October 5, 2013

Diversifying into related fields

It is easy to diversify to various related fields when you are a freelancer. All that you have to have is the energy and determination to learn more. Diversifying may sound a bit too general. But diversifying can be very strictly specialization as well.

Diversifying helps in many ways. It paves for easier application of theories of one project to another. Your learning curve may be slow but you may end up reaping the benefits of being an expert at what you do. They are measurable when you get higher paid projects. This may result in spending less on advertisements since you will have the good will, which an expert can command, from the client who may refer you to many others as well.

Diversifying helps specialization since every time you diversify; you also specialize in a new subject. Which means the term diversification goes hand in hand with specialization on a new line of business. While concentrating on your primary strength, it is also necessary to ramp up and diversify. Clients can see through your specialties or expertise very easily. Hence, it is necessary that you need to be a master at what you do. Which also means, that every time you diversify, ensure that you learn the ropes of the new technology well enough to generate an income out of it.

Let us take the example of journalism graduates. They can diversify into writing books, magazines, or articles and publish them. This will ensure that they have their own set of working norms. But here, they have to try hard to publish their work. What they need to have is experience working in a publishing house or even at a newspaper to learn how they need to manage both aspects of the business viz writing and publishing.

People in the technical field have a better chance of diversifying. They can learn new programs and computer languages. There are ample certification courses available as well. In fact, they necessarily need to diversify since technology gets outdated faster. The individual has to update himself with newer technology to keep abreast with the trends. This also allows this field to be very dynamic in terms of inventions and changes.

Web developers have an advantage here. The internet is the place where all the new things happen and web developers will get opportunities to develop new websites about the new industries and technology. Thus, a freelancer who is a web developer will have vast knowledge about every single aspect of the business that he is working with.

Marketing consultants can double up as advertisers. They know the product they sell and they know the different aspects of the product. Similarly, once you are successful at marketing a product and has the knowledge on the skill sets required, you could sell anything. Same is the case when it comes to advertisements. Marketing professionals double up as advertisers for their products. Both these skill sets go hand in hand.

The above throws light on how a freelancer can diversify into different skill sets and use them to generate income. While diversification generates income, it also generates more business. One could create new products while selling some other products or invent a product that goes well with the ones that you are selling already.

The question is whether you prefer to be in the comfort zone or not. Being in the comfort zone means lesser risk. And being away from the comfort zone generates risk. But experience will tell that even while you take calculated risks you could have success calling on you with huge profits and business opportunities.

The key to diversification is to start slowly. Learn each new technology at a pace set by you. Then master them. Once you know where to keep your next step you will know how to climb up the treacherous path. It is a full time job in itself for a freelancer to expand his business.

Another way of diversifying is to outsource less and to do more. Many occasions warrant that some of the work related to your project be outsourced to another freelancer. But situations like that can be a hidden opportunity for the freelancer to learn those new aspects and to be a master of his work. The key is to recognize learning opportunities and outsource lesser and lesser. This way you can earn more and generate more business as well. The new learning will be helpful in future as well.

Do some training to your subordinates or peers and impart knowledge. This way, you are sharing your knowledge and get to know some form them as well. Follow the above techniques and it sure will help your diversification process.

K Saravana Kumar

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:
TwitterFacebookLinkedInGoogle Plus

Filed Under: General Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a Comment
October 3, 2013

Taking your work across boundaries

Few freelancers have had the opportunity to work across the boundaries. This means that some of you have worked across organizations and country borders. Teams located across the world usually operate at a time which is convenient for all the members of the team.

The teams that work across borders mostly do not see each other face to face. They would have seen each other only through company websites which host their photographs. But these teams have an understanding with each other. This understanding is mostly on professional grounds. The agreement would be to cooperate with each other to get work done. This is to ensure that the work gets complete well in time. There are no other emotions etc which run in between.

