As a freelancer you have flexible working hours and that is perhaps the reason that many opt for this form of working. But freelancing does not necessarily mean that you have a stable income and work can be difficult to find. If you want to take the step to go from full-timer to freelancer but don't dare immediately, we have tips here to make the step successful.
1. Get your finances in order – Make sure you are debt free and have some savings to bridge periods. If necessary, take a part-time job so that you can pay your regular expenses.
2. Make a plan – Unless you're incredibly lucky (or just extraordinarily well-prepared), it's unlikely you'll be able to quit your regular job right away. What are you going to do? How do you get your customers? What if it doesn't work? These are all questions you should ask yourself. In short, make an action plan.
3. Reduce Your Monthly Expenses – Keep your monthly expenses to an absolute minimum. The lower your financial obligations are, the less income you need to cover your costs.
4. Work on your personal brand – As a freelancer, you are a brand. You are actually trying to sell yourself. So how you come across online and offline is a reflection of your success. Provide business cards, a website, and sign up to various social media sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Google+.
5. Get good at networking – Learning how to network can be unavoidable if you want to be a successful freelancer. While it can be difficult to attend networking events, it's a great way to build connections. And of course social media is also a way to network.
If you follow these tips, the first step towards freelancing has been taken. Freelancing is something you really have to want, and you have to be willing to work hard. But the result is a lifestyle and sense of freedom unmatched by any other job in the world.
