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In America alone, about an estimated number of 54 million people are eschewing the traditional careers to start a freelance business. In Africa, and Nigeria in particular, the level of unemployment and lack of job security has pushed many, especially the youths, to start seeking career paths on the internet, and most of these youths opted in for freelance business, which enables them to work more, earn more and be in full control of their time and space. Maybe you have been looking for a way to start a freelance business either as a part-time job or a full-time job. Maybe you want to control your time and every other thing around you and work, this article is here to give you the most guide in this path.
#1: Set Your Goal, Define Your Path
The first thing to do when starting in a new path is to set a SMART goal; a specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timed goal. Understand your why and how. Why do you want to become… how do you become… when you set your goal and define your path, it will help you know if you want to be a full-time or part-time freelancer?#2: Find A Niche
There are tons of niches available for you as a freelancer and you can multitask if your guts let you. But as a newbie or a wannabe, you definitely will start with one niche and grow with time. Find this one niche and build expertise on it, then expand by including other niches around it. This will help you to have a strong skill-set in the long run.#3: Build Online Presence; Market Yourself
As a freelancer, you are a brand, influencer and ambassador, altogether. Building an online portfolio for yourself is non-negotiable. You need to create social media accounts/profiles and market yourself on them. start with your bio, tell people what you do. Edit and upload your profile picture. Showcase your works. Post tips on what you do. Be intentional. Be focused.Sign up to the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
#4: Enrol In A Class
It is important to keep learning and keep growing. Don’t stop until you are a go-to in the niche you have chosen to freelance on. There are online classes by gurus in the niche you are in, enrol for their classes, connect with them, make some your coach, update your knowledge and deliver value.#5: Fix Your Fee
Set your fee; it is important to do so as a freelancer. How much will your service cost? Do you receive payment hourly or upon the completion of the project? As a fresh hand in the industry, you will be conscious of your competitors so you don’t charge low or high. Though value should be the parameter for setting your service fee, not price.#6: Organize Paid Or Free Classes
When you have learnt enough in the niche you have chosen, you can start to organize classes for other wannabes. It could be a paid or free class. But I would suggest you start with a free class and use it to build your portfolio, too. Then, you can move into paid/masterclasses in your niche.#7: Network With Others
The power of networking in the 21st-century economy cannot be overemphasized. Networking with others helps you to understand more things happening in your niche. It allows you to partner with the like-minded in your niche and exposes you for future recommendations. There is nothing anybody cannot become with the right information and resources. And this article has given a run-down guide on how you can start and sustain your freelance business, all you need to do is read up, learn and implement. Featured Image Source: Business Daily NewsGot a suggestion? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
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