How To Tell If You Can Become A Freelancer In Your Industry?

Ditch the Office? Freelance Freedom or Financial Freefall?

Are you daydreaming about being your own boss or digital nomad? Hold on to your yoga pants, sunshine, because freelancing isn't all avocado toast and midday naps. Here are some simple things to consider to see if you'll thrive or fade in the freelance jungle.?

Is There Even A Market Demand In The Area You Want to Freelance?

• Industry Trends: Is your field exploding with freelance opportunities, or is it a freelance ghost town?
• Job Boards: Are freelance gigs in your field plentiful, or are you competing with a million other desperate souls?
• Networking: Chat with existing freelancers in your industry. Are they drowning in work or clinging to life rafts made of unpaid invoices??
• Regulations: Do you need any special licenses or certifications to become a freelance X-Men member in your field?
• Competition: Is the freelance market for your skills a gladiator arena, or is there enough pie for everyone?
• Client Base: Do your ideal clients even work with freelancers, or are they stuck in the "hire a full-time employee" mindset?

Do You Have What The Market Wants

• Do you possess skills companies are begging for, or are you trying to sell underwater basket weaving consultations?
• Proven Track Record: Do you have a portfolio that screams "hire me!" or does it say "needs more practice and experience’’??
• Do you have references/reviews of past employers that would be relevant when you start?
• Would your friends or colleagues recommend you for this particular skill, if not, why not?

Are You Business Savvy? A freelancing business is a business.?

• Financial Discipline: Are you good with money, or does the concept of a budget make you break out in hives?
• Marketing Mojo: Can you hustle and attract clients, or will you rely on carrier pigeons to deliver your business cards?
• Sales: Can you lead a sales call and convince potential clients to work with you?
• Basic Business Knowledge: Do you understand pricing, contracts, and invoices, or will you wing it with a hopeful smile?

Do You Have The Right Mentality?

• Strong Work Ethic: Can you be your drill sergeant and meet deadlines, or will you spend more time "strategising" than working?
• Communication Ninja: Can you clearly explain your worth to clients and manage expectations, or will you be left with a trail of confused emails and angry voicemails?
• Thick Skin and a Can-Do Attitude: Can you handle rejection and get back on that freelance horse, or will you curl up in the fetal position after the first "no"?

Before you even think about starting a Fiver or Upwork account, seriously consider the above. You should have answers to all these questions and a clear plan for what you want to achieve with freelancing. If it's just to earn a little more on the side, that's fine, but plan for the end in mind. If you want to quit your day job and freelance full time, understand your market, have a business plan, and ensure you have the right experience and an idea of how to find and sell to clients. It's also worth having an all-important cash buffer if you face difficult periods.?

Freelancing can be a sweet gig, but it's not for everyone.? Do your research, be honest with yourself, and avoid the freelance faceplant.?

#FreelanceLife #NotForTheFaintOfHeart #bereal #digitalnomad #marketdemand #businesssavy #businessowner #freelancingbusiness

Do you enjoy content like this and want more direct to your inbox?

Sign up for free to receive my weekly newsletter on building your freelancing business and enhancing your personal development in both business and life in general: https://dommarcuscoyne.substack.com/