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How to Sell Yourself As a Freelancer in 2023
Source: Creative Boom
How can you remain a creative freelancer for the foreseeable future? In the end, there will always be clients who are eager to hire qualified talent, regardless of the bigger picture. Creative Boom highlights that the only difference is that you might have to exert a little more effort to market yourself and convince them that you are the solution to their problems.
You don’t have to change into the archetype of the used car sales manager to do this; it doesn’t imply being arrogant, dishonest, or full of yourself. It simply entails embracing your worth and clearly articulating what makes you special, what sets you apart from the competition, and how you can convince clients that you are the greatest choice among many others.
Be Direct and Honest
Selling yourself doesn’t imply constantly bragging about your accomplishments. It won’t seem sophisticated to use a lot of waffle, jargon, or business boast; instead, it will appear as if you’re attempting to deceive them. If you can concisely and clearly communicate what you have to offer in plain English, people will be much more impressed.
Mike Hindle, a graphic designer, outlines his process. The initial response is ‘make or break’ time because the majority of his inquiries come in via email. He constantly provides links to relevant internet content for them. This exhibits knowledge and skill right away. Many clients prefer clear communication that is quick to respond.
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Be Different
It entails communicating your core principles and most profound beliefs. And it entails avoiding grey marketing at all costs. The Simply Club’s creator, Emily Whitehead, claims “Being more Marmite really works. That entails letting your heart open. This can be very alluring for a freelancer to take on any creative work that comes their way. My recommendation? Avoid taking that route. From the beginning, be quite clear about your value and proposition.
Show Your Steps
The use of case studies and testimonials is one way to do this. Don’t forget to show the process, and make sure you have the time to conduct customer interviews and develop fresh case studies, advises PR specialist Ellen Carroll.
According to Jordanne Young, brand marketing amplification consultant at Enid.fm, explaining your strategy to potential clients should be a key component of the pitching process. People are interested in the details of your business, your aspirations, and all related matters;
Soft Skills
Potential clients frequently care more about your personality and your ability to get along with them than anything else. People will recommend you because you are sincere, respectful, open, trustworthy, and communicative. And each time they do, your prices will go up.
Focus on the Client
Designer for social impact Stanley Vaganov concurs. “I think being transparent and acting like an expert, rather than an order taker, dictates much of your volume,” he claims. That entails being attentive and having thoughtful questions.”If you approach the client as a business consultant, you will be treated with a different level of respect.”
Flaunt What You Have Achieved
Although it seems like a no-brainer, many independent contractors fail to consider it. Unless you have solid testimonials from previous clients, few people will want to hire you. Therefore, you must figure out a way to present them with your best work.
How Solopreneurs and Freelancers Can Use Generative AI
Source: Economic Times
An entrepreneur is typically thought of as someone who is creating a sizable company with a growing staff. Nevertheless, there are various other entrepreneurship models. The term “solopreneur” or “freelancer” refers to a single person having a sought-after ability. And that pattern is becoming more prevalent.
According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report and Refrens, Economic Times writes that a Bangalore-based company operating platform for freelancers and agencies worldwide, solopreneurship and freelance work are increasing both globally and in India. The study discovered that these people already utilize AI technologies like ChatGPT and Midjourney, which have a beneficial effect on productivity.
What Do Freelancers Feel About This?
The main insight here is that freelancers have already been using generative AI tools like ChatGPT; 47% of those polled reported using them frequently, and more than 50% believed it would improve their lives and increase their productivity. Early users of generative AI tools included full-stack designers, marketing consultants, brand strategists, content producers (influencers), interior designers, and software developers.
However, new concerns are arising. Refrens’ study found that about 17% of respondents were concerned about how AI would disrupt their jobs. In the study, some people who work as paralegals, blog writers, proofreaders, SEO writers, copywriters, translators, graphic designers, virtual assistants, and data analysts voiced similar worries.
How Are Clients Looking At This?
Only 7% of those surveyed said their customers preferred not to use these AI tools. They were concerned about copyright issues. However, 27% of respondents said they were okay with it, and another 22% said they weren’t concerned about it. However, a significant portion, or 44%, claimed they had not specifically brought up this issue with their clients.
The underlying concept is that while freelancers and one-person businesses can profit in some ways from these tools, it’s also crucial to understand how their clients feel about this change and how receptive they are to it.
How To Decide Between Freelance Work or Keeping Your 9 to 5 Job
Source: Clearance Jobs
For a long time, the norm for full-time employment was a 9–5 job, but the rise of the gig economy and freelance careers has challenged this paradigm. While traditional employment offers security and stability, freelancing allows for greater flexibility and the chance to work on assignments that complement one’s interests and abilities.
This piece on one of the largest career network platforms, Clearance Jobs, offers advice on how to choose which option is best for you and compares the advantages and disadvantages of freelancing and typical 9-to-5 employment. To decide which path is best for you, weigh the benefits and drawbacks of both options and examine your own priorities.
