How to confidently build a Career as a Freelancer?

Thanks for dropping in to give my blog a read :)

What am I here for? What has led me to start writing a blog? Am I taking up blogging as a career?

I have always thought that using writing to convey your thoughts is the strongest way to help others who are probably facing the same issues as you. I want to write about so many experiences I have as a person and also about what I learnt from people I meet and bump into regularly. By profession I am a Financial Trader and now a Blogger (Yepieee!)

There is alot out there that is waiting to inspire us. So I am starting this journey to inspire and be inspired.

I might or might not take this up as a career but, I definitely feel empowered and aspired while typing each word down for you to read and share your thoughts regarding. The reason why I have started my first blog with the topic of freelance is because I have noticed a change in the perception of the Millenials towards the 9 to 5 job culture.We want to be able to conquer ourselves in our own space and freelancing definitely contributes to it.

The most asked question by this generation is why work for someone else where you are not able to work to your full potential and not enjoy working?

The idea of freelance working seems to have a number of exciting aspects to it some find it fascinating to be able to work from anywhere, some enjoy the freedom and independence and others find it amusing to be able to work for the number of hours they wish to work for. Freelancing is also another way of making an Individual more creative.\Working sitting at the beach? Why not!

I was a freelancer (Frankly thinking of getting back at it) and I have worked with a number of amazing Digital Marketing freelancers and what amused me the most are the mindsets and hard working nature of most of the Freelancers. Most of them praise how they can work with as many companies over a number of different industries and charge them as per their will. I find it quite interesting!

But at the same time its not an easy task to stay focused and stay true to your work regularly since you are working from home or anywhere else. Another perspective is that Freelancing might not let you step out of your comfort zone and try something new not always but, in some cases. It comes with financial struggles at times definitely something most freelancers are aware of whether your are strong in your niche or not.

So what do I mean by Niche? Its your Strength..

Preferably before planning to start working on your own you need to understand what are you good at... In simple words do you want to be a Freelance Writer, Digital Marketer, Graphic Designer and so on and so forth. Are you strong and passionate in your field of work? Will this road of Freelancing help you accomplish the goals you have set? Some pre- planning and mind mapping of your journey is required. How are you going to shine bright out of all those thousands of Freelancers who are out there since a longer time than you. A major part of this is researching more about your field of interest and expertise that you already have or want to have.

If you are already a Freelancer then you probably have a niche. Look at all those Instagram,Facebook and YouTube stars that you follow they have all succeeded based on their niche. Its never too late to change well in truth my niche keeps changing.

Some other tips to follow would be

Create an appropriate balance (work and life)

Have a set routine for your working hours as it is easy to get carried away since you are not really working in a work environment. The luxuries and pleasures of working as a freelancer can become a challenge very easily. This means blocking those couple of productive hours for work only. So stick to your schedule religiously.

Have a daily Vision to follow

Visualise! Visualise and Visualise.. Plan on what your day should look like. Freelancing can be a little daunting at times since you are mostly left alone to work so being "lonely" can be very distracting and unproductive at times hence shedding light on why are you here and what is your purpose that you need to accomplish by the end of the day is most significant. Write it if you need to on a board! Keep looking at it until you get all the motivation and focus you need for the day. My day starts with looking at my Goals which I have written down and a cup of strong Coffee...

Wisely Networking

Who says that Freelancers don't need a strong Network? They do, as much as a Non- Freelancer does.

If you are a student be a part of Facebook Pages or LinkedIn Groups be at the top of your Game by networking with the best Organizations that work with Freelancers. I have worked with Upwork.com and Freelancer.com they seem to be good at it and the more experienced you are the more money you make (obvio).

Start getting your business cards printed and give them out.

Be the first one to start a conversation rather than waiting for the others to do so at gatherings and specifically Networking Events. It might require you a bit of patience until someone contacts you but, it will happen.

Create a community of Freelancers whether they belong to your niche or not.

Wisely networking can probably be that push that you require.

Build a strong Portfolio

Your Profile on Social Media sites needs to be strong especially if you are into graphics designing, Digital Marketing and writing. Blogs, Photos or live proof of your work on LinkedIn or other Social Media platforms can be a way of attracting Organizations to contact you. That is your resume so make it interesting and compelling.

Financial Planning

Oh that is Stressful for a Freelancer! Well since freelancing is your primary way of income you may incur all the expenses (food, bills, Shopping and much more) on your own so you need to have a contingency plan of how are your finances going to be driven. Set goals (as said earlier) the minimum you need to earn at least in the beginning.

And this shouldn't be the reason why you quit Freelancing until you do it for good!

Be Organised (This always makes it Easy!!)

Not just here but, in whatever you do this needs to be the Key. BE ORGANISED!

Invest in a planner that helps in organizing your day,week and your deadlines. I have personally used HITASK.COM and it has worked well for me.

Take time to look at the planner while your mind is at ease. Make sure the desk you sit at is de-cluttered.

I have a favourite spot at a Cafe close to Jumeirah Beach and I feel thats the best place for me to work at peace. So choose your spot and make sure that place doesnt make you too comfortable that you get diverted.

Freelancing is an enjoyable profession(Yes, its totally one) for many who are focused, passionate and smart workers so if you have these traits or are in the process of building them then Freelancing as per your expertise is your thing!

This was my first blog so you all can drop in and give suggestions at makwritesblogs@gmail.com

#Personalgrowth #dubai #blog #freelance #independence #freedom #millenials