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Justin Warren
7,805 PointsFreelancing questions!
So I'm working through the Techdegree right now with the goal of being a freelancer. Does anyone have a rough estimate/timeframe for how long it takes to gain clients (rough estimates are fine!)? Also, I am from the US but living overseas currently. So I would like the opportunity to work remotely. I've heard/seen mixed reviews regarding job sites(Upwork, Elance, etc). Are there any alternatives sites or strategies that any savy freelancers out there have used? I am open to advice. Thanks in advance :)
3 Answers
Max Senden
23,177 PointsHi Justin,
I've been freelancing since about 2009. The best advice I can give you is to make contact with design and/or development agencies in the city where you live. Let them know you're out there and tell them why it would be nice for them and you to set up a meeting to get acquainted. If you can show them some of your work and send them a CV with your introductionary email. Try to find companies which you think are cool. It makes connecting with them a lot easier and increases the likelihood of getting a freelance gig out of it.
The reason why I think it's best to freelance with companies is because you get to connect with people in your field, and (their) clients. It's a valuable learning experience, plus it tends to pay (a lot) better than working on upwork or similar websites.
I would advice against working with/for friends and family. It's generally a bad idea to mix business with friends or family unless the person you working with understands business. I've seen freelancers break friendships over the most pettiest of things, or having family members demand a 90% discount on the work that they do. Definitely don't do online freelancing. The pay is bad, managing clients is a pain and the price over quality attitude ruins the entire experience. I do understand why people choose to do it, but it messes with our industry and drives employee wages and freelance rates down.
Having said all of this. Getting clients / freelance opportunities is difficult when you start out. The market is highly competitive and oversaturated. So set yourself apart in some way or another. Try different things and note down what approach works and what approach doesn't. If you lack experience, try to charm them with a positive eager-to-learn attitude. And most of all: just keep on trying. It might take a while before you find something. And it might take even longer before you find something really nice. Just keep doing and don't give up.
Justin Warren
7,805 PointsWow Max! Thanks for the advice. Do you have any suggestions on ways to set myself apart? Currently, I live in Asia and so connecting with agencies in my city would be challenging. Have you found that agencies are able/willing to work with people remotely. Have you had experiences working with agencies in other places?
Thanks for all the advice!
Max Senden
23,177 PointsHi Justin,
There are lots of agencies that are willing to work with people remotely. I've done it plenty of times myself but only after I met them at least once face-to-face. I've never tried working remotely with a company overseas. For me a personal connection is very important, and skype video calls just don't do it for me.
Something I did to set myself apart, and has worked really well, is by mapping myself (several A2 sized papers, each having a seperate topic about me personally or professionally, color coded with post-its). Whenever I had a talk about a potential freelancing gig I would show those maps. It delivers a visual impact that lasts and gives you and the interviewers something tangible to focus on and talk about. I put everything (personal and work related) that is important for me on those posters.
However, presenting yourself is step 2. Step 1 is getting yourself invited. This process is trail and error. You need to write an appealing email that is short and to-the-point. Include a portfolio and CV link (or attachment). It's a good idea to set up a general email in which you can easily and quickly make changes to for the company you're sending it to. Always mention why you are interested to work with the company. Perhaps their clients appeal to you (explain why), or perhaps you're learning to acquire a certain skill.
Do you have a girl- or boyfriend who's Asian? Perhaps some Asian friends? Perhaps they can introduce you to companies? Assuming you're white Asian companies might be quite interested to work with you. I know it might sound harsh to some but skin colour does get you advantages, especially in some parts of Asia.
Justin Warren
7,805 PointsHi Max,
Thanks for all of the advice again. I'm from America and am married to a wonderful woman from the states. We have been teaching at a primary school but I've also been working to learn web development! It's been quite a journey so your advice is much appreciated. Thanks!
Justin