HOW TO BECOME AN INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL (I)

Let's take a closer look at what it means to be a freelancer. This type of work is becoming an increasingly viable way to gain experience, whether you want to work permanently or to get a complement on your wage as an employee.

Being a freelancer has advantages and disadvantages. In this other post, FEELANCER, PROS AND CONS, I explain them more in detail.

The difference between a freelancer and an entrepreneur is that the freelancer usually works independently and personally, not as a company or with business partners. Also, most freelance work is done on a project basis. In other words, these are short-term contracts for specific tasks. The work areas in which freelancers can work are diverse:

- Programmer or web developer

- Digital advertising

- Data analyst

- Graphic designer

- Copywriters and SEO experts

- Virtual assistant and sales.

- Project managers

- Photography and video

- Translator

What do you need to work as a freelancer?

Anyone with the skills, talents or knowledge to make it possible can work as a freelancer. In many cases, higher education is not needed to be successful, but you need to put a lot of dedication and effort to achieve good results. I am not saying that anyone can start working on anything, nor am I encouraging intrusiveness, but I do say that we all need to lose fear of entrepreneurship. There are many highly trained and experienced people who could work independently and don't do it because they think they need a special degree to be an entrepreneur.

To start working as a freelancer you need the following:

Choose a niche of skills

It is important that you select a specific activity to work as a freelancer and do not deal with several different things at the same time. Thus, you will dedicate your energy and your time to obtain better results.

To select your job niche, think about your skills, your academic preparation and, above all, what you like to do the most.

Vocational training

You can start as a freelancer without any professional experience, but you need some knowledge of a specific profession. Although it is not mandatory, it is recommended to have a technical or university degree, a bachelor's degree or a master's degree. However, you can also have a course certificate or diploma showing that you are familiar with the services you plan to offer.

Sales and self-promotion skills.

The basic part of being a freelancer is the ability to apply directly and pursue new business opportunities. Freelancers should always be looking for new projects to work on. In addition, you must know how to present attractive offers to your customers. Another important point is negotiation skills; not only lower prices, but treat clients in such a way that they understand the value of your work. Negotiations should not be based solely on price, freelancers should know this.

Attractive portfolio

Having a complete and well-presented portfolio is very helpful when it comes to getting freelance work. To support your sales activities, you need to show your customers that you can help them with what they need. Therefore, before starting to send proposals you must prepare a very good portfolio. It is a catalog where you will show works created for other clients or impersonal samples. That is, you don't have to run it on demand. In it, you must put your personal information, a summary of your experience in the area and, of course, some samples of your work.

You may already have a portfolio of design, writing, translation, interior design, software, or website enhancements that you may have done. And of course, if you have worked as an employee, a letter of recommendation from the company with which you have worked.

Online presence

The portfolio must be in a shareable format (such as a PDF or slideshow). You will also need to increase your online presence. Entries on your blog, website, online catalog or major social networks like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube. It all depends on the nature of your work and your skills. In addition, it is important to participate in a freelance platform, where clients can evaluate their work with you.

Lots of energy and patience

Of course, the idea of freelancing will immediately appeal to you. But remember, you have to be consistent in your efforts. As a freelancer, you are directly responsible for both your successes and your failures. No one else is responsible, but more importantly, no one will tell you what to do or will motivate you. You must be willing, well organized and not neglect your sales tasks.

If you do it right, you can quickly have a significant client base and achieve your personal and professional goals. After all, nothing is more satisfying than working on what you love and seeing your dreams come true.

If you're thinking, "This is great, but what services can I offer?" just think about your skills and other abilities in areas that aren't part of your job.

With these first steps, you can start the path of entrepreneurship.

Nobody is going to guarantee that you will find the job you want, or that you will earn enough money to cover all your expenses, but, as the saying goes: "No risk, no gains."