inquiries/questions 021-37130092
Mon-Sat, 9am-6pm
How to work remotely
More often than not, we tend to overcomplicate working from remote locations when in reality it’s not as difficult as you might think. All you need is two simple things;
- To be able to create value and not be physically present with your client.
- To be able to fine new clients without relying on networking in person.
If you are able to do these two things, you can build a freelance career which will enable you to work from anywhere.
How to create value without being physically present
This greatly depends on the skills you possess and the services you are offering.
Skills such as graphic design, web design, copy writing, consulting, video editing, etc. are such which require no contact in person and everything about this kind of work can be done from a remote location.
However, there are also skills that would not lend themselves to remote working. This include photography, videography, event designers etc. these skills would require you to be present with the client in person.
So, what if your skill cannot be accomplished remotely?
Learn something new!
There are several freelancers who could not work remotely because of the nature of work and career paths they pursued before learning a new skill which enabled them to do so. You can browse our course list at https://www.nist.edu.pk/courses/ and pick out a course that would not only teach you a skill that can be used for remote working but also support your freelance career. It may require you starting from scratch in many ways but it will be worth it if you eventually want to be able to work from remote locations.
How to find new clients without relying on in-person networking
This may scare you at first since in-person networking is often the easier way to build a network and find new work. However, the truth about it is that in-person networking is only one way out of many in which you can market yourself.
Some methods used to find clients remotely are marketing strategies that you may already be familiar with.
Below are just a few of the other marketing methods that you can use to get clients without being physically present:
- Direct outreach / Cold e-mailing
- Asking for referrals
- Freelance job listing websites such as oDesk & Upwork
- Staying in touch with friends and past colleagues
- Blogging / Content marketing
- Social media
- Partnerships with agencies or other creative professionals
- Online networking in forums and industry groups
When you work remotely, you invest the time you once did in networking events and focus that on additional time in other marketing channels.
It takes time to build up, and it may mean learning some new marketing methods, but it’s worth it for the freedom it provides.
How to make the jump to remote working
Start small. Begin by setting up a home office and work from there. This will give you a feel of what it is like to work remotely.
If you still have to visit networking events or take meetings in-person, you would still have the option. However, you should start avoiding commutes unless they are absolutely necessary, that will give you a taste of what it is like to work remotely.
After you feel that you have gained some momentum, you can gradually ease into it.
Start somewhere cheap. If you are going to work remotely, you should start by somewhere that has a relatively low living cost. Do your research and find a place that will not cost as much and therefore, would minimize your day to day expenses.
By starting somewhere less costly, you will also make the transition to a digital lifestyle much easier.
The bottom line
It is a new privilege to work remotely and it is also easier than most would make it out to be. You just need to remember two things:
- Being able to create value without bring present physically.
- Being able to find new clients without relying on networking in person.
As long as you can do these two things, you are on your way to experiencing the freedom that comes along with remote working.
