Don’t write off any of your skills or passions. List everything that you think you’re good at, regardless if you’ve heard of freelancers doing it or not! Don’t limit yourself before you’ve started.
For example, strong academic writers may find work easier than an expert on 15th century German footwear. Consider how many people will need what you’re selling, and decide if you can broaden your scope.
You should be willing to invest into your business. Don’t forget the saying, “You’ve gotta spend money to make money. ”
A mentor can help you determine your rate, give you some pointers, and, ideally, even give you a few contacts to get started. You need to be able to show your mentor that you’re committed to this endeavor. Make sure you have done your research and gathered your supplies before you reach out to someone. Remember that they’re doing you a favor by helping you out. Show them gratitude and respect. Work hard to show them that you’re a worthy mentee.
Your personal brand should be clear on your résumé, your online presence, your business cards, and communications you have with potential and current clients.
This is why it’s important to take all the opportunities that come your way (at first). Even if you aren’t making the big bucks when you first start out, any work and experience can be used to fluff up your online presence.
Upwork, Toptal, Elance, iFreelance, Craigslist, Project4hire, Demand Media, and dozens of other websites post new jobs daily. Never underestimate the power of the Internet! Check these websites daily to stay on top of available jobs. [8] X Research source
Make sure you consider time that will be spent receiving feedback from the employer and making necessary edits. It can be hard sticking to a schedule when you are your own boss, but it is even harder scrambling to finish a project with an impending deadline. Effectively managing your own time will help you produce quality results, which in turn will lead to more jobs.
Keeping your employers happy will help keep work coming your way.
