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The Prince is not the first book you might think of as helpful for your freelancer career. However, I read it recently and found amazing insights.

The Prince by Machiavelli: Why Can It Be Useful for Freelancers?

Maybe it sounds a bit intimidating at first— The prince it’s a book about politics, power, and leadership. But here’s the thing: the ideas in it are incredibly useful for freelancers like you and me. 

I know it might seem like an odd connection—after all, we’re not ruling over kingdoms, but as freelancers, we are constantly trying to gain control over our careers, manage client relationships, and ensure we stay ahead of the competition.

Think about it: running a freelance career is a lot like playing a video game, right? You’ve got your goals, obstacles, opportunities, and you’re constantly figuring out the best strategy to win. 

What if I told you that some of the strategies outlined by Machiavelli could give you an edge in your career? Let’s dive into this.

The Prince by Machiavelli: 13 Tips That I Learned for My Freelancer Career

I’m going to walk you through some of the key principles from The Prince that I’ve personally applied to my freelance career. Some of these might surprise you, but they’ve helped me gain more control, deal with tough clients, and navigate tricky situations. Let’s break it down!

1. Hereditary Power: Minimize Effort, Maximize Control

Machiavelli talks about how hereditary rulers have it easier because they’ve inherited power and status. As a freelancer, this is like building a strong portfolio and reputation. 

Once you have a solid foundation, you don’t have to hustle as hard to prove yourself to everyone. This is something I’ve learned over time: building a reputation takes work, but once you’ve got it, maintaining it is less about constant effort and more about consistency.

Build a solid portfolio and brand from the beginning. Over time, let your reputation do the heavy lifting.

2. Luck (Fortune) Matters—But You Can Still Seize It

In The Prince, Machiavelli talks about how luck plays a huge role in a ruler’s rise and fall. For us freelancers, luck is similar to timing and the opportunities that come our way. 

I’ve had moments where the right client found me at just the right time, or when I noticed a gap in the market that I could fill.

But here’s the thing: luck isn’t enough. You’ve got to be ready when those opportunities appear. Think about it—if you’re not prepared, even the best opportunities can pass you by. 

It’s like playing a Mario Kart race. You need the right items at the right time, but you also need to be able to use them effectively.

Stay prepared and open to new opportunities by staying aware of trends. Position yourself in a way that allows you to take advantage of good timing. I personally use RSS to help with this, especially Newsflash.

3. Talent Is Not Enough—You Need Luck Too

Machiavelli stresses that virtue (or skill) alone isn’t enough. For us freelancers, this means that while it’s crucial to be good at what you do, you also need a bit of luck. 

You might be the most talented designer or writer, but if the right client doesn’t find you, it’s tough to succeed.

Keep improving your skills, but also network and look for opportunities that could help bring your work to the right people.

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Uma publicação partilhada por Matheus Xavier Copy (@matheusxaviercopy)

4. Sometimes You Have to Take Risks (Even If They’re Unpopular)

Here’s the thing—Machiavelli says that sometimes rulers have to make tough decisions, even if they seem harsh. As freelancers, we face similar challenges. 

Sometimes we have to say no to clients who don’t respect our worth or raise our rates even if it’s uncomfortable. I’ve had to walk away from projects where the pay was low and the workload was high. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for my long-term success.

Don’t be afraid to take risks or make tough decisions, even if it means losing a project. Your time and energy are valuable. 

5. Well-Used Cruelty vs. Poorly-Used Cruelty

Machiavelli talks about cruelty being used for a purpose. In our world, this could mean setting boundaries or enforcing deadlines. There are times when being firm with clients is necessary to maintain control over your work. 

For example, I’ve learned that sometimes I need to say no to last-minute requests or push back on clients who try to get extra work for free. But cruelty without purpose is just being unreasonable, which can burn bridges.

Be firm when needed, but always with a purpose. Set boundaries and stick to them for your own well-being.

6. Support: Allies Are Key—But Not Too Powerful

Machiavelli explains that it’s crucial to have allies, but those allies can’t be too powerful, or they might overthrow you. In freelancing, this is about managing your relationships with clients, collaborators, and even mentors. 

