Launching a career as a freelancer is riddled with many uncertainties. This has, unsurprisingly led many to wonder which the better launch strategy is. Some choose to connect directly with employers through their websites or through job boards. Recently though, online freelancing platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, etc have become hot launching pads for freelancers. This post highlights some of the drivers of this latter trend.
Reduced Risk of Non-Payment for Services Rendered
The Freelancers Union estimates that 77% of freelancers would be stiffed by employers at some point in their careers.
One of the perils of being a freelancer is getting employers to pay their bills.
Don’t mistake me — most employers are awesome.
They respond to invoices without delay and pay in full. But then from time to time, each of us lands a gig with the rotten egg of the horde, and it’s not a pleasant experience — sending e-mails back and forth, calling in vain, and presenting late notices.
Online freelancing sites handle all payment for freelancers, substantially lowering the risk of not getting paid for work done.
These sites put funds in escrow and have in place very stringent dispute resolution measures.
On a per hour job through Upwork for instance, a freelancer is guaranteed payment for work down and time spent.
Newcomers would therefore prefer to sign up on these platforms as it provides them with some level of security against the risk of non-payment for services rendered.
Provides an Avenue for Networking
Gone are the days when fellow freelancers were viewed only in terms of the competition.
Today, we also treat them as friends.
Fellow freelancers are the ones who throw work our way when their plates are too full.
They are the ones who guest post on our blogs.
They are the ones who endorse us when we want to expand our spheres.
The availability of this large pool of fellow freelancers provides an opportunity for creating strategic alliances remotely.
Opportunity for Building a Strong Reputation
Most of the freelancing sites have a feedback mechanism whereby the client grades the freelancer’s performance on a concluded assignment.
This feedback score is aggregated based on each completed assignment and weighted against the funds earned from the engagement.
As this feedback is publicly visible to potential employers, it increases the high performing freelancers’ chances of landing jobs with potential clients.
The Verdict
Well, these are just a few of the reasons freelancers choose to go through intermediaries.
Eventually, it’s up to you to decide which strategy works best for you.
You can be just as successful pitching directly to potential employers.
Join in the conversation below and share what your experience has been like.
Do you pitch to employers directly or you prefer the freelancing platforms?
If you go prefer the platforms, what is your opinion of them?
Do you think they offer anything that directly pitching to an employer wouldn’t offer?
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Photo by Manny Pantoja on Unsplash
