The craft and skill we use to deliver for our clients are central to our success as freelancers, but we have another talent at our disposal that I’m not sure many recognize and exploit to their full advantage. Our ability to fit instantaneously with any team can be a huge asset. As freelancers, we are better equipped for this than most anyone. We are weekly, perhaps daily, working with diverse teams of designers, developers, writers, managers, owners, and that other guy. How can we get along with all of them?

Rather than asking, “how do I fit?”, which is the me-centric approach of an employee, we might ask “what can I do to help this team?” Sniff out opportunities to be helpful. To everyone from the decision maker all the way down to the developer sitting in his cube with a furrowed brow, we should be on the lookout for ways to make ourselves valuable. The next thing you know, by serving our adopted team, we fit in.

We bring so much more to our clients than the hours we render in their service. One of my favorite things to hear from a client is that I made them better at their job. That right there is gold.

[ I’m presenting on these topics and more at 360|Flex Sept.18-23 in DC. 360|Flex is one of the community’s most beloved Flash Platform developer conferences. If you’re attending, I hope you’ll join one or both of my sessions. Register here. ]