How to Become a Freelance Project Manager

Project management skills are now widely sought after in many industries as a vital part of any business endeavor’s success. As more organizations embrace hybrid teams of full-time employees and independent professionals, they naturally seek freelance project managers to shepherd projects to successful completion.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with an overview of freelance project management and tips for achieving success in this capacity.

Working as a freelance project manager: Independence meets expertise

There’s no shortage of work for project managers, as they’re needed in many fields as varied as e-commerce, healthcare, and product development, such as mobile apps. However, before pursuing a career as a freelancer, most project managers should typically possess project management experience, a bachelor’s degree or the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, and necessary skills like:

• The capacity to manage high-stress situations
• The ability to multitask and manage various project elements simultaneously
• Leadership skills
• Attention to detail
• Conflict resolution skills
  

Here are some duties included in a freelance project manager’s job description:

• Resource planning: A project manager should define the project’s scope and look at available resources, such as materials and each member’s capabilities. The project manager should then create a clear plan for carrying out tasks to meet project deadlines, while making adjustments along the way until the project is completed.
• Team management: Clients expect project managers to develop concise and straightforward plans to help their team members perform to their full potential. They’re also responsible for leading the group to the final goal—finishing the project within the estimated timeline while using available resources.
• Time management: Project managers lead their teams to the timely completion of projects. As a project manager, you should define tasks and estimate how long they’ll take, develop a schedule for your team, and maintain that schedule.
• Cost estimation and working within a budget: Project managers are expected to stay within the contract’s budget. Hence, they’ll need to estimate costs before work begins and frequently review expenses to avoid budget overruns.
• Designing a risk mitigation plan for possible challenges: Setbacks are inevitable in any project, but project managers develop a skill set to identify and evaluate risks at the beginning of a contract. They’ll also plan how to manage the risks and minimize their impact.
• Managing the project’s progress: Project managers monitor how the project is going at every step and take corrective measures, such as adapting work assignments as required. They also optimize and improve workflow and methodologies where necessary. Essentially, they remain agile throughout the project’s life cycle.
• Conducting project reviews and creating reports for stakeholders: Project managers also possess excellent written communication skills because they are responsible for developing comprehensive reports to document all project requirements and deliverables.
  

Practice and sharpen your freelance project management skills with Upwork. Create a profile to browse and connect with businesses and startups around the United States and worldwide. With a global work marketplace, you’re sure to find a client who needs your skills and experience.

How to become a freelance project manager

Organizations are continuously evolving and diversifying to include new concepts like remote work and a talent management strategy. Business owners and working professionals now have more and more ways to build their teams. One such possibility is freelancing, which allows skilled individuals more flexibility in the assignments they accept and the hours they work.

As a freelance project manager, you’ll be contracted to lead projects on behalf of your clients, an exciting new venture that could allow you to earn more. However, it may not be as straightforward as being employed. Below are steps to help you transition to freelancing and set yourself up for success.

1. Research the industry you’re planning to join

Even if you have years of experience working in a particular industry, you should still check what prospective clients are looking for in a freelance project manager. To be competitive, you have to keep up with technology advancements, such as the newest project management software.

You may also need to be certified, such as with the PMP certification, and train on commonly used project management tools, like Asana. Look at how organizational structures and new management approaches will affect your chances of being considered for a project. Knowing these things will help you curate your portfolio and plan how best to reach potential clients.

2. Create a portfolio

As a freelance project manager, you’ll need to prove yourself continually at every proposal or interview. Showcase your experience and back up your claims with a thoughtful portfolio curated for the industry you want to work in and your prospective clients. Make sure to include recommendations and testimonials from past clients to show how much value you can add.

One problem that freelancers often run into is not being able to use work from previous employment as part of their portfolio. So, you might want to check with your previous company before adding those to your credentials. For the most part, though, you may only need to ask permission, but it’s still better to have it beforehand.

A great way to build your portfolio is to start with Upwork. The platform is available worldwide, so, whether you’re an experienced project manager or just starting, you’re sure to connect with a client who’ll appreciate your skill set. ‍

3. Gather recommendations and testimonials

Freelancers mostly rely on extensive networking, a good reputation, and a solid portfolio. To tip the scales of getting hired in your favor, add recommendations and testimonials to the list. Make sure to ask for testimonials from everyone you work with—if they’re willing. And don’t be discouraged if you only book small jobs at first. Do them well, and you’ll not only get glowing reviews but contacts too.

While you’re preparing to become a full-time freelancer, you can dip your toes in the water with Upwork. The platform sets everything up for you, from sending proposals to contracts. And it doesn’t take much to get started. Create your profile and start connecting with business owners looking for skilled independent professionals.

4. Network

It’s a freelancer’s dream to have clients come to them. Eventually, you’ll get there by doing excellent work for your clients and getting referrals. However, the bulk of your jobs will come from networking and marketing yourself. Start with your circle. Let them know you’re starting a freelance career, and it would help you immensely if they could refer you to anyone who could use your expertise.

Next, build your social media presence and establish your authority in the field and industry. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to reach out and make connections with other freelancers and potential clients. You can also use these platforms to join online project management groups, which could be great resources for anything you might need, from free training to an introduction to someone you want to work with.  

And don’t forget to check locally for opportunities. Attend events in your community where you can meet people and make connections. You never know where your next big collaboration will come from.

5. Find your niche

This step depends largely on the industry since project manager is a position in which one should possess multiple skills and be able to work in multiple capacities. However, in some instances, clients may prefer that you’re focused and well versed in a specific field. This means you only manage and coordinate teams working on content marketing, product management, or software development.

6. Approach each project as a chance to build relationships

When you’re first starting, you may take smaller project management jobs, but these are all stepping-stones that will help you land your dream contracts later. Do your best work on every assignment and strive to establish good relationships with all of your clients. They might not be the source of your next referral, but they may at least give you a glowing review or recommendation.

Advance your freelance project management career on Upwork

With the right planning and preparation, you can build a successful freelance project management business. You may start part-time or hit the ground running as a full-time freelancer. The important thing is to begin.

Upwork’s online talent platform is the best place to start and grow a freelance career in project management. You’ll have access to a global market, as well as an abundance of resources at your fingertips.