Set availability is a fundamental concept for freelancers. It refers to the specific hours, days, or capacity you declare as open for taking on new client work.
What is Set availability?
Set availability is your declared schedule for accepting work. It's the hours you tell clients you are open for projects, meetings, or communication. This can be shown on your profile via platforms or communicated directly. It defines when you are 'open for business'.
Why is this important?
It manages client expectations from the start, preventing requests for immediate work during your off-hours. It helps you control your workload and avoid burnout by defining clear boundaries. Good availability settings attract clients who respect your time and professional schedule.
How does it work?
You define your available hours, like '9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday'. You can also set your capacity status, such as 'available now', 'booked for 2 weeks', or 'limited availability'. This information is then displayed to potential clients searching for talent via platforms or networking.
Pros and cons
The pros include better work-life balance, focused work time, and professional client filtering. The cons can be potentially missing urgent opportunities and needing discipline to update your status regularly to reflect real-time capacity changes.
Conclusion
Setting your availability is a simple but powerful practice. It establishes you as a professional who values their time and manages projects effectively. Regularly updating it is key to maintaining a sustainable and successful freelance business.
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