2011 has been a good year in most spheres. If you were a dictator or despot in 2010, you’re probably an exception to the rule. But most people aren’t scoundrels.

Now that 2012 is dawning on us, we could start to get the feeling that the landscape and culture we live in has changed to something unrecognisable over the past 365 days.

Is it time for a change in our goals?

At the end of 2010, I decided that 2011 would be the year that I self-employed. It’s been a massive rollercoaster with thrills, spills and terrifying self-doubt – but also some incredible experiences and great success. I am much better off for making the decision.

Should you decide to take on the same lifestyle and launch your journalism project or go freelance? Aside from an aptitude for knocking back several coffees at several meetings with clients and still keeping a clear head (on busy days), here are five essential qualities that every self-employed/freelance needs.

Maturity

The first lesson that you will learn as a free agent is that not everyone has your best interests at heart. In fact, most people are interested in looking after number one.

When you get the inevitable rejection (be it straight-faced honest rejection or corporate ‘I’ll see what I can do’ rejection), don’t worry. Don’t resent your client or talk about them on Twitter/elsewhere. Just get on with it and work at being the best that you can be.

What would you do if you were in their shoes?

Connectivity

Connectivity is probably one of the most vital talents/states for the 21st Century. We’re in an age where no-one ever sleeps. You will not succeed unless you are interacting socially with a business mindset. No-one really likes schmoozing, but you’re going to have to do it.

Just don’t neglect the social gatherings like conferences, parties, openings, celebrations, lectures etc. because you don’t want to go. You never know who will be there… get talking and you’ll meet people who will remember your face and skillset when they need some work.

Top Tip: Always leave a conversation with the promise that you’ll get in touch with them about something in the following week. Lots of work comes from these promises.

Friendliness

As I said, no-one really likes schmoozing. It’s also true that no-one likes a schmoozer. The best way of avoiding being disliked is to take a genuine interest in individuals.

If you are interested in people, they will be interested in you. Don’t treat people as numbers – you’d hate it if someone did it to you.

Ask about people’s families and how their kids are getting on with x degree or how the wedding plans are going. It’ll go down better than an elevator pitch.

Willingness

One of the least valued characteristics of the independent worker is willingness. Not everyone will think that your project is as good as you do. It’s also true that not everyone will trust you right away.

A great way to overcome this is to take part in one of their projects. As a journalist, you’ve got an enormous skillset at your fingertips. This year, I’ve written for publications that I’ve got no idea about, copyedited leaflets, helped organise a music festival, interviewed people in different languages for businesses who needed research in different countries, organised events, written copy for people, designed WordPress sites, laid out a book in InDesign etc. These are all skills that I got from journalism training.

Put them in to practice to help others and they’ll use their skills to help you. Be willing!

Focus

The most important thing, however, for entrepreneurs and freelances is the ability to focus on one project at a time and to see it through. I’m still really learning this value because my nature is to have ideas and to start them straight away.

To be focussed is against my nature but I accomplish the best stuff when I manage to forget myself and focus.

Entrepreneurship is the long-game, not the quick trick.

Good luck!