8 Best tips for Freelancing
As freelancing has become an increasingly popular way to make money, many are questioning whether or not it’s a viable option for them. Freelancing can be very rewarding, but it does require that you treat it like a real job – it requires time management, organization, and focus. While some people might not have the discipline required to succeed, others do just fine with freelancing as their main source of income – in fact, freelancing can be pretty lucrative if you approach it correctly! Here are 8 Best tips for Freelancing.
1) Choose Your Skills
Being a freelancer, with everything you have at your disposal, you’re something of a wonder. That’s something that many people don’t really understand. Freelance work can cover all areas; you don’t have to be limited to a certain field or skill. When choosing the type of freelancing you’d like to pursue, you may want to consider which industries or skills are currently in demand. One of the best ways to find this out is to do some research on the web or to read up on current trends in employment.
You could also contact someone who has already done what you’re planning to do and ask them how they got started and what their experience has been like. Another option is to speak with friends and family members who might be able to offer insight into how they feel about your decision. Whatever you choose, remember that it’s okay if things don’t go exactly as planned—you’ll just need to adjust accordingly!
2) Know What you Want
The first step to becoming a freelancer is knowing what you want from your career. Do you want to work on-site? Remotely? Full-time? Part-time? Maybe you’re not sure exactly what you want, and that’s OK—but it’s still good to have an idea of what kind of flexibility and/or time freedom you might be seeking. Make sure you know how much money you need to make per month in order to live comfortably, as well as how much money you want (and can realistically expect) to make per hour. These are important numbers when deciding if freelancing is right for you.
3) Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
Now that you know what kinds of freelance work are out there, it’s time to focus on quality, not quantity. The best freelancers don’t apply for every project that comes along. Instead, they carefully consider their unique skillset and passions and then look for projects in their industry or niche. If a project doesn’t fit your skillset or interests, politely decline—not all gigs are worth pursuing. This can be tough at first (and it may be tempting to take just about any job you can get). Remember: your reputation is one of your most valuable assets as a freelancer. Start building an impressive portfolio now by choosing only jobs that will showcase your strengths. Give potential clients a reason to hire you again.
4) Take Advantage of Opportunities
When you’re freelancing, there are plenty of opportunities to do all sorts of things. The word opportunity is everywhere in that sense; it’s something to be grasped, grabbed, and pursued. The same goes for freelancers—you have an opportunity right now to take advantage of lots of great projects. Take time every day to pursue a new opportunity, whether it’s a way to make more money or find a new client. You never know what might come from making connections with people who can help your business grow.
5) Save Money by Avoiding Expensive Needs
It’s not a big secret. If you need something and can avoid spending money on it, you’ll have more money in your pocket. For example, if you want to make some extra cash with freelance writing, there are plenty of free resources available to help you get started (such as TALEEM). If you don’t need expensive software or computer equipment to get started freelancing, why spend money on them? Save that cash for something else!
6) Network in the Right Way
Networking is the most important key to success as a freelancer. However, networking in the wrong way can have serious consequences. Be sure to do it right. The best way to make connections and build relationships with potential clients is by attending local events. For example meetups and seminars. Try joining a local business association or Chamber of Commerce if you’re really ambitious. SAMAJ.pk also provides opportunities for work to freelancers.
Don’t forget that giving back will help you get ahead in the world of freelancing even more than attending workshops or conferences. If you want to take your freelance career seriously, then treat it like a real job: network with people who are already successful at what they do and learn from them.
7) Be Mindful and Don’t Give Up Easily
You’ll need to work a few different jobs before you find one that you’re happy with. If you can’t find one, try again, but don’t give up so easily. Feel free to ask the other members of your network or online community if they know any connections or are able to provide any recommendations. Be patient and persistent. And, don’t forget: even though it might take a while, it’s totally worth it in the end!
8) Go with the Flow
One way to make freelancing easier and more convenient is to go with the flow (of your income, that is). That doesn’t mean you should sit back and not try to make money—instead, go with the flow by setting a realistic budget for yourself. For example, if you expect to bring in $4,000 per month from freelance work, pay yourself $2,000 per month in salary.