Few people have the strength of will to want to be different, or smart enough to have that ability, especially in a place where to conform is the norm. But for today’s guest Aniko Reiss from Hungary (Central Europe), entering what she perceived as the mysterious world of freelancing was a big step to the unknown – a move she has never regretted. She started at oDesk as a specialist on data entry, link building and translation, and humbly describes herself as “A happy mother of 2 wonderful kids and the wife of a patient husband.” But without a doubt, she’s one of the most talented freelancers I know.
How long have you been a freelancer?
For about 3 years.
Are you a full-time freelancer? How else do you earn?
Yes, I am a full-time freelancer now. 3 years ago I was a teacher at a high school but when I had enough clients for a full-time job, I quitted and have been working from home since then. Every other month I visit my ex-school for an exam (I have been an examiner, too), but that’s all.
Did you always want to be a freelancer? Why or why not?
It is a new way of living in Hungary, I know just a few freelancers here. It was unknown for me either some years ago but since I “tasted” it, I have loved it.
What was your first impression of freelancing? What were your thoughts later on once you discovered what it was really all about?
When I registered on oDesk, I was a bit skeptical since I had tried to find online work in Hungary but no luck, only scammers who asked for money to give an opportunity to work from home. Later on, when I met more and more really good clients, I lost my skepticism and now I am happy I chose this way.
Is there a particular reason you tried freelancing? How and when did you start, and what was your first assignment like?
I always enjoyed challenges and learning new stuffs on the computer so tried to find a way to get paid for having fun.
I had a full time job 3 years ago which I loved but didn’t have enough free time for my family. Meanwhile, as computers have always been interesting for me and it has been my hobby as well, I learned a lot of stuffs on my own. Then I thought: why not? To get paid for my hobby could be the best solution for me! And to be always there for my beloved ones…excellent!
I was lucky indeed because I found my first client in 2 weeks, for a very short and simple data entry project. But I gave my best, my client was entirely satisfied and gave me a 5-star feedback.
What has it been like since then? Do you regret the “path” you’ve taken?
It has been hard sometimes, but I have always tried to satisfy my clients so as they turn back to me if they need something in my field. If they need me to learn anything new, I am open to new stuffs, never give up and work on it so long as they can receive what they require. They are grateful and award me more and more projects. I started to work only on oDesk, but a short time ago I expanded and am trying Elance, too.
For you, what is the best thing about freelancing? The worst thing?
I love the freedom: it’s up to me when I work, what I do and also, who I work with. The worst is when I am overwhelmed.
Generally speaking, how would you characterize your working relationship with your clients?
The most important thing is trust. I prove I am reliable, they can count on me any time and know that if I undertake a project with all its deliverables, it is for sure.
I try to keep a little personal contact with them – some words about how their days are or their family. Short but human.
Tell us about a positive experience you had as a freelancer.
I have an excellent client from Israel, we have been working together for a year now. It was a surprise for me when last Christmas the postman rang the bell at my door and delivered a beautiful book sent by my client. He has always been very kind to me and I came to his mind on so a nice occasion as well.
Tell us about a negative experience. How did you deal with it?
My only negative experience was at the very beginning of my freelancing when someone from my own country tried to scam me. I learned a lot from it, though the hard way. But no one could play with me the same game again.
What do you think should be a freelancer’s best virtue?
In my view, honesty is the most important. I would never take a project I have no clue about or lie about my skills. Promise deadlines that you can keep. Do not play with your client’s time and money.
Also, persistence! Starting off is not that simple but no one can wait for a miracle in some days. But after landing your first project and showing evidence you are worth your rate, everything goes smoothly.
What do you think could possibly be a client’s worst trait?
The worst is when a client thinks he can get the whole world for almost free. Some of them don’t bother about the contractors’ effort neither about their costs and intend to pay peanuts. Personally, I ignore them.
I like to think that “For every level of success, there is an equal level of stress behind it.” Do you practice any particular technique for fighting burnout? What do you like to do in your spare time?
My family is the best medicine for burnout. There is always something to do around them, I can always have a chat with my kids or my husband. I would need 48 hours a day so I have no time for burnout J
In your trade, what is the biggest issue and what can you say about it?
There are more countries where the living costs are much lower than in Europe, therefore their contractors can afford lower rates. Unfortunately, there are some clients who think they can get everything but pay nothing. It is a difficult situation, especially for newcomers. I know for sure that as I do not lower the quality of my services, I do not lower my rate either.
Let’s speculate about the future. How do you envision the freelancing profession 10 years from now?
Hopefully, I will have my present clients and also, some new ones. In my view, freelancing is a great way to work, the perfect way for mothers, for example. And also, it is cheaper for clients but more comfortable for providers. There will always be need for it so I am absolutely positive.
Hopefully, you can still recall how it was like to be the “new guy”. Have you any advice for would-be freelancers?
Give it a try, it is worth it. If only I had known about it sooner! It needs some organization skills and it is only for the ones who can work without supervision. But those who are aware of their responsibilities, it is a good fit.
For those of us who are already into freelancing, what words of wisdom and tips for survival can you give?
Quality over quantity, in any projects.
Never start a project you aren’t sure about.
Remember, there are humans behind the PCs. I always take the time for a short personal chat, have some minutes for the person and not only for the “client”.
Finally, just for fun: have you a favorite quote pertaining to freelancers and freelancing in general?
I have read one in a blog recently: “A man may fail many times but he isn’t a failure until he begins to blame somebody else.”
Want to know more about Aniko Reiss?
Facebook: http://facebook.com/aniko.reiss
LinkedIn: http://hu.linkedin.com/in/areiss66
oDesk: https://www.odesk.com/users/~~995f38be8fda7e75
Elance: http://secret.elance.com
