Are you ready to be your own boss? This report will help you consider some of the practical and significant parts of freelancing, while also contribution key tips and posing targeted questions that will enable you to plan ahead for success.
Following are some of the population you might expect to meet in a company. As a freelancer you are in essence, these population rolled into one. We will take a high-level look at some of the roles that are vital to operating a thriving firm and sample Questions, Remedies and Things to Consider as you explore a transition into the world of freelancing.
Receptionist - We are all customary with the "front face"-- the first man who greets us as we call or enter a place of business. As a freelancer, you won't have the luxury of your own personal greeter and gatekeeper. However, it is prominent to comprehend the impact on the widespread buyer experience.
Remedy: You can handle the frontline work yourself or, consider outsourcing to a virtual receptionist or phone aid town that can handle your incoming calls, messages or even schedule meetings for you. The most prominent objective is to ensure that the caress is as welcoming and informational as you would expect from a good host. The quality of reception will set the tone of your firm when population "enter the front door".
Sales - No one will be more passionate about your work than you. So, who good to sell products, services, concepts or consult than you? whether you are building a firm colse to technology, art, travel, communications or education, you will need to successfully and repeatedly persuade others of the benefits of working with you.
Questions to Ask Yourself: Why should they engage me? What is my unique offering? What features and benefits do I offer? What makes me a good selection than my competitors? Is my pricing where it needs to be? After my first sale, what is my strategy for repeat business?
Marketing & Advertising - You are your Marketing and Advertising group now. No matter how awesome your products or services are, population cannot engage you to do firm if they do not know that you exist. It is significant that you do your explore and develop a marketing plan that will position you for unavoidable exposure and extreme success. Also remember, if your message is not compelling, you will not win in a competitive market.
Questions to Ask Yourself: How will I gift my products or services in such a way as to convince population to buy from me? What will be my unique marketing mix (price, place, product, promotion and population elements)? Take your time and do your homework, it will pay off in the long run.
Business Development - For creative and entrepreneurial types, firm development and lead generation can in effect be a lot of fun. For those who don't fall into those categories, it can be a big drag. No matter, it is an significant part of building and growing your firm as a solo-professional. You can no longer rely on the guy down the hall to bring you a stack of new firm leads or hot new strategies to growth business.
For Your Consideration: You will need to identify new firm opportunities including markets, partners, ideas, strategies and products. Equally vital, is finding ways to increase strategic relationships and improve opportunities within existing accounts in order to growth current revenue streams.
Pr - No matter what firm you are in, you will be relating to the group to one degree or another. In a company, there are population whose job it is to handle the flow of information, protect the best interest of the firm in a group forum and promote the best image possible. You can have the best product out there, but if you fall down on your group interface, it will damage your extreme goal of success.
For Your Consideration: Remember that you are the most significant asset to your freelance career. Think of yourself as a walking, talking advertisement. When you leave the relax of your privacy, you enter into shared group space. Your firm "brand" should carry over as a reflection of you to every situation and man you touch. Your communication, body language, attitude and character all serve to task an image.
Accountant - Not every person is a bean counter, so true. But, if you are running your own firm and expect to be profitable, you will whether learn to, a) count beans, or, b) die. It's so much easier to just be handed a funds by man whose job it is to "figure all that out", so we can just be about what we do best. When you are working for yourself, that guy isn't a simple phone call away. You are that guy.
For Your Consideration: There's no need to get all fancy straight out of the chute. Keep your bookkeeping as simple as possible. Take a course, read some guidebooks and do your explore up front. Barter with man to help you set up, or mentor you in, establishing a widespread system. Know how to funds and keep your priorities on track, because no one will be there to police you. Understand tax implications, keep truthful files and save receipts with notations.
Ceo - Every assosication has its top dogs. The Ceo is one of the highest- ranking executives or corporate officers. He is ultimately responsible for the total management and performance of the mission. They are at the top rung when it comes to leading, strategic planning, staffing and organizing.
For Your Consideration: The most exciting, yet most spicy part is that you are now "The guy" -- the buck stops with you. You are responsible for the extreme success or failure of your freelance career.
