Freelance In Australia

Secong Meetup Tomorrow

2009-07-08T19:17:00.004+10:00

Wanted - A Joomla+Virtuemart Developer‏
If you have the skills I would like to meetup with you tomorrow at our Second Meetup.

Click here to check out
The Employers seeking Freelance (vica versa)!

First Meetup for Employers seeking Freelance (vica versa) Group

2009-05-21T13:14:00.012+10:00

Finally after a long wait we are organising our first Meet up for Employers seeking Freelance (vica versa) Group.We are a group of 55 members Sydney wide and growing rapidly.Freelancers with various skills are part of this Meet up.

From Freelance Chartered Accountants,Architect,Designer,Developer,Network Specialist,IT Consultant,,Analyst,,Artist,graphic designer,photographer,
Project manager,Art Direction & Designer,Programmer,Designer and animation's, HR,Database Architect,Software Engineer (IT),PHP Programmer/System administrator, Animator,Advertising Account Manager,Construction Risk Manager,Financial Modeller and Analysts in Excel,PHP, AJAX, JQUERY, Joomla,SAP FI consaltant,writer to freelance photographer.

Many budding entrepreneurs like me have joined the Meet up to find freelancers face to face ,Large Format Digital Printing business,small engineering company looking for talented freelancers who believe in exploring Australian freelance talent are joining.

The benefits of this Meet up are that

Both freelancers and Small Business get to meet face to face.
Freelancers can find jobs, market their skills, earn public feedback.
Small Business can find freelancers to get their jobs done, no obligation to hire, accelerate business results.

This First Meet up is going to be an informal session where we as a Group will get together and share the following issues like

1)Should You Freelance in a Recession?
2)What you want to achieve from this Meet up Group
3)Suggestions for the Group
4)I will be offering a Free Brochure site for a Best story of freelancing in Australia which I would publish on my blog with your cons cent

To be a part of this Experience be a part of it and help it grow

Click here to check out
The Employers seeking Freelance (vica versa)!

Thumbs up to Obama-now its your turn Kevin

2009-05-05T15:55:00.002+10:00

Would Kevin Rudd follow the footsteps of Obama in giving no end of year tax
incentives for Australian companies which create job oversees in place like Bangalore

This is a great initiative on part of Obama and i would imagine Kevin should
follow his footsteps which would provide incentives to Australia companies which creates jobs inside the Australia.

This in return would help keep Jobs in Australian and this helping the freelance community in Australia.

8 things which help in becoming a Top Freelancers and a Entrepreneur

2009-04-25T10:49:00.003+10:00

8 things which help in becoming a Top freelancers and a Entrepreneur

1)Make Self Growth your Top priority

Being a freelancer is full of challenges and at times you just don't
get enough projects to sustain and even if you are able to survive
its not constant.My advise to all freelancers is to make self growth
your priority,seek more learning situations and experiences.

2)Create a Brand-value based-be genuine

A new way to make a Brand of your skills is through Internet,traditional
networking ways still work but now you can get more exposure through tools
available on the Internet.Develop a brand and share your knowledge which
wold help someone.Write blogs develop a subscriber list

3)Avoid spam-Have the right audience

Monitoring your conversion rate is the best way to examine whether you are
focusing on the right audience,so while developing a brand avoid spam and chose your market carefully.

4)Act now

you have the qualifications,skills and there is no reason why you shouldn't
achieve what you desire for.Acting now would give you a start and gradually developing your brand name,value base would help over come your shortcoming.
You wont believe until u act,its the initial start up which is tough rest becomes your second nature.

5)let go your employee mindset

being an employee is easy its a mindset followed by society as a whole,once
freelance has become your second nature the transition to become an entrepreneur,to take responsibility of your actions would become your first nature-Gradually shift your mindset

6)work hard and smart and don't become attached to results.

