- Set up a work space or home office where you will have privacy and minimal distractions from the everyday activity of your household. You can start out with just the basics – a desk, chair, computer and internet connection.
- Think about what skills you have to offer as a freelancer and make yourself a list of those skills. Brainstorm while making this list and jot down anything that comes to mind that you think you are good at, because you can always narrow the list down later.
- Create a “freelance” profile or “resume” detailing your background and experience. This is where you will narrow down your skills list to the things you are really great at and include a list of those skills along with any education or experience at using those skills.
- Create a Portfolio of past work you have done if you have any. If you don’t have past work to add to your portfolio then create samples of what you can do to include, but be sure to note in the portfolio that they are samples.
- Set up a list of your rates for each skill you intend to market. Set up both an hourly rate and a per project rate. You choose your own rates, and this doesn’t mean that you have to set your rates low because you are new, just be sure your rates are fair to both you and the clients. You can always change your rates according to the project, but with a rate list at least you will have an idea of what you want to charge. Remember you do not have to publish specific rates, you can give a rate quote per job instead, this will give you flexibility to raise or lower you rates according to the amount of work the project will require.
- Join a “freelance” job site to gain jobs and experience. The internet has a variety of these types of sites to choose from such as Elance, ODesk, and ifreelance. I use and recommend Elance as I have had great results on this site and it is very user friendly, but that is just my personal opinion. Look into and learn about different sites and choose the one that is best for you.
- Once you obtain your first job always strive to give your client high quality work and satisfaction, after all these first clients become your future references, and possibly even return clients. Freelancing is a word of mouth business and the happier your clients the better chance you will have of them recommending you to other people.
About The Author:
This article was written by Heather Morgan, a work at home mom and owner of E-Mom Solutions.
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