I get many phone calls at Poynter from freelancers and people who want to be freelancers but don’t know how to best market themselves. Their inquiries came to mind when I read a recent story that said the likelihood that people are looking for side jobs now is pretty high. MarketWatch reports:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics there were close to 9 million self-employed workers in December and with the latest jobs data showing that the total number of jobs lost since the recession began just over a year ago is close to 3.6 million, the probability that the recently unemployed will do some type of temporary work is high. The new workplace reality is that many companies are using temporary employees to keep costs down, especially health care expenses.
I agree with the freelancing tips in the MarkeWatch piece and have expanded on some of them here:
- Do the same thing we coach you to do while job hunting: Assess your values to an organization and create a marketing proposal (resume and script) to sell your value to prospective employers. Believe in yourself and make sure your script reflects that confidence.
- Be sure you consider the cost and ability to cover your medical benefits. If you are employed and are considering leaving a company, meet with the Human Resources benefits administrator and find out the cost of Cobra and the terms of coverage.
- Don’t be caught in a tax dilemma as Timothy Geitner and Tom Daschle were. Instead, see a tax specialist and learn how to best account for your status as a freelancer.
- Stay in the right frame of mind and think long-term about your career and if you want full time employment.
- Focus on freelancing for the organization where you hope to work, and drive your performance to encourage the employer to bring you on full-time when an opportunity arises.
You have heard it repeatedly, but networking is key to employment and to landing freelance opportunities that could lead to a job. Target your networking to those who you believe will be the best connections for you to get the results you are after.
