Every year, more and more people are turning to freelancing, attracted by the promise of freedom, flexibility, and potentially higher incomes. However, starting a freelance business is not a decision to be taken lightly. This involves many considerations, from the creation of a company to the daily management of its business. In this article, we give you the keys to a successful freelance career.
When you start freelancing, it is crucial to choose the right status based on your situation and your project. A status that is not optimized will have an impact on your remuneration.
The choice of legal status is crucial for a freelancer. In France, you have two options:
Choosing a bad status can be very expensive, which is why it is advisable to call on an expert who will be able to recommend you according to your situation and your project.
Once the status has been chosen, you must proceed with the creation of your company. This involves drafting the articles of association, filing the share capital, publishing a legal announcement, and registering with the competent authorities. Although the formalities may seem complex, it is possible to get support, or even delegate these procedures to specialized companies to save time.
When you start prospecting, the question of the price of your services will quickly arise. There are then 2 things to take into account: the value of your skills and experience in the market, but also the net remuneration you want to pay yourself. For this last point, it is important to anticipate the tax burdens and obligations that you have as a freelancer, because your turnover is not equal to the remuneration you will have in your pocket in the end.
To help you set your rate, you can use a Income simulator. It will give you a precise amount of your optimal remuneration and will help you set your TMR.
There are a lot of freelance platforms where you can create your profile. This allows you to be alerted as soon as a new mission is available and to apply. Do not hesitate to also update your Linkedin profile in order to be easily found by potential customers.
The network is a very good source of opportunities for a freelancer. To maintain it, do not hesitate to participate in professional events, webinars and conferences in your field.
In addition, some companies like Paatch offer events dedicated to freelancers: yoga sessions, sports activities, coliving stays... These experiences not only allow you to relax and open up to new perspectives, but also to develop your network in a more natural and friendly way.
Keeping your accounts up to date, monitoring your income and expenses, meeting your fiscal and social obligations... all these tasks quickly prove to be time-consuming and can cause a few knots in the brain. That is why it is advisable to be well accompanied to avoid mistakes that can be expensive.
Our partner Hiway takes full responsibility for the accounting and management of your business. In addition to taking care of all the administrative formalities for you, they optimize your remuneration and allow you to make the most of your new freelance status.
Becoming a freelancer offers numerous advantages, especially in terms of freedom and income potential. However, it also requires good preparation and rigorous management of its activity. By choosing the right status, by effectively finding your first customers, and by managing your business on a daily basis, you will put all the chances on your side to succeed in this entrepreneurial adventure. So, ready to get started?