Tips from the pros on managing your finances as a freelancer

There is a certain glamour to going the freelance/independent way . As freelancers, you are your own boss, you have a cosy nook at home that you work out of, you can take off in the middle of the week, and of course, you earn a great pay packet too. As someone who has been working independently for the last 13 of my 20-year career, I often describe being a freelancer as being professional in your field, supported by being your own marketing manager, negotiator, financial planner, tech specialist, and muscle man for those clients who require some chasing come payday. Especially in these times, the idea of going freelance may seem appealing or may even be the need of the day. Knowing how to make your work financially viable is important, and we have veteran freelancers from different fields share their thoughts on key aspects of financial planning. Negotiating Smartly One of the key aspects of freelancing is being able to negotiate the value of the work you do and make sure that you are not short-changed. Of course, a lot of such negotiating knowledge comes from experience, but there are some tips that you can keep in mind.Image: Courtesy Shivya Nath/InstagramShivya Nath , travel writer, best-selling author, environmentalist, and social entrepreneur, quit a full-time job in 2011 to go independent. She has two ground rules when it comes to negotiating terms – the first is a 50 per cent advance payment that also works as a kill fee. “The second is the willingness to walk away from assignments that don’t seem to value my work by trying to undercut my rates substantially. Also, I don’t give myself a salary at the end of the month. Instead, I think of delayed payments as forced savings,” she says. Some other tips that freelancers follow on this aspect are never doing unpaid work for brands and ensuring complete clarity on the deliverables as well as payment terms right at the beginning. Always having all communication recorded via email or through a vetted contract is essential. Of course, there can be some give and take with discounts being offered based on the volume of business, but those are strictly based on the freelancer’s choice. Making enquiries on new clients and their track record is also a habit to have in the negotiation phase. Making money from freelancingImage: Courtesy Kalyan Karmakar/InstagramFreelancers agree that you can’t give yourself a salary at the end of the month. Considering that every company has its own invoicing protocols and payment release time frames, payments are not as regular as a salary. It is precisely for this reason that Kalyan Karmakar , food writer and brand consultant since 2012, does not fix his financial goals on a monthly basis. “I have done an analysis with my financial consultant in terms of my savings, expenses, and career goals and have worked out annual targets based on […]

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Freelance Jobs In Singapore: How Much Can You Earn?

The world has been steadily shifting towards the gig economy for the last few years. The shift sped up with the COVID-19 pandemic, as it forced businesses and individuals to stay at and work from home. We collectively realised that certain roles can actually be done remotely (and, often, more efficiently). In the time to come, freelance/remote work is slated to become the new norm for businesses around the world. The biggest perk of being a freelancer, especially in our post-COVID world, is that you get an opportunity to supplement your income — a necessary step towards building a cash cushion . The second best perk is to have the flexibility to choose the jobs you want to accept and be your own boss. It’s a lot like building your own one-man business and raking in all the income just for yourself. So, if you’re looking to transition to freelancing or supplementing your current income, here is a handy list of freelance jobs that you could consider. If gaming is your jam, then you’re the go-to person for this role. The job of a games tester is pretty simple, but you will need to be very meticulous and diligent. There are two main tasks that a games tester needs to accomplish. First, execute predefined use cases. This involves performing a series of instructions provided by the company on the app. After that, you will need to compare what you’ve observed on the app against the expected results. The second task is to go on an unscripted exploration of the app to find bugs. For instance, if the button is not working, consider it a rogue bug. If you find your in-game character missing after performing an action, that’s your next bug. Remember, the more bugs you uncover, the more you will get paid. Rate Card: $20 – $40 per hour + bonus for each bug uncovered Life hasn’t been the same ever since the term ‘social media’ was coined. Most of us can’t even imagine a life without the existence of our social media feeds. With competition among brands and influencers on social media getting more and more intense, as they vie for consumers’ attention, many businesses (MNCs, SMEs etc.) spend money to pay for the services of a social media specialist to curate and execute a social media strategy for them. This is where you get to grab those opportunities as a freelance social media specialist to help them build their social media presence. Rate Card: $15 – $150 per hour, depending on experience What would the world look like without freelance copywriters flocking your favourite cafés? Okay, jokes aside, it’s a pretty fulfilling and creative job. The primary task of a copywriter, or content writer, is to write relevant content/copy for the purpose of advertising — be it for a blog, social media posts or a website. You could choose to either be a generalist or a specialist. Generalists can take on any copywriting job for any […]

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5 Recommended Business Tools for Freelancers and Entrepreneurs

