Lukasz Zelezny has been freelancing for pretty much all of his life. Inside, he also talks about how he stays motivated.
Lukasz is a hands-on speaker, he spends a lot of his time keeping up to date with the changes in the technology of online marketing and tools. Lukasz started working in the SEO industry around year 2000 while living in Poland. Now, he travels to speak at tech and digital events across Europe.
We talked about motivation and advice to the new freelancer.
Question: Where are you from?
Answer: ‘ I'm originally from Tarnowskie Gory, which is a small town near Katowice in Poland. Then I was living in Zakopane which is in polish Tatra mountains. Great place for holidays. Finally I moved to London in 2007 and have lived in the city ever since. 13th of March it was 10 years I am here in UK.
Question: How long have you been freelancing?
Answer: ‘ Before becoming a full time employee I've been freelancing for pretty much all of my life. I was picking up freelancing tasks and completing them in my spare time. It's something that I really enjoy doing, and I can't see this changing. Another point is that you can meet also fantastic people online who you work with.
Question: Which is your favorite place to get freelance jobs?
Answer: ‘ I really like using platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn for freelance work. I am not a fan of platforms like Upwork.
Question: Really? Why don't you like the platforms? I got over 70% of my clients from Platforms.
Answer: I don't like the feeling of having to compete when the clients on there mostly look at price over quality. That is not the way to go. Social media however enables you to build more of a connection.
Question: Do you sometimes feel down, and unproductive?
Answer: ‘ Yes, I do.
Question: What do you think are the main causes in your case?
Answer: ‘ I think everyone feels like this from time to time. With me, I usually put it down to me trying to fit too many things into my schedule. Sometimes I also felt a bit unsure about whether I'm doing the right thing or not, but the feeling usually passes.
Question: What do you do to get motivated again?
Answer: ‘ Usually, if I just take a break and go for a walk or a run, the motivation comes back and I can pick up where I left off. I also try to take a few holidays a year where I don't even think about work. This is something I recommend every freelancer does if they are able. Even weekend outside your city you live (especially if that a big city) can bring a lot of differences.
Question: Which motivational speakers do you listen to?
Answer: ‘ Two of my favorite motivational speakers are George Carlin and Carl Sagan. I also enjoy reading books of Dale Carnegie. All three of these people are really informative and avoid overwhelming the reader or listener with fluff – something that is very common on business websites these days. No matter that George is a standup comedian. He is still alive on Youtube and his shows are definitely immortal.
Question: What advice would you give to the new freelancer just starting?
Answer: ‘ I advise you to know what you are worth and avoid under valuing yourself. If you quote really low prices, your clients won't have much respect for you and you'll also have to work every hour of the day just to get by. Know what you are worth and walk away from any jobs that devalue you.
Closing:
Thank you so much Lukasz Zelezny for your time and sharing with us.
TAKEAWAY #1: Know what you are worth and avoid under valuing yourself.
TAKEAWAY #2: Take a few holidays a year and don't think about work.
Check out Lukasz Zelezny on Facebook, Twitter and his website zelezny.uk
