Freelancer Networking 101: How to Build Your Tribe Online

Networking Being a full-time freelancer can be stressful and at times, frustrating. You’re always wondering where your next job’s going to come from. Full-time freelancers need to make sure their paychecks cover their bills, all without the security of a guaranteed salary! Within the United States alone, 35% of Americans did freelance work in 2018. That’s a whole load of competition and work to be bidding for. But content creators need to stick together, which is why we’ve assembled this networking 101 lesson for freelancers. Keep reading for some great freelance networking advice you absolutely need to know. The Basis Of Good Networking The basis of networking 101 is simple. The number one rule is buying into the concept of reciprocity. Before you dive headfirst into the world of networking, you need to change your mindset. Be willing to give good leads to others without expecting anything in return. The principle of networking says this will come back to you. So change your mindset and you’re already halfway to successful networking. So, Where Do You Start? First things first: you need to have an online portfolio or showcase you can share with your potential network and customers. When you introduce yourself, people are going to want to see what it is that you can do. Next, spend some time on social media. Join LinkedIn and set up a detailed profile, search for freelancing groups on LinkedIn and Facebook, and send out those join requests! Remember to read carefully through any group or community rules. Don’t be that guy who’s unkind and does whatever he pleases. If the group rules say no advertising, then don’t do it. Focus on building yourself a positive profile and reputation. Remember though, there are so many facets to think about as a full-time freelancer, from hours on a project, to how to bill your clients, being a 1099 employee, and managing your time. So allocate the right amount of time per week to your networking venture. Freelancer Networking 101: Attend Those Events The most traditional method of networking is the actual events that happen in and around your area. Local events are often the ones that provide you with the opportunity for fast, rapid growth in your freelancing career. Depending on the goals you want to achieve, you’ll want to look into the purpose of an event before you consider attending. Some are simply to meet likeminded people, while others open up the floor for people to introduce themselves and showcase their services. Remember that age-old saying? It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know. Networking is a perfect example of this. Joe, the plumber you met at that local networking event? Well, his uncle’s starting a video production company. And while he has a logo already, he’s looking for someone to take his brand to the next level for its launch. So Joe gives Uncle Bob your contact details and the rest is history. That’s what networking can do for […]

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Get That Coin Sis: Your Complete Guide on How to Get Paid as a Freelancer

In 2019, 5.7 million Americans in the United States were freelancing full-time. This number grows each year and freelancers now make 35% of the U.S. workforce. The number of freelancers in the world is even higher, which calls for easy, fast, and affordable payment methods. If you’re just starting out in freelancing, you need to research the payment methods available to you. This will help you get paid faster, avoid high fees, and keep your clients happy. Keep reading to learn how to get paid as a freelancer, find the best option for your business, and be your own boss. Electronic Funds Transfer This is one of the easiest and most affordable freelance payment methods for both parties. The client transfers the money directly to the freelancer’s bank account electronically, so there are no intermediaries or software taking a cut. The transfer usually takes 2-5 business days, after which you can use or withdraw the money immediately. For this method to work, you should talk to your bank and make sure they can accommodate these transfers. PayPal is the most popular method for receiving freelance payments because it’s fast, easy, and free to set up. However, it has its drawbacks in the form of high fees, freezing funds, and limited availability. Before you start using PayPal for freelance work, make sure to understand how it works as well as the annual fees involved. Use a pay stub maker to create paystubs for yourself so you keep track of your finances at all times. Xoom (A PayPal Product) Xoom is an online payment processing system created by PayPal that lets you receive money from clients in minutes. It works similarly to remote money transfer companies and you can receive the money in your bank account, pick them up in cash at partner locations, or have them delivered to your door. It usually takes 2-3 business days for the money to arrive and the fees are manageable, making Xoom one of the best upcoming freelancer payment options. Payoneer is the best payment method for freelancers from countries where PayPal is not available. The payment processing period is quicker than PayPal and the transaction and currency exchange fees are lower. You can receive money in multiple currencies and transfer them directly to your bank account. You also get a Payoneer card that you can use as a regular debit card to make purchases. TransferWise is an online payment system that companies use to pay freelancers globally. The money travels from one account to the other, so there are no border-crossing fees. On the other hand, TransferWise only transfers money in your country’s official currency, and the exchange rate fees are mandatory. Processing times vary depending on your country, but it typically takes 3-5 days to complete a transaction. Now You Know How to Get Paid as a Freelancer Now that you know how to get paid as a freelancer, it’s time to up your game and start making money! Before you start […]

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4 common uses of co-working spaces

Co-working spaces are growing in popularity. They are seen now as the norm. Companies such as GoFloaters are meeting the demand for this new way of working. There are so many different uses for shared space, and a wide range of individuals and businesses use them. Four of the primary users of a co-working space are freelancers, remote workers who travel, startups, and students. Below is some information on how these four types of people and businesses are using and utilizing shared office spaces. Freelancers As freelancers do not work for a company and work entirely for themselves, shared working spaces are an ideal solution. It can be difficult for a freelancer to work at home. Perhaps, it is too noisy, or they do not have the right furniture or lighting to work correctly. They could also try a coffee shop; however, they are generally loud and distracting. Co-working spaces offer a more conventional setting for a freelancer to get his work completed with no annoyances. Many freelancers are taking advantage of companies such as GoFloaters to find the perfect space to meet their needs. Remote Workers Who Travel There has been an enormous increase in remote workers, the other name for whom is ‘nomad’ workers . These individuals can be involved in any amount of industries such as teaching online, digital marketing, virtual help, online coaching, and so much more. They are people who work so they can travel and move around when they want. Shared working space in the area they are visiting next will be hugely advantageous for them. It’s difficult to find it, however, if you don’t have help. Using coworking space sites takes the hassle out of the process for the digital nomad. There are many such co-working space sites out there, depending on the destination. However, for example, GoFloaters caters to people living in different areas of India. Startups It can be so difficult trying to set up your own business. You will be concerned about the amount of expenses that build up and no cash flow coming in. Startups have been utilizing shared working spaces for this very reason. Renting out an entire office when it may only be you and a few more staff, is impractical and very costly. Another advantage for a startup to use a co-working space is the lack of commitment required as you would not have to sign a several years lease (which is common). Sites such as GoFloaters require a month-to-month payment, which would be very beneficial for a company with financial restrictions. It is also a great place to network, have a healthy work environment, and meet interesting and skilled people. Students You may think it is only working professionals who reap the benefits of a shared spaced office. Individuals in third-level education or adult students can also find it helpful. A student who is finding it very difficult to study due to a lot of distractions will find coworking spaces to be excellent. They […]

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Why You Don’t Need Passion to Start Freelancing

Struggling to pick a vocation? Here’s why passion is irrelevant when starting your freelance business, and what to focus on instead. The saying goes, “Follow your passion. Passion will set you free.” I call bullshit. Passion is great. But it can also leave your spinning your wheels and jumping from one area of interest to another. To succeed as a freelancer, you need to build a set of skills that will help you attract clients and projects you love. Passion will come about organically. Here’s why. Choosing the right field can be challenging. Log onto Instagram, and you’ll probably come across a photo of the ocean from your favorite travel blogger’s Airbnb view in Maui. Meanwhile, you’re staring at the dregs of autumn and yesterday’s coffee, and it makes you wonder what your passion is. You don’t know the exact answer, but it sure doesn’t look like this. Besides, Maui is beautiful this time of year. That’s where Mary finds herself on a grey Thursday afternoon. We’re sitting at a low-traffic coffeeshop talking about networking when Mary leans over and asks, “What are you passionate about? Would you rather do marketing or go off and do something else more fun, like tours in wine country?” I pause, midstory. “Wine tastings would be fun, and I love to travel, but I’m sure there are people with way more experience than me doing that,” I answer. “Besides, I’m good at digital marketing.” She leans back. Her eyes twinkle as she confesses, “I’m trying to figure out what I’m passionate about.” She goes on: “I’m a curious person. I like to try things out. So I tried sales, and I was good at that. Customer research, advertising — good at that, too. And this week, going through a whole bunch of life stuff, I’m stuck. I wanna find what I’m passionate about.” We stare at each other. I can relate. Mary assumes that if she can nail down her passion, she can create a business that aligns with what she loves. She’s hoping that her passion will give her an edge as she builds the business of her dreams. It’s a question that almost drove me mad in trying to answer it. “I think you should be asking a different question, then,” I respond. If you, like Mary, are stuck on the passion train, jump off before you hit a wall. Focusing on passion puts the cart before the horse. I liken it to asking the universe to tell you what you should be doing — before you’ve built the skills and experience necessary to do it. You want to jump into something that feels exciting — but you also want to be sure before you leap. So, you sit and stew on questions like: “What’s my meaning?” “What’s my purpose?” “What’s my calling?” These types of questions lead you to analysis paralysis. The reality is passion comes from doing, not from a strike of lightning when you are sitting on the […]

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Ask a Trainer: How Can I Move Into Freelancing?

