How to become a Freelancer

Being a freelancer is a pivotal step that will take you to 180 degree turn, especially if you are coming from a regular 8-hour shift, with regular income, and a regular boss (someone who gives you a daily dose of circumscription of outputs and deadlines). But it is a step I dare took because this is an option that's more viable for me, being a mom of a third grader and a wife to an overseas worker. Let me take you to the journey that freelancers like me gets to trail. 

The crucial first 3 to 6 months

The first 3 to 6 months is the very decisive stage. Constructive mindset plays a very central role in both the way you work and think- this is the time when you must get a strong base of clients who will give you jobs. Get ready to invest mentally and financially.

 The 24/7 agenda

As a freelancer, you are your own business entity; something that you could not separate yourself from.  This means that if a job can’t be done within the regular hours of work, you must work extra hours to complete the task to beat the deadline. Simply put, you ought to work 24/7 if that’s what it takes to deliver your committed work.

 Plan ahead and commit to it

Not like a regular employee who only follows a built-in plan or schedule, as a freelancer, you are now the one to install your own work plan and see through it. And in planning, you must look at longer and viable time frames if you must meet all the due dates.

 Welcome new challenges

Your primary reason in shifting to a freelance-career is to do what you like or do best.  But it doesn't follow getting what you always want.  There are times when you need to do a project or a contract that are extremely difficult, or at times monotonous, only because it’s financially beneficial if you do so.

 Some clients are difficult

Uniqueness defines each individual. You must treat each of your clients based on what they need and how they need it, individually. Trust that not every one of them will approve of you. They might not like you, but make them love the job that you do for them. That's where the challenge is.

Good taste in the way you say things

You are your own front line. What you say and how you say it, will work for or against you.  So it’s best that you think well of what comes out of your mouth in answer to their queries or in any conversation that you'll have with your clients.  Your income depends on the way you market yourself. Treat your clients like kings.

Work longer but expect lesser

Part of your investment as a freelancer is to work for longer hours with less payment.  Primarily because some fixed paying clients will not pay for hours worked, but for the actual job you delivered to them. Good to know that there is a learning-curve in every job, which allows you to produce more output with diminishing time. That is what you will come up in the long run due to efficiency. Keep going.

Markets tend to either go up or go down

You cannot dictate how your market behaves. Just be prepared for whatever changes your niche might encounter.  Learn to be flexible.

Some people may not understand your freelance job

Most often, misunderstanding is the reason why most freelancers have problems with their family and friends. Don’t expect them to absorb outright the nature of your work. It will take a while. Meantime, do what you must in order to get yourself better prepared to deliver your commitment regardless of any conflict with people around you.

Learn the rules

 Prior to making decisions about your freelance business, learn first the rules and laws of the land. Various countries have diverse policies.  Learn them so much that you don’t offend anyone in the course of your job.

Know the tax and VAT rates in your country

Don’t stumble into any surprising tax or VAT rates in your country.  These things must come to your knowledge, first thing.  It was said that, “Ignorance of the law excuses no one.”  So better protect your business in knowing what dues to pay and at what rate.

Always have a contingency plan

Contingency plan is the answer to downtime period.  For any business to survive, it is a must to have a financial fall back.  When freelance project is good, learn to save a few for the times when business or projects are slow, when you get sick, or when a project is cancelled. 

Have a back-up plan when business is slow

When you have stagnant days, take it as the opportunity to have more time finding new projects and better your system. Take this time to prepare your business for the times when new projects will start coming,alongside the revival of old projects.

There are always many competitors

At a glance you’ll know that competitors from freelancer hubs are great too many.  This only signifies one thing:  Do not flop. You need to become proactive in keeping your clients exemplary satisfied in your work.  And you must better yourself every single day if you want to get better results than does your competition.

Be flexible

Odds are not always on your side.  At times, your clients may get to divert to other plans, get sick, reschedule conferences, or simply change mind.  You might either sulk or make quick adjustments yourself. Yield.

Freelancing is quite expensive

Just like any business, freelancing needs cash outlay.  When you gain a lot from it, save.  Because there will come a time when you need all your savings to get through the bad season.  Be extra ready.

When you make more per hour, more goes to expenses

Since your expenses, may it be variable or fixed, are ought to be paid by you, make sure that these are all fully covered with the amount you charge to your client. Although you are paid more for each hour of work than when you are a regular employee, keep in mind that your expenses grow bigger as you incur more hours working as a freelancer.

You ought to turn down other business offers

Learn to say NO to an offer.  That’s hard especially if the offer is indulging with the high rate and all.  This is important because working without play will drain your energy to a fault.  Strike a balance that will benefit your pocket without compromising your health.  A healthy freelancer will produce first-rate output, producing happy clients in return. 

Your personal events/projects are sometimes compromised

If someone has to pinch hit for you, it will be no less than you. You have no choice of sorts.  If someone has to give extra hours to complete a project on time, it will still be you.  This means that even your personal projects or events will have to take a back seat. 

Conclusion

Don’t get scared.  This writing is not constructed to give you that effect.  Otherwise, be open to the realization that freelancing is not a walk in the park.  It demands a total turn-around of mind-set, priorities, financial strategies, and physical energy.  You have to ready yourself.  Know your strengths and capitalize on them big.  Know your weaknesses and convert them to opportunities.  This article will save you all the headaches that unpreparedness could bring.

The challenge is always on how you battle the unnecessary.  Know your skills.  Market them. Plan well. Invest on them.  And deliver first rate output. That’s what a true good freelance customer service is all about. Set your priorities intact. It is important to have bonding and understanding time with your family.  Planning ahead and planning well will do the trick.  With your own determination and the support that you get from them, there’s no reason for you not to succeed in freelancing world.  Go ahead, indulge and take that first client!