Tips for African Freelancers Who Are Students

Succeeding as an undergraduate and freelancer requires a smart approach, you don’t need to be through with school to grow your client list. Here are a few tips for African Freelancers who are still students;

1. Think about what you are selling:
   Consider the type of skills you have to offer as a freelancer because of your tight schedule between studying and creating time for a freelance job. Because quality freelance projects that you have undertaken is proof of what you can do.
   Think about how much time you can realistically spend freelancing and when you actually plan to work.
2. Don’t sit, and wait for clients to find you:
   Approach clients first, small business owners are always on the look out for local suppliers, take advantage of the oppourtunity and hand out a business card if you own one, and check sites like Africanfreelancers for local networking oppourtunities.
3. Know your worth:
   You’re an undergraduate doesn’t mean you don’t know the price of your servicies. Most clients will want to exploit you because of your education level, do not allow it, focus on what the job is actually worth.
   In the beginning it’s tempting to say yes to every opportunity that comes along, but you have a limited amount of time in which to freelance. Make the most of it
4. Set realistic goals:
   Write down the type of clients you want to work with, and the type of experience you hope to achieve.
   You can keep those goals in mind when you’re deciding what projects to take on.
5. Follow-up with your payment:
   Yup! Some clients are money concious and are not willing to pay after you render your servicies.
   Be polite and assertive, and ask for the payment of job done. After that, you’re entitled to charge interest on late payments.
6. To avoid the above, draw up a contract:
   Freelancing is a business, so treat it like one. That ideally means having a contract in place to cover the essentials such as : payment (how much, when and on whose sign-off, including any deposit or instalments), copyright (you always want this to remain with you until you’ve been paid); and what happens if things go wrong, such as the project being delayed or cancelled. It happens so be prepared. Freelancing is not child’s play
7. Set up your online presence:
   This is where you can show-case what you’re capable of by lauching your website. You should set up a portfolio site that shows off your best work.

What other tips for African Freelancers who are still students do you have? Share with us in the comment section.