Summary:
A career as a freelancer can be a great choice. but it is not right for everyone. This article explores the world of freelancing and provides some tips for those who yearn to work for themselves.

Details or Sample:
From traditional writing services to less traditional areas like virtual assistant, personal shopper and high end caterer, there are plenty of ways to make a great living as a freelancer. In fact the world of freelancing and home based businesses is so vast that more and more people are considering freelancing as a full time career.

While the appeal of being your own boss is certainly easy to understand, life as a freelancer is not for everyone. It is important for every would-be freelance agent to carefully consider not only the possible benefits but the very real drawbacks as well. Freelancing can be a great full time career, but it is most certainly not a road to easy riches. As with all endeavors, the greatest rewards come to those who are willing to work hard and able to persevere when times are lean.

Cash Flow is Your Friend
Perhaps the most important distinction between the traditional world of 9 to 5 work and the world of freelancing is the lack of a steady paycheck. While those in the world of traditional employment can count on a relatively steady amount of money coming in month after month, freelancers have no such luxury.

No matter what the business, it is not unusual for small business owners to experience wild swings in their revenue, with high earnings one month and virtually none the next. It is vital, therefore, for anyone considering a full time career as a freelancer to master the fine art of cash flow.

No matter what the level of revenue coming in, there are always bills that must be paid. The mortgage company, credit card issuer and utility firm do not care if you had a bad month – they want their money and they need to be paid. Freelancers must not only do a great job writing, catering or providing other services for their clients – they must also do a great job at managing their finances.

Plan for the Worst – Aim for the Best
One of the most important parts of any freelancer’s financial plans is a solid emergency fund. Of course it is a good idea for every worker to build up a stash of cash equal to at least six months of living expenses, but it is even more important in the absence of a regular paycheck. Having an emergency fund allows you to tap your cash and make up for any shortfalls when sales are down and money is tight. Of course the idea is that you will plow any extra money right back into the emergency fund when things start looking up.

The size of the emergency fund needed will vary from person to person, but six to twelve months of living expenses is a good goal to shoot for. Even if you can’t fund it all at once, every little bit will help. Part time or casual freelancers without an emergency fund may want to consider putting in some additional time with their current employer, building up a good solid cushion before calling it quits.

Customer Service When You’re the Boss
We all have our nightmare stories about horrendous customer service, but serving the customer takes on a whole different perspective when you are the one doing the serving. When you own your own business, whether it is a one person freelance writing operation or a large catering business, customer service is your challenge and your responsibility.

Going above and beyond what the customer asks for is a great way to get the repeat business that is so vital to success as a freelancer. Responding quickly to the needs of customers and ensuring that all their needs have been met is the responsibility of every freelancer, and it is important to always go the extra mile for your clients. You will be glad you went out of your way to meet those needs when you are rewarded with repeat business and a stellar reputation.

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Written by: beconrad
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