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Is Freelancing The Future Of 'Safe' Employment?

 

“‘Freelance' means I can take watermelon breaks and no one can yell at me.”

― Mandy Ashcraft

Sam, a 28-year old systems analyst for a software company, always had a soft spot for pop culture, specifically cartoons from the 80s and 90s.

He watched a ton of these growing up; so much so that Sam can do dead-on impressions of his favorite characters.

His co-workers and friends got a kick out of Sam’s take on Optimus Prime from Transformers, which he could bust out at the drop of a hat.

Little did Sam know at the time that his other talent would help him land a lucrative freelance gig. <= [Link via your affiliate link]

“Andy, one of the guys down in accounting, told me people paid good money for doing stuff like that. He showed me this freelancing site where companies hired folks for voiceovers,” Sam said.

At first, he didn’t think much of it. But then, Sam took a few days off from work to fly to his hometown for a family reunion.

“I was back in my old room at my parents’ house, looking at my dusty toy collection when I had a moment of inspiration. I fired up my laptop and signed up for that site Andy mentioned. In the next couple of hours, I booked my first client from doing silly voices in the comfort of my bed.”

Things took off after that, and Sam started getting more and more offers from other clients. Pretty soon, he had to take more time off just to keep up with the demand.

“It’s been great so far,” Sam shared. “This freelancing gig is helping me earn more than I expected…and I get paid to geek out, which is pretty cool.”

Right now, Sam’s not sure if he should take the plunge and go full-time with his voice work, but he’s glad he now has that option.

Working in a brave new world

While older generations have leaned towards the idea of working for a single company for years or even decades, recent trends in the global economy have changed the way people earn their keep.

The first idea many have about freelance work is that income-wise, it’s not as stable compared to the steady paycheck that comes with the 9-to-5 grind.

Get this FREE Report: How much can you make as a freelancer? <= [Link via your affiliate link]

Back then, it would make sense to look down on moving from one job to another.

However, studies have shown that more and more professionals prefer to offer their time and talents on a per-task basis instead of punching a clock every day. And the growing demand for these workers has contributed to the steady growth of the global freelance job market.

Sam and millions of other independent contractors across the world enjoy the freedom that comes with freelance work.

Not only that, they’ve found that being their own boss is, in many ways, a more stable form of livelihood.

If you’re thinking about ditching your day job and crossing over, here are some things about freelancing you should consider.

Chances are this could be the safest way for you to leave the rat race and do your own thing:

#1: The game has changed

While baby boomers used to commute to work and time in at the office, technology has completely transformed that business model.

Today, it’s not uncommon for people with different backgrounds and skill levels to get a piece of the freelancing pie.

There’s Skye, a mom of four, who juggles her blog and Pinterest page, looking after the kids and getting the laundry done.

You’ll also find Tyrone, a third-year college student, earning on the side by giving user experience reviews on websites and transcribing dialogue for subtitles used in videos.

With the advancement of web-based technologies and rise of freelancing sites, it’s leveled the playing field for those who want to skip the typical barriers that come with going to a brick-and-mortar office.

For people with an ever-changing schedule, freelancing lets them work on their terms.

Not having a company control their time means they decide when and where to put in their hours.

Most of all, having a work schedule custom-built around their lives frees up their valuable time and gives them more opportunities to earn.

With the traditional employment framework giving way to this new system, freelancing has become a stable means of income more than ever.

#2: There’s plenty of room for growth

LinkedIn, one of the biggest online job portals and professional networks, conducted some studies on the future of the global freelancing job market in the next decade.

They said that in just the next two years or so, 43% of the working people in United States would be freelancers. This trend is an indication of how professionals in the U.S. and the rest of the world want more power over their work-life balance.

Not only that, rapid shifts in the economy have caused massive layoffs. This also means fewer companies are offering retirement packages than before.

On top of that, inflation is driving up basic living expenses, like transportation, food and housing.

All of these make it less appealing for younger (and even older) workers to invest their time and talents in just one company - let alone commute to work.

