Recently due to a recruitment stint, I have been in contact with a lot of new freelancers. Many of them have asked me how I started my journey and how to get my first client.

I understand the first step in freelancing is getting your first paying client and it can be a daunting task for all of us. After all, we weren’t taught that skill in school and freelancing has evolved pretty much in this era. It can be disheartening to get overlooked by potential clients and after months of disappointment, you may just want to give up.

As I have many freelancing articles, I thought I shall consolidate them here for easy resource search as well as giving a quick tip pro to how to start.

Taking That 1st Step

Every new start is pretty daunting, isn’t it? Especially stepping into the unknown, uncharted waters. It doesn’t have to be that scary. It took me less than 9 months to get my bearings as a freelancer and from the second year onwards, I was rejecting clients almost everyday due to an influx of work. As of now, I am having regular clients with regular income every month.

Here are some articles of mine to kickstart a wonderful career path:
Match Your Personality With The Type Of Freelancing Work
How To Determine Your Rates As A Freelancer
Receiving Money For Your Freelancing Work
My Freelancing Weapons
How to Write an Attractive Profile
Create A Home Office That Companies Will Covet
How to Sell Yourself Online
I am a Freelancer
I am a Freelancer (Part 2)
I am a Freelancer (Part 3)

What You Need To Do

Okay, you set up your profile, you know what are your skill sets boil down to what set you aside from the rest of the freelancers. So what’s next? You will need to know how to survive in the big jungle out there. There is plenty of cheap labor that will attempt to undercut your rates as well as the scum clients who will ask for gorilla amount of work while paying peanuts.

Here are the articles to teach you how to work productively:
How Freelancers Can Make Sure They Get Paid on Time?
Self Awareness Is So Important To A Freelancer
How to Find A Conducive Working Environment Outside of Your Office
10 Non-Restaurants or Cafe Hideouts to Complete Your Work
How do you protect yourself from bad clients
Staying Productive as a Freelancer

Pushing Yourself Forward

So you have a few clients viewing your profile or perhaps you have completed a few projects. You are peering your bank account in dismay. Your savings are dwindling and still no big projects in sight.

Here are some tips I like to share from my own pushing myself forward experiences:
How I Came Up with So Much Ideas?! And How I Manage To Write Everyday
How To Battle Negativity In Freelancing
How To Save When You Are A Freelancer?
What Is It About Freelancing I Love?
I Lost Focus and How I Gain It Back
How To Balance Between Freelancing & Mommyhood
Freelancer’s Survival Guide to Economy Downturn
The Secrets Freelancers Use To Stay Focused

Keep Evolving

You are there! A regular stream of clients come a-knocking to your door, lucky you! But how do you keep yourself fresh for each project and perhaps, bring your reputation to higher heights?

I’m sharing some of my own inspirations here:

7 Ways To Supplement Your Freelancing Income Regularly
Creating A Name For Yourself In The Freelancing World
Why You Should Personal Brand Yourself
The Client Experience Is What Matters In Freelancing

Rejuvenate

After all that hard work (phew!), as a freelancer, you certainly deserve a break. And don’t forget, as a freelancer, you have the freedom of space and time so put that to good use!

Don’t Forget Freelancing Is About You
Freelancing: What To Prep Before You Go On A Break

Mistakes You Want To Avoid

Whether you are a noob or a successful freelancer, there are mistakes that you certainly want to stay as far away from. Heed my advice below and you will enjoy your journey as a freelancer.

8 Mistakes To Avoid While Working From Home
Bloggers & Writers: Are You Overexposing Yourself?
Bad Habits You need to Change if You want to become a successful freelancer

If you have any suggestions that you want me to give advice / write an article on freelancing, please feel free to reach out in the comments below. 

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