Are you considering going freelance?

For some people, working under a business isn’t really their ideal work environment. You have to go by their values and leadership, and that doesn’t always fly. At this point, you might be thinking that you should work as a freelancer instead. Of course, you can’t do that in every profession, but there are many professions where freelancing is a common option!

Freelancing comes with many advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important that you know what you’re getting into before you decide on it. It’s not easier just because you’re your own boss, and you have to take on a lot of new responsibilities when going freelance.

Building connections

If you’re going freelance, your reputation is built on your actions and work alone. You don’t get to use the recognition of a bigger brand, so you have to do what you can to build your own. Getting to know people and putting yourself out there is going to be the best way to find work, and a lot of the time it’s going to be from recommendations. If people aren’t familiar with you, the best way to get familiar is through what someone else has said about you!

Make a portfolio

If you’re going to take freelancing seriously, you should start logging all of the things that you’ve done as evidence of your skill. No matter what you do, have some form of evidence to show what you’re capable of. If you’re an artist, having a selection of work showing your art style if you’re a carpenter – photos of things that you’ve done for others. It’s necessary to have these things, as when you encounter customers who you aren’t connected to, they’re going to want some kind of reassurance that you’re capable to do the work they want.

Know your suppliers

If you’re going to be providing services for people, you need to know that you have a steady supply of the materials that you’re going to need. For example, if you’re providing some kind of construction service, you’ll want to be familiar with companies like Varico, so you know you can get what you need for the job. It’s important that you pick a reliable supplier, else it can leave you and your reputation in serious trouble when you can’t get a job done because of them. When going freelance, these kinds of problems fall on you, and you’re harmed as a result. One of the hardships that you take on when you want to work for yourself.

Learning to handle customers

Not everyone is an expert at handling people one to one. When you’re providing an expensive service, people tend to be a lot more strict or concerned when it comes to what they receive. You have to be able to handle situations sensitively, and be considerate of customer wants and needs. If you can’t communicate effectively, it’s going to affect the quality and accuracy of the service that you provide them – which in turn will affect your reputation!