We all need a little more from our life. Always. If you agree on this, and want to do something about it, reading ahead will benefit you. It is a good time to start freelancing.
Wikipedia says, a freelancer is a term used for a person who is self-employed. And is not committed to a particular employer long-term.
The biggest hurdle anyone has is the mental block, that “I cannot do it.” Here it makes sense to listen to your inner voice, because the road to freelancing is not always easy. Anyone who says otherwise is lying.
It makes sense to begin with moonlighting and spending after office hours for freelancing. That way some security to fall back remains.
Freelancing will sound exciting to you, with the freedom attached to it. Be wary it does not mean freedom from hard work. Keeping that in mind, keep reading the steps;
1. Choose your industry
Its advisable to choose an industry you understand and love. Your work will become effortless for you then. Make sure it is a profitable niche. There are lot of websites wherein you can check the type of freelancing projects. Once you sift through them, you will have a better idea about the job prospects.
Knowing this is key, so that you have a steady flow of projects, to maintain the cash flow.
2. Decide your business structure
To operate a business, one needs to decide the form. Whether you want to work solo, form an agency or create a legal entity. Consider your business goals. Educate yourself on the types of benefits that come with each business type.
You can decide to change the form of business later. But it is good to have a plan from the start so you can arrange the accounting and tax plan.
3. Create your own brand
Once you have decided on the industry, start with the marketing materials. You will need to create a buzz around about your business. Begin by making a website, a twitter account and a facebook page about your business. You will also need business cards. Shout out on the social media pages about your freelancing.
You can create a simple website using Wix. There are more tools for building a user friendly website. It is more beneficial, if you can buy a domain. Don’t forget to keep your social media account active. You can connect with your followers & posting/sharing informative articles.
4. Create your portfolio & source testimonials
What you have done in the past counts more, than what have you learnt in the freelance business. Many prospective customers will want to see your past work to award you their work.
At the beginning you may need to work at a lower price. If you do not want to venture out by pricing low, you can start with pro bono work with the right clients. In any case, deliver quality work always. This will shine in your portfolio. Also the clients will be happy to give awesome testimonials when you ask for one.
5. Devise a procedure of finance
Before the money starts coming in, you need to have a system for managing the cash flow. This includes invoice templates, accounting book formats etc.
This is imperative for maintaining accounting books, and to know how good you are doing. Waveapps is a good option to start with. It even lets your export your data later.
6. Find your right clients
This is another challenge you have to overcome. When you have just started, you may have to struggle getting the right client. You will have to work with your close associates, or people in your larger circle.
Once you finish many gigs, you will have a target customer profile in your mind. One who pays well on time, good with job profile, clear terms and no fuss. This will be difficult to decide, since this may mean saying no to other clients. One of a veteran freelancer, Paul Jarvis put it over on the CreativeLive Blog.
Make your clients so happy & successful, that they become your sales force. – @pjrvs
7. Believe in yourself
The whole exercise will fall flat, if you do not believe in yourself. If you doubt your ability to find success, you won’t find it. Fear is the number one enemy of success. Success is a combination of confidence, motivation, discipline, commitment, and strong habits. Success is being able to stand up one more time than those you fell.
There will be more than this you can do. Just start. Enjoy your freelancing.
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