While working across boundaries, the most important factor to keep in mind is whether you understand the communication between teams. Many times, there are issues on understanding the accent, language and the words used and also the actual communication. So it is better to have conferences where the communicator communicates well and asks for affirmation form the audience if the same is clear to the team and understood.

There are net meeting devices which customarily help to project the required training material and information sheets across to the laptops or desktops of the team members. This ensures that all the members are on the same page and communication becomes easier. While doing presentations or while sharing spread sheets and diagrams of the project, this becomes an easier method to quickly do comparisons, reports and to send the right message across. Many times when more than two people are in the conference, this is an easier way to share expectations for the future. While confirming the same through telecom is a secondary measure.

Where there are clarifications from team members, they could use online forums or chat messengers to clarify on what they need to do. Emails confirming the topics can then affirm the agreed points.

It is foolishness to think that working across borders sitting at your desk top is easy. Small misunderstanding pave way for bigger problems and hence it is important to have the communication right.

Weekly online meeting can solve issues to a large extend. Noting down what needs more coverage, clarification and clarity needs discussion with all key stake holders. Such collaborative work is always rewarding at the end when the project takes shape well.

It takes competency both in your work and in relationship building to work across borders. To be sensitive to the cultural and personal background of the person at the other end will help you to fare better, while being with them. Once the comfort level is established, you could leverage on it to get superior work done.

Tone of voice used while speaking, matter a lot. Please ensure that you use a very subtle clear tone, with neutral accent, while speaking. This will ensure right warmth in the communication. Together with the right words, your communication will appear trustworthy to the diverse resources that are listening to you at the other end.

Many a times the change required is in the way we interpret the whole work in front of us. There are times when, as freelancers, we may have to take a higher responsibility in understanding the work that needs delivery since the responsibility of creating it lies with us.

Understanding others is of utmost importance here, since the role we play in the team will be successful only depending on the understanding we have with them. Building consensus on certain project plans and action plans are basis this collaboration. The influence we have on others matters as it reflects on the work we do and the opinion others have on us. Active collaboration impacts the greater idea and output.

Milestones are helpful while planning your projects across borders. Each team and member will have to have a milestone of achievement for their work. These needs close monitoring for results. Last but not the least is enrolling the right people to work together. If there are hiccups, it is better to replace people who do not gel together as a team. This is to ensure that work gets the right focus.

So dear friends if you are part of a larger team or plan to work across borders, I hope this provides a good insight for you. Let this give you guidance to working conditions and expectations that arise in such situations.

K Saravana Kumar

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:
TwitterFacebookLinkedInGoogle Plus

Filed Under: Freelancer to Freelancer, General Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a Comment
September 30, 2013

Keeping in touch with your clients even after completion of the project

It is easy to keep in touch in today’s world. There are more ways to be in touch than to be away, from people. So why not continue association with someone who has employed you for some time? It is important to keep in touch with past employers. Especially for freelancers who have been on a project for a longer period of time, say six months.

To find ways to be in touch is not difficult. There are ample opportunities that present itself for such a situation. Freelancers can take this opportunity to inform clients about the new things they have learnt. They may also talk about some prestigious projects undertaken. Talking about your achievements will create a positive picture in the minds of the client about you.

After completing a job well, don’t you think that your earlier employers should know what you are up to? You may update them in many ways. One such way is to occasionally give a courtesy call to the employer. You may have a casual chat with the contact point and inform him about what you are up to. You may also update him a bout you latest achievements.

There are networking sites like LinkedIn where you could update your latest projects, learning, interests etc. This gives you visibility. Not only past employers but also future recruiters who are looking for people who have talents like yours, are able to see your work profile.

If you have a website that publishes your work, you have visibility in the web as well. You may promote your website on social network sites. There are ways to advertise your work well. News letters can be a medium through which you may publicize your work. It is used by many to keep the clients updated on their work profile use this mode.

