Freelancing is a great way to make money, especially if you want to work from home or don't want the hassle of bosses and set work hours. A freelancing career can suit a wide variety of skill sets and can be started with as little as a computer, an Internet connection and some motivation to chase a career path you love.
One of the biggest challenges that beginning freelancers face is learning how to attract clients. You may not have references, you don't have hefty feedback profiles to show and chances are you don't even have a website yet. Fear not. You can still become a successful freelancer.
Build a portfolio
If you don't have published works or a website where you can direct potential clients, consider getting a profile on an open-submission writing site. These will generally earn you a little bit of money on the side, and they can also be a great way to demonstrate your skills to potential clients. Find ways to differentiate yourself within certain niche topics or with your particular writing style.
Write proposals based on client's benefits
Here's a hint: Most clients really won't care about your education or past work experience unless you demonstrate how it directly benefits them. Phrase your proposal based on what you can add to their business, and show them through your presentation and portfolio how you intend to fulfill your promise. Make sure to construct accurate deadlines (and meet them), and always factor everything into the budget before making a bid. Nothing will upset clients more than to end up with additional expenditures they hadn't planned on or to have late projects.
Ask questions
Never be afraid to ask questions. Talk to potential clients, talk to existing freelancers and seek out useful resources to get up to speed in the industry. You don't have to be a freelancer for 10 years to learn the ropes, but it sure helps if you can learn from someone who has been in the industry for years. Knowing when to ask questions is a critical part of freelancing success. Never feel ashamed at not knowing something. You'll only communicate your inexperience to a potential client if you try to guess. The best way to deliver exactly what a client wants is to ask him what his ideal outcome would be, and then tell him how you're going to deliver it for him.
If you have clients, then no doubt at some point you've had to deal with difficult clients. He's the one customer who needs more attention than the rest of your clients combin...click here for more. |
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