Starting your freelance journey can be so liberating as well as it can be so overwhelming. Freelancing is a business and like any other business, we need to invest in the right tools for it to grow. In this article, we have compiled tools which provide a wide variety of assistance to make it easier for you to focus on your tasks by simple automation to make you become more productive and efficient as a freelancer. 1. Financial tools Taking care of your own finances as a freelancer could range from managing budgets, to receiving payments (and chasing down late invoices), and to dealing with taxes. Here are some of the best tools to make this part of job a little easier for freelancers. · Freshbooks is a free cloud accounting software that includes powerful features such as time tracking, invoicing, project tracking, and the ability to accept credit card payments. · Mint is one of the best budgeting apps. It is very comprehensive, gathering all of your (connected) financial accounts and information together in one dashboard. · PayPal is the most convenient way most freelancers get paid. It is available in over 200 countries, can support 25 currencies, and is generally considered as very secure. 2. Project collaboration tools Here are our picks for the best tools for freelancers who need some help with project management to ensure you profitability and also clear communication to reassure clients and give them confidence in your ability to deliver. · Trello is a project management tool that is best suited to those who appreciate visuals and graphs · Basecamp is an all-in-one project management solution that includes functionality for to-do lists, message boards, and cloud storage. It’s best used to manage multiple people in multi-step projects. · Asana is a beautifully designed project management solution that is robust with features. 3. Proposal Tools Making proposals are essential but can be a time-consuming process Here are some of the best tools for freelancers that can be used to create stunning proposals, · Proposify allows you to create beautiful proposals in half the time it would normally take, by offering a large library of beautiful templates. · Prospero helps you create proposals while also helping you price out each project. For this reason, it’s ideal for new freelancers still getting used to the lay of the land. 4. Calendar Tools Calendar and meeting scheduling tool is a must for freelancers that want to keep track of deadlines and appointments. · Calendly makes it easy to cut to the chase—just send recipients your unique scheduling link, which presents multiple meeting options based on your calendar availability. · Google Calendar is one of the best tools for freelancers in terms of calendar management. 5. Cloud Storage Tools Here is a pick for the best tools for freelancers with cloud storage needs. · Dropbox is a cloud storage software that is free to use with a set storage limit · Google Drive includes access to their […]

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Tips to Find the Perfect Writer For Your Content Project

Trying to find the perfect writer for your project can feel like looking for a speck of glitter hidden among a mountain of coal. With so many people out there possessing such wildly varying skill sets — looking for freelance writing services can be time-consuming. Read on to discover the best places to search if you’re looking for a freelance writer to bring your content marketing strategy to life. Why Is It Important To Find The Perfect Writer? Writing content that’s engaging, on-brand and subtly persuasive isn’t an easy task. As such, finding a freelance copywriter who meets your standards can be tricky. A freelance writer who specializes in your niche must be able to pick up all the information they need from a short brief.Tips to Find the Perfect Writer For Your Content Project Once you’ve found someone whose voice fits your brand perfectly, you can build a long-term relationship. Then, next time you need a freelance writer, you’ll have someone experienced and ready-to-go. Content Creation and Copywriting A freelance copywriter is someone who is focused on a more creating writing that is focused on driving conversions (landing pages, website copy, etc). On the other hand, Content marketing is a sophisticated method of raising brand awareness. It establishes you as a thought leader by providing useful, informative reading material for buyers and potential buyers. Make sure you hire freelance writers with a full, up-to-date skill set, that are skilled with the type of content you need to create. What Skills Does a Freelance Copywriter Need? Freelance writers need to be able to do a lot more than create a descriptive, informative article. They must have a clear understanding of what makes a post rank high up on search engine results pages . This ensures your content gets put in front of as many pairs of eyes as possible. Some other skills you’ll need from a freelance writer are: Proofreading A unique yet professional voice Understanding of marketing Research In-depth knowledge of SEO and keywords Industry insight Strategies to Help You Hire Freelance Writers Looking for writers who have all the above skills and meet your specific budget requirements isn’t simple. It’s a balancing act to find a freelance writer with the expertise you need who won’t cost hundreds of dollars per hour. Freelance Writing Websites One of the best ways to hire a freelance writer is by using a content creation platform, such as Crowd Content . It’s a time-efficient, affordable way of getting the most qualified freelance copywriters for your project. You can choose between placing orders directly to vetted freelance writers in the marketplace or using the managed content services. The latter includes editing, WordPress support and project management. Use Job Boards A popular method for people looking for copywriters is using job boards. You post your project online and freelancers bid on the jobs. If you’re looking for quantity rather than quality, this method can work well. Search Social Media Social media platforms such as […]

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Leveraging the freelance market for business growth in Africa

