Profile : Tshiamo Mokgage
Hello world. Meet Tshiamo Mokgage, a rising South African freelancer and business woman. This is how she is transforming South African and international businesses : Last month ( August) was Women’s Month in South Africa, we asked her what it meant to her and what advice she would give to young girls. The following were her responses. What does Women’s Month mean to you? Women’s Month holds great meaning for me. It serves as a crucial opportunity to spotlight and celebrate the countless women who often go unnoticed despite their incredible contributions. While I believe that recognition should not be limited to just one month, I acknowledge that Women’s Month provides a valuable platform for bringing attention to those whose achievements might otherwise be overlooked. It’s a chance to honour both the women who have made groundbreaking strides and those whose everyday efforts deserve acknowledgment. Women’s month is about creating opportunities for women to shine and ensuring their voices and accomplishments are celebrated. What advice would you give girls in high school about freelancing, business / entrepreneurship? As cliché as it might sound, Nike said it best: Just Do It. That dream did not randomly appear in your heart; it was meant for you and there is a purpose behind it. While waiting for the perfect moment or opportunity can be tempting, perfect timing often doesn’t arrive. Instead, have faith and take the leap. The journey itself is where growth and discovery happen, not at some final destination. Just embrace the process, give it your all, and be open to learning new things along the way. Links to her channels LinkedIn Instagram Company Page
The Value of Networking for South African Freelancers.
Freelancing can be a dream career, offering flexibility, autonomy, and the chance to be your own boss. However, it can also feel isolating especially for South African freelancers who are just starting out. Unlike traditional office environments, freelancers often work remotely, missing out on the camaraderie and support of colleagues. This is where freelance communities such as Collaborahub become important. We are a community of South African freelancers and we also welcome other freelancers as well. We recently had a freelancer from Venezuela join our WhatsApp group. This is the beauty of the internet as it provides opportunities to join virtual spaces such as Collaborahub. Freelance communities provide a vital source of connection, support, and professional development for freelancers. They offer a space to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from others who understand the unique challenges and rewards of freelance work. Here are some of the key benefits of joining a freelance community: 1. Combat Isolation: Freelancing can be a lonely profession. By connecting with other freelancers, you can combat feelings of isolation and build a network of support. Collaborahub has hive days (a reference to worker bees) where freelancers from the same local area can meet up and connect. These are flexible, you can work together or socialize over a cup of coffee. Our hive days are still in the early days but we are witnessing success in major metropolitan areas such as Johannesburg, Pretoria and Capetown. At the writing of this article, our next hive days are on the 19th of April 2024 and 3rd of May 2024. 2. Professional Development: Freelance communities offer a wealth of resources for professional development, such as workshops, webinars, and mentorship programs. You can also learn from the experiences of other freelancers and stay up-to-date on industry trends. Collaborahub offers webinars from experienced South African freelancers to help you grow as a professional and land clients. You can check them out here 3. Client Acquisition: Your net worth is indeed your network. Many freelance communities offer job boards and other resources to help freelancers find new clients. Collaborahub is one of such communities. You can network with other members and build relationships that can lead to new opportunities. Collaborahub has a thriving WhatsApp group with such opportunities. You can check out the group here. 3. Business Advice: Freelance communities are a great place to get advice on everything from setting rates to managing your finances to marketing your services. As previously mentioned, our webinars cover this extensively and you can check out the link under ” Professional Development” for our webinars. 4. Peer Support: Freelancing can be a rollercoaster ride. Freelance communities provide a safe space to vent your frustrations, celebrate your successes, and get advice from people who have been there. You might not have colleagues like full-time employed workers but you can find that support from fellow freelancers. Collaborahub provides such spaces through our hive days which are usually held on Fridays. They are informal and laid back allowing people to unwind and connect authentically. You can meet in coffee shops, restaurants, book shops, or anywhere that suits you and your fellow freelancers! If you’re looking to build a successful and fulfilling freelance career, joining a freelance community is a great place to start. It can provide you with the support, resources, and connections you need to thrive. The link to our Whatsapp community once again can be found here
5 Free Resources to Launch Your Freelance Business
Freelancing has become a buzzword over the years and it almost seems like it is a new concept when it has been around for longer. The word ” free lance” dates back to the 1800s British history when members of private armies were called ” free lances”. Now that we have delved into a little bit of history it’s time to come back to the present. Launching your freelance business can be costly given that there are paid services that can set you up for success. However, this does not mean you cannot pursue your freelance business if you have little to no money. Here are 5 free resources to set you up for success if you are in South Africa. 1. Canva Topping the list is Canva. This is your branding kit as a beginner. If you have not heard of Canva yet then you must be living under some rock ( just kidding!). Canva helps you create professional graphics with provided templates on the free plan. You do not need to hire a graphic designer ( although you will need one as your brand and wallet grows). Canva helps you show up professionally with clean cutting-edge visuals that will entice clients and make them work with you. This intuitive platform boasts a vast library of templates, fonts, and stock photos, allowing you to craft stunning logos, social media graphics, presentations, website mockups and most importantly visually appealing portfolios! Canva’s user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to navigate, even for non-designers. With a little creativity, you can design a cohesive brand identity that reflects your unique style and expertise. This not only projects professionalism but also sets you apart from the competition. 