So You Want To Be A Freelancer? Here's How!
By Vishal P. Rao
Not that long ago, freelancing was something people did mainly in larger metropolitan areas where
work for writers, artists, and other creative types was plentiful and easily accessible. Today, however, the
freelance landscape has dramatically changed.
For one, you can live practically anywhere in the world and still be able to maintain a successful
freelance career. Not to mention that the creative fields aren't the only areas where freelancing is popular any
more.
Today, accountants, trainers, computer technicians, etc. are all able to earn a living as
freelancers. Regardless of the freelancing field you are interested in, there are some important things you should
know that will help you get started and get successful.
Before we discuss those, however, we need to talk briefly about the pros and the cons of being a
freelancer. You need to know both sides before you make your decision so you truly understand what you're getting
into.
Freelancer Pros
1. You set your own schedule
As a freelancer, you get to determine what time you get out of bed and what time you turn in at night. You get to
decide how much vacation time you can afford to take this year and you can elect to skip work one afternoon to
spend time with your children.
2. You don't work for a boss
Even though you are answerable to your clients, they don't wield the same power over your life that a boss does.
Yes, they can fire you, but you can also quit working for them if things get too difficult.
3. You determine how much you earn
While a conventional job pays a set amount of money regardless of how hard you work (and in some cases how long you
work), freelancing allows you to make practically any amount of money that you wish because you determine how much
your services cost and how many jobs you take on at one time.
4. You are able to work from your own office
Whether you prefer working in a home office or renting space somewhere to do your business, you are in charge of
designing and maintaining your own comfortable office. You get to pick the people you work with. You get to pick
the type of computer, post-it notes, and bottled water that you use on a daily basis also.
Freelancers Cons
1. You can become overworked quickly
When you start working steadily as a freelancer, it becomes nearly impossible for you to truly take a vacation. You
have projects and clients that need your constant attention, so being gone or getting sick even for a day can put
you behind schedule.
2. You have to deal with clients who can be more difficult than bosses
Most of the clients freelancers work with are genuinely good people, but there are others out there that are not.
Every freelancer has probably been ripped off by a client at one time or another, even if they take steps to
protect themselves.
3. You don't have a steady income
Unless you have one or two truly constant streams of work, you can expect your income to fluctuate dramatically.
Some months you may feel like you struck the lottery while others may make you think you're heading for the food
stamp line, especially when you are starting out.
4. You don't have a way to separate work from home life
If you have a home office, you may find it difficult to recognize the difference between being at home and being at
work which means that while your watching television or eating dinner you may begin to feel like you're actually
still on the job.
As you can see, each positive has a negative aspect as well. However, many of these negatives can
be easily handled once you have experience as a freelancer, but to get to that point, you need to know how to get
started.
Find Something You Enjoy Doing
This is critical to your success. If you don't already have something in mind to do as a
freelancer, you need to be sure that you pick an activity that you truly love. Remember, you will be doing this
type of work every day. Also, the more you enjoy your work, the more passionate you are about it. Potential clients
will spot that passion and will be more inclined to work with you.
Save Some Money
Most freelancers actually start out as conventional 9-5 workers. In fact, many of them maintain
their full-time jobs in addition to their freelance work for the sake of a stable income, health insurance, or
other benefits. If you choose to go freelance full-time, however, you need to be sure to have a comfortable nest
egg in the bank. Most experts agree that you should have enough money in your savings to cover six months worth of
your basic necessities. If that sounds impossible, then try juggling some freelance work with your regular job for
awhile. Save up all of the money you earn from your freelance work and use that as your nest egg.
Start Finding Clients Today
One mistake that freelancers often make is that think they can only start networking and marketing
their services after they've gotten started. The truth is that if you're considering becoming a freelancer, now is
the time to start networking and marketing. Let people know that you are thinking about going solo and get their
reactions. Start building a database of possible job leads. In fact, you may want to line up some work beforehand
so you can be sure of having an income initially.
Be Prepared
Most potential clients will want to see references and/or samples of your work before they give you
a project. You need to have these prepared in advance. Don't wait until someone calls to possibly offer you a
project to get your portfolio in order or to line up some qualified references. Have those ready to dispatch as
soon as you get off the phone or finish the email.
Find an Accountant
The most difficult part of freelancing can be the handling the financial aspects: tracking
invoices, staying on top of bills, figuring your yearly taxes, etc. Unless you are already skilled in accounting,
you need to find someone to help you out with this from the beginning. It makes it much simpler for you and for the
accountant.
Start a Web Site
Use the Internet to your advantage. Create a professional-looking but simple web site advertising
your experience and your services, then place it on the Internet. It's one of the best ways of attracting new
clients.
These suggestions will help you start your freelancing career on the right foot, but the most
important key to your success will be your perseverance. If you give up easily or don't follow through with things,
you may never truly make it as a freelancer. You must be able to take rejection. You must be self-motivated, and
you must be persistent. Only then will you be able to experience firsthand all of the benefits of being a modern
freelancer.
So how does someone decide which home business is right for them? Research is the key by reading honest articles
from a variety of sources. This web site seeks to collect a host of ideas and opinions on a variety of
business ideas that your can read and assess for yourself.
Good luck - live long and prosper!
The Perfect Options Team
Warning: include(xcommentpro/Main.php): failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /freeola/users/8/3/sr0178438/htdocs/how-to-be-a-freelancer.php on line 304
Warning: include(): Failed opening 'xcommentpro/Main.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') in /freeola/users/8/3/sr0178438/htdocs/how-to-be-a-freelancer.php on line 304
|