DEAR READERS,

In this Zealancer-News we present our research about the effect that a portrait picture on your freelancer profile has on acquiring new clients.

In addition, we have an interesting fact for you about where the word “freelancer” came from and for the new freelancers, we have researched great tips how to start as a freelancer in New Zealand. Moreover, we have our freelancer’s article where she shares her insights about consistent brand management. At the end in our freelancer joke, a programmer, a designer, and a process consultant debate about how to best use a computer.

I hope you enjoy reading this news and enjoy your barbecues for Christmas lunch! As always, I wish you success in business!


Rainer Kurz

According to our research, freelancers profiles who display a portrait picture get significantly more client requests. The reason is that a person's picture is key to create a first impression.

Our detailed study shows that people who have a portrait picture are twice as likely to be requested as freelancers with the same skills but no portrait picture.

In medieval times, some mercenary warriors in Europe who were not sworn-in to any lord or king. Warfaring lords could hire these medieval mercenary warriors for their services.

As they freely owned their own weapons (like lances), term “free-lance” was used for them. Early mentions were in Sir Walter Scott novel Ivanhoe, published in 1820: “I offered Richard the service of my Free Lances, and he refused them...”.

With the development of trade and technology, the term freelancer nowadays is used for self-employed “business warriors”. The weapon arsenals of freelancers nowadays consist of computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Every day there are more Kiwis who decide to become freelancers, taking advantage of their talent and skills, without having to meet the narrow work schedules of the typical employee. There are currently more than 300 000 Kiwis who are solo entrepreneurs, ie. being self-employed without having employees of their own.

If you are considering to start your own business, remember that besides the many advantages that this lifestyle offers, you should also consider its challenging aspects to achieve lasting success.

At the beginning, many freelancers feel lost and they do not know how to go forward or deal with the daily challenges. It is normal to have doubts about this new, wide and competitive world. These tips will help you to take off and to leave the fear aside:

1. Build your own brand

Many clients analyse the profiles of the potential suppliers. This includes the resume, portfolio, social networks, blogs, and references. That is why it is important that you build a professional social media presence and that you keep all channels updated. Do not forget that your brand is your cover letter to the World.

Remember that when the skills you offer are new and specific, the chances of being selected increase.

2. Sign up on various job platforms and project recruiters

When you start working as a freelancer it is often difficult to find the first clients. That is why New Zealand based project marketplaces like Zealancer.nz have been created. They allow you to find clients and projects around the corner and not far away overseas.

When you register on a freelancer marketplace, you should create a clear profile, showing your specific experience and your portfolio. Remember to point to the niche that best suits your experience. This way you find exactly the clients that need exactly what you are best in.

3. Make your offer is the most attractive in the market

There might be hundreds of freelancers competing in your field. This is why it is important that you follow these tips when you are bidding for a project:

Read the project description carefully and let the client know if you have doubts or if something is not clear.

If you have examples of similar projects that you have done previously, provide them.

If you analyse the proposal and you think that the client should focus the project differently or should add more information, do not limit yourself.

Be confident in what you are offering and remember that you are a freelancer on the road to success.

4. Offer reasonable rates for the market

Money is one of the issues that worry most freelancers, especially beginners. Although getting projects is important, receiving the right amount is also important.

Be as specific as possible regarding the price you will charge and the time it will take to deliver.

Do not set low prices just for fear that another freelance will take away your work. Try to find a rate that is just as acceptable for you as it is for your client.

5. What is your best time of day?

One of the advantages of being a freelance is time flexibility. To work efficiently, it is, however, advisable to establish a work schedule and adjust to it. Choose the hours in which you feel most creative, productive and calm.

6. Do not be afraid to say no

The time will come when you are drowning in too much work and tight delivery dates. That is when the balance between doing the job well vs doing it quickly becomes challenging.

Do not feel bad if you have to refuse certain projects. Most clients will understand that you are declining because of excessive work and not because you are an irresponsible professional as long as you are maintaining the awareness of that customer. Regularly contact him/her again to offer your help.

7. The key is in communication

Clients and influencers are the most important channels in your freelance work. That is why communication with them is vital.


8. Go out and see the world

Attend events, conferences, and meetings related to your area. There you will meet people who can give you work, recommend you to someone else or become your ally when you need another expert to carry out a project. Reach out and leave your comfort zone.

One great way of networking is to join coworking spaces like BizDojo (in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch), Bureau Workspace (in Wellington), Soda Inc (in Hamilton), The Bridge Street Collective (in Nelson), Hangar WorkSpace (in Queenstown) etc. in order to expand your network. You will never know who you are going to meet.

Service providers can present themselves with a short article in the Zealancer-News. In this issue, we present a marketing expert focusing on branding.
___

Brands have determined my life for years - professionally as well as privately. Consistent brand management requires a fundamental analysis and a good strategy.

It is necessary to understand and grasp the brand in its entirety instead of targeting a group-oriented view. The brand must be adapted to your company structure and should be determined and managed according to the desired customer effect. Only by a holistic view, the success modules of a strong brand can be discovered and strategically planned.

On the basis of a holistic brand analysis and consulting, every company can increase its added value by certain strategic measures. As a freelance brand researcher and consultant, I am looking forward to your assignment!
___

A programmer, a designer, and a process consultant argue over which is the best computer.

The open-source programmer: 'Real programmers work with a Linux PC and let their children play with the Windows computer.'

The designer: 'Real designers work with an Apple and give the Windows computer to their children to play.'

The process consultant thinks a moment, smiles and says with a calm voice: 'Real professionals let the computer work and play with their children at home!'