With the increasing appeal of the gig economy, a greater number of people have become attracted to the advantages that a freelancing career is capable of providing, and technology will no doubt make things easier for those who prefer flexible hours that don’t involve working in an office environment.
However, as innovations become more sophisticated, freelancers (including those who have been in the business for so long) should start to have a deeper understanding of the effects of digital transformation.
How will you, as a freelancer, navigate a landscape where terms like “big data” and “machine learning” are thrown around? It won’t take long for you to embrace new tools and approaches. You just need to know how you can make the most of the technologies that could make an impact on your work.
1. Learn more about the cloud
Contrary to what other people said about the cloud, this technology is anything but a trend. In fact, cloud platforms have become staples in every organization, and companies are spending millions of dollars setting up cloud-enabled environments.
It matters for freelancers to have expert understanding of cloud operations when it comes to gathering business intelligence and helping clients make the right decisions. With platforms like Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud Platform becoming intrinsic components of modern businesses, it’s crucial for freelancers to gain access to and learn more about them as well.
When it comes to collaboration, freelancers can use cloud services to develop a closer working relationship with clients regardless of distance. These are also integral for building knowledge bases for freelancers can access at any given time.
2. Know the impact of cybersecurity best practices
Along with digital transformation, the threat of cybercrime is also becoming more profound. Cybercriminals are now targeting freelancers who can work in just about any place so long as there is Wi-Fi. Given the vulnerabilities that freelancers have since they work remotely, there should be greater emphasis on cybersecurity practices.
From knowing how to delete a network on Mac devices to installing a virtual private network, freelancers should learn about securing their devices and critical information wherever they sit down to work.
Cybersecurity should not be taken lightly. Even if you are doing modest freelance work, your information could still be used in ways that can smear your reputation. It’s also worth noting that businesses require people they can trust with sensitive data, so having a thorough understanding of data privacy and security platforms helps you compete better in the market. The best way to get started is to understand GDPR requirements and learn more about the latest threats to cybersecurity and privacy.
3. Find opportunities for upskilling
At the end of the day, your capacity to attract more clients in need of freelance workers depends on your skill sets. It’s not enough to tell people you are skilled in data entry. There is more impact when you mention the specific platforms you are using or if you are well-versed in data science.
Acquiring new skills and enriching existing ones can make all the difference when you are looking to stand out from the rest. Take a chance at online certificate courses, especially on more technical fields like data analytics or programming. When it comes to finding the best courses, you can check out places such as LinkedIn Learning or Coursera. Opt to find specialist courses that can help you acquire the skills that are in-demand.
Apart from skills, you can also find opportunities for growing your capacity as a business leader later on. In fact, as a freelancer, you are your own brand and you need to tap every available method to acquire a more mature outlook when it comes to promoting your freelance services.
As digital transformation resumes, it’s best that you go through the motions of becoming more effective both as a worker and as an entrepreneur. The key here is to go beyond your comfort zone and be bold enough to try out new and exciting learning opportunities.
4. Be ready to collaborate
As technology becomes even more sophisticated, freelancers are in a good position to work closely with not just their clients but also with each other. The market for outsourced services is growing, mainly due to the influx of startups that want to get ahead without paying more in operational and recruitment costs.
Outsourcing core tasks won’t replace the need to hire in-house employees, but it’s still important for freelancers to consider the possibility of working remotely with team members across different locations. Expect to work in tandem with other freelancers in handling campaigns and projects. To prepare for this setup, you may have to learn how to maximize your knowledge in using collaboration tools. These should include apps such as Basecamp, Toggl, and Hubstaff.
5. Nurture existing networks and expand your niche
Adapting to digital transformation requires a need to develop networks and grow your repertoire of skills and experiences across different industries. The concept of the lone-wolf professional is gradually changing as companies develop an increasing reliance on remote agencies and virtual assistants.
It’s expected that the market for freelancers will be as competitive as ever. This comes as enterprises are looking to increase their outsourcing budgets. In order to get ahead of the curve, it’s important that you invest more in growing your network of allies and partners. For this, you may have to stay connected with past clients and develop healthy relationships with current ones.
You should also consider reaching out to other freelancers within the same niche. That way, you can share knowledge about getting more clients and promoting your services. By nurturing rich networks, you can then be in the position to expand your reach across other sectors. It’s only a matter of maintaining an open mind and actively looking for opportunities wherever they may lie.
If you are looking to enter the world of freelancing, embracing digital transformation should be a part of your journey. Consider the tips above and build yourself up as a digital native.