So with everything going on right now, it’s created an environment where working as a freelancer has become a practical choice.

#3: Gig culture is in vogue

Drop by your local Starbucks (or any other relatively packed coffee shop for that matter), and chances are you’ll find a bunch of young, hip professionals furiously working away on their laptops.

These freelancers are usually involved in some creative type of work. They could be in a wide range of fields, like entertainment, arts, design and digital media to name a few.

And they’re all over, whether it’s in the U.S. (like Silicon Valley for instance), India or London.

World-changing ideas and innovations are their main commodity, and stylish cafés are their workplace of choice. They could be churning out the next big leap in technology - or spearheading a massive movement on social media.

But this isn’t just a passing hipster phase in the world economy. It’s another indication of how freelancing is perceived in general, and why it’s here to stay.

Freelancing site Upwork did a study called “Freelancing in America: 2016” which found that 79% of independent workers they surveyed preferred working gigs over steady employment with a single company.

The majority of participants also believe that freelance work has become more mainstream than in the past several years. Not only that, they’ve either charged more for their work, or are planning to do so.

Best of all, most freelancers in the study assert that it’s actually safer to have more than one source of income instead of putting all their eggs in one basket.

Get this FREE Report: How much can you make as a freelancer? <= [Link via your affiliate link]

#4: Freelancing is just as safe as traditional jobs –if not SAFER

Along with the benefits of being your own boss and owning your time, doing multiple gigs offers a financial safety net if managed properly.

Think about this way – no matter what kind of job arrangement you have (whether employed or freelance), you’ll STILL have to put in the work.

Otherwise, you’ll soon find yourself unemployed. So why not choose a job that gives you more freedom and flexibility?

A lot of businesses today are looking to outsource jobs, which is a good thing if you’re a freelancer.

And even if a given company happens to shut down, the money will still come in. Once you’ve got a healthy portfolio of clients, you’ll never run out of work.

So you want to be a freelancer…

The bottom line is that freelancing work is the new job security.

It’s just a matter of trading one set of circumstances for another, which is par for the course given the current state of the world economy.

I know you might have some hesitations if you’re thinking about breaking free from the soul-crushing cubicle farm.

But as you’ve just learned, the grass is greener on the other side as long as you know what you’re doing.

And the truth is that I didn’t know what I was getting into when I was carving out a freelancing career of my own about seven years ago.

I used to work full-time in the education sector. Knee-deep in my teaching job and in the middle of doing my PhD, I grew desperate from having almost no time to live my life.

But with some hustle, a little elbow grease and a generous helping of stick-to-itiveness, I eventually made a life-changing shift to freelancing.

If you want to learn how I became a happy, productive freelancer (and AVOID the mistakes I made) watch my free video HERE. <= [Link via your affiliate link]

 

7 Steps To Freelance Writing Success

 

“When your livelihood depends on self-imposed productivity, you either get good at it or you find yourself in mounds of debt.” ― Nacie Carson

Working as an independent contractor is a great way to earn money while enjoying flexible hours.

Another attractive benefit of freelancing is being able to work wherever you want, whether it’s at home or at your local coffee shop.

And for a lot of people, they see freelancing as a way to break away from the rigid structure of a corporate environment.

In the recent years, more and more people have jumped ship and gone over to the freelancing side to enjoy a better work-life balance. <= [Link via your affiliate link]

After the U.S. economy took a serious hit during the recession, a lot of companies have found that hiring specialized workers is a better business model than employing full-time staff.

In fact, a Harvard study in 2016 shows that the number of freelance workers in North America alone has skyrocketed from about 14 million to almost 24 million between 2005 and 2015.

As of today, this number is still growing and will continue to do so in the next decade.

With developments in technology and a rapidly expanding freelance job market, it’s become easier than ever to get a piece of the action.

Freelance writing: Legit or not?

With freelance writing in particular, some people are worried about getting ripped off for their hard time or getting scammed by a shady employer.