Tim, I’ve been working as an e-learning specialist for the past few years and I love it! During this time, I’ve realized that I have a true talent and passion for e-learning design and development, and it’s something I know I’d like to pursue long-term. As I’ve been following you and a few others online, I’ve also discovered that there’s a pretty lively community of folks who freelance as e-learning designers full time. I guess I never considered freelancing as a viable option, but it seems I might have been wrong. As a result, I’m now considering what my future career might look like and whether or not I can make the leap into freelancing. I’m curious what tips you can offer for someone, like me, who is looking to eventually make the transition into freelancing but has no idea where to begin. Well, first, let me say how happy I am that you’ve discovered what your passion is and that I and others have inspired you to consider a future in freelancing. I’ll be honest when I say that making the leap into freelancing is exciting and nerve-wracking. And trust me, it really hits home when you get that last paycheck from your full-time job and realize that you’re now 100 percent dependent upon yourself. However, there’s also an incredible sense of freedom knowing that you can do whatever you want. So, while I could write an entire book on making the transition in freelancing, here are some of my top tips. Tip #1: Let It Be Known For you to make the transition into freelancing, even if you’re just starting it as a side hustle, you need to let the world know. This includes your network, your colleagues, and your current employer. I say this for two reasons. First, you’ll never find clients if they don’t know you’re willing to take them. And second, you want to control the narrative to your employer about what you’re doing during your nights and weekends. To do this, create an online portfolio and share your work or consider starting a blog. Participate in online communities and LinkedIn. The more you put yourself out there, the more attention you’ll get, and you’ll eventually get contacted for work. Advertisement Tip #2: Start Small There are a lot of ways you can make the transition into freelancing, but the one way you shouldn’t do it is by immediately quitting your full-time job. You should plan to start small and work your way toward eventually taking your side hustle full-time. What does this look like? Well, pick up one or two clients during your nights and weekends—something you can easily manage between your full-time job and your life. Use these side projects to build your client base, credibility, and savings. It’ll also help you learn the ropes about the freelancing world. Once you’re ready to go full time, you’ll know it. Tip #3: Plan for the Long-Term Jumping off from tip number two, while […]

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How SMBs can build an effective team with freelancers

Most leaders of small and mid-sized businesses would agree that people are the backbone of their businesses. But how can they build effective and complementary teams that play to each other’s strengths and lifts their business up? Mathias Linnemann, co-founder of talent matchmaker Worksome, elaborates on how to build ‘super teams.’ One of the problems that small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) face in putting together super teams is the talent shortage. According to Manpower research, 45% of mid-sized organisations report that they are struggling to attract the right skills to their business, while the same is true for 23% of small businesses. IT is, not surprisingly, the most in-demand skill-set across industries. And the need for IT skills is not decreasing any time soon. A Future of Work report by the Consumer Technology Association revealed that 92% of employers said they will need more employees with technical skills in the future. Adding to that, companies fear that the talent shortage problem will only get worse once – or if – Brexit is finalised. But there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Because while there is a talent shortage in the traditional workforce, the flexible workforce, consisting of freelancers, independent consultants, and contractors, is booming. And it’s ripe with talent. The UK has over 2 million freelancers and the number will, on the back of the gig- and on-demand economy, continue to rise in the coming years. There’s no talent shortage in the freelance economy Since 2009, the freelance economy in the UK has grown by 25% and generates an estimated £109 billion a year. And according to the Office for National Statistics, flexible workers now account for around 15% of the working population in the UK. These flexible workers work in project-based roles and provide their skills to companies to solve a specific task. They often work on-site and on project teams alongside full-time workers. It’s particularly the highly skilled and well-educated who choose to freelance, according to an IPSE study with freelancers with competencies in IT leading the way. Consequently, more UK employers are sourcing for talent in the flexible workforce. As many as 87% of UK employers intend to increase or maintain their use of freelancers in the next three months. At the outset, this may seem just a temporary solution until a permanent position can be filled. But that’s not quite the case. That is because freelancers are actually a crucial part of any SMB’s super team. Building an effective team Numerous studies have shown that the shift towards using freelancers as a strategic asset can help push companies ahead of the competition. For example, one study revealed that the most successful businesses use flexible workers more often than low performing businesses. And there’s good reasons for doing so. In today’s ever-changing business world, it’s crucial for SMBs to be flexible, agile, and nimble to stay competitive in the face of a turbulent business environment. Utilising freelancers allows a company to scale staff up […]

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Which is the better grammar checker? Grammarly or Hemingway?

To be a successful freelancer, you must run all your text through a grammar check system.

Maybe you earn your living completing webpage designs. Do you still need a grammar checker? If you communicate with your clients through the written word, then yes, you do. You may be losing jobs with your poorly-written proposals. You are being judged for your bad grammar, and this may be affecting your bottom line. 

Perhaps you are a crotchety, old English teacher whose grammar is so impeccable that you even know when to use the word “whom” correctly. You still need a grammar check. Even if your grammar is perfect nearly all the time, a good grammar check will tell you when you are wordy, redundant, or too formal.

Before we dive into the differences between Grammarly and Hemingway, let’s answer another common argument some people may have against using grammar checkers. Some assume that the grammar check offered through Google Docs or Word is good enough to catch most of the errors in your writing. While those programs should find most spelling errors, a good grammar check will do so much more. 

In this article, we will discuss Grammarly. Look for our discussion on Hemingway in our next installment of Freelancing Buzz.

How much does Grammarly cost?

Grammarly offers three plans. The annual program is $11.66 per month, and you are billed a one-time payment of $130.95. The quarterly plan is $19.98 per month, and you are charged $59.95 quarterly. The monthly plan is $29.95 per month. As you can see, it makes the most financial sense to purchase the annual plan if you plan to keep plugging away at your freelancing career for the next year.

How do you use Grammarly?

One of the coolest things about Grammarly is that it is alway lurking quietly in the background, waiting for you to make a significant error. Whether you are writing a casual post on Facebook or a job proposal on Google docs, you will see the green Grammarly wheel continually turning in the lower right-hand corner of your screen. 

Once you are finished with your piece, log into your Grammarly account and watch as the magic happens. 

Grammarly allows you to upload any .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, and .rtf documents. Or you can simply copy the text in your document and paste it into Grammarly. 

So Grammarly can better serve you, you are asked to rate the audience, formality, domain, tone, and intent of the piece of writing. If you are writing a piece of technical writing, Grammarly will asses that style differently than it would a casual essay. 

Once you give Grammarly your parameters, you will see editing suggestions pop up on your document. Keep in mind that Grammarly already caught all your significant errors while you were writing your text. These editing suggestions are meant to fine-tune your piece. 

How does Grammarly make you a better writer?

We would expect that Grammarly would check our punctuation, grammar, and spelling. For the most part, the program accurately catches common errors such as comma splices, errors in subject/verb agreement, and missing articles. 

