If you’re thinking about starting your own freelance business, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of things you need to do to get started. Whether you’re an expert in your field or have just been dabbling with freelance writing, you have to put time and effort into making sure your business runs smoothly and effectively. This list of the top 10 Do’s and Don’ts of freelancing will help you make the best decisions possible so that you can start earning money as quickly as possible!
1) It’s never too late
When you’re fresh out of college, it can be tough to step back into a classroom—it’s common to feel out-of-touch, or too old to learn. But with online classes, it’s never too late to take an undergraduate or graduate course: More than 40 percent of edX students are over 35, as are more than 20 percent at other MOOC providers.
2) Start with skills you already have
It can be tempting to start freelancing with skills you’re in love with, but it’s a smart idea to go after jobs that make use of your strongest abilities first. That way, if business doesn’t work out, you won’t have wasted time building up expertise in an area that you have no passion for. Use your strengths as a starting point.
3) Take action now
Identify what resources you’ll need to get started, whether that’s a little bit of savings or a special certification or credential. Decide how much time you can devote to freelancing at first. Is there anything that would get in your way once you start (like kids or another job)? Ask yourself if you can afford to take on new clients like online casinos in usa. Finally, is there anyone who could help coach you through some of these decisions?
4) Use your free time wisely
If you want to start freelancing, make sure that your schedule isn’t crammed with other commitments. Between work, family time, volunteering, studying, and any other obligations you may have—it can be difficult to find time for self-employment. To make sure it’s possible to begin freelancing while balancing all these commitments, make a list of what you can give up when starting out. Check them off one by one as you shift your schedule to free up some extra time for business hours.
5) Be prepared to work hard
A common misconception about freelancing is that it’s all about working from a hammock on a beach in Barbados. The reality is, for most people, it takes dedication to develop a client like reelsofjoy. It takes time to learn new skills, which requires you to constantly be on your toes learning new techniques. If you aren’t willing to do what it takes to make yourself indispensable as a freelancer, then stick with an office job.
6) Invest in your future self
Whether you’re working full-time or freelancing, saving for retirement should be one of your top financial priorities. But even if you’re in your late 20s or early 30s, there are ways to start putting money away. Establishing a Roth IRA or traditional IRA can help you set aside funds that grow tax-free until withdrawal. You can contribute up to $5,500 per year—and if your income falls under certain limits, more is allowed.
7) Network with others in your field
Whether you’re looking for a mentor, want to find collaborators on projects, or want to gain valuable insights from those who have worked in your industry before, it helps to know people. The more people you know who can speak knowledgeably about your chosen field (and who are located in different places around the world), the better off you’ll be.
8) Learn from your mistakes
Be prepared to learn from your mistakes. You won’t always be successful when you first start out. But, you can keep growing your skillset by identifying where you went wrong and figuring out how to improve going forward. Each failure is a learning opportunity that brings you closer to success. So don’t beat yourself up over making a mistake—instead, use it as an opportunity to figure out what works best for you next time!
9) Work on your marketing skills and mindset
As a freelancer, you’re not only responsible for providing a good product or service; you also have to be adept at marketing yourself and making sales. One way to set yourself up for success is by understanding that your marketing skills need to complement (not replace) your professional skills. In other words, it’s important that you know how to run a business as well as develop products—your entrepreneurial drive will help your marketing reach its full potential.
10) Have fun!
As a freelancer, you’re your own boss. Sure, you’ll have clients and deadlines to meet, but at least you won’t be forced to wear a tie if you don’t want to. Instead of saying I can’t, I have a meeting tomorrow morning, try saying Sure! What time? My treat!
