1. With expertise in Web Design / Development, Graphic Design, Video Editing and Virtual Assistance, how did you decide in which field to start your freelance career? What did your first project look like?
This was in the days of oDesk when freelancing was not as widespread and popular as it is now. The first clients I remember were from the USA and needed to brand events from the fitness industry.
This was followed by several video production clients from Australia. After a few positive comments, other clients from different industries started appearing, and then it started to become easier and simpler.
In the freelancing mentoring program, supported by Impact Foundation, we will reveal a lot of quality information, tips and advice so that future freelancers can break into the international market much easier and faster.
2. What was your motivation for founding Freelancedonia? Tell us more about this group. How active are the Macedonian freelancers?
Freelancedonia as a group and community appeared spontaneously. There are more and more freelancers in Macedonia and there is a need for their networking in the real world.
The interest from the first event we organized was great. In addition to networking events, we occasionally organize co-working events. We’re working together from different locations, most often Public Room – Skopje.
This community is for people who are already freelancers or entrepreneurs. We have people from all fields, the concept has developed great and we have many more plans for the future.
3. Your freelance career is approaching its tenth year. What advice would you give yourself if you went back in time?
An interesting question. One thing I would advise future freelancers is to identify one or two areas, to develop their skills in those areas, and then to start looking for work. Also, to choose projects that they want to work on.
In the freelance mentoring training we are already working on, we will advise students on how to identify quality clients, how to get and keep their attention in the long run, and many other details.
4. Which freelancing platform do you think is best for a beginner? Why?
For starters, I would definitely recommend the Upwork.com platform. The whole concept of Upwork is simple and easy to use. The user creates an account and then a timeline appears (similarly to Facebook). You can find many job offers or projects to which you can apply. I think for beginners, Upwork is the most suitable place.
In the freelance mentoring training, which we are already working on, we will include all the necessary details and discover all the most advanced techniques. So students can quickly and easily find a high paying job online.
Blazhe is part of our network of freelance mentors that will guide future freelancers in the Republic of North Macedonia. Through his expertise freelancers will learn many crucial skills, effectively increasing their income and the freelance community.
If you want to learn about Graphic, Web Design, Video Editing, and Virtual Asistance from Blazhe and become successful in freelancing, apply to become a mentee on the following LINK.
This activity is supported by the RECONOMY program.
RECONOMY is a regional inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in partnership with Impact Foundation and others in the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkans.
