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    3 Ways Freelancers Can Future-Proof Themselves In The Age Of AI

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    By Chelsea Tobin,Contributor

    Copyright forbes

    3 Ways Freelancers Can Future-Proof Themselves In The Age Of AI

    Freelancer works at a favorite coffee shop, using her laptop.

    AI is well and truly here, and many freelancers may be concerned about AI taking over their work and losing clientele. In fact, McKinsey research found that, by 2030, up to 30% of hours worked across the US could be automated using AI.

    Of course, the level of AI adoption will vary across different industries and occupations. However, it’s crucial for all freelancers to upskill themselves for the inevitability of AI impacting their industry—whether it’s a small impact or a significant shift.

    Here are three ways freelancers can future-proof themselves, and become more desirable and bookable to clients in the process.

    1. Learn New AI Tools – Don’t Shy Away

    Rather than ignoring the AI tools that threaten to take over your work, freelancers should learn to use them instead. Figure out how AI can aid your work (not replace it) and make the business and creative processes more efficient and streamlined. Here are a few places to start:

    Learn a wide range of tools that help with ideation, marketing, design, project management, and administrative tasks like invoicing.

    Become a master at prompting.

    Test out AI agents or even create your own.

    Learning new tools and technologies also shows adaptability, which could be a plus for prospective clients.

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    2. Double Down On Your Secret Sauce

    Each freelancer will have unique selling points like specific skills, ways of thinking, creative talents, and strategies – things your standard AI tool won’t have. So it’s time to double down on them, improve them, and then market them confidently across your website, social media, and other marketing channels.

    Showcase proof of your unique value using testimonials and case studies, and even share some of your thought processes or strategies online. A great place to do this is LinkedIn. Doing this illustrates your expertise and helps build trust in what you offer.

    3. Lean On Your “Humanness”

    Finally, freelancers need to master what AI can’t: EQ (emotional intelligence) and soft skills.

    To put these into skills practice, prioritize face-to-face interactions with clients and prospects, such as at meetings, conferences, networking events, or co-working spaces. This is even more important if you work from home and get fewer in-person interactions on a daily basis.

    Another way to show your “humanness” is to become the face of your freelance brand. So get visible on social media, especially in video format. Don’t be afraid to be yourself on social media; the nuances that come with being human show your authenticity and can help you stand out in a world of perfection and AI. People love to put a face to a name and buy from humans.

    It’s an exciting time for freelancers. Those who future-proof themselves against the threat of AI may get ahead of their competition and enjoy long-lasting partnerships with their clients.

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