The cost of hiring and keeping employees inhouse goes way beyond salaries. Cost of pension payments, sick leaves, insurance, and training, all add to the expenses that businesses incur to make a profit. But even with all these investments, there is no guarantee that the venture will see an increase in return. And with the onset of the pandemic, it has even become more costly to keep employees in house as there is a limit to how certain business activities can go on. And this creates a situation where there just aren’t enough resources to cater to all the expenses. But that doesn’t mean that businesses should shut down or experience a decline in productivity because there is a smart way to go about it. Kreekafrica.com presents a platform where businesses can still function as planned with a fast-rising alternative to traditional employment: the gig economy. This involves outsourcing parts of the overall tasks in a business, to professionals, with the same level of security. Especially because of the large population of youth in Africa, and the lack of formal jobs to accommodate them, there is a huge employment gap that has long been a topic of conversation for governments and policymakers. Due to the lack of a definite and lasting solution that can cater to all, Africans are resorting to the gig economy by looking for freelance work as a source of steady income. Being a freelancer also offers flexibility and the work-life balance that a lot more people are looking for in their employment. What started as a trend is gradually turning into a sector that could revolutionize the way of doing business in Africa, and boost the economy in the process. Now, businesses can leverage the resources provided by this informal employment option. T he only problem is that there isn’t much investment in this sector in a way that builds on its potential. That is why platforms like kreekafrica.com are necessary to create a more organized way of going about it. In the Western world, the informal sector is considered as a legitimate employment option, with many of today’s corporate giants’ success based solely on the gig economy. There are many platforms and freelancer networks that allow individuals to put their skills to work, connecting them with many businesses that need it. The many freelance sites that constitute the best freelance sites 2018 alone make it clear that there is a market out there, and it is time for Africa to start capitalizing on the opportunity. With this in mind, businesses need to start reviewing their business model to assess their sustainability. In times, like these where employees are more of a luxury, it is prudent for African companies to take advantage of the gig economy, which has a plethora of talent just waiting to be harnessed from a freelance content writer, and freelance footwear designer to freelance python programmer. With platforms like kreekafrica.com, businesses can hire a freelancer online or build a freelance team […]

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COVID-19 Hardship Fund helps freelancers cover everyday expenses

COVID-19 has made life difficult for freelance journalists around the world. As a result of the pandemic’s effects on the global economy, many news organizations have either suspended or limited the freelance work they commission. Valentine Iwenwanne , a Nigerian freelance journalist based in Lagos, had just returned from a long reporting trip in southern Nigeria when the government announced a lockdown on March 30 to curtail the spread of COVID-19. He started to send pitches he could put together from the comfort of his home, but had little luck. “All the pitches I trusted were going to be approved were rejected,” said Iwenwanne. “I would get commendations for the pitches, [but] in the end it would be a pass.” While freelancers are often used to rejection, unsuccessful pitches have become even more the norm during the pandemic. Publications shifted their focus to covering COVID-19, and also began to produce more stories in-house. As Iwenwanne struggled to get his reporting commissioned, he exhausted his savings during the second month of the lockdown. He borrowed to feed himself and three of his younger siblings who depended on him for survival. He soon exhausted the money. “When I didn’t have what to eat, I could not think well,” he said. “I got traumatized and sad.” For Linus Unah , another Nigeria-based freelancer, one major challenge was the inability to travel for his stories due to restrictions on movement in the country. “Even when you spot interesting stories you know will sell, there’s just no way you can get to the locations to tell the story,” he told IJNet. Some freelance journalists do not have extra sources of income. They depend on commissions from editors to sustain themselves and their families. “There were bills to be paid, groceries to be bought and a family to feed. I had little savings and I managed to survive,” said Patrick Egwu , a freelance journalist based in South Africa, about his own experience. At one point, he ran out of food supplies. Egwu started to search for grants and funding from various media organizations that could assist journalists during the pandemic. He came across the COVID-19 Hardship Fund from Rory Peck Trust, a UK-based charity media organization that has provided support to freelance journalists around the world for the past 25 years. “When I got the call for the application, I applied the first time but I was not selected,” said Egwu, who is currently studying at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. “After some weeks, I applied again and was supported financially. The fund came at the right time when I needed it.” Iwenwanne and Unah also applied to the Hardship Fund. “When the funds came, it helped to boost my standard of living and to pay up my debts,” said Iwenwanne. “I stocked up the kitchen and life was back to normal. That gave me the urge to push more pitches out.” Before the launch of the fund, the Rory Peck Trust launched […]

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411 Is Hiring Freelance Writers for News Posting

We’re looking to add freelance writers to our news team to post wrestling (and sometimes general entertainment) news. Past experience posting wrestling news is a MUST. You must be able to write clear, easy to understand news items, be able to properly summarize, transcribe, source, research, etc. and do so fairly quickly. Being a big wrestling fan that can stay engaged with social media during shows and find interesting stories to post about is a big plus. We use WordPress so past experience posting and editing articles on WordPress is a must. This is a paid gig. If you’re interested, please email us your resume and at least three relevant writing samples.

