4min
Module 1: The Freelance Mindset
Module 2: Defining Your Service and Niche
Module 3: Building Your Freelance Foundation
Module 4: Finding and Pitching to Your First Client
Module 5: Project Management and Client Relations
Final Lesson & Assessment
Learn How to Get Started as a Freelancer
1 / 18 Lessons
Content
Assignment
Peer Review
1.1: What Exactly is Freelancing?
Welcome to the first step of your freelancing journey! Let's start by defining what freelancing truly is.
At its core, freelancing is the practice of working for yourself. Instead of being an employee for a single company, you are a self-employed professional who offers your services to multiple clients on a project-by-project basis. Think of yourself as a business owner whose primary product is your own professional skill. But becoming a freelancer is more than just changing your title, it's a fundamental shift in how you think and work. As an employee, your role is often clearly defined. You have a manager, a team, and a set of instructions. As a freelancer, all of that changes. You are no longer just a graphic designer, a writer, or a developer.
You are now the CEO of You.
This means you are responsible for every part of your business, from finding clients (sales and marketing) to sending invoices (finance) and keeping customers happy (customer service). This new level of responsibility can feel overwhelming at first, but it's also incredibly liberating. It gives you complete control over your career and your income.
But let's also remember that embracing this new mindset also means getting comfortable with a certain amount of discomfort. You will face challenges like pitching yourself, setting fair rates, and managing your time without a boss looking over your shoulder.
These are all part of the job, and each one is an opportunity to grow. Instead of waiting for work to come to you, your new mindset should be about proactively seeking opportunities and building a network that brings you consistent work.
Finally, a major part of this mindset shift is learning to price your value, not your time. An employee is paid for their hours, but a freelancer is paid for the solution they provide. By learning to charge based on the value you deliver, you can escape the trap of trading hours for dollars and truly build a scalable, successful business.