Your piece goes from good to great when Grammarly suggests using a different word than one you previously used in the preceding paragraph. Grammarly also makes suggestions on how to tighten your writing. It tells writers when they are using overused words. Finally, it also is on a constant look-out for passive voice.

Of course, Grammarly is not right all the time. There are times a writer may choose to use a sentence fragment to emphasize a point. Sometimes Grammarly will not recognize items as a list, and the program will recommend that you add or take out necessary punctuation.

What is a Grammarly score?

As Grammarly is checking your document, it assigns you a score in the upper-right corner. The rating is based on correctness, clarity, engagement, and delivery. Once a week, you also receive an emailed report from Grammarly that rates your writing ability for the week. 

Some users who miss their old English teachers may appreciate receiving a score from the app. This user thinks that the score and weekly email are slightly gimmicky and somewhat useless.

For what it’s worth, the above text was run through Grammarly. It pointed out several instances of passive voice. Grammarly thought the paragraph about pricing was boring. The program also suggested I use a different word than “crotchety.”

Reading this document would take 2 minutes and 50 seconds. Speaking this document out loud would take five minutes and 28 seconds. My word length is 4.7; my sentence length is 14.5; and I received a readability score of 66.

My Grammarly score for the entire piece? Of course, it was 100/100. My crotchety, old English teacher would be so proud. 

This article was originally posted at Freelancing buzz.

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Taking the leap to go freelance? Emma Gannon offers her top 8 budgeting tips

Paul Storie Author and broadcaster Emma Gannon lets us in on the secrets of staying money savvy in the world of self-employment In a modern climate of hyperconnectivity and a closer corporate focus on emotional wellbeing, the world is rapidly adapting to the concept of flexible working. In fact, according to research carried out by NatWest (in partnership with cross-party think tank Demos), since 2008, the number of highly skilled female freelancers has grown by 67%, as increasingly more of us are trading in our traditional nine-to-fives’ to join the ‘liquid workforce’ – a group including anyone that chooses to dip their toe into the exotic sea of self-employment . Although making the move to freelance is an exciting process, it’s hard not to get bogged down by concerns that you needn’t consider in the traditional workforce, such as figuring out how to pay your own salary or finding the right pension scheme for you. Here to ease your freelance woes is Emma Gannon, host of award-winning podcast, Ctrl, Alt, Delete. Emma, a freelancer of four years, has linked up with NatWest to launch a new guide for freelancers to help them work out their next move. Covering everything from time-management, to personal finances and ‘finding your tribe’, here are Emma’s top tips on leaping into the unknown territory of freelance employment… 1. Open up a business bank account ‘The first thing I did after going freelance was set up a company – as it’s a great way of having both a business and a personal account. I have my personal account, which covers all my personal finances, and then all my work-related payments go in and out of my business account. Keeping separate accounts will allow you to have the work/life separation that you can sometimes lose when you’re self-employed.’ 2. Pay yourself a salary ‘Once you’ve separated your business and personal bank accounts, pay yourself a monthly salary into your personal one. Even if you’ve worked with a big client and had a good income that month, it’s important to keep the amount consistent to even out the ‘lumpy’ salary that many freelancers are all too familiar with. If you’d like to book a holiday or treat yourself and pay more one month, then even it out by paying yourself less the following month to stagger the amount out throughout the year.’ 3. Enlist help with invoices ‘Working out your own invoices will eat up a lot of valuable time. When first starting out, you mightn’t be able to hire an accountant for your invoicing, but there are some great tools available to help you out. You can open a digital business account with Natwest called Mettle, which helps you create and send invoices. Software such as FreeAgent is also available to automatically chase overdue invoices, so you don’t have to worry about tarnishing any relationships by constantly chasing for money owed. Remember to remind contractors of the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act (1998), which means […]

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RealtimeCampaign.com Gives Tips for How to Handle Taxes for Freelancers

Taxes are confusing for just about anyone. For some people, taxes are just more complicated than they might expect, and filing everything properly is difficult. However, issues when filing can snowball into much larger issues down the line. For freelancers, the following tips can make filing taxes easier and help them save more money in the long run. Look Into the Home Office Tax Deduction For those who work from home, the home office tax deduction can be a huge help. According to RealtimeCampaign.com, most people aren’t aware they can take the home office tax deduction or how much it can help them. This is typically easy to do, and most people who use part of their home exclusively for business can use this deduction. Keep Careful Track of Freelance Income Tracking income is not as easy for freelancers as it is for those who work a typical job. Freelancers Are Changing The Way We Do Business , and with these changes comes the need to track everything more carefully. Freelancers should keep careful track of every source of income throughout the year as well as the total amount so this information is easy to access when it’s time to do taxes. Keep Track of All Deductions Freelancers can use a lot of deductions to reduce their taxable income. Some of the most common deductions include office supplies, computer equipment, business travel expenses, and utilities. The home office is one of the biggest deductions for a freelancer to take, but they should look into all possibilities to save as much money as possible. Keep Up With Quarterly Payments Many freelancers will need to make quarterly tax payments. Those who make more than a few thousand a year will want to look into this as it can help them avoid having the full amount due at the end of the fiscal year. Additionally, it may be required by the IRS if they’re going to owe a sufficient amount of money when they file their taxes. Freelancers can check out this resource to learn more. Get Help Before Filing the Taxes Despite excellent record keeping throughout the year, filling out the appropriate tax forms for freelancers can be difficult. This is why many experts recommend that freelancers get help before filing their taxes. A professional like Dave Burton can help ensure everything is accurate and enable them to maximize their deductions to lower their taxable income. This could make a huge difference in how much they need to pay. If you’ve just started freelancing, filing taxes might be difficult at first because it’s very different than someone who has a typical job. Follow the tips here to maximize your savings and to ensure you keep track of everything throughout the year. This will help make taxes easier. If you aren’t sure about taxes or tax-related topics, be sure to speak with a professional right away. They can answer any questions and make sure you’re ready to file at the end of […]

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Krios.io Freelancer Platform Ready For Signup and Hiring

The freelance web platform, Krios, is now open for signups by skilled freelancers and companies searching for specialized service providers. The advanced web platform assists businesses and provides freelance professionals with full support as they communicate with hiring companies. Krios Logo Many people search online to learn about the freelancing economy and how it affects them. Krios.io web platform was designed for ease of use by freelancers and companies. Not long ago, the virtual assistant became known as a viable and respected online profession. Many of the world’s top administrative and executive assistants have since joined the online workforce, which saved them from commute times and accruing transportation costs. Steps to getting signed up: visit http://www.Krios.io if you are a freelance professional posting your skills or a company representative that hires freelancers. Click on the Register button. The signup experience includes adding a profile image or logo and is completed in just a few moments, by verifying account information and answering profile questions. A list of current categories that a freelancer could list and offer includes: Graphics & Design, Writing & Translation, Programming & Tech, Video & Animation, Music & Audio, and Business & Marketing. With sub-categories of White Paper Writing, Viral Videos, Logo Design, 3D and 2D Models, Freelance Graphic Design, E-Commerce, Machine Learning, Lyrics & Music Videos, Video Editing, Voice Over, Virtual Assistant, SEO and many more. Once a freelancer is hired, they manage their tasks and communications through the Krios dashboard. On the successful completion of the job, the freelancer is rewarded and paid. Both freelancers and companies can provide their feedback on the experience and review of the results. The company wanted to optimize the platform to create a seamless registration process. Additionally, Krios is the first and only crowdsourcing platform that allows payment in fiat as well as for cryptocurrencies, which showcases the KRI token. In a June 2019 press release, the acquisition of Krios by The Digital Track was complete. Before the acquisition, the company offered web services and would fulfill marketing campaign requests. Technology milestones from the company have already included an updated token, rebranding, a token swap, and adjusting the business model from marketing to freelancing. As the development team continues the build and refinement, during the next several months, Krios will undergo updates. Further actions and another announcement from the Krios offices are expected in December 2019. About the Company: With offices located in Georgia, USA, Krios is a global digital platform that connects employers with freelancers to provide a unique, results-focused partnership. At the http://www.Krios.io crowdsourcing marketplace, employers can hire skilled freelancers to complete tasks such as web and mobile app development, SEO, social media marketing, content writing, graphic design, administrative help, and many other marketing or technical projects. The Krios platform offers a fast, simple, and cost-effective connection to locate, hire, collaborate with the best professionals anywhere. Contact Information: For press inquiries, please contact (Dwight Ringdahl / dringdahl@Krios.io) or call to (866) 687-2251. Pdf Print

