the bootstrapper’s guide to being a modern freelancer€¦ · an employer all stats from 2015...

The Bootstrapper’s Guide To Being A Modern Freelancer

Presenter Info

•  Patrick  Ward    •  Kine.x,  Lead  Genera.on  Coordinator  •  Former  poli.cal  hack    •  Vinyl  Junkie  

•  Cara  Lucas  •  Kine.x,  Marke.ng  Manager  •  Editor  of  the  blog,  FisDul  of  Talent  •  Design/Power  Tool  Addict  

5

Things To Talk About

1.  Now Trending: The Freelance Economy On The Rise… 2.  Reality Check One-Two. You Ready? 3.  Our Perspective 4.  5-Step Playbook for The Modern Freelancer 5.  Q&A

1. Now Trending: The Freelance Economy Is On The Rise

Freelancing in 2015

�  34% of the U.S. workforce performed freelance work in 2015.

�  That translates to 53.7 million people, up 700,000 from 2014

�  60% of those freelanced by choice, up 7% from 2014

�  50% of freelancers said they would not take a traditional position with an employer

All stats from 2015 Edelman Berland Freelancer’s Report

How Freelancers Worked in 2015

�  Technology is making it easier for freelancers to find work; 51% obtained a project via the internet, up 9% from 2014

�  60% of freelancers who left traditional employment now earn more than in their previous jobs

�  78% saw their income rise in 2015

All stats from 2015 Edelman Berland Freelancer’s Report

What’s Next? •  83% of freelancers believe the best days are ahead in 2016 and beyond •  75% of non-freelancers are open to doing additional projects outside of their

regular employment

10 55%   60%   65%   70%   75%   80%  

To  have  schedule  flexibility  

To  be  my  own  boss  

To  work  remotely  

To  do  work  I  am  passionate  about  

To  have  more  work/life  balance  

To  earn  extra  money  

%  of  Respondents  

Freedom  and  flexibility  are  the  key  drivers  in  freelancing    

Who Freelances?

0%  

10%  

20%  

30%  

40%  

50%  

60%  

70%  

18-­‐34   35-­‐44   45-­‐54   55+  

Choice  

Necessity  

The  youngest  and  oldest  generaMons  are  most  likely  to  freelance  by  choice.  

2. Reality Check One-Two: You Ready?

The Business Challenge Drives

the Freelance Market

What’s the most important thing you

can do to take advantage of that?

3. Our Perspective?

Don’t follow the playbook…

And you may find yourself at risk.

4. 5-Step Playbook For The Modern Freelancer

1

1. Use Social Media As Your Weapon of Choice

19

YOU ARE NOT SPECIAL.YOU ARE NOT A BEAUTIFUL OR UNIQUE SNOWFLAKE.

�  …but you could be with a little work.

�  What does Google have to say about you? That’s your Personal Brand online

�  Defining your Personal Brand isn’t hard, you just need to make the time

Pick the right social media tools.

•  LinkedIn + Twitter + Instagram •  Personal + Professional mix

•  Transparency + Authenticity = Cool Factor

•  Cool Factor based on Truth = Increased opportunity in your field.

21

2

2. GET ON LinkedIn. Do it.

�  The Franchise: !  Advanced LinkedIn user that has revolutionized the

social networking game and set the bar for how to present information on a LI profile.

�  The Second-Stringer: !  The Second-Stringer is the middle of the pack LinkedIn

user with a respectable profile but falls short of champion status.

�  The Scrub: !  The Scrub is the novice LinkedIn user that created a

profile because someone at a networking event or an article on Inc.com told them they should.

24

unique tag

show us why you shouldn’t sit the bench

stomping grounds sweet pic

customized URL & how to contact

3

3. Position Yourself As a Thought Leader

�  Carve out your niche with a blog

�  Make your target audience as specific as you want

�  More than a portfolio

�  Write 2-3 times per week and share industry insights, tips, features, stuff you’re working on

�  Let the content drive your social media strategy/feeds

27

4

4. Do Free Work

�  Yep, we said it. FREE.

�  Strategic gifts with no expectation of getting something in return

�  Meant to position you as an expert in your field while demonstrating skills/knowledge

�  Designing templates, giving away free stock photos

29

5

31

5. Create + Maintain a Modern Portfolio

�  Get your work online

�  Visual elements are key

�  Showcase projects/experience with at least 2-3 sentences

�  Don’t forget to use visual social media to spotlight work (Pinterest, Instagram)

�  Behance

32

Where do I brand my work?

33

5. Q&A?

   Cara:  clucas@kineMxhr.com  TwiPer:  @caralucas44  LinkedIn:  hPps://www.linkedin.com/in/caralucas    Patrick:  pward@kineMxhr.com  TwiPer:  @patrickward8  LinkedIn:  hPps://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickward8