Whether by choice or by force, many in the job market these days find themselves taking on contract or freelance work. Marketing yourself as a freelancer can provide a solid flow of income and additional flexibility in schedule if you get the right gigs. For those fighting the job market as a freelancer, Inc.com gives some tips for how you can make yourself stand out from the crowd.

First things first, make sure your portfolio is diverse and unique. As a freelancer you must stay flexible. A varying range of assignments and services shows that you have a well-rounded perspective and can easily adapt to what the employer is looking for, applying skills from previous jobs to meet the demands. If all of your projects are similar, then an employer may not have high expectations for your ability to perform a new job.

Next, manage your career like a business. Run your professional life as your own personal “freelance mini-empire.” There are thousands of freelancers that are hired from various websites and temp companies. As the queen of your freelancing empire, you show that you’re able to make it on your own. Most likely you have other regular clients. This new employer will recognize that if you’re good enough to have other regular clients, then they too can believe that you’re good enough to hire again, saving them time and energy in their search the next time an opening pops up.

The next tip is to be a hard negotiator. Research the position and stay in-line with your previous salary expectations, only seeking to earn the same wage or higher. Don’t take the first offer the new employer throws out or sign for less than what you know you’re worth. If you don’t value your skills, the employer won’t either.

Lastly, Inc.com recommends that you skip the sales pitch. If your resume is written correctly it will speak for you and the employer will know how talented you are. Instead, sell on how your personality fits what needs to be done.