Interested in Freelancing? 5 Key Tips To Help You Set Up?
There is a lot to be said for becoming a freelancer. Especially in 2022. With more people than ever working from home, freelancing can seem like less of a daunting task. Between 2019 and 2020, there was an increase in freelancing. Due to the pandemic, current figures on the number of freelancers in the USA are unknown.
There is more to freelancing that simply working for yourself. It allows you the freedom to work more flexible hours.
Think you can make it work? Here are 5 tips on how to become your own boss and get your business up and running.
Tip 1- Plan
You won't always need a business plan. Especially if you aren't going to be applying for a loan, but you will need to make a plan if you are going forward with your freelancing.
This plan will involve fees as a starting point. What is the going rate for what you are offering? If you are a graphics designer, will you charge per hour or project? In your chosen area, how many freelance jobs are there?
Tip 2- Identify Yourself
So, you've got a plan, your finances are worked out. Now what?
Now comes the side that involves taxes! How will you register under the IRS?
This is an important step, and you must get it right for you and what you are offering. It can be worth talking to other people in the area you want to set up in. This will allow you to see what most people in your chosen profession are doing. As well as learning about how to keep track of invoices and finances. It will also allow you to see the pros and cons of freelancing in real life.
Tip 3- Assess and review
Starting up as a freelancer is daunting. Even if you know you are the best writer in the world. Or the best hairdresser. In short, you will only be able to get clients if your skills match their criteria. Are the skills that you are marketing up to standard? This is where an internet search looking at competitors' CVs can be invaluable.
Do they have your skills? Do your skills align? If not, it may be worth putting some extra time into training before going freelance. Do you also have the tools needed? Like a virtual office? Or a location to pick up business mail? Providers of these services like theworkstation.co.uk can be invaluable here.
Tip 4- Get Online
A key tip to starting as a freelancer is to get online.
A reputation, handing out business cards and recommendations will only get you so far. If you want to build your brand recognition and business, you need to have an online presence.
Tip 5- Work hard!
This sounds cliché but being a freelancer is hard work. It is much harder than working for an employer.
Jobs will rarely fall into your lap and if they do, you got lucky. You need to be out and about in the early months searching for clients, and not only clients, but good clients who will pay on time and are easy to work with.
Then you need to put in the effort to complete the tasks to a high standard.
There is more to freelancing that simply working for yourself. It allows you the freedom to work more flexible hours.
Think you can make it work? Here are 5 tips on how to become your own boss and get your business up and running.
Tip 1- Plan
You won't always need a business plan. Especially if you aren't going to be applying for a loan, but you will need to make a plan if you are going forward with your freelancing.
This plan will involve fees as a starting point. What is the going rate for what you are offering? If you are a graphics designer, will you charge per hour or project? In your chosen area, how many freelance jobs are there?
Tip 2- Identify Yourself
So, you've got a plan, your finances are worked out. Now what?
Now comes the side that involves taxes! How will you register under the IRS?
This is an important step, and you must get it right for you and what you are offering. It can be worth talking to other people in the area you want to set up in. This will allow you to see what most people in your chosen profession are doing. As well as learning about how to keep track of invoices and finances. It will also allow you to see the pros and cons of freelancing in real life.
Tip 3- Assess and review
Starting up as a freelancer is daunting. Even if you know you are the best writer in the world. Or the best hairdresser. In short, you will only be able to get clients if your skills match their criteria. Are the skills that you are marketing up to standard? This is where an internet search looking at competitors' CVs can be invaluable.
Do they have your skills? Do your skills align? If not, it may be worth putting some extra time into training before going freelance. Do you also have the tools needed? Like a virtual office? Or a location to pick up business mail? Providers of these services like theworkstation.co.uk can be invaluable here.
Tip 4- Get Online
A key tip to starting as a freelancer is to get online.
A reputation, handing out business cards and recommendations will only get you so far. If you want to build your brand recognition and business, you need to have an online presence.
Tip 5- Work hard!
This sounds cliché but being a freelancer is hard work. It is much harder than working for an employer.
Jobs will rarely fall into your lap and if they do, you got lucky. You need to be out and about in the early months searching for clients, and not only clients, but good clients who will pay on time and are easy to work with.
Then you need to put in the effort to complete the tasks to a high standard.
