It’s no surprise that the freelance platforms, tools and software that solopreneurs, independent professionals, contractors and remote teams have leaned on in order to get their work done has changed significantly over the years.
Fortunately, other freelancers have forged ahead of us, paving the way for our generation of computer-clad digital nomads, creative and remote workers around the globe. Now, for example, the days of showing up in formal attire to your client’s business to collect payment in person are no longer required (thankfully).
Let’s all pause and give those brave freelance pioneers a round of applause!
And, while some things from previous generations are sincerely missed – like gas prices being less than $2 a gallon – the internet, and all the amazing capabilities it has presented, has undeniably only gotten better with time.
That being said, today we’re bringing you back in time to reflect on the amazing evolution of freelancing tools. Enjoy!
Where It All Began: The Origin of Freelance Gigs
So, when was the concept of freelancing created, anyway?
Well, it’s said that Sir Walter Scott, a novelist and poet, is responsible for first describing independent work in 1820. The origin of the word “free-lance” means that the ‘lance,’ or worker, is not bound to any of the Lord’s services. In other words, someone was able to hire these freelancers independently for their work.
The word first appeared in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1905, and enterprising individuals have been putting it on their resume ever since.
The job description and day-to-day roles have certainly changed, though.
Client Consultations: Navigating Important Meetings
In Sir Walter’s time (and up until fairly recently, really), the only way you could visually meet with a client was face to face. Can you imagine being so limited in communication channels today? It’s hard to relate!
BACK THEN:
The largest video conferencing app wasn’t created until 2003. That doesn’t seem that long ago, does it?
Before video meetings were a thing, or client pitches could be handled via free webinar tools and client management software, in-person meetings were the only way to lay eyes on your clients.
Whether it was via foot, bike (penny-farthing, anyone?), car or plane, the only way to “be there” was to, well, be there.
NOW:
Hello, new world! While it’s easier than ever to hop on a flight and get to your client’s office, that’s not even the norm anymore.
Now, you have options: using a video conferencing app, messaging them via the client portal within your freelance platform, or pinging them on an instant messaging program. Better communication options abound.
Accounts Receivable: The Struggle of Getting Paid
There are few things that are more terrifying as a freelancer than chasing clients for payment, am I right?
Picture it being back in the 80’s when your only two options to get paid was via snail mail and/or knocking on a client’s office door and nervously requesting a check every month. Um, no thank you!
BACK THEN:
The sticky note on your office desk reminds you (if you see it underneath all the clutter) that you need to ask your client to pay you for your work this month. You have two options: call their office, ask them to mail you a check and wait patiently for 7 days to receive it, or show up at their place of work in person and get paid quicker.
NOW:
Not only are their endless ways to get paid, from online transfers, credit card payments and more, but you can also get your money instantly.
Shout out to the genius who developed the first online payment app.
If you’re not currently using a freelance platform with a built-in invoice system that allows you to send customized invoices, automate payment reminders and receive money immediately, it’s time to make the switch.
Plus, all the emerging options within the world of crypto are game-changers for freelancers.
Deadlines Ahead: Managing Projects and Tasks
Some of the biggest advances in freelance platforms throughout the years are those that allow solopreneurs to stay super organized. With freelancing on the rapid rise, it’s not uncommon for independent workers to be managing several clients and multiple projects at one time.
BACK THEN:
Yellow notepads, manila folders and a sea of sticky notes are the status quo. And don’t forget about the beautiful grey filing cabinets to house all of your random notes and assignments for each client.
What an organizational mess!
NOW:
No white-out needed here.
Welcome to the cloud, where project management systems keep track of every to-do, assignment, and team meeting you can imagine – in real time and accessible from anywhere.
Gone are the days of double booking yourself for meetings (hello, calendar sync) and missed deadlines. Streamlined team collaboration, time tracking tools, and file storing are the new normal with a comprehensive project management system.
Memo, Received: Client Communication 101
The internet (and readily available wifi) now allows for a plethora of amazing communication tools at a freelancer’s disposal. Which can be a good, or bad thing, depending on the client (ha!)
BACK THEN:
Mail carriers and the Pony Express were replaced with land-lines and eventually dial-up internet equipped with email.
But even then, it’s hard to believe that the only way a client could get an update on their project was to pick up the phone and call you – or shoot off a hundred (annoying) emails.
Not the best use of anyone’s time, was it?
NOW:
Now keeping a client in the loop and getting feedback is super simple.
With a client management portal, you can easily send quick updates, allow a project’s progress to be tracked in real time, and give your clients the permissions you want them to have in a forward-facing dashboard.
These portals keep your customers in the loop at all hours of the day – which means you can be fast asleep when they decide to review those logos at midnight – and employ tracking so that you can see if that deliverable was really received.
Teamwork: Trekking Across Town vs Turning on the Screen
Speaking of great communication, working as a small team or with other freelancers has never been easier, thanks to technology.
It wasn’t that long ago that the public library was the only way you could easily collaborate with your teammates.
BACK THEN:
Try to find a local meeting place where you can spread out and talk shop for a day. HInt: they didn’t really exist, so that meant using the library and later, the local coffee shop (where you probably had to buy something every 30 minutes so you didn’t outstay your welcome).
Don’t even think about collaborating virtually, unless you want to send a serious amount of emails back and forth on project details or spend the majority of your team on the phone.
NOW:
Whether you’re a team of 3 or 15, modern coworking spaces and many freelance platforms allows you to work your way.
Communicate, collaborate and track projects from start to completion without so much as leaving your couch. Whether you’re located in the same town, or across the globe, it truly makes no difference in the 21st Century.
Get With the Times: Freelance Platforms Have Advanced for the Better
Since the 1800’s, independent workers have been taking their work life by the reins and declaring their freedom from the standard 9-5 job.
Thankfully, a lot has changed since the beginning days of freelancing – make our jobs a little bit easier.
Working virtually from wherever you want, whenever you want, and with a team of any size is now a reality that OG freelancers simply didn’t have.
When you start using a comprehensive a freelance platform like Spera to streamline everything from sending pitches to time tracking and task management, you’ll have a workflow that would make Sir Walter Scott himself envious.