2. Trello As a freelancer, you are your own project manager and Trello helps you move through your projects with ease! Freelancing often involves juggling multiple projects with varying deadlines. Trello comes to the rescue, acting as your free project management command center. This visual tool utilizes “boards” and “cards” to organize your workflow. Create separate boards for each client or project. Within each board, use cards to represent tasks, deadlines, and notes. Trello allows you to assign collaborators (if you choose to outsource), attach files, and track progress – all in one centralized location. Pro Tip: Take advantage of Trello’s automation features. Set up automatic reminders for deadlines, trigger card movements based on progress updates, and create checklists within cards to ensure no detail gets missed. 3. Google Docs. Proposals are your gateway to landing clients but crafting compelling proposals can be a time-consuming struggle. Google Docs offers a free and accessible solution. Start by building a template that showcases your expertise and value proposition. Include sections outlining your services, experience, and a clear call to action for the client. Leverage Google Docs’ collaborative features to allow potential clients to leave comments and feedback – demonstrating your openness to communication. Pro Tip: Integrate free add-ons like “DocuSign” for electronic signatures, streamlining the proposal approval process. 4. Clockify. As a freelancer, understanding your time investment is crucial. Clockify is a free time-tracking tool that helps you monitor how long you spend on tasks and projects. This valuable data allows you to identify areas for improvement. Analyze your time logs to see where you might be lagging or overspending time. This allows you to optimize your workflow and boost productivity. Pro Tip: Explore Clockify’s reporting features to generate insightful data visualizations. This can help you identify trends and make informed decisions about your workload and pricing strategy. 5. Social Media. Social media can help you launch your freelance business and most are free to use with an internet connection ( If you are reading this I assume you have an internet connection) Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Instagram (depending on your industry) are powerful tools for connecting with potential clients and building a strong professional network. * Position yourself as an expert: Share valuable content related to your field, participate in industry discussions, and showcase your expertise. * Connect with relevant communities like us ( CollaboraHub), also join forums where your clients are active. * Engage and build relationships: Respond to comments, participate in discussions, and build rapport with potential clients. Pro Tip: Don’t just be a broadcaster, be a connector. Share the work of others in your field, engage in genuine conversations, and establish yourself as a valuable resource within your online community. There you have it. 5 free resources that can help you launch your freelance business in South Africa. While the ideal will be to subscribe to different “fancy” services. The truth remains you can still build a business if you only have an internet connection. Go ahead and check out the resources listed above. If you liked this post, leave a comment with your views or useful free services.
A Comprehensive Guide to Building a Strong Freelancer Portfolio
In the competitive landscape of freelancing, a robust portfolio is your ticket to standing out from the crowd, attracting potential clients, and securing exciting projects. Whether you’re just starting or looking to revamp your existing portfolio, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to build a strong and compelling showcase of your skills and experience. Before diving into the creation process, it’s crucial to understand the purpose of your freelancer portfolio. Your portfolio should not only exhibit your skills but also tell a story about your professional journey. It’s a dynamic representation of your capabilities, experience, and the value you bring to clients. 2. Choosing the Right Platform: Selecting the right platform for your portfolio is the first step in its creation. Consider using a personal website, platforms like Behance or Dribbble for visual creatives, or LinkedIn for a more professional network-oriented approach. Ensure that the platform aligns with your industry and showcases your work effectively. 3. Curating a Selection of Your Best Work: Quality always trumps quantity. Select a diverse range of your best work that highlights your skills and versatility. Tailor your portfolio to your target audience, emphasising projects that align with the type of clients you want to attract. Include case studies where possible, providing context, challenges, and solutions for each project. 4. Crafting a Compelling Bio: Your bio is your chance to introduce yourself to potential clients. Keep it concise, highlighting your expertise, passion, and unique selling points. Mention your skills, experience, and what sets you apart from other freelancers. A personal touch can make you more relatable and memorable. 5. Showcasing Your Process: Clients want to understand how you work and approach projects. Incorporate visuals or descriptions that outline your creative process. This could include sketches, wireframes, or before-and-after comparisons. This not only showcases your skills but also gives clients confidence in your methodology. 6. Highlighting Testimonials and Endorsements: Build credibility by including client testimonials or endorsements. Reach out to satisfied clients for feedback and permission to showcase their comments. Authentic testimonials add a human touch and build trust, assuring potential clients of your reliability and professionalism. 7. Optimising for Search Engines: Make your portfolio discoverable by optimizing it for search engines. Use relevant keywords in your bio and project descriptions. This will help potential clients find your portfolio when searching for specific skills or services. 8. Regularly Updating Your Portfolio: Freelancers evolve, and so should your portfolio. Regularly update it with your latest and best work. Remove outdated projects and update your bio to reflect any changes in your skills, experience, or focus. Conclusion: A strong freelancer portfolio is a dynamic and evolving tool that plays a pivotal role in showcasing your skills, building your brand, and attracting the right clients. By carefully curating your best work, telling your professional story, and staying proactive in keeping it updated, you’ll position yourself for success in the competitive world of freelancing. Remember, your portfolio is not just a collection of projects; it’s your personal brand and a testament to your journey as a freelancer. Craft it with care, and let it speak volumes about the exceptional value you bring to the table.