Hello, and welcome! Are you an administrative assistant considering leaving your current job to work as a freelance administrative assistant? Congrats! This is an increasingly popular career path for many sector professionals, probably due to the growing demand for flexible working arrangements worldwide. It’s important to proceed with caution when deciding whether this career option is the right fit for you.
After all, the transition from working in an office as part of a company to working remotely and independently can be challenging. In this article, we’ll talk about some tips that will make this process easier and more successful.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Assess your skills and identify areas for improvement. |
| 2. Build a strong professional network to expand your opportunities. |
| 3. Create a compelling portfolio showcasing your experience. |
| 4. Establish clear pricing and billing structures for your services. |
| 5. Set up a dedicated workspace with the necessary tools and technology. |
| 6. Research and understand the market rates for freelance administrative assistants. |
| 7. Manage your time effectively and prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. |
| 8. Market yourself through a professional website and online presence. |
| 9. Utilize social media to share valuable content and engage with potential clients. |
| 10. Collaborate with other professionals and seek referrals to expand your client base. |
1. Develop Your Career Goals
If you’re thinking about becoming a freelance administrative assistant, it’s important to take the time to develop your career goals. These goals should be both long-term and short-term. Long-term goals could be building a name for yourself as the best in your region or even the country. Short-term goals will be milestones that will help you reach these long-term goals.
For example, a short-term goal might include finding your first client, while long-term objectives could be building a team of assistants who work with you on different projects. It’s also helpful to consider if your career goals align with your passion. While there may be more lucrative careers out there, finding what drives you will help keep going through all of the ups and downs that come with being an entrepreneur.
Mastering the top 14 skills is essential for anyone aspiring to be a successful freelance administrative assistant. Learn more about these skills in our comprehensive guide on being a successful freelance administrative assistant.
2. Find A Mentor
Having a mentor is a great way to learn more about the field and learn faster than you would on your own. A mentor has likely made many of the same mistakes and errors that you may be making now, so they can help guide you away from those. Mentors can also provide access to new opportunities and ideas, which can help you build your business in ways you hadn’t previously considered.
Finding an industry mentor is easier than it sounds. For starters, look at events that are held by industry groups or professional organizations in your area. Since these offer a chance for individuals with similar interests to meet and discuss work-related topics, it’s an ideal place to find someone who’s been where you want to go for some time now (and who might be interested in mentoring you).
3. Take An Online Course
There are two types of educational options for administrative assistants certification and a course:
Certification is a short-term training program that prepares you for a specific certification exam after you complete your studies. Certifications will help you learn certain skills for a specific career, however, they don’t offer the full breadth of administrative skills needed to thrive in this industry. Regardless of the path you choose, certifications can be beneficial for your career because it offers proof that you have been educated on specific systems and procedures.
Courses are something offered by universities or educational institutions which lead to a diploma or degree (usually an Associate’s Degree). These courses often take up to two years to complete but give students a well-rounded education in their chosen field of study. Some courses will also require students to do internships/job shadowing through private businesses within the community where they can gain on-the-job experience and apply what they learned in school.
By taking an online course, you can get the specialized training necessary to become an Administrative Assistant with minimal disruption to your daily life. The good news is, that there are plenty of accredited diploma programs available that focus specifically on Administrative Assistance studies:
Office Administration – General (Diploma); This program teaches students how to use computers at an advanced level while also learning other general office skills such as Microsoft Office applications and basic accounting practices.
Business Administration – Medical Office Assistant (Diploma); Medical Administrative Assistants need additional expertise when compared with general admin assistants. This course provides them with these added skills so they are capable of handling medical administrative work
4. Take Care Of Your Business Finances
Keep accurate records of your income and expenses. Set up a business bank account and Paypal account (PayPal is a way to get paid online). Pay estimated taxes quarterly (this means you’re paying taxes on the money you haven’t earned yet, but you know you will; ie, estimating what you’ll earn this quarter)
Hire a qualified accountant (someone who has the right training to help with accounting). Know the tax laws for your state (to avoid getting in trouble with the law or owing more than necessary). Keep a separate credit card for business expenses (so that it’s easier to keep track of them when tax time comes around). Keep track of mileage.
Discover the habits that highly effective administrative assistants possess and incorporate them into your freelance work. Our article on the habits of highly effective administrative assistants provides valuable insights to boost your productivity and success.
5. Get To Know Your Clients And The Market Where They Live
As a freelancer, you need to spend time and energy researching what your potential clients need. Create a list of potential clients who would benefit from using your administrative assistant services. Meet with these potential clients to identify their needs, wants, and expectations for an administrative assistant they would hire on a freelance basis.
Analyze your competitors by looking at the services they offer and the prices they charge for those services. Make sure that you can offer something different from what is already available in the market where your potential clients live and work.
