Why you should upskill as a freelancer and how to do it

Remember back in the day when "freelancing" meant being a writer or graphic designer, and when there were just a handful of freelancers? Now, the freelance world is brimming with people who offer all sorts of services: web development, social media management, virtual assistance, the list goes on.

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This growth and diversity is great, but it also means one thing: competition. So, how do you stay ahead of the competition and secure those big projects? The answer lies in upskilling.

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Why Upskilling Matters

The freelance market is constantly evolving. New technologies emerge, client needs shift, and the skills that were hot last year might not be so in demand today. Clients are looking for individuals who can solve their problems and deliver exceptional results. The more skills you have in your arsenal, the more valuable you become. As a freelancer, you're the CEO of your own one-person company, and that means taking responsibility for your professional growth and making yourself more valuable to clients. 

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Benefits of Upskilling:

• The Competition is Global: You're not just competing with freelancers in your city, you're up against talented individuals worldwide. Upskilling allows you to offer specialised services that set you apart and make you the obvious choice for clients.
• Future-Proofing Your Career: The market is dynamic, and the tools and processes you use today might be obsolete tomorrow. By continuously learning and adapting, you ensure you're equipped with the latest skills to thrive in the freelance market.
• Increasing Your Earning Potential: As you gain new expertise, your value proposition increases. Clients are willing to pay more for freelancers who can deliver a wider range of high-quality services.
• Boosting Your Confidence: Remember that feeling when you first started freelancing and weren't quite sure you had what it takes? Upskilling helps you silence that pesky inner critic and build unshakeable confidence in your abilities.

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How to Upskill as a Freelancer:

The beauty of upskilling is that there are different paths to choose from. Here are a few things you can try today:

• Online Courses: Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare offer a treasure trove of courses on virtually any topic imaginable. While some come with a price tag, the investment can be invaluable for acquiring the specialised skills that put you ahead of the competition. You can easily pay for these courses with a Geegpay Virtual Dollar card.
• Free Resources: YouTube, Quora, and Reddit are goldmines of free tutorials, industry insights, and expert discussions. Get into these communities and soak up the knowledge.
• Content Consumption: Subscribe to industry blogs, newsletters, and niche publications to stay updated on the latest trends and best practices.
• Coaching and Mentorship: Seek guidance from experienced professionals through coaching programs or mentorship opportunities.
• Webinars and Events: Attend online or in-person workshops, conferences, and networking events to connect with other freelancers, learn from industry leaders, and discover new opportunities.

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Upskilling doesn't have to be a terrifying or expensive task. Start small, pick a skill that excites you, and dedicate some time each week to learning and growing. You'll be surprised at how quickly you’ll grow.

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Bonus Tip: 

As you navigate the freelance world, consider using tools that boost your efficiency. For instance, a tool that can help you receive payments from clients no matter where they are and manage your finances better can take off the worry of payments and let you focus on growing your skills. 

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Geegpay provides freelancers with a multi-currency virtual account that allows you to receive payments from international clients in their preferred currency, eliminating the hassle of currency conversion. Geegpay also offers a virtual dollar card that you can use to pay for online courses, subscriptions, software, or anything else you need to upskill as a freelancer.

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