Three Investments Freelancers Need to Make
August 29, 2009 by Allison Boyer
Filed under Jobs
If you’re starting out as a freelancer, you may not have a lot of money. I sure as heck didn’t – I was a recent college grad who used most of her savings for the security deposit on a new apartment. I wouldn’t have even had a kitchen table if not for my dad deciding that he wanted to get me a housewarming present.
No matter how little money you have, though, as a freelancer, there are three expensive things that you show purchase as soon as possible, even if it means ringing up a little credit card debt.
Image: sxc.hu
1. A Reliable Laptop Computer
If you truly don’t have the money, but already have a desktop, you can survive. I used a desktop during college and for about 5 months afterward as a freelancer. If your computer is reliable, it might be annoying, but it is doable. But if you need a new computer anyway? Spend the extra buck and get a laptop. Actually, today, laptops aren’t that much more expensive than desktop computers, unless you buy a Mac, which are way overpriced for what most freelancers need, in my opinion. For around $550, though, you can get a really decent laptop that lasts for at least two years if you take care of it. That’s not bad at all. A laptop allows you to be mobile while you work, so you can not only vary your environment to stay motivated, but you can also work as you travel, take your laptop to presentations with local clients, and attend events like conferences with your work at your side.
2. A Cell Phone or Business Line
I know tons of people who get by without having a cell phone. As a freelancer, though, you want to be able to connect to your clients, and some people will never be comfortable hiring you through email alone. Having a cell phone is great because you can pick it up almost anywhere to talk to a client. You can find some very inexpensive go phone options, too, so you don’t have to pay $50 a month for service if you rarely talk on the phone.
If you don’t want a cell, at least get a business line. That way, your clients will get your business voice mail or answering machine, rather than the family line. You don’t want your three-year-old to pick up when you’re in the shower or messages missed because you husband forget to write them down.
3. A Business Suit
One of the best things about freelancing for me is that I don’t have to dress up for the office every day. I can roll out of bed in my jammies and get to work. Heck, I can stay in bed in my jammies and do work if I really want to! Every so often, though, you’ll have a need for business attire. You’ll get invited to networking events, have meetings with local clients, and be interviewed in person for jobs. The business suit you buy doesn’t have to be super expensive. In fact, you might be able to find something that fits well at your local Salvation Army for less than $50. Hit the sale rack if not. The suit you purchase doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars – but you do need at least one!
As for #1, if you want a truly reliable computer, then buy a Mac. Overpriced? I think not. Especially since you are talking about a Windows laptop lasting 2 years. Only 2 years? That is a very bad investment. Most people need to keep their equipment far longer than that. A Windows laptop should last you a least 3 years. A Mac laptop will last about 5. You can also buy refurbished Mac laptops from Apple for far less than new but with the same warranty. Of course Mac vs PC will often be a function of what work you do. Nice thing about Macs is that you can then use OSX or Windows depending on your need. If you have a PC, you are locked into using Windows.
#2 – if you have a great internet connection you could also use Skype, or go for GoogleVoice if you can get an invite. What you really want to have is a business number separate from your home number. Not only will it allow you to answer the lines differently, but you can not answer the business line during “off” hours.
#3 – Unless you are in some really unusual field, you won’t need a suit. What you should have is a nice pair of slacks, good shoes, a blazer or sports jacket, and a tie. Too often people wear suits to functions and just look desperate. If you have a nice jacket outfit, you will be more than fine. Just make sure that you keep that pair of shoes nice looking and not use them every day. Yes, you will be graded on them.
Sorry to disagree, but this is the way I see it and what is working for the people I know and work with.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Michael!
I have to definitely disagree with your advice to buy a Mac, which opens a can of worms I suppose, since there are rabid supporters on both side of this argument. Whether I’m using a PC or Mac, my computer (laptop at least) will need to be replaced in two to three years. It has nothing to do with the manufacturer – I take my computer EVERYWHERE and have it powered on for at least 15 hours every day, many times over night. No matter how careful I am, my computer is such a close part of my life that it will get dropped, food dripped on it, and just generally beat up. It isn’t about viruses and battery life and operating systems and such…it’s about my laptop just plain ol’ wearing out!
I should take a picture of my old laptop – it was hilarious! The power cord was taped into place, the screen was falling off at one side, the “i” key was missing, there are two worn-down spots where my palms rested as I typed, and the bottom was cracked.
But I digress…I think Macs are a great choice for anyone into the graphic arts, web design, etc., but I do think that even refurbished Macs are way overpriced for what a freelancer writer needs. If my computer is going to wear out anyway after two to three years, I’m going with the $550 option. I have to note, though, what I’ve never had Vista problems like others describe, so maybe if I had, my opinion would be different.
Skype is a GREAT recommendation, and I’m actually mad at myself for not thinking to mention it. You can get your own number via Skype for a very low amount every year. My boyfriend actually doesn’t have a cell and uses Skype and a mini computer instead (he lives in place where there is city-wide wi-fi). Not so good when you’re traveling, but for a business line, it works really, really well!
Isn’t a suit nothing more than “a nice pair of slacks, good shoes, a blazer or sports jacket, and a tie”? :-p I guess you don’t have to buy them together, so point taken, but I definitely think that every writer should have something “suit-like” in their wardrobe! I’d rather see someone looking “desperate” in a suit rather than just in jeans and a blazer.
I definitely also say go for a MAC. I’ve been a PC person for years but am now a true MAC addict.