Going Freelance: How to Stay Successful

Freelancers Bible Cover

How many times have you been in work and thought to yourself “I wish I could go freelance?” Day in day out, thousands of professionals are tied in to jobs with glass ceilings and no hopes for progression. Whether it’s due to the current hard times or horrible bosses, (we have all been there,) many people dream of being their own boss.

So what is stopping us?

The main reason is usually fear of the unknown. We have become so reliant upon that little blue slip at the end of each month and the thought of not having a regular consistent income quite frankly terrifies us, especially with the recent recessions. Yet if your employer is willing to pay you to do your job, then the chances are that someone else will too! Don’t get stuck in a rut, lining someone else’s pocket and working for someone who doesn’t appreciate you. Break out on your own and use your talents to build your own empire. The sky is the limit!

In this economic climate there is no such thing as job security, as many apparently successful businesses have run into debt and doled out redundancies, so now couldn’t be a better time to jump before the ship sinks and start working for yourself. Of course there will be times where freelancing will be difficult because you will always have to plan ahead and work hard to ensure that you have plenty of contracts and a steady income each month. This great article from the Guardian shows why you shouldn’t be scared of the leap. Going freelance is no quick fix. Firstly you will need to assess your skills and if necessary brush up on any training prior to setting up your business.

The best way to get started is to begin freelancing part time as this allows you to test the water and gauge the interest in your services, and also gives you opportunity to begin building a client base. Working part time alongside your current job will mean sacrificing your spare time and working in to the night or on weekends, but you will reap rewards when you are able to take the step out on your own.

Quality professional freelancers are always busy, which although is great for your bank balance it can be demanding on your time. However customer care is paramount to building and maintaining your client base, therefore you must ensure that you are available 24/7. A missed call could be lost business, so carrying a business phone will enable you to make and receive client calls any time day or night whether you are at home or on holiday. You will need to select your network provider very carefully to ensure you have good coverage in your area and your mobile phone tariff is also hugely important, as you will inevitably be spending a great deal of time on the phone and using mobile internet. Providers such as mobi-data.co.uk can get you great deals and 97% UK coverage. To avoid humongous bills and data charges talk though your needs with your network operator to make sure you have the right phone and contract deal for your business.

Being financially astute will pay dividends when running your own business. Many freelancers have never had to manage the business finances in their previous roles, and so they opt to use accountants or attend training courses to help learn how to balance the books and be your own accountant.

It is vital that the business remains in the black with a healthy buffer to give you peace of mind and see you through the quieter periods. Good luck with going freelance!

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