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Remote Work Online Courses You Need to Take To Jumpstart Your Freelancing Journey

Working as a freelancer can be the best of all job worlds. However, you will need strong creative, writing and computer skills before you get started. One of the joys of freelancing is that you can get paid to learn (and write about) topics that interest you, but you’ll want solid skills in place to keep your hourly rate where you need it to be. Writers As a freelancer, you will want to determine your personal tone. Some writers are more casual, while others are a bit more formal. Being able to move back and forth is ideal. If you’re curious about anything in the world of science, enroll in online courses to become a technical writer. You may find yourself writing out MSDS sheets, or taking research notes from meeting recordings for an R&D team in the automotive industry. No matter your interests, a technical writer needs to be able to be clean, concise, and detailed. From detailed reports to experiment outcomes, be sure that you focus on clean writing as a technical writer. Business writing is all about clarity and courtesy. You may need to write promotional flyers, informational promotions, or press releases. Know your formatting, or take a class that provides free templates and have them close at hand so you can quickly populate the press release and get it back to the client. Proofreading The art of proofreading is all about focus. A good proofing class will teach you how to review a document from 30,000 feet right down to the sidewalk. If you wrote it and have to proof your own writing, learn to take a step back and put a fresh set of eyes on the project. Be sure that you change your perspective on your own writing. Flip the document upside down and check the spacing without reading it, then flip it back and study it with a bit of distance. To become a good proofer, especially of your own copy, make sure that you track your time and get in a real break before getting back to proofing. You need distance to get out of the narrative you created and see what’s really on the page. Build Your Excel Skills Data entry is a great way to build your freelancing career and income. However, if your Excel skills are limited, you may wind up doing a lot more keying than is strictly necessary. If your skills are limited, you may find training that’s above your basic understanding. To improve your basic skills, create a self-study course. Build a calendar with as few keystrokes as possible Enter an old checkbook register on a spreadsheet For your calendar, be ready to grab the corner of cells and drag. You can enter “Sunday”, then move to the right and enter “Monday”, then grab and drag to complete the week. Dates can also be entered and carried over. Play with cell size, simple calculations, inserting rows, changing colors, and many other actions until they become […]

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Are You A Freelancer? Here’s Everything About Taxes, Contracts & Payments

The arrival of the gig economy couldn’t have come at a better time. As people stay put at home, a little more time is saved on the day-to-day shuttle meaning a greater chance to look for freelance jobs in 2020. It is said that India has the largest freelance workforce after the United States of America, and that indicates the industry is packed with action and competition. Image: 123RF Now, as a freelancer, you provide services, and the government of India has determined that there are circumstances in which a freelancer is required to pay GST. Goods and Services Taxesâ¯is a compound tax that has replaced all the other types of taxes for clarity and simplicity. Yes, it applies to the services industry too. Freelancers are liable for IGST, CGST, or CGST, depending on the location of their clients. It’s important to remember that there is no exemption from GST. Even if you work solely with international clients, you still may be liable to pay GST. Image: 123RF So the first question most freelancers ask as beginners is how much GST would a freelancer charge? Since it is the replacement service tax for a freelancer, the GST charges will be at 18 per cent of the total bill amount. Every bill or invoice that you generate will need to have 18 per cent GST discernable on it. The next thing to understand is” Is GST registration necessary for a freelancer? Regardless of the nature of your services, GST registration for a freelancer depends on the following factors: – Annual revenue < 20 lacs – Registration not required. – Annual revenue > 20 lacs, irrespective of clients’ location in India – Registration required Only overseas clients and payment is via a foreign bank account, PayPal, or Western Union? Registration not required, notwithstanding your income threshold. Who Pays For GST Charges? Your clients will pay you, and in turn, you will pay the same to the government. Subsequently, clients can claim it as a tax credit when they file for taxes making it a win-win for every party. Do not pay for the GST charges yourself, even if your clients ask for a concession, because you will pay it and your clients, nonetheless, will get a tax credit for it. What Is The Process Of Filing GST Returns? GST returns need to be filed quarterly or monthly based on the revenue, and if you have chosen the composition scheme. Composition sellers or dealers and those with annual sales less than Rs.1.5 crore can file quarterly returns. Once you acquire a GST Identification number, filing GST returns is mandatory for you. Image: 123RF Importance Of Agreements/Contracts Many a time, a freelancer’s work is considered to be the client’s work or attempted to be stolen, thus taking away the freelancer’s right to get credit – both in terms of acknowledgement and payments. A freelancer must always bear in mind that they have copyright over each of their creations. Only you can choose who […]

