Freelancing in the dental industry can be incredibly rewarding, offering the freedom to choose clients, set your rates, and work on projects that genuinely interest you. However, as seasoned freelancers know all too well, this career path isn’t without its challenges.
One of the most common and stressful obstacles is the “feast or famine” cycle. This refers to the fluctuating nature of freelance work, where periods of intense, overwhelming demand (the feast) are followed by dry spells of little to no work (the famine).
Irrespective of whether you’re a new dental freelancer or a seasoned vet, you’ve likely experienced this cycle at least once. I know I certainly have. I’ve had months where I was swamped with writing projects, only to find myself twiddling my thumbs a few weeks or months later.
The problem is that this cycle can wreak havoc on your finances, your mental health, and your overall confidence in your freelancing career. That’s the bad news…
The good news is that it’s entirely possible to avoid the feast or famine cycle with a little planning and strategy.
So, let’s dive into how you can maintain a steady stream of work and income, and why doing so is essential for your long-term success.
Understanding the feast or famine cycle
Before we get into the solutions, it’s important to understand why the feast or famine cycle happens in the first place.
In many cases, it’s a result of focusing all your energy on client work during busy periods and neglecting business development activities like marketing, networking, and seeking out new clients. I’ve definitely been guilty of this in the past.
When you’re overwhelmed with projects, it’s easy to put off these essential tasks, but doing so often leads to a drought once the projects are completed.
Additionally, freelancing in a niche field like dental writing means your client base might be more limited, and market fluctuations can have a greater impact on your workload. Like any industry, the dental industry has its busy seasons and its quieter times, which can leave you scrambling to find work.
The importance of avoiding the feast or famine cycle
Avoiding the feast or famine cycle is crucial for several reasons:
- Financial stability: Regular income is vital for paying bills, managing expenses, and planning for the future. A steady stream of work means you can budget more effectively and avoid the financial stress that comes with inconsistent earnings.
- Mental well-being: The uncertainty of not knowing when your next project will come can lead to anxiety and burnout. By maintaining a consistent workflow, you can reduce stress and enjoy a healthier work-life balance.
- Professional growth: Consistent work allows you to build and refine your skills, expand your portfolio, and grow your reputation in the dental industry. It also enables you to take on more challenging and rewarding projects over time.
- Client relationships: Building strong, long-term relationships with clients is key to freelance success. Consistent communication and availability demonstrate your reliability and commitment, making clients more likely to return to you for future projects.
Strategies to avoid the feast or famine cycle
Now that we’ve covered why it’s important to avoid this cycle, let’s explore some strategies to help you maintain a steady flow of work.
- Diversify your client base
One of the most effective ways to avoid the feast or famine cycle is by diversifying your client base. Relying on just one or two clients for the majority of your income is risky because if they suddenly don’t have work for you, you’re left scrambling.
Instead, aim to work with a variety of clients, including dental practices, dental product manufacturers, marketing agencies, and industry publications. This diversification not only provides more stability but also broadens your experience and skills within the dental industry.
- Create retainer agreements
Retainer agreements can provide a reliable source of income and eliminate the uncertainty of project-based work. With a retainer, a client pays you a set fee each month in exchange for a specified amount of work or availability. For example, a dental practice might retain your services to write a certain number of blog posts or manage their social media content each month. This ensures you have a consistent workload and income stream while allowing clients to budget for your services more effectively.
- Build a strong online presence
Having a strong online presence is crucial for attracting new clients and keeping your pipeline full. This includes a professional website that showcases your portfolio, client testimonials, and a clear description of the services you offer. Regularly updating your website with new content, such as blog posts or case studies, not only demonstrates your expertise but also improves your visibility in search engines.
Social media is another powerful tool for building your brand and connecting with potential clients. Platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter are especially valuable for professional networking in the dental industry. Share industry insights, engage in discussions, and connect with dental professionals and businesses that might need your services.
- Invest in continued learning and specialisation
The dental industry is constantly evolving, with new products, technologies, and regulations emerging all the time. By staying up-to-date with these changes, you position yourself as an expert who can provide valuable insights to clients. Consider taking courses, attending webinars, or obtaining certifications in specialised areas of dental writing, such as regulatory writing, clinical writing or patient education.
Specialising in a niche within the dental field can also set you apart from other freelancers. For example, if you have in-depth knowledge of orthodontics or dental implants, you can target clients who need expertise in these areas. Specialisation not only makes you more valuable to clients but also reduces competition and helps you command higher rates.
As an example, I’m currently working with one of the world’s leading implant manufacturers assisting them with their content.
- Network within the dental industry
Networking is essential for any freelancer, and it’s especially important in a specialised field like dental writing. Attend dental industry conferences, webinars, and local events to meet potential clients and collaborators. Join dental associations or online forums where professionals in the industry exchange ideas and opportunities.
Networking isn’t just about finding immediate work; it’s about building relationships that can lead to long-term collaborations. Stay in touch with former clients and colleagues, and don’t be afraid to ask for referrals or recommendations. A strong network can provide a steady stream of work and keep you top-of-mind when opportunities arise.
- Plan for downtime
Despite your best efforts, there will be times when work slows down. Instead of panicking, use this downtime productively. Focus on business development activities like updating your portfolio, reaching out to potential clients, or working on personal projects that can enhance your skills or showcase your expertise. You can also use this time to rest and recharge, ensuring you’re ready to tackle the next busy period with renewed energy.
- Set financial goals and build a safety net
Setting financial goals and building a safety net is essential for weathering the feast or famine cycle. Aim to save a portion of your income during busy periods to cover expenses during slower months. This safety net will reduce stress and give you the freedom to focus on long-term growth rather than scrambling for short-term gigs.
Additionally, consider setting financial goals for your freelance business, such as increasing your rates, landing a certain number of new clients each year, or expanding into new areas of dental writing. These goals will help you stay focused and motivated, even during quieter times.
Take control of your freelance career
Avoiding the feast or famine cycle is about taking control of your freelance career and building a sustainable, fulfilling business. By diversifying your client base, creating retainer agreements, building a strong online presence, investing in continued learning, networking within the dental industry, planning for downtime, and setting financial goals, you can ensure a steady flow of work and income.
If you’re ready to take your dental freelancing career to the next level, I invite you to download the Dental Writers Club guide. This comprehensive resource is packed with tips, strategies, and insights to help you thrive in the dental freelancing world. Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow your business, the Dental Writers Club guide has something for everyone.
Don’t let the feast or famine cycle control your freelance career. Download the Dental Writers Club guide today and start building a more stable, successful future as a dental freelancer.
Here’s to your success!