The traditional workplace has forever been disrupted by the ongoing pandemic. We look at the freelancing boom and how savvy networkers can make the best of this opportunity for 2021. 
Remote-working, freelancing, empty offices… the traditional workplace has forever been disrupted by the ongoing pandemic. We look at the freelancing boom and how you can make the best of this opportunity for 2021.
A study released by Upwork, one of the world’s biggest freelance-market places, reveals that the freelance workers contribute a staggering $1.2 trillion to the US economy, an increase of 22% since 2019. This year has seen a huge influx of young, skilled professionals seeking flexible opportunities for employment to earn a living.
Some of Upwork’s findings are revealing; 75% say they earn the same or more from freelancing compared to working for a traditional employer and nearly 60% are working remotely.
Another shift brought on by the pandemic is the change in perception regarding freelance work; it’s more acceptable, if not preferable to freelance during times of uncertainty. With many businesses closing or on the verge of collapsing, working freelance has prepared many workers for uncertain conditions, reports Upwork.
The change could lead networks like Upwork becoming more profitable as the organisation reports 22% more freelances in 2020.
The change could lead networkers such as Introducing Brokers (IBs) to become more profitable, with access to more potential clients for 2021.
Daniel Kibel, Co-Founder of CM Trading shares answers questions about self-employment during the pandemic and how to make the most of changing workplace conditions.
How has the on-going pandemic affected the traditional workplace?
Kibel: As the COVID situation continues to unfold, financial resources remain quite stretched for many companies. A cross-section of organisations is looking to streamline operations and staffing to cut costs. But they still need to tap into human resources. This is one of the areas where people are becoming more creative about self-employment because, in many cases, it is more affordable for an organisation to employ a freelancer or a contracted worker as they don’t need to factor in long-term employee benefits.
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What is your outlook for the post-COVID landscape?
Kibel: COVID has brought about major changes. The offices of the future will not be the same as what we are used to. We are seeing remote working and hybrid working become more commonplace. And if this time has proved anything to organisations across the board, it’s that (for the most part), people can work from home.
Beyond the new ways of working, though, there is still widespread uncertainty and millions of jobs all over the world have been lost. This has seen an unprecedented number of people globally turn to self-employment and freelancing. And there are a number of options available to those who are proactive.
Opportunity for business referrals
Kibel: Very much intertwined with online trading is business referral income such as those obtained by IBs. Business referral income requires no investment, other than time. And referring people who are interested in trading online can generate an income via trading companies who sign up new clients as a result of any referrals.
Interest in trading has grown during lockdown. And there are potentially more opportunities now to refer people to reputable trading companies and earn a passive income that will grow exponentially.
Online trading as a stream of income
As businesses closed doors permanently throughout 2020, many have turned to upskilling and searching for a change of career path to provide for their families. Trading is an area where with enough dedication, you could earn a second income.
Like any discipline, this will require putting in the effort to learn skills, understanding the tools available to you and dedication. Interest in trading has grown during the lockdown. And there are potentially more opportunities now to refer people to reputable trading companies and earn a passive income that will grow exponentially.
Refer clients and earn money when they trade!
Kibel: One of the options that is worth exploring is online trading. The beauty of trading is, you can start trading on any of the world’s largest markets such as in forex and you don’t need massive investment capital. You can begin by putting down as little as $250, if you like. I would recommend starting with around $1000 but that isn’t possible for everyone. And there’s nothing wrong with starting small.
Never overextend yourself. Any considered investment could potentially pay dividends over a long period of time, generating ongoing income if you make informed trading decisions. Always keep risk top of mind. And remember that there is no such thing as ‘risk-free’ trading. But it is a viable income option – especially if you are looking to supplement an existing income stream.
What advice do you have for potential traders?
Kibel: When starting your trading journey, there are opportunities to cash in on trading specials, too. Due to the challenging employment situation worldwide.
Signing up with an established trading company is vital. Trading is a skill that should be taught and nurtured in a safe environment by skilled professionals. And with the wealth of research at our fingertips, it’s easy to do your homework before you start investing.
I wouldn’t advise throwing everything you have into the markets – and particularly not in the current climate – because of the risk involved. But if you are looking for an additional source of income or are aiming to build a base income; a focused and frugal approach can make trading work for you.
We are seeing an increasing number of people turning to trading with varying results. The ultimate take away is, let a clear head prevail and stay informed about what exactly you are investing in. There is always potential to make a lot of money over the longer-term.
The freelance boom
Kibel: In terms of freelancing in general, the first step is to look inward. Ask yourself what you have to offer the world. What are your unique skills and how you can monetize them. These are challenging times for many businesses. Think about your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). For example, if you have a recipe that is entirely original and tastes appealing, its uniqueness and flavour are your USP.
If your product is not entirely unique, however; try to identify other differentiators that make the offering more appealing. Personalised service, delivery, relationship-building and other value – adds can enhance your sales proposition. Pose the question, ‘What problem do I solve for my target market?’
As a result of the COVID crisis, freelancing and remote working are on the rise globally. But for anyone looking to become self-employed, a good starting point is to jot down a list of contacts. Any business is about networking and pooling resources with people you know. Low-hanging fruit is the easiest to reach. Start with the people you know and see how they can help you grow your business. Everybody knows people. Cold calling is a lot harder. That’s not to say that it is a dead end; persistence can win in the end – but it takes a long time.
Overall
Kibel: If you’re starting up a business, try not to think about what you don’t have. Think about what you can offer the world. What makes you unique? And also, who do you know that can help you get to where you want to be? Use the people you know as leverage – even if that just means asking them to help you spread the word about what you do through their networks.
Try to provide a win-win situation, rather than merely trying to take advantage of the people you know, though. It’s also important that you ask yourself, in reaching out to your friends, family and colleagues, what you can offer them in return. One-sided relationships can become parasitic. Mutually beneficial relationships are always far more constructive and enduring.
Register and become an Introducing Broker with CM Trading
Becoming an Introducing Broker (IB) is an easy and exciting way to earn money – simply refer traders to CMTrading and let us do all the work! In return for referring clients to CM Trading our IB’s will receive a commission. Refer clients and earn money when they trade, it’s that simple
