Do you want the freedom to work anywhere, anytime and anyway you want! Then perhaps a Freelance venture is what you need.
What is a Freelancer
A Freelancer is simply someone who earns money on a per-job or per-task basis. It can be a side hustle or a full-time business.
Freelance Industry
The Freelance industry is one of the fastest growing businesses! There are over 1.1 billion freelancers in the world and the market continues to grow in leaps and bounds every year. According to a 2022 poll by Leger, more than 48% of British Columbians now work from home following the Covid pandemic. Some are corporate employees but many are now freelance contractors that either work for the same company as pre-Covid, while others who lost their jobs have now found other freelance work.
In 2022, the most in-demand freelancers are: web and web app development, content writing, project management, and administrative services. What are you waiting for?
Is Freelance Work right for YOU?
Being your own boss can be rewarding, challenging, 'freeing' and definitely opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
Before you decide if starting your own Freelance company is right for you, consider the the following 7 essential traits before you get started:
Mindset – You must think like a CEO. You are not an employee. Create YOUR vision. You are responsible for the success of your business! Plan to succeed!
Skills – we all have skills, some are general and can adapt to many different businesses, while others are more specialized and appeal to special niche clients. Your skills are your most valuable asset. Develop skills that lead to work with efficiency and focus. Set priorities and time for learning.
Technology – is your friend! Even if you are technologically challenged, you must have some sort of computer system to work with and good internet connection. Whether you operate from a mobile phone or a diverse media desktop, basic business details [financials, documents (yours and your clients), projects etc.] must be tracked somewhere, somehow.
Freedom – you no longer punch a clock or work regular 9-5 hours. You have the freedom to choose when, where and how you work. Time is on your side and you control it. It’s important to your health and wellbeing, and to the success of your business, to maintain a good work-life balance - establish a routine.
Networking – you need to get known so people will want to work with you. Joining a local networking group, whether business or personal interest focused, is the easiest and fastest way for people to get to know you. People will work with people they KLT (know, like and trust). So get to know them!
Detail – the devil is in them! Vision, Values and Veracity will determine your focus, priorities, the products or services you offer, and the clients you attract. It is equally important to decide what you will and will not do in your business. Review your values and business plans yearly to prioritize and align your vision.
Be Yourself - there are many freelancers out there that do the same thing as you. How do you set yourself apart? Special skills, services, and pricing play a part, but the biggest factor that makes you unique, is YOU! And if you focus on being yourself and not someone you think you should be, then clients will not only appreciate it, they will likely refer you to others, which of course is the cornerstone to growing and succeeding in business. I believe in jumping in to a new venture or challenge with both feet. We learn as we go and we eliminate what doesn’t fit and expand on the ideas that grow our business.
The 5 C’s to success: courage, compassion, calm, confidence and community!
Trish Kimble
Founder & CEO of Blank Slate Enterprises
Virtual Assistant Coach & Mentor