Indiana Jones’ top 6 freelancing tips - Part 2

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In part 1 I gave you the first three tips from Indiana Jones. They went like this:

1. It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you
2. Protect your assets, like a large bobcat protects her cubs
3. Community service as a business asset

Now’s time for the next three!

4. Fight for what you want

This one is similar to #2 (Protect your assets); different in the fact that our goal here is obtaining something we don’t yet have.

It comes into play in a couple of instances:

• The contract/client/project that’s really going to boost your visibility and/or generate leads.
• You need something, anything in order to keep your business afloat

Nothing is ever handed to anyone on a silver platter. That took me a while to find out. I assumed for a while that if I knew my stuff and told some people that I was here (think Horton Hear’s a Who, that’s about how loud I was) then easily without effort I would get some clients that wanted my work.

Boy was I wrong!

If you want something, you have to fight for it. Securing assets you want can be an all-out brawl, Super Smash Brothers style.

5. You can’t do it all alone

And it’d be better if you learned that sooner rather than later!

No one can do everything on their own. If we tried, we’d long ago be extinct (we’re not asexual!) Needing someone else as a part of your enteprise doesn’t mean you’re less capable than someone else.

Behind everyone there are dozens, hundreds, thousands of people supporting the person that you see. Whether that comes in the face of friendships, family, partnerships, or the occasional Indian VA (I want one!)

Often in business it’s much better operating with a partner for a few reasons:

1. If the venture fails, it’s not all on your back. You have someone else to share the good and bad.
2. Secondary perspective. It’s a lot easier to see if the train is going to crash when you’re looking from two different perspectives. Then you also have the aid of the second hand to mend the problem before the trail derails!
3. Two brains are better than one. It’s much easier to work with projects/people when you have the resources of two brilliant minds to utilize.

6. Know what your competition doesn’t

Now this is a general tip, meaning it doesn’t come with any examples. Although I’ve left it as the last tip because Indy most of the time simply knows a lot more than anyone he comes up against.

Whether that be in this case where the Nazi’s staff was too long or when he simply knows more because of experience. He succeeds because of it.

Utilize your knowledge to get an edge up on your competition. We aren’t playing some gentlemanly sport like tennis! Take all the chances you have to get a head up on the competition.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed these useful, maybe entertaining tips. If you have any more that Jones might be able to give post them in the comments below!

Have fun at the movies this weekend!

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!