Are you a Freelance marketeer- any words of wisdom?

[Chippychop]

I was made redundant 2 years ago - and cant bear the thought of working permanently in a corporate again, as DH is out of the house 14hrs of the day its down to me to manage the day to day bits.

DD starts school in Sept and I need to consider some form of occupation....I've worked in marketing for 20yrs, always corporate (a bit of agency), mainly channel, marcomms, TTL, strategy and planning. I lack social media skills (always had some bright young thing to do it for me) so may need to add to my skills base. I've always had quite a lot of experience WFH. The obvious choice is to go it alone as a freelance marketing manager. Bit a lot nervous of entering back in the workplace, but really want to have a work life balance, where do I start? do you think there is a market...any help or advice would be so much appreciated

Why not have a chat with some of the agencies that place freelancers, e.g. StopGap? They will be able to give you an idea of the kind of contracts that might be available. You may find, though, that you have to be based in a client's office, rather than work from home - although hopefully they will be able to advise you there as well

I am.

My advice would be to think about sticking to the sectors/type of work you know. It is much easier to sell yourself to a retailer (as an eg) if you worked on retail accounts when employed by an agency.

I wouldn't worry too much about social media. You can catch up by reading blogs/going to events. I think the main thing is that you understand it. It could be you outsource that element anyway should you win a contract to deliver a company's complete marketing activity.

I have been going three years. Most of my first clients were from contacts when I was employed. Then recommendations started and a little business development.

Re how you work. It is up to you, but I wanted to replace a salary (which I do) so I use childcare and work a fairly 'normal' pattern. However it is easier for me to get to daytime events at the school, so I have some flex thanks to being self-employed.

However, there are lots of ppl on here who get by without childcare as they have school/funded places or work when childfree durinf naps and evenings.

It is do-able. I'd think about who your clients could be as a starting point.

PM me if you have any specific questions.

I'd say go for it!