But freelancing sites like Upwork and Elance have made it possible for aspiring freelance writers to get fair-paying jobs and get compensated on time.

Furthermore, you don’t need to have an academic background in language to land your first assignment.

On the contrary, most companies are probably looking for someone who can write in a relaxed, casual tone to connect to readers.

As you’ll learn, a lot of these online writing jobs specifically avoid words and phrases that might sound too stiff or formal which would alienate their target market.

So you don’t have to worry about writing like a professor just to get started with your freelance career.

The best part is that there’s ALWAYS work to be done, which means you’ll have a stable cash flow even without punching a clock at the office.

If you’re ready to try this exciting, new venture, check out these 7 Tips To Becoming an Awesome Freelance Writer:

#1: Have a system in place

This is the most essential part about finding steady freelance work.

Once you’ve done your due diligence, you’ll have no trouble getting clients and keeping them.

Better yet, you’ll have the advantage of working around a schedule that works for YOU.

Like I said, it’s easy to earn from online writing for the simple reason that demand for this type of work is high.

You’ll find that just about any industry has an online presence, and that means they need someone to provide them with content to increase their market reach.

It’s likely they have a blog, a social media page and an email campaign - all of which need to be updated regularly. Some might even need freelancers to help them out with writing brochures and other marketing related materials.

That’s where you come in.

The truth is that you just need a step-by-step system for sniffing out potential customers, pitching to them and writing the content they want. After that, the rest will take care of itself.

I’ll show how to do that in a bit, but first let’s move on to the next step…

#2: Play to your strengths

Some freelance writers are better at handling large-scale assignments, like a sales report or PDF book. Others are more comfortable with an arrangement where they can quickly bang out short articles or free reports.

Obviously, the bigger jobs pay more, but require a lot of lead time, ranging from a few weeks to a few months.

Meanwhile, short articles may take anywhere from a half an hour to two hours, but you’ll get paid sooner.

In most cases, I’d suggest doing shorter assignments first to get a feel of how things go.

In the long run however, try to figure out which one option works better so you can narrow down the niche you want to write for.

=> Discover this simple method to make easy money in your spare time [LINK HERE]

#3: Know thyself

This is an important step that most freelance writers skip. I don’t recommend glossing over this one.

Experience has taught me that a little self-evaluation and soul-searching is CRUCIAL before getting into this line of work.

This gives you a better idea of which types of clients you’re best suited for, and which content you’ll be good at writing.

A good way to do this is by having a more seasoned writer go over your sample work and give you an honest assessment. They can tell you what you’re good at and what you can improve about your craft.

Also, try looking up examples of what constitutes as good writing in your intended niche.

It’s as easy as looking at a potential client’s website and quickly browse their content. This will give you a better idea of what they want in a writer.

Remember, knowledge is power, so doing this will help you step up your game.

#4: Hammer out the details

Now that you’ve done some of the general groundwork, it’s time to get into the specifics.

As you learned, your clients will want a particular kind of content you want to do.

I mentioned some earlier, but here are the other possible types of content you could see yourself writing:

- Annual sales reports

- Slide presentations (like PowerPoint or Keynote)

- Free reports (usually in PDF format and less than a hundred pages to promote a certain product)

- Full-length ebooks

- Newsletters (often sent through email)

- Sales copy (which may include a detailed product description, its benefits, testimonials, pricing, etc.)

- Blog posts (anywhere between 500-1500 words)

- Articles (could be 500-3000 words depending on the purpose of the content)

Aside from this, it helps to check out the particular industry you want to write for.

As I pointed out, sites like Upwork and Elance are great places where you can search for jobs under specific categories.

This will help you find out which ones in your chosen industry are in demand for writers, and what kind of content they require.

Get this FREE Report: How much can you make as a freelancer? <= [Link via your affiliate link]

#5: Find the right price

Of course, the idea is to sustain yourself with a healthy income stream, so you need to approach this the right way.

Basically, you’ll want to work for lower-paying jobs in the beginning until you can build up your game, then increase your fees later on.