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Self-employed and not getting paid? Find out how to deal with late or non-paying clients

If you’re currently self-employed, you probably chose this path because you want to have more freedom over your work, maintain a better work-life balance and enjoy the life changing perks of being your own boss. However, you probably also know by now that being a freelancer isn’t all fun and games either. You need to find work, muster the ability to motivate yourself and, perhaps the worst of all… deal with late paying clients. Does this already sound familiar? If this reminds of that dreaded folder with overdue invoices, know that you’re not alone. Late payments are a common challenge that freelancers both here in the UK and all over the world are facing. In fact, one study shows that 50% of freelancers and independent workers are not getting paid for their work on time or not getting paid at all. The average delay on payments against outstanding invoices is 52 days, which is not only bad for your financial stability, but the economy as well. Other studies show that unpredictable income is the predominant concern among freelancers, after lack of access to affordable healthcare. When you work in someone else’s company, you don’t have to worry about not getting your paycheck because even if your employer somehow refuses to pay you, labour laws will protect you. As a freelancer, however, employment legislation does not apply . Seeing that a client refuses to pay the invoice after you’ve given your best effort to complete their task can be very frustrating, but it’s important not to lose hope. Never work without a contract Providing services solely on a contract basis is one of those healthy habits that you need to pick up as soon as you become a freelancer. The contract is a legally binding document that mentions crucial details such as who are the service provider and the client, what services you will be offering, for how long, and in exchange for what fee. It also mentions other terms such what happens when one of the parties breaches the contract. Getting everything in writing is the easiest way to protect yourself if a client delays paying the invoice because you have a legal document proving that they agreed to pay you. Even if drafting a contract might sound complicated, you can always find downloadable templates and fill them in. If a client refuses to sign a written agreement and asks you trust them, do yourself a favour and say no. Stand your ground Although things are slowly beginning to change, many clients still believe that “exposure” is a valid payment method. Well, it’s not, and you shouldn’t let your client assume that you are volunteering. Before accepting any task, set clear payment terms and always let your client know that you expect being paid on time, in the same way that they expect you to finish the work on time. There will always be exceptions and sometimes factors such as national holidays or family emergencies will delay payment for […]

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Hit The Freelance Rate Plateau? Here Are 5 Ways To Charge More

How to charge more. Getty Most of us experience the freelance rate plateau and become frustrated. People who go into a weight loss regimen reach plateaus. Plateaus for freelancers are especially frustrating, because they mean that income is stalled. These plateaus may be the result of being maxed out on the number of hours you can possibly put in or the fear that your current or prospective customers may balk at you raising your rates and thus go elsewhere. Both of these are realities in the freelancing work life. But there may be some things you can do to move out of that plateau. If any of these fit your situation, try making some changes. 1. Consider dumping the difficult clients Every freelancer has them – those few difficult clients who just seem to take up more time than they should – they want your time; they continually ask for changes and then change their minds. Can you serve a couple of new clients in the time this client is taking? If so, seriously consider severing your relationship and go after new clients to fill that gap. 2. Change from “per hour” to “per project” When you and your client agree to a price per hour, any price increase you try to implement will probably be met with objection. And it’s just awkward. Switch to a per project rate, at least for new clients. If, for example, you are a freelance writer and you are creating blog posts for a client, consider this. You may have a 1500-word article. You have determined an hourly rate, it is relatively easy and you finish in two hours. However, if you set up a project price based upon word count, you could come out far better, in the long term. You will have some articles that take very little time and some that take more. But you make much better profit on those that take little time. PROMOTED 3. Partner up Whether you are a graphic designer, an accountant, or a writer, there are benefits to finding a trusted freelancer partner in the same niche with you. When that partner is overloaded and you are not, you can take some of those projects off his hands. And the reverse is true as well. In this way, both of you can have a steadier supply of work. 4. Stay abreast of the marketplace When you are new in your freelancing career, you do all sorts of things to get clients. One of those things is to charge lower prices for your work, just to get the business and get yourself established. Once your reputation has been established, however, you need to re-think what you are charging. Do the research and find out what the low and high-end pricing is. You should feel comfortable raising your rates at least to the median. If you are already at the median, go up a notch. And those are the prices you will charge any new client […]

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The most in-demand freelance jobs right now — and how to bag one

Professionals with expertise in data analytics, virtual assistance programming and machine learning are enjoying lucrative remote working opportunities, according to a new report highlighting the fastest-growing freelance jobs. Demand for data analytics professionals rose 58.9% last quarter, making it the most sought-after skill right now, according to freelance online marketplace Freelancer in its new Fast 50 jobs report. Appetite for virtual assistant experts surged 55.6%, making it the second most in-demand capability, while Microsoft Office skills were the third hottest for freelancers, up 54.2%, the study noted. The three top skills rank within a wider list of growing demand for freelancers with tech expertise, from machine learning to systems engineering, computer security and even design. And, according to Freelancer’s CEO, Matt Barrie, they speak to a wider surge in freelance positions as more businesses shift to move their workforces online. “I think it’s going to play out like cloud computing,” Barrie told CNBC Make It in Sydney, Australia. “In the future — or really, starting from now — every business is going to have a local, physical workforce, and they’re going to have a virtual workforce.” “The physical workforce is going to do the core work of that business. You might need to keep that local because it requires certain customer interactions or intellectual property that you want to keep in-house. But then for your depth and your breadth, you’ll have a virtual workforce,” he said. Barrie said that provides increasing opportunities for skilled employees to transition to freelance roles. U.S. consulting firm McKinsey estimates that around 27% of U.S. workers are engaged in freelance work — a number that’s expected to rise to around 50% in 2030. For a third of those freelancers, the work can be precarious or “reluctant,” the report found. However, Barrie noted that freelance work can also offer great opportunities, flexibility and, indeed, pay. “The great thing about that is you get exposed to so many things that you wouldn’t get in a traditional jobs market,” said Barrie. “It is a lot more flexible and gives you a lot more opportunity. But you do have to be constantly skilling yourself up and constantly agile.” The highest paying jobs tend to be those that require “high education, great communication, cognitive thought, strategic thinking, creative skills, customer relations, domain expertise,” he said. “They’re the kind of jobs that you want to be getting into,” he added. Getting started Twenty20 1. Know yourself When considering going freelance, the most important thing, first off, is to figure out if it’s the right style of work for you, said Barrie. “Some people like the ability freelancing gives to architect their career, said Barrie. “But not everyone is suited to an environment where, two weeks from now, you might be doing something different.” “Many people like the predictability of knowing what they’re doing day in, day out,” he continued, “so be honest with yourself.” 2. Test the water For many people, the prospect of quitting full-time, paid employment and diving […]

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15 Resources to Become a Better Writer

