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That’s it: after much hesitation, you finally feel ready to start as a freelancer. But what are the steps to follow? How to stand out of the crowd? Here are seven tips to put you on the right tracks.
Whether you are just graduated or your current employment is reaching its due date, everyone stands on the same ground when it comes to being a freelance. From a day to another, one has to start a great share of procedures in order to acquire a status that is eventually never fully understood. What about the administrative details? Do you need to have an accountant? The questions regarding freelancers swarm as much as the sheer number of electric scooters’ users in town… Hopefully, there are several organizations to help you find your path and unfold you career plan. Maxime Giannini, manager at OpenWork’s Belgian branch, a community of employed freelancers, has given us 7 tips to be prepared for your life as a freelancer.
1. Consider the other alternatives
It can sound contradictory but before starting as a freelancer, research about other options.
“A lot of people don’t know that, in Belgium, there are companies providing a service allowing freelancers to enjoy the status of an employee” says Maxime.
They are called “umbrella companies” and the people who benefit from their services have the status of midlancer.
In addition to the underlying safety coming from said status (among others, regarding unemployment), these companies, such as OpenWork, Smart or Tentoo, provide other services: from administrative documents management to billing, orientation advices and much more …”
2. Ask for help
Administration is often the freelancers’ pet peeve. Yet, it must not be neglected, for there might be disastrous consequences if these processes are not done properly or in the mandatory deadlines.
The basic administrative procedures are:
- registration with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises,
- opening a business current account,
- subscribing to VAT,
- affiliation to a social insurance fund.
“You can ask an accountant for any budget-related issue and to companies like us to alleviate the burden of administrative tasks” continues Maxime.
3. Get the right tools
“In order to develop new partnerships, freelancers must rely on a vast network of contacts and tools” claims OpenWork’s manager.
Many sites ease the job searching part. These mission-based platforms constitute the best resource to find an assignment. To facilitate freelancers’ life, numerous apps have been developed. These include Accountable, which simplifies financial and accounting management, Notability, which allows Apple users to take notes, and Trello, which facilitates project management.
4. Make a proper impression
“Not knowing how to sell oneself is a very frequent fault among beginner freelancers. You must work on your approach, not apply out of frustration. When one wants to find a job, there is a tendency to send a gazillion application forms” says the expert.
Instead of searching far and wide, rather target the companies in which you’d really like to work and work out an application strategy accordingly. Maxime’s last advice on the latter:
“Whatever you do, do not send the same resume, you need to stand out!”
5. Don’t isolate yourself
“Enlarging your network is key to succeed in the freelance world. Afterworks, conferences or other events: always make your contacts network grow is how you will find missions and contracts. It is crucial that independent consultants develop their address book as much for new partnerships than for inspiration” states the manager.
It is also interesting to visit coworking spaces such as Silversquare. You can meet people there and maybe even make connections with future collaborators.
If you wish to give your network a boost, have a look at this article.
6. Work on your personal skills
Staying on the edge, by attending a formation, is a part of being a freelancer.
“It allows you to pump up your resume as well as to stay aware of the last innovations in your sector. There are many organizations providing free courses in Belgium” according to Maxime.
You can find some through Molengeek (coding school located in Brussels), BeCode (free courses on IT) or by asking for information to Interface3.
There are also sites offering free or paid online training that you can view at any time. Tuto.com and Udemy are two good examples. You can therefore take courses at your own pace, free to pause and return to an explanation as you wish.
7. Be open-minded
“Do not limit your searches to a given geographic zone! Although Belgium has plenty of projects for you to join, don’t hesitate to look further. Of course, there are a few more administrative steps such as getting a work permit or change your address but it is a nice line to add to your resume.“