I remember the wording of Bhagwat Gita(holy book of Hindus) karm kiye ja
fal ki icha mat kar(Work hard and smart and don't become needy of results)
Follow you passion and you will see the results

7)learn from others-get a mentor

learning from others saves you from being alone,you would need it someday
because you cant know everything..Even a Doctor doesn't know how to manage a business--partner with like minded people

8)Remember your break even point

having a huge budget or small budget doesn't make a difference ,the difference is made how and where you spend it.know YOU BREAK EVEN POINT

transition from freelancer to a startup business

2009-03-15T06:29:00.003+11:00

For me freelancing is just a first step towards starting your own business.

Freelancing is a stepping stone towards materialising you business dream,as I always say

1)Never wish your life were easier,Wish that you are better.
2)Be a result driven person with following qualities such as Ownership,Accountable and responsible,
3)Don’t have reason such as Blame, Excuse and Denial.
4)Real business is fun and which works with u

Five Steps of running a business

1)Direction
-Have a vision and plan

2)Head space
-Stretch yourself,
-Think big
-Believe yourself
-Discipline it’s like a bridge (Set Dreams---- Realistic Dreams)
-Mixing with right people
-Over coming your fear

3)Money
-Know your cash flow, break even point
-Budgeting and reporting

Example
Sales 100
Variable Cost 75
Gross Profit 15
Owner Salary 5
Net profit 5
Equity 0
Cash 5

4)Time
-Learn to Delegate
-Learn to finish today and plan tomorrow
-Keep a Diary

5)Delivery
-Delivering consistently which is equal to foundation for healthy growth
-Customer goes by perception

Stick to above and things would eventualy start happening,the transition from freelancing to business is all about
1)Niche =Cash
2)Leverage=Team
3)Synergy =Freedom
4)Results=Diversification

I rather be earning Cash to decrease my Tax return and Become a Freelancer.

2009-03-05T21:07:00.005+11:00

What is Recession?

Now we hear everyday Australia is on the brink of recession but no one is very clear how to calculate how long recession would last for.Goverment is using surplus budget, people are losing jobs, everything is getting expensive, everyone is thinking before spending now a day, What else is recession.

Jobs at risk?

There is a pressure on everyone’s mind what the next day is holding for them. People out of job and not getting new jobs those are in job are always under pressure of losing one day. Every morning you come to work you have a fear that it would be a last day for you in the company, especially when your company is related to Finance.

Govt Grants good or bad?

Govt offered grant to first home buyer and people went so crazy they are buying property without even evaluating the property price. Buyers are ready to buy even for more than the asking price. However no one is considering if those people would be out of job or is it our govt who is supporting them to go into debt. Is it really going to boost economy or our own steps are taking us into the worst situation.

My Job in Danger

I don’t understand what people are going through until I myself came to know my job is in danger. We listen every day situation is getting worst but no one can feel the situation until they go through that. If I will lose the job who is going to pay for my rent, my child expenses and would I be able to buy anything for my child’s comfort……Answer for everything is NO……Why is it the common man who always suffer. Companies spent too much on high management leisure and entertainment and we lower management got nothing and now we are the one who are suffering.

I rather be earning Cash to decrease my Tax return and Become a Freelancer.
How this situation can be improved.Govt should find solutions for that. I liked Obama policy of having a limit on bonuses and salaries but then I think how far it is going to work. This situation is very confusing and hard to analyse. But its taking every person towards the hard time.Govt should take steps using calculations and analysis for Australia rather then following the US trend of issuing money on the basis of their Tax returns last year.Person who are earning cash in hand pay less tax. They save money in tax and then they get more benefits whether it’s related to child benefits or govt grant benefits.

Good or bad being a freelancer in Australia

2009-02-25T20:31:00.004+11:00

For the past 7 years I have lived in Australia and worked for different organisation in Sydney.It has given me a unique perspective and more responsive of the different cultures in Australia.You can say I have become more cultural sensitive.Good or bad being a freelancer in Australia is full of experiences.

