Wednesday 19 February 2014

What Makes Someone A Successful Contractor?

Freelance
The contracting world can be a very lucrative one; however, it takes a certain type of person to succeed properly as a freelancer.

Contracting is not like full-time employment where you have a set routine for the week. You will be required to adapt to change on a regular basis and as a result of this it is important that you understand what is expected of you as a contractor.


Organisation

Perhaps the most important of all contractor traits is your ability to organise and manage your time. Working for yourself means having the ability to keep yourself on task and on time is very important.


Reliable and responsible

As a contractor the work you do is a reflection of yourself. You have been asked to take care of a project in a certain amount of time and it is your job to get it done in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Freelancing is not like the normal world of work, there is no one else to hide behind. If things are not going as they should, you will be solely responsible for this. As well as this, if a client is not happy with your work or the way you handle yourself then chances are you could lose the contract.

Not only does this mean you miss out on the earnings of the current job, but you may also find it difficult to find your next contract if you gain a reputation as being unreliable.


Adaptability

This is another crucial trait that a successful contractor must have. Depending on your line of work you may be required to visit numerous different sites and therefore familiarise yourself with new ways of working as fast as possible.


Personable

Moving from site to site will mean that you often work with many different people, therefore being personable is very important. The relationship you build with your client over a short period of time can not only help you in terms of your current contract, but it will ensure you get the best possible reference from that client when the project is over. Remember, as a contractor you must always keep some focus on your next job.


Networking skills

A good contractor must be able to network properly in order to forge new working links. The broader your network of contacts the easier it will be to find work and secure new contracts. Having a strong influence in your professional circle can also help you build a successful career in contracting.


Know what you want

Focus is essential for a successful freelancer. Knowing what your goals are and how to achieve them can help you to carry out your assignment in a fast and efficient manner.

Outside of your contract it is also necessary to have an idea about how you want to work. For example, will you choose to work through a limited company or an umbrella company? For those asking what is an umbrella company? These are the types of questions you must consider if you are to become a successful contractor.


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Until my next post on Friday with information about franchising and whether or not it could be the right route for you, enjoy the rest of the week! See you back here on Friday!


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2 comments:

  1. Hi author, I am really impressed to read out your post about topic successful contractor. I have been thinking about become a successful freelancer, I believe with the help of this significant info I will conquered the world of freelancing. :) Thanks a lot for posting such kind of helpful post. Have a nice day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there Korah and thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. I'm glad you liked the article and I wish you every success. Let me know how you get on in the freelance world. :)

      Delete

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