How to Get Started with Freelancing

You would be joining a growing number of professionals who are leaving their 9-to-5 jobs behind in search of greater career satisfaction, flexibility, and independence.

One of your first decisions has to be whether you will do freelancing part-time after work or as your full-time gig. If you want to jump full-force into starting your freelancing business by leaving your current employer, do so only if you have a large reserve of cash or other easily converted assets to support yourself and your family and pay the bills for the new business.

Your next set of decisions all center around the business. First, you need to develop a marketing plan for the business, which should include an honest evaluation of the potential market for your services. Second, you may need to revisit your current employment contract to be sure you do not have a non-compete clause in it. Third, you’ll want to develop a business plan, which will include such things as the ownership, financing, location, licensing, insurance, and other key issues.

Starting a business seems like a nice dream — and for some entrepreneurs, it is — but to be successful in freelancing or consulting you need to be self-motivated, love your profession, have a service or skills that are in demand, have a solid reputation, possess strong written and verbal communications skills, and be extremely well-organized.

Finally, you’re going to need to take a hard look at yourself and determine if you are ready to really market and sell your services. I know people who are professional geniuses, but would rather be doing anything other than “hawking” their services to potential clients. When you are a freelancer, you need to be an extravert — or become one for the business — to network and promote your freelancing business in your local community, nationwide, or worldwide.

My final thoughts? Just take it slowly. Do your homework. Examine your motivations and strengths and weaknesses. Take it one step at a time.

You’ll find some great resources, including articles and a freelancing quiz, as well as job boards, by visiting this section of Quintessential Careers: Jobs for Consultants, Freelancers, and Gurus.

And be sure to read this article published on Quintessential Careers, The Nuts and Bolts of Launching a Career in Freelancing or Consulting, written by Maureen Crawford Hentz.