The world of freelancing can be a wild and sometimes confusing place, especially for those who have spent their entire careers working for others. If you’re considering taking the leap into freelancing, here’s some advice from one freelancer to another:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Treat freelancing as a business to ensure long-term success. |
| 2. Kick-start your freelancing career with actionable tips and strategies. |
| 3. Understand how freelancing can impact your life during maternity leave. |
| 4. Explore the opportunities of becoming a freelance writer in manufacturing. |
| 5. Learn from experienced designers’ mistakes to avoid setbacks in freelancing. |
Figure Out What You’re Good At
This is the most important thing you can do. You need to figure out what you’re good at, what you’re not good at, and what you care about.
The first two are easy you either have a knack for something or don’t. The third one is harder because it requires people skills and introspection, but once you know what makes your heart sing (or hum), that’s when everything else becomes easier.
It may sound like I’m trying to tell you how to live with purpose in this world, but that’s not it at all I’m just helping out my fellow freelancers who want to make ends meet while pursuing their passions!
Freelancing is not just a side gig; it’s a business that requires careful management and strategic planning. Discover why you should treat freelancing like a business in our comprehensive guide on Is Freelancing a Business?, and unlock the keys to long-term success.
Determine The Clients You Want To Work With
You should also know what your ideal client looks like. In other words, you should be able to describe your ideal client and their demographics, industry and goals. This can help you decide what types of clients are a good fit for you.
Your ideal client is someone who has the same values as you. For example, if social justice is important to them, it’s likely that it will be important to their project as well.
Your ideal client wants to solve problems with technology in an innovative way that creates real change for people or businesses (or both). They’re knowledgeable about how the world works and wants to do something about it not just profit from it!
Your ideal client understands that there’s no one size fits all solution. Their budget may vary depending on what kind of problem they’re trying to fix.
But they’re open-minded enough not only to look at all solutions but also ask questions before making any decisions that could affect other parts of their business model in unexpected ways.
Later down the line when someone else comes along looking for funding too soon after initial launch date passes without any type of return yet being made available due to “poor advertising strategy” so now time has run out…
Uncover Your True Passion And Why It’s Important To You
As a student, you probably have plenty of time to think about what your passion is. You are still learning about the world and all of its possibilities.
As an adult, this can be much more difficult because many of us already have a career that is not particularly fulfilling or happy. If this sounds like you, then maybe it’s time to change things up!
It’s never too late to find your true calling in life and do something meaningful for yourself and others around you. When we find our true purpose and how it makes us feel inside, then we become happier people overall.
This happiness will help others see how amazing we are and encourage them towards their own dreams as well as ours!
Embarking on a freelancing career can be both exciting and overwhelming. If you’re looking to kick-start your freelancing journey and achieve rapid progress, check out our expert tips in 12 Tips to Kick-Start Your Freelancing Career and set yourself up for a thriving freelance business in no time.
Think About Who You Want To Work With
It’s important to think about what kind of client you want. It might be tempting to take any job that comes along, but this could mean working for a client who isn’t a good fit for your skills, experience and personality.
It’s also important to think about the type of work you’d like to do regularly like freelance writing jobs or web design projects and then look for clients whose needs match up with yours.
While it’s okay to switch things up occasionally when the opportunity presents itself if you find yourself constantly doing different kinds of work (perhaps because some clients are willing to pay more than others).
It might be worth considering hiring an assistant so that you can focus on doing only one thing at a time.
Determine Who You Don’t Want To Work With
It’s important to note that not all clients are the same. While many do ask for unreasonable changes and continuously reschedule projects, some are genuinely respectful and kind.
You may have had a great experience with a client who was willing to go above and beyond to ensure you were satisfied with the work done these are the people you should seek out when it comes time for your next gig.
It’s also important not to assume that every client is looking for something different from what you provide.
Just because one company asks for things that aren’t in your wheelhouse doesn’t mean that everyone else will, too!
It’s best just assume this isn’t true; otherwise, it could come back around and bite you later on down the road when someone else wants something outside of what they’ve gotten used to receiving from companies like yours before now (and vice versa).
Get Started On Some Side Projects
It’s not just about the money.
