How to Build a Freelance Career That Works for You | The Way We Work, a TED series

What Does Job Security Really Mean?

This section discusses the concept of job security and how freelancing can provide long-term stability.

Understanding Job Security

• Job security means financial stability and the ability to provide for oneself and one's family.

• Freelancing, if approached wisely, can offer 100% financial stability and long-term security.

• Contrary to common belief, freelancing may be the best way to build stability in one's career.

The Rise of Freelancing

• By 2025, it is estimated that five out of ten American workers will have a freelance career.

• Freelancers can work in various fields such as delivery services, data entry, writing, graphic design, software engineering, and more.

• Freelancing provides the power to determine one's true market value and offers flexibility in building a desired lifestyle.

Benefits for Freelancers and Organizations

• Freelancers bring knowledge from multiple employers and stay up-to-date with their skills.

• They offer fresh perspectives and energy to organizations when they join as freelancers.

• Hiring freelancers is beneficial for organizations as they bring diverse expertise without being tied to a single employer.

Steps to Embrace the Freelance Future

This section outlines steps to become part of the freelance future by identifying core value, communicating it effectively, nurturing relationships, growing client base over time, and joining a freelance community.

Step 1: Identify Your Core Value

• Talk to current and former employers about qualities that make you valuable as a freelancer.

• Determine your strengths and excel at specific types of projects.

Step 2: Communicate Your Value

• Once you know your value, approach potential employers or businesses in your industry.

• Clearly communicate what you can do for them and the impact it could have on their business.

• Highlight your value on platforms like LinkedIn and your personal website.

• Research pricing to ensure you are paid what you're worth.

Step 3: Nurture Early Relationships

• In the beginning, take on various jobs to gain experience and learn.

• Identify the type of companies or managers you work best with.

• Seek feedback from clients to improve your skills and performance.

Step 4: Grow Your Client Base

• Leverage existing customers as references for new projects.

• Ask for referrals or promotions through internal channels, social media, or email groups.

• Focus on building a reputation for good work to attract more clients.

Step 5: Join a Freelance Community

• Connect with others in your field through LinkedIn groups, Facebook groups, events, and podcasts.

• Engage with the freelance community to learn, find leads, and seek support when needed.

Benefits of Freelancing

This section highlights the benefits of freelancing such as having control over one's future, flexibility in choosing clients and projects, and better resilience during economic downturns.

Control Over Your Future

• Relying on a single employer means they own your future.

• By developing freelance capabilities, you have the power to decide who you want to work with, when, and in what capacity.

Flexibility in Choosing Clients and Projects

• Freelancers have the freedom to choose their clients based on their preferences.

• They can select projects that align with their skills and interests.

Resilience During Downturns

• Building a freelance career provides better resilience during economic downturns.

• Freelancers who have established themselves can withstand challenging times more effectively.