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5 Steps to Freelancing for Underemployed Self-Starters

small business tips If you’re unemployed—or underemployed—you need a roadmap for finding your way toward lucrative opportunities. Despite the current economic situation, there are ways to earn more income or start a new career. All you need is a game plan for highlighting your skills, sourcing high-paying gigs, handling your finances, and becoming your own boss. Define Your Money-Makers Whatever your professional background, you have skills you can develop and market. Typically, the most in-demand skills are web-based such as web development, graphic design, video editing, copywriting, social media marketing, and virtual assistance. And during the recession, working from home may be the best option available. If physical services or products are your forte, it’s still possible to enter the freelance realm. Operating a from-home e-commerce business is easier than ever, so you can create products to sell in the digital marketplace. Or, you can start a service-based business that involves working at customers’ businesses or residences. Focus on Forwarding Movement Being successful as a freelance requires dedication to serving your customers. It also involves a balance between your personal and professional life. Your wellbeing matters just as much as your clients’ satisfaction. One way to ensure your business keeps growing is by enacting a plan to scale your offerings. Part of that plan involves knowing what resources are available to help you get there. Exploring COVID-19 assistance may be instrumental in preserving your success over time. Stock Up on Tools Your talent might be the money-maker. Still, you’ll need at least a few tools to do your job correctly. Requirements vary based on your industry and the service you offer, but you can bet that a speedy computer or laptop and a newer smartphone will be necessities. Additional equipment and tools might be necessary, too. If you’re using video to instruct or communicate with clients, for example, a vlogger-ready camera might be in the cards. For creatives who collaborate with teams, downloading and familiarizing yourself with Skype, Slack, or similar channels will be crucial. Source the Perfect Clients Finding work can be challenging—but there are ways to track down your ideal client and convince them to hire you. The type of client you’re seeking can vary widely depending on your skills, location, and general industry. But the more you know about your perfect client, the better off you’ll be. Sketch out a concept of your “perfect” client. Consider elements like their yearly income, hobbies, ages, family structure, and more. With this well-rounded profile, you’ll have a better idea of where to start casting a net. With your customer profile in mind, you can target consumers who are the best fit for your business. Then, you can craft the perfect marketing messages to entice them to buy. For example, Pew Research offers statistics on what demographics use what sort of site. You can think in terms of urban or rural customers, age, income, other demographic or a combination of aspects, then design outreach based on where people are doing […]

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The Upside To Starting A Freelance Business In The COVID-19 Pandemic

With COVID-19 shredding whole sectors of Britain’s economy, certainty and predictability have gone out the window. If you find yourself being either furloughed or sent to work from home, now is the time to seriously explore Freelancing as a viable option. Business confidence is collapsing and unemployment and chronic underemployment are on the rise. Employers are looking to reduce their costs by either cutting jobs or adopting outsourcing more aggressively. In many ways, this process was already underway before the pandemic hit. So, rather than panicking or bewailing your financial plight start thinking strategically. We are seeing a flush of new small businesses emerging, mostly run by home and promoted exclusively via social media. Why Start A Freelancing Business In A Pandemic? Regardless of what you call it, more and more people are looking to try to pick up some work on the side to get through this global pandemic and survive financially. With so many companies looking to redefine what work gets done in house, however, starting a freelance business offers sound opportunities to survive in an economy that’s going to be slow to emerge from its economic trauma. Marketing, web design, cybersecurity, eCommerce, tech support and IT services, are all services primed for freelance agencies. Here are 5 compelling reasons why Freelance businesses are not just surviving, but thriving in the pandemic: Freelancing Makes Sense Financially Freelancing makes sense for prospective clients and Freelancers themselves. In a volatile environment, where revenue flows are unstable and costs are eating away at many businesses, tapping into a wide base of Freelance talent makes plenty of sense. Converting fixed costs to variable costs in a downturn is business survival 101. For Freelancers, the cost of setting up a business is low as are client acquisition costs. In many instances, all a Freelancer needs is a kitchen table, a laptop and a stable Wi-Fi connection. In a networked world, it’s also increasingly easy for Freelancers to collaborate on projects collectively rather than flying solo. This opens up opportunities to bid successfully on larger value or more diverse projects. It’s An Extension of the Gig Economy The gig economy was on the rise before COVID-19 hit us like a tsunami. Before the pandemic outbreak, many employees were working at least part-time from home. Starting a Freelance business can embrace any aspect of a business, product or service. From sewing masks in a home workshop to writing safety protocols or promoting takeaway dining menus. The digital economy has removed many of the impediments to operating competitive Freelance businesses. And today’s productivity tools to enable Freelancers to manage their workloads are cheap and efficient. In an era where limited physical interaction is a positive, Zoom conferencing and Skype calls are liberating a new generating of Freelance start-ups. Combining a strategic vision with a dash of creativity will point you in the right direction to build your Freelance business, whether that be an online retail storefront within Amazon, or services such as graphic design, content […]