Well, that said, why is it important to be in touch? Keeping touch can be a follow up of what has transpired earlier. Hence, it need not necessarily be on work related matter and meetings. It can be a regular exercise you do, to exchange information or ideas or just casual chat. It further leads to more work from potential clients who were also past employers.

Always remember to appreciate the client for giving you an opportunity. This is another strategy that could earn you brownies. Clients will appreciate that you remembered them. Sending them a New Year gift or a Christmas gift as a token of appreciation will have an impact on their view about you and how you maintain professional relationships.

Remember to invite your clients to promotional events that you are participating in. This could be in the form of a trade meeting or a community event that you are using as a platform to promote your skills or product. The clients will have an opportunity to attend the event and also view some interesting products and promoters as well. This way you are extending good will to both the client and others around.

Sponsorship of events is another way to promote your business. While clients may have sponsorship requirements, you may take up this opportunity to meet more people from the client’s side as well as other participants who might be interested in your work.

While all the above are mandatory, there is no comparison to the occasional face to face meeting that you might want to have with the client. This may not be a true professional meeting, but these meetings could turn out to be great relationship building exercise that will benefit both parties. You could deliver some important facts and figures while you are at it. This could make you an integral part of your client’s contact list.

Refer your clients to prospective business contacts as well. This way you are opening up another channel for mutual help. The client may also appreciate the fact that you are extending support to them. Refer good people to them who might be of mutual help. Remember, what goes around come around. You never know when you will get a similar help from people you have been in business with.

Ultimately, it is these small gestures that will pave way for greater things to happen in future. All individuals great or small will reciprocate the good will shown to them. The results may turn out to be amazing experiences that one can never forget. Or they may just promote your work and business to higher levels ensuring your success.

K Saravana Kumar

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:
TwitterFacebookLinkedInGoogle Plus

Filed Under: Freelancer to Freelancer, Freelancers Tips Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a Comment
September 7, 2013

Keeping your communication channels open

Keeping communication channels open is an integral part of the feedback sessions that I have written about earlier. It is common that not all feedbacks get replies or action is taken. There may be areas where required action is pending and hence the freelancer is unable to carry on with his work.

There are always cases pending for action, in a project. These need tracking and communication regarding this has to go forth to concerned authorities, to enable closure of such cases. Communications on these may prove to be of good use while we rush through the daily commitments.

Communication channels are useful when people procrastinate over small issues which otherwise are sorted out faster. Open communication channels allow you to raise issues at work to people in the line of command to resolve issues. Resorting to such open communication helps increase efficiency at work.

Where the answers to questions and feedback are insufficient, one may resort to other modes of communication, for information, along the line of reporting. If a person you are in contact with is not able to provide sufficient information, you may approach another person who could provide more information on the topic concerned.

Where the information is unclear, and the freelancer is unable to make sense of the information, it is only right to ask for more clarity. This happens only through open channels of communication. So if your regular contact is not aware of means to provide any more clarity, than already available, you may approach another source and so on.

Proper steps on approaching an issue forms after proper communication on the nature of the issue happens. Each step that needs attention will have a definite number of processes that needs completion. A freelancer is able to do it only after consulting appropriate sources through communication channels provided.

Probing is an art of asking for information and expectations. A person with good communication skill can easily probe and get the information required. Even while going through the initial stage of the project a person, with good skills, can probe and understand the situation he is in very quickly. But probing is possible only with easier accessible channels for communication.

Where there are issues of online access to portals, to access information of the company, the view that a freelancer gets may differ from that of a regular employee. As such, information displayed will be limited and hence feedback communication has to go to get the issue resolved and the proper content made available.

Hiccups in technology used almost certainly crops up in freelancing. If there is more than one person involved in the project, the time and availability of technology available to each may vary. Hence, it is important to have everyone on the same level of understanding, for the project to function properly and for knowledge sharing and communication. Where this is not happening, communication channels should open up to make this happen.

