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A freelancing career definitely has more charm than the traditional job. It enthuses you in a way the regular 9 to 5 job cannot do and you have more time for yourself and for your family. If you decided to quit the regular job and move on to freelancing then it is just great, but how do you get your first freelance job? Your first freelance client will be the person to give you good references and probably more work. But often, the first person the freelancer will eventually work with will play hard to get. Yes, getting the first assignment for a freelance job is pretty hard. However, you can make it easier by following the strategy given below.
Setting your rates – Experienced freelance professionals will tell you what you should charge for writing different kinds of freelancing works. The rates will vary and different clients have different budget ranges. For example, if you are interested in freelance writing, there are clients who are ready to pay $30 for 500 words and there are some who will pay a measly $1 for the same number of words. If you are good writer, don’t lower your rates.
By not compromising your rates – Being a fresher in the field is not a very advantageous position. You might have to compromise your rates in the beginning. You may be a good writer or web designer and you have published works in the college magazine or hosted websites to prove your worth. But most clients will still demand free samples if you don’t have samples of your work. However, you have to make sure you get paid for the assignments the clients give you. Ask for an advance and most clients will reject it outright, especially if they claim to give you your first writing break. That is the problem with freshers, when they ask for advance, clients feel they are asking for too much. However, never let your caution down. If you get the gut feeling that this is not going to work, don’t go for it. Try the next option.
Tapping your ‘natural’ resources – Your friends, family members, co-workers and colleagues are the best natural resources in the world. True, they may not have work for you when you are looking for that first break, but they can direct you to people who can. So when you are entering the freelancing world, just let your dear ones know what you are doing.
Get a healthy collection of references – If you are quitting your regular job and moving onto a freelancing career, let your boss know of it. If you are parting amicably, he will definitely give you a good reference. Same goes for your colleagues. These endorsements go a long way in landing your first freelancing job.
Starting your own website or blog – Of course, it goes without saying that you need to start your own website. That is the best medium to showcase your works and your talents. If you haven’t made a website, make that your first priority.
Don’t go blind when you build your portfolio – Choose each job carefully. If you are going to bid for your first assignment, then tread cautiously and don’t bid right and left. Each work is your identity; your portfolio and they should be treated that way. Being confident is good, but being overconfident is not.