How to Launch Your Freelancing Career in 5 Minutes

I hired two freelancers who had zero experience.

I was developing a prototype for an app. One leveraged their background in human psychology, tied it into how it can help with design, bid at a competitive rate and even offered to work pro bono initially.

Both were transparent about their skill sets, and the results were remarkable:

✅ The job was completed successfully.

✅ They expanded their project portfolios.

✅ Gained valuable experience for their resumes.

✅ Earned glowing references.

✅ Landed full-time jobs shortly after.

Freelancing creates a win-win situation for all parties involved.

Freelancing involves working as an independent contractor rather than being employed by a company. Freelancers offer their services on a project-by-project basis, typically to multiple clients. They manage all aspects of their business, from finding work and setting rates to invoicing clients and handling taxes and benefits.

For Companies: 

Companies (especially startups and entrepreneurs) hire freelancers for a number of reasons:

1. Specialized Expertise: Companies often need specialized skills for specific projects, skills that may not be available in-house.

2. Cost-Effectiveness: Hiring freelancers can be more cost-effective than full-time employees.

3. Flexibility: Companies can scale up or down easily based on project needs without the long-term commitment of hiring permanent staff.

4. Quick Turnaround: Looking for quick results especially for time-sensitive projects.

For Individuals:

• For Career Transitioners: It's a way to gain experience, build a portfolio, and boost your resume, potentially shortening the path to a full-time gig.

• For Experienced Professionals: Offers entrepreneurship, freedom, extra income, and work-life balance.

Traditional freelancing paths often lead to burnout.

Most people:

❌ Register on sites like Upwork or Fiverr.

❌ Face stiff competition, leading to lower rates.

❌ Difficulty in standing out in crowded marketplaces.

❌ Constantly searching for clients.

This approach may be a good start but often results in burnout.

What if there's a better way?

A method where you can set your own rates, attract clients effortlessly, and earn a consistent income?

The New Approach: Strategic Networking + Personal Branding:

This method focuses on building genuine connections, showcasing your unique skills and experiences and positioning yourself as an industry expert.

Instead of looking for opportunities, those opportunities come to you.

Say goodbye to the traditional hustle on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.

Here’s the step by step process:

1. Define Your Niche:

• Find a marketable skill set or offering that aligns with your passion and expertise.

• Reflect on your work experiences to identify what you enjoy and excel at.

• Target niches by specialty, methodology, or unique experiences like public speaking.

2. Pricing Strategy:

• Research rates in similar niches and calculate your hourly and day rates.

• Consider all expenses and benefits plus tax liabilities.

• Get comfortable with negotiation and know your numbers.

3. Build Your Network on LinkedIn:

• Target 5-10 daily connections that fit your ideal customer profile.

• Personalize your approach to make meaningful connections.

• Interact with others' posts through comments, shares, and connections.

4. Create and Share Valuable Content:

• Share insights, stories, and experiences that highlight your expertise.

• Regularly post content that resonates with your target audience.

• Establish yourself as a thought leader in your field.

5. Develop a Personal Brand:

• Define what sets you apart from others in your field.

• Leverage social media, especially LinkedIn, to amplify your personal brand.

• Be consistent in your messaging and presentation.

6. Strategic Outreach:

• Keep in touch with former colleagues, friends and collaborators.

• Identify and connect with potential clients.

• Be proactive - reach out and don’t wait for clients to find you.

7. Target and Connect with Ideal Clients:

• Make a list of organizations and key contacts you want to work with.

• Follow and engage with them on LinkedIn, forming relationships over time.

• Update your network about your freelancing business in a non-salesy manner.

By adopting this strategy, you step away from the relentless competition of traditional freelancing.

You position yourself for sustainable success, command high rates, and attract clients who value your unique skills.

It helps with job search, even if you do not want to be a freelancer in the long run.

Summary of the key takeaways:

1. Freelancing as a Career Catalyst: Whether you are an experienced professional or a career transitioner, freelancing is great way to gain experience, build a portfolio, increase earnings, and become a thought leader.

2. Look Beyond Traditional Platforms: Shift from sites like Upwork and Fiverr to strategic networking and personal branding which offers more control over rates and getting new clients

3. Tailored Freelance Strategy: Success in freelancing involves defining your niche, setting informed rates, and building a strong, personalized network.

Are you ready to start or redefine your freelance journey? Then stay tuned for future newsletter issues where I am going to break down how to position yourself for sustainable success, command your rates and attract new clients who value your unique skills and are ready to pay you for it.

Whenever you’re ready, here are 2 ways I can help you:

 1. [60-min] 1:1 Power Hour: Pick my brain on all things job search, resume, LinkedIn, personal branding, interviewing and more. Apply here for $249.

2. Apply to join my Agile Project Management Accelerator Program: A 3 month career transition coaching program to get you hired in 3-6 months. Apply here.

Until next time,

Zainab

Remember, you are just one step away…

P.S: I would love to hear from you - what topics would you like me to share more of? I want to make sure I write about the things that matter to you.