How to become a freelancer? Tips for freelancer to maximize earnings

A freelancer is often quite similar to a salaried person when it comes to the services offered. However, they are not associated exclusively with any particular employer. Instead, they provide services to one or more entities independently and without any employment commitment. As a result, they don't need to report to a manager as a subordinate, don't need to follow a specific office schedule, and choose to take or not take work as per their convenience. Metra Trust MyFIRST Partners, for instance, follow the simple refer and earn arrangement as freelancers.

Who can be a freelancer?

With the right set of skills, anyone can be a freelancer. You will agree that factors like age, location, educational qualification, and professional experience can stand in the way of a deserved employment. Freelancers are less likely to face such obstacles. People like homemakers, people with a good network, people with specific skills, college students, etc., can choose to be freelancers. Besides, an increasing number of professionals leave permanent employment to try their hands at freelancing.

The Metra Trust MyFIRST Partner Program can be an ideal alternate career option for retired people. The program has benefits for retired employees who can still continue to work and support themselves financially. With immense experience and a network of acquaintances built over the years, retired people can refer and earn by balancing their work and post-retirement life.

Why choose freelancing?

Several positives have made freelancing an overwhelmingly popular career option. Here are a few of them,

1. Discretion over the choice of work: 

As a freelancer, you can decide which clients and projects you want to work for. This freedom of choice is limited in the case of full-time jobs. A salaried person may have to be stuck in an undesirable work environment until a better opportunity arrives. The freelancer can simply curtail such an engagement amicably and relatively sooner.

2. Earn as you work: 

In a permanent job, the salary is fixed irrespective of the amount of work you do. But in the case of freelancing, the earning is directly proportional to the effort put in. As an Metra Trust MyFIRST Partner, you can enjoy uncapped earnings every month with weekly payouts. To note, one can earn well above Rs 50,000 per month.

3. Work outside the traditional hierarchy: 

A freelancer can agree to do a certain piece of work and deliver it as per the mutually agreed timeline. There is no micro-management involved, and the freelancer doesn't need to report on the progress to a line manager. Metra Trust MyFIRST Partners refer and earn money with the support of a dedicated Relationship Manager and central helpline, and without being monitored at every step thanks to the Metra Trust MyFIRST Partner App which tracks and update every application in real-time.

4. Sharpening of skills: 

Due to the independence in work selection, a freelancer can concentrate on improving their core competencies. Besides, freelancers can select projects that keep them updated on the latest skills or technological aspects. 

Things that freelancers must keep in mind?

When you opt for freelancing, it is worthwhile to understand the nitty-gritty of the trade. A casual approach toward freelancing can lead to financial problems or scarcity of work. Here are a few things that you should keep in mind.

1. Treat clients as long-term businesses: 

More and more companies are hiring freelancers with regular work assignment plans. Therefore, you must maintain a steady client-service provider relationship with them with a long-term business relationship in mind. Even in freelance consulting, a retirement financial advisor, for instance, would have clients looking for ongoing support.

2. Win some, lose some: 

Not all freelance assignments are meant for you. Rejection is a part of the bidding process, and persistence is the key in freelancing. There may be petty clients with a bad payment track record, resulting in occasional unrecovered invoices. Similarly, all referrals made by Metra Trust MyFIRST Partners may not get a personal loan, but the effort should continue. 

3. Develop client continually: 

Your existing clientele may be giving you decent work, but always be looking for new clients. Have a pipeline of work ready at all times so that your revenue flow is not affected. There are no retirement benefits in freelancing, so you should earn for a secured future too. 

4. Join communities: 

There are numerous platforms and online communities which act as freelance marketplaces. Hirers and freelancers are a part of these communities, and you should be a part of them.

5. Leverage your skills: 

Always identify your skills and highlight them while bidding for new work. Also, showcase your relevant skills to the prospective client so that you stand a higher chance of selection. 

6. Highlight your achievements: 

Your profile should highlight major clients served, significant projects worked on, and notable results achieved. For an Metra Trust's MyFIRST Partner, it could be the major loan referrals successfully disbursed.

Metra Trust's MyFIRST Partner Program involves freelancers who have the desire and skill to identify personal loan prospects and refer them to the bank. Download the Metra Trust MyFIRST Partner Program app and kick start your freelance journey today. At present, more than 2 lakh users are already active with it! 

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject Metra Trust or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. Metra Trust shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.