Step 2: Identifying YOUR Skills and Focus Skills
Newbie and aspiring Freelancers always find it tough and challenging to get their way through a successful and sustainable Freelancing business.
The problem?
Lack of skills!
What if I tell you that you already have a skill or set of skills, to begin with?
As I’ve written in this blog about digital skills for Freelancing, I have said: “For a start, you can bet on your current strengths.” Whatever these skills may be, they are already at your advantage. Before you proceed with the example below, I recommend that you read the blog linked above.
Example:
When I first discovered “online opportunities” back in 2008, I knew nothing except browsing the internet for news or to do research. I was 22 years old and working full-time as a Tech Technician for a semiconductor company in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. Essentially, my job was about repairing electronic system boards. None of it is related to “online” or the internet.
While I was still employed, I learned back then that some people make money online through blogging. Unfortunately, I didn’t know how to blog. I wanted to do it so that I can make money online through blogging, too! I realized that I can do it because I like storytelling. I am passionate about writing as well. So, I tried. Eventually, I learned blogging and the monetization aspects of it as well.
Looking back from today, I can tell that during that time, I’m able to bet on what my current strength was (which is Writing) to identify my “Focus Skill” (which is Blogging).
Without upskilling to something else yet, at that point, I was already able to get Freelancing gigs from clients looking for blogging-related services.
Does it make sense to you?
Again, you already have the skills which you can use as leverage to get started in online freelancing. Whatever skill it is, only you who know the answer.
Let’s get to the next step and learn how to identify your target clients.