Becoming a Freelancer – Understanding What That Means
So, you have thought about becoming a freelancer, well let me take a moment to share some of what I have learned thus far in my journey. I have been a career freelancer for quite some time now and I get asked frequently about what I do and how I got into this type of work. Well, I have busted my ass to get where I am today. I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to be a freelancer. While that thought was always appealing to be my own boss without really having to deal with all of the bullshit that goes along with being a “boss”, it was work to get here. So, here it goes…here are some of my freelancing tips based on my personal experience.
Becoming a Freelancer – Things to Know
You Have to Start Somewhere
Your start most likely will take place by working a full-time job AND taking on additional freelance projects as you can find them. When I first started freelance work it was just a side gig as the work was not steady and when I first started the work was very very hard to find.
Finding Work Can be Tough
While this is not meant to deter you from living your dream as a freelancer, know going into it, getting your start is going to be tough. Finding your first clients is probably the hardest since you don’t have the freelance experience yet and you are pretty much relying on someone taking a chance on you. Also, if you don’t have a super huge circle of professional contacts you might be relying on cold calling/emailing potential clients.
Initial Work is Less Than Ideal
The expression goes, “Beggars can’t be choosers”, that is completely accurate with a new freelancer. Take the work even if it is not necessarily something you love to do. Work on building that portfolio one project at a time. Anything is better than nothing when you are first starting. Honestly, even to this day I still will take on projects that are less than riveting. For example, I just completed a project in which I went through thousands of files and properly named and organized them, can we say yawn? However, it allowed me to work with a new client, grow my portfolio, and make some dough!
Bending Over Backwards
That work experience is so valuable that you will likely find yourself bending over backward initially to keep those oh so valuable clients. Trust me…my first big client, I did anything and everything they asked of me or needed. Even if it was totally outside my scope of expertise, I would figure it out for them. Looking back on it I cannot believe the hoops I jumped through for them, but in reality, this large client was directly responsible for helping me land more and more clients due to building up my freelance portfolio.
Get Ready to Kiss Some Client Booty
As a new freelancer, you need to be ready to kiss some client ass – at least initially. Once you grow you can better set boundaries and be more selective with clients – so keep in mind this ass-kissing mentality is only temporary!
Income is Not Steady
In the beginning, this is true. Freelancing is wonderful, but at the very beginning, it will be hard to rely on it as your sole income. Be prepared to simultaneously hold a more stable income job while pursuing your freelance career. Not to scare you, but unless your clients are locked into a contract, which for normal freelance projects they are not, they can cut ties with you at any time. Yikes! That means that the income you have been relying upon them is poof! Gone in a flash! Set yourself up for success by always having a backup income plan.
Finding Work
In the beginning, I did a lot of direct reach out online and in person. I initially picked an industry of interest and pursued clients in that industry. For me initially, that was bars and restaurants. Which in retrospect is funny, because I am very hesitant now to work with these types of clients.
Anyways! I would do research on the businesses and their online presence. Then, I would then reach out with a case to present. Showing them why they needed me and what I could offer them. I would do this most frequently online. However, if I could meet with a manager onsite I would prefer to do it in person. Be prepared it is not easy to get someone to give you some of their time to chat in person.
Take Home Message to Becoming a Freelancer – Get Ready to Take The Leap
Sometimes in life you just have to take that leap of faith and hope things work out for the best. Like anything worthwhile in life it will be work and you may fail. You never know if you don’t try! Get ready to hustle!