pssst…. Want to know how to find freelance clients, even if you have no experience? Check out this free training from our resident freelance expert!
If you have dreams of being your own boss, and want the freedom to work from anywhere in the world (oh, hello Bali, Brazil, Barcelona…), then freelancing is definitely the fastest way to make it happen.
But, is now the right time?
The world is in chaos, the economy is experiencing a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and businesses all over the globe struggling to stay afloat. Wouldn’t this be a crazy time to throw caution to the wind and strike out on your own?
Well, not according to Alexis Humphrey – Business Coach, Agency Owner, & long-time WiFi Tribe member!
“I believe there has never been a better time to start a freelance business! We’re in a period of great uncertainty for sure, but it’s moments like this that make us really question what it is we want out of life – and there’s no better time to start a business than when you’re determined to make a change”
-Alexis
Well, you can’t fault her optimism! But we figured there must be more to starting a business than just sheer determination, so we decided to dig a little deeper. Read on to find out why she believes there has never been a more perfect time to start your freelance journey…
1. Business owners are turning to freelancers more than ever before
Breaking news: hiring managers are 47% more likely to work with freelancers than in 2019. Why, you may ask? There are lots of pros to being flexible.
For starters, remote working in lockdown has opened people’s eyes. Productivity didn’t take a nose-dive as the traditionalists thought. (Yes, they’re still out there.) Big companies like Facebook have said their workforce will include a large portion of remote workers in the future. And business owners everywhere are taking notice.
Secondly, Freelance hires actually go up during a recession. It makes sense – companies want to avoid fixed overheads. So they fill resource gaps with freelancers instead. But 57% of hiring managers are working with freelancers on ongoing strategic partnerships. It’s not just tiny jobs at low budgets. They don’t want just fingers on keyboards, they’re after skills and talent.
2. Freelancing = low barrier-to-entry
Pack laptop, travel the world, find the fulfilling lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of.
Sounds a little too easy, right? But the beauty of many freelancing jobs is that it is extremely easy to get started.
What you don’t need: office space, an MBA, big IT systems. (Unless you write them yourself, of course.)
What you do need: to take some first steps. Make a plan. Get working. Find a community of friendly freelancers for support. As the Germans like to say, from nothing comes nothing. You have to get stuck in.
You can start freelancing with nothing but your laptop and a few skills. But sweet success isn’t guaranteed. Trial and error can mean a whole lot of error.
Want to see exactly how easy it could be to start your own freelance business? Alexis has put together a free mini-course called The Renegade Freelancer, designed to help you skip over the awkward growing pains and launch straight into a profitable business. So if you’re ready to change the direction of your life, jump in today!
3. The end of the 9-5 as we know it…
COVID-19 has busted myths about remote working wide open. 62% of US managers think their workforce will be more remote in future.
So, what other work myths are ripe for busting? How about:
You have to live in the same city as your employer.
Working late is how you show your commitment.
You need to be at your desk 9-5, every day.
True, no one’s quite figured out what the mythic ‘new normal’ is yet. But lots of people are asking questions. And who better to answer them than the remote working pros? (That’ll be the freelancers.)
As workplaces become more flexible, opportunities for freelancers are opening up around the world.
4. Diversify your risk
Ever get that sinking feeling when your employer has a big revenue hole? And trying to guess whether there’ll be redundancies (or just pay freezes for the next x-number of years)? That’ll be lots of people in 2020.
Instead of one employer, how about ten clients? From anywhere in the world. The global workforce is experiencing a shake-up. Freelancers are a truly global workforce, not tied to location or time zone (unless you want to be).
Freelancing means diversifying your risk. Rather than putting your eggs in one employer’s basket, you can build your own portfolio of clients. 73% of managers are continuing or increasing their freelance hires this year. It’s a great time to get started.
5. It’s a business you can start in your free time
Still not sure? You can explore freelancing as a side hustle before quitting your job. Easy. It’s a good way to start, too – word of mouth and your own contacts are often a big source of work for new freelancers.
Want to master new skills, but can’t practise them at work? Freelancing can help.
Want to gain confidence dealing with clients, but stuck in a back-office role? Freelancing can help.
Want to try out a new industry sector without risking your current job? You got it.
Starting a freelance business in your free time is no-risk/low-risk. And you’ll have started working towards your dream life.
Feeling inspired?
If you’re ready to get more freedom in your life, Alexis has put together a free mini-course for aspiring freelancers called The Renegade Freelancer, where you’ll learn:
- The three freelance traps that keep you working longer hours, for less pay
- The secret strategy successful freelancers use to attract better clients
- Create an irresistible offer that will have clients lining up to work with you
- Two unconventional ways to find clients without paying fees to gig sites
- How to quickly collect testimonials so you can start charging more
This course costs $49, but for a limited time Alexis is giving it away for free to WiFi Tribe subscribers. So if you’re interested in starting a freelance business, or you’ve already started but you’re struggling to find clients who will pay what your worth – you won’t want to miss this!
