Robin Lamb | Published 23 January 2023 | Updated 2 February 2023
Freelancing is a great way to use your skills and knowledge to make extra income without being tied to a specific company or job. With the proper preparation and attitude, you can experience many of the perks that come with freelancing, such as the freedom to pick your own hours and having more control over how you manage projects.
Explore Your Opportunities
When starting as a freelancer, figuring out which projects and clients are suitable for you can be overwhelming. Researching the market, competitors and ideal customers are essential to getting the best job opportunities. You should also create a portfolio to showcase your past work and establish yourself as a credible freelancer. Finally, use social networks like LinkedIn to build your network and meet potential employers or clients who need your skills.
Know the Benefits and Drawbacks
Being a freelancer comes with many benefits, such as having the freedom to pursue projects that interest you and being able to set your own rates. However, there are also drawbacks - you have to be very organised and have solid motivation to get work done without regular feedback from a supervisor. Freelancing also requires you to wear multiple hats, meaning you’ll need go-getter skills like self-promotion and sale skills to bring in clients and earn money.
Create a Customised Plan
Create a plan customised to your strengths and needs as a freelancer. First, determine what type of work you’re best suited for, how much time you can realistically commit to freelancing and what process works best for your work. Next, consider the areas where you need additional help. Ask friends or colleagues if they can suggest any subcontractors who could take on specific tasks like website design or content creation. Finally, use goal-setting tools to create timelines and measure progress on your projects so that you stay on track.
Determine What Tasks to Perform
Before embarking on a freelance career, you should identify the tasks you’re best suited to perform. Then, based on your experience, technical skill sets and educational background, consider the projects you might be interested in doing as a freelancer. Will it be web design? Content writing? Online consulting? It’s essential to assess your strengths and weaknesses to determine which tasks best suit your skillset and interests.
Develop Necessary Skills for Freelancing
In addition to identifying the types of projects you want to specialise in, it’s also essential to assess and develop the necessary skills for freelancing. For example, you’ll need to be proficient in working with modern technologies such as cloud computing, graphic design tools like Adobe Photoshop, office products like Microsoft Word and Excel, and more. Don’t have these skills? Invest time in learning them through online tutorials or college classes. Also, assess your writing and marketing skills - strong copywriting skills can set you apart from others competing for freelance work.