Overcoming the cultural Gap..

Starting working in Australia in early 2002 it took me no time to realize how the work culture is different from back home.The laid back attitude of Australian and their appreciation of my skills made things easier for me.Every opinion is listened too without being judgmental.

Being part of the Australian work culture

As more and more jobs I did I had more sense of appreciation and respect to my fellow Australian Clients.The work culture encourages a flat organisation where the communications are less formal.Its nice to use a title to address some one but not necessary.Don't shy away if you find your prospective client loud,direct or over friendly its the way of life in Australia.Catching for a coffee or a beer at bar for finalising a project is normal.

Differntiatly between promises and results

If you are working as as a freelances you some times promise more
than you can deli ever or visa verse.Knowing how much promises to provide to a prospective client in a particular project is important and would be highly recommended in your freelance career.As a project manager I need to be aware of my prospective clients needs without causing any resentment later

Greater challenges

Freelance is not new in Australia and its more liking most of the freelancer are small business owner in Australia -sole traders.New challenges exist for freelancers in Australia as not enough work is available nowadays.Promoting yourself as being located Australia would definitely help.

What lies Ahead

The profession of freelance will eventually grow in Australia taking into consideration the economic and environmental challenges we face,Freelance is a viable options for businesses and surely it will reach it full potential soon.

A freelance university should be established where as every graduate should be taught how to become a freelance and find work.That's the future

Who is termed as Independent contractor in Australia

2009-02-22T10:44:00.005+11:00

Who is termed as Independent contractor in Australia

An independent contractor is an entity (such as an individual, partnership, trust or company) that agrees to produce a designated result for an agreed price. In most cases an independent contractor:
• is paid for results achieved
• provides all or most of the necessary materials and equipment to complete the work
• is free to delegate work to other entities
• has freedom in the way the work is done
• provides services to the general public and other businesses
• is free to accept or refuse work, and
• Is in a position to make a profit or loss.
• Business have no superannuation obligations for these contractors
• If a worker is an independent contractor, a payer is required to withhold an amount from payments to them only where the contractor:
• has entered into a voluntary agreement with the payer to have amounts withheld
• provides their work or services for a client of the payer under a labour hire arrangement, or
• has not quoted their Australian business number (ABN) to the payer

In particular circumstances a ‘Statement by a Supplier' form may be given to Businesses by a supplier who does not quote you an ABN. In these circumstances there is no need to withhold 46.5% from the payment.

When can a 'Statement by a Supplier' form be completed?

These forms can be completed if:

• the supplier provides the goods or services in a private capacity, or as part of a hobby
• the payment is exempt income for the supplier (for example, the supplier is a non-profit body that is exempt from income tax)
• the payment is to a non-resident who is not carrying on a business in Australia or through an agent in Australia, or
• The supplier is not a business because they have no reasonable expectation of profit or gain. (To be satisfied that this exception applies, you’ll need to obtain a statement to this effect from the supplier.)

A decision tool is designed for small businesses in Australia by Australian Taxation.Check this

Australian Small Business Looking for Freelancers

2009-02-16T05:37:00.006+11:00

My experience working freelancers Australiawide as well from other countries has helped me develop some pointers which might be helpful to business owner assigning work to freelance community. Freelancers appreciate these pointers and makes life easy for them as well.

Job specification needs to be clear and concise and documented not verbal.

During the early stages of assigning a project I recommend that you go through what you want from the project. Write down all the tasks involved step by step.(Make a Excel sheet if required) You may want to add some reference material or websites related to your project. It helps the freelancers to gauge their skills and give you a fair quote and time frame.

Selecting the best freelancer

Different factors play a role in the final selection of the freelancers like their skill sets,reviews,portfolios,way they communicate,response time and costing.Again it varies with the Budget and time constraints of the project and is Project Dependant.The location of the freelancers plays an equal role.

