Being a freelancer is a great job, it’s flexible and very well paid. In addition to that the majority of us get to write about things we love doing, it is a win-win situation for all parties involved. The problem comes at the beginning when you are trying to build up your portfolio and get noticed.
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Securing those early contracts can often prove to be the most difficult time in your career and will at times makes you question whether you have made the correct choice. All you have got to think is we are living in an internet age and the competition is bound to be intense.
If you believe in your talent and your talent lives up to your belief then you will get recognized, it may take a while, but it will happen. This article will highlight three key traits that are needed in order to be a successful freelancer. It is important that you listen to the advice you are about to read,
I have been through it myself and the information is based upon real life experience.
An End Goal
It is so important to have a direction for your career; you have got to know where you want to go with it. Is it just a stop gap? Or do you want to make this your career for the rest of your life? The reason why this is important is that it can give the way you present yourself online some direction.
Companies such as Enthuse.me offer you the chance to create a profile online and if you are looking long term or short term then you can specify that. It will help you secure the contracts you need and give you the balance you need when compiling your portfolio.
A Honed Talent
Fundamentally you have got to be pretty good at what you do if you are hoping to make a career out of it. In the internet world we live in competition for anything online is massive and difficult so you have got to shine. The best way to do this is have a selective portfolio and present only your best work online.
However, don’t upload all of your best work, employers are looking for experts and it is good for you if you can keep something back. Once they contact you, you can them wow them with another brilliant piece that you haven’t made public – a joker in your pack.
Ensure that you know everything there is to know about your subject area, be a master of your art. If you can present yourself in a personable yet talented manner online then you will get the contracts you have dreamed of.
A Dream
Speaking of dreams, you have to have one in order to be successful. If you are embarking on a solo career based on often your hobby or interest then you have got to dream big. Think where you want to go in the future and make sure that work is always enjoyable. Don’t take on too much work so as you will start to hate it or produce sub standard work.
It is a balance and freelancing allows you to strike it.
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Andrew is a freelancer with over 10 years experience. He loves to write advisory pieces for budding freelancers.
