Freelancing is a great medium to kick-start your career after graduating. Since most companies require experience these days, working as a freelancer can give you that experience and expose you to better opportunities.
Also, freelancing is an excellent option for a person who wants to quit their full-time job to work on his/her terms. When you opt to work as a freelancer, you are your boss, working on the hours you want, and working on the projects you like. With the help of project management tools such as Wrike of course.
But contrary to popular belief, working as a freelancer is not easy. You face many challenges, especially when you are looking for a freelance job in the tech field.
We have a few tips that will help you launch your career as a tech freelance to help you out.
Find your motivation
Freelancing means you are your boss, you work on your terms and no one will hound you to attend meetings or meet deadlines. Only you can motivate yourself to follow your daily work schedule and achieve tasks. Majority of freelancer requires a motivation of some sort to work as a freelancer. Take breaks in between work to freshen up your mind. With a relaxed mind, you can be more productive.
Set up a routine that helps you get into work mode. It can take many forms- like working out a coffee shop or from a co-working place or your make-shift office at your home. The point is to feel and dress like you are going to the office to get into work-mode.
Act as a businessman
If you genuinely want to start a career as a tech freelancer, you have to act like a business person. You require more than the knowledge of the latest technologies of AI or machine learning. You need to be well-versed in sales and marketing. You have to become a complete package as this is a one-person show.
In addition to working as a tech expert, you have to be an entrepreneur, too selling your skills to the highest bidder and promoting your work.
Be ready to embrace the hustle and bustle of getting projects
When you are just starting your career as a tech freelancer, you will have to work hard to get the first few projects. You will have to hustle hard as you are a one-person army working as a sales manager and marketer while also building your brand.
After a few years, when you are well-experienced, you will start getting work automatically. But, initially, you have to work day and night to get freelancing projects.
One of the best ways to do that is by networking. Networking helps you make contacts, which can eventually lead to getting future projects. Contact old colleagues, friends, or family or a teacher who can get you in touch with a company requiring freelance services. Until you start getting good projects, work as a freelancer for local or small companies to pay bills doesn’t become an issue.
Mastering the art of communicating with the client is crucial
You must have a clear line of communication with your client. If there is any miscommunication or misunderstanding, you can lose both time and money. To make sure that there is no miscommunication, take everything into writing. Every step of getting the project should be documented. Take notes while meeting with the client and then send them a confirmation mail so that there is no disagreement related to work, deadlines, and payments.
Talking about payment
Talking about money is awkward, but an essential part of becoming a freelancer. When you get a new project, and before you start working on it, talk about payment. It will include how much they will pay and when and how they will pay. Both parties should be clear on this aspect to avoid any future clashes. Also, sign a contract or take in writing about the payment procedure to safeguard both employee and recruiter’s rights. It can also help you in the future if a client refuses to pay. With enough evidence, you can take legal action to get your money back.
Asking and getting the right price is important
You must have a clear line of communication with your client. If there is any miscommunication or misunderstanding, you can lose both time and money. To make sure that there is no miscommunication, take everything into writing. Every step of getting the project should be documented. Take notes while taking meetings with the client and then send them a confirmation mail so that there is no disagreement related to work, deadlines, and payments.
Stand apart from the crowd
There are tons of freelancers looking for a job right now as you speak. To make sure that you stand alone from the crowd, you have to show your unique qualities. You are not only an employee; you are an entrepreneur, too, so act like one.
Create a resume using Canva, make a portfolio that showcases all your previous work, and set up rules that can make your freelancing work more smooth.
Never stop learning
For getting more tech jobs, a programmer or developer has to keep an eye out for new skills and technology coming in the market. The most successful freelancer is the one who knows to keep him/her updated on the latest technology and learn that skill in-depth. They are also aware of the right time to let the recruiters know about their new skills. They know not to be too early or too late with their expertise, but to reveal it at the right time when the supply for that particular skill is about to start.
Build relationships
Most employers won’t hire a freelancer based solely on their work profile. They see your complete profile, and this includes your digital profiles too. They want to know how you are as an employer. Is working with you delight or you can be a liability to them.
They want to work with influential digital Marketing foothold people and work hard to maintain a good relationship with all their clients.
Don’t get disheartened with negative feedback
Getting negative or not so great reviews or feedback for your work is part and parcel of every employee’s life. Instead of taking them to heart, analyze those feedback, and work on improving yourself.
Learn to say no
You are a single person, and you cannot work on par with a team. So, learn to say no, especially when you think you are overworked or find a project not so appealing.
Take leaves from working on your freelance project just like you would in a typical office.
Specialize
Every field has various niches, and specializing in any one of them can add to your resume. Find a part of your industry that you are passionate about and specialize in it. It will help build trust and open more doors for you.
Working as a freelancer is hard and not at all a cakewalk. But with determination and hard work, you can have a successful career as a freelancer. With these few tips, you are all set to start your freelancing career in the tech world. Upwork, Fiverr, field engineer, Solid gigs, and so on are great sites to start your freelancing work.