Are you a unicorn writer looking to share your writing talents with the world but you’re not sure where to start? Maybe you’re looking for a way to make a little money on the side of your main gig. If you’re a writer of any skill level, you’re in luck — there are numerous online websites and resources for you to share your writing — and get paid for it. Keep reading to learn more about 15 of my favorite freelance writing jobs for beginners. Hire Writers At Hire Writers, you can apply to write articles and other content for various websites. With the free writer membership, you can write about what you want by picking from a number of different topics based on websites’ needs. You can also write when you want, creating your own work-from-home schedule. If you don’t feel like writing, there are other jobs to choose from, as well, including research, proofreading, and idea generation. The best part — this freelance writing job pays weekly. Online Writing Jobs This freelance writing job is focused on content and SEO writing, so if you’re a writer with a marketing background (or an interest in marketing), this is the site for you. The free application process to become a writer for Online Writing Jobs includes a unique writing sample that you get paid for. Once accepted, your work will earn you $15 to $50, depending on your skill level and the complexity of the content. iWriter If you’re looking for a freelance writing job but don’t want the hassle of sending bids or proposals or looking through a ton of available jobs, you’re in luck. At iWriter, people, websites, and companies select you from a list of writers. They then present the work they need completed, and you get a freelance writing job. Writer Access Writer Access is another great resource if you want a freelance writing job but don’t have the time to sort through businesses , clients, and projects. After applying and passing Writer Access’ proficiency test, the site uses artificial intelligence programs to scan your sample work and match you up with the best brands and agencies that you can write for. The Content Authority The Content Authority is a more in-depth resource for freelance writing jobs. But you can still be a beginner. In fact, this website uses a tier system for their writers. Every new writer begins at Tier 1, which includes a probationary period during which the writer can begin creating a small portfolio. After the probationary period, the work is analyzed and the writer can be promoted to a higher tier. Once officially a writer for The Content Authority, you will be paid weekly, if you have a minimum of $25 in approved articles. Textbroker Textbroker is a great resource for beginners looking for a freelance writing job because it accepts writers with varying levels of experience. The site includes resources for improving your writing as well, including videos and tutorials, […]

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10 Critical Mistakes That Set Me Back 10 Years in Freelancing

Here are the shifts I made to finally grow my business. Photo by Hannah Wei on Unsplash For 10 years, I’ve been an unsuccessful freelancer. That doesn’t mean I was a failure. I landed a few big projects, and I’ve been able to keep getting new clients over the years. But for the majority of that time, I hit a plateau. I wasn’t increasing the number of new clients and I wasn’t increasing my overall revenue. I just chugged along. 10 years ago, I started freelancing in graphic design. It morphed into web design. Now I do mostly web design and social media marketing, but I am shifting to a bigger focus on strategy consulting. Through all those years, I made critical mistakes that kept my business from really taking off. I’m not a successful freelancer now. But in the last 2 years, I’ve finally started making changes that I’ve been putting off for the past decade. I’m actually experiencing growth — more clients and higher-paying clients. These changes are things I should’ve done early on. Though my experience is in the marketing industry, these principles can apply to any type of freelancer. If I had known more about the pitfalls of freelancing early on, I could have experienced success in my business sooner and not wasted so much time. So if you’re new in your freelancing career or are currently on a plateau, this advice could alter the path of your business for the better. 1. I Offered Every Type of Service That Was Requested I should’ve become an expert in a few services Initially, my primary services were graphic design and websites. But people started asking me to do other things that I had little experience in. I didn’t have very many clients in the beginning, so I said yes. Over the years, I grew to add services in email marketing, social media, SEO, custom coding, blogging, photography, video editing, SEO, CPC ads, and a lot of other miscellaneous digital services. It’s not bad if I was building a full-fledged agency with experts on my team. But I was doing it all on my own and learning on my own. I learned to do everything, so I became somewhat of a jack of all trades. But we know the second half of that statement — I was a master of none. I wasn’t really an expert in anything, so I couldn’t really be known or referred to as the go-to person in any field. I also added each new service I did to my website, which diluted my messaging and unique proposition. Instead of saying I could build you really amazing websites, I gradually watered it down to saying I could help your brand online, which doesn’t mean anything. I should’ve selected maybe 2–3 related core services and focused only on that. I should’ve become an expert in doing that so I could build a reputation of being the best in the field. I should’ve limited my […]

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Hiring Freelance UI/UX Designers VS. UX Agencies

There are many companies out there that want to rebrand themselves, start a new marketing campaign, develop a new product, or make updates to existing products. Whether you are a young company, startup, or mid-sized business, you must have already thought about the ways you could get a task like this done. One of the most common questions many companies ask nowadays when it comes to design is whether they should hire a freelance UI/UX designer or a UX design company. Why should you hire a UX agency, when you could set a freelance designer for the task and pay twice or thrice less while getting it done just as good? Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of both sides before you make your final decision on this matter. Pro: Agency Hiring a UI/UX design agency usually means that you will have an extra professionalism level for your project. It helps to build trust between you and the agency. The thing is that most UX agencies always have real cases that you can review before hiring one. Examples can be both good and bad, so you’ll still know how well a company handles various projects and tasks before dealing with it directly. The Quality design makes best friends. Sometimes, such relationships can become long-lasting, if the client – you – need more UX design services in the future. Unlike freelance designers, reliable UX agencies have an established process that assures proper completion of clients’ projects. There are quite a few leading UX design agencies like Clay in San Francisco that may provide you with the required assistance and relevant results, and you have to know where to look for them. Con: Freelance When you hire a UI/UX freelance designer, you usually don’t know the person to whom you’re trusting your project. UX design is quite a complicated thing, so you can’t say for sure what exactly a freelancer can do for you and if you can trust them with anything complicated. And it goes the other way around, too, as freelancers are in a slightly similar position to yours, not being sure if they are going to get paid for their work. What if the freelance contractor will find another client who pays more than you, and doesn’t finish your project? What if you find a freelancer, who can do the same work at a smaller price? Moreover, the UI/UX freelancer might lack the required experience or not know the best design practices, thus not being able to provide you with adequate quality of service. Or, the contractor could have an outdated understanding of UX design, whereas you need modern design vision and solutions. You will have to take a chance and hope that everything plays out well. Once again, a UX design agency has a team determined to complete whatever project you have. It is the reason you can rest assured that your project is going to be completed according to the highest […]

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The Pros And Cons Of Accepting Crypto Payments As A Freelancer

Accepting crypto payments as a freelancer. Getty You provide your services to clients and you expect to be paid. And sometimes, it is tough to get paid on time or even get paid at all . So should you bother with adding yet another payment option to your current mix? Especially, one that is less in-the-know and comes with a certain degree of risk? The answer isn’t that straightforward. Thus, let’s dig a bit deeper into the matter and take a look at the pros and cons of accepting crypto payments as a freelancer. Pro: no currency exchange fees The major perk of freelancing is that you can tap into the global pool of jobs and do business internationally. You can pursue jobs in locales where your expertise is in-demand and where the compensation is higher. However, the cross-border nature of freelancing also comes with certain liabilities. There’s the whole process of figuring out how much you should charge in the foreign currency to compensate for the exchange rates and conversion fees. The Economist estimated that the average cost of sending the equivalent of $200 cross-border falls in the 4%-8% range, depending on whether you use a bank or a fintech company. And those processing fees add up, as you still have taxes to pay on top. As a result, you may end up with a much lower paycheck than originally anticipated. Accepting cryptocurrency instead means that there would be no currency exchange fees or hidden payment fees . When you are paid in crypto, you pay a flat transaction fee only. Also, you have a choice to exchange your coins to a fiat currency when the exchange rate is good. Con: cryptocurrencies are volatile Cryptos, by their very nature right now, are fluctuating in worth. What you are paid today may not be worth the same amount tomorrow. Or, on the contrary, double in price overnight. For instance, at the beginning of October, a bitcoin was worth $8,333 . At the end of the month, its price grew to $9,225. If you plan to accept cryptocurrencies as a payment option, you’ll need to become better versed in trading and investing. As prices change daily (and even hourly), the easiest way for staying on top of things is to use a crypto trading bot . Such programs include trading strategies and they can buy some of your coins and sell when the rate is more favorable. Pro: you get access to more jobs Traditional freelance marketplaces (Upwork, Fiver, PeoplePerHour) are the first destination most freelancers head to when they need a new gig. As a result, the competition there has become fierce, with more talent than jobs available. The fees are also on the steep side (around 20% on average for new contracts), meaning that you can waste a lot of time canoodling clients and competing with others for a fraction of your standard project rate. So instead of doing what everyone else does, you can consider joining a […]

