Difference between revisions of "Get a Freelance Job"
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#Consider the market. While most skills can be effectively monetized, you probably want to consider early on who ''needs'' particular skills. If you want to make freelancing your full-time job, you may want to pick a skill that you think a lot of people would be willing to pay for, or at least broaden the scope of what you are willing to do. Conduct a little research on the marketplace before you get started.<ref name="rf2">http://yourfreelancecareer.com/how-to-find-clients-and-market-your-freelance-business/</ref> | #Consider the market. While most skills can be effectively monetized, you probably want to consider early on who ''needs'' particular skills. If you want to make freelancing your full-time job, you may want to pick a skill that you think a lot of people would be willing to pay for, or at least broaden the scope of what you are willing to do. Conduct a little research on the marketplace before you get started.<ref name="rf2">http://yourfreelancecareer.com/how-to-find-clients-and-market-your-freelance-business/</ref> | ||
#*For example, strong academic writers may find work easier than an expert on 15th century German footwear. Consider how many people will need what you’re selling, and decide if you can broaden your scope. | #*For example, strong academic writers may find work easier than an expert on 15th century German footwear. Consider how many people will need what you’re selling, and decide if you can broaden your scope. | ||
| − | #Gather the materials you’ll need. Be ready to hit the ground running. If you are going to search for freelance writing gigs, make sure you have a reliable computer and Internet connection. If you’re a photographer, make sure you’ve got a camera. If you’re striving to be a freelance statistician, make sure you have the common software used in the field. Don’t expect to get hired if you aren’t prepared to get to work immediately. | + | #Gather the materials you’ll need. Be ready to hit the ground running. If you are going to search for freelance writing gigs<ref>https://www.airtasker.com/writing/</ref>, make sure you have a reliable computer and Internet connection. If you’re a photographer, make sure you’ve got a camera. If you’re striving to be a freelance statistician, make sure you have the common software used in the field. Don’t expect to get hired if you aren’t prepared to get to work immediately. |
#*You should be willing to invest into your business. Don’t forget the saying, “You’ve gotta spend money to make money.” | #*You should be willing to invest into your business. Don’t forget the saying, “You’ve gotta spend money to make money.” | ||
#Create a plan. Figure out a reasonable hourly rate. What are your competitors charging? Remember, as you gain more experience, you will be able to raise your hourly rate. Decide how many hours you want (or need) to work. Of course, once you start freelancing you will get a better idea of how quickly you work, how many hours certain projects will take, and how many projects you can realistically take on at once. However, going into this new job with a plan will help ensure that you aren’t strained for money or time as you are beginning.<ref name="rf3">http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/columnist/abrams/2014/09/19/small-business-freelancers/15817371/</ref> | #Create a plan. Figure out a reasonable hourly rate. What are your competitors charging? Remember, as you gain more experience, you will be able to raise your hourly rate. Decide how many hours you want (or need) to work. Of course, once you start freelancing you will get a better idea of how quickly you work, how many hours certain projects will take, and how many projects you can realistically take on at once. However, going into this new job with a plan will help ensure that you aren’t strained for money or time as you are beginning.<ref name="rf3">http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/columnist/abrams/2014/09/19/small-business-freelancers/15817371/</ref> | ||
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#*You need to be able to show your mentor that you’re committed to this endeavor. Make sure you have done your research and gathered your supplies before you reach out to someone. | #*You need to be able to show your mentor that you’re committed to this endeavor. Make sure you have done your research and gathered your supplies before you reach out to someone. | ||
#*Remember that they’re doing you a favor by helping you out. Show them gratitude and respect. Work hard to show them that you’re a worthy mentee. | #*Remember that they’re doing you a favor by helping you out. Show them gratitude and respect. Work hard to show them that you’re a worthy mentee. | ||
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=== Selling Yourself === | === Selling Yourself === | ||
#Develop your personal brand. Don’t forget that as a freelancer, you are your business, and you have to sell ''yourself'' to sell your product. Think about what makes you different from the competition. Are you witty? Are you particularly efficient? Do you have an impressive educational background? Whatever desirable traits you have, use them to your advantage.<ref name="rf5">https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2014/02/11/personal-branding-tips-freelancers/</ref> <ref name="rf4" /> | #Develop your personal brand. Don’t forget that as a freelancer, you are your business, and you have to sell ''yourself'' to sell your product. Think about what makes you different from the competition. Are you witty? Are you particularly efficient? Do you have an impressive educational background? Whatever desirable traits you have, use them to your advantage.<ref name="rf5">https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2014/02/11/personal-branding-tips-freelancers/</ref> <ref name="rf4" /> | ||
