EXPERT INTERVIEW SERIES: MARV DE LEON OF FREELANCE BLEND ON NAVIGATING A FREELANCING CAREER

Marv de Leon is the founder and podcast host of Freelance Blend, where he champions the Filipino freelancer. We recently asked Marv about his experiences as a freelancer and get his advice for other contractors on managing their careers. Here’s what he had to say:

What inspired you to become a freelancer?

I was working in the corporate world for 18 years and decided to try something new by building an online platform for freelancers and eventually turning into a freelancer myself.

What have been the best parts of working for yourself?

Time and freedom. I now have time to take care of my family and, best of all, myself. Location freedom, no need to suffer inMetro Manila traffic. And financial freedom, I can now have the confidence to create my own earning opportunities.

What about the must frustrating or toughest parts?

Honestly, the times when you have no clients and no money coming in are tough. But it makes you stronger as you persevere to build earning opportunities.

What have been the most important lessons you’ve had to learn about being a cyberpreneur?

Being a giver first than a taker. Nobody likes takers. Give something of value first, over-deliver. Everything will come back to you a hundred-fold.

Why is networking so critical to finding success as a freelancer?

It is very, very critical because any business, including freelancing, starts and ends with relationships. Even with the onset of online freelancing, you still have to build real life, face-to-face interactions with real people who may eventually become a client or who will refer you to a client. Freelancers have to be finding networking opportunities all the time. If they can’t find one, then they can build their own events such as meetups.

What are the most useful ways you’ve found to network as a freelancer?

Definitely building my own events like meetups. I create opportunities for myself and other people by initiating networking opportunities.

How has your work as a freelancer evolved since you left your corporate job?

It is evolving every day. I continue to learn new things, add new skills, consume tons of information so that I can adapt to the fast-changing landscape or else my business dies.

What’s the first step those who are interested in leaving their jobs to freelance should take? What considerations should they make?

The first step is to assess whether they have the skills and strengths that can solve people’s problems and those people will be paying money to solve those problems. If they don’t have the skills yet, research and find out which skills are in demand and see if they have the knack to learn those new skills. Then, try to build your portfolio by maybe working for free or taking less money. As you grow, slowly increase your rate. It won’t be easy and you have to be patient. But once you have grown your income and matched your salary, then you can now decide to focus on freelancing full time.

What advice can you offer on payment methods for freelance work? What methods have you found worked? What doesn’t work?

When it comes to payment, don’t do the work without receiving any form of payment (partial or full). It’s either the client pre-pays or you agree on terms, such as 50 percent down payment and 50 percent balance after the work has been delivered. If it’s a big project, you can agree on milestones with the client. Be very careful of those who will ask you to deliver the full gig without paying you first. You may not hear from them again after delivering the gig.

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