Posts Tagged ‘Freelancing’

I became a freelancer

December 7th, 2009

But things are not improving and I need more work
Over the past few years I have become a full-time writer. I didn’t actively make the switch from insurance clerk, it just happened. I got carried along on a wave of writing assignments and then suddenly I was a full-time writer, unable to think about doing anything else. Big mistake as it turned out.

Some experiences
I have had some good and some grim writing experiences. You have to be lucky in a field like freelancing. If you are working via the internet you never meet face to face with your client so you cannot see who you are dealing with. Is he or she an angel or a monster?

Getting started
This was the easy part. Someone offered me a writing job – it was a mixture of semi-technical and translation. I took it and enjoyed doing it. The money was very good so I enjoyed it even more. When it was done I printed myself some business cards and a flyer advertising myself. I said I could write anything – another big mistake.

A monster
A voice on the phone asked if I could write IQ and OQ protocols. These are the protocols that are submitted to the FDA to accompany a request for a license to manufacture drugs. “Sure,” I said. It was a nightmare. This writing commands big fees and I was excited by the prospect of the money and by the fact that a job early in my writing career was so large and serious. The work went on… and on… and on.

An angel
One day I saw a one-line ad in the newspaper. “Writers wanted” and an email address. I answered and was asked to write a short article on a subject. I did it, sent it back and it triggered an 8 year, and still ongoing, relationship with a client who I have never seen or even spoken to.

Now is a good time; freelancing thrives in a recession
The reasons for this are obvious:

• Companies lay off staff but work still has to get done.
• Freelancers save companies on employee overheads such as office space, healthcare, etc.
• Laid off workers start businesses and many of these businesses succeed and in turn hire freelancers.

Be professional.
The fact that you are a one-man show and that you don’t have a boss to report to, does not relieve you of certain behavior.

• It’s okay if you work at home in a pair of boxers but remember to behave professionally with your clients.
• Respond immediately to inquiries for new work.
• Submit your work by the promised or agreed date.
• Be timely with invoices. Use a web-based invoicing tool that looks good.
• Use up-to-date software.
• Back up your work in case there’s a problem at the other end.
• Be meticulous with your records and reporting to the tax department.
• Be the best freelancer in the business!

Tags: Freelancing, Work-at-home, Workflow, Writing
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Out of a job? How about freelancing until things improve?

September 26th, 2009

Freelancing may be the ideal solution

The recession put paid to many jobs and now there are legions of unemployed sitting around. Having a good and steady job is of paramount importance. But a major problem arises when that job goes out the window. Many of us cannot face the thought of having to start looking for another job. To make matters worse, the deeper the recession, the tougher the competition among jobseekers and the harder the hiring conditions.

Thought about freelancing?

There is an alternative to working for a boss – freelancing. In simple terms this means getting onto your feet and peddling your particular skill or knowledge in the market place. Basic requirements involve the printing of business cards and advertising material such as flyers, distribution costs and advertising in the local press or on the internet.

What can you offer?

Common freelancing fields include many different types of writing such as technical writing, business writing, grant writing, copywriting, journalism, computer programming and graphic design, consulting, and many other professional and creative services. There is also blog writing which is attracting many freelancers.

Your deal

Freelance practice varies greatly. Some freelancers ask clients to sign written contracts or vice-versa, while others take work based on verbal agreements. Some freelancers provide written estimates of work and request deposits from clients. A certain amount of care must be taken. I once undertook freelance work on the basis of an exchange of emails. The work was ordered, I did the writing, submitted it and it was graciously accepted with thanks. I’m sure the work was used and I never heard from the client again and the email address I had been writing to never worked again.

Payment

Payment also varies greatly. Freelancers may charge by the day or hour, or on a lump sum basis. Some consultants adopt a value-based pricing method based on the perceived value of the results to the client. Payment arrangements may be upfront, percentage upfront, or all on completion. For more complex projects, a contract may set a payment schedule based on milestones or outcomes.

The advantages

Most of the benefits are pretty basic:

• No boss
• No fixed hours.
• No driving or traveling involved.
• Wide variety of assignments.
• Possibility of establishing a good network of clients.

The disadvantages

• These are pretty clear too
• No fixed salary.
• No regular cash flow.
• You have to deal with the income tax department.
• You may have to organize your own health insurance
• You can only earn as much as you can work.
• No bonuses, holiday pay or other perks.
• The loneliness of the freelance worker.

The internet Once again it’s the internet to the rescue. The internet has opened up many freelance opportunities and provides access to available markets. Outsourcing is heavily reliant on the internet to provide access to remote workers. Think if you can take advantage.

Tags: Freelancing, Payment, Recession, Unemployment, Writing
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