Freelancing is when you provide services or work that you can accomplish using a computer and the internet. When you see the “Freelancing” word. I’m referring only to Online Freelancing.
Freelancing is for everybody?
I know of a successful freelancer who began his journey as a freelancer while still in college. There are a lot of successful freelancers that don’t have a college degree. A college degree is not a requirement for your success in Freelancing. The majority of Freelancers are from the employment or corporate world with both Rank and File and Managerial positions.
There are also successful stories of freelancers with disabilities. Do you think freelancing is for everybody? Given the facts above, I can say, yes it is. As long as you have what it takes to have freelancing work for you.
Being a Freelancer is like having your own business. You are the owner and the service provider at the same time:
1. You find clients.
2. You invoice clients.
3. You collect payments.
4. Deliver the services.
5. Repeat.
For me, Freelancing is one of the safest businesses that you can start, and the success factor is greatly affected by your effort. More work, more clients, and more income.
Freelancing is already an old way of making a living. oDesk now Upwork, was founded in 2003, so that’s 20 years already. Upwork today is the biggest Freelancing platform. Some other terms that you will hear are Digital Nomad and Laptop Lifestyle.
Here are the reasons, why people are interested in Freelancing:
- Being your own boss.
- No more hassle of commuting to the office.
- Work anywhere, like working at the beach!
- Higher earning potential. Yes, you can have multiple clients.
- Work flexibility.
- Family time.
- Personal time.
- No office politics.
- Working in pajamas.
In this digital age and with the recent COVID-19 crisis. The freelancing population is surging.
Freelancing barrier to entry?
The freelancing industry barrier to entry is almost none. Especially if you already have a desktop or laptop and internet connection. You already have the starting equipment to start your Freelancing journey. Having said this, if you don’t have the equipment. You need to invest in it and treat it as your starting capital for your freelancing business.
Having a low barrier to entry, you cannot downplay the competition. As we have mentioned, Freelancing is a business, and there is no business that doesn’t have competition.
For example, the majority of the ratio of Freelancers are Virtual Assistants. You have to acquire and enhance your skill set to increase your market value and your chances of getting clients.
Full-time Freelancer or Part-Time?
This is a personal choice. There are a lot of Freelancers that are still working in a corporation. You can start your Freelancing while still employed and transition to full-time when you are ready. An emergency fund of 3 to 6 months is recommended and your freelancing income already surpasses your employment income or at least can pay for your necessities for 3 to 6 months.
Freelancing Skill?
In choosing your freelancing skill. You have the freedom, but you can choose what you already know. In my case, I’m an accountant, therefore I choose online bookkeeping as my skill.
Top Freelancing Skills that you can start:
- Virtual Assistant.
- Social Media Manager.
- Bookkeeping.
- Facebook Ads Manager or Facebook Media Buyer.
- Programming.
- Website Developer.
- Graphic Design.
- Project Management.
- Video Editing.
- Copywriting.
- Content Writer.
This is important. You should choose one! You may add skills later on, once you already have clients with your chosen skill or service.
Now that you are interested in entering the Freelancing industry. You can start with Upwork and OnlineJobs.ph. Create your profile.
Freelancing Profile Best Practices:
Optimize your Profile.
Put only relevant information. This is not a resume for a traditional job.
You can search profiles of successful freelancers and get inspiration on how to create yours.
Business of casual headshot. Choose your best and update later if you have a better one.
Freelancing investment
- Desktop or Laptop: P30,000 to P50,000 range.
- Internet: P1,000 per month. There are internet providers that offer Free Installation. Ask your neighbor what they are using and how was the performance. Internet is life in Freelancing. Also, while waiting for your internet connection. You can already start using your Phone internet portable hotspot. Many Freelancers who want to work outside their home use their Phone.
- Headphone with noise cancellation. P1,000 to P3,000.
- Computer Table – Optional
- Computer Chair – Optional
That’s it, with less than P50,000 you can now start your Freelancing business!
Numbers 1 to 3 are essentials. Numbers 4 and 5 are just optional and consider buying them if you already have clients. Our goal is to reduce your starting cost. It is also important to get the best laptop that you can afford, as this will be your partner for your freelancing.
I’m really tight on budget can I start with cheaper laptops?
Yes. As long as you can do your work or services with it. For example, your main work is a Virtual Assistant doing chat support and emails, and some Google Docs and Google Sheets tasks. A laptop in the P20,000 to P30,000 range can still manage to do that. Then just upgrade when you already start earning.
There are successful Freelancers that started with just renting in internet cafes or just borrowed their laptop from their family and friends.
Just be creative, so that you can start as soon as possible!
Another Important Investment – Time
Aside from the equipment cost. You need to invest a lot of time, especially when you’re just starting. At least 1 hour per day even on weekends.
Best practices to speed up your Freelancing success journey:
- Submit Proposal at least 1 Proposal per day.
- 1 Proposal in Upwork.
- 1 Proposal in OnlineJobs.ph
- Study at least 30 minutes:
- About your services. Master your craft.
- About Freelancing best practices.
- About freelancing best practices:
- Improving your proposals.
- Improving your profile.
We’ll stop here to avoid information overload. Again if you want to experience the Freelancing lifestyle. You have to do the work. You have to make time. Start now!
Summary of action to take:
- Set up your equipment.
- Choose the Freelancing service or skill that you will use to help your clients.
- Invest at least 1 hour daily, including weekends for your Freelancing business. You can have weekend offs when you already have your first client!
- 1 Proposal Per Day!
Let us know how you feel when you get your first client and receive your first freelancing business payment! Don’t stop.
Nobody said it was easy. Freelancing is hard. Especially at the start, but it will be all worth it, for you and for your family!
PS. The best development in Freelancing in the Philippines is the community. You are not alone in this journey. Learn from other Freelancers!