Errors in the work outline may pop up when knowledge sharing is completed. So the initial drafts may require reworking, to suit the need of the client and for the final output to clearly emerge. What is critical here is to have a good communication marathon to happening in order to assess the short falls and to have the project going in full swing.

Error in the processes and templates can gain attention only when communication is open. Errors in the process templates and development template pop out while we are at work. These need immediate attention and hence a communication channel for immediate access is required at times.

To sum it up, it is mandatory that any employer or organization outsourcing their work has a good method or process in place for communication. They may use various available methods to effectively get their freelancers to talk to them and gain their respect as well. This will pave way for better working relationship and greater output at work.

K Saravana Kumar

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:
TwitterFacebookLinkedInGoogle Plus

Filed Under: General Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , Leave a Comment
September 5, 2013

Understanding the expectations of the client

What is client expectation? If you ask the client, the answer will vary from one client to another. Certain clients may expect you to deliver his work within stipulated time frames and will be keen on keeping with deadlines. Some others may only expect good quality work from you, irrespective of time frames.

So how do you manage the client’s expectations? There are quite a few circumstances that bring up varied experiences on client expectations while working with a wide spectrum of clients. The key to managing expectations is to have a plan and a back up plan for all situations that you may foresee a crisis. However, there are also unforeseen crisis, which one has to prepare for.

If there is a crisis or if there is good news, let your client know immediately. This way he will be confident that you will get back to him, whatever the situation you are in. Let them know if you are away from work or if you are unable to complete your tasks. This should be part of your regular communication plan.

Whenever you are unable to complete the work as per schedule, offering workable solutions to help them, complete the work is a good way to manage client expectations. Guide them on how to complete the pending task or even recommend a few people who may be able to pitch in and save the situation.

Building good rapport helps when the deadline of a project needs extension, especially when the client is far away from you. At any stage, the rapport that you build will help, to even question certain decisions that the client may make. Many times the clients are willing to explain a certain stance or change, elaborating on how it is going to be beneficial for both parties involved.

Having said the above, most clients do not have any expectations around work hours, as far as freelancers are concerned. This because they are aware that freelancers do not abide strictly to the number of working hours due to their nature of work.

Most clients expect quality of work to be topnotch, when they outsource projects for freelancing. Output, irrespective of the number of working hours put in, has to comply very specifically with depth, class, quality, and accuracy. These, freelancers, have to keep in mind while doing his work. The expectation from the client here is a superior job that will earn a lot of appreciation.

There are situations where more than one person is coordinating, with you, for work. There may be three or four people who are co-coordinating with you over a particular work say development of a curriculum etc. Here the SMEs, trainers, managers, sales personnel etc will have their views shared over a telecom or meetings. It is important to filter information that is necessary and crucial to suit the developmental work, the most. The freelancer requires a lot of discriminatory ability to know what should go into the curriculum and what should not.

If the situation demands it from a freelancer, it is quite alright to stretch work hours and offer to do a few extra assignments. Going the extra mile will help you gain the good will of the client. You may gain valuable experience while doing these extra assignments. This need not be a habit but, a freelancer should make use of a proper opportunity to learn and get the extra edge over others.

Payment is an area where it is crucial to learn to negotiate. The client may not give in his expectations, but the freelancer can gently remind the client, the amount of work involved in order to complete the assignment thus justifying the charges. But there are certain times when the freelancer can push for charges, for extra work especially, when the work is well over that mentioned in the contract. Whether the freelancer is a tax payer needs factoring in as well. It is advisable to keep in mind that, if much of technical complexities are involved, then, it is only right to charge a steep amount. This way you are ensuring fair treatment as well. And you save the client from being unreasonable.

Last but not the least is something that you, as a freelancer, could do to manage your client’s expectations. Always over deliver while you may promise something less. This way the client will be delighted at the effort put in and will also want to reward you for your efforts. So then, what is that we need to promise? Always promise in line with results expected from you. However, when it comes to output, over deliver and do that little excess to delight the client.

