In honor of Independence Day, I’ve gathered my top five winning tips that every self-employed person simply must know. Sometimes, a few great work habits can make a huge difference in your business—because good management is a major part of success.
Brand Yourself
If you don’t take yourself seriously, why should anyone else?
If you’ve decided to become self-employed, invest in a high-quality logo that reflects your identity and create branding that sets you apart from competitors. Build a well-designed website (buying your own domain is highly recommended!).
When a potential client is interested in your product/service, they will see a professional, established business—one that has invested time and money and is here to stay. These impressions will give them confidence in you and what you offer.
Open a Separate Business Bank Account
Yes, even if you’re not making much money at first. Separating business and personal finances is crucial because it allows you to grow and track expenses directly related to your business.
I also highly recommend deciding on a fixed monthly salary to pay yourself. Even if it’s a small amount at first, this will give you financial stability and prevent unnecessary risks.
For example: One month, business is booming, and you receive a large payment. Naturally, you’ll want to celebrate and feel rich. But then, two months later, there’s a holiday and an unexpected crisis—suddenly, not a single dollar comes in. This situation can be stressful and overwhelming.
If you have a fixed salary, you’ll still get paid—even in slow months—by relying on the stronger months. A separate business account will help you track your finances and analyze them whenever needed.
Seek Financial & Marketing Advice
Consult with expert advisors to gain a better understanding of who you are, what you do, and where you’re headed.
I highly recommend “Keren Shemesh”—a nonprofit organization that helps small businesses grow and thrive. If accepted, you’ll receive free or low-cost workshops and lectures and have access to one-on-one consulting sessions with incredible advisors who will help you manage your business properly.
Keren Shemesh gave me essential tools, knowledge, and ongoing support. Thanks to them, I stopped being afraid and finally started doing what I love—animation. Having the confidence that, no matter what happens, I can consult with experienced professionals gives me peace of mind and allows me to think ahead and grow.
Set Clear Work Boundaries
When I became self-employed, my work hours completely changed. Suddenly, I was living according to my clients’ schedules—some of whom think that 9:00 PM is a great time for a deep business discussion. The best part of being self-employed is that I control my own schedule and can work anywhere, anytime. So why do I find myself working at odd hours and on weekends? Because as a freelancer, there are no clear boundaries—it’s not a 9-to-5 job where you clock out and go home. To stay sane, be taken seriously, and avoid burnout, I recommend setting clear work rules. Of course, every freelancer can adjust these rules based on their clients and industry.
My personal work rules:
- I work Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- If I get calls outside of those hours, I simply send a message saying, “I’d be happy to talk tomorrow morning.”
- If something urgent comes up, I don’t disappear—but let’s be honest, most of us aren’t performing heart surgery (unless you’re a self-employed heart surgeon—then ignore this advice!). Most things can wait until business hours.
Schedule a Weekly CEO Meeting With Yourself
Oh! My favorite tip!!!
Once a week, schedule a CEO date with yourself at your favorite café.
Sit down with your laptop and focus on business management and marketing tasks:
- Writing social media posts
- Creating blog content
- Strategic planning
- Managing cash flow & finances
This refreshes your routine, the café atmosphere boosts creativity, and it provides new inspiration.
Bonus: You get to enjoy a great coffee and delicious meal while working!
Final Thoughts
Being self-employed isn’t always easy —w e all have fears, pressures, and uncertainty. But there’s nothing more amazing than having the freedom to do what you love every day, get paid for it, set your own schedule, and always know — As long as you’re independent and doing things right, the sky is the limit!
Good luck to everyone, and Happy Independence Day!