Detail a brief contract with the freelancers

Its like a safety net for both of you and provides professionalism in your work.The contract must detail the payment terms,completion time,right of the final work ,ways/frequency of communication and any other issues which can cause disputes later.

Setting up of milestones

Milestones encourage freelance community. After the completion of each milestone, it is appropriate for you to pay your freelancer a percentage of the payment amount. If your job is 20% completed at the end of the first milestone, pay your service provider 20% of the total amount. In this way, your service provider will continue to be motivated to complete the entire job satisfactorily.

Emotional traits must for running a Business

2009-02-14T16:09:00.003+11:00

Running a small business is full of challenges and taking all the challenges as experience I have stayed motivated and continue to do the same. Freelancers aiming to start their own business one day need the following must traits.

1) Need to have lots of Energy-to be able to work long hours at times
2) Should able to see the big picture in case of company crisis
3) Should develop a methodology to recover-remain calm-positive self talk –learning opportunity-able to sleep
4) Be able to take calculated risks
5) Energetic, excited and thrilled (remain fit)
6) Things go wrong just pace yourself to last the distance-no one is perfect

Keys why Business owners should outsource their work

2009-02-13T16:28:00.004+11:00

My Business model of working from home has taught me so many skills as an Entrepreneur, Project manager small business owner that I really appreciate the effort put in by the freelancers whom I outsource my work to

Freelancers all over the world are keen workers looking forward to establish a mark for them. They provide professional work and there is no reason why companies shouldn’t engage them.

My experience with them has saved heaps of my time and I have learnt how to delegate tasks and get the necessary results.

All business owners suffer from lack of time and unable to focus on the things they really need to be doing. Outsourcing to a freelancers has helped focus on bigger issues, saving time and above all its give value of money.

So keys why a Business owner should engage a freelance or outsource their work are.
1. Saves Time
2. Value of Money
3. Business can focus on real issues
4. Profession Delivery of projects
5. Learning how to be a leader
6. No obligation to hire

job seeker or an employer seeking staff knowledge of following always can help you

2009-02-08T00:36:00.005+11:00

Following my creation of Meet up Group Employee seeking Freelancers (vica versa) I have come across people with different needs and consequently learnt a lot from the Discussions

Whether you are a job seeker or an employer seeking staff knowledge of following always can help you

Psychometric testing, which helps finding what drives the person and what working tendencies they may have. Looking at Apollo profile on the web, which one of my friends suggested is very good at showing the strengths and weaknesses of a person, including potential red flags of a person, (and whether they could be a good manager or how they would be as a general employee).Another one which she suggested was the Myer Briggs Type indicator; however, she didn't get anything out of it.

From my experience if necessary training is provided, anyone could work in any occupation

Obviously the next steps are the pre or post interview test of short listed candidates to see if they produce work you are happy with, you can always organize a test in relation to the Job profile to further shortlist candidates. So, it throws the candidate in the deep end, and they can pass, pass really well, or fail somewhat miserably....

The short listed candidates can invited for a formal interview. In the end it comes down to the interview and what the referee(s) said.

Sometimes finding out the history of your candidates, even doing police record checks helps.

My personal experience and the business model which I run help me finding the right people because I employ them on casual basis or short term contract basis. I help them to get an ABN and if they do a good job a nice referral to explore more opportunities.

Whether you deal in

• Websites-Database/Ecommerce (Dynamic),
• Graphic Design / Presentations / Multimedia,
• Illustration / Cartooning / Painting / Sculpting,
• Marketing / Advertising / Sales / PR,
• Engineering / CAD / Architecture,
• Networking / Hardware / Telephone Systems,
• Legal,
• Fashion / Interior / Landscape / Set Design,
• ERP / CRM Implementation ,
• Programming / Software / Database Development ,
• Writing / Editing / Translation,
• Admin Support (Legal, Medical, & Accounting)
• Sales / Telemarketing (Front-end),
• Business Consulting
• Photography / Videographer ,
• Finance and Accounting,
• Broadcasting,
• Marketing / Advertising / Sales / PR.

