Overwhelming numbers of freelancers are emerging nowadays, mainly due to the fact that freelancing jobs are becoming more and more popular by the year. Think about it, why feel like you’re limited to the company you’re working for? You’re a human being with passions, ambitions and dreams ready to be unleashed, so why limit yourself to a fixed lifestyle?
There are people who are satisfied with their full-time job, but the younger generation does not like to be limited to a routine that has limited options and requires a lot of time to achieve progress. Therefore, some have decided to take up freelancing jobs online aside from their current full-time jobs to pursue their hobbies, make extra cash or invest in an existing talent of theirs. For others, it’s actually their only full-time job!
In either situation, it can be pretty daunting to start freelancing and working independently. So many questions could be going on in your head like; where do I start? What do I do now? Should I take the weekends off? How do I get clients? And so many other questions that you wish someone could just answer instead of you. Well, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some things you need to consider when starting out as a freelancer!
1) Where Do You Wanna Do Your Freelance Work?
While it’s nice to work at home in the comfort of your own couch, it can be pretty distracting for a lot of people. Of course, if you do focus at home then by all means, reap all the benefits that “working from home” has to offer. However, if you’re more like the former, then choose a place where you can focus and get your work done. Maybe a nice quiet Café? An office? At a nearby park? In your parent’s house? Wherever it may be, make sure it’s a place you can efficiently use your time at.
2) How’s the CV Going?
How do you expect someone to hire you to write, blog, translate or edit something when you have nothing to show? Always have your CV of your past experiences, projects you worked on, educational history, etc. available to your clients. For example, if you’re a freelance translator, then it would be useful for you to add the languages you have a good command of. If you’re a blogger, then add in a list of companies you’ve blogged for and provide a sample of your work.
3) Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn… Heard of Any of Those?
Brand yourself, show people your work and that you exist on social media. Put yourself out there and make yourself known for those who are looking for your kind of services. Are you a proofreader? Then market yourself on self-publishing groups and pages on Facebook. A creative writer perhaps? Showcase your set of skills by putting up a blog and letting your friends and family share it on social media.
4) Do You Have a Fixed Working Schedule?
This goes for both those who have a full-time job already or are full-time freelancers, you need to set a fixed schedule and organize your time. Not only will you make things easier and less complicated for yourself, but also for your future clients. Remember though, be precise and consistent, and don’t feel like you have to overwork yourself, no matter how tempting it might be. Start slow, take what you can handle and give yourself a break when needed, but that also doesn’t mean slacking off! Balance is key.
Bonus Point: 5) Make an Excel Sheet
This is a bonus point if you really want to be organized and at the top of your freelancing game. Keep track of the payments you get or don’t get, your clients, the number of hours placed in a specific job and the work you need to do. This’ll help you not miss any payments or deadlines!
Bonus Point: 6) Avoid Conflict of Interest
Another bonus point that should be pointed out, is that if you have a full-time job, you need to make sure the freelance jobs you take on do not clash with the interest of the full-time job, which could endanger your job security and jeopardize your credibility.
An Important Takeaway
When starting out as an independent worker, it can be a little tricky trying to build your schedule around your existing job or social activities. Starting is the hardest part of the entire process, once you get the hang of it, you’ll see money rushing into your bank account in no time.
