Do you have a skill? Are you professionally trained at something? Have you developed a hobby like graphic designing, website development, writing, search engine optimization, etc. that you want to use to make money? Making money online is not exactly easy but if you are sincere and have the quality then this category of earning can provide an actual salary, and enough live on. I was discussing with a friend the other day when he was complaining that his salaried job is too stressful and he feels the salary at the end of the month hardly justifies the hard work that is required to be put in. That started me thinking that actually what he is earning today, he could earn as much working from home at his own comfort and utilizing his professional skills (he is a software programmer by the way) by freelancing. But though he doesn’t have to literally go to office to attend work, he will still have to work almost full time while freelancing. So, as they say, there is no replacement for hard work.
There is a vast range of real-world skills that finds takers on the internet, ranging from technical skills like software designing and hardware and networking to sales and marketing, accounting, writing, administration, project management, etc.
Let’s discuss a few of them:
- Virtual assistant
I like this term Virtual assistant and it reminds me of a typical Hollywood sci-fi flick with AI, super computers, robots, etc. But the actual job is not as fancy. A freelancing VA’s job includes typing documents, taking calls, helping boss by providing information, documents and work he needs to help him in his job and make it easier and efficient.
- Data entry
The most popular work on the internet (or at least in people’s perception). Its more of form-filling: entering data from a spreadsheet to a database through online forms and filling application forms from raw text data.
- Transcription
Transcription means to listening to an audio and putting it down on paper (or computer). As a freelance recruit you will be given an audio file which you have to type and send it to your employer.
- Translation
Next is translation which in the freelancing world is a very broad term. It might be actually translating a document from one language to another. Or it can be a complete website to be translated for an MNC to a different language to cater to different viewer in another country. If you know two languages well then you might just find it happy luck.
- Project Management
Project Management jobs would require you to take up entire projects or sub-projects (which are part of a bigger project) and deliver results. As a freelancing project manager you will have to manage the projects from start to finish and will take up the responsibility of everything from requirement gathering and team management to meeting deadlines and final deliverables. It’s difficult but also pays well.
- Technical (IT related) Jobs
I will bunch a few categories under this one because those who can get these jobs already know better than me regarding their field(s) of work. Technical jobs in IT domain covers a wide array of opportunities like designing, graphics and animation, software development, website designing, etc. There are lots of these freelancing opportunities out there waiting to be grabbed with both hands...provided you have the necessary skills and know-how to deliver the goods.
- Sales and Marketing
This category of jobs include simple jobs like calling prospects and fixing appointments for sales teams to very high-end skill/knowledge based work like designing marketing and business strategies, and in between, covering Telemarketing, Sales, PR, Media relations, Copywriting, Social Media Marketing, Market Research and stuff. So if you are a marketing buff...well...good for you.
- Writing jobs
Finally I come to the most sought after and my personal favourite. I have already written a post on how to make money by writing articles and put in a few lines about freelancing too. Here I explain more. There are plenty of writing jobs available out there for freelancers. It could be content development for websites and blogs, promotional articles for products/services/business, creative writing, technical writing, etc. There are even jobs available for screenplays and ad scripts. You need to be proficient in English. You have to churn out pieces of work at a steady pace. Good vocab, grammar and punctuation are must-haves.
Tips for future freelancers:
- First of all, to enter in the freelancing world, create an online resume highlighting your skills, experience and previous projects if any.
- Create a small free one/two pager blog where you put up your profile with credentials, name, contact details, photograph and basic details. Needless to say that as and when you take up and complete freelancing jobs, you should update the blog.
- Do a little research on the job role and prospective employer before applying.
- Deliver quality and on-time so that you have employers hooked. This ensures repeat income and reference.
- Learn time management.
- Apply to jobs as early as possible (many jobs are first listed on Monday mornings)
- Keep updating your skills and try to be at the top of your game.
- Social media (twitter, facebook, etc.) presence is important.
- Be completely professional.