As and when you keep growing in your area of expertise, it is good to give valuable suggestions to clients who are looking for it. This way you act as a freelancer and a consultant as well. The client will then have a one stop shop where he will get all the solutions related to his work. This yet another method of managing client expectations.

K Saravana Kumar

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:
TwitterFacebookLinkedInGoogle Plus

Filed Under: Freelancers Tips, General Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a Comment
August 31, 2013

Helping freelancers get better and better while working for you – For the client

Every employer would like to have a freelancer working for him and also him to work better and better. With every work assignment that he gives, the client would like to see improvement. The challenges that are ahead are quite a few, to get this done. The freelancer has to learn, work, contribute and stay on and continue to do better.

The usual method of providing internal trainings imparts the knowledge required to understand and do the work accurately. Such training will pertain specifically to the type of work the freelancer is involved in. This training goes a long way to help upgrade the knowledge about the new trends and innovations pertaining to the work.

Yet another method of getting people to do better is by providing training in related fields of work. Thereby the employee gathers new techniques and uses it to do better at the current one that he is working on. Incorporating certain techniques from related fields of work will add value to the output, since the knowledge base of the freelancer enhances thus.

Another necessary training, on the agenda, should be in time management. The freelancer is then better equipped to handle assignments to keep up with the time lines for delivery of work. Spending time procrastinating can cause discomfort to both parties involved. Even training in yoga and mind control helps.

There are other means to get better as well. This will include using mental techniques to kick start the day. Using energy management to control the mind and body enables an individual to be in control. “To do” lists help a lot. Listing tasks such that they enable you to complete them one by one by not stressing you up is a great way to finish work well.

It is important to learn not to over commit. This way one takes on work that one is capable of completing within a stipulated time.Employers can guide the freelancer to assess the work that he is undertaking. This will improve productivity of the individual bringing about better output.

Giving appropriate feedback also is a training that helps gear up the productivity of the freelancer. A freelancer should know what is right and good about his work. Accordingly, he can garner his skills. Not knowing about the other person’s view of the work done can only plunge him into darkness. He needs this guidance as well!

Most of the time, we find that there are online training offers for freelancers who take up a certain kind of job. Questions about the effectiveness of these remain unanswered. Generally, the ineffectiveness of such online random training is a truth never discussed since many do not want to share or discuss unpleasant experiences they have undergone.

On the contrary, there are quite a few resources available on line which will enable a freelancer to get up-to-date information from a variety of business leaders and thought leaders. There are also courses available online which when used will help brush up existing knowledge and skills. Some of these courses are available as videos to enable the student understand better. A freelancer could go through any of these to understand more about his area of interest.

Women are at a great advantage when running an entrepreneurship is concerned. In developing countries, there are quite a few organizations which the Government promote to ensure job security to women. There are loans available and proper guidance ensuring that women gain success in the world that is getting more and more competitive as days go by.

The success of a freelancer is in running his own business of freelancing, well. What is required is a focused effort on the work. Training may or may not help. Many times people opt for freelancing after a considerable stint in corporate world. Hence, they already will have the training and development done during their career.

Getting a business degree will help in boosting your image, as far as clients are concerned. They would want to know your educational back ground in order to assess whether you can promote their product. A qualification from a reputed university goes a long way in building the trust that is required to bring forth a business deal.

And last but not the least are training workshops which bring together freelancers from various industries thus enabling exchange of expertise on a common platform. More of such learning helps the freelancer to contribute better, with time.

K Saravana Kumar

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:
TwitterFacebookLinkedInGoogle Plus

Filed Under: Freelancer to Freelancer, General Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a Comment
August 30, 2013

Bringing corporate work experience to freelancing

Individuals bringing corporate work experience to freelancing have a whole range of advantage. First of all, they have the education, skills, and the required determination to excel in the new area of work.

Many corporations today have their own training and development departments. These corporations ensure that they bring up their employees to have a successful career with the company; they work for, till the time of retirement.

