6 Keys for Becoming Self-Employed
written by Zully JF Alvarado
Take an inventory of yourself by asking,
“Do I want someone telling me what to do and managing me, or do I prefer to go about doing it all on my own and get the job done to my specifications and my satisfaction?”
1. Self-Starting
Am I a self-starter?
Working for yourself means that you do not have a boss looking over your shoulder; it requires making decisions on your own, and this can be scary. You get to work the hours that you want, and you get to fit in other responsibilities and interests. Making decisions like answering a telephone call from a client on any day of the week or time, or taking a week off due to illness or for a much-needed vacation after working hard on getting your first or fifth client. It is a decision you get to make.
2. Organized
Am I organized?
A place for everything and everything in its place. Being self-employed means that clients are counting on deliverables. It means that they pay for a particular service to be provided promptly. You must arrange to get the job done regardless of whether the computer crashed, or the electricity went out, or the printer ran out of ink; excuses, reasons, or broken promises are unacceptable. Keeping appointments, making a phone call on time and on the day that you agreed upon is crucial.
3. Disciplined
Am I self-disciplined?
Being self-employed requires the importance of establishing your own rules, setting your own code of behavior, recognizing what you will or will not accept of yourself and others. Placing value on your time and investing it wisely is a requirement.
4. Reliable
Am I reliable?
Do what you say you will do. It’s about building trust and respect. You said you will meet the client or call them at 5:00 AM Pacific Time, so make sure that you verify the time and that you make that call at the time indicated, meaning it will be 8:00 AM EST or 7:00 AM CST. Remember, no excuses about the confusion of time zones. The responsibility is yours, and fulfilling it builds your reputation as trustworthy and reliable — and inspires respect.
5. Flexible
Am I flexible?
You may be someone who requires frequent breaks and different positioning, someone who enjoys privacy. You enjoy your freedom, you like to set your own schedule, do things that you like, and know something about. Being creative and bold is what gives you pleasure. There may be times that the client will express dissatisfaction and require that you do the job over again; to keep the client happy you smile and do what is asked of you, without seeking additional compensation.
6. Skilled
Am I skilled in what I want to do?
Know what you are good at, what you enjoy doing, and what gives you happiness. Recognize what creates stress and gives you anxiety day to day, what you are not willing to do, and what makes you unhappy. Know your weaknesses and be prepared to learn, grow and somehow overcome these. Make an effort to always be learning: people and technologies are constantly evolving.
In Conclusion
Taking this inventory of yourself towards becoming self-employed, and deciding to become self-employed is the first decision that you will make. You can continue thinking about it or decide to do it.
About the writer
Zully JF Alvarado, Founder & President of Causes for Change International
