Dipping your toe into the freelance world can be a scary thing, but it needn’t be. Many of us have side-hustles and making the steps to monetize that, or even bigger, make it your full time job, should be celebrated! That said, going freelance is no walk in the park. It’s a good idea to have all the advice you can get before you make that leap. Luckily for you, we’ve got lots of wisdom to help you on your way!
Before Making The Jump, Check On The Outlook
It’s a good idea to research what you’re jumping into. Will you have clients right away, do you have a “cushion” in case you get off to a slow start? Research the market you are going into and what your money-making prospects are. You may feel like you are personally ready to go freelance, but the market might not be. There is no shame in waiting a couple of months for things to improve before making the leap.
Stick To Working Hours
A good routine will really help you get on track and set boundaries between work and play. It’s a good idea to get on top of your work-life balance from day one.
Work From A Desk
When you’re freelancing, it’s all too easy to start working in the morning from your bed. But please, don’t do this! It’s really important to approach your freelance career just like any other regular job. That means, getting up at a reasonable hour, getting dressed, and sitting down to work at a desk. It will really help you get into the right mindset for the day.
Have A Plan
Maybe this is obvious, but if it isn’t, have a plan for whatever it is you’re about to embark on. It’s a good idea to set yourself goals and deadlines, that way you’ll know where to direct your focus.
Keep Records Of EVERYTHING
Make sure you keep track of everything you’re working on. Make use of spreadsheets and planners, they’re going to make sure that you never miss a deadline. It’s also super important to make note of every transaction you enter into, so make sure you keep track of all your invoices and receipts. It’s a good idea to scan these and save them on a hard drive so you know that everything is backed up, you never know when this will be useful!
Ask For Help When You Need It
Whether that’s enlisting an accountant, or asking your pals for advice on a new project, every little helps. Do not be scared to ask for help when you need it, those little nuggets of advice can really make or break a business.
Know How Much To Charge
Going freelance means being your own boss, it also means paying your own salary, so don’t sell yourself short! It’s a smart idea to do your research into how much you should be charging for your services, and it’s also good to be prepared to haggle for your fee.
Check Regulations And Legalities
Depending on where you are in the world, these will be different. But regardless, every country will have accounting and tax regulations to be aware of, you may also need to think about insurance or how you might pay yourself a pension. It’s important to make sure you are aware of all these things before you make the leap into the world of freelancing.
Network, Network, Network
It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to employ people right away, so for the most part, freelancing means working alone. As a freelancer, networking is more important than ever. Attend all the events you can, even if they are online, you never know who you might meet. It’s also an idea to join networks specifically directed towards your sector, like The Art Gorgeous House.
Make Sure Your Branding Is On Point
And by branding, we mean websites and socials. This is 2020, and everything is online. Do you have a website? If not, you better make one pretty quickly. You need to be discoverable, make sure you are marketing yourself efficiently for the digital environment.
And Finally, Make Sure You Socialise Outside Of Work
Being a freelancer can be very isolating. It’s important to make time for your friends outside of work (when it is safe to do so). Make sure you take some time off to enjoy yourself!
Text Lizzy Vartanian
