Getting Started Freelancing

Filed in archive freelancing tips on March 15, 2010

© johnonolan


Freelancing is a great way to make extra money, either within your home business or as a source of side income. Whatever you do for work, can often be done as freelancing as well: accounting, marketings, sales, writing, even management or art. (Some fields have special rules for freelancing, so make sure you know them if you still work for someone else.) Freelancing is also a great way to get started in a new business and get your feet wet. Anyhow, here are some quick tips to get you started.

1. Don't Limit Yourself - If you've never tried freelancing, be willing to give it a shot. Many, many companies choose to hire short-term employees, and in essence, out-source certain functions. Even if our line of work isn't typical for freelancing you might find some really neat gigs.

2. Check Out Freelancing Websites - A great way to find out more about freelancing is through freelancing websites. Elance and Guru are two of the big ones, and there are also industry-specific freelancing sites as well.

3. Always Have a Contract - Whenever you get a freelancing job, make sure you know all the conditions up front. Know expectations, pay, company details, anything you might need to know. Ask around and read some of the web etiquette so you know what questions to ask.

4. Background Checks - Whenever you work with a new company, be sure to do a background check. Reviews or even other freelancers can give you a good idea of what to expect.

5. Choose Wisely - Don't take on a project you can't handle either because its outside of your field or you can't make the time commitment.

If you have freelanced in the past do you have other tips you could share with our readers?