Who is a freelancer?
Someone in a masterclass session I was taking said she thought a freelancer is a person who works for free. Everyone burst into laughter. Someone else then gave us a more acceptable definition, saying a freelancer is an individual who earns money on a per-job basis, usually for short-term work as an independent contractor.
Now, what is freelancing? Freelancing is a work mode whereby you offer your skills not to a single personal or organisational brand but to multiple without having any permanent employer-employee relationship with any. Hence, a freelancer can work for Coke on Monday and for Pepsi on Tuesday. Freelancing is like running your own business. You’re the boss. As a freelancer, you have to take on all the tasks that come with running a business.
One of the biggest challenges of freelancing is finding clients. You have to actively search for people who need the services you offer, whether it’s through networking, social media, or online platforms like Upwork. Once you’ve found potential clients, you have to convince them that you’re the right person for the job. That means showcasing your skills and experience and explaining how you can help them achieve their goals.
Once you’ve landed a client, you have to start planning your project. This means figuring out what the client wants, setting a timeline, and making sure everyone is on the same page. You also have to keep track of deadlines and make sure the project is progressing smoothly.
Another important aspect of freelancing is handling the financial side of things. This includes processing invoices, keeping track of expenses, and making sure you’re paying your taxes. It’s not the most glamorous part of freelancing, but it’s essential to keep your business running smoothly.
In short, freelancing is a lot of work. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, it can be incredibly rewarding. Not only do you get to be your own boss, but you also get to work on projects you’re passionate about. So, if you’re considering freelancing, make sure you’re ready for the challenge. And, Upwork is a great platform to get started with. I teach Upwork Freelancing for free here.
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