Freelancing

Freelancing is a term for workers who are self-employed and not necessarily committed to one employer.  The term is most commonly used in creative industries like art, design, video recording, and writing. You might also hear the term “independent contractor”.  This term is more common in technical fields like computer programing and web development. Each of these fields holds opportunity for a freelancer.

Why Freelancing

The reasons for choosing freelancing depend on your values and lifestyle choices.  According to a 2013 industry report, women choose freelancing primarily for scheduling flexibility. While men choose to freelance to allow the time to pursue a personal passion.

Freelancing has its drawbacks but, if your goal is to learn to manage the challenges of business, those drawbacks can be considered a learning laboratory.

• Freelancers must market themselves to maintain a steady work flow
• Freelancers must submit bids and estimates to cover cost and allow for profit
• Freelancers must pursue customers for prompt payment
• Freelancers must pay for their own benefits

These are all challenges faced by all business owners and learning to develop systems and practices to overcome these challenges is part of an important entrepreneurial education.

If you aspire to be an entrepreneur, starting by using your skill set as a freelancer is a great way to begin.  You will learn about the market, make contacts and find your way to creating systems that will make your work flow easier and more efficient.  Best off all, it is not hard or expensive to get started.

Start with a Skill

As a freelancer you will need to do something.  Review your skill set (see the tools in my book to help you with this personal assessment).  Once you’ve assessed your skills, think outside the box.  What can you do that someone else can not? You might be surprise at the kinds of projects others will choose to outsource.

Create a Brand

This step is about focusing on your market.  Do not try to be all things to all people.  Choose a market and focus on a need in that market. Once you have identified your customer, you can build a website that showcases your value to that niche in your market. Focus your social media and your message to address this market.  That is your brand.

Build a Portfolio

Show the world what you can do.  Create a notebook, online showcase, video or whatever works for your product to share with potential customers. Be proud and don’t be afraid to ask your satisfied customers to provide testimonials.

In the beginning you may need to work for little or nothing to create products for your portfolio but do not get stuck.  Build your portfolio and then start pitching to paying customers.

Start Pitching

If you have branded yourself correctly, you should know exactly who your customers are and where to find them.  Reach out.  Make this your priority.  One good suggestion is 10 before 10.  Pitch your services to 10 potential clients before 10:00 each morning. Consistency will grow your business.

Online Resources

If this idea interests you, you can begin by exploring the opportunities available on on-line job sites.

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