Ben Huffman, CEO and co-founder of Contra, is aware of what it takes to run a profitable freelancing aspect hustle. Huffman acquired firsthand expertise within the freelancing area as a music producer, working with small labels and, finally, Sony Music. The work was enjoyable however “did not pay effectively,” he tells Entrepreneur, so he began designing apps, pitch decks and web sites. Huffman turned a “energy consumer” on Elance and Odesk, which might merge to turn into Upwork, and shortly “turned fascinated” with the concept of constructing a crew globally.
Picture Credit score: Courtesy of Contra. Ben Huffman.
“I might discover initiatives domestically in New York after which rent freelancers from everywhere in the world to assist me with the abilities I did not have,” Huffman remembers. “I liked the liberty and autonomy of working independently, however much more, I liked working with individuals from totally different cultures and backgrounds. Early on, I spotted the failings within the enterprise fashions of the platforms I used.”
The world was turning into extra related, Huffman explains, and the “take-rate mannequin” eBay delivered to the fore “did not make sense for individuals and dealing relationships,” particularly as staff more and more sought flexibility and employers wanted extra area of interest expertise. So Huffman got down to create a platform that would tackle these ache factors, and after interviewing hundreds of unbiased staff, found they want to consider three issues to achieve success: creating their id and credibility, managing their enterprise and discovering new leads. Contra, which has raised $45 million from enterprise capital companies, gives help in all of these areas.
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“Contra is commission-free, so our customers can hold 100% of their earnings.”
“Unbiased staff can create a profile that showcases their expertise and what they will really do as an alternative of their roles at previous corporations,” Huffman says. “Specializing in initiatives and expertise permits independents to spotlight the precise issues they’ve solved and the worth they’ve delivered. Independents can discover new initiatives from high-quality, vetted shoppers, handle their enterprise with our free invoices, contracts and proposals, and, most significantly, they will receives a commission. Contra is commission-free, so our customers can hold 100% of their earnings.”
These days, almost two in 5 U.S. adults have a aspect hustle, and one in three of them say they use their aspect hustle earnings to cowl on a regular basis bills, in response to a Bankrate survey. Freelance initiatives could be an accessible, versatile choice for individuals hoping to capitalize on their ability units, however probably the most profitable might be those that keep away from the frequent pitfalls of the job.
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Huffman shares 4 errors that would hinder any side-hustler’s success:
1. Underpricing your providers to draw your first shoppers
“Happening this route can devalue your work,” Huffman explains, “and make elevating costs far more difficult sooner or later. Earlier than solidifying your costs, get to know the market you are coming into, observe trade charges, contemplate your years of expertise and description your distinctive experience; these variables will enable you decide a value that works for you and your shoppers.”
2. Not prioritizing your initiatives the suitable means
“It is essential to prioritize initiatives that absolutely align together with your ability set and politely flip down initiatives that might be a greater match with another person,” Huffman says. “Whereas many first-time freelancers could remorse turning down new initiatives, taking up an excessive amount of work can usually result in being overwhelmed and subpar work.”
3. Not studying new in-demand expertise
“Proper now, we’re seeing a ton of demand for expertise like Framer for constructing web sites, video animation and social media administration,” Huffman says. “There may be additionally an enormous alternative to upskill within the newest AI instruments. A lot of the world of labor is altering due to AI, and there’s a big alternative to get forward of all of it.”
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4. Not going the additional mile in your shoppers
“Going above and past with shoppers can result in referrals, extra initiatives sooner or later and a fame that may enable you construct longer-lasting relationships,” Huffman says. “To arrange any mission for achievement, you will have a well-scoped out set of deliverables and mission timeline. Upon getting this, it’s best to get every thing put right into a contract so that you’ve got a framework in your settlement and safety if issues get off observe.”
And one final piece of recommendation for aspect hustle success? Whereas rising your community of shoppers is essential, remember to domesticate a community of different unbiased consultants, too. “Having a neighborhood of fellow freelancers to bounce concepts off of and get recommendation from is invaluable and might result in new leads sooner or later,” Huffman says.
