Freelancing: Is it an option?

Millennials graduating from colleges and universities around the world are hopeful, excited and eager to enter the bustling world of public relations. Equipped with a degree, possible internship experience and a positive outlook, today’s graduates are finding it tougher to find fulfilling entry-level PR positions. Although the PR industry is gaining ground despite shrinking advertising budgets, some grads have sought freelancing as means to stimulate their personal economy, implement tactics learned prior to graduation and strengthen their PR skill set with hands-on application with clients.

Freelance is defined as “a person who acts independently without being affiliated with or authorized by an organization”. As a freelancer, you have the ability to work with various industries, companies, organizations and other professionals to assist in their PR tactics. Freelancing becomes easy with sites such as Elance, a site where independent contractors have the ability to submit proposals for work and get paid through the site.

For many millennials, the flexibility and freedom afforded through freelancing as an independent contractor is becoming more appealing as the freelancer is able to have more control over workload, hours, projects and income.

Below are tips for successful freelancing:

1-      Brand yourself. A good title to read for inspiration is “Brand you 50: Reinventing Work” by Tom Peters.

2-      Never overstate your abilities. Under promise and over deliver.

3-      Reputation is everything. Keep your word with potential clients and always do your best work. If project challenges arise, be upfront and transparent about everything.

4-      Devise contracts for protection of you and your work.

5-      Keep all receipts and financial documentation for taxes for annual filing.

Also, take advantage of the PRSA Job Center for job leads, strategic career advice and resources and other additional tools to help you leverage your job search or assist with your journey in successful freelancing.

For further reading:

Brilliant Freelancer: Discover the Power of Your Own Success, Leif Kendall

Freelancing for Dummies, Susan M. Drake

Get a Freelance Life: Mediabistro.Com’s Insider Guide to Freelance Writing, Margit Feury Ragland

Zaneta Chuniq Inpower is owner and president of Chuniq PR, an independent media and marketing management firm. Additionally, she is the digital communications coordinator for Douglas J Aveda Institutes and Salons, editor  for Supreme Design Publishing and social media manager for COIN Handlers Management. Her personal interests include reading, international travel and culture and community revitalization. Inpower received her B.A. in advertising from Michigan State University. Zaneta Chuniq Inpower is a member of the Central Michigan PRSA chapter and is the PRSA New Professionals Section Executive Committee Blog Co-Chair.