News
Freelance or contracting is a good option during a recession
15 May, 2009
Working freelance is said to be the way forward during a recession. Becoming your own boss could be sprung on you with the high redundancy rate and could start to make good sense as the way to go into a rewarding future.
There are a few things that are important to remember when starting out as a freelancer:
- Becoming a freelance contractor has become a popular route for IT or communications professionals; however, one must be very careful of the Inland Revenue implications of IR35.
- You need to be skilled or good at something. Nowadays people are obsessed with qualifications and certification; however, that is no guarantee that you are good at what you do. You will need to build up a series of good references and a portfolio.
- Make sure you keep your knowledge and skill base up to date; don’t get out of touch.
- You need to be extremely good at marketing (selling) yourself. It’s no good being good at what you do if you can’t sell yourself and this includes what you put on your business card, what diplomas/certificate/degree or the trade association to which you belong.
- You need to be good at building relationships and accountability.
It would be a good idea to do a training course if you are uncertain about anything, as it is better to start out well prepared.