Become an Independent IT Consultant in 5 Steps

So you have decided to take the plunge and work for yourself. 

Before going any further, it is essential to build your new self-employed  career on a strong foundation. Let’s take a look at 5 of our top-tips to help you get started: 

1. Project clarity

You first need to make sure you have a concrete project in place. The freelancing community is growing rapidly so it is crucial that your proposal stands out. 

In order to achieve this, you need to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is your area of expertise?
• What will your fee be?
• How do you wish to work: contract or flat rate?
• When are you available to start work?

Once you are able to answer those questions, you can move to the next stage.

2. Share your project with your network

This is when you need to use your network. It is your main resource to help you find your first contract. Don’t hesitate to mention your new IT freelance project to friends, former colleagues, etc.

 You will need to develop your network. Various tools are at your disposal, such as LinkedIn, to enable you to spread the word but also to reach a bigger audience.  The world of self-employment can be  daunting but be bold! Take the initiative, talk to people you don’t know and spread the word. 

3. Use specialised platforms

Depending on your level of expertise, you can register with several  freelance job sites to help you find new clients: such as: 

• Upwork
• Fiver 
• XXE
• MALT

to help you find new clients. Make sure to introduce yourself well with an attractive profile clearly detailing your expertise and experience.

4. Choose your status / umbrella company

There are several options open to you from creating your own business to using the services of an umbrella company.

An umbrella company will help you manage the administrative side of things and enable you to find new clients through its own network. 

The number of umbrella companies is ever growing, so it is important to choose the right umbrella service for you. 

You can contact us directly if you wish to receive a comparison between the various statuses and their benefits, simply click here.

5. Choose your contract

It is not easy to know in advance if you have found the right client and, above all, the right contract. We recommend choosing a long-term contract and one that will enable you to find your feet as an independent IT contractor while strengthening your skills. 

It will also give you a great reference for future projects.

Conclusion 

Developing niche expertise as an IT freelancer is crucial for standing out in a competitive space.

By developing a deep understanding of specific sectors or technologies, you not only address the unique needs of a focused client base but also build a reputation as a trusted authority.

Moreover, utilising and developing your network, harnessing freelance job sites, choosing your company status and nailing down your contract negotiations will stand you in good stead for a successful freelance IT career.

Partnering with a management company like Hightekers can further elevate your freelance life. 

We provide invaluable support in time-consuming admin tasks, contract negotiations, and client management, allowing you to focus on your projects.

A partnership with a management company ensures you are well-positioned to thrive in the competitive IT freelancing landscape while successfully growing your business.

Discover the benefits of a managing company for freelancers