Advice for starting your freelance journey
By Annemarie Allain, ’00
When people begin thinking of turning their talents and skills into a freelance career, they’re typically focused on freedom and income potential. Want to go on vacation — approved! Fed up with a client’s attitude — fire them! Interested in defining pricing — done! Sounds appealing, right?
The ability to work on your own terms is undeniably exciting, but behind the vision of independence is a reality that people may fail to recognize. Below are six lessons I wish I’d learned earlier in my self-employment journey.
You’re not just the talent.
Tapping into your expertise is just part of the process; you are literally every department. This means building a recognizable brand, marketing your skills, preparing project estimates, defining legal terms, securing deposits, generating invoices and maintaining relationships. In some cases, this may take more time than the work you’re hired to complete. Go easy on yourself in the early days; adjusting to being a wearer of many hats can be a lot.
Networking is demanding.
Leads don’t effortlessly appear — identifying them requires ongoing networking. Whether online or face-to-face, building a routine is key. Seeking out industry-related groups where you can post regularly or strategically reaching out to local industry leaders is a great way to start. And don’t forget to update your profile on OSU Connections to tap into the power of Beaver Nation.
Keep your pipeline flowing.
One of the hardest parts of freelancing — even after years of doing it — is keeping up with marketing and sales while juggling client projects. Business development is non-negotiable. Even when you’re busy, carve out time to follow up on leads and reach out to new customers. If you don’t, you’ll find yourself with inconsistent income and are more likely to take on projects and clients you wouldn’t normally work with simply to fill an income gap.
Taxes, retirement, insurance…oh my!
As a full-time employee, you make a few selections annually, and this all happens magically. As a freelancer, your 401(k) contributions aren’t matched, and taxes aren't withheld — that’s entirely on you (don’t forget to factor this into your pricing). A trustworthy accountant isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. They’ll help you structure your business, so you stay compliant and maximize your deductions.
Gig sites: too good to be true?
Freelance platforms seem attractive when you’re first getting started, but are they worth your time? Many clients are seeking budget-friendly work, which drives down rates despite fierce competition. Plus, depending on the site, it might be a “pay-to-play” system (i.e., purchase credits to bid on projects). When deciding to use gig sites, know your worth and keep in mind that not every opportunity might be the right one for you.
Stop comparing yourself.
This is especially hard on platforms like LinkedIn, where everyone wants to offer advice on the “only” way to run a business or find clients. The truth is, they’re not all crushing it, and everyone’s self-employment journey is different. You need to do what you need to do and structure your business in a way that meets your needs, not the arbitrary advice of an “expert.”
Is freelancing right for you?
Personally, striking out on my own has been equally rewarding and challenging. Knowing that it isn’t easy and going into it with a clear definition of what you want to achieve (financial goals, flexibility for family, etc.) is essential.
If you’re interested in hearing from seasoned freelancers, join me and fellow Beaver alumni for the upcoming Ask Alumni Webcast: Turn Your Skills into a Freelance Career on Sept. 24.