You’ll probably bill your first few clients a little less than you’d like, but charge this to experience and get the job done anyway.

In the bigger picture, it’s better to be classy about it and act professional.

So as you go along, you’ll get a better idea of the standard rate in your chosen niche.

In particular, you’ll learn how much other writers in your industry are charging on average. Depending on how long you’ve been in the game, you can decide if you should charge higher or lower than that.

As you start growing your client portfolio and get referrals, you’ll have more leverage to charge more for your writing services.

#6: Establish a routine

Whether you’re a freelancer or not, it’s always important to have a solid work ethic no matter what.

Find a rhythm you’re comfortable with, and stick with it. Figure out early on how you’d like to tackle a writing task.

You might want to do a little homework before getting down to it, or maybe you’d prefer going straight into writing then adding the missing gaps later on.

Whatever approach you choose, you need to cultivate the discipline to efficiently work on writing jobs and submit them on time.

Cal Newport, author of the book “Deep Work” has a great deal to say about this - I’ll leave this here:

“The key to developing a deep work habit is to move beyond good intentions and add routines and rituals to your working life designed to minimize the amount of your limited willpower necessary to transition into and maintain a state of unbroken concentration.”

#7: Educate yourself

Since you’re reading this now, you’re well aware that you can’t do it alone.

As talented or driven as you are when it comes to writing, it will never hurt to learn as much as you can. That goes for BOTH newbies and veterans.

Remember, the freelance writing game is always changing, so you’d best keep up with the times and adapt.

So if you’re just starting out on this journey, I don’t recommend taking the self-taught route.

It’s better to take advantage of the many resources out there so you can hit the ground running and not make the typical “rookie mistakes” that a lot of newcomers make.

Earn five to six digits a MONTH from freelance writing?

Yes, it’s possible. You can go from one-off assignments to big-time gigs in the neighborhood of a few thousand dollars.

That’s how I did it, and I can teach you how.

Like I said in the beginning, all it takes is a system to help you find employers on a regular basis. After that, you’ll be rolling in the dough from your hard work.

I probably made every mistake possible when I started out. But thanks to my experience, I finally cut the umbilical and left the 9-to-5 world for good.

It took over a year to finally refine my system, but now it’s like I’m earning six figures on auto-pilot.

Here’s a video I made about my personal journey in freelance writing – and how you can do the same:

Enjoy the freedom of being your own boss while earning more than you ever dreamed of – CLICK HERE <= [Link via your affiliate link]

How To Become A Freelance Writer - 10 Important Keys

By Chibuzor Ujunwa

 

I started my freelance journey about 3 years ago.

I was looking for a side hustle and somehow landed on an online freelancing website.

I registered and, after 2 weeks of pitching, landed my first job.

I can't remember the exact details, but I remember the ecstatic feeling when I received my first payment -$5 from my online endeavor.

Since then, I have grown and commanded much higher fees.

I've made a successful career as a freelancer.

Here are the key lessons from my experience that shaped my path.

1. Find your (profitable) niche

 

It’s tempting to start off your freelancing career as a generalist.

You're eager to take on any type of work from any client and any industry. That's understandable.

As a newbie, you'll want to maximize every opportunity to land a new client.

But this strategy is hardly sustainable.

The case against casting a wide net is that it may come up with the more undesirable and low-value catches out there.

Because the market is saturated with generalist freelancers, pricing always becomes a race to the bottom.

Just as a heart disease patient will prefer a cardiologist to a GP, clients will be more comfortable giving their money to a specialist.

That is why you should choose a niche right off the bat and deepen your expertise there.

Aside from getting better paid, narrowing down to a niche also makes marketing and completing projects easier.

You have a specific type of client you look for and tailor your prospecting in that direction. It will also enable you to create a brand.

Choose a marketable niche that interests you.

Even if you not quite the expert, narrowing your services to a niche you love will give you the extra motivation to get tasks done.

And you can always brush up your skills.

