The Business of FreelanceThe Actors FundThe Career Center

AGENDADefine and differentiate “freelancing” and “consulting” Review freelancing trends of 2015Discuss the benefits and challenges of freelancing First steps to get you started

INTRODUCTIONS Name Why are you interested in freelancing and/or consulting?

FREELANCE & CONSULTING DEFINED

Freelance: Individuals who have engaged in supplemental, temporary, or

project – or contract based work in the past 12 months. Consulting:

A person who is paid to provide professional or expert advice in a particular field or specialty, and is not accountable for the outcome of a consulting exercise.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?Client Perspective & Semantics

Knowledge vs. labor As a consultant, clients will look for detailed guidance on a

particular area of expertise. As a freelancer, your role is to take initial direction from the client

and complete an assignment. Is it possible to be both?

YES, add it to your list of services

2015There are 53 million Americans – 34% of the U.S. workforce – working as freelancers.

5 TYPES OF FREELANCERSIndependent Con-tractorsMoonlightersDiversified WorkersTemporary WorkersFreelance Business Owners

40%

27%

18%

10% 5%

Source: Freelancing in America: A National Survey of the New Workforce

CHALLENGESMoonlighters & part time freelancers

Lack of stable income – 50% Finding work – 47%

Getting paid on time – 31% Knowing what skills are on demand – 23% Availability of affordable benefits – 21% Paperwork & administrative overhead – 13%

Source: Freelancing in America: A National Survey of the New Workforce

BENEFITSPotential increase in Income

77% of freelancers said they make the same or MORE money than they did before they started freelancing

Charge your worth

You are your boss 42% of freelancers said a benefit to freelancing is having flexibility in

your schedule Control over jobs and clients

ACTIVITY Tri - Fold Brochure

Title Mission Services

Ask yourself the following questions: Am I unique? Am I being clear?

HOW TO GET STARTEDBusiness Plan

S.W.O.T analysis Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

Documents Invoices Contracts

Seek legal reviewing assistance

Set Up Financial Process Reserve fund Line of credit Budget your cost of living & business cost

HOW TO GET STARTED Market Yourself

Unique Selling Point(USP): Create a portfolio & logo Start a blog: Tumblr Take advantage of Social Media

65% of freelancers said the internet has made it easier to find freelance work. Email marketing strategy: MailChimp

Use LinkedIn to export all your professional contacts! Client feedback Networking events

53% of freelancers find work through word of mouth 51% of freelancers find work through personal contacts

Organize Create an office space Design a method to keep track of your projects

MOST IMPORTANTLY…

HAVE CONFIDENCE

RESOURCESFreelancersunion.org

Freelancers Union serves the needs of the growing independent contracting sector. Bringing freelancers together to build smarter solutions to health care, retirement, wage security, and other broken systems.

Elance.com Resource for freelancers to use to find clients and gives you the opportunity to

network with other freelancers.

Peopleperhour.com Resource to help people start and build their own businesses and live their

dream of being independent. 

COMMENTS & QUESTIONS