Freelancing is one of the major forces in the modern workplace. Whether or not that’s a good thing depends on whom you ask. On the one hand, it can allow for more flexibility for workers and hiring managers alike, let younger workers and students break into the workforce more easily, and fit into the globalized online economy. On the other hand, freelancers don’t tend to make much money, are subject to the whims of their clients, and don’t get any benefits.
It should come as no surprise, therefore, that plenty of freelancers, after a while, think about taking their energy and becoming an entrepreneur instead. If this sounds like you, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Focus on Growth
As a freelancer, you tend to focus on fulfilling or meeting orders. That’s understandable, given how full your workload can be. When you switch over to becoming an entrepreneur, however, your goals need to switch as well. Focus not on completing one job after another, but rather creating long-term growth opportunities.
Juggle Roles
Your transition from freelancer to entrepreneur will likely involve you having to fulfill more than one role at once. You may have to freelance while starting your new company, or work multiple jobs at that new company while you’re still growing your staff. Either way, get comfortable juggling roles.
The Power of No
As a freelancer, you are all too often stuck saying yes to more work, even when you’d as soon say no. That’s because freelance work is notoriously streaky and unstable. You could have way too much work for one month and way too little the next, so like a carnivore in the wild, you need to take your meat when you can get it. That being said, for as greedy as we tend to see the business world, sustainable growth is always preferable to the start-and-stop pace of freelancing. Learn to embrace and focus on sustainable jobs, even if it means saying “no” to biting off more than you can chew.
With these tips, you can start to transition from freelancer to entrepreneur with ease.