Choosing Between Freelancing and 9 to 5 Job
One of the advantages of freelancing is the command for flexibility because freelancers can set their own workloads and timetables. For people who wish to have control over their work-life balance, this may be very appealing. Working on assignments that complement one’s interests and abilities is another perk of freelancing.
However, managing one’s finances, taxes, and benefits as a freelancer can be difficult. The stability of a consistent paycheck, benefits, and a structured work environment are all perks of traditional 9-to-5 employment. It also provides chances for professional growth and teamwork among coworkers. But a 9-to-5 schedule’s rigidity can be constructive and may not leave much room for personal interests or a healthy work-life balance.
In choosing between a traditional job and freelancing, it’s crucial to consider your own priorities as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each route. If you value flexibility and independence, have a strong network and skill set, and are prepared to assume the financial and management obligations of running your own firm, freelancing can be a good option for you. Those who value security, benefits, and a steady income may be better suited for traditional employment.
I agree that the choice between traditional work and freelancing ultimately comes down to personal choices and circumstances. People can decide which professional route is best for them by carefully weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each choice and determining their own priorities.
Will Gen Zers prioritize freelancing as one of their top employment options or they rather follow the old school traditions?
Source: Digital Information World
Freelancing has become increasingly popular due to its flexibility, autonomy, and ability to provide a more meaningful work experience for those who seek work-life balance and align their work with personal values. This interesting topic I found on the platform, Digital Information World investigates whether Generation Z will prioritize freelancing as a career option and discusses the expanding freelance trend.
Generation Z members may be particularly drawn to the freelance lifestyle since they can use their technology and social media skills to work as freelancers in fields like social media marketing, graphic design, and content creation.
According to the article, the rise of freelancing may have a big impact on the labour sector. To stay competitive, businesses may need to modify their employment models and provide more flexible working conditions and benefit plans to entice and keep top personnel. A demand for platforms and technologies that can assist freelancers in managing their projects and administrative responsibilities may also arise as the number of independent contractors increases.
Gali Arnon, CMO of Fiverr, emphasizes that the flexibility and autonomy of freelancing are the two major factors that are drawing more and more professionals to it. People who work as freelancers can better balance their personal and professional lives because they have control over their workloads and schedules. In addition, choosing jobs that fit their interests, values, and skill set allows freelancers to have a more pleasant and fulfilling working experience.
People who freelance feel in control and have the freedom to design their own career paths. Freelancing is anticipated to rise in popularity among professionals looking for a more flexible and satisfying work environment as the gig economy expands.
In conclusion, freelancing is a growing trend that is changing the way people work, and Generation Z may be at the forefront of this shift. The article highlights the benefits of freelancing and its potential impact on the job market, indicating a shift in the way we work, the opportunities and challenges that may arise as a result.
10 Ways to Tell You’re Truly Ready to Go Freelance
Source: Fool.com
Have you ever had the impulse to leave your 9 – 5 job and start your own business? The number of independent employees is growing, and many people are in the same situation. According to this article I found on Fool.com, there will be 70.4 million independent contractors in the United States in 2022, up from 57.3 million in 2017. Check out the following 10 indicators to see if you, too, would be willing to forgo your steady job in favour of more freedom and, ultimately, better happiness.
You’re prepared to be your own boss
One of the best things about working as a freelancer is that you are free to pick the types of work you want to undertake. However, freelancing might not be a good fit for you if you have trouble with time management, staying on task, or maintaining motivation.
You have a place to work
You won’t have a fixed place of employment anymore, and if all of your jobs are done on a computer, you can frequently work from anywhere.
There’s enough work for you to stay busy
Prior to leaving your traditional job, you should make sure you have enough work. Maintaining a freelancing career while working a full-time job can be demanding, but it will be worthwhile.
You have significant savings
Saving money in cash is a crucial aspect of effective money management. Although it’s even more important if you’re giving up a steady paycheck.
You have the right technology
Depending on your job, you’ll need different tools, but you’ll almost certainly need a good and functioning computer at the very least.
You have a tax professional
Your tax advisor can guide you through the complex math and help you determine which deductions you could be eligible for such as the home office deduction.
You are keeping work expenses separate
You may want to think about obtaining a credit card so you may use it to pay for everything you require to perform your work. Keeping track of those costs and keeping them distinct from your own purchases will be much simpler.
You are working more with flexibility
For many individuals, giving up their regular 9-to-5 job means switching to a full-time freelancer status. This technically means working harder than ever.
You can procure your own benefits
You’ll have to make plans for your own benefits as a freelancer, such as health insurance and a retirement plan. This may be difficult and stressful compared to the traditional job.
You want to
This is actually the most important consideration to take into account. It’s a major move that might drastically change your life to work as a full-time freelancer. The freelance life may be ideal for you if you simply desire the freedom to choose your own assignments.
