The idea that IT work involves sitting behind a desk forever is misleading. By freelancing, you will be doing plenty of moving about and exposure to different settings. If you can have such a diverse range of clientele, you will enjoy the exposure and experiences. This career, however, is not an easy one. You need to have planned well for it before you even try it out. Here are some pointers.
You need a clear picture of what the financial setting of this career calls for. Only then will you know how to approach it. Having such a side hustle, for instance, affects your tax payment process. You will need at least a course in basic accounting and business management. You shall thus manage to set your rates, your work hours, leave periods, personal budget, earnings per annum, and your regular clientele.
There is also a need to know what your specialization and most effective area in IT is. You only need to look at your history to know where you were most effective. You can then see where you will be most passionate and effective. When your work in that area is unrivaled, clients will look for your services every time.
You will need stricter control over what services you offer for free. At the beginning, you will find giving free services to be a way to attract more clients and build your network. This however, can become something clients misuse if given a chance. You need to be specific about who you give such things. When you offer it for their personal gain, there will be no business development involved, which is a waste of your time.
You should also implement the right marketing and self-promotion. There is no better way for you to ensure you have more clients for future business. You need a website that features details about your services, from contacts, to working hours, to the services offered. Whenever your services are needed, reaching you should not be a long and tiring process. You need to consider traditional marketing vs digital marketing, and add elements that shall support your business.
There is a need for you to also find out more about your educational qualifications. When facing large account clients, their interest in your experience will be the same as that of your qualifications. It is important that they see an impeccable resume. You will have to upgrade your education. You will also need personal development. You will be the face of the company. Your presentation skills, customer service skills, and networking shall matter to the success of the business.
There are even more tips for you to focus on, such as dealing with the competition. You shall learn more about that on this website.