For example, if other administrators do not use their skills as a business writer to create newsletters or write marketing copy for their clients, you should make this part of your suite of offerings to be different from those other professionals working in the same area as you are located or online through social media or freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
6. Learn Legal Requirements For Freelance Administrative Assistants
It is important to learn the legal requirements for freelance administrative assistants, as you will need to know what is required in your country and understand tax requirements. Additionally, if you are working for clients in a different country than where you live, or if your client has a headquarters in another country, you will want to make sure that you are up-to-date on the legal requirements of both countries.
7. Decide On Pricing Models That Suit You
What pricing models are available when you’re charging for your services?. Most people will either pay by the hour or by the project, and it’s important to communicate clearly with them about which model you’ll be using.
There’s no right answer to this question, but it’s wise to make sure that you and your client are on the same page regarding whether they’ll be paying a flat rate for a project or an hourly rate for all work done. If you’re not sure how to set your price, ask around.
Find out what other freelance administrative assistants in your area are charging, and adjust accordingly depending on whether you have more experience than them (in which case you should charge more), less experience than them (in which case consider lowering your price), or about the equal experience as them (in which case feel free to charge the same).
You can also talk with friends who are business owners and ask what they think is fair compensation based on their experiences hiring freelancers.
Efficient workflow management is crucial for freelance administrative assistants. Explore our tips and strategies in our guide on managing your workflow to optimize your productivity and ensure smooth operations.
8. Build And Manage Your Time Effectively
Get a time tracking app. I use toggle, which is free, and it makes my life so much easier. I’m able to see how long I spend on different projects, so when it comes time to invoice clients, I just multiply the number of hours by my hourly rate.
Create a clear routine for yourself if you’re working from home. This can be as simple as getting dressed in the morning like you’re going to an office, or having a designated space in your home that’s only for business purposes (e.g., no eating at your desk).
Try your best to build up a habit of starting work at the same time each day. If you don’t have any meetings scheduled yet (or even if you do), make yourself sit down and do something work-related when it’s time to start working. When you schedule client meetings for specific times each day, this will become easier but until then, it could be difficult to stay motivated when there aren’t any hard deadlines keeping you accountable.
Make lists of tasks that need to get done each day/week/month/whatever works best for your schedule and workflow style. For example, I like making weekly checklists on Sunday evenings with all of the things I’d like to accomplish during the week so that I can prioritize what needs my attention most urgently and quickly break large projects into smaller pieces if necessary (otherwise they can be overwhelming). It also helps me feel accomplished whenever something gets crossed off”
9. Create Contracts Before Work Begins
Because you’re going to be working on a freelance basis, it’s important to have contracts that clarify the scope of your work and determine how much you will be paid. You can do this by including details such as:
- The specific services you’ll provide
- The price for each service rendered
- How long the project will take
These should all be spelled out in clear language, so there is no confusion about your job duties or responsibilities.
10. Build And Maintain A Network Of Other Freelance Administrative Assistants
Many aspects of transitioning from a full-time administrative assistant role to a freelance one can be difficult, but it’s important to remember you’re not alone. Networking with others in the field is an excellent way to share resources, meet potential clients, or find inspiration for your business practices.
You can build your network by attending industry conferences and events or by joining professional groups online. To maintain your network, try sending an update email once every few months that includes new developments in your business (for example, how many new clients you have) as well as any specific requests you may have at the moment (for example, if you’re looking for more work).
If possible, try to offer something of value each time you reach out so that others in your network are more likely to respond when you reach out again. For example, instead of just asking if they know anyone who needs help with their admin tasks, also offer some actionable advice on how they might improve their operations or client outreach even if it’s just sharing a link or two to helpful articles.
This will not only help them be more productive but show that you’re willing to invest time and effort into helping others succeed too.
Identifying signs of a bad freelance administrative assistant is important for maintaining quality and professionalism in your work. Check out our article on 13 signs you are working with a bad freelance administrative assistant to avoid potential pitfalls and ensure positive client experiences.
11. Develop And Master Required Skills
The most frequently used software systems for freelance administrative assistants are Microsoft Office Suite, Google Apps, cloud computing, and QuickBooks. If you are comfortable using these programs, you will be able to offer more services to your clients than if you were not familiar with them.
If you do not have sufficient knowledge of these programs or others your client may use (again, ask during the interview), there are many resources available online to help you learn how to use them effectively and efficiently. Take advantage of them.
12. Create A Website Or Blog
Create a website or blog that describes the services you offer, what sets you apart from other freelancers and your fee schedule. Your website will be the first impression of your services, so it’s important to get this right. You also want to make sure that you can easily update your site.
I suggest using a simple platform like WordPress. Your domain name should be simple and easy to remember, ideally with your name in the URL or something similar. Also, be sure to include a blog on your site where you can write about your industry and connect with potential clients by providing helpful information for free.
One thing that is often neglected on websites of freelancers is their fee schedule. I think it’s important for clients to know what they are paying for and make sure that the cost is worth their money (and time).
Before diving into the freelance administrative assistant role, it’s essential to evaluate your readiness. Our article on how to tell if you’re ready to be a freelance administrative assistant provides valuable insights and self-assessment questions to help you make an informed decision about pursuing this career path.
