Glossary


Actionable Steps

Specific, clear tasks that are required to achieve a milestone, broken down into manageable actions that freelancers can complete systematically to make progress toward their goals


Active Listening

A communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, and responding thoughtfully to what is being said, rather than simply hearing the words. This helps to ensure mutual understanding.


Anchoring

A negotiation technique in which one party sets a reference point (usually a price or a condition) around which subsequent negotiations will revolve. This tactic helps establish the starting point for discussions.


Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines designed to perform tasks such as learning, problem-solving, and pattern recognition. In the context of digital marketing, AI helps automate tasks like content creation, data analysis, and personalization. Source: Eurostat - Digital Economy and Society Glossary


Authenticity

the quality of being real or true


Business Plan:

A formal document outlining the strategy and steps a business intends to follow to achieve success.


Cash Flow

The total amount of money being transferred into and out of a business.


Client Churn

The loss of clients over time, often due to dissatisfaction or unmet expectations. Preventing client churn requires proactive communication, problem-solving, and addressing dissatisfaction early.


Client Retention

The process of maintaining ongoing business relationships with clients, achieved by providing excellent service, meeting expectations, and fostering loyalty through continuous engagement.


Critical thinking

is analyzing information to make informed decisions. It helps freelancers solve problems and navigate challenges effectively. It’s crucial for successful project management.


CRM (Customer Relationship Management)

A tool or strategy used by freelancers to manage client interactions, gather data, and anticipate future client needs, enabling personalized service delivery.


Digital Presence

Digital presence refers to the online footprint that a person, business, or organization maintains across various platforms, such as websites, social media, and online directories. It represents how you are perceived online. Source: European Parliament


E-commerce

E-commerce refers to the sale or purchase of goods or services through electronic transactions conducted via the internet or other online communication networks. This includes online ordering, booking, and auctions. Payments may be conducted online or offline. Source: Eurostat Glossary on E-commerce(European Commission)


Fixed Costs

Business expenses that remain constant regardless of business activity (e.g., rent, subscriptions).


Focus

The ability to concentrate on a task or activity without being distracted, ensuring deeper engagement and better results.


Intrapreneur

An employee who takes on entrepreneurial tasks within a company, driving innovation and new projects while benefiting from the stability and resources of the organization.


Milestones

Key checkpoints or interim goals within a larger project or long-term objective, used to track progress and measure success, helping freelancers stay motivated and organized.


Net Income

The amount of money left after all expenses have been deducted from revenue.


Networking

the activity of trying to meet people who might be useful to know, especially in your job.


Online Reputation Management

Online reputation management is the practice of monitoring and influencing the reputation of a person, company, or brand. It is used to protect and enhance the online reputation of a business, and often involves monitoring online reviews and comments to ensure that the business’s reputation remains positive.


Personal Branding

A personal brand is the acknowledged public perception of an individual, while personal branding is the deliberate process of creating that impression. The personal brand results from personal branding efforts to position and communicate that individual’s credibility as a thought leader


Planning

The process of organizing tasks, activities, and schedules in advance to achieve specific goals effectively and efficiently.


Prioritization

The process of determining the order of importance for tasks and responsibilities to focus on what matters most, reducing overwhelm and increasing productivity.


Prioritization:

Ranking tasks or goals in order of importance and urgency to focus on what matters most.


Productivity

The measure of how effectively you accomplish tasks and achieve goals within a given time frame.


Professional Boundaries

The clearly defined limits and expectations around availability, communication, and scope of work that help freelancers maintain a healthy relationship with clients without overcommitting or burning out.


Project Lifecycle

includes all phases of a project, from initiation to completion. Understanding these stages helps freelancers manage projects efficiently. It ensures smooth transitions between tasks and phases.


Resilience

The capacity to adapt to challenges, setbacks, and changes with a positive and determined mindset.


Resource Allocation

The process of managing and distributing assets effectively to meet business objectives.


Resource Allocation

involves assigning resources (time, budget, and tools) to tasks. Proper allocation ensures tasks are completed on time and within budget. It helps manage project needs effectively.


Revenue

Total income generated from business activities.


Risk management

identifies and addresses potential project risks. It helps freelancers minimize challenges and take proactive actions. This ensures smooth project progression.


Scope Creep

The gradual expansion of a project’s original boundaries, typically through additional tasks or changes requested by the client, often without adjustments to deadlines or compensation.


Self-Care

The practice of intentionally taking time to care for your physical, mental, and emotional health through activities like exercise, relaxation, and hobbies.


Self-Management

The ability to effectively manage time, tasks, and energy without constant oversight, essential for both freelancers and employees working independently.


SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

SEO refers to the strategies and practices used to increase the visibility of websites on search engines like Google. By optimizing content with keywords and improving technical aspects, businesses can enhance their ranking and attract more organic traffic. Source: i-Scoop Guide on SEO( European Commission)


Service Customization

The process of tailoring your services to meet the specific needs and preferences of each client, ensuring a more personalized experience and increasing the likelihood of client satisfaction and long-term collaboration.


Service Excellence

The consistent delivery of high-quality work that meets or exceeds client expectations, ensuring reliability, attention to detail, and professional communication.


SMART Goals

A framework for setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, helping freelancers break down larger ambitions into actionable steps.


SMART Objectives

A framework for setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.


Social Media

Social media is defined as a group of internet-based applications that enable the creation and exchange of user-generated content. These platforms are built on Web 2.0 foundations and allow users to interact, share, and communicate with each other online Source: European Data Protection Board


Storytelling

the activity of writing, telling, or reading stories


Strategic Foresight

The ability to anticipate future trends, opportunities, and challenges.


Stress Management Plan

A personalized strategy designed to identify stressors, implement coping mechanisms, and regularly review progress to maintain emotional and physical well-being.


Stressors

Factors or events that cause stress, categorized as internal (e.g., self-criticism, perfectionism) or external (e.g., work deadlines, financial challenges). Identifying stressors is the first step in managing them effectively.


SWOT Analysis

A tool used to assess a business's internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats.


Timelines

are schedules that outline task deadlines. Managing timelines helps ensure projects stay on track and deadlines are met. It’s key to efficient project execution.


Value-Added Services

Additional services or benefits offered on top of core deliverables, aimed at enhancing the client experience and encouraging long-term loyalty.


Variable Costs

Expenses that fluctuate with the level of business activity (e.g., travel, marketing).


Work-Life Balance

The ability to effectively manage professional responsibilities and personal life, ensuring time for relaxation, relationships, and self-care to prevent burnout.