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If you think a freelance project management career is for you, here's what you need to know before you get started, as I learned when studying for PMP certification online.
- Register your business
When people say freelancers are "their own boss," they literally and legally mean it. Selling your services is a company, so you'll need to file the necessary paperwork to get started. You're legally referred to as a "consultant." Freelancers can start a consulting firm in one of two ways: as a single proprietorship or as a limited liability company (LLC).
All you need is an employer identification number, a local tax certificate, and a permit to sell your services to start a sole proprietorship. Meanwhile, incorporating an LLC necessitates the completion of other paperwork, such as an operating agreement. Owners, on the other hand, can keep their business and personal assets separate, giving them an added layer of liability protection.
- Get certified
It's difficult to sell your freelance services to a firm, especially when you're the one who stands behind your work. Potential clients may be more willing to accept your services if you include credentials and training courses that you've completed on your CV. Furthermore, according to a poll conducted by the Project Management Institute (PMI), candidates who hold a PMP certification online earn at least 23% more than those who do not. The PMI, International Association of Project Managers, American Academy of Project Management, and Global Association for Quality Management are just a few of the qualifications you might check into. Keep in mind that you can have more than one professional certification.
- Expand your network
You need to network because you don't have a firm that supplies you with a continuous list of assignments (unless you're contracted to one—but that opportunity will come when you're more established). Attend seminars and events. The PMI Global Conference, for example, just ended last October, so you can look forward to it next year. Join project management communities to network with people who might be able to suggest you for an available position. Of course, once you've made a connection, it's critical to maintain that connection. Don't simply contact them when you're looking for work—talk to them on a regular basis or offer your own chances. Two-way connections are required – if you want them to last.
- Find a balance
Learning to reconcile work and personal life is one of the most difficult aspects of becoming your own boss. After all, your home serves as your workplace, and work is only a phone call away. Planning your day is one of our five methods for improving your self-management abilities. Create a schedule in 30-minute increments based on your priorities. This method will assist you in establishing boundaries by indicating when you should stop working. Additionally, having a dedicated office place in your home—preferably one that is separate from your "comfort" spaces—may be beneficial (like the bedroom). Entering your "office" will assist you in shifting your perspective to that of a project manager. In the meantime, quitting it becomes a personal promise.
Want to know more about the same? Enroll in a PMP or CAPM course training program today!