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4 Time Management Tips for Remote Jobs

As more and more people turn to remote and freelance work , more people are wondering how to manage their own schedules. Some people are naturally organized and have no issues with this, but others might find themselves doing too much or too little. With no one else around to monitor you, it is easy to fall into habits that aren’t good for working . With these tips, you can learn to make the most out of your time while working remotely. 1. Keep track of deadlines When you work remotely, it is likely that you will be tasked with managing multiple assignments and deadlines at the same time. If you are freelancing, this could mean dealing with multiple different companies who work within different time frames. While it may seem like you can keep everything straight in your head, it is definitely a good idea to have a dedicated space to keep track of all your deadlines. Because different people manage their schedules in different ways, how you choose to keep track of your deadlines is mostly up to you. Some people prefer to keep track the old-fashioned way on a paper calendar while others have moved on to digital reminders. There can be many different places to record deadlines like Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendars, and using various apps on your phone. However you decide to keep track, make sure that you stick to one method, otherwise you run the risk of having to keep track of multiple calendars. It may also be a good idea to set reminders for yourself a couple days or a day before things are due, just in case it has slipped past you somehow. This is good practice so that you aren’t accidentally missing deadlines and turning things in late. 2. Make a priority list Alongside keeping track of multiple deadlines, you may be wondering how to manage your time when you have many tasks that need to be worked on. When you have so many things to do, the anxiety around getting them all done can be paralyzing. Where do you start? It is a good idea to get into the habit of making a priority list at the start of every day. This helps you get some clarity on what tasks need to be done urgently and what tasks can be reserved for later. When you have a clear priority, it is much easier to start working on it than trying to work on many different things at the same time. Often, our priorities are the things that are due the soonest, but you may want to base your priorities on what work is most important to you. 3. Have a dedicated workspace Because you work remotely, there are many different options for where and how you work. If you are lucky, try to set up a dedicated space for work. Because most people who work remotely also work from home, it can be very easy to allow yourself to […]

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Advice on Becoming a Freelancer

Want to be a freelancer? Here’s are six steps you need to take to get started. Did you know that more than a third of U.S. workers are freelancers? Freelancing is popular in Europe as well, and the number of people who freelance grew by 45% in the last five years. Across the world, small and large companies have significantly increased their use of freelancers. If you’ve decided to become a freelancer, the numbers say you’re on to something good. Whether your goal is to earn some money on the side or make freelancing a full-time career, you’ll need to arm yourself with knowledge, determination to learn and improve, and lots of patience. Here’s how to start freelancing. How do you become a freelancer? The freelance market is growing by the day, and if you want to be competitive, you have to prepare accordingly. Follow these six steps to get started. Step 1: Consider whether freelancing is for you. Freelancing has its pros and cons (more on that later), but in general, you must possess a specific mindset to be a freelancer. Being your own boss is a great thing if you’re disciplined and reliable . Freelancing enables you to set your own schedule, so you can take a day off whenever you want, but you won’t be paid for that time because there is no such thing as paid leave. If you want to be a freelancer, you should maintain a daily work routine, be ready to juggle several projects at the same time and continually look for new projects so you can maintain a steady flow of work. If you’re still working full time, don’t quit your job immediately. Instead, combine freelancing and full-time work until you accumulate enough clients and connections to support yourself as a freelancer. Working from a comfortable place of steady work and safe income is a much better environment for developing your freelance business. Step 2: Find a platform. Most freelancers use freelancing platforms to find work. While recommendations and social media channels like LinkedIn can also be a great source of gigs, platforms are popular because they allow you to effortlessly connect with clients looking for freelancers. There is always a job available there. Also, most of these platforms have policies and offer protection both for buyers and freelance workers. On freelance platforms, every project you take on is a mini contract, and both you and the client are required to adhere to its terms. Choosing the platform with the model that fits your needs and salary expectations is incredibly important for your success. Plenty of freelancing websites encourage the so-called “race to the bottom,” where freelancers provide poor quality work in exchange for poor compensation. Ultimately, it doesn’t help anyone – buyers cannot find good quality of work and freelancers cannot earn enough money. Some freelancing platforms, like Hiremotely , base their business model on admitting only top freelance software developers and connect them with clients based on very specific […]

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Freelance finance: How to make more money

Going freelance is simultaneously exciting and terrifying, and worrying about freelance finances is a big part of that. It pays to be prepared – largely because once you start freelancing, a single company will no longer be regularly paying you. We asked those who’ve made the leap for their advice on how to make it work, and their advice ranged from everything from being organised, whether or not you really need to learn how to network to getting to grips with tax. Here’s what they said: 01. Set realistic expectations “You must think of your new business like a startup: savings are a ‘runway’ to transition you from the stability of a monthly salary,” suggests strategist Christopher Murphy . It’s therefore a good idea to build up at least three (preferably six) months of living expenses prior to going freelance. Also, have a plan to step back if things don’t work out. “I told my wife we needed at least six months to discover whether my freelancing would work,” recalls creative director, designer and developer Shane Mielke . “And if I wasn’t successful, I’d immediately apply to whatever agency would have me, so we wouldn’t cut deep into our savings.” While that might sound negative, Mielke argues freelancing is anything but – as long as you’re organised and know how to network. “I made a single tweet, received my first project, and haven’t looked back since,” he says. “Although people sometimes think freelancers sacrifice money for freedom, that’s not necessarily the case – it can be very profitable and I’ve consistently made more money than when I worked as a salaried employee.” 02. Manage your overheads Mielke’s point about organisation is crucial. As Clearleft founder Andy Budd notes, a major challenge of freelancing is the uneven nature of income: “Even if you’re lucky enough to immediately land a long-term contract, you’ll probably work for a month before you can invoice. And many companies pay on 60- or 90-day cycles: miss a payment window and you’ll have to wait until the next one.” Even with smaller companies, you may find yourself chasing payments, hence why graphic and web designer Colm McCarthy recommends “mandating a 50-to-60 per cent deposit from new clients, with the remaining balance arriving in staged payments upon delivery of agreed work”. Naturally, get this written into a contract. Income is at least broadly understood among most people considering freelancing. Outgoings… less so. When you’ve worked in a salaried environment, it’s easy to forget what you’re spending and then fritter money away. “You must track exactly what you need to be using in your business,” recommends brand designer Rachel Shillcock . “I work with a lot of online tools and renewal bills quickly mount up. So I do an audit every quarter to ensure I cancel anything I’m not using.” Murphy notes that such tracking should extend to everything: “Software. Pens and paper. Sticky notes. It all needs accounting for. When you’re salaried, someone else pays for these […]

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6 Freelance Jobs that Can Pay a Full Time Income

Transitioning from a traditional nine-to-five to become a freelancer is no walk in the park. You will lose a couple of things like retirement benefits and a steady paycheck. But, you’ll gain so much more- the freedom of movement, ability to determine your own schedule and you’ll generally be more satisfied. A study by ReportLinker revealed that up to 84% of freelancers find a sense of purpose working in the gig economy while another 32% believe that they’re a lot happier than their employed colleagues. Furthermore, there are many freelancers earning a full time income without answering the daily call of 9 to 5. Below are your best bets for freelance careers that can lead to high steady pay. Medical Transcriptionist Before I move onto how much you can, I should explain the role of a medical transcriptionist. This is a trained individual who transcribes, in medical terms, what a physician or clinician dictates following a surgery, patient visit, test results, pathology and more. The field of medicine has a language of its own, consisting of synonyms, antonyms, along with the rules of the English language. Missing just one punctuation mark can alter a whole diagnosis. Based on this, you can already tell that medical transcription requires specialized training. But with training and experience, you’ll be guaranteed of a handsome pay, especially because there’s a surge in demand for medical transcriptionists. A quick visit to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals that a full time medical transcriptionist earns an average of $34,000 per year. Payscale.com estimates that, on average, a freelance medical transcriptionist earns $16.48 per hour. However, this rate varies significantly depending on the industry you work in and the number of clients. Freelance transcriptionists who work for insurance firms, specialty hospitals and laboratories are the highest earners. If you’ve never transcribed before, you might try general transcribing first as a good way to practice. Some of the best transcription jobs that are non medical all have very low barrier of entry. Web Developer and Programmer The BLS projects that by 2024, the employment of web developers will have increased by 27% from 2014. That growth rate is faster than the average for all other occupations. This is not surprising given that more companies are relying on their online presence to get that competitive edge. This makes web design and development a lucrative freelancing job. To determine how much they earn, Code Mentor queried 5,302 freelance developers. Unsurprisingly, they found that those working in the U.S. are the highest earners, making up to $70 per hour. This study revealed that other than geographical location, the type of programming language that a developer is skilled in also determined the rate. JavaScript, despite being the most popular, did not command a high pay. Developers skilled in JavaScript earn about $61 an hour while those who deal in AWS earn up to $74 an hour. In a nutshell, how much you earn as a freelance developer varies depending on […]

