A beginner’s guide to freelancing…

So you just quit your job and decided to pave your own path? “Welcome to hell”, some would say. Welcome to a time of growth, fun and progress, we say. The road ahead might seem daunting and dreary but it really doesn’t have to be. You’re probably pouring through articles and advice columns. But take a deep breath, sink into your chair and trust your instinct.

Now what? Let your actions meet your passion. This is a beginner’s guide to freelancing so we’ll cover a couple of things that make freelancing easy-peasy-breezy.

For starters:

Feel it, reel it!

What’s a better way to build an audience than by Instagramming it. Instagram is growing, thriving and surviving the test of time. With the plethora of options for you to showcase your content on a variety of platforms, we can all agree on the fact that the Instagram reel is the best of the lot.

Regardless of your profession, start producing content and just post it. Irrespective of the engagement and hate comments. Grow through it, you’ll learn too! Show how unique your skills are, show your followers some skills that they can probably learn from.

Sooner or later, your very audience will be interested to work with you or would happily recommend you to their circle, having seen your work.

Network is net worth.

Speak, talk, narrate, and unleash the extrovert in you. We are not exaggerating but you must speak to people to build relationships. It takes time, for sure. But keep at it.

Bring credibility by talking to people about your experiences, your work and everything in between, but we’ll suggest you keep it easy! Sooner or later, you will have a network of people who will know you, your industry, your work and the kind of quality work that can be recommended to people. So do not shy away from networking, you are your own ambassador.

Upskill, upskill and upskill!

Wouldn’t it be the worst nightmare because you got replaced by your client because you weren’t relevant anymore? Work for your client, but never forget that you also need to take some time out to keep yourself ahead in the game. A lot of freelancers are just as talented as you. What matters is that they adapt to changing times, so be on the lookout for things that make your product/service unique and add more value to your client.

In today’s digital-savvy world, it takes no time to learn and obtain knowledge. So pick your sources and keep relearning new things to keep you relevant in your industry.

Because you’ll be doing this on a daily basis, it’s good to set-up a dedicated space for you to stay focused. Try this sturdy and sleek workstation perhaps!

Get your testimonials.

If you’ve worked so hard, you might as well get their review right? Not just for your wall, but to be out there.

Testimonials build credibility and recognition, especially when you’re new to the game and are just building your business. Ask them to share a few words on their social media channels to bring the authenticity of the source.

Setting up your freelancing adda

Set up your adda! Don’t worry, we already know you’re deploying all kinds of month-end jugaad to make your salary last for the month while getting ready to sail off on your new ship.

Pick a space.

Your space, that’s what we’ll call it. Your space needs to reflect your persona, your style and a place where you will enjoy working out of. You don’t want to recreate the same monotonous work desk & chair setup which doesn’t excite you every morning right?

You can probably pick a favourite cafe that you like to work out of if you’re struggling to find a space while you’re living with family or friends.

If you’re working out of your personal space, ensure you fill up your space with furniture that makes you love your zone and stay in your zone. Check out some comfy, crazy living room options on Furlenco.

Jazz it up!

Now, let’s get to the fun part. If you’re an artist, you know what you need to do- add colours and textures to make your walls pop! Keep it bright and popping with tones that soothe you and provide some colour. Add props like fairy lights or a ceiling lamp to add different sources of warm light.
Plants, irrespective of your profession, will truly make your space a very lively and homely one.

Equip like a pro.

Pick the right equipment to wake up every morning and seize the day! You would already know what you’ll need that is specific to your profession but you might also need a good workstation to brainstorm, attend meetings from and read or sketch, or just about anything. If your profession involves a lot of art supplies, store them well inside a good shelf like this one.

Stay efficient, stay on track.

We know it can get a little monotonous when you freelance. Not even a little, a lot! It is important to try new methods to stay focussed and on track despite the monotony and haphazardness that comes with the job.

Schedule your day!

We know it sounds fairly simple but this is actually the easiest way to ensure you don’t doze off at your desk. Ensure that you know how long you’ll be working, when you will be taking breaks and when you will be walking away from your desk.
Keep it simple yet organised so you know when and how much to work.

Let the nomnom make you happy!

Yep, nothing like food to keep us all happy and satisfied. Use your lunch and dinner breaks to nourish yourself… and your heart! If you’re one for meal preps then ensure that you’ve trying something new and exciting every now and then. Make no mistake, a happy tummy will make your work yummy!

Take time out for fun times.

It’s no lie that your hobbies, interests and favourite activities will keep you going! Take time for your geeky, nerdy, child-like side! Sports, board games, video games, reading, pottery, TV show marathons… whatever it be, let the fun unleash. Unless you unwind, you will be wound up during your work hours and likely to have a breakdown at an unfortunate time.
Always have something fun and relaxing to look forward to. It’ll pay off more than your gigs!

Build your non-work circle!

We’re all guilty of getting so engrossed in our work that we often forget that we’re not machines- we’re humans and we need humans. Don’t let your work isolate you from the friends and family that keep you going. Make sure you’re hanging out with work colleagues, non-work friends, family, partners and more. It’s never going to be sane to keep yourself away from those who keep you sane.
Although it might seem like a rather obvious response to staying afloat, it’s often one that we forget to live by!

Live by your timelines… never die by them.

Yes, we think ambition, diligence and hard work are necessary. But we also know that a slip up here or a mess up there shouldn’t affect your mental health to a debilitating extent. Allow yourself the room to err and don’t hold yourself up to any divine standards. Stick to your schedule and communicate any issues with your clients in due time. Don’t let your mistakes dictate your headspace. There will always be a tomorrow.

Communicate, don’t hate

Take the dip, go for the dive! Always remember to communicate with your clients, your audience and your peers. Be straightforward, not blunt and be diligent but never dead! Remember that the world of freelancing is not an easy space to exist in, so try to love your work and your schedule on the daily. Don’t hate on the struggles, they’ll take you where you’ve never been before professionally. Seek help and guidance if needed and keep your space coloured with the best vibes from your tribe!

Find the best furniture to liven up your workspace and keep your routine going on Furlenco.