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How to be a successful freelancer

Sakina Babwani, ET Bureau Jan 13, 2014, 11.50AM IST
(Finding work is perhaps…)




In another part of India's financial capital, corporate trainer Maneesh Konkar is preparing a PowerPoint presentation for a workshop later during the month. A freelancer, 43-year-old Konkar conducts workshops for the sales teams of companies. Till now, he has trained employees of FMCG companies, consumer electronics manufacturers, auto companies and even IT firms.

"They may be from different sectors but the fundamentals of effective sales are the same across industries," he says. Freelancing, once seen as the preserve of writers and photographers, is increasingly attracting professionals from other streams. The Internet has spawned opportunities for teachers, data analysts, IT professionals and corporate trainers like Konkar.

You can grab freelancing assignments not only in your city or in India but literally in any corner of the world. According to one estimate, every third user of is from India.

The US-based website helps freelancers get assignments and takes a cut when the deal is done . It's a trend that is slowly catching on. A growing number of professionals is junking regular employment to try their hands at freelancing. They are driven by the dream to be independent and work on their own terms without the straitjacket of a 9-to-5 job. To be fair, freelancing does unshackle the individual from the tyranny of corporate hierarchy.


Getting started

The jobs are everywhere. What you need to do is find the niche that matches your expertise. "Don't go by just the current demand, but also assess how it will shape up in the coming years," says Sangeeta Lala, senior vice-president, Teamlease, an HR consultancy firm. It pays to keep yourself abreast of the latest developments in your chosen field.

When the Companies Bill was passed, Manekia immediately sensed an opportunity in the clause that requires companies of a certain size to spend 2% of their threeyear average annual profit on CSR initiatives.

"An in-depth research in your field goes a long way in finding your way in the market," he says. Similarly, Mumbai-based freelance photographer Kedar Bhat (see details below) saw an opportunity in training amateur photographers. He charges Rs 3,000 per student for a one-day workshop.

Freelancers don't have the luxury of a big brand name to back them. It is their work that speaks for them. So, the first step is to build a portfolio of work samples and testimonials from satisfied clients.

Don't make it too extensive; just a select representation of what you are capable of. "If you don't have any past work experience to showcase clients, then create dummy samples. Meeting a prospective client without any work sample is not a very good idea," says Asif Upadhye, director at an employee engagement firm, Never Grow Up.

Appearances and behaviour count

Being your own boss doesn't mean you can do things your way all the time. Yes, you are not an employee and there is no dress code for freelancers, but it's important that your attire and demeanour exude professionalism.

You might not be taken seriously if you go to a meeting in casual wear. Similarly, you should realise that you are a marketing manager, cost accountant, HR head and CEO all rolled into one. Be polite when you meet your clients.

Don't lose patience if they don't understand your pitch, or look down upon them if they cannot afford your services. Keep one golden rule in mind: the customer is always correct. Listen to him, and then customise your offering to his needs. Don't try to customise his needs to what you have to offer. Also, never shy away from seeking advice from others who have been in the market for a while.

Finding work