Are you looking to go out and work on your own?
Are you ready to take the plunge into freelancing?
Where do you start?
Here is a basic checklist to help you get started.
10 Things You Should Do When You Start Your Freelance Business:
Why? – Why do you want to freelance? Do you want to leave the rat race? Do you want financial freedom? Do you need more freedom? Do you need more flexibility and time with your family? Jot down the reasons you want to go out on your own and use them to set up your goals.
Create a Plan and Goals – What do you want to do with your freelance business? Where do you want it to be in six months? How much money do you want to make? What are your expenses and what do you need to make to pay them?
Have a Stash – If possible, have at least a few months of monthly expenses saved up before you take the plunge. I know, not everyone has this option, but it is better to have a backup fund when things are slow.
How Are You Going to Do Business? – Are you going to work under your name or a company name? Will you setup as a sole-proprietor or setup a business entity?
Get a Separate Bank Account – Whether you do business as you or as a business, get a separate bank account. With a separate account, you can separate your business income and expenses.
Accounting – If possible, get an accountant to help you with your bookkeeping. If you have to go at it alone, get some good accounting tools to help you with your finances like outright and freshbooks.
Get a PayPal Account – PayPal is a necessity when you freelance. Many clients pay with PayPal; set it up and have it ready.
Business Cards –Your out somewhere and you connect with a possible client. They ask for your card; do you have one? Take it from me, get some business cards put together and keep a few with you. I use Vistaprint (not an affiliate link) – they have been great on quality and prompt on getting my cards to me.
Get a Blog or Web Site – Have a place others can view your information and contact you. With your online presence, you will expand your reach to potential clients that want your services.
Have a Backup Plan – What if something goes wrong? What will you do? It is always a good idea to have a “what if” scenario. I hope you never have to use it, but if you do, you will be glad you had it setup and ready.
There are many things you need to consider when you start your freelance business. This checklist will help you get started.
What other things would you add to the checklist?
Photo credit: akaalias
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