13. Network In-Person With Other Professionals
Network in person with other professionals such as attorneys, accountants, social media strategists, interior designers, and realtors. Though this is important to do online as well, in-person networking allows you to interact with people face-to-face. Doing so also exposes you to people who may not be on Twitter or LinkedIn yet, but are still active in your community.
In terms of events that require a fee to attend, consider the following:
- Workshops for freelancers: These events give you the chance to ask questions about being a solo operator and make personal connections with those who are already succeeding at freelancing in your field.
- Trade conferences for your industry: This is the more expensive option, but it allows you to meet potential clients (or their bosses) and network with other professionals in general. If possible, try volunteering at these events so that you can get into them without spending money.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve finished this series on successfully transitioning to a freelance administrative assistant role, I hope you feel more confident in your ability to make this change and succeed in your new career. There are many benefits associated with becoming a freelance administrative assistant, such as increased flexibility and schedule control, the opportunity to work remotely, and the ability to choose your clients.
Upon starting your new career, it’s important to develop an effective system for managing tasks and communicating effectively with clients so you can maintain long-term relationships with them. Being a self-employed administrative assistant also means that you need to be prepared for the tax implications of being your boss.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to further explore the topic of transitioning to a freelance administrative assistant role:
Easy Transition from Full-Time to Freelance: Discover practical tips and insights for a smooth transition from full-time employment to freelancing.
Starting a Freelance Business as an Administrative Assistant: Gain valuable advice and guidance on how to start your freelance business as an administrative assistant, including building your client base and managing your finances.
Career Transitions for Executive Assistants: Explore different career transition options for executive assistants and learn about the skills and steps needed to make a successful shift.
People Also Ask
How Do I Become A Freelance Administrative Assistant?
One way is to work as an administrative assistant at a company, which will help you build the experience you need for this role. This approach can provide initial benefits, like salary and health insurance. You might also gain access to training opportunities.
How Do I Start A Freelance Administrative Assistant Business?
To start your own business, it’s important to have a plan in place and some basic knowledge of bookkeeping and taxes. An alternative option is to join an existing organization that requires your skills, such as a staffing agency for temporary workers or an online marketplace for freelancers.
How Much Do Freelance Administrative Assistants Charge?
Rates vary by project and most projects are paid hourly. If you’re bidding on projects yourself, check out similar listings on job boards and marketplaces to see what other people are charging so you don’t under-value your work.
How Do You Become A Freelance Administrative Assistant?
You become a freelance administrative assistant by learning what they do and finding ways to perform those duties wherever you can be it in an office or your own home. You could even serve as an assistant to multiple people at once and manage their schedule in that way.
How Much Does A Freelance Administrative Assistant Make?
Freelance Administrative Assistants usually charge an hourly rate, which can vary widely depending on their specialties and experience. More experienced assistants typically earn more per hour than newer assistants, but many other factors come into play when determining how much any given person should make for their services.
Of course, the most important thing is being able to provide value for your clients so that they see the benefits of employing you rather than handling everything themselves or hiring someone else. If you’re interested in becoming a freelance administrative assistant, you should research what others charge to gauge where would best place yourself within that range based on your skill level and expertise.
What Are Some Examples Of Administrative Assistant Duties?
Several different types of tasks may fall under “Administrative Assistant” duties: answering phones/text messages/emails; filing paperwork; scheduling meetings with clients/staff members; taking notes during meetings or phone calls; transcribing audio recordings into written documents such as memos or legal briefs (typing speed will affect how long it takes them to complete this task).
Preparing presentations/spreadsheets with information gathered from interviews with employees etc., as well as providing feedback when necessary (such as pointing out errors) before sending them off for final approval from management).
Creating spreadsheets containing relevant data about finances, sales figures, etc.; maintaining databases containing customer contact data like names/email addresses; taking care of minor issues on behalf of bosses when needed (such as printing out documents). A Freelance Administrative Assistant can also take care of other tasks that don’t necessarily fall under “Administrative Assistant
What’s The Difference Between A Freelancer And An Independent Contractor?
A freelancer is someone who works for multiple companies or clients at the same time. They’re self-employed and own their business, as they only work with clients on a project basis. An independent contractor is hired by a client to complete a specific project.
Think of them as self-employed, but working for just one client, who may have them on retainer. They’re not employees of the company; they’re independent contractors who are responsible for paying their taxes and benefits. An administrative assistant does similar tasks (scheduling meetings, answering phone calls, etc.), but works for one employer rather than many different businesses or clients
How Much Do Freelance Administrative Assistants Make?
The average salary for freelance administrative assistants with less than 2 years of experience ranges from $12-$45 per hour, depending on the type of work or industry you’re seeking employment in (such as real estate or information technology).
This means that it can take some time before your income increases to an acceptable level if you decide to become an assistant without any prior experience in this field. With experience comes higher pay rates; therefore, you must find your first few jobs through reputable sources such as LinkedIn or Monster Jobs so that people will trust your skills enough to hire you.
If possible try getting some referrals from friends/family members before starting on your own because referrals go further than anything else when it comes to finding work.”
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.