Learning freelancing (1)

This page discusses freelancing for the beginniner.

Definition

According to Wikipedia:

A freelancer or freelance worker is a term commonly used for a person who is self-employed and is not necessarily committed to a particular employer long-term.

Freelance workers are sometimes represented by a company or a temporary agency that resells freelance labor to clients; others work independently or use professional associations or websites to get work.

"Independent contractor" would be the term used in a higher register of English that designates the tax and employment class of this type of worker, the term freelancing is most common in culture and creative industries and this term specifically motions to participation therein.

Questions

Here are some questions I have received from students, along with my thoughts.

Approaching clients

Question: What's the best way to approach a possible client? Should you approached them with some idea or concept already?

Promote yourself and your skills to potential clients. Let the client know your skill set. Look for a good match between your skills, and what the client needs.

If you have an idea or concept for a particular client, then yes, pitch the idea. Show your strengths.

Moving ahead with clients

Question: If the possible client would like to use your services, how do you go from there?

You are likely to win the client's business in one of two ways:

On your own

If you are negotiating the deal on your own, it's up to you to close the deal.

The important factors are:

• What are the deliverables?
• When are the deliverables due?
• How much will you get paid, and when?

Through a contract agency

If you are working through a contract agency:

• The contract agency will call or email to say "We have this client, are you interested?"
• You will probably need to sell your skills and abilities to the client, similar to "on your own" freelancing.
• Never talk money with the client. Never.
  • The client may ask about money. You must reply: "Sorry, I can only talk money with my agency."
  • Never make side-deals with a client you met through an agency.
• After you talk to the client, call your agent to discuss how the meeting went.
• Only talk money with the agency. Negotiate the best rate you can get.
• Never ask the agency how much they are charging the client. It's not your business.
• Typically, you then wait until the agency gets back to you with a yes-or-no (or maybe a second interview with the client).

Cost

Question: In your opinion, as a student, how do you discuss and determine costs for services?

Cost can be difficult:

• If you charge too much, maybe the potential client says No.
• If you charge too little, maybe you work too hard for not enough money.
• If you charge too little, the client may wonder why you are under-charging.

Ask for the money you are worth, try to get it.

Negotiate downward if you must.

Do not sell yourself short. You are the professional. You have the skills. This is your career.

Come on strong to potential clients -- show them you can solve problem on their behalf.

That's what freelancers do: they solve problems for clients.

See also

• Problem solving

External links

• Freelancer @ Wikipedia