5 Golden Rules for a Successful Freelance Career
9 May 2011
Read by 2045 persons
Technical skills are essential, of course, but interpersonal skills make all the difference. The GFT group, specialized in IT consulting and services, provides the 5 commandments that a freelancer must adopt to attract clients.
600,000 people work in the IT sector. 9% of them have decided to take the plunge and be their own boss by choosing or being obliged to become freelance. Choice of hours, control of their decisions, diversity of missions, the adventure seems attractive. However, this is on the condition of knowing how to retain and attract new clients, so that freelance does not rhyme with precariousness. "We estimate that attitude accounts for at least 1/3 of our clients' choice criteria when selecting a consultant. Before, during, or after a mission, irreproachable behavior must be demonstrated. Beyond even their skills, the image left by an independent worker will make their reputation," warns François Corrignan, sales director of GFT France, a group specializing in the placement of independent IT specialists. Here are 5 rules to follow to have the right freelance attitude.
1. From the interview, get into the client's project. There is no need to waste time listing your diplomas or taking inventory of all your experiences. The client wants above all to know if you are the right person for their project. Thus, by asking relevant questions and sharing relevant experience related to the mission, you show your suitability for the position. "From the moment our freelancers manage to transform a classic question/answer interview into a moment of exchange between two professionals (or even a work meeting), the client's decision is positive in 90% of cases," says François Corrignan.
2. In the workplace, show that you can be counted on. Proactiveness is a sought-after quality in a consultant. Take off your blinders and get out of your isolation. "Showing up early enough in case of under-activity or offering help through relevant solutions is the best way to retain a client," notes GFT.
3. Anticipate your next mission. Very often, the upcoming mission is prepared during the current mission. Don't hesitate to ask the client about the company's future projects.
4. An independent worker is an entrepreneur. This implies a degree of administrative management. And in this area, rigor is the key word. You must send your timesheets and invoices or pay charges related to the independent worker status on time.
5. Cultivate relationships. Besides know-how, interpersonal skills are the last impression left when a mission ends. "Finding the right balance between proximity with clients and professionalism in collaboration are the ingredients that allow you to assert your charisma without imposing yourself, to become indispensable, and thus ensure the recurrence of missions," explains the GFT company.
Published on April 4, 2011
Posted online on May 9, 2011
emploi-pro.fr
600,000 people work in the IT sector. 9% of them have decided to take the plunge and be their own boss by choosing or being obliged to become freelance. Choice of hours, control of their decisions, diversity of missions, the adventure seems attractive. However, this is on the condition of knowing how to retain and attract new clients, so that freelance does not rhyme with precariousness. "We estimate that attitude accounts for at least 1/3 of our clients' choice criteria when selecting a consultant. Before, during, or after a mission, irreproachable behavior must be demonstrated. Beyond even their skills, the image left by an independent worker will make their reputation," warns François Corrignan, sales director of GFT France, a group specializing in the placement of independent IT specialists. Here are 5 rules to follow to have the right freelance attitude.
1. From the interview, get into the client's project. There is no need to waste time listing your diplomas or taking inventory of all your experiences. The client wants above all to know if you are the right person for their project. Thus, by asking relevant questions and sharing relevant experience related to the mission, you show your suitability for the position. "From the moment our freelancers manage to transform a classic question/answer interview into a moment of exchange between two professionals (or even a work meeting), the client's decision is positive in 90% of cases," says François Corrignan.
2. In the workplace, show that you can be counted on. Proactiveness is a sought-after quality in a consultant. Take off your blinders and get out of your isolation. "Showing up early enough in case of under-activity or offering help through relevant solutions is the best way to retain a client," notes GFT.
3. Anticipate your next mission. Very often, the upcoming mission is prepared during the current mission. Don't hesitate to ask the client about the company's future projects.
4. An independent worker is an entrepreneur. This implies a degree of administrative management. And in this area, rigor is the key word. You must send your timesheets and invoices or pay charges related to the independent worker status on time.
5. Cultivate relationships. Besides know-how, interpersonal skills are the last impression left when a mission ends. "Finding the right balance between proximity with clients and professionalism in collaboration are the ingredients that allow you to assert your charisma without imposing yourself, to become indispensable, and thus ensure the recurrence of missions," explains the GFT company.
Published on April 4, 2011
Posted online on May 9, 2011
emploi-pro.fr