To get started with Freelancing, following a proven blueprint…

…Check out My Freelance Paycheck. <= [Link via your affiliate link]

2. Build a portfolio

 

A portfolio showcases samples of your best work to potential clients.

They need to know who you have worked with previously, your style and the quality of your work.

With your portfolio, you specify the services you offer, who they are for, and why you are the best person to hire.

Other essentials to include in your portfolio include:

• Your contact information
• Relevant education, skills, certification, and accomplishments
• Testimonials, feedback or social proof

Your portfolio can also be hosted on several websites like Behance and DeviantArt.

But building your own portfolio website is more professional. The best way to sell your services is by showing clients you can solve their most pressing problems.

3. Establish your credibility

 

A well-designed portfolio establishes credibility and tells prospective clients that you can deliver on your services.

But what if you're just starting out?

As a newbie, you may not have a well-developed body of work and testimonials to show off. 

However, you must appear credible and competent to build sufficient trust if you are to make any money freelancing.

You can find ways to demonstrate your competencies by thinking creatively.

When I first started out as a freelance writer, I volunteered to write for a friend's blog in return for positive feedback and a by-line.

Ask your LinkedIn in contacts to endorse you for talents relevant to your freelance pursuits.

You can also get certifications in your area of specialization and present them along with with your educational qualifications if they are contextually relevant.

Hubspot Academy and Google Digital Skills are some of the well known and recognized online resources that offer free certification.

And even before starting with those sites, I recommend you follow this proven blueprint for Freelance Writing success…

My Freelance Paycheck. <= [Link via your affiliate link]

4. Identify your prospective clients

 

When I first started out, I didn't have much discretionary freedom in selecting clients.

But with time, I learned to identify the sort of clients I work best with.

While this may mean turning down a lot of business, narrowing your client base will help you achieve more in less time.

As your reputation builds, satisfied clients will refer others to you. You'll be seen as the best person to solve their problems.

Which means You can charge premium rates and be sure of getting hired and paid.

So how do you qualify prospects?

• Look for businesses that need your services and have the funds to pay your prices.
• Find the decision-makers within the business. Can you get their contacts and connect with them on a personal level?

With these sorted out, you are ready to start pitching.

5. Learn to pitch

 

Learn to pitch even if you have a network that supplies you with client referrals.

Excellent pitching skills will always ensure you have constant work and avoid the dreaded feast and famine cycle.

Make you pitches stand out from the mountain pile of proposals businesses are inundated with daily by:

• Adding a personal touch. Research the mail recipient and their business. Quote something they said that you agree with or compliment them on a recent achievement.
• Do not waste time talking about yourself and your accomplishment. Focus on the client and how you can help them
• Also, include testimonials and work samples from past clients to show that you are capable.
• Go a step further by suggesting a solution or adding value to them in some way.

For a step-by-step approach to pitching, including templates and more…

…Check out My Freelance Paycheck. <= [Link via your affiliate link]

6. Charge what you're worth

 

Pricing your services can be tricky, and there is no hard science to it.

Finding out what other freelancers in your niches are charging can be a helpful guide. But you mustn't solely rely on that.

Try to estimate the value you provide the customer and charge accordingly.

From experience, it's better to charge based on projects rather than an hourly rate.

This is because clients are more interested in the outcome or the results of the projects.

If it solves their problem and makes them happy, they wouldn't care less about the number of hours you spent completing the project.

When you start getting better at your craft with experience, you will take far less time to complete a given gig.

Thus, you'll short-change yourself with hourly billing.

7. Define the project scope

 

Before starting on a project, clarify with the client the expected milestones and timelines.

You will leave the wrong impression if a client has to wait for too long for the project to be completed or, even worse, billed for more hours than they expected.

8. Stick to deadlines

 

Your ability to turn in your work on time every time is critical to your success as a freelancer.

But since you work from home, it's easy to get distracted and procrastinate.

• Always build and sustain momentum by starting up a project once the contract is in place. If you wait, you may never get around to it till the last minute.
• Learn to say no to extra commitments when your hands are full
• Break challenging projects into smaller, manageable pieces to make them easier to handle. Taking it on all at once tends to be intimidating and gives you an excuse to put it off.
• Give yourself an earlier deadline than that from the client.

