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ARTICLES
[
Index
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You Want to be a
Freelancer? Here's How!
by Vishal P. Rao
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Six Figure Freelancer - I reveal quick-n-easy tactics that generate a 6-figure income by writing content online ...
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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.
Useful sites:
Elance.com
Guru.com
Allfreelance.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vishal P. Rao is the owner of
http://www.work-at-home-forum.com
, a fast growing online community of people who work from home.
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