My suggestions for a freelancer are

• Get your portfolio ready online either through a website or blog.
• Write about your skills and ask for referrals for whatever work you have done. Building a online profile which demonstrates your skills always helps.
• Build Network Connection with other employers and freelancers. See my LinkedIn profile for Details.
• Have an ABN ready,its free if you are freelancer in Australia because it would attract employers like me.
• Fill a statement of supplier if you don’t have an ABN.

Hope this helps...

Custom made search engine where you can harness the power of Google

2009-02-07T21:49:00.005+11:00

Search for freelance work is a Custom made search engine where you can harness the power of Google. I have created this search engine just to tailor the needs of Freelancers.I have include arounf 44 sites from around the world and specifically Australia so that Freelancers of any category can look for work.

Sites like following are added in this custom made search Engine to make life easy for Frealancers looking for work in Australia

Ozlance,Freelance-globalm,Freelancesuccess,cluey,Cartercreative,Freelance.alliance,Freelancerfreepress,Localnote Getaprogrammer Openworkbench

Try this search and leave us some feedback and contribute any website which you think would help.

Building a support newtwork of freelancers/virtual assistance is the thing today.

2009-01-27T07:29:00.004+11:00

The terms like virtual assistant,cost effective where a small business doesnt pay for office space,work tools,computer,heating etc and you get a professional on a time share basis

We freelancers are just like virtual assistant and with technology even big
companies prefer their employees working remotely to save environment.No wonder
time isnt far when the number of freelances/virtual assistant would be more then
a full time employee.

The benefit of a virtual assistant/freelance are many fold we are cost effective,
limited to time and hence results,and with harder times like now companies need
to save cost and thus the demand of Virtual assistant would increase.

Building a support network of freelancers/virtual assistance is the thing today.

Lack of assistance to Australian Freelancers

2009-01-18T16:38:00.006+11:00

Some times I wonder why isn't there any services and consultation available
to assist Australian freelancers.All freelancers are different with different
set of circumstances and I am sure Australian freelancers would love constant
variety in work assignment as their counterparts in rest of the World.

Their need to a mechanism developed where Australian freelances could create a long term wealth and increase their skill level.

What is lacking Australian Freelances back

Is their lack of work available in Australia?
Is the administration and taxation compliance making things worst?
Is lack of insurance es available for income protection for Australian Freelancers?
Is their lack of Australian Freelancers in the Market because many are looking
to expand their horizons beyond local parameters and explore global consulting opportunities?

I am sure many of Freelancers still aren't sure

IS ABN necessary,Do I need one?
Rights of Australian Freelancers?
About the full use of ABN’s with no GST paperwork?
Detailed overview of Personal Service Income PSI legislation ?
Determine whether they qualify as a true independent contractor,
or if you should be packaged as a PAYG employee contractor.

Freelancers are true advantage to Businesses and with proper consultation and guidance I am sure Freelance in Australia would translate into increased individual productivity and loyalty.

Insights of Websites for Freelancers

2008-12-25T21:21:00.004+11:00

Since I started this blog of freelance in Australia I have come across many websites offering services for freelances in Australia.

Serviceseekiing
ployme
Ozlance
Freelancesuccess
Cluey
Cartercreative
Freelance alliance
Flyingsolo
Gumtree

There are some which aren’t Australian based but are quite active in USA

Guru
Elanc
Freelance-global
Craiglist

The idea behind all these websites is to engage Businesses and freelance under one roof, brilliant idea of an online service marketplace. The ROI for these websites are based on charging freelancer for registration and offering them a quantity of bids to use. You could also buy more bids for some extra cost. Also in addition to that freelances need to pay 5-10% of the project fees to the website owner.

