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New Post 3/3/2011 6:35 AM
User is offline ClaireBA
9 posts
10th Level Poster


Going freelance 

I've been out of the workplace for many years now raising my daughter but am hoping to return as a freelance  ba / trainer (after previously being an employee ba).  As I'm coming back into the market cold  as it were, am looking for some advice as to my target market.  Should I be focusing solely on corporations who have a budget for project based work, or can I be looking at smaller companies?  I am hoping to work rather more locally rather than be city based, but am aware that recession will affect the affordability for smaller companies.  Do you know if there is a demand for this market if I also emphasised the focus on training too (ie standards and procedures/ policy & training manuals etc)?  Any help, ideas or experiences would be greatly received!

 
New Post 3/3/2011 4:30 PM
User is offline KJ
243 posts
6th Level Poster


Re: Going freelance 

 

Welcome back Claire.
 
By freelance I surmise you mean self-employed and working on a contract/assignment basis. Here in OZ, this mode of employment is called ‘contracting’. As a serial contractor, the longest I’ve been on the bench was 3 months over a 24 year period. I like this mode of employment as it allows me freedom to choose assignments (BA, Trainer, Architect etc.). Over the years I’ve noted that the demand is always there; its just the rate you charge that secures your next assignment. In bad times you reduce your rate, sometimes significantly. This might be a strategy to get back into the market.
 
Best wishes! K.
 
New Post 3/3/2011 6:34 PM
User is offline Jarett Hailes
155 posts
6th Level Poster




Re: Going freelance 

 Hi Claire,

If you're US based, run this search on Indeed and then specify the location(s) you wish to filter to.  They also have a Canadian site that will allow you to do the same.

There is more 'obvious' demand for contract/freelance BA profesionals in large companies, as they are the ones who hire recruiters or post on job boards for such staff.  You might be able to find smaller companies who require your services but that will typically require a little more digging (going to events, learning what their needs are, etc.).  If you're looking to jump back in quickly I would suggest looking for a contract position available to start and begin building a brand around your services so that you can attract your ideal customer.

Good luck!

Jarett

 
New Post 3/6/2011 5:38 AM
User is offline ClaireBA
9 posts
10th Level Poster


Re: Going freelance 

Thanks K.  Good to know that you have only had a 3 month off period during all that time!  Yes, my rate will reflect the economic downturn without reducing my value.  I am based in the UK and am hoping to obtain smaller contracts with smaller companies so will need to ensure that I am priced correctly.  Do you do much work with smaller companies or is it corporates?   Only I am still trying to define my market and would like to know what services smaller companies require.  My current thinking is that they might need training and business procedural manuals to be created and/or maintained. 

 
New Post 3/6/2011 5:43 AM
User is offline ClaireBA
9 posts
10th Level Poster


Re: Going freelance 

Yes Jarett.  Finding a coporate position would certainly get the ball rolling for me initially.  That way I could obtain my reputation and acquire contacts potentially for other contracts.  I am UK based and am hoping to work more locally but may have to do the initial commute to get back in the game again!  Do you do any work for smaller companies?  I am just trying to understand the potenial services I could offer. Thanks.

 
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