TECHROAD - A series of credit-eligible courses recognized by industry.

The track is made of nine sections, leads you through the entire process from introduction to freelancing and signing up in the online market place, through how to market yourself, calculate your hourly rate, communicate and interview with your clients professionally, Ending with how to manage your time, workplace and your projects. Whatever freelance field you are in, this course will give you clear understanding of these skills and a guidance on how to get them to start your career as freelancer.


Requirements


  • Just your pen and papers if you need to write down some notes :)

    The Target Audience:


  • Beginning freelancers



    • Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I have to “officially” start a business?


    You do not need to start a corporation in order to start freelancing and get paid in most states. However, starting an official legal entity has some major benefits:

  • It protects your personal assets if you get sued.
  • It protects your personal assets if you default on loans.
  • It allows you to set up a business bank account, which makes invoicing, keeping track of deductible expenses, and taxes simpler.


    • How is being a freelancer different from being an employee?


    Most newbies go into freelancing expecting that clients are just like mini-bosses. In fact, the relationship between a client and you is very different than the relationship between your boss and you at your day job. Freelancers have a certain definition that is protected by the Department of Labor:

  • Freelancers can work where they want
  • Freelancers can work when they want (obviously deadlines are good, but the client can’t tell you that you have to work 11am-2pm).
  • Freelancers have the right not to be micromanaged. If the client is hiring you as a freelancer, they shouldn’t be training you extensively or giving you exact instructions about how to complete your work. A freelancer should be treated as a valuable outsider, not as a low-level intern.
  • Freelancers have the right to take on any additional clients they choose.


    • Where do I find clients/customers


    Most freelancers find their best clients through word-of-mouth. Your first client tells their friend, who hires you, their friend tells someone they met at a networking event, etc. Word-of-mouth is the cheapest and most effective way to get clients. All that you need to get word-of-mouth referrals is to do great work! But what if you’re looking for your first client? Here are 5 things you can do right now:

  • Send an email out to your family, friends, and past co-workers that you’re open for business and encouraging them to forward the email to whomever they feel might know someone.
  • Send out personalized emails to each of your old bosses. They hired you once, maybe they’ll hire you again. Also, these are the types of people with a lot of contacts in your industry.
  • Optimize your LinkedIn page and then search for gigs through LinkedIn and other online job boards.
  • Go into local businesses and offer your services.
  • Do research and come up with a list of 5 good clients you’d like to work for. (Even companies that haven’t posted a job.) Send a quick email introducing yourself and explaining what you do, and one way you could improve their business. Send one email a day for a week.