But with instability in the job market, employees change jobs frequently and hence we have a large pool of trained professionals who are ready for employment, with skills that are developed. However, you may find a large number of them opting to work as independent consultants or freelancers offering their services to employers who are ready to hire them.

Qualities and Expertise

Individuals from the corporate world commit to freelancing due to their passion for doing what they love. The proficiency acquired during their stint in the corporate world is helpful to a large extend in carving out a successful career in freelancing. More so because many skills acquired from work experience is acquired on the job.

Soft skills are the most important skill that a freelancer require, basically to deal with prospective clients and peers in the industry. This expertise teamed with good communication enables a them to conduct his business well. The standards set by a writer who has the above dexterity will definitely stand to gain in the long run.

The competitive advantage one has over a person who does not have training is also beneficial in making a rewarding entry into the freelancing world. These experienced professionals are just not lucky but are at the top when it comes to giving chances to work for. Knowledge related to the work in hand is another advantage that these professionals have. This enables them to deliver the project well after evaluating the requirements thoroughly.

These individuals are able to plan better as their aspirations are in line with what they are committed to. They are highly motivated and this will reflect in the work they deliver. Companies have their own quality standards and hence individuals with exposure would have these inculcated in their work. Successful completion of work complying with quality standards would be their forte.

Where there is a requirement for further knowledge base or information, they would not hesitate to network and understand the required information. Results would be the top priority here. These techniques are of paramount importance to get work done properly.

Another vital quality that a professional will bring to the freelancing world is the ability to track, collaborate, and complete a project within timelines. All in all a professional brings in the best from the work place he has been in to the new area of work.

Education, ability, and wisdom can get you anywhere and freelancing can be only a stepping stone in setting up a successful business. High volume of work requests can easily completed, managed and stream lined to suit the needs of the client. Maturity levels in handling issues at work are also higher in individuals with corporate know-how than with others who do not have any background.

Getting bored of the routine does not happen in the case of freelancers. There is no room for complaints as the individual gets a break after each project or he himself times them in such a manner that it does not affect his schedule for leisure.

There is no reason why a person should switch jobs frequently in freelancing, as the work schedule itself is such that there would be multiple clients giving in work at the same time at different intervals. Getting continuous work without breaks does not happen most of the time. Travelling to places for work is another major reason why individuals prefer working from home. In freelancing, you may either work at the clients place or work from home whichever is convenient to you.

Acceptance to change and readiness to work are the two important factors that will see you through as a successful freelancer. You might have to work through tough schedules during a particular time period and adjust to a more lenient schedule at times.

Poor economy and less work may affect the freelancers earning capacity. But if you have the grit and the determination to find work and handover the same, nothing can beat you to success. Workplace etiquette and conduct is not followed while working from home.

Well, readers, that is all about corporate experience and freelancers. Trust you will be successful in your endeavor.

K Saravana Kumar

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:
TwitterFacebookLinkedInGoogle Plus

Filed Under: Freelancer to Freelancer, Freelancers Tips Tagged With: , , , , , , , , Leave a Comment
July 27, 2013

How To Be A Freelance Teacher

Freelancing jobs are full of potential and opportunities Freelance teaching is not a new concept. It has been around for ages. However, the latest trends in globalisation have given Freelance teaching a new spin. Here is a short guide to help you start of as a freelance teacher.

The first step is to decide that kind of freelancing teaching job you are in­terested in:

A) Travelling freelance jobs: These kinds of jobs require you to travel to other states or countries to take up a teaching assignment there. These kinds of jobs are especially popular with teachers who have multilingual experience.

B) Online freelance teaching jobs: These jobs involve sitting at home and tutoring over the internet. These types of projects include tutoring of subjects such as History, Geography, English etc. assignments are handed over the internet itself.

C) Regular freelance teaching jobs: These are regular freelancing jobs that you can take up in the local areas like tutoring school students, teaching art etc. and do not require travelling or access to online services. You don’t need to travel for these jobs.

