by Rachel Smith
14 October 2016
If you’re coming back into the freelance world after a stint in-house, or your jump into freelancing is a into the market. The same goes for anyone who’s just starting out in freelancing – something we’re seeing more and more each year.
So what would be our advice to those of you feeling just a little bit wobbly at the prospect of setting up your desk at home and waiting for the phone to ring? Here goes…
Whether it’s SEO, travel writing, creative writing, wrangling a CMS or something to help you get your head around content marketing and social media, a training course can be a fantastic way to boost your confidence, get a whole heap of shiny new skills, fill any dodgy gaps in your CV and let recruiters know you’re serious about your craft.
If Facebook is your online beast of choice, you’ll find some amazing communities on there – from writing groups to freelance collectives, jobs boards and hidden industry groups.
Whether it’s attending the regular MEAA drinks, finding a group of like-minded creatives on MeetUp or simply organising regular pow-wows with other freelancers you know, this alone can be an antidote to the isolation you can feel freelancing.
When you don’t have to get dressed and get to an office by 9am, it can be easy for the day to drift. So it’s good to start as you mean to go on, with a structure for work hours, exercise, breaks, admin (including social media) and possibly pitching / contacting new clients. Establish a to-do list either online or just on a piece of paper sticky-taped to the wall where you can see it to keep you accountable.
That means former editors, family members, friends, friends of friends. Send emails announcing that you’re hanging out your shingle and are available for XYZ. Let them know you’re available now. Put a message on LinkedIn saying you’ve had an opening in your schedule and you’re ready to take on new projects.
Anything important I’ve missed? I’d love to hear from other freelancers in the comments.
