Freelance work has become more popular with business professionals thanks to an Internet connection, smartphone apps and affordable technology that all make working from home possible. If you want to become an independent contractor, consider several factors regarding the freelance marketplace before you make the move towards contracting with clients.
Find freelance work that offers you steady jobs beyond temporary projects that last a few weeks. Growing numbers of companies — even "solopreneurs" — may use an independent contractor for up to six months or more to fulfill basic needs for a certain business model. Finding work to keep you busy has become less of a problem as companies realize the value of outsourcing projects.
The reason more businesses pay freelancers involves cost efficiency. Instead of going through the hiring process, something that takes time and effort from a lot of staffers, a business may simply find a contractor that works on an as-needed basis. Plus, a contractor typically works for a specific amount of money regardless of how much time the project takes to complete as opposed to declaring a minimum hourly wage.
Determine what types of freelance work are in demand. As of August 2015, major trends in freelancing move towards mobile technology development, content creation, e-commerce and data science tasks. If you love to tinker with apps, sell stuff online, mine data or create Web content, you may have little trouble staying busy. When you try to find jobs, think outside of your local area and find clients everywhere.
As with a normal job interview, compose a good cover letter when you apply for freelance work. Look over the job description, and include some keywords in your cover letter and resume. Show specific skills and let your excitement come through when you put your name in for a project. Companies that hire freelancers may need very narrow skill sets, so make sure your expertise matches the job, and then convince the hiring manager why you're the right person for the project.
Have samples ready on a moment's notice. If a company needs to see your programming skills, show a few quick examples of your past work. Samples can balance stuff done on your own time and work for past clients. When you have samples to show from previous contracts, make sure the client gives you permission to use those samples elsewhere.
Freelance work from home requires top-notch communication methods. Utilize video interviews, instant messaging, emails, text messages and cellphones to talk to clients regularly. Ask questions and receive feedback constantly so you can improve your work. Pay attention and respond to client needs as swift as possible to give yourself an advantage over other freelancers who may compete for the same job.
Freelance work is part of the new economy moving into the future. If you want to take the next step and join the ranks of work-at-home professionals, start by researching potential markets that can use someone with your talents. Chances are you may bring in revenue sooner than think.
Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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