It takes discipline to stay on track and do your assigned work. But the payoff is huge.

Stay organized

 

Freelancing requires you to juggle multiple clients, tasks, and deadlines. Set up a system to stay organized and efficient.

A daily routine is important.

Mapping out time for everything helps keep you committed. Make use of apps to schedule meetings, create to-do lists, and book appointments.

Use a sound filing system and keep your workspace clear of clutter

The right systems and processes in place will ensure you stay on top of your work and manage your clients' expectations.

Delight your Customer

 

The customer is king. Annoying cliche aside, this phrase sums up all you need to do to become a successful freelancer.

When you exceed customers' expectations, you'll earn a superstar reputation in no time.

Not only will a delighted customer return for further projects, but they will also give your excellent feedbacks, testimonials, and refer more clients to you.

Just keep them happy and satisfied.

To get started with Freelancing, check out this proven blueprint…

…Click Here To Visit My Freelance Paycheck. <= [Link via your affiliate link]

Top 10 Tips for Freelancers

By Joseph Wolff

 

My own journey started and stopped a few years ago when I succumbed to defeatism. It wasn’t until a year ago that I told myself I had what it takes to succeed as a freelancer.

Since then, I’ve earned almost $25,000 and am well on my way to turning a “side” pot income into the main course.

How have I played the game? Here are a few tips.

1. Develop a minimum viable portfolio.

A big fear of mine when I started freelancing was that I didn’t have a beefy portfolio. Actually, I had no portfolio.

I’m a writer and was previously teaching high school English language arts, so unless clients wanted examples of argumentative essays that I gave my students, I was out of luck.

Turns out they didn’t want those essays.

However, I learned pretty fast that you can secure work without a portfolio that’s busting at the seams.

What’s really important is creating viable work for a client to review. That is, an example of something that relates to the client’s project.

Does it have to be a job you’ve previously done? Absolutely not!

Take an objective look at the client’s project and create a basic example of something that plays in the same ballpark. Boom. M.V.P.

To discover how to make a GREAT portfolio and more, check out My Freelance Paycheck. <= Link via your affiliate link.

2. Ignore the internet cynics.

What I’ve learned from extensive research about freelancing is that all of the internet cynics on Reddit and other forums who tell you that freelancing is “impossible” and “You’ll never make a full-time income from it” and “Be ready to work an 8-5 until you die” are the people who gave up.

Honestly, they’re me circa 2-3 years ago.

They gave a piecemeal approach for way too short of a time, threw in the towel, and rooted themselves on the World Wide Web to discourage others.

Because hey, if they can’t succeed, why should anyone else?

Don’t listen to them.

3. Decide what projects work for you.

Search for projects that you enjoy doing and/or are good at. This can apply to the type of project or content.

For me, I’ve managed to be a bit of a generalist when it comes to topic. However, I’ve learned through trial and error (turns out I’m really bad at writing greeting cards) that I enjoy short-form and long-form article/blog writing.

So, I do actively seek these projects out. Why spend a bunch of time doing something that makes you miserable?

To get started with Freelancing, following a proven blueprint…

…Check out My Freelance Paycheck. <= Link via your affiliate link.

4. Avoid pro bono work.

Some freelancers will disagree with me on this, but I never do work for free.

If you’re charging a client an hourly rate, think of it like a normal full-time job. What if your boss came to you and said “Hey Joe, I’m going to need you to work three hours past your shift today, but we can’t pay you. Thanks.”

There’s the argument that doing pro bono work creates a better freelancer-client relationship. If that’s the case, then I don’t want to be part of that union.

Any client who wants pro bono work is not a client I want to work with. Pro bono work says to me “I don’t value your skills and services.”

Now, have I ever thrown in a freebie here or there with good clients?

Sure. In long-lasting relationships, I’m more than willing to occasionally throw in something extra because I know the client, enjoy the project(s), and he/she has paid me a fair amount for working on said project(s).

