When my grandfather was a young man, he hoped to publish a book. He saved his money up and self-published his own first print run it was the 1950s and he had to resort to using carbon paper for multiple copies and then he took it out on the road.
He drove around in his truck selling copies of his work at farmers’ markets, supermarkets, churches, and whatever venue would have him. It wasn’t easy, but it was brave.
Today’s freelancers are continuing that tradition. In an economy where jobs are scarce and more people than ever want to be independent, they’re looking for ways to earn a living as their boss.
My grandfather couldn’t have done what he did today with the tools available to modern freelancers and that’s good news! Freelancing is on the rise and even traditional employers are recognizing its value.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Freelancers are on the rise and significantly impacting the workforce. |
| The freelance industry offers opportunities for flexible and independent work. |
| Freelancers contribute to changing traditional work dynamics and policies. |
| Adapting to the freelance trend can benefit both individuals and businesses. |
| Understanding the skills and traits required for successful freelancing is crucial. |
| The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the growth of the freelance market. |
| Embracing freelancing can lead to personal and professional growth and fulfillment. |
| Freelancers should continuously update their skills and stay informed about market trends. |
| Building a strong network and reputation is vital for freelancers’ success. |
| Employers and organizations can leverage freelancers to access specialized talent. |
| Governments and policies need to adapt to support and protect freelance workers. |
Ditch The 9-To-5
We all know that life is short, and time is precious. Why spend your days in a cubicle or office when you could be working from anywhere?
If you’re thinking about taking the plunge and becoming a full-time freelancer, here are some tips to help make it happen:
Work from home: Starting as a freelancer can be difficult because it’s hard to justify spending money on office space when you’re not making any yet.
The solution? Working from home! If possible, try to find an affordable apartment with good Wi-Fi connections and room for your laptop.
My favorite place in New York City is WeWork (https://www.wework.com). They have locations all over town with great amenities like coffee shops and common areas where other people work on their laptops too.
Which makes them perfect for remote workers who want to go out of their way for some face time with coworkers but don’t want anything too serious like joining one company over another (and being stuck there).
Take advantage of coworking spaces: Many cities offer shared office spaces where there’s no limit on how many hours each month members can pay “rent.”
This means if you only need three days per week at $100/day but only use two of those days every month then they’ll still charge $600/month instead of $700 saving your wallet some cash!
After all these years of working online freelance jobs myself, I’ve found nothing better than meeting up with other entrepreneurs who share similar interests while brainstorming ideas together;
It helps keep me motivated while keeping costs down at the same time
Building a successful freelancing career requires understanding what freelancing is and what it isn’t. Check out our comprehensive guide on what freelancing is and isn’t to gain clarity and set yourself up for freelancing success.
Use Your Laptop And Mobile For Work Or Find A Space That Fits You And Your Work Style
Now that you have your laptop, you need a place to work.
You’ll want to find a quiet space that has good wifi and comfortable lighting. You might also want it to be near a coffee shop, gym, or restaurant for some variety in your day.
Or maybe you like being in parks or green spaces; if so, look for spots close by!
You Might Have To Do Stuff That Is Not Always Fun And Exciting But Try To Love Doing It Anyway
This is a fun job, and it’s easy to think that you’re going to just have fun all the time. But it’s not like that. There are a lot of things that aren’t fun or exciting, but which have to be done anyway.
For example, if your company has been told by the government that they need to pay taxes on their earnings, then they will probably give you some paperwork to fill out so they can do this.
This can be boring and frustrating, but try not to get frustrated; just do it as fast as possible without making mistakes so you don’t get fired or fined!
There are also times when other people will ask for things from us at work things like help with their projects or advice about how best to proceed with theirs and while we’d love nothing more than say “No problem!”
These requests may take up precious hours away from our current tasks during which no progress would be made anyway (unless those tasks were themselves somehow related).
However annoying these distractions might seem at first glance though
Build Something With Your Own Two Hands
This is a big one. If you want to build your own business, you need to learn how to do something with your own two hands.
The learning process can be frustrating and tiring, but you must keep at it until you have a solid understanding of the craft.
This will not only help you carve out your niche in the market, but also give people an incentive to buy from you.
Here are some tips on how to learn:
Pick up a new skill and make something out of nothing (with some guidance). There are plenty of online courses that teach people how to build things like furniture or websites using basic materials like wood and metal screws.
They’ll show exactly what tools they used and why they chose those specific ones over other options available on the market today, so there’s no guesswork involved when making decisions about which material choices will work best for certain types of projects!
Consider taking classes at community colleges instead because they usually cost less than university courses while still offering high-quality education from professional instructors who specialize in teaching students about their chosen topic area(s).
You could also ask friends who already know what kind of work needs doing before deciding if this would be worth spending money on…or maybe there’s someone else who needs help getting started?
