Ready to start your side biz but have no idea where to start? Let us, the (self-proclaimed) freelancing gurus, lead the way.
If you’re an expert freelancer, jog on but thanks for stopping by, if you’re a newbie to this let’s start from square one and get you set up for success. It will take time especially since you’re juggling a full-time job so carve out a little chunk of time each day, week, or weekend to pave your path to greatness.
Chat to your employer: First things first, have a chat with your employer. Whether you spill the beans about your new venture or not, it’s always wise to give your contract a once-over to make sure you’re not stepping on any toes.
Assess Your Skills and Interests: Identify your skills, expertise, and interests – What kind of skills could you potentially offer as a service? Consider also any hobbies or passions that may give you an edge over competitors in certain areas – But sorry, being a beer pong champ doesn’t count here!
Define Your Niche: Determine your target market and the specific services you’ll offer within your niche. Resist the temptation to cast your net too wide; trust us, targeting a specific audience will pay off big time in the long run.
Build a Portfolio/Website: Time to show off a bit – build yourself a portfolio or website that screams “hire me!” Showcase your work, flaunt those testimonials, and oh, don’t forget to throw in a snazzy profile pic.
Set Clear Goals: Establish realistic goals for your freelance business, including how many hours per week you’ll dedicate to freelancing, income targets etc.
Set your rate: This can be hourly or daily, base this on your level or expertise in the field you have chosen. Do a bit of research on industry averages to find your sweet spot.
Market Yourself: One of the best ways to market yourself and find work as a freelancer is via freelancer platforms like Cavalry. We post freelance projects but will also showcase your profile, increasing exposure for your business by connecting you with companies that are looking for freelancers in your niche.
Pitch directly: Like most things in life you usually have to go out an get it ! So while waiting for a project to pop up that suitable for you, you can take action by pitching directly to a company or individual you think might benefit from your services. Craft a killer email thall make em sit up and take notice.
Create a Schedule: If you are still going to be working a full-time job you will need to create a schedule that works for you as start to accept freelance work. Ensure you’re mindful of the project deadlines and working hours of those clients. Try to allocate specific hours each week to freelance work, be mindful of overworking. Never forget the importance of work life balance!
Manage Your Finances: As your freelancing projects ramp up, you might consider separating income from freelancing and your full-time work to track income and expenses , and don’t skimp on tracking those expenses for tax purposes.
Evaluate and Adjust: Last but not least, don’t forget to check in with yourself regularly. Maybe freelancing has become more than just a side hustle – we’ve got faith in you!
So, there you have it – a roadmap to kickstart your freelancing journey. We hope this gets you fired up and ready to take the plunge. Let’s make magic happen! 🚀
