Being a freelancer can be an exciting and rewarding experience. But it can also be daunting and overwhelming. Anyone who is considering taking the plunge into full-time freelancing may feel uncertain about how to get started, and that’s why I decided to put together 7 tips to help you get on the right path and make that transition as smooth as possible.
Build an emergency fund
Resigning to become a freelancer should be something very well calculated. The beginning may end up being difficult financially and it’s important that you have an emergency reserve for unexpected expenses. Do not touch this money if it’s not an emergency.
Pay yourself first
The biggest mistake new freelancers make is thinking that everything they receive is their salary. I also made this mistake at the beginning, but my most valuable tip today is: set a monthly salary. Let’s suppose you earn $5000 per month: the idea is that you need less than that to live, so you take $2000 for yourself and the other 3 thousand go to investments and business expenses.
Create a portfolio
To get noticed in the freelance market, it’s important to have a portfolio that showcases your skills and experience. It will help you market your services and get better paying clients. There is no need for it to be your own website at first – start with Adobe Portfolio, for example, it’s easy to setup, there’s a variety of templates and they all look professional.
Network
Building a strong network of contacts can help you find new clients and stay informed about job opportunities. Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and make sure to keep in touch with past colleagues and clients.
Take care of yourself
Heck, freelancing isn’t easy. It takes time until you learn what works best for you, how to deal with difficult clients, and how to automate all your processes, but that doesn’t mean you should be working 24/7. Setting a schedule and making time for self-care is so important for avoiding burnout.
Never stop learning
The market is ever-changing and you will want to be on top of your game at all times. From staying relevant and competitive, to opening new doors and revenue streams, investing in your professional development is key to staying in demand. Whether it’s mastering new technologies, or expanding your services, investing in your own growth means you’ll be equipped to offer more to your clients, remain valuable, and maintain the high quality of work that sets you apart.
Utilize freelancing platforms
There are so many platforms out there that can help you get started. A lot of freelancers use these platforms when they’re first starting out to build up their portfolio and collect experience and testimonials. Some of the top ones include:
Freelancing is a great way to gain freedom and financial independence. With the right approach and dedication, you can make a success of your freelance career. I made a short, but insightful video about it on my YouTube channel:
Felling like you still need help getting started? Let’s chat!