In many fields, it may seem unnecessary to create a professional portfolio. In self employment, however, it’s an absolute necessity. Showcasing work is a form of self-marketing that every independent contractor should consider. Learn how to show off work, skills and completed projects in a convenient way that will make it a little easier to land jobs. It’s a professional portfolio, and it’s essential for self employment.
Types of Portfolios
A professional portfolio is something often associated with those in the entertainment industry. Models put together a book of photos to show off different looks, TV anchors create a reel full of their best clips, writers might have a binder filled with article clippings to highlight their careers. But the portfolio doesn’t just belong to certain types of workers. Those who want to establish a self employment career should always have a portfolio to offer.
There are many types of portfolios, from photographic to written words. But for the purposes of self employment, there are really one two kinds that count: online and physical. No matter what career is involved (even house painters could create a portfolio), this is an important aspect of self marketing. Many professionals may want to create both kinds, depending on where their job market lies.
Creating a Professional Portfolio
Showcasing work may sound like a monumental task no matter how it’s done, but creating a professional portfolio isn’t all that difficult. Start by signing up for a free Web page through any number of Web sites (the choices are unlimited).
The purpose of any portfolio is to feature the professional, so this is not the place to be modest. It’s about showing off and showing work, so include the best career pieces possible. Whether it displays pictures of painted walls, links to online articles, images that were graphically designed or any number of other projects doesn’t matter. Display each item clearly, display the best examples of everything and provide the link to the portfolio in every single cover letter that gets sent to potential employers and clients.
Creating a professional portfolio is done for one reason: so it can be shown off. The same is true for physical portfolios (which are presented in paper and picture form). Always remember to arrange the items attractively, make everything easy to see and don’t over-load.
Self-Marketing in Self Employment
Self-marking is necessary in self employment, because there’s no other way to get work. The portfolio is an essential piece of this. Look for jobs online, look for potential employers and provide these would-be clients with the link that will allow them to see exactly why they should be paying attention to the professional in front of them. Self-marketing never, ever stops for independent professionals, so always keep portfolios well-organized and updated.
KC Morgan - KC Morgan has been the featured writer in Self-Employment since 2006, using personal experience to create guides to being self-employed.
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