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10 Top Employers That Let You Pick Your Working Hours

The pandemic has allowed millions of people to work from home. But other companies offer another type of work flexibility, letting you set your own work schedule. It’s not the usual blah, blah, blah. Click here to sign up for our free newsletter. FlexJobs — a website that features listings for remote and other flexible jobs — recently analyzed the 52,000 companies in its database and named the top 30 companies that offer flexible-schedule jobs. FlexJobs defines such positions as ones that enable workers to vary their hours and, for the most part, control their hours. The top 10 on the list are: Cozymeal — an online marketplace for cooking classes and catering services CRGT — an information technology company Profit Factory — a provider of educational and consulting services to entrepreneurs and business owners Afirm — a provider of inspections and surveys for commercial insurance Zynga — a developer of social games for web and mobile platforms Bind Benefits — a health technology and service company Steampunk — a provider of cloud, cybersecurity and other technologies for the federal government Bayada — a provider of home health care services Peloton — a provider of home fitness classes Robert Half International — a professional consulting and staffing firm Overall, more companies understand the importance of offering flexible working arrangements to employees. FlexJobs cites LinkedIn data showing that job postings mentioning the words “work flexibility” grew 78% between 2016 and 2018. Sara Sutton, founder and CEO of FlexJobs, says the pandemic has made flexible work schedules more attractive than ever before: “Especially as many schools consider e-learning this fall due to the pandemic, flexible schedule jobs could dramatically help working parents and other caregivers balance their professional and personal responsibilities during this unprecedented time.” Finding the right flexible job provides one of the best resources for finding legitimate part-time, remote, flexible-schedule or freelance work. The subscription-based job board focuses on postings for these types of positions. And don’t worry about being hoodwinked — FlexJobs also screens positions to make sure no scam offerings appear on the site. As we have reported, FlexJobs also offers many other perks: “The ability to apply for positions directly from the FlexJobs website Regular emails with job openings that match your preferences Access to webinars designed to help you learn skills, including resume improvement and LinkedIn networking Access to skills tests that can help you set yourself apart from other job applicants The option to call FlexJobs and speak with a person — such as for help setting up your profile or setting up personalized search parameters, for example” Even if you don’t sign up for a subscription, FlexJobs offers a free blog and email newsletter. For more on FlexJobs, check out “ This Job Board Specializes in Remote Work and Flexible Gigs .” Sponsored: Earn more interest on your savings Are you earning as much interest on your savings as you could be? Grow your savings faster with banks offering rates that are significantly […]

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Benefits of Adopting the Freelancing Culture

It doesn’t matter if you are a multi-national corporation with offices around the globe, or a graduate looking for their first job, a freelance work-from-home culture is for everyone. The last decade has seen a significant shift in people wanting to do jobs they are passionate about, and that too on their own terms. As a result, the desire to undertake freelance work is growing, and considering the unpredictable nature of the world, it seems to be a step in the right direction. Before we talk about the advantages of freelancing, one must first give due credit to technology. There are now several technological advancements helping freelancers such as better mobile devices, internet speeds and software. Without these, it would have been nearly impossible for businesses to make the transformation towards the work-from-home scenario that we have today. Moreover, there has been an amalgamation of the freelance and work-from-home cultures recently, that has further helped make the trend more popular globally. So, if you are unsure about a freelance career, here are a few points to help you decide. Benefits Everyone Whether we talk about freelancing or work-from-home, the end result is that it benefits everyone involved. Clients can save money on active employees by cutting down overhead costs such as transportation, electricity, and daily office expenses. For the worker, the ease of getting out of bed and starting work instantly means they save on time and have more flexibility in how they operate. Multiple Possibilities Surprisingly, work-from-home options have led to more freelancing opportunities. As individuals are saving on time by not having to go to a physical office, they can use it to take up other jobs. Whether it is blogging, content writing, graphic designing or becoming a virtual assistant, anything is possible. In fact, a lot many people are using this time to do charity, work for NGOs and help with environmental issues. All of this work might not be to the level of what the great Nicolas Winton did during WWII, but when done with heart and for the benefit of humanity, every little effort counts. The point is that when you work from home, you end up with endless job possibilities in your hands. Extra Income If freelancing is the main source of income, then the one benefit is that you are your own boss. You can take up as many clients as you like, work when you want, set your personal goals, and aim towards earning more with experience. On the other hand, freelancing can also be an additional source of income when you are working a corporate job. Furthermore, in an economically unstable world, where a person can get fired for no reason, a freelancing career can help support you in case of any mishaps. Increased Productivity Businesses have come to realise now that work-from-home options result in higher productivity from their employees. Since there are several benefits of working from home, employees tend to do extra work, and with care, to […]

