Consider these 14 things if you're thinking about going freelance

Are you attracted to the idea of self-employment? Do you want to stand on your own two feet and try freedom? But are you unsure if you should do it? Do you have what it takes? Then here are some things to consider. Whether you're a graphic designer, SoMe manager, digital designer, copywriter, project manager or something else. Take it as inspiration and input based on what I've learned from being self-employed and running a business that matches freelancers with business needs. I'm writing this article to give you a good basis for deciding whether to take the plunge as a freelancer. Whatever you do, I wish you the best of luck.

By Carsten Bjerregaard, Marketingcapacity.dk

1. Becoming self-employed is choosing a new lifestyle

I talk to freelancers every day, just as I talk to many who are considering taking the leap into the free life. For most, lifestyle is the main driver. The desire to be the master of their own house and say goodbye to the hamster wheel. The freedom. Being independent. The dream of being able to organize your own life. And once you've got a business up and running, it can definitely be an interesting and enjoyable way to live.

So when many people hesitate, it's probably because it's also associated with a sense of uncertainty. Especially if you have a job and you get paid every month. Even when you're sick or on vacation. The higher the salary, the harder it can be to make the leap. This is what some people call the 'golden cage'. On the one hand, you don't want to give up your paycheck, on the other hand, the salary no longer motivates you in your daily work.

So what to do?

2. Think of it as a long-term choice

If you really want to, I think you should take the plunge. After all, you can choose again at a later date if you want to get back into a permanent job. But I would still recommend that you see it as a long-term choice. Among other reasons:

• Being self-employed is a skill in itself, and you have to learn it
• You have to figure out how to sell your skills
• It can take time to build a customer base you can live off of

So you need a little patience. There are also some practical things you need to get to grips with. You need a CVR number, set up a company account with the bank, find out how to do the bookkeeping, etc. But here you can take comfort in the fact that Denmark has actually been voted the country in Denmark where it is administratively easiest to start a business.

And it's definitely not rocket science. You'll learn as you go, and as you get good work and regular customers, you'll experience the joy of selling yourself, doing work for the customer and sending an invoice.

3. A freelance life can be more secure than a permanent job

Most people immediately perceive it as safer to have a job. But I would argue that the reverse can also be true. You can take the initiative to take on more tasks - and you only have yourself as a boss.

That way, it can be safer than being a small part of a large company that may be forced to make cuts through no fault of your own. Or it could be something as simple as not working well with your boss. Some people have been there, done that. As a freelancer, you won't have just one boss, you might have 3-5 bosses (clients). That way, you can better tolerate losing one of them. Or say 'no thanks' to working with one of them. It's also a freedom.

Obviously, you don't have the same security in case of illness or maternity leave. That's why I would definitely encourage all freelancers to cover themselves. Either by putting some money aside for 'a rainy day', or you can insure yourself if you feel the need to.

4. You need to learn how to sell yourself - in your own way

Nothing comes naturally. Unless you're insanely skilled in an area with high demand and low competition, you'll become dependent on selling yourself. To a greater or lesser extent. You need to be aware of this before you even start. But you don't have to worry about it. You'll figure it out as you go along.

It's all about finding out:

• What types of tasks am I good at?
• What's in it for my customers?
• What type of products and companies would I prefer to work with?

The most effective way to do this is to simply pay attention to what happens when you meet customers. What do they respond positively to? What are they less interested in? There's no more honest feedback than the free feedback you get when communicating with a potential customer. All you have to do is listen.

Fortunately, there's no need to be a 'gun salesman' as some call it. You can be a great salesperson with style and integrity, even if you're naturally a bit of an introvert. You'll be fine if you pay attention:

• Making sure someone will hear about you (Facebook, LinkedIn, freelance platforms etc.)
• Being precise when articulating what the customer is buying from you
• Presenting yourself in a positive, interested and happy way in the face-to-face meeting
• Knowing what you deliver and how much it costs

And now for some well-intentioned advice: Don't 'play hard to get'. I've been in many meetings with freelancers who were about to bid on a collaboration. And while I'm sometimes surprised by the choices companies make, there's one thing that very rarely helps in a sales situation: playing hard to get. That is, being reserved in your attitude. Most people prefer a business partner who is interested and present. The more open and interested you are, the more likely you are to get the job.

5. The more initiative you take, the more tasks you get

Initiative is one of the factors that can make a freelance life MORE secure than a permanent job. While it can be difficult to influence how an entire company performs, there's nothing stopping you from taking initiative as a freelancer.

Some find it easy. They just pick up the phone and call potential customers and have a chat. Others may have a large personal network to draw on. If you're lucky, congratulations.