For a small Business owner like me with 2 owner/director,Vivek/Jasmine, who divide the work of project management between them this is a perfect place to find freelancers. We generally hire people on casual basis to complete our projects. Sometimes our inability to find people with particular skill sets at the right price has made us realise the importance of these websites.

There are some key areas where these website lack in respect to Australian business

Lack of communication tools, Project Management Tools, Administrative tools, Network Connections, Skill Matching, Payment Getaway Integration and Security, Bidding Management.

Lack of proper taxation facility and inability to find Australian freelancers with ABN who is GST registered,with ABN not GST registered so that Australian businesses are able to issue invoices and ask for invoices.
Also in case a freelancer has no ABN he should be able to fill statement of supplier form.

Unable to be recommended by the freelancer as a best Business which should be dependent on Payment lags time, Total payments made, Loyalty or member’s rate

It should be platform for Business to Market their Business

Inability to Build Network Connection with other employers and freelancers

Advanced Search capability has to be there, be able to search according their requirements

Simultaneously its lacks in respect to freelancers

Freelancers are not being provided appropriate feedback no ranking,

There work isn’t graded.

It doesn’t seem to an inspirational experience with no programming and communication tools that the site should be built on.

I wish some day there is a website just dedicated to Australia Businesses and Freelancers and Australian made

Greenlancing-Moving work to people rather than people to work

2008-08-07T00:08:00.004+10:00

"Greenlancing" is a great term! In Australia, where more people drive in their own cars by themselves to get to work or meetings, I'm sure the carbon emissions are huge. But even in other countries where buyers and providers are more likely using public transportation, the savings in carbon emissions being able to work from home is still large. To go even further, I saw a piece on the news about this site, to help reduce unneeded energy usage in computers and other high-tech devices by companies:

So, "greenlancers" can be even more green by using energy conserving equipment as well as not commuting in automobiles.

No doubt about that online tools are one of the easier/natural way to reduce automobile emissions.

A Work Revolution

2008-08-03T15:43:00.003+10:00

I recently read a book written by Daniel Pink about the rising relevance of independent workers Free Agent Nation. His article also appeared in

"There's a new movement in the land. From coast to coast, in communities large and small, citizens are declaring their independence and drafting a new bill of rights.

Today, the free agent movement is global and uses the Internet as its workplace.

A good number of independent workers/Freelancers are members of our community. They market their services, work, make money and grow their reputation on the web. Their diversity and resourcefulness, and their relationship with the Internet, have been the subject of several interesting pieces of organizational research

The combination of a rapidly changing Internet foundation and work creates tremendous opportunity. More advanced online tools and applications are becoming available for remote workers and small businesses. The ability to work from anywhere in the world, without having to own and manage expensive infrastructure, is rapidly becoming a reality (check out AEC2, Amazon's cloud computing platform).

But most of us have a love-hate relationship with new technology. As consumers, we usually love the latest and greatest. As professionals we mostly prefer the habitual (think transition from Windows XP to Vista).

Keep Jobs in Australia

2008-07-19T11:26:00.003+10:00

The idea of Freelance in Australia is to engage all freelance talent in Australia to find work,market your skills,earn public feedback under one group.

More Australian jobs will move offshore over the next two decades, according to a services industry report inspite of huge freElance talent avaliable.

Lets through this group help keep Jobs in Australia

Freelance in Australia

2008-07-12T23:00:00.005+10:00

I believe it's absolutely possible to make money by working for yourself. Lots of people do, all over the world. All you need is the right information from the right people, a bit of support, and the encouragement to inspire you to pursue your dreams.

The future of Freelance in Australia is to offer you all of this through a wide range of resources in one place

Be a part of this group by leaving us a comment of what you feel

Help me create this place for you where you can

1)search for and find Australian freelance jobs.

2)Market our Australian skills to a global audience.

3)Earn public feedback ratings from employers that help you secure more future projects.

4)Help keep Australian Jobs in Australia