FREELANCER TIPS

The bottom line is, you need the most amount of willpower, to be super resilient, immensely dedicated, ridiculously consistent, insanely patient and you must be hugely passionate about what you're doing. 

There are those who assume that blogging [for example] is easy, lots of fun, glamorous and "not a 'real' job". In reality, it's flipping hard [loads of planning, research, preparation, drafts, edits, photography and the rest], it can be incredibly frustrating [mostly the lack of support], there's very little to no glam however, it is definitely something many have made a fab career of.

• Identify what fuels your passion - what do you want to give, or share and why?
• Understand exactly what it will take to commit - not just time, personal sacrifices too!
• Assess your skills and capabilities - do you need to study, learn, etc.?
• Ensure you are aware of [and have] the resources you need to begin - from Internet access to funds - you've got to be willing and able to invest in yourself 
• Be realistic about what is required versus what you can actually do - e.g. who is your target audience and what do they need/want from your service [s]?
• Make sure you have a strong enough database - no contacts/network = no audience
• Start with what you have and, if currently working, stay in your job! - you'll need the money and your colleagues may potentially become your buyers/clients etc.
• Prepare for and accept that you will have to prove yourself - unpaid work to establish yourself, building your database and references is once again the way to go
• Clean up your online presence - you want to be taken seriously and have your services hired
• WORK on your brand - you, your products, your services, your website/Facebook page/Instagram etc.
• Have a plan of action - what, when, how and why are you going to do whatever it is you are wanting to do? How much will you charge? How will you secure clients and retain them?
• Where possible, attend relevant talks, seminars or workshops about going freelance and also anything beneficial relating to your chosen field. [Beware those who may try to sell you follow-up 'courses' - do not allow yourself to be pressured into buying anything. Do your research first!].
• Pay attention to others in your field - what are they doing and how? Where are they finding their clients? What events are they attending? Who are they reaching out to?
• Look for a mentor - could prove to be a big plus and you'll also have an immediate support system

The struggle can be so disgustingly real at times and you may want to quit before you've officially started, or soon after you go freelance, so, always draw strength and inspiration from your passion. Remember why you made the decision to go freelance and make sure you regularly weigh up the pro's and con's. You don't want to walk away from what you love so easily! Be patient.

FYI: I don't believe it's possible to freelance and have a full-time job long term - I mean, headache and stress much...? - However, it's defo possible to do so alongside a part-time contract. That said, be mindful of the fact that it isn't easy and freelancing is not likely to be lucrative for a while if at all. Also, you'll want to create a positive, encouraging working environment for yourself and a strict schedule!

Visit Eventbrite and book anything that you believe will be valuable and is cost effective. Also search Google for more tips and additional freelancer support. 

The world of happiness comes from being able to successfully do your own thing and earn from it too but, it can be so dread at times! Isn't something to step into on a whim, that's for sure!!

Thank you for reading. 

I hope this post was helpful in some way. 

Written by Charley Jai - @charleyjaiuk

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.