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Sites like Upwork: Alternatives where freelancers can get clients

There has been a growing demand in the last years for freelancer websites to help both employers and individuals to find projects where they can invest their energy and focus. Some of the best freelancer platforms have great features that make the experience very user-friendly and one platform like that is Upwork. There are not many sites like Upwork. It was created from the merge of oDesk and Elance and is one of the best-known platforms for somebody that is looking a freelancer job in the online. It is popular because it is huge and it has been around for more than 10 years having millions of freelancers that work in different fields. However, sometimes sites like Upwork might not be the best option for each type of project. Luckily there are also other options to go for because some freelancer has mixed reviews. Another feature that the Upwork platform has and is very helpful is their tracking software that counts the time that you are spending on working on a project. It does that by taking screenshots of the person’s computer every few minutes. Sites like Upwork Advisable Advisable is a cool freelance marketplace that connects top talent with employers. Employers can find easily the person that they are looking for and what is great is that Advisable makes great recommendation for freelancers that might be the best for the job. The client doesn’t get any kind of fees, they just pay for the freelancer’s services that they get. Freelancer Freelancer.com can be also a great choice if you are looking for sites like Upwork. It works on a bid system and all you have to do is set up your profile and you are good to go. To find a job you can search in the system by adding filters or keywords. Transactions are fully secured and when you see a project you like you to make a bid for it choosing the price yourself. For sure you will be able to find all kind of jobs and if you think about Upwork vs Freelancer, this site can be a good alternative. Fiverr Fiverr is one of the most used freelancer websites and the idea behind it is very cool. Fiverr Pro is also a cool update that they did that bring in the experts for certain projects. These experts are trusted by some of the biggest brands in the world. Only 1 percent of applicants get approved to this. The most used categories that are used on Fiverr being one of the sites like Upwork is graphic design, marketing and writing together with the translation. Each category has many subcategories sometimes even in the area of one hundred. So, chances are big that you will find what you need, just give it a try and see for yourself. FlexJobs Advertisement FlexJobs is a cool online platform that lists verified job postings. The jobs that you will find here are similar to the ones on Upwork. What […]

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Need Freelance Attorneys And Paralegals?

(Image via Getty) With dramatic shifts in the legal market, law firms, in-house legal departments, and alternative legal service providers (ALSPs) are increasingly turning to freelance lawyers and paralegals to build their workforce. In turn, lawyers and paralegals may find their careers increasingly including contract and freelance work. This new world can feel overwhelming with a new legal marketplace concept popping up every month. To add to the confusion, some of these marketplaces are focused on helping consumer clients locate attorneys in violation of fee-sharing rules while others offer only independent contractor services which can cause penalties for improper worker classification and wage-and-hour claims. Here’s a breakdown of the four basic legal staffing concepts on the market to help candidates and clients sort through this new landscape, ensure compliance, and pick the concept that works best for their law practice or career, Staffing Solutions 1. Brick & Mortar Staffing Agencies: Traditional and “new law” concept staffing firms can help with direct and contract hiring services. These provide full payroll and employment compliance as well as professional liability insurance specific to staffing that adds an extra layer of protection for hirers and contractors. Further, the ABA model rules adopted by the majority of jurisdictions permit staffing services as not in violation of fee sharing. The downside is, brick and mortar agency processes tend to be less transparent and more manual, time-consuming, and expensive than online options. Candidates may find recruiters who are tasked with executing these manual processes and staffing many roles simultaneously are not responsive and hirers may not like the friction and time required to interface with a recruiter to access and communicate with candidates. Benefits: Dedicated recruiters In compliance with Model Rules of Professional Conduct Payroll and employment compliance services Temp and direct-hire options Ability to meet a wide range of staffing needs, including specialized and non-attorney roles Limitations: Fees tend to be higher than modern staffing solutions Non-transparent fee structures that may vary from project to project (or candidate to candidate) Some can find it clunky and time-consuming to go through a recruiter to connect with and communicate with candidates New Law staffing agency concepts that focus on attorneys with Fortune 500 and Am Law backgrounds can have rigid hour and length requirements requiring hirers to commit to 20-40 hours on a multi-month basis 2. Boutique Freelance “Platforms”: These services often call themselves marketplaces or platforms. They generally contain a marketing website through which a point person is contacted, much like an agency. These concepts offer independent contractor services without payroll and professional liability insurance. While they lack the services and compliance of agencies, often the fees are lower and more transparent and they also tend to offer more experienced and specialized attorneys. Benefits : Ability to connect with attorneys for a project basis License and identity verification High-touch, manual experience for the tech-adverse Fees generally lower for 1099 work than traditional agency concepts Focus on more experienced, specialized attorneys Limitations : No payroll or employment […]

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What You Should Know About Starting a Freelance Writing Business Today

So, you’re a talented writer who fancies taking the plunge and going freelance? You imagine blissful days tapping away at your keyboard at home, coffee on tap and the freedom to manage your time as you wish. Is it really that easy? Let’s take a look at five things you must know and tips for turning this dream into reality today. To be successful in this very competitive market, you need to perfect your writing skills by practicing your craft over and over again. Maybe you have worked in-house for an agency or enjoy creative writing in your spare time. But this is only the first step to freelance success. However good you think you are, you can always brush up on your grammar skills and practice different genres of writing to make you as marketable as possible. Try out some online courses or attend workshops where you get to stretch those writing muscles and challenge yourself to reach the next level of greatness. Remember, practicing writing is like a workout – do it regularly, and you’ll see amazing progress. 2. You must learn how to market yourself Once you’re confident about your abilities and can offer a range of writing styles, you need to get out there and let the world know about your abilities and services. Many freelance writers start by signing up with copywriting agencies. This is a great way to start your career as they can offer regular work in a variety of subject areas, as well as the editorial support that you will need in the early days. When you register, you will have to submit a written test to check that your skills match their standards. This is a good test to see if you can handle deadlines and any feedback – positive or negative. You may also know of businesses that require a freelance writer for their marketing materials, website or blogs. Don’t be afraid to approach them directly and inform them of your skills and how you can enhance their business. And don’t forget about social media sites where you can easily promote your business and link with other professionals. This is an essential part of marketing today and getting your name – and writing – out there. 3. It’s more than just about writing Even if you are the greatest writer in the world, this isn’t helpful unless you have sharp business skills as well, like how to deal with clients, manage expectations and deliver to deadline. As you accept assignments, be mindful of how long you think they will take to submit and plan your time out accordingly . If you don’t think you can make a deadline, speak to your agency or client and negotiate an extension, stating plausible reasons why it’s necessary. For example, you can explain that the project needs more research. It’s all about communication. Remember that your freelance writing is a business – so make a business plan and set achievable goals, for example […]

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RoamHR Offers Financial Institutions Seamless Integration and Account Onboarding for Freelance Customers

