Are you starting off as a Freelance Mom /or a Freelance Individual???

Let's not get into a discussion if a full-time working mom is right or a stay-at-home mom is justified. At the end of the day a reality that hits you hard on face is that you are a Mom !!! And you are blessed with an innate ability to juggle and multitask. And if I had to be generic about anyone who wants to freelance,it for  sure is a different ball game altogether.
But if at all you have plans to be a Mom who tries to get the best of both worlds, do read this. A reality check, if you have plans to be a freelancer/mompreneur/entrepreneur/work from home professional/solopreneur etc.

Why Freelance Mode? And why isn't it as easy as it sounds?

Best take away is that it gives a flexibility that no other mode gives,but the challenges include irregular payouts, hustle for pitching for projects, rejections on your face and more than that,if at all you establish then it takes a while for people to stop judging that its not as easy as it looks and not as comfortable as it seems. Use your existing expertise to try out something new. Think big but start small.

How do you Start ?

Listing out your expertise areas/propositions will help. You will be tempted to step onto every stone but trust me , choose the best of the lot and proceed. Don't agree to overdo just to establish because definitely there  isn't any prize for exhaustion!

A Patch-Work Career ?

It really is okay to bust the Superman/Superwoman myth because no body really can ever have it all. It can be intimidating to flaunt a patch worked career quilt/ cobbled together professional dossier but it gives you time to work around other aspects of your life that you may not wish to compromise or manage situations that require moral obligations.

Am I a Brand ?

First thing that you need to convince yourself is that you are a "Brand". It really is okay to blow your own trumpet, spread the word about your work. Keep your success stories handy and note all the critical feedback that you get. Branding some where starts from Social Media, so have a strong social media presence.

Researched Writing ! Time to script it into your blog !

Have a good blog pitch where your personal and professional opinions get flashed. Showcase yourself , trials and errors are most welcome. Sometimes it is good to use a strong SEO plugin in your blog site. Go for the Informative Copies , especially when no one likes to read long ones . Be your own PR and set google alerts for staying updated to know what is the latest going on in your area of interest and expertise.

Switching modes. How necessary is it ?

Switching from your current mode ( Full Time Mode / Mom mode) to a freelancer mode is really necessary. Your work is of value so get it organized. Honestly it really takes time to get working and see some money, so get hardened to face rejections yet stay motivated. Consistency is the key.

What Services or Expertise can I offer ?

Like I mentioned earlier list your abilities and any business proposition that you can adopt on a small scale . Start small and aim big. Hunt for a domain name and check for hosting services that might be better. Or better still hire a web designer or content specialist to do your web portfolio. If it is DIY , then my personal favorites are wordpress.com or wix.com for templates , and bluehost for hosting. Get your logo done from a professional designer or if you are on a tight budget check out Canva.

Skill Exchange , What is it ?

If it means that you begin with no budget or very little budget, opt for skill exchange. Say, your skill is designing and you have an acquaintance whose skill is writing, offer your services for an exchange of writing service from the acquaintance. You can find plenty of service providers like this on Solopreneur sites on the web ( Incl. Facebook ).

Routine ! How significant is it ?

Divide your day into batches and set a routine for your children and youself. It keeps uncertainties at  bay to an extent, you and your work is not spilling all over the place. Some physical activity gives a mental boost and it helps create and ideate better intentions for the day.

A  Symbiotic Support System .

Get a good and dependable support circle of relatives or dependable friends who can rescue when its a rainy day at work or otherwise. Nothing like being surrounded by dependable people who can pitch in when its really necessary . In turn make yourself available when required. Because! That's how a healthy society thrives.

Funding 

Save up for the seed capital and have some reserve money to fend for when there is no work. A fancy office/ gadgets/clothes do not point at a successful start up or a good work portfolio but let your work speak for itself. Which is why let your online presence speak for your profession.

To conclude, Thank You my Dear Pants and Shoes !! I don't need you today, I am working form home.  ;-)


Pic Credits : Shutterstock, Theworkathomemom