START UP's Steps to Success in Freelancing

Have you ever dreamed of working for yourself, setting your own schedule, and choosing projects that truly excite you? Our START UP Ambassador, Melodi, looks at how to get started in the world of freelancing and solopreneurship.

Freelancing is exactly that - a way of working where you’re your own boss, taking on projects for clients without committing to a single employer. Freelancing is where flexibility meets independence, and every project is an opportunity to grow. Whether you’re here to turn a passion into profit, escape the 9-to-5 grind, or simply explore the endless possibilities of working for yourself, freelancing is a journey like no other.

Getting started

Know your WHY

Working for yourself is deeply personal, that’s the whole point! As a freelancer, you’re the boss, and you’re in control of every aspect of your career. Your "why" becomes the foundation for all the decisions you make: the type of projects you take on, how often you work, the rates you set, and even how you market yourself. To thrive in freelancing, it’s essential to get clear on your goals. What do you want to achieve? How big or small do you envision your career? What kind of work excites you the most? Defining your goals will give you the direction and purpose needed to shape a freelance career that truly aligns with you.

START UP Advice

This clarity can be achieved by using tools like creating a personal freelancing pros and cons list to evaluate the path that best fits your vision. Additionally, employing structured methods, such as the SMART action plan for goal setting (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), can help you break down your goals into actionable steps. These tools not only make your freelancing goals more tangible but also help you stay focused and motivated as you navigate your unique journey. Remember, the more organized and intentional you are about your approach, the more rewarding your freelancing career will be.

Know your strengths and skills gaps

Understanding your strengths is key to building a successful freelancing career - they drive your value and shape your reputation. What do you excel at, and how can those strengths set you apart? At the same time, take an honest look at the skills you need to develop. No one is good at everything, but freelancing allows you the flexibility to learn, research, and improve. This self-awareness is crucial when finding your niche - the sweet spot where your skills and passions intersect. Can you specialise in something that not only excites you but also gives you a unique edge? A well-defined niche can make you stand out in a crowded market and attract the right clients for your business.

START UP Advice

This can be done by making three lists:

• Preferred/top skills: Your strongest and most valued skills that you want to focus on in your freelancing career.
• Other/fall-back skills: Additional skills you’re capable of using but aren’t your main strengths, which can serve as backups when needed.
• Skills gaps: Areas where you need to grow or seek resources to improve, helping you identify where to focus your efforts to become a more well-rounded freelancer.

These lists will give you a clearer understanding of where you currently stand and provide a roadmap for your development in the freelancing world.

Know your customer’s needs:

To build a successful freelancing career, it’s crucial to understand who wants to engage with your work and why. This means matching your skills and ideas to what the market needs, not just what you think they need. To do this effectively, research is key. Pay attention to feedback on your work, as it can offer valuable insights into what resonates with clients. Consider what others say when recommending you - this can highlight your strengths and areas of impact. Also, reflect on why people may decline your work, as this can point to areas for improvement. Finally, reviews - both good and bad- on how others describe professionals in your field can give you a deeper understanding of what’s important to your target audience and help you prioritise your efforts accordingly.

START UP Advice

Creating customer profiles is helpful for this by imagining a single person who represents your target audience and writing down their name, age, role, biggest challenge (related to your service), biggest goal (related to your service), and preferred channels (how they consume information), allowing you to tailor your approach more effectively.

Know your worth an communicate it

To do this, work out your value proposition - the unique benefits and expertise you bring to clients that set you apart from competitors in your field. Once you have that, craft an elevator pitch, a clear and concise sentence that communicates your value proposition in a way that grabs attention. Lastly, focus on developing your personal brand, which is the unique combination of skills, values, and personality you showcase to deliver your value position. A strong personal brand not only helps differentiate you from others in your field but also attracts the type of clients you want to work with, making you memorable and marketable in the freelancing world.

Support and resources

The START UP team is here to support you in launching or growing your business, social enterprise, or freelance career. We offer personalised one-on-one advice and coaching, equity-free grant funding, workshops and events, along with a range of online resources to help you succeed.

Find out more about START UP or begin your journey with us by booking a 20-minute initial appointment.