Here's how you can thrive as a freelance Product Manager instead of a traditional employee.

Being a freelance PM means you need to be at the "top of your game". So, you need to continuously develop your skills by staying updated with the latest trends, tools, and methodologies in product management. Follow industry trends and updates. Enroll in online courses and certifications to deepen your expertise. Participate in workshops, webinars, and conferences. Dive into books by industry experts. Understand the basics of coding, UX/UI design, and data analytics. Work on your communication, leadership, and negotiation skills. The more knowledgeable and skilled you are, the more valuable you become to your clients.

I have never ventured into freelancing myself but my friends have and I am sharing their journey. 1. They mostly started early, in college with building portfolios or projects that would showcase their skills. 2. Skills in early stage includes taking your everyday app or webapp and understanding their business model or which user problem they are solving. Create posts about them. 3. Learn wireframing. Designing or prototyping comes handy when building skills! 4. Build some tech knowledge as well. Learn about software architecture, APIs, AI ( it’s a hook these days). Just knowing how everything works is enough. 5. Learn how to build attractive portfolio. Notion or uxfolio could help in that.

One thing I’ve found helpful is building a strong network. So, here is the thing: you could actually write a post (that you are consulting/open to the projects, etc. ) in every social media you‘e and double it to every professional channel/group/chat you are in. No one ever told me that it is too much, cause we only seeing our perspective in it. But in real world, people have so much things to read and watch, therefore this approach can give your an opportunity to actually be seen. And that's actually, how I’ve found my first clients and mentees.

As mentioned in other posts, networking is crucial for finding new opportunities and building lasting professional relationships. Go to conferences, workshops, and meetups. Be active in forums and social media groups. Use platforms to showcase your expertise and share articles or write posts about your experiences. When you meet someone new, keep the conversation going and look for ways to collaborate or help each other out. And be strategic about who you network with. Quality over quantity is key! When you network (smartly), you create a web of professional relationships that can lead to new projects, partnerships, and growth opportunities.

In addition to using time management tools, it's beneficial to establish a daily routine. Set aside specific times of the day for the most complex and creative tasks, when your energy and focus are at their peak. Don't underestimate the power of small breaks! They help maintain focus and productivity throughout the day. Set clear goals for each project and regularly review your plans to make necessary adjustments. Remember to communicate deadlines and expectations clearly with your clients to avoid last-minute surprises.

Believe it. You′re going to need to optimize your time to stay productive and deliver quality work. Plan your schedule in advance, allocating specific time slots for client meetings, project research, and administrative tasks, setting clear goals for each project, and prioritizing tasks that contribute most to its success. Minimize distractions, delegate tasks that don’t require your direct involvement, and batch similar tasks together to streamline your workflow and avoid context-switching. Regularly review your productivity strategies to identify improvements and adjust as needed and decline projects that don’t align with your goals or capacity. And a last advice: Take breaks to refresh your mind!

The keys to productivity are focus and energy. You can’t be focused if you are doing too many things. Prioritize brutally and relentlessly. Take 20/80 rule as a rule of thumb. Say “no” a lot. Create an environment where you are productive. Experiment until you find the right setup. You can’t work where you eat or sleep. Energy comes from the subconsciousness. You gotta be motivated. Ask yourself “what do you really want?” Your job should be moving you towards your dream. And if it’s not, then find something else to do. That’s it - proper environment and motivation for energy, prioritization for focus. No need for fancy tools and techniques. A regular calendar and a notebook will do the job if you are focused and energized.

First things first. Craft a standout LinkedIn profile and create a polished website that showcases your skills and previous projects. Collect and display positive feedback on your website and LinkedIn profile. These endorsements help build trust and reassure potential clients of your capabilities. As I mentioned previously, network actively on social media and at events to expand your connections. Create original and valuable content to establish yourself as a (real) leader in your field. Lastly, be proactive. Reach out directly to potential clients, tailor your pitches to their needs, and emphasize how your skills can solve their challenges.

Several other factors can contribute to your success and satisfaction: Plan and budget effectively to manage cash flow during lean periods. Stay updated with new tools, methodologies, and industry trends. Prioritize your physical and mental well-being by maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Communication, responsiveness, and delivering results consistently can lead to repeat business and referrals. Protect yourself with clear contracts for each project (define scope, deliverables, timelines, and payment terms to avoid misunderstandings or disputes) Invest in your professional growth by attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and seeking mentorship.