That way everyone wins!
The rise of freelancing has greatly impacted the face of remote work. Discover how freelancing is changing the landscape of remote work in our informative article on how freelancing is changing the face of remote work.
Don’t Be Afraid To Say That You’re A Writer, Artist, Photographer, Designer, Or Whatever Else You Are
If you’ve been doing it for a while and have built up some experience, practice your craft with pride and ensure that it shows in your work.
You don’t have to have an impressive portfolio yet: just make sure that when someone sees your work they see someone who knows what they’re doing (and if they don’t see that?
It’s time to look at where you need to improve). Don’t undersell yourself!
It may seem like common sense but this is something so many people struggle with: on the internet especially.
It’s easy for freelancers (or “solopreneurs” as we call ourselves) to feel intimidated by the competition and how quickly everything changes.
But here’s the thing: there will always be others out there who can do what we do better than us; there will always be people who charge less than us; there will always be people who want more from their freelancing career than us.
The only way we can set ourselves apart is if we are confident in our abilities as freelancers and proud of our work as well as our goals for success at what we do.
Don’t Undersell Your Services
When you’re starting, it’s tempting to price your services at rock bottom. You may think that the more people you can take on as clients, the better. But this is a mistake.
First of all, if your rates are too low, you won’t be able to devote yourself fully to each client and their needs.
They’ll start asking for freebies (and when they do me you’ll be happy to give them) or expect you to work late hours or weekends without pay when it’s related to their business but not yours.
They’ll also start thinking of ways that they can get away with paying less than what they agreed upon without getting caught by others in the industry who might know what they’re doing wrong (or right).
This can lead down a slippery slope towards resentment and distrust between yourself as well as any other freelancers/people working closely together on an ongoing basis within this field (which could include web designers, and copywriters).
Secondarily: there’s no way around it: charging higher rates means fewer clients overall; however there are two different ways this affects us negatively depending upon which side we’re looking at individually:
Either because we end up having less work available each month due to lower demand among customers who aren’t willing/able enough yet ready for much higher prices on various fronts including cost-effectiveness versus quality workmanship needed etcetera…then again maybe not!
Perhaps instead our workload might increase slightly because now only a select few individuals within certain industries know about us specifically whereas before everyone did.
But only because lower prices attracted them…so therefore these higher-priced jobs won’t necessarily mean less overall income per month from all sources combined despite the fewer total number
Figure Out Who You Want To Work With And Attract Them
To figure out who you want to work with and attract them, think about what your ideal clients look like.
What do they need? How much are they willing to spend? Are they open to working remotely or do they want someone on-site?
Once you’ve answered these questions, put together a plan for attracting the right client. The more specific and detailed your plan is, the better chances you have of finding clients that fit into it.
If you’re looking at freelancing as an option rather than a permanent change in your career, try using sites like Upwork and Freelancer.com where there are thousands of potential clients looking for help from freelancers just like us!
Are you a college student looking to earn money while pursuing your studies? Learn effective strategies for making money as a freelancer while in college by checking out our practical tips in the article how to make money freelancing while in college.
Don’t Compete On Price Alone
When it comes to your rates, don’t be afraid to charge more. You might be tempted to compete on price alone, but you should keep in mind the value you bring to your clients.
And when I say that, I don’t mean the hours spent doing work or how many people you can assign tasks to I mean your ability to make sure that a project gets done right and on time.
If you’re not adding value by being extremely organized and efficient, then there are plenty of freelancers who would be happy to work for less than they’re worth (and probably won’t complain about it).
So if you know that going into a project will take twice as long as other people because of the way you work, charge accordingly!
If someone wants better quality work or faster turnaround time or an easily-accessible medium for communication throughout the process…ask them what their budget is before beginning a collaboration so that everyone knows where they stand from day one.
Get Creative About The Value You Add For Clients
In today’s market, you have more power than ever to get creative about the value you add for clients. What can you do that is unique? What can you do that is different? What can you do that is better? What can you do that is more, and how will it be more efficient?
If your client has a problem and wants a solution, what’s your angle on solving it? If they need something built from scratch but are short on time or resources.
How would an outside service like yours help them save money or time by providing the right expertise promptly and at an affordable rate?
Stand Out From The Crowd With Standout Imagery And Marketing Materials
For you, the freelancer, it’s important to have a logo and website that represent your brand.
It’s also important to be on social media to invite people into your world and give them an idea of what they can expect from working with you.
You might want to create a portfolio where clients can see your best work.
And it’s a good idea to have an email newsletter where you share timely information about what’s happening in your field so that potential clients can get excited about who they could hire.
Make Social Media Work For Your Business, Not Against It
Social media can be a great marketing tool for freelancers. You can use it to promote your work, connect with other freelancers and potential clients, and even find new projects.
