Freelancer Value Proposition
Best practises for freelancers to get started
Written by: Flexing It
27/01/2023
5 minutes read
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Best practises for freelancers to get started
Over 200 million people are now regarded as a member of the gig workforce globally due to the growth of technology-enabled gig work platforms, Flexing it ® being one of them. In comparison to regular job settings, it also highlights how much more youth, students, and women are involved in gig work. According to a recent survey of over 1,000 workers who turned to gig work during the last six months, 85% have recently increased or planned to increase their gig work—with 58% citing inflation as the primary reason for seeking more work.
Freelancing has been appealing for a while, but the COVID-19 pandemic has brought it to the fore. The workforce is growing more dispersed across industries, and for many people, freelancing is the solution. In 2020, the independent workforce generated $1.2 trillion in revenue, accounting for one-third of all American workers. According to a report by BCG, the gig economy has the potential to serve up to 90 million jobs in the non-farm sectors of India and add up to 1.25% to the country’s overall GDP.
Fortunately, there are approaches independent professionals can employ to discover clients and broaden their workstream, enabling them to confidently move forward and capitalize on this career option. Here are a few approaches to help you win a successful career as a freelancer:
- Create opportunities to talk about specific projects-When clients are looking to engage a professional, they prefer a freelancer with prior experience working in their particular sector. Position yourself and your skills to attract the right clients. Select past gigs that best demonstrate the key competencies that the client is seeking. You can stand out as a professional if you have experience working with clients or businesses in specific industries, background knowledge or expertise in particular areas, or even certificates.
- Build a Credible Online Presence- So much of what we do in the globalised era is online. Online job postings are made by organizations, and clients search for freelancers. Many digital platforms also make it simple to build a portfolio that highlights your abilities and experience for individuals looking to hire freelancers in your industry. Spend some time making sure that your online presence accurately represents you and your work as a freelancer. Maintaining a solid network can give you access to leads for potential clients and chances to showcase your professional expertise.
- Highlight relevant skills- Take a look at your professional background and subject-matter knowledge. Think about the kinds of comparable work you've done, the output you've generated, and the trends in your sector. Analyze what skills your client is looking for and highlight those from your portfolio.
- Establish appropriate pricing and make any necessary adjustments- When you submit bids for jobs or approach clients for work, be transparent about your price. Examine what others in your sector are paid when deciding on an hourly rate. Calculate the estimated number of hours it will take you to complete the project, taking into account any time needed for revisions or client communication. You may utilise this confidence in your abilities to tweak your charges and make sure you're paid appropriately for your job as you develop your portfolio and continue to impress clients.
- Position yourself to attract the right clients- In the US alone, there are more than 60 million independent contractors, and this number is rising. It's crucial to stand out now more than ever. It not only enables you to bill for your knowledge at better rates, but it also makes you more marketable and easier to book. You must concentrate on creating your brand, making your message clear, and defining your niche if you want to achieve that. Possessing a compelling positioning statement is an excellent first step. Be as descriptive as you can without worrying, choose and own a niche.
If you want to take up projects that interest you the most, set your own hours, and work from anywhere, freelancing is an excellent option. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that many professionals are making the transition to freelancing as more organizations realise the advantages of working with independent professionals via platforms like Flexing It. The upside is that market pay rates vary, making it simple to locate higher-paying freelance work that fit your level of skill. Harvard Business Review explains what successful freelancers do differently to ace their careers as independent workers.
Finding your first client as a freelancer can be quite thrilling. You can take the initial steps toward creating a successful business strategy and freelancing profession by being aware of what freelance clients want to see and providing accordingly.
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