing, Indiana Jones, meritocracy