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January 23, 2010
I want to quit my job and do freelance work…?
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Category: Freelance Rates Help
It’s time to start my own business. I have a salaried full-time job at a TV station in marketing, as a sales/research coordinator, where I’ve worked for 4 years. There’s a high turnover rate in our department (due to the department head, who’s a combo of the boss from the movie “Office Space” and the pointy-haired boss in the Dilbert comics).
I have a B.A. in Communications, and I’m a thesis away from an M.A. in Communications, with an English/Literature Minor. I have 15 years of experience in Media, working in every form–print (as a reporter/photographer), media research, presentation & graphic design, radio/disc jockey, writing for the internet, working in television–both marketing and news. I have connections in every media, and have terrific skills in making great relationships with clients. I won awards for my work.
My finances are finally getting together, and I have this strong urge to go for it. Should I? Where can I market my freelance skills the best?
Image taken on 2008-08-19 01:23:03. Image Source. (Used with permission)
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Have you ever considered starting a blog? Blogs are great money makers for talented writers and smart comedy. From your background, you could potential earn money from both your blog and also E-books in some of the areas of your expertise.
Specifically, a blog that has Adsense or other forms of advertising can start generating revenue as you work on a big idea.
Many blogs have really taken off, and a lot of the more popular blogs were simply started with a freewebs or free blog site creation program.
You should also consider joining affiliate programs to place on your site to earn commissions from as well.
CPA programs are really starting to become mainstream more than PPC revenue.
You can check out a good high payout program here: http://www.gowithabc.com/programs/affiliates/overview.aspx
Hopefully this helps!
I am a freelancer and all of my clients come from the internet — here is a guide on effective internet marketing:
http://www.weblinkurl.com/how-to-make-money-online-step-by-step-guide
WOW, I remember being in your position 10 years ago. It was SCARY! I quit a great job for same reasons. I had $2000 and a lot of HOPE. No clients but a strong committment and skills in consulting. Well I marketed my little buns off for MONTHS. NOTHING happened. NOTHING. One day I was sitting at my desk literally crying and wondering why I did something so stupid. Then the phone rang and I got a job! I did it cheap but it was cash! More calls started to come in after that and I am now in year 10!!
HOWEVER, let me warn you:
#1- you MUST have enough cash in hand to survive 6 months with no income.
#2 – Your first jobs may have to be done cheap to get in the door. Remember cash is king at first. $100 is better than $0 even if it should be $500.
#3 – Network network network. When you are small, most of your business will come by referral. Internet ads will help, but referrals are King.
#4 – The same people who think you are so great while working for ditz head, will suddenly not be interested in your services once you are on your own. This was the most shocking. Most companies will only do business with larger firms. Frustrates the heck out of me but trust me it is a fact.
#5 – See #4 and network, network, network.
#6 – Work your contacts in the industry and see if any of them might be able to throw you some work when you go out on your own. Don’t be surprised if #4 comes back.
#7 – Don’t expect to get any serious business for at least a year or 2. It takes that long for people to believe that you are going to be around tomorrow. 98% of new business fail in first 2 years. It’s that credibility factor and also #4 (again).
#8 – This will have to be a long term MENTAL committment. Have family and friends to support you in the hard times. It will get very depressing knowing you do great work for a great price and the client goes with ditz head. BUt if you persevere, you WILL be successful.
GOOD LUCK!