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5 Crucial Things to Think About Before Going Freelance

11/24/2014

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Many of us will be faced with the same professional dilemma at some point in life: freelancing, baby. The opportunity to go freelance presents itself and you have to decide whether or not to take the plunge. It can be a very exciting experience to become your own boss and take control over your professional and financial future. However, this decision is not without risk. These are the five things you should think about before going freelance.

1. MOTIVATION

What is your motivation for becoming freelance? Is it so you can spend more time at home with the family? Or perhaps it’s because you want to be your own boss? Do you find it hard working with others? Or do you always fail to make it into the office on time? Your motivation for considering freelance work has to be carefully considered. If there’s a definitive reason for wanting to go freelance it’s worth considering – if not then there’s no reason to take the plunge.

2. STRESS

Working freelance is definitely a challenge: you never know where your next paycheck is coming from and when you're working on a job you inevitably worry about getting onto the next one. When you’re on a roll things are great, but when the work dries up things can get very stressful. Whether you think you can handle the stress and the uncertainty should inform your decision to go freelance – or not.

3. MONEY

Often the switch to freelance is motivated by the desire to do more enjoyable work – often to the detriment of your bank account. When you consider going freelance something you have to think about is how much less money could you get by on? Some people live off very little, but some just can’t. Freelancers aren’t always hard-up of course but your wallet might take a hit during the transition.

4. WORK ETHIC

Whether you are self-disciplined enough to work without bosses breathing down your neck is something that you should honestly and objectively consider. When you are your own boss there’s no need to get up at 6:30, you can take hour-long lunch breaks and you can knock off at 3:00. It’s all very fun – but what will it do to your productivity? If you don’t feel that you’ll work as hard as a freelancer as you did as a full-timer, you’re probably better off sticking with the nine-to-five.

5. SUCCESS AND FAILURE STORIES

Do a little bit of research and you’re sure to find a fair share of success stories – and sadly more than a few cautionary tales. Some professions are by definition ‘freelance’ orientated; journalism, prop-making, design, painting etc. For those working in other sectors, transitioning to freelance may well be a trickier prospect. By talking to others and doing internet research you’ll be able to discern just how difficult freelancing within your sector will be.
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Career Tips for Prospective Public Relations Gurus

11/12/2014

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By Jorge G. Zavala | Creative Director  

The recession hit many PR professionals hard. However, turn that frown upside down, baby, because we have some proven techniques to bring out the PR guru in you! First and foremost, make sure you always look the part, ie. dress nicely. Next, secure a meeting, preferably a face-to-face one, with the folks you are interested in connecting with and establishing as clients. After, fully-develop a strategy incorporating these tips:

1. Focus on the Details
Whether it's crafting a pitch, creating a press release, or writing a speech, pay attention to the details. In today's world, where everything needs to be done yesterday, it's easy to let details slip through the cracks. Proofread your content, make sure the emails you send are addressed to the right person, and don't forget to link to your clients' websites. These may seem like no-brainers, but I don't know how many times I've received emails from reps without supporting links or documentation, or that are addressed to the wrong person. These details matter, and can be the difference between landing coverage for your client, or having your release end up in the trash.

2. Keep Learning
If you ever get to a point where you think there's nothing left to learn, that's a surefire sign of trouble. There's always something else to learn, even if you don't think it's directly related to your field. Attend relevant PR workshops, pursue your Master's Degree, and look for conferences within your field. Never lose your thirst for knowledge—it could signal the end of an otherwise promising career.

3. Position Yourself as an Expert
Post stellar content on your social media outlets to build trust as an expert in public relations. Seek out speaking engagements to show off your knowledge, and start a blog to highlight your success. These strategies can boost your career and open up more avenues for future growth.

4. Embrace Your Mistakes
Everyone screws up occasionally, and as a PR professional, it's essential that you own your mistakes. Your clients know you're human, so by admitting an error rather than hiding it, they're likely to trust you more. When you do make a mistake, own it, come up with a plan for preventing it in the future, and address it head-on with those who are affected. You'll be respected more for the effort.

5. Find or Become a Mentor
Are you a young buck just getting started in the PR field? Work with a senior employee to be mentored in the field. If you've been in the business for years, take a newbie under your wing and show him or her the ropes. Both strategies can enhance your career, expose you to new methods, and boost your reputation in the industry.

6. Develop Your Online Brand
When was the last time you Googled yourself? You want to make sure your online reputation is flattering. If you see something untoward, check with Reputation.com for guidance on how to improve your personal brand. Whether you're thinking about a career change, or you're trying to land new clients, you have to expect that others will look you up before they start a professional relationship with you.

Just like most things in life, no one is going to manage your career for you—your boss is too busy, and your coworkers are worried about their own careers. If you're not sure how to take charge of your professional life, consider enlisting a career coach to help you map out your goals and plan for the future. Otherwise, dust off that power suit and make sure you are looking fresh: hit the town and secure that client, baby.
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