How To Start Your Own Freelance Business... FAST!
Have you been searching and searching for work that you can do from home without having to buy a ton of products or beg your friends to buy something from you? I feel you. I knew when I found out I was pregnant with my second daughter that I wanted to stay home when she was born and I was determined to find something that I could do to bring in income without having to beg people to buy from me (been there, done that, no thanks).
I stumbled upon the world of freelancing earlier this year and was immediately drawn to it. How did I not know about this before?! I started researching like crazy, looking up YouTube videos and online courses. I wasn’t exactly sure how I could turn my skills from my previous career in the medical field into a sustainable work from home job, but I knew I wanted to try. I started my business in March, right before COVID happened, and within two months I had my first monthly retainer client work. If I can do it then so can you and I am here to help you! Here is how I started my freelance business, step-by-step.
1. Make a list of your skills
Start by sitting down and writing out all of the skills you have from previous jobs or from the things you do on a daily basis. Do you check your email on a daily basis and keep it organized? Super. You can put down “email management” as a skill. Are you good with creating budgets and spreadsheets in excel? Awesome! You can add “excel master” to your skill list! Think of all of the software you have used and all of the tasks you have done at former jobs or your current job and write it all down.
Now, once you have your list done, go through and highlight or circle the tasks that you enjoy doing or that you feel like you are exceptionally good at. This will help you narrow down the services that you want to offer in your freelance business. I recommend starting with 3-4 services max. For example, you could offer email management, data entry, and calendar management.
2. Come up with a name for your business
Don’t overthink this!
I see so many people get caught up starting their business because they can’t decide on a name. DON’T BE THAT PERSON! This step shouldn’t take you more than 30 minutes. If you can’t come up with anything that you like, just use your name or initials + Virtual Assistant or Virtual Services at the end (see my business name for example). You’ll want to use your name on social media to promote your business, so be sure to check and see if it’s available.
Namecheckr.com is a great tool to use to see if your desired handle is available across multiple platforms. Try to find a name that you can use on all of your social media accounts for consistency.
3. LLC or Sole Proprietor?
When starting your own business it’s always best to look into all of your business entity options. I recommend checking with your local business office first for any guidance on specific forms you need to file for your city/county and then check with your Secretary of State office to get the most accurate information for your specific state.
What’s the difference between LLC and Sole Proprietor? How do I know which one I need?
The biggest difference between the two is that an LLC gives you personal protection if you were ever to be sued, it would protect your personal assets from being touched. My personal recommendation is… if you can afford to file for an LLC at the beginning then go for it, but if you are strapped for cash then don’t worry about it right now. You do not need to form an LLC in order to start working. Many freelancers never form an LLC for their business.
I am all for starting your business with as little money spent as possible and then you can always re-evaluate down the road once you have some income coming in.
4. Open a business checking account
This is something you will want to do at the beginning before you get any clients because it’s important to keep your business and your personal accounts separate for tax purposes. You can research the best bank accounts for small businesses, or ask your current bank if they have business checking accounts.
5. Create a logo for your business
You can create your own logo with programs such as Canva or you can hire someone to do it for you. Another option is to check out Etsy. I was able to buy my logo and sub-logo on Etsy for around $20!
These are really all you need to get your business started, and all of this should take you no more than a few days to complete so that you will be on your way to finding clients and making some money! My biggest piece of advice for anyone who is starting their own freelance business is this: “Done is better than perfect.” You can do this and you can be successful!
