#SEJThinkTank @dantosz

Freelancers Forum

#SEJThinkTank @dantosz

#SEJThinkTank @dantosz

Hello!Danielle Antosz SEJ’s Features Editor Full-Time Freelancer Contact Me on Twitter: @dantosz

#SEJThinkTank @dantosz

Poll 1 What best

describes your current

situation?

#SEJThinkTank @dantosz

Poll 1 What best

describes your current

situation?

#SEJThinkTank @dantosz

What We Will Cover!

⊙Facing the Fear⊙Getting Started ⊙When to Go Full-Time⊙Where to Find Work⊙Client Red Flags

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Facing the Fear: Define your worst case

scenario

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How to start your

freelance career

⊙ Decide what you want to do

⊙ Get hired to do it (at least once)

⊙ Join communities ⊙ Keep learning

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So, When Do I Quit My “Real” Job?

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“ Just do it. There will never be a perfect time, there will never be a perfect amount of money in the bank.

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Poll 2 What is your

biggest struggle?

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How do you find clients?

There are

three main

ways.

Job BoardsGo to industry blogs and publications and look for a job board. (Will get into more places later)

Hiring Platforms There are a variety of these, and they can be an ideal place to start. Just keep in mind you have to put in the time to sort the good from the bad. Upwork, etc.

Referrals This may take time. Do good work, build real relationships and afraid to ask “Hey I have some availability this month, if you know anyone looking, send them my way!”

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Problogger Craigslist (yes, really) Upwork Flexjobs ClearVoice Media Bistro Freelancer.com Guru.com

.

Top sites to

find clients

(Will vary by

industry)

#SEJThinkTank @dantosz

Resources for writers: Jeff Bullas’ 20 Sites that pay $100+ Morning Coffee Newsletter

ProTip: Facebook Groups! (Just don’t sell too hard - offer value)

.

Top sites to

find clients

(Will vary by

industry)

#SEJThinkTank @dantosz

TThe Top

Red Flags

(AKA: Clients to Run From)

Rude/SketchyIf they are a headache from the start, they will be a headache until the end. (and might not pay) #byefelica

Unclear You do social media, and they want to hire you. Yay! But, they have no clue what their goal is or what budget they have.

Lack of Communication They don’t respond for weeks, miss deadlines but then are raring to get started at a moment's notice.

Most Obvious Red Flag: They ask you to do something you aren’t comfortable doing. Pay attention to your spidey sense.

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Want to succeed?

Be willing to say no.

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Thanks!Any questions?You can find me on Twitter: @dantosz

#SEJThinkTank @dantosz