Thanks to technology, the start-up culture and the millennial approach to working, freelancing is going to be the next thing at workplaces. Here are some stats to ponder:

• In 2016, Freelancing generated more than a trillion dollars in the US
• Between 2000 and 2014, the growth of freelancers doubled in the labour market of the European Union 
• 94 percent of workers are open to non-traditional forms of work

Freelancing is going to mean some serious business as we head into the next decade.

And here’s how you can make it big with freelance gigs.

Build an impressive portfolio

A work portfolio can set the ball rolling for you. Search, filter and pick out your best work over the years. Upload your work on sites like Behance and Dribbble. Plus, you need to showcase your work, fine-tune your resume and build a website for solid credibility.

Pro-bono to profit

Yes, we should not let anyone take the term “freelance” too literally but at the same time, you need to impress the client. A good way to begin is by going pro-bono with a couple of samples or mock-ups. Once you impress, you can always make up for it when you seal the deal.

No long-term commitments

Avoid long-term contracts with any company and sign the dotted line only for projects. That way, you can enter and exit any project at your will. Plus, you can take up other exciting and challenging gigs.

Harness the WWW

Just like other things, the internet has revolutionized freelancing. Today, there are so many tools and websites for freelancers to showcase their work and earn well too. Sites like Upwork, Freelancer and iFreelance have become excellent platforms to connect employers with freelancers.

Networking improves your net worth

You are one among millions of freelancers out there. Therefore, you have to keep connecting with people on various social media platforms, public forums and networking events. This will open doors to new people, opportunities and possibilities to earn more recognition, remuneration and gigs too.

Are you a freelancer? What are your thoughts? Share them with us.