Freelancing is becoming a popular career path for many young professionals, and for good reason. No work schedule, no boss to tell you what to do, and no set workload—what’s not to love?
But there are certain things in your career that will determine how successful your venture into full-time freelancing will be. Here are a few things you should do during your first 30 days to set you up for future success in the gig economy:
1) Set Up Your Payment Methods
First off, freelancing means potentially getting foreign clients that won’t be able to pay you through local networks or online wallets. This means that setting up an international payment method is one of your top priorities when starting your freelancing career.
Thankfully, this is an easy process to go through, and you have plenty of methods to choose from. The most popular and accessible way is by opening up a PayPal account, which is the go-to international payment platform for many. Once you’ve made an account, you can link Maya to PayPal to easily access your funds through the online wallet app. Other methods include direct wire transfers from their bank to yours, or setting up a merchant account so that you can accept credit and debit cards.
2) Update Your Portfolio
If you’re setting yourself up to be a full-time freelancer, you’ve probably already created a portfolio showcasing your best work to show to potential clients. But another important thing you should do is to regularly update your portfolio, especially as you continue to complete projects throughout your first full-time month. The more work you do, the more you will improve your skills.
The work that you showcased in last month’s portfolio may not be the best reflection of your skill now. So, make sure to keep updating your portfolio so that any future clients are always updated on your current skill level.
3) Advertise Yourself
The only way you can get clients you can focus on full-time is if you put your name out there and advertise yourself. Look for freelancing platforms where you can highlight your skills, showcase your portfolio, and speak with potential customers. Building your network can also be a powerful advertisement method, as those you’re in contact with can recommend you to anyone in need of your services.
Finally, you can cold email other professionals who you believe could benefit from your skills. Cold emailing not only gives you clients immediately, but also helps with your networking efforts in the long run. Be sure to get familiar with the skill of cold emailing in your first 30 days as a full-time gig worker.
4) Continue Building Your Skills
Freelancing competition can be fierce, and it’s important to stand out from the crowd as much as possible. This means making sure that your skillset is varied, as you could potentially offer something unique that other freelancers don’t offer.
Online classes are inexpensive and flexible ways to not just improve on your skills, but also expand your skills as a whole. Make sure to set aside time every week to focus on building your skills.
5) Establishing an Organization System
Proper organization is more important than ever when you’re freelancing, especially compared to working as an employee at a company. Freelancing means you’re your own boss, so it’s up to you to keep yourself in check and make sure that you’re hitting your goals and deadlines.
One good way to start is by organizing your time. You can keep a spreadsheet where you can note down how long it takes to complete each task. This not only helps with time management, but it will also help you determine how much you should charge your clients for your labor.
Also look for apps or software that can help you work easier, especially with admin tasks. Look into project management software, email automation tools, to-do list apps, and file organization systems that can streamline your processes.
6) Keep Your Work-Life Balance in Check
During your first 30 days, it’s easy to fall into the grind and overwork yourself in an attempt to reach the top as soon as possible. But overworking yourself can quickly lead to stress and burnout, which affects your work, motivations, and health. You may work your own hours now, but it’s important to reserve days for rest and relaxation so that you can come back refreshed and ready to handle whatever projects you have.
And in the same vein, don’t tip too far to the other side and start neglecting your work. Keep a balanced schedule that ensures you won’t miss your deadlines nor miss opportunities for rest.
Find success in the world of freelance
Freelancing full-time can be a tough job, but it’s also one filled with fulfillment and freedom. The first month or two may certainly feel like an uphill battle, but it will be worth it once you hit your stride and start getting a steady stream of clients and projects.