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Best Home-Based Business Ideas

Have you always wanted to start a business from home? In an age when modern technology has made working from home an increasingly accessible option, starting an at-home business is easier than ever. If the idea of making money from home appeals to you, check out this list of 22 home-based business ideas! Freelancing Photo via @freelancewritingcafe Many jobs you could do for a company can also be done independently as a freelancer. Whether you’re a writer, programmer, or designer, you can build your own business in which you work directly with clients instead of through a company. Freelance entrepreneurs can find freelance opportunitie s through online job boards, by cold-calling or cold-emailing, networking, and more. Photography Photo via @alexglewisphotography Outside of traveling to photoshoot locations, photographers can easily do most of their day-to-day tasks—like photo editing, online marketing, and scheduling appointments—while working from home. Better still, you don’t need to invest in all the latest (and most expensive) gadgets to be a professional photographer . All it takes to start your own small photography business is a decent camera with basic equipment and plenty of practice. Blogging Photo via @contentcucumber Perfect for those with a passion for writing, blogging is one of the best online business opportunities available, thanks to the small amount of space and minimal investment required. Consistency is as important as skill to succeed in this modern home business endeavor since creating frequent blog posts will help you maintain a loyal audience and draw in new readers. And because bloggers make their money primarily through affiliate links, blog advertising, and sponsored content, having a solid base of readers makes all the difference. Podcasting Photo via @betweenthewinespodcast Podcasts have become extremely popular in the last five years, so now’s as good a time as any to start your own podcast business! With some basic recording equipment and a willingness to speak, you can launch a home-based podcast. The possibilities for podcasting are endless—comedy, advice, education, business, journalism, etc. If you have specialized knowledge, you can carve out a niche and find audiences and advertisers! Childcare Photo via @early_childhood_fun101 A home-based childcare business can take many forms, whether it’s being a full-time babysitter or running an in-home daycare. Whatever the case, childcare jobs are perfectly suited for the work-from-home lifestyle. However, before you can start a small business working with children, you’ll need the proper licensing . There are rare instances in which you may skip this step, but it’s generally a good idea to have some training and qualifications before starting a childcare business. Real Estate Photo via @courtmcmahon_realestate Getting a real estate license is surprisingly simple, and the payoff can be incredible. In fact, some people become independent real estate agents for a part-time job, then later make it a full-time career after they’ve found their footing. If you’re a people person, detail-oriented, and a good negotiator, starting your own real estate business from home is definitely worth considering! Bookkeeping Photo via @bakersbookkeeping Businesses of […]

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How to negotiate a better freelance rate, without negotiating

Photo by mentatdgt from Pexels If you’re a freelancer, the chances are that the prospect of negotiation fills you with dread. When we hear that word, a pretty clear and consistent picture is conjured, and it goes something like this. You state your price, they laugh and counter with something far lower, you gulp and wish you’d never gone in so high (even though it wasn’t) and reluctantly agree to work for pennies. That’s the perception, but there’s no reason that it needs to be the reality. Life as a sole business owner is tough enough without having to fear that any conversation about money is doomed before it begins. But if you shy away from discussing money, you’ll probably miss out on lots of opportunities to charge more effectively and ultimately command a higher rate. Establish a bare minimum The first time someone asks you how much it costs for a logo, you might experience a frisson of excitement followed by panic. Usually, the price that we pluck from the sky is about as much as we feel comfortable asking for, without risking the other person baulking and rescinding the offer in disgust. That’s not an effective way to price any kind of creative work and certainly doesn’t make it financially sustainable. Instead, as a bare minimum, you need to be fully aware of what your overheads are and have a feel for how long the piece of work might take. Whether you opt for an hourly/daily rate, a flat/project fee or a value-based approach, without first knowing what a realistic baseline is, you stand to make freelance life harder than it needs to be. The good news is that you can work all of this out before speaking to any client. The first and most challenging part of the process of charging effectively is calculating a base rate that honestly and adequately compensates you for your time and skills. Often, that first assessment of the numbers is daunting as they seem so large. Don’t let that put you off. Your annual salary expectations need to be based on the assumption that you won’t be working every single day of the year. You should also account for the tax that you’ll pay on your earnings and the savings you’ll need to make along the way. For a swift ballpark figure, you can use a tool like this , but be sure to drill down those numbers to make sure you’re accounting for all outgoings. Understand the value of your work As a creative freelancer, quite often, you’ll be in a situation where a potential client dramatically undervalues your work in a monetary sense. Don’t take it personally and don’t see it as a fixed position. There is a broader cultural perception that you’re up against here and no doubt you’ve experienced it before. Non-creatives often seem to frame what you do as “hobby-ish” or somehow not real work. One of the primary goals of any potential first meeting […]