For example, you can follow this recipe:

• Create a portfolio (examples of work you've done)
• Create a website or a company profile on Facebook or LinkedIn
• Create a profile on Marketingcapacity.dk
• Define for yourself which customers you want (what does your ideal customer look like?)
• Reach out to your desired customers via emails, messages, phone calls or more
• Important: New Biz work is not a one-off. Make sure you do New Biz work regularly - for example, a little bit every week. So that you always have something going on and it becomes a habit

I have yet to meet someone who did the right thing and didn't get assignments. It can be fast or a little slower, but if you're disciplined, you'll get there.

6. Big or small customers - what should you aim for?

Many may think that it's easier to get small businesses as customers. Or you might take the customers that come to you naturally. It could be through a friend's recommendation or someone you meet at a private gathering.

There are also some broad freelance portals that are mostly used by small businesses looking for someone to do a job for a cheap price. They may not have a lot of money. They need to find a budget and they don't have ongoing tasks. So you don't get a customer - you solve a project - often for little money.

Carefully consider whether you should spend time with small businesses. In my experience, it's easier and more satisfying to work with larger companies. They brief better, they have an ongoing need and they know that professional work costs money.

Marketingcapacity.dk focuses on creating good, long-term collaborations between large companies and freelancers. Not to solve ad-hoc tasks for smaller companies.

7. You don't need a large network to succeed as a freelancer

Many people who are considering going freelance have good contacts and perhaps even commitments to collaborate before they even set up shop. And of course, this gives them a sense of security. But in reality, most people find it difficult to move contacts from one setup to another. So that the contacts you have are not the ones you're going to make a living from.

In fact, many people overestimate the importance of a network.

Looking back, most freelancers realize that they didn't know the people who became their best customers beforehand. The regular customers that you make your living from as a freelancer, you only get to know them once you become a freelancer. So don't worry if you don't have any good contacts yet. If you're going to make a living as a freelancer, you still need to be able to get clients along the way. Good friends and contacts can at most give you a slightly easier start.

My advice if you go freelance; always spend some of your time making new contacts, reaching out, creating alliances. Even when things are going well. You have no idea where your best customers will come from and when you need them.

8. Think about where to get your inspiration from

One thing many may underestimate when considering going freelance is the inspiration you get for free in a permanent position. Either in the form of courses, seminars or just daily inspiration through meetings and collaboration in general. The kind of inspiration you don't really think about.

You can miss THAT as a freelancer if you don't replace it with something else. It should be part of your considerations. Maybe it will help you to sit in a shared office space where you can inspire each other. Or you might want to invest in ongoing training courses. Another obvious option is to apply for longer courses with one or more customers. So you can sit with the customers while you solve your tasks.

Marketingcapacity.dk often agrees with our customers that the freelancers sit in their company and solve tasks. It's good for companies to have the skills at their fingertips, and it will be an advantage for you as a freelancer. Because you get social and professional inspiration.

9. You'll work odd hours - and you'll enjoy it

As a freelancer, you're often the last link in the chain. You don't always get the same long deadlines as many others. You have to be prepared for that. But that's what they call happy troubles, because then you have something to do.

As a freelancer, you work when the work is there. It can get in the way sometimes, but you'll probably also enjoy the feeling that someone needs what you do. And that they will pay you for it. So if you and your family can live with the fact that you sometimes work odd hours, it's not a problem.

In fact, the flexible life of a freelancer is ideal for many people who just can't see themselves in a 9-5 job. It never gets boring. And one thing you can be sure of: working late is more fun when you're on your own.

10. Do you want to succeed as a freelancer?

That's probably the real question most people ponder before taking the plunge. And really, no one can predict how well you'll do as a freelancer. But as long as you reach the point where you can stand on your own two feet and earn your own salary, you're a success. Because then you've become independent, which for many people is a desired position and the main reason for going freelance.

In my experience, if you're diligent and good at your job, you'll get there. Most people who try do. So there's a very good chance you'll be successful.

11. How many customers do you need?

Probably the most common or ideal situation in marketing is for a freelancer to have 2-5 regular clients that they work for on a regular basis. And then they supplement this with ad hoc clients who need a project solved. If you're skilled enough and you work in an area where the use of freelancers is established, you'll have plenty to do. It might be quick, or it might be a little bumpy at first. But you'll get there.

It's not something you can figure out in advance. But you need to be extra vigilant in the early days of freelancing. What happens to your projects and clients? Do they come back or not? Ultimately, that's what it comes down to. Very few freelancers can make a living from finding new clients all the time.

