FBP 134: AskMarv: When To Consider Working Outside Freelancer Platforms

In the third installment of our Ask Marv episode, I chose questions that explore the different options of a freelancer. I was inspired by these questions and it made me reminisce about my own freelancing journey that started 3 years ago. “If you’re going to start with a freelancing platform like UpWork, when is it advisable to consider reaching out to prospective clients on your own, outside of those platforms to advance your freelancing career? When is it too early, and when is it kind of long overdue?” My answer to that first question is: “It’s never too early. It will always be long overdue.” Based from my experience in connecting with clients on and off freelancing platforms, both teaches you different things that enable you to grow as a freelancer. Finding clients on your own teaches you how to market your services and how to reach out to them through events, meetups, and referrals. Landing a job on a freelancing site teaches you how to stay ahead of the competition as hundreds of people are in these sites vying for the same opportunity. Listen to the podcast as I expound on how you can get the best out of both these experiences. The next question explores how freelancing in the Philippines will be in the next decade: “What is the future in this kind of business say 10 to 20 years from now?” More Filipinos are now being aware of how freelancing can be an alternative way of earning. It can either be a part-time gig that you can do on weekends or a full-time career that will give you more freedom to work from anywhere. Freelancing platforms report that there are 1.5 million Filipino freelancers but this does not take into account those who are directly working with their clients. If freelancing continues to grow at this rate the Philippines, I wouldn’t be surprised to see more Filipino freelancers than OFWs in the decades to come. How did you like the last 3 Ask Marv session episodes? Freelance Blend is here to raise awareness and help interested Filipinos to start their freelancing careers. Send your questions by replying on the newsletter (do subscribe if you haven’t yet) or go to my Contact page for inquiries. You may also send me a message at Facebook.com/freelanceblend. Are You Ready to Become a Freelancer? If you are really serious about becoming a freelancer, you should first start with the tools of the trade. I will make your life easier by handing you more than 30 of the latest and greatest applications, software and websites that I, and even some of the most amazing freelancers, use on a day-to-day basis to become a more productive freedom entrepreneur. Get “The Most Awesome Apps, Tools & Resources” Ebook Now!