According to a poll from Intuit Canada, an estimated 45% of Canada’s workforce could be made up of on-demand workers, independent contractors, and freelancers by 2020. That’s a fairly significant shift away from traditional work arrangements and towards roles in which workers make their own hours, set their own prices, and work for themselves. These types of positions are perfect for those who value freedom, flexibility, and independence in their work, but in transitioning into a freelancing career, workers also take on many of the roles formerly under their boss’ umbrella of responsibilities, including everything from marketing to bookkeeping.
As a freelancer, having the skills to carry out these responsibilities and grow your business is just as essential as being able to provide the product or service your freelancing is built on. You need to be able to reach new customers, keep existing customers happy, and take care of all the other details of running your own business. It’s a lot to take on, but for those who enjoy the freedom and independence that comes with the freelancing lifestyle, it’s a journey that is more than worth it.
If you’re currently in a freelancing career or considering joining the freelancing community, here’s how a business administration diploma can help you develop the skills and knowledge you’ll need to follow your passion and take your career to new heights.
Learn How to Use Digital Tools to Advance Your Freelancing Career
Freelancers today need to have computer skills to compete. So much of today’s business takes place online—through social media, email, and mobile and desktop sites—that in order to find new customers and grow your business, you need to be comfortable using a range of digital tools.
With business administration training, students learn many important skills, starting with the basics of personal computing and the internet, and working all the way up to how digital technologies have shaped business practices today, and the essentials of e-business.
Along the way, students also receive hands-on training in the software programs most common to business administration careers today, which includes applications for word processing, database management, graphic presentations, and more.
Marketing and Sales Are Essential Skills for Freelancers
For many freelancers, having the skills to perform services for clients—whether that’s a translation, photography, or anything else—is only the beginning. There are still important questions of how to reach audiences who might be interested in your services, how to draw prospective customers in, and how to close sales and encourage repeat business.
A business administration diploma can give you the skills you need to connect with customers and ensure they have a positive experience. Marketing and sales training can teach the theory and application of modern marketing concepts and techniques, allowing you to develop comprehensive marketing strategies and build a loyal base of clients, while customer service training can teach you how to manage your relationships with clients and keep them satisfied, so as to encourage positive reviews, referrals, and repeat business.
A Business Administration Diploma Program Teaches the Basics of Bookkeeping
One of the biggest challenges that many freelancers face is managing the financial end of their business, taking over the functions that would otherwise be handled by payroll and accounting departments. Business administration training gives students practical training in completing their own financial statements, as well as hands-on lessons on leading bookkeeping software. As a freelancer, this will give you a solid understanding of bookkeeping standards and practices, allowing you to confidently tackle your own finances while focusing on what matters: growing your career and your future.
Are you ready to follow your passion?