Written By: Ma Cristina Lao an Elancer
Do you think you have the qualities of becoming a freelancer?
Well… let me rephrase, Do you think you have the qualities of becoming a successful
freelancer? Are you patient, fast, accurate, detail oriented and a good
communicator? Do you have basic computer skills? Do you have good research
skills? Do you have any writing experience?
In freelancing, the greatest challenge is how to manage your time. Expect to work longer hours as long as 10-20 hrs or more per day. Can a freelancer manage 4 tasks or
more at the same time? Yes, that is possible. If the work load is too much to handle then hire team members who are capable of the job. Never send files without reviewing your team's work. Remember, speed, quality and good communication is the secret to successful freelancing.
Before getting started, here’s what you need to do:
1. Do your research and find out the best freelance sites
you can find online. Once you have the
list, choose a freelance site that suits you. There are freelance sites that
need registration and monthly fees while a few of them are free.
2. You should have a visa card, ATM or bank account in order
to get paid. You can register your account details after you have registered in
any of the freelance sites.
* For Filipino’s, it's best to apply for the EON
CyberAccount, which is an Unionbank’s internet-based deposit account. It would
only cost 300 pesos and only takes one week to get your new card.
2. Build a complete
profile. If you have any related computer experience and good at it, focus on
that skill. Think harder. Write as many skills as you can in order to catch potential
clients.
3. Show a clean and
impressive sample portfolio of your previous projects. It can be from your
previous jobs.
4. Once you are done with the above steps, then you are set
to bid for jobs. Remember the first 1-2 months are the most difficult time to
get hired. The first client is the most difficult one to win because you are
just starting and there are so many freelancers who have already proved their
potentials, so be patient.
5. Some freelance sites require as many as 20 job bids/applications
per week. Bid for 20 jobs per week. Some clients give chances to beginners as
long as a bidding freelancer can prove that they deserve the job. So send a
unique job application. Be clear, specific and tell clients what they should
expect of you and the project that you are applying for.
6. Don’t bid too low or too high. Check the average rates
for your skill (ex. Programming, admin support, Writing, data entry, researcher,
etc.) and always offer reasonable rates.
7. Some clients may pay you and other freelancers for a
trial job. Read their instruction clearly and do exactly as told. However, if something
is not clear with you, always ask questions.
8. For your first
project, finish it as soon as possible, as accurately as you can, in order to
get your first perfect 5 Star rating and a continuous working relationship with
your client.
So are you set to go? Good luck J
