Freelancing might seem a little daunting at first. If you’re new, you probably have a handful of questions, including: What kind of freelancing do I want to get into? Where do I start? What’s the best video conferencing for freelancers? Or, if you’re a current freelancer, may you want some insight on how to gain more clients, or put your career into perspective.
Whichever way you go, or how you want to show up professionally, here are the 5 basic types of freelancers and how you can use free video conferencing to ramp up your business, further your reach and make a lasting impression on clients!
Independent Contractors
The most popular and generalized title, an independent contractor refers to a freelancer who doesn’t work under only one employer. In fact, an independent contractor can work for whomever they please. It could look like: Contract work, part-time work, or full-time work.
For some freelancing, it might be a contract where a certain amount of deliverables are expected to be completed across a certain period of time or the freelancer could be hired indefinitely but is still considered an independent contractor. The contract reflects their pay structure (usually more remuneration per project or deliverable as the freelancer takes care of their own taxes, etc), and other agreements like deadlines, productivity, expectations, non-disclosure, etc.
In fact, a lot of freelancers are independent contractors; some of the following types overlap.
An example: A writer who is contracted by a business to provide steady work or deliverables over an agreed amount of time who works on their own computer, uses their own tools and office space and bills under their own freelancing business. They are responsible for paying their own taxes according to the law of their country and negotiating their remuneration.
How to use video conferencing: For independent contractors who want to remain exactly that – independent – video conferences and online meetings provide the necessary means of communication to still stay in touch and on the ball without having to show up in person. A lack of a steady geographic location comes in hand for freelancers who want to be digital nomads or work from home and raise a family.
Side Workers
A “gigger,” or side-hustler are types of freelancers who haven’t quit their day jobs! Anyone who’s still working full time or has reliable work or works seasonally, then uses their free time towards pursuing freelancing or other entrepreneurial endeavors on the side is considered a “moonlighter.”
An example: Health care, automotive, IT support – these industries and more require professionals to know their product inside out. They can provide customers troubleshooting solutions, back-end support or even answer questions in person or via a chatbot moderated by customer service freelancers.
How to use video conferencing: A video-centric solution provides moonlighters the opportunity to work flexible hours from anywhere with a WIFI connection, device, and video conferencing solution. “Working on the side” is now easier to accomplish especially with the screen sharing feature which allows workers, for example, to guide customers through their desktop to show instead of tell – perfect for IT products and companies.
“Slasher” Workers
A worker who has multiple active income streams, they’re a content editor slash professor slash songwriter. They rely on having these different jobs because they don’t have a “normal” job. Their employment mix isn’t fixed, rather it’s diversified and can vary.
An example: A university professor who works daytime hours, then teaches online to students in another country on the weekends, and writes for an educational publisher in the evening. This person might also tutor now and again or be affiliated with the school board.
How to use video conferencing: An educator can use video conferencing to host a class or lecture online, and teach students anywhere in the world and so much more. Excellent for “meet the teacher” meetings too, a video chat offers flexibility for both students and parents, and teachers.
Plus, the opportunities are endless for coaching. In fact, you can run your coaching business online using video conferencing and conference calling.
Temporary Freelancers Workers
These employees are hired to fulfill a position or work on a project for a certain amount of time. This could be full-time or part-time, but it’s the specific timeframe, lack of benefits and vacation, and frequency of temp work opportunities that make this type of freelancing very casual and easy to pick up.
An example: A temp worker could be hired for a high-profile case at a law firm to help with documentation, and offer assistance as a secretary, transcriber, etc.
How to use video conferencing: Recruiting the right fit for a law firm can be a lengthy process. Using video conferencing is a means to cut down on time, and in-person interviews without sacrificing quality. Many more candidates can be seen, and depending on the scope of work, they may never have to set foot in the office! With online meetings, and an agreed upon contract, a temp worker may be able to complete their tasks at home and only have to convene online for important updates and status reports.
Business Owners and CEOs
The most formal of them all, a business owner could consider his or herself a freelancer since there isn’t really a difference when we get down to brass tacks! Legally speaking, whether you identify as a business owner, or freelancer, you’re still running business no matter which side you’re on. What’s different, however, is that your goals, business plan, and budget as a freelancer could be much lower than someone who owns a business with multiple employees, various offices, a large roster of clients, etc.
An example: A freelance graphic designer can work under their own business name and operate as a fully-functioning financial entity, separate from an employer.
How to use video conferencing: When outsourcing other professionals, vendors or suppliers, video conferencing serves as a meeting of the minds to connect, discuss and go over plans, drawings and videos. A feature like the online whiteboard, for example, is especially helpful to discuss the business logo aesthetic or the placement of the logo at the event.
Let FreeConference.com show you why it’s the best video conferencing for freelancers. Whether full-time, part-time or temporary, it’s easy and straightforward to establish tighter connections with clients and learn how to run your own business on your own terms.
