Two Things to Do Before Applying for a New Freelance Gig

Before the coronavirus hit the global economy, it was estimated that 40% of the U.S. workforce would consist of independent contractors and freelancers by the year 2020. However, as the pandemic kicked in, it has encouraged many of us to start our own freelance gig or business.  Freelancing brings the comfort of working from home on your terms and within your own time limits.  It seems that freelancing is going to paint a new future where the nature of the workplace will shift.  The struggle one goes through while finding a desirable full time job is going to cut down!  On the other hand, with more freelance networks, there are an abundance of better job opportunities.  Hence, lots of people are joining freelance networks online.  

Here are five steps to take before you apply for a new freelance gig.

1. Develop a Good Online Reputation
   
   

Gigs are entirely internet-based—from blogging and graphic design to software development, numerous freelance jobs are open to anyone with qualifications and an internet connection.  However, there is a twist!  Just because it is becoming popular doesn’t mean it is easy to earn a reputable gig online.  You have to work hard and you prove your worth with every new task you pitch for!  For instance, if you are a software developer, people wanting to hire professional freelancers online will look at testimonials provided by your previous clients.

2. Creating a List of Verifiable References

When you decide to work freelance, develop a sense of trust with your work portfolio or online reputation.  Once you have accumulated verifiable references, you may not have to send an application or cover letter to clients to bring jobs to your table.  Employers in the gig economy prefer to find people who are driven, reliable and consistent.  Hence, it is essential to build a list of brands and clients who can speak for your work more than you!

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Effective Tips for Working from Home

Freelance work comes with a plethora of perks, the most prominent being able to work from home.  Your productivity depends on how much effort you are willing to put in and how much time you are ready to invest.  Working from home isn’t easy.  It comes with a lot of distractions.  You have to duck them all to reach the zenith and once you manage to do that, the freelance life brings you another obstacle.  It is even harder to find freelance jobs online.  Even though there are numerous platforms out there offering thousands of jobs, the abundance does not mean less competition. 

The latter is as severe as ever but a few tips on working from home can be a lot better to you as a freelancer. Check them out. 

• Develop ground rules for yourself 

You have to be particular about making rules even when working from home and the first step is to declutter the area where you work.  An office space at home should preferably be a room with a door.  This will give you peace and quiet.  Try making your office space enriched and fulfilling.  Stock it with all your needed supplies. 

• Manage time well 

This is one of the most prominent steps in becoming a successful freelancer.  You have to work from home in the most efficient way.  Sitting on a computer for hours does not always mean that you are working.  Put yourself on a leash when it comes to maintaining a stringent schedule. 

• Get dressed 

The last thing you want is to reduce your productivity just because you were too lazy to dress properly.  A nice, formal outfit can bring in a lot more change than you can ever imagine.  Avoid lousy dressing while working.  Try this and witness a change. 

When you are through with these tricks, finding online freelance jobs won’t be too hard as well.  

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Secrets to Massive Freelance Success

Are you planning to scurry away from the monotonous routine of your 9-5 job?  Are you considering a freelancing career?  Congratulations to you!  Working as a freelancer can be highly rewarding and, more importantly, an excellent way of growth.  But as promising as this offer is, it also comes with a plethora of challenges.  Grabbing lucrative freelance jobs is not as easy as it seems.  Burning the midnight oil and planning out the strategies can make you successful as an independent employee.  In this segment, we'll share tips to help you get through freelancing with ease.

• Think about the right time to transition 

The hardest step to starting your business is knowing when to quit your job.  Here is a list of reasons that can act as the perfect backbone for quitting your current job. 

1. If you already have work lined up.  If you are thinking of quitting your job and starting your business, start moonlighting way before.  If you line up work months before leaving your job, you will have some stability.

2. Have a financial cushion.  Quitting your job without having any savings in the bank is the most foolish choice you can make. 

3. Be confident in your skills.  You wouldn’t want to leave your job without having any clue about your business. 

• Go deeper into the pricing strategy

You must be thorough with your pricing strategy if you are planning to start freelance work.  Pricing falls into the logistics category and there are different ways to price your services.  Try to avoid hourly rates or billing as it is too granular. 

• Define your process 

Being thorough with your process is the most critical step in starting your business.  For example, if you are a designer, work out your design process before freelancing.  But that does not mean your method should be the same for every project. 

These are some of the most practical tips to help you through the process of freelancing without any hassle.