Check your Finances

Going freelance is risky especially when it comes to financial security. You must keep in mind that with freelance status comes the elonquently worded risk, “No work, No pay.” Therefore, the flow of money is irregular. Remember to self-evaluate and review your current financial standing and support system before making any major shifts in your career. It may also be wise to discuss your career choices with family, friends, or even business experts to determine if they agree and if they’re willing to assist you until you’re at a comfortable pace. Also make sure you have “savings” to serve as a head start. You may want to consult a banking and finance professional to guide you in planning your finances. 

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Treat your work like a business

If you treat your work like a hobby, something just for sheer personal enjoyment, you might overlook some serious plans for the future. So if you want to make a living out of your craft or passion, treat your work like a CEO would treat his company.

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Self-promotion is key

Advertise yourself like the freshest product in the market. Promote yourself online and offline in a very professional manner. You can put together a portfolio or a personal website to showcase who you are. If you have a budget, you can hire a web designer or go to a web service company to set up your own site. There are also free web hosts to accommodate such functions. 88DB.com is a service portal offering free ad posting to freelancers. Register as a member and create your own advertising profile. Email your portfolios to your prospective clients. Include the services you offer, your strengths, rates, references, and skill level. Portfolios in CD or DVD format may also be a good choice.

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Build a huge network

Be a social animal. Socialize online and offline to promote yourself and to land more projects. This also includes participating in various online forums, knowledge Q & A, groups, business and social networking websites. The important thing is to be able to interact with other people working in the same industry as you are while making new associations and exchanging tips with them.

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Practice good time management

As a freelancer, you have chosen to opt out of the 9-6 culture and so, time is in your hands. Not being able to manage your time wisely will be your downfall.  Organize your work in an efficient manner. Make sure to systematize your time even for the simplest of work such as checking e-mails and finalizing paperwork. This will allow you to efficiently accommodate the much bigger tasks at hand.

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Promise consistency and deliver consistency

Do not overcommit and underperform. Be reasonable with what you can and cannot do. Analyze the deliverables, set realistic expectations, and do your best.

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Suggest other projects

A consistent amount of work load or a repeat business is your best friend. That    means more work and more money. Don’t be afraid to request for more. There is no harm in asking.

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Think positive and expect to succeed

Freelancing is not just about flexibility and adaptability. It is investing on your own skills to help you achieve a balance in your life, and if you let it, it will open the possibility of steering your career to a direction that truly fits your lifestyle. It’s about having self-belief and taking responsibility for your own future. Set your goals, put it in writing, work hard, and keep your eye on the prize.