If you’re just starting out in an industry and have no experience, you need to build a portfolio of work that shows off your skills. Even if it’s not paid work, it will be helpful for getting more jobs in the future.
One way to do this is by taking on side projects or freelance jobs that allow you to grow as a freelancer while still working at your full-time job. This could mean doing something like building websites on the side or making some quick cash by cleaning houses after work hours.
The important thing here is that these projects are fun and different from what you’re doing every day at work but they also require some kind of skill that will help improve your profile as a professional when employers come looking through those profiles later on down the line!
Of course, there are other benefits besides just building up some experience: You may find something new about yourself through these side gigs you might even discover new passions!
If nothing else (and even if everything else), these experiences will help keep things fresh throughout long days spent indoors with only coworkers around…and maybe even give some perspective into why certain aspects of this industry aren’t quite right yet.
Build Up A Network By Getting Involved In Industry Organizations And Activities
The best way to find clients and build up your network is to get involved in industry organizations and activities. If you don’t know where to start, attend conferences and events like trade shows or meetups.
Join professional organizations such as the Association for Manufacturing Excellence or the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). Find local meetups on LinkedIn Groups that interest you.
Such as “Manufacturing Professionals Networking Group” or “Manufacturing Conversations” and don’t be afraid to share your ideas! You never know who will see it and how it might help them solve their problem or need.
You could also consider reaching out directly if you think someone in your network might be able to help you connect with potential clients. For example:
- Ask if they know anyone who hires freelancers like yourself
- Ask if they would mind introducing you around at their office
- Ask if they would mind introducing/connecting with other people within their network
Balancing freelancing with personal commitments, such as maternity leave, can be a challenging experience. Gain insights into how freelancing can impact your life during maternity leave by reading How Freelancing Affected My Life When I Was on Maternity Leave, and discover strategies to navigate this unique journey successfully.
Figure Out What Your Freelancing Niche Is Going To Be
So you want to be a freelancer? Great! But before you go running off into the world of freelance manufacturing, there are a few things that you should consider.
First, figure out what your freelancing niche is going to be. This might seem like an obvious thing; however, it can be quite easy to get overwhelmed with all of the different types of manufacturing jobs out there and let yourself get lost in the possibilities.
Instead of trying to master every type of manufacturing job out there (which would be impossible), focus on finding one or two specific niches where your skills and experience shine brightest.
For example: Let’s say that I’m really good at building wood furniture from scratch using my own designs and models but hate working with metal or plastic materials that don’t leave me with many options when looking for work as a freelance carpenter!
However, if I hone my skill set down further by focusing specifically on making custom cabinets for kitchens or bathrooms then suddenly all those other potential clients become available to me because they know exactly what they want but don’t necessarily have the time or skills required themselves!
Charge Enough For Your Services To Make It Worth Your Time And Energy
As a freelancer, you have to be willing to charge what you’re worth. If you want to make it in this industry, don’t just accept whatever work comes along charge a fair price for your services, and turn down the projects that don’t meet your standards.
And by all means, don’t cry poverty when you’ve got a good thing going on!
The bottom line is that if you want to make it in this field, charging a fair price should be enough motivation for most people.
The challenge lies in determining what counts as “fair.” It’s not just about what other people are charging; it’s also about making sure your clients are happy with the results they get from working with you (and vice versa).
Don’t Let Past Failures Define Who You Are And What You Can Accomplish
In a previous chapter, I mentioned that failure is inevitable. There will be times when your work doesn’t meet expectations or the client is dissatisfied with your performance.
This can be painful to deal with, especially if this has happened before. It’s easy to feel like every failed project is proof that you aren’t cut out for freelancing and never will be but this isn’t true.
Every failure teaches us something new about what works and what doesn’t work in our businesses, so don’t let past failures define who you are and what you can accomplish!
Don’t give up on yourself just because things didn’t go as planned from time to time; instead, learn from those experiences so they won’t happen again in the future!
Consider Working For A Company For A Little Bit Before Going Freelance Full-Time
Before going freelance full-time, consider working for a company for a little bit. This will allow you to learn the ins and outs of your industry, which is especially useful if it is one that you are not familiar with.
