Financial Literacy: Begin Your Freelancing Journey
Explore Plano Public Library resources to help you break into the world of freelancing.
Whether you are looking to start your own small business, monetize a hobby or simply try something new, freelancing could be an option for you. If you have been considering following this path, take a look at some of the resources Plano Public Library has to offer you.
Books
The Big Leap: An Insider’s Guide to Freelancing in the Creative Industries by Martina Flor
In this hip and practical career guide to going freelance, creative workers will learn everything from how to price their work, set up a workspace, identify potential clients, network, manage their time, and even choose an agent and hire subcontractors.
Starting Your Career as a Freelance Photographer by Tad Crawford
Here is a virtual treasury of advice, insight, and guidance for every freelance photographer! The step-by-step advice covers the multitude of concerns facing aspiring and beginning freelance photographers–from compiling a portfolio and promoting your work to winning the first client and running a healthy, profitable business.
Working in the Gig Economy: How to Thrive and Succeed when you Choose to Work for Yourself by Thomas Oppong
There are new flexible and independent working opportunities available in the gig economy for those brave enough to seize them. It is estimated that the number people involved with the gig economy will double in the next four years. New generation workers are realising that they can break the chains of corporate work and go at it alone.
Working for Yourself: Law & Taxes for Independent Contractors, Freelancers & Gig Workers of All Types by Stephen Fishma
Whether you’re starting a full-scale consulting business or booking gigs on the side, this book provides all the legal and tax information you need in one place.
The Online Writer’s Companion: A Complete Guide to Earning Your Living as a Freelancer by P. J. Aitken
Every year, millions of writers struggle to find work, and most make little more than spare change from the assignments they land. With the expansion of the online freelance marketplace, anyone with the right skills can learn to thrive and build a full-time career as a freelance writer.
Virtual Programs
Check out some of our previously-streamed virtual programs that may pertain to your freelancing needs!
Roadmap to Business Startup Success Workshop
Want to successfully launch a business? During “Roadmap to Business Startup Success” with SCORE Mentor Don Walter, we will review the steps you need to follow, from the genesis of the idea through the legal aspects, competition research, financing, marketing and launch.
Intro to Building a Brand Workshop
Learn how best to get your work out there with this course on website and social media development! Discuss site setup and analyze the best projects to showcase.
Creating a Store in a Digital Marketplace Workshop
Learn how to get your online store off the ground in a digital marketplace. This class will go over the basics of an online marketplace, along with tips for making your store and listings look professional and appealing to potential customers.
LinkedIn Learning Courses
Formerly known as Lynda.com, LinkedIn Learning offers thousands of courses on any number of topics, including career. See our blog post to get started.
Freelancing Foundations with Jay Clouse, released January 2020
Successful freelancing requires more than great work. Join Jay Clouse, creator of Freelancing School, as he teaches the essential skills required for building a successful freelancing business.
Start a Side Hustle with Chris Guillebeau, released May 2019
A well-executed side hustle can be both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling. Curious about how to launch one of your own? In this course, join entrepreneur Chris Guillebeau as he steps through how to jump-start your first (or second) side hustle.
Contracting for Creatives with Seth C. Polansky, released November 2016
Media and entertainment companies spend billions of dollars every year on creative talent. In this course—specifically designed for creatives—professor, contract attorney, indie film producer, and musician Seth Polansky pulls back the curtain and explains how to protect yourself when presented with an industry contract.
We hope that these resources help you on your financial literacy journey. Check out more of our Thinking Money posts, including booklists. You can find all of these and more at your local Plano Public Library
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