12. Don't fear bookkeeping - it's not that bad

Let's get one thing straight: It's no fun having to post receipts, prepare financial statements and send invoices. Well, the last one is a lot of fun, at least at first. After all, the number on the invoice is the reward for your work. But on the other hand, there's not much to fear. Because bookkeeping is not that difficult once you get started. And until you can afford to hire a bookkeeper, there are excellent programs, such as Dinero, that are quite intuitive.

Bookkeeping shouldn't be a serious consideration when you're thinking about becoming a freelancer. Because it works out, and some people actually end up liking it. Because it provides an overview.

13. How to showcase your skills as a freelancer

Being good at your craft is the most important parameter of all. If you want to be a graphic designer, you need to know your graphic craft and have good taste. If you want to be a copywriter, you need to write so well that even people who don't know anything about writing can see that you write well. You also need to be able to collaborate in a positive spirit. That's a whole chapter in itself.

But business opportunities can come when you least expect it. That's why you need to make your pitch early on. Or your elevator speech, as some would call it. Think of The Lion's Den. You need to be able to quickly and accurately explain what you do and how customers can use it. So that everyone can understand it, and so that it appears attractive - and easy to buy.

When writing your pitch (and then memorizing it), consider these 3 parameters:

Skills: (the professional. Writing, layout, drawing, programming, etc.) People typically ask for a skill first. They know if they need a web developer, a project manager or someone to optimize their SEO. Your skill set also includes the meta level. The level where you can not only do your job, but also manage a project or help your client define the task. In fact, many companies expect a good freelancer to be at the level where they can handle the entire job themselves.

Domains: (an area, for example, an industry or product area). This may not be the first thing customers ask for. But it's often the selection criterion if they have several freelancers to choose from. They'll look to see if you've done something similar. Domains are becoming more and more important - at least in marketing and advertising. In the past, you could work in an area based on your skills alone. But today, more companies are looking for domain knowledge. So feel free to supplement your skills with deep knowledge in one or more areas. For example, you could be a graphic designer who knows all about fashion, or you could be a copywriter who knows all about DIY and building supplies. You may perceive yourself as more 'narrow'. But in return, you'll be worth your weight in gold to your customers. Because they don't have to start from scratch every time they need to give you a job.

Technology: In some areas, skills and technology are inextricably linked. Like web design or programming, for example. And other disciplines are gradually following suit. Customers will increasingly look for technology skills or at least understanding. For example, a copywriter can position themselves on being good at SEO or knowing the latest features of Facebook or LinkedIn.

14. you may experience a sense of pride you've never felt before

One of the best things about being a freelancer is proving to yourself that you can make it on your own. It's a source of pride and joy. If you work for Microsoft or Novo Nordisk, you can be proud to be an employee there at all, and proud of your company.

But there is great satisfaction in being able to sell, perform and invoice a job under your own name. It's you and your services that your customers are buying. You'll find that pride is worth its weight in gold.

And a few words of advice if you decide to become self-employed

If, after reading this article, you've decided you want to be a freelancer, take the plunge. It's sad to sit in a nursing home and say: "If only I'd had the courage...", and you can always apply for a job if you want to get back into permanent employment.

You can make good money as a freelancer. But don't make money the measure of your success or your view of yourself. You have to like the way you work. For very few people, money was the primary purpose in itself.

Make yourself easy to work with. In the long run, this is perhaps the attribute that matters most to customers. Be the best version of yourself. Don't be stubborn. Take your ego out of the equation. Accept that your customers, as the ones paying you, have the right to change your proposals.

Go the extra mile. Even in the long run. At first, you'll ride a wave of endorphins and happiness that you've got your shop up and running. But over time, it becomes routine. Try not to let your efforts become tired and too routine. Be careful not to copy yourself. Maintain your innocence and your desire to try something new. So your solutions stay fresh - even though you may have tried most things before. That's professionalism.

Remember to enjoy the freedom. Most freelancers learn that the workload is rarely just right. Usually, you either have too much or too little work. Either you're stressed about being busy or you're worried about when you'll get your next assignment. That's how most people feel. So it's wise to be aware of a few things:

• Try to enjoy it when you have some spare time. After all, that's one of the reasons you chose to go freelance
• Set something in motion. Have coffee with someone, call someone, send out emails. As a freelancer, you always need to make sure you have some ships in the water to get the next assignments. That's generally the best medicine to keep your spirits high: taking the initiative and having the discipline to do what you decide to do. If you have that discipline, things will work out and you'll enjoy your free life

No one can make the decision to go freelance for you. You have to do it yourself. I hope that my experiences and insights can help to nuance your considerations and perhaps prepare you for what you're about to experience.

Enjoy!

Carsten Bjerregaard