I talk to a lot of e-learning designers who currently work in organizations but dream about going out on their own. If you’re reading this article, chances are the thought has crossed your m...
Published 7 years ago
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I done freelancing for around 15 years but anyone starting out needs to have a lot of drive and tons of self-discipline. You also need a different mindset - not a hobby but a business and your time is precious and chargeable. Be prepared to spend lots of time in hotel rooms too, sure you can work remotely but many large corporates I worked with wanted my time onsite with them too - mentoring their L&D teams, helping connect my courses to their LMS etc....not everything can be done remotely and onsite can sometimes be pretty profitable.
You'll also need a very broad range of skills as others have alluded too - sales tax (VAT), marketing (to sell yourself and showcase your digital portfolio) and crucially be good at building relationships with clients...repeat work is great. I'm also a big fan of multiple revenue streams so if you have a FT job as others have mentioned, I'd build up my client list PT until the numbers can pay your bills. even then I'd still look for income to supplement your earnings.
You'll also need a very broad range of skills as others have alluded too - sales tax (VAT), marketing (to sell yourself and showcase your digital portfolio) and crucially be good at building relationships with clients...repeat work is great. I'm also a big fan of multiple revenue streams so if you have a FT job as others have mentioned, I'd build up my client list PT until the numbers can pay your bills. even then I'd still look for income to supplement your earnings.
- Thanks for sharing your experience Stewart! It's interesting to hear that companies often want you to come on site. I wouldn't have thought of that!