Ways how to start Freelancing

How hard is it to enter Freelancing?

For some with good Freelancing skills may know the answer to this question, but how about for someone like me? Yes, I have skills but not with those who navigates social media better, who can use some apps that weren't the usual use for everyday living of a normal person, or those who transcribe words from a video? How are we going to start Freelancing? Is there any right or wrong way of doing it? I've been with my office-based job, on a graveyard shift for 11 years. Yes, that long. I am also an owner of a food business that's why I know the difference between having a boss and to be the boss. That's when I decided to enter Freelancing. I want to be free. On my own time, at the comfort of my home, with my family and to cherish the moment with them, earning higher than what I receive is a plus. I want to be successful in this kind of industry.

Why are you freelancing in the first place?

Freelancing is not just doing what your boss says, or you just wanted to earn big, or you don't want to be stuck in traffic or even having a more balanced family life. No, it's not that easy. We don't want to do this for the wrong reasons. That's why I contemplated in entering this kind of industry and hesitated if I am really up for this challenge. I know it will not be easy. The important reason you should be knowing, is your realistic expectations of what it will take to achieve those goals of yours. You should have a sustainable plan. Don't just jump into freelancing blindly.

Is learning or getting into Freelancing trainings helpful?

My skills include developing and running corporate reports, developing codes, macros, formulating reports with comprehensive formulas using Excel, Power BI, Access Database, MySQl, etc. If I will only be using these skills, I will not be growing myself and I won't be finding a good job. I've researched certain groups who offer Freelancing courses online and I came across Filipino Virtual Assistance. From the groups I reviewed, this group is more professional on Freelancing course attacks - which I know I am more suitable with. I enrolled. It was the best decision I've had professionally. There are a lot to learn to!

So, yes, getting into trainings are really helpful. Mark my word for it.

Where do I find my first Freelancing clients?

To start, you need to know your ideal clients in mind. There will be rough times to get them right away but trust me, you'll get there and it will be worth it. You also need to have a clear idea who you're trying to target, you need to gain momentum on the right path. From the training, you will be optimizing Upwork and OnlineJobs.Ph. You can also create an account with Hubstaff Talent. These are just sample online job sites you can access to widen your search for clients based on the skills you have acquired. These are large global marketplaces of job openings and the horizon is endless.

You need clients, when you start, don't be choosy. Start to apply for jobs to where there are heaps of potential clients online. And, when you find a client, don't settle with cheap gigs. You did not undergo trainings to let your learnings go to waste. Accepting gigs is not a career or a lasting reputation.

Freelancing did not just start yesterday, there are a lot of fish in the sea, not only local but also international freelancers. Be at your best. Market your craft.

Should I work for free to get exposure and experience?

No. Please no. Never.

You can start working at $3 or $4 per hour depending on the line of training you've had but not for free. You can make decent earnings while gaining your valuable experience. Patience is a virtue.

When you start, humble yourself. Don't claim skills you can't back up. Be straight and be honest about your strengths and experience (or lack of).

How to build concrete Freelancing relationships & reputation?

This is what successful freelancing is all about. Even when you’ve been doing it for years, this goal never changes.This is why cheap gigs will not get you any further. Building quality professional relationship and decent reputation will give you satisfied clients and will bring you more recommendation by word of mouth or a written recommendation. This success will take strong commitment. You need to be genuinely care about your client's success and wear the shoes as if it is your own. So choose clients who you will be connecting it. You will build partnership not just jobs.

Ready to play the long Freelancing game?

Building your business and taking control of your career's success is not for short term. You need to propel your life hacks to win the long game. Creating the career you imagine should include the type of client you want to partner with and even the project you need to focus on. Be patient. Be humble. Keep the faith. Settle for long term commitment and deliver the best effort you have for every client, on every project. Be consistent. Be professional. Success will just be right next door.

Why should you hire me as your next Freelance Virtual Assistant?

With the help of BenchMark Virtual Solutions - my Freelancing brand,I’ll help you even the most simplest tasks that will make the biggest difference not just to your business but also, living the life stress-free and more manageable. I’ll give you strategy, processes, organization and a framework that will allow your business to stand out, to be known and to collect more leads! When you work with me you won’t just get a strategy and a plan of attack – you’ll get a professional partner that’s got your back and there to support and to assist you.

Freelancing is a choice for a long term commitment. It consumes time, effort, heart and determination to keep going. Secure your career. If not, look for another job aside from Freelancing if you don't accept its realities.

Godbless.