Freelancers A to Z #016 Five Things You Need to Know Before Diving Into Freelancing
Freelancers A to Z is a series of roundup posts with captivating curated blog posts, podcasts and articles.
My purpose is to give you as a freelancer a place where you can find support and help with productivity, motivation and time management issues. Here you will find simple yet powerful hacks to improve your productivity and boost your freelance business instantly.
Are you ready?
Freelancing has become a forum that has given numerous opportunities to many people out there. As the world continues to grow, many people are leaving their day job and looking for freelance work.
The diverse nature of the work you get, interacting with different people and gaining exposure to endless possibilities. However, working as a freelancer can become a strain if you do not know what to do. It is with experience, practice, and time that you become accustomed to this work.
As a freelancer, you can come across difficult clients, employers who can scam you, and international clients. It is a matter of how you deal with them. As a new freelancer, you need to be sure that you are aware of the challenges that you may come across and how to deal with, for example, pro bono work or balancing your work.
Your talent may come in handy to a lot of people out there, it is a matter of how you use it and sell it. With these easy tips and tricks, you can become a freelancer at the top of their game.
1
Pro Bono Can Boost Your Freelance Business
A way to boost up your work is by doing pro bono work. Even the work in itself seems a bit technical, pro bono is doing any work, professionally and for free. This article suggests that working on pro bono projects as a freelancer can really boost up your image and showcase what you consider to be important.
Looking for ethically inclined and honest pro bono work is difficult as many people try to take out their own benefit from it. The content on the website enlists how you should do pro bono work that would ultimately lead to more projects.
A very easy way to look for pro bono work, as per the article, is to get in touch with businesses in your area and offer your services. The website asks freelancers to look at three things before taking a pro bono case: is the organization connected with other organizations?
Does it have a good/credible image? And is there a chance of growth? Keeping these things in mind, you also need to make sure that you work with the same passion that you always do.
2
How to Avoid Getting Scammed as a Freelancer?
If you are entering the world of freelancing, you need to look out for red flags and avoid getting scammed. As a freelancer, there is a huge chance of getting scammed by clients, especially if you are fairly new to the freelance world.
This article, firstly, points out red flags that you need to avoid: if the article sounds too good to be true if the portfolio has no feedback and negative reviews, and if the client contacts you outside of the platform. Another instance notes in the article are when the client refuses to sign an agreement.
Keeping these ideas in mind, you can avoid getting scammed. Many times it is not just the employer who is scamming you, the website says, you can also be scammed by online courses that offer freelancing help/mentorship.
The person may disappear after getting paid, which is why a credible source is needed before you invest your money. Another recent scam pointed out in the article is the payment reversal. Accepting more than the agreed amount of money could lead you with nothing and the employer getting his work done.
3
Pro Tips for Working with International Clients
As a freelancer, you tend to work with and interact with people from all over the world. A lot of factors contribute to making an impression on international clients as a freelancer, making sure they are satisfied with your work. International clients mean different time zones, as suggested in the blog.
For this, you must list your availability and your working hours. The blog also states that getting paid by international clients would be extra effort as you would have to pay tax to retrieve your money.
Another very important point to notice is that you need to be aware of your tax obligations, as per the article because of different tax policy laws. Where working with international clients enables you to boost your image it can prove to be a difficult task.
The website reads that getting an hourly rate pay from an international client may not be beneficial because of the tax obligations, working more than your hours, and other factors. If you can tackle these issues with ease and practice then you can get credible clients from all over the world.
Share, like, follow
4
How to Land Clients Like a Pro Even If You Just Getting Started as a Freelancer?
Becoming a freelancer may sound easy and fruitful but as a newbie, it may be difficult to land clients right away. It is important that you land clients as a new freelancer to make your business flourish.
The article points out that you should consider selling yourself on the basis of skill that makes you stand out, what can you offer to employers that is different from everyone else. It is also important to lean on your networks and create a stunning website.
As stated in the blog, you need to make sure that you use your connections to make sure that your website stands out and that more people visit it. It is also important to make sure that you interact with existing freelancers, as in the article.
Interacting with fellow freelancers, you will be able to get the points and the necessary exposure. As a new freelancer, there is a chance of getting cheated on by an employer which is why, as the website says, to make sure you do your research, know your target, and work with utmost clarity. Following these points, you are sure to land a client in a couple of days.
5
How to Start Freelancing as a Side Hustle and Make It Right?
It is important to know how you can start freelancing while still working at a full-time job. It would be rather risky if you quit your job and then start freelancing which is why the website suggests the opposite.
By keeping the two in a close loop you are protected, in case one does not work out, you can build connections, and you can save money. Another thing to consider would be to make sure to have deadlines set. For each work, you need to make sure that you do not confuse deadlines and get the work done on time so they do not overlap.
Another interesting tip listed in the article is to take things slow before jumping at every freelancing opportunity. If you take up more than you can offer and not be able to contribute to your day job, then you might deal with an unhappy client and bad reviews.
As per the article, it is also important that you find clients, create an amazing portfolio to attract more employers, and save as much as you can. With time, the blog suggests, you will become more confident and earn more clients.
6
All work and no play…
The last thing I would like to share with you is music. It has a special place in my life. For that reason I listen to music when I work. Hoverer, as some of you already know, it’s also because I want to cut off the noise caused by my neighbors.
This week a continuation from the previous Freelancers A to Z issue. This year Ane Brun, a norwegian singer-songwriter, decided to publish two albums instead of one. Here’s the second one. In my opinion, as stunning as the first one.
Last but not least: in the next issue your playlist can appear in this place. So leave in comments your favourite music that you love to listen when you work.
One last thing
In the comments below let me know what do you think about this issue of Freelancers A to Z. Tell me what do you like, what is not so good, what do you want more of. I need to know everything.
Also, if you like it, please sign up for updates, so that you will not miss the next post. You can find the form below.
The next issue will be available in two weeks.
Take care and have a nice time
Mariusz from the Time Continuum App