What online courses or resources are best for freelancers?
When it comes to elevating your freelancing game, there's a wealth of online courses and resources out there to choose from. Your goal should be to find those that align with your current stage in your journey and the skills you need to enhance.
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Skillshare: This is a goldmine for creative courses. Whether you're into graphic design, writing, or even marketing, Skillshare offers classes that are both practical and insightful. It's great for dipping your toes into new skills without a massive time investment.
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Udemy: For a more diverse array of professional skills, Udemy has thousands of courses covering everything from web development to time management. It's well-known for its frequent sales, which make it budget-friendly.
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LinkedIn Learning: Formerly Lynda.com, this platform offers professional courses that come with the added benefit of networking visibility. Courses on LinkedIn Learning can boost your LinkedIn profile by displaying completed certificates, which is always a plus for freelancers looking to broaden their network.
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Coursera: If you're inclined towards more structured, university-style learning, Coursera has partnerships with top universities. You can even earn certifications from institutions like Stanford or Yale, which can lend credibility to your freelance profile, especially in technical fields.
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The Futur: If you're a creative freelancer, The Futur offers business skills for creatives taught by industry professionals. It’s particularly strong on design and branding strategies.
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The Corporate Dropout Framework (Capture, Develop, Expose): While not a course you’d sign up for, apply this mindset to your ongoing learning. Capture new skills and insights from courses, develop them through practice and iteration, and expose them by sharing your work or teaching others.
A practical tip: Don’t just hoard courses. Choose one that aligns with a skill gap you've identified and commit to completing it. Then, practice and implement what you've learned. If you ever feel overwhelmed or stuck, remember that redefining success on your terms is a vital part of this process. Focus on progress, not perfection, and celebrate each small win on your path to becoming a seasoned freelancer.