Once you have decided what kind of freelance job you want to do then it is time to think on the following points.

What different you can offer?

The biggest challenge that a freelancer faces is offering something different than what others are not. Think hard and fast about your special qualities as a teacher.

Be ready to network extensively

When you are new in the business you don’t have much contacts so be prepared to network eaten surely. Look up your old contacts, old students, and visit local online communities to build up the network. It will be hard work but it will be worth it.

Stay in touch with teaching even when not working

Teaching is a profession in which you need to be at the top of your game at all the times. Therefor it is important that you stay in touch with teaching at all the times. Volunteer at the schools / colleges or at the night classes. This will help you in understanding the minds of your students better and therefore you will be able to teach better.

Network with other freelance teachers

When you are starting as a freelance teacher then in order to get some hands on experience on what actually happens in the freelance teaching world, it would help you a lot to network with other freelance teachers. Remember never ask them to share their client details but ask them about how they started, what they charge and what are the points to look forward to. Teaching methods of every teacher is different and therefore you are bound to pick up some useful points every time you interact.

Make sure all your documents are in order

Nobody wants a teacher who is not organized himself/herself. Keep all your documents in order, which should include your degrees and certificates all in order. If you are interested in traveling freelance jobs then make sure that your passport is updated and you have the necessary permissions.

This way you can present them promptly and the point will go in your favour.

Don’t be afraid to take up new challenges

Just as every teacher is different, every student also had different learning capability. As a freelance teacher, you usually don’t get the time to mould the student as you wish and therefore it is important that you mould yourself the way the student wants. Some students like to have lots of books to read and some understand better with the practical way. Take up new challenges with confidence in your teaching methods and you will defiantly succeed.

K Saravana Kumar

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:
TwitterFacebookLinkedInGoogle Plus

Filed Under: Freelancer to Freelancer, Freelancers Tips, General Tagged With: , , , , , , , , Leave a Comment
July 25, 2013

Hourly Jobs Or Fixed Price Jobs

There are mainly two types of payments for any freelancing job: fixed price or hourly payment. For freelancers one of the most crucial questions is how much and how to charge for a job? How does one fix the rate for his/her work? These are not questions, which are never easy to answer. There are no general rules, which can be listed on this topic.

The reason that this topic is so debatable is because the answer depends on both the freelancer and client. A freelancer always looks for a good payment for his/her work and a client is always looking for high quality work at the most reasonable cost. What a client wants to pay and what a freelancer wants for the job is not always necessary the same but between the two they can work the amount of payment. However the mode of payment will have to be either a fixed price or an hourly rate. So how do you choose? Let us take a look at the pros and cons of both and hopefully it will give you a clear idea of which once you should select.

Hourly Rate Job

An hourly rate job is a job for which you are being paid by the hour. Depending on your agreement with the client the formula for keeping a track of your hourly work can easily be worked out. Most of the times the client will ask you about how much work you can do in an hour before fixing the hourly rate for the job.

The Good

  • Has a scope for changing payment and time.
  • You will surely get paid for the amount of work you do.
  • You gain more client trust because he/she can easily keep track of your progress.
  • Lower financial risk
  • Changes are adapted easily on both sides because no side feels shortchanged.
  • Changes and extra time can be easily accommodated.
  • Perfect for working in a variable environment

The Bad

  • Hourly rates have a limit.
  • Income is not always constant.
  • It is difficult to predict the workload in advance
  • More chances of miscommunications are more.

There are many things, which you need to consider when applying for hourly jobs. These include things like billing of time that will be required to search the web and time required discussing the project with client and the team etc.

The amount you charge for an hourly job will depend on the skills and expertise required to complete the job. Check the industry rates and calculate your personal factors before deciding an amount.