5. Start modest, grow exponentially.

You may find yourself taking small or low paying jobs in the beginning.

That’s okay. Just be prepared to grow, and if the going’s good, don’t be afraid to grow fast.

If you’re throwing project after project under your belt, there’s no reason not to raise your rates.

The more seasoned you become, the more confident you should be in negotiating all-star rates for your all-star services.

6. Learn how to market yourself.

Difficult, but necessary.

There’s plenty of job sites you can use that act as a middle-man between you and clients.

Upwork, for example, has netted me much success (and I could write a completely different article about why Upwork isn’t the evil service it often gets a rep for as long as you know how to use it).

That said, you never want to throw all your eggs in one basket. Marketing is clutch.

Luckily, if you find yourself in the dark, there’s plenty of free content online to help you become a marketing pro. Start with My Freelance Paycheck, it has a comprehensive step-by-step guide, created by Laura Pennington, who makes over $3,000 per week as a freelancer.

Check it out here: My Freelance Paycheck <= Link via your affiliate link.

7. Set up a professional website.

Setting up a professional website is part of the marketing process. It helps get your good name out on the block and should be treated appropriately.

I use Squarespace for my own site, but there’s plenty of other options available to you depending upon your style, user interface, and payment preferences.

If you’re just starting out, think basic here.

You don’t need something akin to a 2004 Myspace page that takes fifteen minutes to load because of all the gadgets and gizmos you have playing together on the homepage.

A brief bio, a sampling of projects, and a way to contact you will do just fine.

8. Treat your work like work.

Lots of people (my friends included) seem to think that freelancing involves sitting on the beach with a piña colada and typing a few words here and there.

Could I do my work on the beach? Yes, until my laptop died. Will I? Probably never.

In order to be successful in freelancing, I’ve found that the job has to be treated like just that: A job. Freelancing affords you the luxury of dictating your own schedule (and, particularly, having flexibility with when you choose to work), but if you don’t have a schedule, you will fail.

Simple as that.

Treat your freelance career like a career, set a schedule, and adhere to this schedule daily.

9. Value your services, and make sure others do the same.

I mentioned earlier that Upwork sometimes gets a bad rep, and I think this is because for every great client, there’s the client who wants a 30,000 word E-book and is only willing to pay $100 for it.

But you know what?

People apply for the job; and while I understand that money is different around the world, there needs to be value in your services.

If you propose a fair rate to a client and they’re unwilling to pay that rate, it’s not the end of the world if you walk away.

If you want freelancing to become your livelihood, then take stock in that livelihood and don’t accept jobs below your value.

And as you become more entrenched in the freelancing world and build great relationships with clients, that value is only going to rise. 

10. Persist.

It goes without saying, but the freelancing grind is about persistence.

Learn from my mistakes – I’ve enjoyed every step of my freelancing journey over the past year, but I could’ve captured this life earlier.

The problem? I didn’t persist.

I let the internet trolls get inside my head, put forth a weak effort in trying to claim jobs, and then retired into a waning sunset.

Freelancing isn’t easy, but if you have the skill, the passion, and the drive, it might be a worthwhile venture for you. Good luck!

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10 Things I Wish I’d Known When I Started Freelancing

By Anne Matea

 

When I said goodbye to my secure, well-paid, unrewarding corporate job, I didn’t know that freelancing was even an option.

I was just looking for a new opportunity, maybe in a start-up. Something fun, exciting, and original.

It turned out I really wanted to be a freelancer but took me a few weeks to put a name on it. 

There were challenges along the way, a few setbacks, and a steep learning curve.

Now, I have completed 269 freelance writing jobs, on several different topics including fashion and blog writing. I love what I do.

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Here are some things I wish I’d known when I embarked on my freelancing journey:

1. Have an emergency fund and lots of patience

I’m not telling you here to postpone freelancing indefinitely, just to make sure you have some money set aside that you can use to pay your bills until you start making money freelancing.

