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20 Must Haves for Freelancers
20 Must Haves for Freelancers
"Accept & work happily with what you have."
Regardless of what gadgets or devices you are using, what's most important is that you are content and happy with what you have.
But if you have the money, it's good to buy the things you need to make yourself efficient and productive at work. Here are the 20 things that make my life as a freelancer easier.
Stable Internet & Back-Up Connection - I indicated there the word "Stable" because many of us have internet connection but most of them are slow while some are super super slow. I am using SkyCable Connection (I am not an affiliate of them or an endorser). I run on a 16mbps internet connection for P 2,000 a month. Is it good? I would say that it is the most reliable internet connection I ever had.
UPDATE as of October 2018: Sky Cable disappointed me so bad that I needed to change my Internet Service Provider. I switched to PLDT and so far it is doing good. We have the P1,800/month running 20 Mbps.
UPDATE as of July 2020. After getting married, I moved to Pampanga. We are using Converge running 40 Mbps 1,600/month.
Desktop or Laptop - I cannot really tell you what is the best laptop to use because it will depend on the job you will do. Here's the video tutorial I made to explain the things you need to know before buying a computer.
Headset with Microphone - This is very important during your interviews, training, and meetings. It's good to have a noise-canceling headset with a microphone to ensure your communications with your employer will be smooth and nice. Based on the feedback from our long-term Freelancers the best brand is Jabra.
4. Computer Table or a Sturdy Table - This should not be very expensive or fancy. A simple one will do. But, if you have money, a nice table with drawers will make your home office look more organise and professional.
5. Comfortable Chair - Your chair will be your best friend for life. Make sure it is comfortable and durable. Here's my Facebook Post about the latest chair I am using.
6. Desk Lamp - The best location for your work station is beside the window to get the natural light during the day. However, during late nights when everyone is sleeping and you are still hyped and energised to get things done. A good desk lamp will help you a lot.
7. Good Ventilation - My workstation is near the windows and we have lots of trees outside the house. So, I enjoy the breeze from outside and I like staring at green colours to relax my eyes. Then, I have a fan on my side to make it cooler especially in the afternoon.
8. Mobile Phone - It doesn't have to be expensive. You need a mobile phone that will allow you to see your email and messages fast. Make sure you are available and accessible if your client needs to contact you.
9. Task Management Application - Normally, your client will provide your access to these. So it's good to make yourself familiarise using it. The popular applications you can try using are Asana, and Basecamp. But, my most favourite and the one we are using now is Trello.
10. Google Account & Google Applications (Docs, Sheets, Gmail, Drive) - These are very essential for Virtual Professionals
11. Messaging Apps- Most clients will do the interview and training through Skype calls, Zoom Meetings, Google Meet video or audio calls. Normally, these apps are free and ready to be downloaded. It is important that you install this application on your phone as well so you can receive calls even when you're away from your computer.
12. Hard Drive or USB - Your files or your client files are very important. Make sure you back them up especially if your computer is experiencing technical issues. This is to ensure that even your computer fails, your work and your deadlines will not be compromised.
13. Cloud Storage - This is another form of storage only it's now online. As a Virtual Professional, you should own one cloud storage for your files. This will ensure that wherever you are as long as there is an internet connection, you have access to your files. This will also allow file sharing to your clients or team members.
14. Screenshot & Video Recording Apps- I use Camtasia and Snagit before. I'm on iMac now so I am using the built-in app called Quicktime. There are other applications that can do screenshots and video recordings like Loom.
15. Online Time Clock - Normally, clients will require you to download Time Tracking software to document your work hours. In the Virtual Assistants' world, your work hours is equal to your salary. So this is important. Nothing to worry, this kind of applications are very easy to use and you are free to download it.
16. Timezone Converter - You must have the knowledge how to convert Philippines' time to your client's timezone. I am using this online tool.
17. Payment Gateways - The most popular is Paypal. This will allow you to receive money from other countries converted to pesos. I am using Payoneer and Wise.
18. Bank Account - To receive the money, you should have your own Bank account. I am using BPI. I opened an account with them back in 2016. There is no maintaining balance but I get charged for every withdrawal transaction.
19. Valid IDs - This can be very basic but this can often cause serious problems especially when setting up payment gateways and bank accounts. Be prepared to have valid IDs ahead of time
20. Basic Workstation Supplies - Your notebook, pen, post-it, and water bottle.
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