Happy Freelancing!

Happy Freelancing are words I use a lot. You'll see them on my blog posts, social media profiles and on my email signature. These words mean so much to me, and they can have meaning to you, too.

Prior to claiming Relaxed Wahmmy's brand; Happy Freelancing was there providing me motivation to stay happy at work even during the toughest of times. Freelancing ain't easy, but I try my best to embrace it through thick and thin. It is my bread and butter, after all. I have to live it. I have to love it. And I am truly amazed with how God used freelancing to turn my life around.

Happy Freelancing used to be just words that reflect how grateful I am of what I do. Through the years, it has taken on a different meaning; one that extends beyond my own freelance career-- it has become a freelance agency brand.

Happy Freelancing (Agency)

Happy Freelancing's business model is no rocket science. We find and get freelancers hired for homebased jobs, and we earn a commission from their pay. It is common practice for agencies in Upwork (formerly oDesk). In fact, I was first introduced to the idea by this same freelance bidding site.

The brand is about providing topnotch freelance service with a smile. The agency's description in Upwork reads;

Happy Freelancing is a team of oDesk contractors who are always happy to serve. They possess desired skills for projects in Personal/Virtual Assisting, Writing, SEO, Graphic Design, Web Development, Wordpress, Telemarketing, Appointment Setting, Customer Service and Data Entry. 

Willingness plays a vital role in getting work done and getting it done right. Unhappy contractors who are not passionate about what they do are more likely to miss deadlines and deliver mediocre results. Happy contractors, on the other hand, enjoy working and are aware that their output is a part of a big picture. They know the value of work they do and take pride of the results they produce. They take positive feedback as 'bonus' and AFI (Areas for Improvement) as challenge. Happy Freelancers ditch negative thoughts out of the car window and drive their way to their goals. 

We're the team to contact if you want top quality work delivered to you with a smile.

Happy Freelancing!

Managing the agency can be challenging and time-consuming especially when coordinating with contractors and clients to push applications down through the sales funnel (consider it sold when hired!). In representing contractors, we are putting our reputation down the line. The percentage we get paid for the work we do in the agency is an investment acquired through years of experience and professional relationships established. It is not cheap. For this reason, expressing interest to join the agency should be taken seriously. We expect our members to be value providers. If you want to join the agency, you must have marketable skills. If you want to join the agency, you must deliver to commitments made to the agency and to its clients. No excuses.

Expectations

One reason I am writing this blog post is to set realistic expectations to members and applicants. Below are important points to keep in mind when trying to get into/to work in the agency;

An interview invitation to join the agency is no guarantee that you will be accepted

Again, you have to possess marketable skills, and must be results-oriented.

Being in the agency is no guarantee that we can get you a job

The agency does not collect upfront fees to find and get you hired for freelance jobs. We invest time and effort on your profile, get you set up in freelance bidding sites, look for freelance jobs/referrals and assist you with application/work at absolutely no upfront cost. It may take time before we can find the right job for you. If this happens, know that we are doing our best. We only get paid when we get you a job. There's no reason to keep freelance jobs from you.

Earnings from jobs acquired through the agency will be charged agency fee/commission. Members cover bank, remittance and payment processing fees.

Agency covers cost of agency membership plans in freelance bidding sites and admin fees. We don't bid to jobs that pay lower than $5/hour, otherwise; contractors will be underpaid after agency fee. We can't let that happen!

Next Steps...

The agency selection process begins today. Applicants will be asked to submit their CV for review. An interview will be scheduled afterwards. Some of you won't have an idea of what service to offer. We are committed to helping you figure this out (more about this soon).

Once accepted in the agency, we'll work together to set you up in various freelance bidding sites (profile, payment method, etc). Job search comes next. We'll advise you of the agency hiring process when we find the right job for you.

Freelancing/Working From Home: How To Get Started

Back in 2009, I had to start freelancing on my own without help from anyone. I learned many things the hard way. You are lucky agencies now exist to help you get started. Joining the agency is no spoonfeeding, however; and you should still expect to sweat it even with our help. Case in point, if you intend to offer freelance writing services, please prepare work samples. We'll guide you on what to write and where to put your work portfolio on display, but there will always be things that you will be left to figure out/do on your own. Embrace them. It's all going to be part of your freelance journey.

Freelancing is both a rewarding and challenging career. It is a way of life. I believe it is the future of work. It is many things. If you wish to join this new movement in the workforce, please head over to Relaxed Wahmmy's Facebook page and send us a message. Details to follow upon receipt of request. 

Happy Freelancing!