It also gives you the chance to make connections with people who can help you when it comes time to go out on your own. Finally, it provides some income while giving yourself time to think about what type of freelancing jobs might be right for you.
Are you passionate about the manufacturing industry and eager to pursue a career as a freelance writer? Our comprehensive guide on How to Become a Freelance Writer in the Manufacturing Industry offers valuable insights, tips, and resources to help you break into this specialized field and establish yourself as an industry expert.
Expect Setbacks, Bumps In The Road, And Rough Patches Along The Way
It’s important to not let setbacks define you, and instead look for ways to bounce back. If a project goes sour, don’t let it get you down take the time to reflect on what went wrong, but then move on. You can always learn from your mistakes and do better next time.
In fact, one of the best things about being an independent contractor is that there are no rules saying that if you fail at something one way that it means you need to try again using the exact same approach.
That would be boring! Instead of trying something new every time something doesn’t go as planned (and sometimes even when it does), consider changing your game plan entirely – maybe just try another angle or take a different approach entirely.
Sometimes these changes will work out well; other times they won’t work out so well… but either way at least now you tried something new!
You Can Start Freelancing Now!
If you’re interested in getting into the freelance world, it’s better to get started right away. You don’t need to wait until you have a ton of experience under your belt and a portfolio that makes employers jealous.
You can start small and build up your business from there. Your first few clients might be smaller companies, but they’ll lead you to bigger ones!
You can also start with a few projects instead of one big project at a time if that makes more sense for you. A lot of freelancers work this way; they say something like “I’m only taking on three new projects per month” or “I won’t take on any new clients for at least six months.”
Regardless of how many clients or projects are involved in your hiring process, starting small will help keep things manageable until everything gets moving along nicely (and then maybe one day all those little jobs add up).
Learn from the mistakes of experienced designers-turned-freelancers and avoid common pitfalls on your freelance journey. Our article, 10 Mistakes I Made Freelancing as a Designer and How You Can Avoid Them, provides practical advice and actionable steps to help you thrive as a freelance designer while sidestepping unnecessary setbacks.
Conclusion
Freelancing is a great way to make money but it’s not for everyone. If you have the skills and personality traits necessary to excel in this field, then there are many ways that you can get started on your journey.
Our advice would be to start small with just one or two clients until you feel comfortable with how things work before scaling up your operations.
Remember that freelancing requires discipline, diligence, and desire from the top-down so if these qualities aren’t present within yourself or the people around you then it may not be worth pursuing at all (at least for now).
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to explore for further guidance and tips on freelancing:
12 Quick Tips for Aspiring Freelancers: Discover a concise list of practical tips to kick-start your freelancing career and set yourself up for success.
How to Start Freelancing: Top Freelancer Tips from Successful Entrepreneurs: Gain insights from successful entrepreneurs and freelancers on how to effectively start your freelancing journey and build a thriving freelance business.
From Humble Beginnings to a Booming Freelance Industry: 4 Tips: Explore the evolution of the freelance industry and learn valuable tips on growing your freelance business.
FAQs
What are the key benefits of freelancing?
Freelancing offers several benefits, including flexible working hours, the ability to choose your projects and clients, the potential for higher income, and the opportunity to work from anywhere.
How do I set my freelance rates?
Setting freelance rates can be challenging. Consider factors such as your skills, experience, industry standards, and the value you provide to clients. Research market rates and evaluate your costs to determine a fair and competitive pricing structure.
How can I find clients as a freelancer?
To find clients, utilize online platforms, professional networks, social media, and freelance job boards. Building a portfolio website, attending networking events, and seeking referrals from existing clients can also help you connect with potential clients.
How do I manage my finances as a freelancer?
As a freelancer, it’s crucial to manage your finances effectively. Set aside funds for taxes, create a budget, track your income and expenses, and consider using accounting software or hiring an accountant to streamline financial management.
How can I maintain a work-life balance as a freelancer?
Maintaining work-life balance as a freelancer requires discipline and boundaries. Set clear working hours, establish a dedicated workspace, prioritize self-care, and learn to say no to avoid burnout. Implementing time management strategies and maintaining a healthy routine can also contribute to a better work-life balance.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.