Working in technology and IT doesn’t necessarily equate to a lifetime chained to a desk in IT support. Going freelance could mean implementing security measures from business to business or providing solutions for individuals. Being able to apply your skills to multiple companies can be incredibly rewarding, and a great way of broadening and expanding your client portfolio. Going freelance can be incredibly challenging, particularly in the first year or so, so it’s a good idea to write down a business plan and structure your approach to finding new business.
Get some financial understanding first
It is completely normal to be intimidated by the idea of managing your own finances for the first time, however what can make or break you as a freelancer is getting a solid understanding of what that entails. For example, taking up your freelance work alongside a full-time job could affect how you pay tax. Even if you have to take up an evening course in basic accounting and business management, you may thank yourself later on when you’re filing your tax return. It will also help you to set your hourly and day rates, which should ideally take into account:
- How long you want to work during the day
- How much leave you want to take a year
- Your personal budget, including: groceries, equipment, utilities
- How much you want to earn per year
- How regular your clients are
Find a niche
If you have some work experience behind you, it’s a good idea to step back and take a broader look at what you’ve achieved. Were you working exclusively with schools and institutions or large-scale businesses, for example? Finding a common denominator among all your previous experience will help you identify your key strengths – so you can ultimately promote them. You do, after all, have to start thinking like a business person. Your ability to offer something unique, and hopefully with impeccable customer service skills, means they you will start to gain regular customers who trust and rely on you as a technician.
Be strict about freebies
When you’re first starting out, there can be something quite liberating about offering customers the odd freebie to entice them into working with you regularly. Deals and one-off bargains can certainly have an appeal, and make you appear to be a very generous and kind business person. However, as most people require some level of IT support in their personal lives, you may find the odd customer asking for help with their personal devices. It’s tempting to say yes, as being asked in the first place can be incredibly flattering. However, remember that they are taking time out of your day or evening – potentially at no extra cost. Be strict, and if you can’t bear to charge them the full price, at least offer a discounted rate.
Don’t forget to market yourself
If you’re going into the tech industry with a full roster of clients, it can be easy to forget to promote yourself. However, to maintain a strong client base, you should be promoting yourself regularly. Building a website that details your working hours, contact details and levels of service provided means that if a client recommends you to someone else, your details can be easily located. If you’re curious as to what would benefit you, it’s wise to investigate traditional marketing vs digital marketing, as both of these methods could have something to offer you. Networking could provide you with some new customers and adding your business to social media can help to promote it to your target audience.
Extra qualifications and certifications
It shouldn’t be assumed that your desire to become a freelance technician means you have the degree to support it. After all, you may have learned your craft from experience only, which means you have a wealth of knowledge without having ever sat a former higher education exam. However, it’s worth noting that some larger businesses, particularly where software and network support is concerned, may be looking for qualifications as well as experience. You may want to research whether companies look for certification from their IT technicians and whether this is worth investing in.
Personal growth
Going freelance can be relatively exposing to some extent. You’re no longer behind the safety of a desk and a larger company to absorb any mistakes you may make. With this in mind, it’s good to develop on your own personal skills – not just your technical abilities. If you’re quite shy, or nervous around new customers, it’s good to get some customer service skills, as this is a fundamental aspect of being freelance. It’s true that having a fundamental knowledge of the products you’re working with and the equipment makes you trustworthy, however bad customer service can leave customers with a bad taste in their mouth – regardless of whether you fixed their problem or not. Remember to communicate with clarity, keep friendly eye contact, and remain patient – no matter how difficult the customer.
Be aware of competitors
Being aware of your competitors is not the same as being threatened by them – in fact, the complete opposite. Chatting with other technicians will give you a broader sense of who’s-who in the area you’re working in, and you could learn a thing or two from more experienced freelancers. In fact, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with finding a mentor in your industry. Finding a contemporary that you trust could give you some much-needed guidance in your industry. Taking a look at their websites or platforms to see what could be improved will also give you a sense of how you personally could up your game on your personal website, and what would put you ahead in the competition.
It’s no secret that becoming an IT technician can be incredibly lucrative. You’ll be joining a workforce that has a very specific set of expertise and skills, which often translates to a higher rate of pay – so remember to never undersell yourself. The first year or so might not be easy, but remember that if you promote yourself, create a business plan and research your market, you will be doing all you can to get ahead in the marketplace.