One of the easiest ways to market yourself is by posting pictures of your completed projects on Instagram or Facebook.
Your social media accounts should also include some kind of description of what you do; this will help potential clients understand what they’re getting into when they hire you!
It’s also important that these descriptions be short you don’t want to overwhelm them with information about every project that’s ever crossed your desk!
Developing critical freelancing skills is key to achieving success in the competitive freelance market. Explore our detailed insights and recommendations for acquiring and honing essential freelancing skills in our article on critical freelancing skills for success.
Give Back By Creating Free Resources That Show Off Your Skills And Knowledge (And Don’t Forget To Blog!)
Once you’ve gotten some experience under your belt and are ready to take on clients, consider giving back by creating free resources that show off your skills and knowledge.
You’ll be helping other people in the same position as you and building up a portfolio of work. Don’t forget to blog! Blogging is an important part of any freelancer’s marketing strategy.
In addition to being a valuable way for clients (and potential employers) to get to know you, blogging can also help you connect with other writers in your niche who will want to work with you later down the road.
Think Beyond The Obvious When It Comes To Your Freelance Services Be Prepared To Pivot If Necessary
When you’re thinking about what you can offer freelance clients, don’t just think of your services as a collection of skills and experiences think of them as a way to build a reputation for being a specialist or generalist in your field.
You can choose to be a specialist and focus on one thing that you do well, or you can choose to be a generalist and work with clients on multiple projects.
This is an important decision because it will affect how people see and react to you when they come across your online presence.
Consistency Is Key When It Comes To Building A Successful Business
Consistency is key when it comes to building a successful business. If you’re not consistent with your work, marketing, branding, and business model you won’t see the results you want.
It’s important to be consistent in all areas of life: health, fitness and personal relationships are just as important as finances. If one area of your life isn’t working out for whatever reason it will affect other areas as well.
Freelancing Is The New Normal
That’s why we’ve created a guide to help you along your way as a freelancer and to show you that there are tons of benefits to working independently.
Freelancing is good for everyone from young millennials just starting in their careers and older professionals looking for some time off from the office, all the way through to retirees who have been forced into it by the recession.
And if you’re not quite sure what type of project or role would best suit your skillset, don’t worry: we’ve got a few ideas below!
Are you an agriculture major seeking part-time freelance opportunities? Discover the best part-time freelance jobs suitable for agriculture majors in our informative article on the best part-time freelance jobs for agriculture majors. Learn how to leverage your skills and knowledge in the agriculture industry to earn income through freelancing.
Conclusion
We are slowly building a new economy. A gig economy that is allowing us to live the life we want. We can take our laptops with us on vacations and not miss a beat.
We can work in our pajamas if we so choose, and we do not have to deal with annoying coworkers or bosses who make jokes about how much time we spend on Facebook (or whatever platform it may be).
The world has changed for freelancers over the last few years because of technology, but also because people are starting to value their time more than ever before. The future looks bright for freelancers everywhere!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to explore for further reading on the topic of freelancing:
The High-Value Freelancer in the New Work Order: Discover the characteristics and strategies of high-value freelancers in the evolving work landscape.
The Freelance Phenomenon: Changing Policies of a New Workplace: Learn about the growing trend of freelancing and how it is reshaping workplace policies.
How the Coronavirus Has Changed Freelancing: Explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on freelancing and the shifts it has brought to the freelance industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Freelancer?
A freelancer is someone who works for multiple clients. They have the freedom to choose their schedule and set their rates, which allows for more flexibility than in traditional work environments.
Why Do People Choose To Become Freelancers?
Some people want to spend more time with their families, while others are looking for a way to be location-independent.
Other people want to be able to take on smaller projects before they can land larger jobs or develop their skills further. It’s also a great way to get started in your field if you don’t have much experience yet!
How Can I Become A Freelancer?
There are many online platforms that connect businesses with freelance workers. Check out our website for some recommendations!
How do I get started as a freelancer?
To get started as a freelancer, you can begin by identifying your skills and target market, creating a portfolio or website to showcase your work, and actively seeking out clients through networking and online platforms.
How do I determine my freelance rates?
Setting freelance rates involves considering factors such as your skill level, industry standards, market demand, and the complexity of the project. Researching industry rates and conducting a cost analysis can help you determine appropriate pricing.
How can I find clients as a freelancer?
Finding clients as a freelancer can be done through various methods such as networking events, online freelancing platforms, social media marketing, referrals from previous clients, and building a strong online presence through a professional website or portfolio.
How do I manage my finances as a freelancer?
Managing finances as a freelancer involves setting aside funds for taxes, keeping track of expenses and income, creating a budget, and considering options for retirement savings and insurance coverage. Seeking professional advice from an accountant or financial planner can be helpful in managing freelancer finances effectively.
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.