Payment
Payments for freelancing jobs can be up-front (very seldom), bid-based, on completion of job or on per hour basis, depending upon the nature of the job. You will have to decide on a rate for your service. You might have to get involved in negotiations. So be prepared.
There is a vast range of real-world skills that finds takers on the internet, ranging from technical skills like software designing and hardware and networking to sales and marketing, accounting, writing, administration, project management, etc.
Let’s discuss a few of them:
- Virtual assistant
I like this term Virtual assistant and it reminds me of a typical Hollywood sci-fi flick with AI, super computers, robots, etc. But the actual job is not as fancy. A freelancing VA’s job includes typing documents, taking calls, helping boss by providing information, documents and work he needs to help him in his job and make it easier and efficient.
- Data entry
The most popular work on the internet (or at least in people’s perception). Its more of form-filling: entering data from a spreadsheet to a database through online forms and filling application forms from raw text data.
- Transcription
Transcription means to listening to an audio and putting it down on paper (or computer). As a freelance recruit you will be given an audio file which you have to type and send it to your employer.
- Translation
Next is translation which in the freelancing world is a very broad term. It might be actually translating a document from one language to another. Or it can be a complete website to be translated for an MNC to a different language to cater to different viewer in another country. If you know two languages well then you might just find it happy luck.
- Project Management
Project Management jobs would require you to take up entire projects or sub-projects (which are part of a bigger project) and deliver results. As a freelancing project manager you will have to manage the projects from start to finish and will take up the responsibility of everything from requirement gathering and team management to meeting deadlines and final deliverables. It’s difficult but also pays well.
- Technical (IT related) Jobs
I will bunch a few categories under this one because those who can get these jobs already know better than me regarding their field(s) of work. Technical jobs in IT domain covers a wide array of opportunities like designing, graphics and animation, software development, website designing, etc. There are lots of these freelancing opportunities out there waiting to be grabbed with both hands...provided you have the necessary skills and know-how to deliver the goods.
- Sales and Marketing
This category of jobs include simple jobs like calling prospects and fixing appointments for sales teams to very high-end skill/knowledge based work like designing marketing and business strategies, and in between, covering Telemarketing, Sales, PR, Media relations, Copywriting, Social Media Marketing, Market Research and stuff. So if you are a marketing buff...well...good for you.
- Writing jobs
Finally I come to the most sought after and my personal favourite. I have already written a post on how to make money by writing articles and put in a few lines about freelancing too. Here I explain more. There are plenty of writing jobs available out there for freelancers. It could be content development for websites and blogs, promotional articles for products/services/business, creative writing, technical writing, etc. There are even jobs available for screenplays and ad scripts. You need to be proficient in English. You have to churn out pieces of work at a steady pace. Good vocab, grammar and punctuation are must-haves.
Tips for future freelancers:
- First of all, to enter in the freelancing world, create an online resume highlighting your skills, experience and previous projects if any.
- Create a small free one/two pager blog where you put up your profile with credentials, name, contact details, photograph and basic details. Needless to say that as and when you take up and complete freelancing jobs, you should update the blog.
- Do a little research on the job role and prospective employer before applying.
- Deliver quality and on-time so that you have employers hooked. This ensures repeat income and reference.
- Learn time management.
- Apply to jobs as early as possible (many jobs are first listed on Monday mornings)
- Keep updating your skills and try to be at the top of your game.
- Social media (twitter, facebook, etc.) presence is important.
- Be completely professional.
Payment
Payments for freelancing jobs can be up-front (very seldom), bid-based, on completion of job or on per hour basis, depending upon the nature of the job. You will have to decide on a rate for your service. You might have to get involved in negotiations. So be prepared.
If this post has ignited the interest in you to explore freelancing opportunities and make money, you can go to the Freelancing page of this blog. Or you can go to the Detailed Project Board. The best jobs available on the web from various websites are compiled in these job boards.
Also, I will be putting up more free resources for you to download which you surely would find helpful.
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