For many, it’s a great time to be self-employed. Global businesses are adapting to changing attitudes towards the way we work . They’re becoming more agile, more flexible, and more innovative – and they’re using freelancers to make it happen. ‘Ultra-skinny businesses’ are hiring freelancers not as an interim solution, but as an extension of their team to keep overhead costs down, profit margins up, and customers happy. And brands undergoing change or investment rounds are turning to communications consultants and fractional CMOs to make their businesses successful, but without the long-term commitment. Around 4.2million professionals are currently self-employed in the UK, and that figure is expected to grow. In fact, in the US, it’s estimated that around 50 per cent of the workforce could be working independently by 2027. Freelancing has real benefits: unlimited earnings potential; setting your own hours (a big plus if you have care commitments or live with a long-term condition); variety and autonomy in the types of projects you take on; choosing where you work . The list goes on. But it comes with its downsides, too, particularly when economic uncertainty creeps over the horizon. The absence of a company or colleagues to fall back on when times get tough becomes more obvious, and worrying about the security of your next paycheck can be as tiring as the work itself. So if you’re self-employed or considering a freelance career, here’s how you can adapt and thrive during economic uncertainty. The six cornerstones of thriving as a freelancer 1. Know when to specialise, and when to generalise. The truth is, some clients will want you to know their industry in and out; others will be happy for you to adapt provided you’ve got the skills (and experience) to achieve their objectives. Understanding the bigger picture and business goals of your prospective clients will enable you to win more work, and create greater consistency with your client base. 2. Market yourself. Clients will always come first, but if you don’t invest time in your own marketing, you risk disappearing into the background. Learn how to effectively promote yourself in your industry to grow your network, reach, and opportunities. 3. Optimise your digital presence. Without an online presence, gaining a strong network of clients is more of a challenge. Drive social media performance with relevant content, optimise SEO tactics, ask for client recommendations, and use freelancer platforms to support your search. 4. In-person is still vital. Working from home is great, but the saying ‘out of sight, out of mind’ is particularly true for freelancers. Meet clients and prospects on a regular basis and actively attend events and networking opportunities in person – you never know what projects or collaborations could come of it. 5. Think: business. Businesses are changing their models to better adapt to the current climate. For some, they’ll be looking to hire on flexible terms during economic uncertainty, so set up job alerts on LinkedIn and other platforms that fit your spec. Positioning […]
