Freelancing – The Art of Making Money Online By Using Your Skills

If thoughts of freelancing have already been making rounds in your head for some time now, it’s time to give it a definite shot! One of the biggest advantages of freelancing is that it can be done from any part of the world as long as you have Internet access. From Kenya to India, and from Philippines to Mexico, as companies cut back on their expenses and staff numbers, they are increasingly seeking help from outside-freelancers. So, if you have expertise and experience, then it’s time to make the most of it by starting to sell them.

If you are now ready to read more…Congratulations! Let’s get started.

So, what are you planning to sell? That’s the first question you need to answer. What skill(s) can you sell you earn money? Whether you are good at marketing, advertising, web design, programming, ghostwriting, candle making, interior decoration, photography, child care, pet care, etc, etc…start planning your freelance business now.

If your skill matches the demand in the market, you should be off to an easy start. However, if you have a unique skill, you may have to struggle a bit at the start to create a demand. Once the demand is generated, you should be able to maintain dominance and expand your freelance business with patience and focus.

Ok, you have the skills. Now what about the set up? Much like most start-up businesses, you’ll need to get some basic things together. Some of the most important tools for freelancing include:

1. Computer/Laptop – We live in a technology driven world. Not being able to use a computer is frowned upon from Kenya to China. So, get a decent computer to maintain records, correspond with your clients, and do research related to your niche.
2. Internet connection – This for sure is one of the most important things to have. For Kenyans wanting to start freelancing, a hi-speed Internet connection is indispensable. It’s the BEST way to look for work, research for it, and deliver it. Even if you have a field business, you would require a reliable Internet connection to communicate with your clients.
3. Website or blog – A website address is like an office address in the virtual world. Nowadays, having your own website is as important as having a business card or a telephone. There is simply no reason why a freelancer should not have a website. Can you do e-commerce if you are not online? No. Can potential customers who hear about you check you out later on the internet if you do not have a website? No again. Can current customers find out what your new offerings are if you lack a website? Not easily.
4. Telephone/Mobile Phone – Get a new telephone number for your freelance business. This will ensure that your personal calls and business calls are segregated. Also if you don’t already have a mobile phone, this would be a good time to buy one so that you can stay connected with your clients even on the move.
5. Printer – Being able to print emails, financial records, information etc easily, can be extremely helpful to you as freelancer. So invest in a good printer with decent print quality. The AIOs (All-in-Ones – Printer, scanner, and copier) can really help you run your freelance business efficiently.

Finally, you’ll need to learn how to get an online job! That’s it, you’re ready to start!

I cannot stress enough on the importance of a website, however simple, as you set forth freelancing. And is a website hard to get? No. You can get one very suitable for freelancing at just 100 Kenyan shillings. Go for it!