The clients will come, you will make money, but you need to be patient and have a strategy in mind. 

It can take a few days, weeks, or even months until you will be able to support yourself financially exclusively from freelancing jobs.

Until then, having an emergency fund with the money you need for the basics (rent, food, transportation, services) for a minimum of two months is a good idea.

Or start freelancing while still keeping your day job J

2. Listen to other people’s experiences, but don’t assume it will be the same for you

Most people you meet don’t believe in freelancing.

Some of them even tried it, and it was a complete waste of time, money, and energy.

They will tell you to look for a real job.

They will tell you the competition is fierce, the clients are not willing to pay good money for these services, and you just can’t make it. 

The reality is theydidn’t make it. But you can. Like many others did. Like I did. 

3. Set up working hours

Making your own program can be a blessing, and it is the reason many freelancers would never go back to working from 9 am to 5 pm.

However, it can also be a trap. You have all the hours in the day (and night) to work. All the days in the week. So much time on your hands. 

This is a good time to set up some working hours.

You can design your own daily routines, maybe you want to start with a walk in the park or a workout session at the gym and then get to work.

Maybe start with work and then hit the gym. But a routine is essential as this is the only way to ensure you get the work done. 

Since we got to setting up working hours, you should also set up a working space.

It should give you a working vibe, so you feel motivated and energized when you get to it!

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4. Build a strong portfolio

In the first weeks, you might have few, if any, clients. You will have poor cash flow. What you can do to stay motivated and make progress is to build a strong portfolio. 

This might mean that you should take clients that pay little for a project (but the project is interesting, and you can use it to showcase your skills).

If you have no clients at all, just get in touch with some NGOs and do some work for free for them.

Anything that makes your talents shine, and you can use to attract clients later on. 

Get some testimonials while you are at it. Your future clients want to know how appreciated your work was. 

5. Sign a contract with every client

Yes, I know what you are thinking now, this doesn’t sound like lots of fun. And what if the client doesn’t want to sign a contract?

Well, this is too bad for him as he won’t get to work with you. 

Contracts are made to protect both you and your client and to make things go smooth in case the working relationship deteriorates.

Take the time to name clearly all the deliverables, the deadlines, and the payment details.

This will save you from unpleasant conversations such as “I thought this was included in the initial cost” or “I didn’t know I had to pay every month.”

6. Ask for a deposit before you start working

While you’re doing the paperwork, make sure to ask for a deposit before you start working.

It can be as little as 15% or even 35% of the contract.

For new clients, I usually ask for 35%, just to make sure they do have the money.

You can use Escrow if it gives you more peace of mind. It is important to know your work will be paid in full. 

The deposit is good for your cash flow too. It is also a way to know if your prospective client is serious.

Late payments are very common nowadays and can have a negative effect on your routines. 

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7. Stay organized 

Have a growth mindset, and don’t lose yourself when clients start pouring in.

Choose your projects wisely and avoid work that you are not qualified for or won’t bring you any other benefits aside from the payment. 

Invest some time and money in promoting yourself, branding, and networking. 

8. Develop a support network 

Whatever the work, we all need support every now and then.

It could be a partner saying: “Good job, you’re doing great!” or a colleague helping you with a part of the project.

It could be someone specialized in a complementary field. 

The support network is essential to help you drive more business and handle work commitments faster and better. 

9. Keep track of your numbers

The number of projects, clients, months you have been freelancing, income from each client and per month, expenses, and so on.

Knowing your numbers can help you plan ahead.

You will notice that income can be different from month to month, from one season to the other. 

Tracking the numbers can help you measure progress and success. There is really no other way. 

10. Have a personal life

You might be tempted to work around the clock, no weekends, no happy hour with your colleagues after work.

This is not good for your health and wellbeing.

Make some time for yourself, relax, and enjoy quality time with family and friends. It’s important.

Freelancing could be a great career choice if you are committed, organized, and confident in your skills.

Whether you are 20 or 60 years old, you can be successful and make money. And you can start anytime, even now.

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