The freelancing world is a competitive one, so you need to be at the top of your game. Here are 4 areas to train in that should help you no matter what industry you’re working in…
Freelancing is competitive no matter whether you’re a designer or consultant. You not only need to be a leading light in your industry, but you also need to be a good business all-rounder. And you should be able to show to potential clients and customers what your skills are.One good way of ticking both boxes is through training. Here are four areas to get training in to give you a head start in the freelancer rat race…
Coding
Coding is the future – not just of websites but of business. Those who know coding will have an advantage over those that don’t. The biggest benefit is that it’ll help you to create and run a successful website. As a freelancer, this could be your most valuable marketing tool, so making you it looks professional is key.
But it’ll also give you advantages when handling data and doing research into your industry. This research could help you to spot a gap in the market that you could exploit.
Public speaking
Any course that gives you confidence when speaking in public can only be good for freelancers. While the majority of your work might be done alone at home, getting the work requires interaction with people, and sometimes large groups.
Public speaking can help you be your best when pitching for new work or at networking events, when coming across as confident and able could help you score a job or create a useful contact.
Public relations
Being a freelancer can often seem like an exercise in self-promotion. Without the backing of a large company, or even small business, it all comes down to what skills you can provide your client.
And you need to make sure the world knows what these skills are. It’s no use opting for the ‘if you built it, they will come’ approach. You have to actively get people to your website or social media page.
Doing a course in public relations or marketing can give you tips on how to do this, whether it’s boosting your social media interactions or writing a perfect press release.
Time management
While it’d be great to get by on one big contract from a single client, the chances are you’ll be working on various contracts at once.
And with your reputation – and income – on the line, missing deadlines is not an option.
Doing a course in time management can help you to better plan your working day, how to handle clients’ demands, and how to prioritise jobs.
Posted by Julie Tucker