Fixed price job

A fixed price job is one in which you get paid a fixed amount to do the job. A fixed price job does not take into account the amount of time and energy that you will put in completing the job. There payment of the job is decided upfront and there is a little chance of flexibility. The client will pay you once the job is done in the stipulated time and he is satisfied with your job.

The Good

  • Income is fixed
  • You can ask for a part of payment upfront.
  • The work outline is clearly defined
  • You can use your resources
  • Work on your own time.

The Bad

  • Risk of running a feature creep
  • Risk of losing payment
  • Likely to take financial burnt on yourself.

The biggest risk that a fixed price job runs into is the ‘little extra’ that some clients might want you to do. A little changes and additions can be adjusted in the job but you will have to draw a line if these demands do not stop and become a condition of payment.

The right formula

Some freelancers prefer to work for a fixed price job and some prefer to work for hourly jobs. My advice is to strike a balance between the two. Take the advantage of the good in both and you will never go wrong. When working for fixed price jobs I usually take 40% of upfront payment, which acts as a surety on both sides. When you are in doubt about the profit you can get out of a job then go for hourly payment otherwise opt for fixed price.

Of course the client will have a lot of say in this because it is he/she who is offering the job. But if you have a clear mind about what and how you want to charge for the job you will be able to negotiate better and both parties will benefit.

K Saravana Kumar

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:
TwitterFacebookLinkedInGoogle Plus

Filed Under: Freelancer to Freelancer, Freelancers Tips Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a Comment
July 20, 2013

How To Know When You Are Being Paid Enough As A Freelancer

For a freelancer it is important to be paid well and paid regularly. I admit it is no easy feat but at times all you need is confidence in your abilities. There are mainly three ways a freelancer can be paid: hourly jobs, fixed price jobs and what I like to call give and take jobs.

We are all familiar with fixed price and hourly jobs but not many freelancers take advantage of give and take jobs. These are the kind of jobs in which you do something for a client and in return the client does something for you. For example you write for a photographer and in return he gives you some copyright free photographs or the web designer designs a website you. This type of exchange can be beneficial for both parties. However, the bottom line remains that a freelancer needs to be paid adequately. So how does a freelancer know that he/she is being paid enough and not running in losses? In this post, we will discuss some points, which will help you, figure out the answer to the question:

Do you have enough for overheads?

This is the simplest way to answer the question of adequate payments. When you are done with a job make a list of the number of hours you spent, number on internet hours (if your job requires the same), travel expenses and other expenses and compare it with the payment that you received. The payment is greater than expenses and you have enough left for any overheads then you know that you were paid enough.

Compare with a regular job pay

I know most people say that freelancers should be paid less than the regular employees should because they are just not ‘regular’. However, this is not true, you should be paid the same or even more than that. Therefore, you need to look at the big picture. Compare your earnings with somebody who is doing the same work in a ‘regular’ job. If you are earning at least 3% more than the average earnings then you are doing a good job.

You feel comfortable in taking a holiday

Many freelancers whom I know are not very comfortable in taking even a day off let alone think of taking a holiday. They feel that if they take a holiday in between jobs then they might miss out on some exiting chances or they feel that taking a holiday will put a stop on their earnings. If you as a freelancer fall in either one of the categories then this means that you are not earning enough. You should be able to earn enough to take a break sometimes.

For those who are just starting as a freelancer the excuse that you don’t want to take a break in order to build up a portfolio or to beef up their earning but if you have been successfully freelancing for about a year you should have enough money saved up to not to worry about taking a break with your family or doing some important work.

It is important that you do not compare yourself to freelancers who are working in a different area then you are. They have a different expertise and therefore the payment is different. You can of course compare yourself to your peers to get a fair idea of how much you should charge for your work. As a freelancer, you are rarely going to get regular office bonuses so the knowledge that you are paid well can be a highly satisfying and motivating factor for you.

 

K Saravana Kumar

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:
TwitterFacebookLinkedInGoogle Plus

Filed Under: Freelancer to Freelancer, Freelancers Tips, General Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a Comment
Next Page»