NEW ALBANY, Ohio, Nov. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — RoamHR , the digital platform empowering the freelance workforce to easily and effectively manage its taxes, offers financial institutions the ability to better attract and meet the banking needs of the increasing number of customers and members who are earning some level of income from 1099 work. With its flexible API, RoamHR’s digital platform can be quickly and easily integrated with a bank or credit union’s existing core, online banking and mobile banking systems. Available for download through all major app stores, RoamHR’s digital platform provides financial wellness and tax services for freelance and self-employed workers, enabling them to easily and effectively manage their taxes, as well as track expenses and mileage. The platform’s patent-pending, continuous accounting capabilities supports income fluctuations and multiple revenue streams, vital for today’s growing gig and freelance workforce. Recently selected as a finalist in the Finastra Fusion Appathon , RoamHR will soon be one of the first apps available in Finastra’s FusionFabric.cloud Marketplace , allowing financial institutions to easily connect with the platform. RoamHR will work with its partner banks and credit unions to develop a launch page for integrating the platform with an institution’s own internal accounts. RoamHR’s highly flexible, open API integration gives customers and members a simple registration process, selecting their applicable accounts and finally detecting them to download the RoamHR app for quick and easy access regardless of time or location. This allows more deposits to remain, increases primacy, and gives those banks the credit unions the opportunity to deepen customer relationships. “Up to a third of most financial institutions’ current customers are already earning some form of 1099 income. With the estimated number of U.S. independent workers at 54 million and rising, it’s vital these institutions are able to attract and support the financial needs of this growing workforce,” said Rick Gonzalez, Founder and CEO of RoamHR. “Today’s banks and credit unions recognize this need, but often have trouble finding the right solutions. RoamHR’s platform can not only help them connect and better serve these customers and members as financial wellness partners but can also provide them the opportunity to grow these relationships, and thus, their revenue.” About RoamHR RoamHR is the ultimate financial platform for freelancers. Our solution is precision-engineered to solve the biggest tax and budgeting challenges faced by the self-employed and contract workers, making it incredibly easy for 1099 employees to save money, plan for quarterly tax payments, track mileage and other deductible expenses, and automate tax payments. Our goal is to unlock new levels of financial freedom for freelancers, wherever they may roam. Whether you’re a truck driver, a designer, or a developer for hire, our easy-to-use platform allows freelancers the freedom to focus on the work that you want to do, and not on tax planning. To download the RoamHR platform or learn more, please visit www.roamhr.com . SOURCE RoamHR

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Freelance Interior Designer

Seeking seasoned Interior Design professional with 3-5 years of Hospitality experience for Freelance position, with room for growth to a Full Time role. Our studio is based in Philadelphia, but the position can be filled by a NYC candidate working remotely with occasional travel to our home office. Our designers are driven individuals with a killer eye and project management skills to match. You need to be extremely detail oriented and know how to communicate well. Our team manages projects from start to finish under the direction of our Creative Director and Principal Designer. This collaborative environment and extreme attention to detail is what pushes ROHE Creative’s designs to the next level and being open to direction is a must. We expect our designers to be up to date with the latest finishes and furnishings as well as what’s trending in the industry. You will meet with clients, talk with vendors and contractors, collaborate with other designers on the team, and coordinate with various ROHE partners to make everything come together. We have a positive work environment where we work hard and get things done, but communicate in a kind way to everyone. What we’d like to see: 3+ years of professional interior design experience Strong AutoCAD skills Strong Adobe Photoshop skills A solid understanding of the specifications process Strong knowledge of trade sources Extreme attention to detail Great communication and experience consulting directly with clients Confidence and ability to communicate your ideas clearly Strong leadership and self-motivation Great multi-tasking skills The ability to work with a team and take direction A great attitude – no egos here, please. Please email your resume and portfolio to careers@rohecreative.com

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9 Tips for Freelancers to Become a Millionaire in Less Than 5 Years

There are numerous benefits to freelancing. You pick your own hours, you are your own boss, and you get to choose the type of work that you do each day. Plus, if you find a good niche, you can make large amounts of money in short amounts of time. That means it’s possible to become a millionaire. A possible negative or con to managing yourself is that you have to be a self-starter. Once you secure a project, you have a timeline you will have to meet it by. It is entirely on you, though, to find new clients. You have to hustle, create a good reputation for yourself and do high-quality work in a timely manner. That being said, you can excel as a freelancer with a few simple steps. There is the internal component, which is putting in enough work and effort on your end. Assuming you will do that with vigor each day, the bigger challenge is finding enough business to make large sums of money. If you follow these nine steps, you can become a millionaire in under five years freelancing. 1. Launch a professional website. When someone is deciding whether to give you a project, the only indicators they have about your quality of work are your previous projects and customer testimonials. Creating a website is a great place to showcase your past projects. You can, subsequently, exhibit the work you have done in the past and add some flair based on your personality. Make sure the site looks clean and professional. Despite how great your work might be, if your website does not look good, you will lose potential customers. A high-quality site will give you a great place to direct new clients. This will, consequently, help close more deals. 2. Get reviews from past customers. In addition to showing off past work on your site, you should include customer testimonials. Prospective clients love to see that others have worked with you and enjoyed their experience. After you finish up a project, especially one in which your client was happy, you should ask them for a testimonial. You can, then, include this on your site and give new clients greater trust in what you will be able to offer them. 3. Do cold outreach. You also have to hustle to find new clients. No matter how good your work is, it does not matter if nobody knows who you are. Therefore, you should frequently do cold outreach. You can pay $20 a month for a cold email tool and spend another $20 to find lead lists that fit your target demographic, for example. Then, you can reach out to them and see if they need any help. Even if you score just one client out of 100 emails, it will be worth your time. Furthermore, test different demographics and copies of the email. That will, subsequently, allow you to hone in on the most effective approach to finding new clients. In turn, you […]

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Why Freelancers Should Pay More Attention To Self-Care

Freelancers and self-care. Getty You’re busy, you’re stressed and you have demanding and difficult clients. Still, you keep putting in many hours to meet deadlines, market to potential clients, respond to calls, emails, etc. No one really understands the life of a freelancer unless they live it. But you do live it. And it is easy to forget about your own needs while meeting those of your business. The end result will be burnout and lack of productivity . According to a recent survey from Epson , 48% of freelancers admitted to their ‘career’ being a very lonely business. Additionally, 46% named freelancing isolating; 25% of those polled said they did experience periods of depression, as a result of the isolation they experience. There are other stressors involved in running a business (and let’s face it, that’s what freelancers are doing). One of the biggest stressors is finance. Financial anxiety forces freelancers to compromise on their wellbeing Late payments (or lack thereof) are putting a major toll on mental and physical health of small business owners. This year’s study from Xero revealed that: 28% of UK freelancers/solopreneurs experience cash flow issues. 26% say they would have better physical health if cash flow was not a problem. 21% state that, if financial worries were not present, they would spend more time in their leisure activities and enjoy life more. Letting those stressors loom larger in your life, translates to reduced productivity and enthusiasm for what you do. This, of course, leads to more isolation and increase financial woes. You have to get out of this downward cycle. And a huge part of getting out is self-care. What self-care involvesSo many things. And they can be divided into physical and mental, although they are intimately connected. 1. Physical self care What are you doing to ensure your physical wellbeing? After all, it relates directly to your mental wellbeing as research proves , and must therefore be a priority. Below are several quick tips to help you take care of your body: Take time for physical breaks from your mental demands. Take walks , go to the gym, clean your house – anything physical that removes your brain from the tasks and worries at hand. Control your diet. There is research out there that points to the importance of diet in reducing stress . There are foods that produce more serotonin – chemicals that promote mental calmness – as well as those that provide long-term feelings of well-being. And here’s a news flash – they are not found at fast-food restaurants. Get the right amount of sleep . Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO of Thrive Global, has conducted a significant study on the effects of lack of sleep on our mental states. These are all summarized in her book, The Sleep Revolution . You would be well advised to read this, in order to understand the importance of sleep to both your physical and mental states. 2. Mental self care There are […]

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