I’ve found that working with others can be great, but you need to keep your independence. Never give away too much control. Build solid relationships with other freelancers to see other experiences, but keep your boundaries intact.

For example, sharing experiences is valuable, but it may not be a good idea to share your sales letter with other freelancers to copy and paste. Instead, share the guidelines you use to create your sales letter, not the letter itself.

7. Better Feared than Loved?

This might sound a bit extreme, but Machiavelli says it’s better to be feared than loved, though you don’t want to go too far. 

In freelancing, you need to make your services essential to your clients’ businesses. After all, they will achieve the results, and you will be compensated for that. However keep in mind that is about providing value, not the fear itself.

8. The Importance of Appearance

Machiavelli stresses the importance of how a ruler appears to others, even if they’re not virtuous. For us freelancers, this is about branding. 

Your online presence—whether it’s your website, social media, or portfolio—says a lot about you. I’ve learned that sometimes it’s not enough to be good at what I do. 

I also have to ensure that my work is presented in a way that showcases my skills. Invest time in building a professional online presence that reflects your skills and values.

9. Choosing Advisors (Mentors and Collaborators)

Machiavelli talks about the importance of picking competent advisors. In the freelance world, these are the people you surround yourself with—mentors, other freelancers, and even clients who challenge you to grow.

But just like in The Prince, you don’t want to rely too heavily on anyone. Your success depends on your own abilities. Choose mentors or collaborators who complement your skills and encourage your growth.

10. Use Force Strategically

Sometimes you need to use force to achieve a goal. In freelancing, this could mean standing your ground when negotiating a contract or enforcing deadlines. 

I’ve had to push back against clients who tried to take advantage of me, and though it felt uncomfortable, it was necessary. Be prepared to use your power strategically when the situation calls for it.

My piece of advice for you is to understand what your client finds most important between “cheap, fast, or good,” and remember they can choose only two. If they want fast and good, the project will be more expensive.

11. Tough Decisions for the Greater Good

As a freelancer, you often have to make decisions that are hard in the moment but benefit you in the long run. 

Turning down a project or walking away from a client can feel difficult, but sometimes it’s the best choice for your career. Always think long-term and don’t be afraid to make the hard choices.

12. Calculated Risks and the False Sense of Security

Machiavelli says that a ruler should never become complacent or overly confident. As freelancers, we can easily fall into the trap of thinking everything is going perfectly. 

However, you need to be prepared for setbacks and know that luck can turn against you. Always have a backup plan and be prepared to adapt to changes.

13. Control and Preparation

You can’t control everything, but you can prepare. I can’t control whether a client cancels or if I have an off day, but I can prepare by having multiple clients or projects lined up. Keep planning ahead, diversifying your client base, and preparing for changes in the market.

The Prince by Machiavelli: How to Apply for Your Freelancer Career?

Now, how can you actually apply these lessons from The Prince to your freelance career? It’s all about mindset and strategy. Think of your freelance career like running a game where you’re the protagonist, navigating obstacles, and looking for the right opportunities to advance.

Start by building a solid foundation, always stay prepared, and be ready to make tough choices when necessary. Keep a close eye on your reputation and appearance, and don’t hesitate to push back when needed.

1. Build a solid portfolio and focus on results.
2. Stay aware of trends.
3. Keep improving your skills.
4. Evaluate the risks before choosing a project.
5. Be firm when needed based on your experience, but always with a purpose.
6. Build experiences by sharing insights, but keep your secrets.
7. Provide value so unique that your client cannot conceive the idea of letting you go.
8. Showcase your skills.
9. Find more experienced freelancers through networking events, online communities like Reddit, or courses.
10. Use the Iron Triangle.
11. Understand that tough decisions are necessary.
12. Calculate risks and be prepared for setbacks.
13. Focus on what you can control.

By thinking strategically, using both your skills and a bit of luck, and being ready to make the hard decisions, you can thrive in the world of freelancing. Feel free to try applying these tips to your own journey. Trust me, Machiavelli’s advice works if you’re smart about it!

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