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How to Become A Successful Freelance UX Designer — CareerMetis.com

Are you looking to become a freelance UX designer? Well, that’s a great decision. Working as a freelancer comes with many perks, including flexibility, job security, freedom, and control. But being a freelancer doesn’t mean you get an avalanche of projects just by screaming , “I am a freelance UX designer. Give me some work.” This approach doesn’t work. Contrary to popular belief, freelancing is a systematic approach. It is not about being obsessive about getting some business to survive the day. From networking, marketing your business, setting the prices to developing your portfolio, and everything in between, make sure to work over several things to stay productive, efficient, and competitive. A survey shows that major IT-related career types of freelancers are designers, back-end engineers, and mobile developers, which accounts for about 70% of the freelancers. This guide will help you understand these essential things to become a UX freelancer. Understanding the Benefits of Becoming a UX Freelancer Before moving on to how to become a UX freelancer part, it will be useful to understand some benefits associated with freelancing. Here is a rundown of some key reasons which will help you decide if freelancing if meant for you. 1. Work Whenever You Want This is probably one of the key reasons for…

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What to Do While You Wait for Your Small Business Disaster Loan

Processing Your Small Business Disaster Loan

“All we can do is wait and see.” This is how most people are responding to COVID-19 pandemic.

Here’s what most people are thinking:

“We will wait and see how COVID-19 affects our family and community members. We will wait to see if our hospitals will be inundated with patients, or whether stay at home orders will flatten the curve.”

“We will wait and see if we get the coronavirus or not and how bad our symptoms will be when and if we get it.”

“We will wait and see if daycare centers, swimming pools, and gyms will be able to safely open in our local communities.”

“We will wait and see how our local, state, and national economies will be affected by the coronavirus.”

But if you are a small business owner, this “wait and see” attitude may not be an option for you. You can’t wait and see how COVID-19 will affect your small business because you have a lease, employees, a business loan, and vendors to pay.

Instead of waiting to see what will happen, your mind is already whirling with ideas on how to survive this crisis. As you are waiting for your small business disaster loan, you are already coming up with plans B, C, D, and E.

You think this way because you are a small business owner, or perhaps you are a small business owner because you think this way. You are special, and here are some reasons why you will survive this crisis.

1. You are used to starting from scratch.

You’ve done it before, and you can do it again. In all likelihood, your business began as an idea. That idea expanded into a few late nights formulating plans on a cheap laptop, crunching numbers as you sat on your living room couch. You tentatively reached out to clients, got a few paying customers, and took the big step of quitting your day job.

Your business slowly grew over the years. You hired employees. You bought nicer computers, hired a freelance CPA, and grew your business.

You are smart and have skills. You have learned a lot over the years through trial and error. You have studied with mentors and by reading the best business writers of today.

You have started from nothing before, and you can do it again.

2. You are used to living with uncertainty.

There are two types of workers in the world. Some are happiest when earning a steady income in a stable job. They like to know how much they will make each month and value security more than anything.

Others would rather rely on their skills, knowledge, and personality to try to earn a more considerable income. These are the small business owners, members of the gig economy, and commissioned salespeople.

As a small business owner, you are used to feast or famine paychecks. You know how to budget during uncertain times because you’ve done that most of your life.

3. You will do what you need to do in the meantime to survive.

Some business owners while waiting for stay at home orders to be lifted are spending time on freelance teacher websites to learn how to make some extra money in the gig economy until they can go back to work.

These business owners are learning Upwork skills and the pros and cons of each of the top freelancing sites. They are getting the best freelance jobs that will enable them to earn an income, no matter how small, while waiting for the small business disaster loan to materialize.

Small business leaders are not spending their time at home baking bread and doing puzzles. They are scouring freelance job sites to find out how to use their skills and knowledge to become a niche writer, a freelance content writer, or even do some freelance sports writing.

So while the rest of the country bakes bread and “waits and sees” what is coming next, you are thinking about how to not only survive but thrive during this uncertain environment. You are completing freelancing stay at home jobs, reconfiguring your business so you can hit the ground running as soon as stay at home orders are over, and looking to the future to determine what business or industries may be taking off in this new normal.

Turn off the news reports, stay off social media, and don’t participate when your friends and neighbors are using all their time and energy to freak out and complain. Use the silence to brainstorm, think, and plan. You’ve got this.

This article was originally posted at Freelancing Buzz.

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