7 suggestions for new SAP Freelancers
On the previous posts that I share with you, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of being a SAP Freelancer. That started a great discussion around healthcare and what you needed for it. That is one of the things we are fortunate not to have a big issue with in Denmark. I wanted to share some of my suggestions how to a successful freelancer
Networking
When you are working as a SAP freelancer, obviously you create and build connections from different companies to long time clients this makes a SAP freelancer more popular of his profession. In order to establish the trust and confidence of your clients, you need to have a blog or have a social platform like Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin so that the people that will be working with you will know where to contact you and see your portfolios.
Recruiters
As you go along on your journey as a freelancer doing SAP projects, the challenges for looking projects will be difficult which is why online recruiters that are in need of SAP freelancers whether a short term or long term collaboration should be prepared with the interview. You need to remember that each client and recruiter are looking for that skills that will meet their needs and you as a SAP freelancer should be able to deliver the necessary product. Make a list of your portfolios and recent projects you have accomplished so that once a recruiter would need a sample of your work, you have something to present and remember also make a list of those references where the project was successful.
Get Help
With the various projects you would be dealing as a SAP freelancer, you will come across with the easy down to the difficult ones. Sometimes, you want to implement something but don’t know where to start. This is the time your connections works. Say if you’re just starting as a SAP freelancer, it is recommended that you get advice to Senior SAP freelancers for an advice of a particular project. You’ll gain something that will help you finished your project or solve the problem.
Have 6 Months Buffer
As a SAP freelancer, projects can stay for long or end in a breeze. A timeline for a specific project that you chose is very important before accepting so that you have everything organized. If there is a big project that needs to be work on in fast manner, then basically that translates to big money. You should manage to save some of those funds. It is always best to save for the rainy days. This scenario is to prepare yourself when you get sick or you need to have medication.
Know Your Rates
When you work on particular project may it be as freelance SAP Consultant or moderator, you should be able to gauge your rates competitively. If the client is negotiate on your rate perhaps you could give them some leeway but if the project is too tedious and the budget of the client is small then don’t be hesitant to ask for an additional but just make sure you’ll deliver.
New Skills
As a SAP Freelancer, you will faced a number of project some may require you to learn new skills or study new software. It is important that you keep yourself updated so that if a client questions you on the SAP Project you are working, you’ll be able to provide a definite answer or a solution to their query. New skills also translate more revenue. The more complex a project is the more money you can ask on your client.
Blog your Contributions
With all the hard work you have accomplished in completing those SAP projects for different clients, you should be able to share these things to your audience. This will allow you to be recognizing as an expert on SAP and be able to help other aspiring SAP freelancers.
Whether you’re just starting as a novice or already an expert in SAP Freelancing, with the right attitude, dedication and effort, you can never go wrong with your career.
What is your suggestion to coming freelancers wither her or on my own blog of the same topic
Daniel,
I agree with most of your blog. Thanks!
The one thing I would caution about is the last item, "Blog your Contributions". I think I know what you mean. Part of freelancing is building your "brand" or reputation. And having some blogs and having a web presence can help.
But you have to be careful about what you put out there. For one, most clients require a confidentiality agreement to be signed, (at least in the States). You can't just blog about a client's project or even a piece of the project. You have to be very careful that the client cannot be identified and that the info you divulge in the blog doesn't neutralize or publicize something that your client considers a competitive advantage. Even if you don't consider it as such, your client might.
Some of the coolest things I've done for clients will never see the light of day. Because the development/process is unique enough that it can't be published. I have several things I'd love to demonstrate at a tech-ed show some day or blog about. But I doubt it will happen.
So as newbies build their brand, they must be careful in what they put out there on the web. It WILL be found and seen. Client confidentiality has to be a number one priority.
FF
True you can not show all of what you are doing and I have been on clients where it was not possible. Some of the ideas may be possible to make on a more abstract level, that can apply to others also.