Kristin Colier

Hi all -  As the economy “does it’s thing”  (no need to get into that now), I keep hearing it’s a freelancers market out there.   There are definitely pros and cons to the corporate life, but having been there, done that, and thrown out the leftover business cards – I’ve opted for the flexibility and variety that freelancing offers.   So, if you’ve made that decision too, but not sure what to do next, this list is for you.

1. Establish your Personal Brand.
List your talents and attributes and things that make you unique.  Are you a writer? Or are you a sports writer, humorist, community fly-on-wall?  It’s worth taking a little while to get it right, because you then want to incorporate your personal brand onto your website, your business cards and your message.  Consider a personal logo or color scheme.
David Cohen is a colleague and expert on the subject of branding.

2. Get Online
Even if you are an organic soybean farmer, in today’s market – you must have a relevant internet presence.
A simple blog, can be established for free in 10 minutes. www.wordpress.com.  With a little more time and effort you can add a unique look and feel and all sorts of functionality.

3. Follow the Leader
I don’t mean steal someone’s business idea, just learn from the best.  Do research.  Is there someone in your field you admire?  Buy their book, read their blog, take their advice.  Most successful entrepreneurs are happy to mentor and help you learn from their mistakes.  See what works, then differentiate into your own niche.  You soon will have followers of your own.

4. Network.
Join groups on Facebook and LinkedIn, but also get out in person to local Meetups, conferences, business associations and so on.  When I was helping a friend with his gourmet butter business, I discovered there was an official Association for Dressings and Sauces.  There is something for every niche.  If there isn’t, start one.

Let people know what you do, and foster genuine relationships with people.

When I was in Nashville at a songwriting conference I learned a rule about Open Mike etiquette which applies here as well.  In Nashville, there are Open Mike Nights all over the city, and some of the more impatient up-and-comers, sign up for several different shows a night, wait their turn, play their song and leave for the next one.  They don’t stay and listen to the other artists up on stage hoping to get their big break, they don’t mingle in the bar with the audience and other aspiring musicians and songwriters.  This will get you noticed, but not in a good way.

Everyone thinks their own song (story, business plan, idea) is the best.  But the best music that comes out of Nashville usually comes from collaborative talent, established relationships and artists “getting out there.”

When you network, be sure to listen as well as sing.

5. Get Down to Business
This is my least favorite part, which makes it all that much more important to have on the to-do list.
Figure out the billing, invoicing, taxes, cost overhead required and how to stay organized.  Find tools for project management, customer management, payment processing, etc.  Here’s a starting point: 85+ Freelancer Tools

Best of Luck!
-Kristin