Going from corporate to freelance? Nervous about how to tell your boss you're going freelance? Even if you are heading into the workforce for the first time, this article will help you with your entrepreneurial aspirations as a freelancer, a solopreneur...
Going Freelance Made Simple
When it comes to the job that you do, you may find that you are stuck in a rut when it comes to your career. It might not have been your first choice when it comes to a job, and it might not be something that you feel passionate about.
However, you may have gained skills and experience that could be utilized when working for yourself and going freelance. Making that transition would mean picking and choosing the work that you do and finally finding that work and home life balance.
So you think, "Should I quit my job and go freelance?"
You might also ponder:
- Requirements for setting up a freelance business
- How to become a freelancer online
- How to work freelance in home
Here are four smart tips for going freelance full time.
Have The Confidence To Take That Step
One of the hardest things to do when it comes to going freelance is the inner strength to actually do it.
Right now you may be secure in a job. You might feel you have security, and a consistent wage each month. This gives you the comfort that bills are paid and things are getting done. But, realistically, that may be about all it gives you.
Have the confidence to step away. If at first you think it is too much of a leap use any spare time you have to start working on the side, and then gradually build. Take stock in your abilities as well as your decisions that inevitably will give you what you want in the long-term.
Seek Out Work Opportunities
Going freelance doesn’t need to be as scary as you might once have thought. So many people are now taking this route to live the life they want, and are reaching the stage where they are able to do it. The travel - mobile lifestyle is becoming more and more popular where people work from their laptop and have no formal HQ.
There are websites out there that advertise freelance opportunities. There are also online platforms where you can start to easily promote your services through your own website. In turn, through social media content. Don't forget that you can pitch directly to your own business contacts - Just follow your ethics.
Be Professional In All Ways
Once the work starts coming in, it can be overwhelming, as you are usually the only one working in your business. Some things may get brushed to the side. But the one thing that you can’t let slip is your professionalism.
Successful entrepreneurs maintain a professional tone in all lines of communication such as:
- Phone
- Snail mail
- Social media posts
All of those things help you to continue good working relationships.
You should also carry that over to your business systems and paper forms. That means anything that you put in a file to track activity as well as digital and hard copies customers might see. Examples:
- Client welcome letters
- Work proposals
- Invoices
Consistency is key. Also, ensure that you display all of the correct information.
A popular option for solopreneurs is invoice templates. Using a branded, professional format usually means you get paid more quickly rather than working through amendments and resends when information is forgotten.
Your Working Environment Matters
Finally, where you work matters, so consider your work environment.
Most people who freelance work from home, and this can be distracting if you don’t have a dedicated area to work. Optimally, you should convert a room into an office. Your alternate plan should be to create a desk area that allows for your productivity.
FJ
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