As the article alludes, but maybe doesn't state clearly enough, the most important and only thing that really matters when operating independently is the abilit

As the article alludes, but maybe doesn't state clearly enough, the most important and only thing that really matters when operating independently is the ability to get and retain clients. If you cannot do this, no amount of skill in other areas matters, and if you can do this, skill in other areas is probably helpful but not critical. Anything you do that does not directly lead to getting a new client, or getting an existing client to sign up for more work, is wasted effort. Obviously you need to fulfill your obligations to clients (falls under the latter). I always joke when I am freelancing that actually doing the job is 50% of my time, and the other 90% of my time is sales, marketing, and business development.