Supervisors & Managers - No more Managers breathing down your neck, spicy you, handing you assignments, mentoring you, keeping you accountable, setting goals and expectations or giving you unsolicited feedback. Sounds like freedom, doesn't it? But for some freelancers, it's too much freedom. You will need to be brutally realistic about defining goals, meeting deadlines, studying how to challenge yourself, soliciting beneficial feedback, delivering quality, managing your time and energy, self-motivation and keeping yourself on a thriving track.
For Your Consideration: The more you learn about management (of process, dealing with people, goals, insight your market, expectations, time, money, etc.), self-discipline and consistently apply what you have learned, the more likely it is that you will succeed.
Think Tank - Remember the good old days when you had the opportunity to brainstorm and collaborate intellectually and creatively in a group context? As a freelancer you will just need to find new ways to garner results.
For Your Consideration: Think of mental, bodily or spiritual exercises that stimulate your notion processes. consider meeting with other freelancers periodically just to kick colse to ideas and learn from each other in a group setting. Keep your input channels wide open by reading, listening, inquiring, dreaming and any other creative activities that engage your innovative side. Inspiration is buzzing all colse to us -- we just need to find ways to tap into it.
It Department - What happens when your network goes down, your computer or other equipment starts doing "funny" things or you need to frame out how to set up that newfangled "Whatchamacallit"? You get the unavoidable privilege of walking into your bathroom, finding in the mirror and saying "hello" to your new assistant. Congratulations - it's you! Those propeller hats and pocket protectors are suddenly finding rather stylish.
For Your Consideration: Try to keep your preliminary setup as simple as possible. Determine what tools are absolute necessities, and start there. The need will vary based on the type of work you do. For example, landline and/or cell phones, fax, scanner, copy and print machines, software, hardware, peripherals, data storage, Gps and wireless, etc. consider the importance of flexibility, networking, speed, connectivity and shared information options for your line of work. There is a myriad of online tips, courses, and how-to guidebooks. Ask colse to to learn if man in your current network knows an It pro (emphasis on "professional") that you can consult with. This is an area you may also be able to barter your services for.
Graphics Department - Remember those great population from the corporate office that "magically" made all things look so professional? Things like logos, firm cards, marketing brochures, letterhead, PowerPoint presentations, customized materials and reports? Well, they are no longer here.
For Your Consideration: The good news is that there are many businesses that cater to small businesses and freelancers who need to outsource print and illustrated jobs - just check in your local phone book. There are volumes of online resources and do-it-yourself options available as well. Just be aware that you need to put your best foot forward, and presentation is key when introducing or promoting a thriving image. You may want to outsource or barter with someone else freelancer who is an scholar in this field.
Shipping Department - whether your freelance firm involves products or services, you will have a need for shipping and receiving -- a delivery process. Part of the success of any business, is the quality to deliver what your clients need, when they need it.
Remedy: Set up a theory that ensures you deliver what you promise in a timely fashion. Fill in yourself with the most reliable and sensible ways to ship and receive. If you are selling a product that requires bodily inventory, be sure to understand the process, requirements, pros and cons. Get to know your local mail and aid centers -- they can be highly helpful in educating you about the most time and cost-effective options. Don't forget to factor in shipping costs when planning your budget.
Board of Directors - Don't forget that most fellowships have a Board of Directors. And you? You have a family, a dog and a cat. You may get some feedback, but they won't hold you accountable like a corporate stakeholder or investor, ask the tough questions and propose you like a Board of Directors would.
For Your Consideration: Just because you are self-employed doesn't mean that you can't or shouldn't have an accountability buildings in place. You may not need a full-blown advisory and accountability group, but the installation still applies. It is good convention to have spicy and creative population in your circle whom you can solicit wise and timely counsel from.
Fan Club - Okay, most businesses don't in effect have a Fan Club. But, they do have customers, partners, donors, clients - people whom they impart to straight through services or products and bring value to straight through their working relationship. Without people, you would not be in business. Are you ready to take on the challenging, dynamic and rewarding opportunity to be your own boss, start building your own satisfied "Fan Club" and find success as a solo-professional? If so, it's time to put on your party hat, buckle your seatbelt and roll up your sleeves. Here's to your Freelancing Success!
Freelancing - Are You Ready?