When it comes to working from home, there are many different topics and areas that you need to become familiar with. Finding jobs and determining which work at home position is right for you should be the first two things that you take care of. However, when it comes to work at home success, knowing how to market yourself and your business is going to be the key. This is part one of a series of blogs that deal with successful home work.
First, you should know how much you charge. Whether you’re working hourly or on a project rate, you’ll need to research the going rates for your particular type of services and see what others are charging. You obviously won’t be charging top dollar when you start, because you’re new to the field. However, you should charge a price that is fair to you, and make sure that your inexperience doesn’t let clients talk you out of money that you’re rightfully deserving of.
Here’s an example. When I first started freelance writing, I knew that my road to work at home success was going to be a long one. I’m always the “nice guy” who is supposed to finish last, and for a while, I did. That’s because I researched and saw that beginners were making about $10 an article. However, I also saw that many companies were outsourcing to foreign agencies that were only charging $2-$5 an article. So I thought, if it doesn’t take me that long, why should I charge more? I didn’t have any confidence in myself or my work as of yet, so I took every crappy low paying job I could find, even if it only paid me half of what I was worth.
Now, I’ve come to realize that my services are worth paying for. I do have a couple of clients that I work out deals with, so that I’m able to make a living while still saving them some money (this is how you create lasting relationships-another key to work at home success). However, I have developed a strict rate card and payment policy so that I don’t get ripped off, but neither does the client. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Make sure you know what you deserve, and don’t sell yourself short. However, don’t expect to make top dollar your first time out, either. Next, we’ll look at marketing your services.